41 replies to this topic

[swilson2000]

Hey everyone,

I'm working with Save The Speedway we are the people that is working on reopening North Wilkesboro Speedway. To date we have recieve more then 4000+ signatures to the petition. Also we have about a dozen racing series that have commited to the use of the speedway, along with several Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Trucks to use for a testing facility upon reopening. We have also recieved interest from 3 driving schools.

Current plans are in place and we have been negociating with the current owners who have agreeded to sell, as well as investers and track sponsors. Feel free to seck us out at www.savethespeedway.net

[ensign14]

Worth a try.

[HistoricMustang]

Welcome.

Seems I remember open wheelers running at NW................anyone?

Henry

[Pikachu Racing]

I love that track. It's shame they're trying to shut the track down.

[swilson2000]

They already did shut it down about 10 years ago. We are trying to get it back open again. I will have to look into the open wheel cars as I am not sure.

[RS2000]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
Welcome.

Seems I remember open wheelers running at NW................anyone?

Henry

Maybe the NASCAR "Modified" category? ("open wheelers" to my European eyes, but not considered as such by Nascar?). I had a quick look at a couple of advertising flyers I still have for the Grand National races in 1979 and I see the support race was "Baby Grand" not "Late Model Sportsman" or "Modified".

[Jim Thurman]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
Welcome.

Seems I remember open wheelers running at NW................anyone?

Do the NASCAR Modifieds count?. If so...

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by Jim Thurman


Do the NASCAR Modifieds count?. If so...

Jim, I would think so..........................................can you provide any information on the modifieds?

Am sure the group trying to develop something for the former track would appraciate any info TNF can provide.

I tried a "TerraServer" photo but was unable. Does anyone have a photograph from altitude?

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

The North Wilkesboro Speedway (NC) memorial project is moving forward.

The Save the Speedway group visited with AIRPS last weekend and modified plans a bit.

They have also developed a pretty good website: www.savethespeedway.net .

Henry

[Jim Thurman]

Might I make a suggestion that "surface" (or something else) be substituted for "pavement"?, since NWS was a dirt track from 1947 until September 1957. Many of those names listed on the monument were from when the track surface was still dirt.

[HistoricMustang]

Great point Jim.

This project makes four very good efforts at the current time here in the States.

RIR, NW, Meadowdale and the one here at AIR.

Are the TNF members aware of any others?

How about across the two big ponds?

Collectively we should be able to make an impact on perhaps moving others forward or getting them started.

If enough are identified perhaps Twinny could identify all the projects using one "Sticky" to keep eveyone informed.

And, perhaps build momentum to move ALL of them forward. Kinda like a "safety in numbers" position.

Henry

[tknaperek]

Thanks for the input on the monument...surface might be a better word.

There are a few other efforts out there, we have partnered up with a group trying to preserve Biloxi Dragway, they have a site at http://www.biloxidragway.co.nr/

I have been itching to possibly start up a side chapter trying to preserve the history of Asheville, NC's three race tracks, Asheville-Weaverville, New Asheville, and McCormick Field....all three were Grand National tour stops back in the 50's and 60's.

As for open-wheelers at NWS, we have found that at least six such races were run back in the 70's and 80's...more than likely before the Busch Series was organized. Statistics on those races are sketchy at best but we have been doing research and trying to contact sanctioning bodies to confirm races and their winners.

TK
Savethespeedway.net

[Jim Thurman]

Originally posted by tknaperek

As for open-wheelers at NWS, we have found that at least six such races were run back in the 70's and 80's...more than likely before the Busch Series was organized. Statistics on those races are sketchy at best but we have been doing research and trying to contact sanctioning bodies to confirm races and their winners.

This thread being revived made me realize I had not gotten around to responding to Henry's query from last October : Sorry, it was a particularly hectic time for me and this message was one that fell through the cracks. But, to answer it now...no, I don't think I have anything on the NWS Modified events.

I remember some Modified races at NWS run the day before the Cup races as late as the early 90's and televised on ESPN. Check those dates (and late 80's as well). Local papers and either National Speed Sport News or a regional racing paper should have something on those races.

I believe these races were NASCAR sanctioned, but it's possible the last were sanctioned by SMART. I do not think they were part of the NASCAR Modified Tour as I do not remember the Tour regulars being in the field. The field was made up of regional drivers with an occasional Northerner. Pretty much the regulars in the weekly races at Bowman-Gray Stadium. One of the drivers in these races was Bobby Hutchens - inventor of the Hutchens Device - who had success (I believe he won one of the races).

Not open wheelers, but didn't they have a couple of Late Model races as Saturday support races in the early 90's as well?

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
Great point Jim.



Are the TNF members aware of any others?



Henry

How could I have forgotten Watkins Glen!


Also, Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsboro, NC is itching to have someone pick up the torch. I visited last year and the ghosts are definitely present!

http://www.enoriver....ks/occspdwy.htm

Henry

[bpratt]

There's also Langley Speedway, Langley, BC, Canada.

http://www.langleyspeedway.ca/

[tknaperek]

Starting in 1985, NASCAR started running modifieds (Lowe's 150) on Cup weekends. From '85 and into the '90's (spring AND fall), there were modified races--supposedly aired live by ESPN, at least in 1985. Oh but it gets even better.....in the '90's, a triple-header known as the "Coca-Cola 300" was run in the fall (on a different weekend as the Cup race) which involved a 150 lap Late Model Stock race, 100 lap Modified race and a 50 lap Street Stock race. So the modifieds were there 3 times a year, much the same way as the Baby Grands were in previous years.

We have found a few names of winners in old programs one of our members has in his possession, I've contacted the NASCAR Regional Touring division to see if they can find any information for us.

I'll try to contact SMART as well...now that it seems their site has been updated and operating again.

So apparently outside of just the three major NASCAR Sanctioned series, we've uncovered the Baby Grands/Goody's Dash, Sportsman, and Modifieds all ran there. I'm not sure how to categorize it but I believe we have uncovered at least (no pun intended) one convertable race back in the 50's which was raced there.

[HistoricMustang]

Time just keeps moving forward.

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

For those that may want to get involved in this project.

Henry

http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=120079503214

Also, the AIRPS project is just about funded for the 2007 September 8th expansion!

Good things happening here in the States for the old girls of racing!

[HistoricMustang]

Trying to help out an AIRPS member who is doing a great job collecting original programs from the North Wilkesboro Speedway. If you have any contacts on the items missing please put up the information here or send me a PM. Here is the current collection.

Henry


As it stands, he is still hunting for 14 more programs from NWS.....to add to the current number of 83!
The 1950 race (only one race that year/fall)
Spring 1952
Spring 1953
Fall 1954
Both from 1955
The 1956 race (only one race that year/spring)
Both from 1957
Both from 1958
Both from 1959
Spring 1960

I know of others outside of Grand National racing at the track, one in particular being from a modified race on May 22, 1949.

Once again......

I have just added a program from the spring race of 1951 to my collection--April 29, 1951....the day Dale Earnhardt Sr was born. I now have EVERY North Wilkesboro program from 1961-1996, the very first Strictly Stock race in 1949, both programs from 1951, along with programs from the spring of 1954, fall programs of 1952, 1953, 1960 and programs from the convertible race from 1957 and a Baby Grand race from October 12, 1975.

[HistoricMustang]

Here is an update.

If you can help with any of these programs please send me a PM and I will relay the contact information.

Thanks,
Henry

UPDATE

I have just added a program from the fall race of 1954 to my collection. I now have EVERY North Wilkesboro program from 1961-1996, the very first Strictly Stock race in 1949, both programs from 1951 and 1954, along with programs from the fall of 1952, 1953, 1960 and programs from the convertible race from 1957 and a Baby Grand race from October 12, 1975.

As it stands, I still am looking for 13 more programs (NASCAR Grand National) from NWS.....
The 1950 race (only one race that year/fall)
Spring 1952
Spring 1953
Both from 1955
The 1956 race (only one race that year/spring)
Both from 1957
Both from 1958
Both from 1959
Spring 1960

I know of others outside of Grand National racing at the track, one in particular being from a modified race on May 22, 1949.

If there is anybody out there who sees this and can help me out as far as adding to my collection, PLEASE contact me. My email is available. Click on the "email" tab under the picture below.

Thanks,
Rick

[HistoricMustang]

Research is a wonderful thing. From a friend of the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

New find for NW!

First off, I would like to thank Jackie Franzil and Joseph Wells of the Automobile Racing Club of America, Inc. (ARCA) for taking the time to provide me with this wonderful piece of information pertaining to the racing history at North Wilkesboro Speedway. For me, Christmas came a bit early this year! I cannot express my gratitiude enough toward the two of you as to how much this means to the group and all its supporters!

Secondly, I'd like to thank Phil Parsons. Phil sent us an email offering his support in regards to the First Annual Wilkes County Racing Heritage Celebration recently held in Wilkesboro. In his email, Phil mentioned that he won an ARCA race at North Wilkesboro. We had no idea there was even an ARCA race ever held at the speedway. That got me to working on finding any possible information pertaining to such an event.

To the best of anyone's knowledge, including ARCA, this was the only ARCA race ever held at the speedway. The race was held on Sunday, May 18, 1980. There is no documentation of any caution laps. Based on the average speed of 102.970mph--in 1980, and no documentation of any accidents, there probably weren't any caution periods.

[ensign14]

Would it be ungallant of me to suggest that the last three were starting money specials?

[ShortTrackFan]

Originally posted by ensign14
Would it be ungallant of me to suggest that the last three were starting money specials?

I'd almost say it's a safe bet that the last three cars never took to the track when the race started. They may have showed up to qualify/practice and broke before the race started. That's up for debate. We're just thankful for the find and the help provided by some good folks at ARCA.

Now, if we could get some help on information on the modified races run at North Wilkesboro.....

http://www.savethesp...?t=636&start=45

Not to mention, any leads on where to find any of the 13 race programs I'm looking for....

http://www.savethesp...topic.php?t=583

Good racing to all!!!

[fines]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
Welcome.

Seems I remember open wheelers running at NW................anyone?

Henry

Any info on a CSRA Sprint Car race on Sunday, July 6 (rain date July 13) - year is probably 1947, could be '52?

[Jim Thurman]

The Appalachian State Library has a Stock Car collection that includes Southern Motor Racing and Southern Motorsport Journal, checking both of which should be your best chance of finding the Modified and Late Model races in the 80's and 90's. Contact Suzanne Wise.

As I mentioned, I distinctly remember seeing the Modified races televised on ESPN. I want to say Jan Leaty and Bobby Hutchens are among the winners.

[HDonaldCapps]

Originally posted by Jim Thurman
The Appalachian State Library has a Stock Car collection that includes Southern Motor Racing and Southern Motorsport Journal, checking both of which should be your best chance of finding the Modified and Late Model races in the 80's and 90's. Contact Suzanne Wise.

Their run of Southern MotoRacing is complete, beginning with Vol. 1 No. 1 (September 1964, I think) while Southern Motorsports Journal begins with late March 1963, which is about when Vol. 2 begins. An incredible resource.

In addition, they have lots of microfilm, including such items as National Speed Sport News and Illustrated Speedway News, plus some other items as well.

I cannot praise Ms. Wise too highly. She went well out of her way to accommodate my research when I visited. I am looking forward to my next visit....

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by ShortTrackFan

I'd almost say it's a safe bet that the last three cars never took to the track when the race started. They may have showed up to qualify/practice and broke before the race started. That's up for debate. We're just thankful for the find and the help provided by some good folks at ARCA.

Now, if we could get some help on information on the modified races run at North Wilkesboro.....

http://www.savethesp...?t=636&start=45

Not to mention, any leads on where to find any of the 13 race programs I'm looking for....

http://www.savethesp...topic.php?t=583

Good racing to all!!!

Hi Rick! Glad to see you becoming active here at TNF.

You fellow TNF members will enjoy Rick's input.................especially short track racing here in the States. I have personally viewed his collection of North Wilkesboro information and it boarders on amazing. Plus he has a key to the gate at the former speedway.

Rick, there is a thread here where you can share the NW programs covers as you get time to scan. Am sure they will be enjoyed. Just search the topic.

Henry

[ray b]

Originally posted by ensign14
Would it be ungallant of me to suggest that the last three were starting money specials?

while each track may have their own deals and standerds
and that could vary alot based on a drivers fame/draw
most USA promoters paid prize money based on finishing place
with a pole win a minor prize and very few paid any starting money
and charged entry fees so the cash went in the other direction before the start
unlike the euro practice, so few starting money specials in the USA

[ensign14]

In which case, as STF implies, they presumably were rendered hors de combat in qualifying rather than 1st lap retirements.

[HDonaldCapps]

Also, keep in mind that each organization looked at such deals differently.

"Starting money" in the European sense was usually absent from the American scene -- but not entirely, only done in a different fashion. There were assorted schemes by various organizations and promoters over the years that provided "appearance money" to various individuals or teams, usually current or past champions or recent race winners or any other criteria that they could come up with to place people in the seats.

"Appearance" money was rarely openly discussed for the most part, but after WW2 NASCAR was one of the few organizations to openly admit to such deals, but the amounts were generally fairly small and only paid in addition to the money dealt from the race purse. The stipulations, as mentioned, varied, but the "bottom line" was always performance-based in some sense.

Until the advent of series sponsors beginning with the Seventies, race promoters generally ran their own shows to a large extent, with the sanctioning bodies setting various parameters, but the promoters doing the heavy lifting, if you will, for the individual events.

Just another aspect of racing which seems to be ignored, but was an integral the sport.

[fines]

I happen to disagree here, starting money - or, more precisely, appearance money - was the norm in US autoracing from at least the thirties on, and the money was quite substantial. Promoters such as Ralph Hankinson payed copious amounts to star drivers like Billy Winn, Rex Mays, Wilbur Shaw etc., often more than 1st place would pay!

Buzz Rose has published a few documents concerning appearance deals in his Sprint Car books, e.g. a ledger kept by Tommy Hinnershitz in 1948. I will list just the first few entries to show the trend, with headers "Date, City, Expense, Appearance, Earnings"

- Mar 21, Atlanta, GA, $68.40, $200, $175
- Apr 4, Reading, $0*, $175, $45
- Apr 11, Williams Grove, $12.35, $100, rain-out
- Apr 17, Williams Grove, $11.50, $225, $325
- Apr 18, Trenton, NJ, $13.15, $175, $85
- May 2, Reading, $0*, $175, $141
- May 9, Trenton, $14.60, $200, $382
- May 16, Langhorne, $17.10, rain-out
- May 22, Richmond, VA, and
- May 23, Chattanooga, TN, $106.10, $475, $215
etc.

You can see, a successful driver like Tommy made more with appearance money than with winnings; he had three second place finishes in these races, one fourth and a fifth, so he wasn't having a bad streak. Later in the year he was even offered $550 to come to the Midwestern Circuit and compete at Salem, IN! Only outright victory paid more, and even that depended on the track and promoter (some wins paid less than $300).

Another document shows Tommy's appearance money "agreement and contract" with Sam Nunis Speedways ($250 for still dates, $225 for fair dates, for signing of the entry blank alone; a copy of the contract to go to AAA), as well as a sponsorship agreement with AP/Miracle Power. Other documents show ledgers from the CRA, letters from promoters to CSRA and IMCA officials etc. - the deals are much the same, with less money involved of course.

Also don't forget that an organisation like the IMCA operated almost entirely on appearance deals: star drivers like Sig Haugdahl, Fred Horey, Gus Schrader and Emory Collins received weekly salaries on the condition they appear at specified races; prize money was woefully short for all but a handful of IMCA races.


* Tommy lived on a farm in Oley, just a short walk from the Reading fairgrounds, so no expenses there.

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang


Also, Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsboro, NC is itching to have someone pick up the torch. I visited last year and the ghosts are definitely present!

http://www.enoriver....ks/occspdwy.htm

Henry

Well, a group did in fact grab the torch and run with it!

http://www.historicspeedwaygroup.org/

Henry

[ray b]

while I am sure some stars got paid just to show up
those same guys had top cars, and teams to support their star status
so would be very very rare as non starters
and may bump other out of their rides in such a rare event
and as very few bottom feeders got such deals
there were few starting money specials who didnot make the race

[ShortTrackFan]

Originally posted by Jim Thurman
The Appalachian State Library has a Stock Car collection that includes Southern Motor Racing and Southern Motorsport Journal, checking both of which should be your best chance of finding the Modified and Late Model races in the 80's and 90's. Contact Suzanne Wise.

As I mentioned, I distinctly remember seeing the Modified races televised on ESPN. I want to say Jan Leaty and Bobby Hutchens are among the winners.

Thanks Jim. I am well aware of the AS Library and the name of Suzanne Wise. My problem is that I live in Central Fla. Although I make a handful of trips to North Wilkesboro Speedway every year, they are usually overnight stays only. I haven't had the time to get over to Boone as of yet. I'm probably going to need to devote an entire week off and spend some time there...just to get slightly started on additional research.

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
Rick, there is a thread here where you can share the NW programs covers as you get time to scan. Am sure they will be enjoyed. Just search the topic.

Henry, any idea as to what the link might be? I'd be happy to share. Otherwise, I'll put them here. I'll need a bit of time to get things together.

Originally posted by fines
Any info on a CSRA Sprint Car race on Sunday, July 6 (rain date July 13) - year is probably 1947, could be '52?

You got me there fines. That'll take some research when I finally get a chance to stay in the area for a bit of time. I did check the dates though...July 6/13, 1947 and 1952 did fall on a Sunday. That could be a start. Thanks.

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by ShortTrackFan

Henry, any idea as to what the link might be? I'd be happy to share. Otherwise, I'll put them here. I'll need a bit of time to get things together.

As I think about it placement here would be ideal.

Henry

[fines]

Originally posted by ShortTrackFan
You got me there fines. That'll take some research when I finally get a chance to stay in the area for a bit of time. I did check the dates though...July 6/13, 1947 and 1952 did fall on a Sunday. That could be a start. Thanks.

Thanks, I'll be waiting. Would be really nice if you could find something!

[HistoricMustang]

Save The Speedway and the North Carolina Office of Archives and History will dedicate the North Wilkesboro Speedway Highway Marker on May 24, 2008 at 2pm. At the most recent meeting on May 18 the sign was approved with the following inscription:

"NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY"

Pioneering NASCAR dirt
track. Built 1946; paved
in 1958. Hosted sanc-
tioned events, 1946-96.
5/8 mile oval 1/2 mi. E.

The dedication of the sign will take place on Old US 421(Speedway Road) at NC 115 southeast of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.



Henry

[HistoricMustang]

The grand old lady of short track oval racing gets some respect twice in a few days. First a memorial bench here in Augusta and then a highway marker just a few miles from the track.

Henry

Save The Speedway would like to thank everyone for attended the dedication this Saturday in North Wilkesboro. We would especially like to thank Sen. Steve Goss, Terri Parsons, Rex White, and Mike Staley for coming out to unveil the marker.

In the coming days we will be posting pictures and a complete video on the dedication ceremony. Again thank you to everyone



Pictured from Left to Right - Sen. Steve Goss, Mike Staley, Rex White, Paul Call, and Terri Parsons

[HistoricMustang]

http://bleacherrepor...love-remembered

Henry

[Jim Thurman]

Originally posted by HistoricMustang
http://bleacherrepor...love-remembered

Nice piece, but, sadly falls into the misplaced "bash California" mode. How do the years of 50,000 to 80,000+ at Riverside equate to "the fan base is non-existent"?
For some reason, it's popular to blame Southern California for NASCAR's poor decisions and Fontana is always the lone example singled out. Blame Daytona Beach not Southern California. Who owns Fontana?, who moved Darlington's date? NASCAR's desire to appeal to it's broadcaster of the time never gets brought up either, nor the possibility the broadcaster wanted it.

There are many things wrong with current NASCAR, but Southern California didn't cause it, instigate it, take it to another level or anything else.

The rest of it, I couldn't agree more with

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by Jim Thurman

How do the years of 50,000 to 80,000+ at Riverside equate to "the fan base is non-existent"?
There are many things wrong with current NASCAR, but Southern California didn't cause it, instigate it, take it to another level or anything else.

Great point Jim!

The developers here in Augusta had actually started the planned two mile tri-oval and then visited Riverside with 80,000+ fans, returned to Augusta, pulled off building the tri-oval and built the 3 mile road circuit.

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

Well, perhaps some old tracks can make it back.

Henry

http://www.historicnws.com/