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1/4/2013 - Sandie Stull Hendrick
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After reading over some of these comments on our track (my dad, Ralph Stull Sr, brothers, Ralph Jr and Bob built the track in 1948), I wonder if they really would like to see the track again. It is not a race track anymore, buy more like a junk yard! Dad was the President for the 10 years we had the track and he spent so much time and money out there - only to have it end up like it does now. Yet, it was the love of his life during those 10 years and you cannot take these things with you - just the memories! I see some comments from one of my nieces and she had that he sold it around the 1960', but it was 1958 when R G Atwood of Lansing bought it. And it was in 1961 when Dad, Mom, Janice (my older sister) and I went to California for 5 months - not a year. It was a great relief for dad to be able to pick up and go without all the problems.
There were always problems! One night we had almost 200 free passes come thru the gate - thanks to a brother who took them without permission and traded them for drinks at a bar! Needless to say, the tickets were locked up in a secret place after that. We girls were not to tell the guys ANYTHING! They lived through it. It's nice reading these comments, even tho a lot of them were after we had the track. It was dad's dream come true and he certainly deserved it! I learned to drive out there when I was 12 years old and that made me feel great - I still love driving (not race cars) after all of these years.
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11/29/2012 - Crystal Klee
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I was wondering if you can get to the speedway now? I also wanted to no if it was for sale i would hate for it to be bought and then taken out it would be nice to try and make it look like it did back in its hay day. please let me no if it is able to be access I would love to see it in person. and just imagine what it was like back then. I am only 28 but I love the historic factor and how it made so many people happy. if anyone has info on this please please let me no thank you very much.
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8/21/2012 - Marty Blume
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This years Jackson Motor Speedway reunion will be on Sunday October 14,2012. If you would like info on the reunion, email me at martyb@acd. net and I will email you the info. It is a great time to relive the past great memories of the track. It is also a chance to meet many of the drivers who graced the banks of Jackson.
There will be many photos and cars on display. Hope to hear from many of you soon. Thanks for keeping the memories of Jackson alive. Marty.
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8/17/2012 - Crystal Hamlin
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I remember in my early younger years of going to Jackson Motor Speedway where my Grandpa Leslie Henry worked in the pits and my Grandma Ruth Henry ran the concession w/ my cousins and aunts. I would sit on my front steps and wait for my Grandpa to pick me up on Friday and Saturday nights to go to the races. No matter how hot it was, I would sit on the steps in a red race jacket and red plastic helmet on Friday nights to go to Spartan and blue on Saturdays to go to Jackson. My Grandpa #03 and my uncles Bud Henry and Larry Henry and Don Henry and my Dad Bill Tisch #03Jr. raced at JMS.
My Mom ran jack rabbits. My aunt lived in the old trailer park around the corner. I loved racing so much and can remember being the only girl in my big family that did. My Grandpa passed away in 1972, but the racing lived on in my uncle Bud Henry who got out of the car and put Dick Thiede in it #65.
My Grandma continued to run the concessions w/my cousins and aunts at Spartan for years. My 1st kiss was from Tim Fedewa in the pits at Spartan. My best friend was Dawn Donaldson granddaughter of Ralph Donaldson and daughter of Denny. My family also hung out with Sonny McHenry also.
My uncle Bud Henry went on to sand drag racing up at Silver Lake and he passed away in 1993, but before he did, he promised I would someday race. I got my sons into racing when they were 6 and 9 yrs old. We are now on our 4th generation of racing and yes, I race too. I have a dragster that has my uncle Bud's name on it and my # is #103 and my sons have 03 in their #'s also.
The # tradition still lives on. My parents Jim and Judi Briggs own the sand dragstrip in Silver Lake, Mich (West Michigan Sand Dragway). I have always wanted to reopen JMS someday and would love to go there and see what it looks like. I can remember it back in the 70's like it was yesterday.
Jackson Motor Speedway lives on through my family to this very day. I would also like to see my Grandpa and Uncles in the Hall of Fame. the track will forever be in my family's heart and soul as well as many beautiful memories!.
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7/23/2012 - Phil Weck
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When I was a kid in 1953 I use to sell ice cream in the stands at the speedway. It was my first job at 12 years of age it was a big deal plus I got to watch the races.
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7/19/2012 - Randy Snider
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My dad was the track champion in 1968 Don Snider. I remember going to the track when I was young it was a great place to watch all the local drivers in action on Saturday nights. MY dad would talk about the track how it would be so different from other tracks because of the banking. His favorite race was the pursuit. MY dad's car number was 4.
MY dad and I attended many races together when I was growing up. We would go to the races at Toledo,Butler and Spartan speedways. He would always talk about his fellow drivers at JACKSON and of course track anouncer Gary Lindell. My dad passed away in 2002,and I will never forget all the good times we had at the races.
I hope one day dad can make Michigans racing hall of fame. Miss you dad from your son Randy Snider.
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7/15/2012 - Marty Blume
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There is a reunion for Jackson Motor Speedway being planned again this year. It will be on Sunday, October 14, 2012. If anyone would like more info, contact me at martyb@acd. net. Tim Collins - please email me.
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7/12/2012 - tim collins
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I was wondering if there are any future events planned? My dad recently had stroke. He is recovering now but we discovered he has Alzheimer's. I found his photo album from Jackson Motor Speedway, where he raced all thru the 60's. I'm currently building a nostelgic race car in his memory and thought it would be great to contact those who remember.
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9/14/2011 - Marty Blume
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This year's Jackson Motor Speedway Old Timers Reunion will be held on Sunday October 9,2011. Anyone who is interested in attending and has not received a reservation form, please email me at martyb@acd. net and I will send one to you. Anyone who has contacted in the past, please send a request to me again as my computor took a dump and I have lost all my email addresss. Reservations are due by September 20, 2011.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you fans. Thanks Marty Blume.
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7/31/2011 - Mark Seiler
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'Sure is nice to see the shot of my all-time favorite driver and car: Dick Dunshee and his legendary Buick Special. That picture was from the was the '65 season. While nice, I REALLY liked the '66 version, when he repainted it mostly white with blue trim. 'Just a cool little race car, that ran as good as it looked.
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7/17/2011 - Ed Franklin
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My dad Frank Franklin raced at jackson when it was dirt his car was a 51 Henery J #08. He stopped racing when they black topped it. He liked the dirt! His best friend Sonny Sisk also raced there at that time. My dad is 85 years old and still likes to talk about the racing on that track. Most of the guys he knew and raced with are gone now.
If anyone would happen to have a picture of his car, I would like to get a copie of it. Also if anyone knows if they are having a dinner get together this year please let me know, my dad didn't get notified of the last one and he miss going and talking to his old friends. My email is eefranklin1@yahoo. com.
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6/28/2011 - Michael Kujawa
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I see Glen shorty Stevens every day. he raced a lot of tracks across the tri-state area, as well as canada. was he ever proposed for membership in the hall of fame??We follow Harold Fair's escapades now. thanks mike.
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6/21/2011 - Marty Blume
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To all of you who saw the article in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, I hope you enjoyed it as much I enjoyed sharing the information with the writer of the article, Leanne Smith. Although I never have driven a race car, Jackson has been a passion of mine ever since I attended my first race there in 1961 or 62. It would be impossible to mention every driver that raced there, even in a full page story. I do have the material to list every feature winner and list almost everyone who did race there. Many will be surprised as to who IS the winningest feature winner at Jackson.
It is probably not who you may think it is. My info is from the Stader timing sheets and from articles from the Jackson Citizen Patriot I am missing the sheets from 1957, 1963, 1964, and the ones from 1973 while Warren Simpson was the promoter. To Mr. Faust, I would be interested in the trophy.
I am always looking for memorabilia from the great old track as well as photos. Jackson was a very special place and will always provide great memories. Thanks again for all the great input! Marty Blume martyb@acd. net.
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6/20/2011 - Vicky Mannor Long
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I live behind the racetrack and LOVE walking on the track often. My father, Ted Mannor raced there and us kids spent many Saturday evenings at the track. I knew Sonny McHenry through my father. I was also wondering why he wasn't mentioned in the Jackson Citizen Patriot article this past weekend. I know who the owner of the property is.
I have contact with him. He is a lawyer in Lansing. I have wonderful memories of Jackson Motor Speedway as well as Onadaga Dragway. My father and family now have street rods and we go racing at Milan and 131.
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6/20/2011 - GREG Faust
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MY FATHER WAS A MECHANIC FOR RALPH DONALDSON. I HAVE A TROPHY OF RALPHS FOR A FEATURE WIN AT JMS. ANYONE INTERESTED?.
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6/18/2011 - tom j
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I remember late 40's early 50's going with my parents, and 4 of us kids into the infield and parking inside the track to watch the races. My dad was devastated when the photographer was killed and later Ted Kennall. We stopped going for a while after that. My first ride in a race car was there at 6 years old holding a glass bottle with gas in it and fuel line testing a new fuel pump.
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6/7/2011 - Dave Habek
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They was good old great years at the Jackson motor speedway. I was a fireman at the track in early 70's with Lansing twp volunteer dept. Good old boys racing like Gary / Butch Fedewa , Mulders and Aldrich brothers. Loved that starter JERRY LIND.
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5/30/2011 - Marty Blume
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Mike-you are correct about all of those drivers racing at Jackson. John Logan was the 1962 champ while Gordon Johncock was the 1963 champ. Johncock was so dominate in 1963 that he only raced about 3/4 of the season and still won the championship. He also set the track record of 14. 68 before they banned the wings in June of 1963.
Bill Heeney was a regular who only won one feature at Jackson but was very popular. Dick Dunshee never ran there on a regular basis but would show up for specials and those great Sunday afternoon shows to start the season. Whether it is from Jackson or not, it's great to see pictures of these legends from the past. Thanks for posting them.
Marty.
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5/29/2011 - Mike
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sorry those pics were at other speedways, but they raced at jms with those cars. whether you were there or not. i was.
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5/10/2011 - Marty Blume
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The pictures of Dick Dunshee, and the pictures from the Who's Who in Racing of Gordon Johncock, Johnny Logan, and Bill Heeney are not from Jackson. The Dunshee picture is from the old Grand Rapids Speedrome while the other pictures are from Toledo. All of those drivers did race at Jackson at one time or another. Thanks Marty Blume.
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4/11/2011 - Bryan
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As a child, living in the subdivision north of the track, lying in bed at suppose to be asleep but listening to the race cars and actually hearing the roar of the crowd in the stands, my Dad would carry me on his shoulders walking thru Ball's Apple Orchard to watch the race from a distance, how exciting for a 4yr. old. The neighborhood kids and I spent every waking moment it seems at the closed race track and surrounding woods and drainage ditch, it was a perfect place to grow up on a dirt bike, trails galore and how cool to actually run your mini-bike on the oval track, excellent childhood memories. I have recently visited the track and still cant believe there are the same trails leading to the track, but wow how nature has taken over. If anyone has pictures they would like to sell of the track from 1948 to 1972 I would be very interested.
please email me at bbartels2146@gmail. com.
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4/10/2011 - Trevor Harvey
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Hi my name is Trevor Harvey my Grandfather owned a super modified in the 60s that raced Jackson motor speedway the drivers name was Jim Grizzly. im looking for info and pictures of the car and the race track my email is hillbillythekid16@yahoo. com Thanks Trevor.
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1/18/2011 - Kim Cain
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Russ McCubbin passed away Dec. 21 of 2010 at the age of 59. He had a heart attack.
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12/21/2010 - Bob K
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I have alot of great memories of Jackson Motor Speedway. Me and a group of friends would park our cars on the ramp between turns 3 and 4 at the speedway to watch the races. I can visualize Don McCubbin's Orange 57 Chevy like it was yesterday. I remember the saying stenciled on the car in hoc to often but not sure if I have the spelling right. Does anyone remember a driver named Joe Smith who drove a maroon 55 Chevy #55 call Wild Cherry? He did not win many races but was a local favorite with a large local fan following.
Reading all of the comments and all the drivers names really brings back great memories. Does anyone remember drivers Mel Gillette from Lansing , Ivan Wolfe from I do not know where and Butch and Gary Fedewa from Holt Michigan? Butch's son is Tim Fedewa who raced several years in the Bush series. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone has any pictures of Cars, Drivers etc. of Jackson Motor Speedway and could email them to me at mrbobk@comcast net.
Thanks.
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10/19/2010 - Sandie (Stull) Hendrick
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My father, Ralph Stull, Sr, and 2 oldest brothers, Ralph Jr and Bob, built the Jackson Motor Speedway and we had our first race in 1948. I was 11 years old. We sold the track in 1958 to R J Atwood of Lansing. My older sister and I are the only 2 remaining of 7 children in our family. I remember working on the track all summer when I was in my young teens.
I rode on the back of the oil tanker and opened the valves to let the oil out whenever dad hollered at me to do so. Then I got to drive the dump truck around for what seemed like hours, getting the oil down into the clay. I worked in the pop stand, ran errands, etc, then when I turned 14, I sold programs from a stand at every race. I spent many days, plus all the races, working out there as did my other brother and sister.
I do have some pictures - most were taken by Jim Ryan, and we do not have names on the backs to tell who everyone is. Many I know, many I don't. I also have several newspaper write-ups, however they are old and getting yellow and harder to read. I'm proud to say that my dad was of the most honest and fair man I knew.
He didn't have any enemies and the drivers respected him as he did them. There were problems with the boys and dad ended up with very little money when the track was finally sold. Still, he loved the track and the races. I do remember Phil and Terry Collins when they raced there and when Phil owned it,I don't believe it was owned but leased.
My brother, Ralph Jr, as well as Phil and two other drivers leased the track, I believe. Dad came out and took tickets for them. My father should also be in the Hall of Fame, but so far, no-one has been able to tell us EXACTLY what we have to do to get him there. Dad had many of the drivers that he liked very well, and I remember when he passed away, February 19, 1968, we had one of his favorites serve as a pall bearer.
If he were here today, he'd be heart-broken that the track he spent so many hours building, running, repairing, etc, looks as it does. He didn't only OWN the track, he MAINTAINED the track at all times. The boys both worked, so dad was left with just ME out there during the summer sometimes to help him. Of course, Bill Tripp, was always available it seemed, and loved helping out! I remember when a windstorm (possibly a tornado) tore the bleachers apart and did so much damage to the grandstands as well as other things.
Several of the drivers came out during the evenings, and several took vacation days, to work and have everything BACK IN SHAPE so they could race that weekend. The drivers drove for the thrill of driving and winning - not for the money - and it's a good thing. because some drivers only took home $10. 00 sometimes! I may not be able to answer a lot of questions, but you can use my e-mail address if you'd like more information.
Sandie.
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10/15/2010 - Toby Pulver
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My name is Toby Pulver,I remember Sonny and was friends with him. My dad was freinds with Sonny for many years,and my dad raced at jackson motor speedway. My uncle Curt Kelley used to drive for Sonny if I remember right.
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9/20/2010 - Frank Salvati
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Collins Mc Henry Sprint Car racing. My Name is Frank. I was raised by Sonny Mchenry accross from the Jackson Motor Speedway. I was wanting to see if anyone remembers Sonny and if anyone has any old Photos of Sonnys racing days. I would like to hear from anyone that remembers the old Good old days.
I also wonder why Phil Collins and Sonny havent been remembered. They did so many good things for so many people. Please help me fill some missing pieces to my life, as the Son of Sonny Mc Henry. Thanks in advance, Frank-.
Send info to Mscorfrank@aol. com.
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9/18/2010 - Marty Blume
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Russ McCubbin - Glad to here that Jerry Miller is alive and well! I remember watching your dad at Jackson. Also I remember the big car hauler that your dad''s car would come to Jackson on. I am interesred in seeing your photos, especially ones from Jackson. You should come to the Jackson Reunion. Please email at martyb@acd.
net Thanks Marty Blume.
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9/15/2010 - Marty Blume
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After a years absence, the Jackson Motor Speedway reunion is returning!!! It will be held on Sunday afternoon October10,2010. Its all new this year as we have new hostesses, new location, new date, and new menu. Rose Calabrase and Jeane Lindahl are now hosting the reunion. The reunion will beheld at the Hankerd Hills Golf Course about 8 miles north of Jackson. We would like the reservations mailed by September 20th.
There will be no tickets at the door this year. We are sorry if you have been on the mailing list in the past that you have not been notified. We are starting from scratch as the previous mailing list was not passed on to us. If you are interested in coming, please email me at martyb@acd.
net and I will send you the reservation form. Hope to hear from many of you who have attened in the past or you first timers. Thank you. Marty Blume.
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9/10/2010 - Russ McCubbin
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HEY! JERRY MILLER DID NOT DIE IN THE 70''s. He retired to Florida eventaully. He was alive and well a few years ago, I haven''t seen him since then. He was sponsored by his employer, Nelson Bros. Excavating on 11 Mile Rd.
in Ropyal Oak. His brothers-in-law were Don McCubbin (yep, the driver in the orange Chevy 53 he raced against for years) and Ron Duman (died in an Indy car in 1967 at Milwaukee. Drove open wheel cars from the late 40''s until his death. Won the Little 500 USAC Sprint Car race at Terre Haute twice.
Good shoe). Jerry''s brother Denny, raced at Mt. Clemns too, but on the 1/4 mile oval there, his number was 35 (reversed the number of his brother-in-law Don McCubbin). If I can figure out how to post pictures here I will.
I have hundreds of them in the family photo archives. Don McCubbin was my Dad. They hung with the Barbe brothers away from the track as well as at the track. BTW Benny Parsons started out at Mt.
Clemens on the 1/4 mile with a ''54 Ford sponsored by the cab company he drove for in Detroit, the purple colored cabs of Metropolitan Cab Co. is where that weird color came from in the early days.
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9/10/2010 - Russ McCubbin
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My Father was Don McCubbin. Orange Chevy''s number 53. Later on he drove for the Swing Brothers in Fords number 330. Not everyone knows that Jerry Miller was his brother-in-law. We used to encourage the rivalry then stop at the same restuarant on the way home and bench race over big plates of eggs and sausage.
One Saturday night my Dad won the Feature with a gold wheel on the right rear of the orange 53 car. I guess no one noticed it match all of the wheels on theblack number 7 of my Uncle Jerry''s. Even then everyone ran Ford rear ends and the back wheels were interchangeable between the two cars. Good times I thought then, and now.
Ed Todd and his previous mechanic Bill Decker were also good friends and fellow hell raisers. Moose Meyers and guys that focused on Jackson were regular contenders along with travelers like us, Jerry Miller, Lem Savation, etc. We also raced at Mt. Clemens and Dixie.
Once in a while we could wander down to Toledo too. Before NASCAR bought it, John Marcum owned ARCA and sanctioned late models and Super''s at Flatrock. Marcum owbned the track as well. My Dad still holds the Altitude Record at Flatrock Motor Speedway.
In 1963 he got a Super Modied ABOVE the fence there, probably fifteen or twenty feet in the air. Anyone remember the one mile flat dirt track at the Michigan Fiargrounds? That was a blast too. Joy Fair and Jim Ruttman could turn up at Jackson once in a while, along with Bill Seneka and Harold Fair (no relation to Joy, but the son of Hugh, also a late model racer). My Dad passed away in 1972.
Jerry long ago retired to Florida and operates a medium sized marina. I have lost track of a lot of the old timers. Too bad too. They were two fisted, barrel chested, bad ass racers.
I race a little now with my own sons. I love it. But, I do miss the old school bumpin'' and rubbin''. Tradin'' paint and fliting with the girls in the grandstands.
A little argument every once in a while but on Saturday night you could borrow a needed part or a couple bucks to get home on from your fiercest competitor. Too damn cool. I will check this site and see if anyone can catch me up on Todd and others. I remember when he drove for Decker the car listed Hot Toddy on the side.
Perfect, just perfect.
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8/1/2010 - Dennis L. Carpenterpenter
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Back when I was a kid, my buddie lived just north of the track. This would have been back in the mid 60''s. I would stay over at his house on weekends and we would sneek out and go over to the track. Back then there was an apple orchard outside of the track opposite from the grandstands. We would climb up into the apple trees so we could see in and watch the races.
One night a driver lost it in turn 2 and hit the wall hard and actually partially came out of the track through the fence. His front wheel snapped off and went airbourne. Yup, you guessed it. It flew through the air and went right through the top of the apple tree we were sitting in.
It scared the daylights out of us. It scared us so bad we didn''t go back for the rest of the season. Sadly my father was transferred with his job and so I never got to go back. What I can say is that watching those races as a kid made me a racing fan for the rest of my life.
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3/15/2010 - shani
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I am looking for info. on Ralph Donaldson''s career at Jackson Motor Speedway. Did he win the most features there? I found this site and was hoping to see a picture of him. Are there other sites? Anyone have a good story about him? Thanks in advance.
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1/18/2010 - Marty Blume
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Mike. Jerry Miller was from Royal Oak. He raced at Jackson from 1965 to 1970. He is second on the all time feature win list with 26 feature wins.
1966 was his year as he won 17 features. He raced a black 1960 Ford number 7 which was destroyed in a wreck with Don Irish in 1967. That car was replaced with a little 1963 ford fairlane which was also black and carried the number 7. After racing at Jackson, he started racing on the dirt and later the asphalt at Mount Clemons.
He never had the success at other tracks like he did at Jackson. I believe he passed away in the late 70''s or early 1980''s. Hope this helps. Thanks Marty Blume.
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1/15/2010 - Mike
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Who is Jerry Miller? I use to date a gal from Sherwood Mi, and her dads name is Jerry Miller,,,Same one? He had a little repair shop just off M-66 on M-60. Thanks.
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12/6/2009 - Marty Blume
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Jon Lunberg. I maybe able to help you.
email me at martyb@acd. net.
thanks.
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12/6/2009 - Marty lume
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Jon Lunberg. I maybe able to help you.
email me at martyb@acd. net.
thanks.
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12/5/2009 - Jon Lundberg
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Hi. I announced at JMS during the 1960-62 seasons when RJ Atwood promoted the track. Would like to contact someone from the Jackson, MI, area to assist a motor sports history research project. Just unearthed is a pretty-sophisticated-for-the-dayoverhead cam conversion for the Small Block Chevy made in the Jackson area. If you can help, please contact me at the above email address.
Jon Lundberg.
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11/2/2009 - Chuck
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Rick, Moose Myers real name is Conan Myers from the Ft. Wayne area. Raced many years for Jim Stovall. ( Scott Stovall''s dad ) I believe he won an ARCA & ASA championship, if I''m remembering right the cars were usually #0 burgundy cars,.
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11/2/2009 - Randy
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thanks Marty / Chris. just was curious.
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11/2/2009 - Marty Blume
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Rick. Conan Moose Myers was from Ft Wayne, Ind. He was never a regular driver at Jackson.
He would show up for invitationals and other special races. With his Maroon ''55 Chevy convertible number 0 he did hold the track record for several years. Moose was one of the top drivers in the midwest and a threat to win at any race that he appeared at from the mid sixties into the early seventies. Hope this gives you a few answers that you are looking for.
Marty Blume.
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11/1/2009 - Rick Wagner
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Does anybody out there have any information on a driver that raced at Jackson Motor Speedway called Moose Myers?.
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9/4/2009 - Chris Fobbe
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Randy,The Jackson Speedway running weekly is a go-cart track.
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9/4/2009 - Marty Blume
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Randy. Jackson Speedway from the web sight you listed is a go kart track on the southeast side of Jackson. They do run weekly programs with mini cup cars, go karts, legends and dwarfs, and mini sprints.
Jackson Motor Speedway was located north of town and ran from 1948 through 1973. Hope this answers your questions.
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9/3/2009 - Randy
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Can someone tell me what this website is about. It looks as though Jackson Speedway is running weekly events and functioning. is this true???http://www.
jacksonspeedway. net/index. htm.
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9/1/2009 - don collins
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would like to know how to track down old stader timing sheets from jackson motor speedway,when it was a half mile dirt.
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8/6/2009 - Jim Merritt
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Does anyone know if there are any sites wih racing photos of the racing and the drivers from the 50''s and 60''s at Jackson Motor Speedway? Thanks.
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8/3/2009 - Dan Van Koevering
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In response to comments by Ms. Lindahl regarding her Grandfather Philip Collins, I would like to inform you that we already have a bio on your grandfather, and have had one on flie for several years! You apparently have not been aware that a bio was submitted on your grandfather quite some time ago. The reason he has not yet been inducted is very SIMPLY that he has yet to have been elected for induction by the qualified Hall of Fame voters, which INCLUDES ALL PAST INDUCTEES. Since the mid-90''s, we have included all the past inductees in the voting process, so when someone IS elected for induction, they are more truly elected by the racing community of former inductees. If yourself or anyone reading this would like to learn more about the truth about how the Hall of Fame works, as opposed to the rumor-mill versions, PLEASE visit www.
mmshof. org and click especially on our FAQ section, which I authored in 2008. All questions will very likely be answered there. Sincerely and Best Regards,Dan Van Koevering, 7th-term President, Michigan MotorSports Hall of FameP.
S. Not sure where you have been sending these bio submittals that have been returned back to you, but I do not personally recall that we ever recieved any additional info on your grandfather, other than what we already had. Just a shot here, but have you, like SO MANY other people, confused us with the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Novi ? That IS NOT us and never has been. I address this particular issue in our website''s FAQ section.
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6/3/2009 - Art Krallman
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Hi my name is Art Krallman Jr. son of Art Krallman Sr. (he passed away in 1982) he raced back in the 50''s at Jackson Motor Speedway. He at one time held the one lap track record (I have some newspaper articles). I also have many pictures of the Jackson Motor Speedway some are dated 1954.
If you need to contact me my email is above.
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6/2/2009 - Rick Wagner
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I was born and raised In Jackson at the corner of Springport,Airport and countyfarm road until I moved to Colorado Springs,Colorado in 1981. From the time Iwas old enough to walk my Dad took us to the races at Jackson Motor Speedwayto watch our favorite drivers. My driver was #00-Moose Myers. I took up a littlepart time racing myself and my number was always #00. Some of my fondestmemories of Jackson was the racetrack,and also some of the worst was at thattrack.
My first memory was touching a red hot exaust and burning my arm and Istill have that scar. Some of my best include staying up late at the track andwatching the firework shows. Even on that odd occasion of having to stay home-we could hear the races from our back yard. I remember a going to NorthwestHigh School the Monday morning after the races and being called a redneckbecause all I could talk about was the races.
Right now I live about mile from the Pikes Peak International Speedway,and have had many inspired talks with theold timers that once raced there. If anybody out there graduated from NorthwestHigh School in 1975,or sat next to me in the grandstand on the weekend at thetrack-you can e-mail me at: richardw1956@yahoo. com. I really miss Jackson Motor Speedway and all its fans.
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5/22/2009 - Kelley Anne Lindahl
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Hi All! This is Kelley Anne Lindahl again and IF anyone remembers my Grandfather Phillip Collins who was a race car driver and part owner at one time of JMS. My grandfather has never been Inducted Into the Michigan Motorsports hall of Fame his application that we have put in for him has been rejected numerous times. Phil has made many contributions to the racing Industry and many of people have benefited from him. A lot of people have gotten their start because of him including Mr. Gary Lindahl, without my grandfathers connections Gary would of not gotten as far as he has gotten.
I want to start a campaign really to get him (Phil) Inducted in the MMHOf, I know I will make waves but If I dont them his induction which is overdue will never happen. I am asking the race fans/drivers that remember Phil to put your imput in the commity so we can get Phil into the hall of fame. I beg of you all help with this campain. My email is scarpetta68@hotmail.
com.
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2/26/2009 - Kurt
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All I can say is, I love this site! I have been a long time race fan, and after finding ''WWW'', I have gained a new respect for the tracks of old in Michigan. For anyone that enjoys sim racing, and uses rFactor, I have now begun to research as many Michigan tracks as I can in order to build them for the game. (if you don''t, I suggest you look it up!) Once finished, I will release them to the rFactor racing world. Currently I am working on Grattan, Berlin, and Grand Rapids Grand Prix. In the future I want to build such historic closed tracks as the Grand Rapids ''Drome'' as well as my home track, Jackson Motor Speedway, which I lived a mile from and could hear the races as a child, and Jackson Legion Speedway, south of town.
Having found this site, I was curious about historical racing tracks around the country. I have found several sites with information going back to the early 1900''s. Many track surfaces in those days were made of wood, and I hope to ''restore'' an appreciation for these monsters where speeds were over 100mph, with a street limit of 25. This site has been a great resource for me and I hope that in the future, I will be able to give back those great memories of racing on Michigan tracks of history to many many fans and drivers alike.
My program allows me to create videos of the races. I hope to recreate races with vintage cars, with on-board driver views as well as the look of a televised race, hopefully available on a future website. If you have any additional information or resources other then this site, please email me. kurt.
lehman@gmail. comThanksKurt CTC ( Concept. Track. Creation.
)link to current work: http://www. rfactorcentral. com/detail. cfm?ID=Grattan%20Raceway%20Park.
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1/29/2009 - Kelley Lindahl
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Hi Alll! This is Kelley Lindahl Daughter of Gary Lindahl and Grandaughter of Phil Collins one time race care driver and track owner of Jackson Motor Speedway. My Grandfather was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him, he had sold the track before i was born but he still mantained ownership of a car along with Sonny McHenry. Even after his Heart transplant he still maintained his love for racing. He died in 1984 from heart transplant rejection but his memory will always live of through the hearts and minds of his family. I hope that one day the racing world will someday honor my grandfather Phil Collins for his contributions to the racing world.
My email is scarpetta68@hotmail. com Peace out-Kelley Lindahl.
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11/10/2008 - Gary LindahlGary Lindahl
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Marty, as always had a great time at the Jackson reunion, neat to see so many of our heroes return plus a good group of younger drivers. Always look forward to the event. The Toledo reunion at the speedway bar and grill is set for March 14th, 2009, which is a Saturday, and starts at Noon, alll are welcome. Gary Lindahl.
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10/28/2008 - Marty Blume
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First, I want to thank everyone who attended this years reunion and especially Dick and Anita Decker who host this great event. Without all of you, this event would not be posible. Randy Easterling - you are a tremendus artest!! Email me at martyb@acd. net with your email and I can hook you up with some photos as well as info (my good freind Rich Edwards took a bunch and I can hook you up with the owners). Pete - thank you for the kind words.
I''m glad you had such a good time. You definitely found out what these things are all about!I hope all of you plan on coming back and for those newcomers, keep the last Saturday of October open next year for the 18th reunion. Again, many thanks to all!!!.
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10/27/2008 - Garrett
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In reading the text below, it brought up a lot of memories from days of long ago when as a young boy my father would take me and the rest of our family to these events. He grew up in Nashville and the surrounding area, and was good friends with some of these guys, like Sam Sessions and Nolan Johncock, He knew Gordon too. So reading that these guys used to terrorize this old track makes sense that It would be one of the places he would take us to. I remember going by this place years ago and you could clearly see the track from M-50 as you headed for Jackson. I have a vivid memory of being in the parking lot on the way to the grandstand gate.
The time trials had started because I remember the sound and how it scared me(I was little, like 3 or 4). For the most part, my memories of this place are quite vague though as I could have sworn that that track was dirt, but I must have been thinking of somewhere else all these years(probably Butler, we went there too). I was surprised too learn that it closed in ''74. Thought it was later.
Boy I''m getting old.
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10/27/2008 - Pete Banchoff
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This was my first visit to the Jackson Motor Speedway reunion and I have to agree with Randy it was a blast! BTW Randy, I was at the table just in front of you and watched you draw the Prison car; it looked great! I want to thank Nita and Dick Decker for being the perfect hosts and Marty Blume for inviting me. I will be there next year, believe me. The highlight for me was sitting down and talking to Wayne Landon and his wife for about 15 minutes. Wayne''s brother had passed away the day before, but he still attended this years reunion. I didn''t get to see races at Jackson, but saw Wayne race at Dixie where he won several championships in a row.
I really enjoyed spending time with him and finding out sometimes they used to letter the car with shoe polish! BTW, he won a feature race at age 75!! Anyone interested in Michigan racing history should try and get to one of these reunions. Marty has so much information and pictures and shares all of it. Thanks again, Marty and all who put this on. My email address is banchoffpj@gmail.
com.
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10/26/2008 - Randy Easterling
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I just attended the 17th annual old timers reunion, what a blast. I met a lot of people I had only heard about. I was most impressed by the Prison Car, if anyone has pictures of this car to share I would love to do a drawing or painting of this car in action, I did a quick sketch of the car on a place mat while I was there, to start with, however that will be framed and given to Dick Decker. I have built motor and painted cars my whole life I lettered a few race cars in the 70''s and most recently was flown to CA, to work on the 5th generation Camaro designed by Cars by Kris and built by Bryant Fabrications. I look forward to next year.
Thank you Nita and Dick Decker, Jim Graves thanks you too.
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9/13/2008 - Marty Blume
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The 17th annual Jackson Motor Speedway Reunion will be on Saturday, October 25, 2008 (last Saturday of October). We will have vintage race cars on display from noon until?? Last year we had 11 show up on a rainy afternoon. Word has it that there will be more this year! The doors open at 4 with a cash bar at 5 and dinner at 6P. M. It will again be at the Elks lodge in Jackson, less than 2 miles from the old track.
We welcome the oldtimers from surrounding tracks past and present. There will be over 5000 photos and other bits of memorabillia on display. Bring your photos and memorabillia and add to the display!! The cost is still only $15 which includes your meal. If you would like to come and are not on the mailing list or have not been before, email me at martyb@acd.
net and I will send you the info. Thanks!!!!.
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9/11/2008 - Donnie
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sept 10 08. my name is donnie collins i grew up at jackson motor speedway when my dad phil collins was part owner of the track with itchy stall ed todd art evret. what a place to grow up as a kid i have many fond memories. also have a pile of pics from 1948 until its closure. any replies my e-mail is donaldkevincollins@live.
com.
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5/6/2008 - David Lee
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Hi i was woundering because me and my cusin went out to the track a couple of days ago and we was talking about if we could find some one who owns it. If we could buy it and reopen it as a go-cart track or a sprint car track. We would really like to restore it because thats a peice of history thats what even helped Nascar get on its feet and be what it is today.
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4/7/2008 - Cary Braithwaite
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Art Braithwaite died yesterday of lung cancer. His funeral is April 9th at 1 in jackson for more info go to www. mem. com or www. Mlive.
com/obits.
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2/16/2008 - Gary Lindahl
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just a note that the racers reunion at Toledo Speedway bar and grill is set for Saturday march 15th from noon to 6pm followed by a fan club meeting at 6:30pm. All are welcome and in the past Jackson has been well represented in photo''s and memorabilia. Check ARCAracing. com for all the details. See Ya!.
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10/2/2007 - Marty Blume
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As has been previously stated, The Jackson Motor Speedway Reunion will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007. This year will be the 16 annual reunion for this great track that held it''s last raced on August 19, 1973. There will be restored race cars as well as over 5000 photos on display. The price is onl7 $15 which includes dinners and more memories than you could ever hope to remember! It will be located at the Elks Lodge only a couple miles from the great old race track. Some of the greats who normally attend this event include Jack Conley, John Logan, Wayne Landon, Don Freind, Ralph and Denny Donaldson, Bob Carnes and Joe Doer.
For more information, email me at :martyb@acd. net or call Dick or Nita Decker at (517) 787-6681. Hope to see you there. Marty Blume.
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9/14/2007 - Randy Stull
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i would like to amend the last sentence in my post to read the late 50''s instead of the late 60''sthank you,Randy.
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9/13/2007 - Randy Stull
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i am one of the grandson''s of the original builders/owners of the speedway. there is still a yearly reunion held in jackson with 100 or so people. lots of pictures, speakers, food & drinks, former drivers etc.
this year the date is october 27, 2007. elks lodge on lansing ave. contact Dick or Nita 517-787-6681 for tickets. $15.
00. i too used to be at almost every race when i was a kid. the late 60''s till is was no more. Randy D Stull.
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1/1/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald
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I was looking at the old pictures of Hartford. Southeastern Michigan needs a goog asphalt 1/2. Wish that was still pavement. On an interesting note, I was impressed with the effort made at Devos to actually have a 1/4 mile indoors. It would not be impossible to build a half mile indoors.
That it could run year round and even have other events.
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12/31/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr.
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Yes some one should reopen the track. it looks like a fast place i think this would be a better location from pavement cars , then some place up north?.
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11/8/2006 - Marty Blume
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The pictures of the track are deceptive in that it makes the track look narrow. Also it doesn't give the real feeling of how high banked turns 1 and 2 really are. Those of you who have been there and walked the track will understand what I'm talking about. When it was repaved in 1968, the track surface ended up being 3 to 4 feet wider than Indy. Turns 1 and 2 are banked about 23 to 24 degrees.
There is a down hill run into turn 3. Turns 3 and 4 are banked from 6 to 8 degrees. Coming out of turn 4 to the front straight, there is a short straight towards the front wall. On the old dirt half mile, turns 3 and 4 were banked like turns one and two.
In the early 50's, a 1/4 mile was added to the infield. About a year later, turns 3 and 4 of the 1/4 were combined with turns 1 and 2 of the half which formed the unique and large 3/8's mile track. It was origiannly paved in the fall of 1958, and the as I previously stated, repaved in 1968 before the season started. Between the township, environmental cleanup (all those year of dumping oil to settle the dust), and the area being built up, I highly doubt that it will ever be open again.
We are fortunate that the track is still there to visit and relive the memories. I still can close my eyes when I visit and hear the roar of the engines, the pop,pop, pop as they let off going into turn 3 and the smell of caster oil from the engines. I've always thought that the site would be the perfect place for the Michigan Mortor Sports Hall of Fame. Marty Blume.
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11/7/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald
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Be nice to reopen it. We need a nice 1/2 mile near the D.
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11/5/2006 - Ron Gross/Michigandriveins.com
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We walked the high banks of Jackson Motor Speedway today. Access is easy via a dirt road off of Parnell Rd. , and I didn't see any No Trespassing signs. You have to walk a ways to get to the track, there is a path. We were amazed at how steep the banking was.
There were kids riding motorcycles thru the infield while we there. I didn't see any concession stand. I've heard the site is contaminated from the oil they used to spray to keep the dust down, (parking area?) and it is basically abandoned. Can anyone in the know confirm this? Who really owns it? What a waste!.
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10/30/2006 - Bruce Lamorand
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i attended the reunion sat. night just wanted to ay it was a big sucess keep up the good work.
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9/18/2006 - Marty Blume
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Jim Merritt and anyone else interested in the Reunion Party for Jackson Motor Speedway please email me at martyb@acd. net and Ill email a copy of the reservation form. The reunion is October 28, 2006. Many of the drivers from the past attend this event. Both Ed Todd and Ben Snider attended last year along with over 200 other drivers and fans (not bad for a track that has been closed for 33 years).
The cost is only $15 which includes a KFC meal. This year will be the 15th for this event. Thanks.
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9/14/2006 - Jim Merritt
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I went to the speedway from the time it was a half mile dirt until the late 60s. At that time it was run by one of the Stulls, Phil Collins, Ed Todd, Art somebody and I believe one other. Does anyone know what happened to some of those Late 60s drivers (Ed Todd, Jerry Miller, Don McCubbin, Ben Snider and others)? While the early 60s super modifieds were nothing short of spectacular with the endless battling of the Johncocks, Nellie Ward and Jonny Logan, I was always partial to the late model stock car racing of the mid to later 60s. Mostly because iI had worked on a few of them and got to know many of those drivers (at that time you had to actually drive them - no power steering, no cool suits etc. ) Its good to know that a few people remember those days when races were won on the track and not in the pits.
Is there a contact person to find out more information on the Jackson Motor Speedway Reunion?.
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9/11/2006 - Randy Adam
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Yes, I agree with you both. such a shame that this track as well as others (Thunder Road, Tri-City and now the possibility of Springport Speeddway) are just going to be growen over feilds. And I agree, if it were my land, I would take the time and put forth the effort to clear all the brush and make this a preserved area.
even without racing. Hurts to see stuff like this.
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9/9/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald
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Realistically what could be done. Between uncooperative owners and angry nieghbors, promotors that dont get it and developers, it seems like the world is against the small time race fan. Look at the people who built houses next to Waterford and then complain that the cars which arent even as loud as a dentist on a harley and that you can barely hear running from the main gate, make too much noise. Jackson is beautiful and sad. Maybe cars need to be made quieter.
So sad.
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9/8/2006 - Dave DeHem
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Wow!!! Looking at the latest pictures makes me sick. I never had the chance to go there but have heard all the stories about the place. The strange thing is that the track is still there and with some work and some chainsaws and brush hogs you could open up the area to see what is there. Yes, it would be alot of work but I have to say that if I owned the property I would do that just to preserve the clearing. Of course I like to do that kind of stuff on my property anyways.
I know that the times are against us but from the looks of it, the track could be rebuilt again. There are other tracks that have closed and been ripped up but Jackson has just been left to the elements and to nature. It is truly ashame that the place is tied up the way it is. I would love to go out there and walk the property if I was able and the owners would let me do so.
So much history just sitting there decaying.
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8/19/2006 - Marty Blume
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August 19, 2006 will be the 33rd aniversary of the last race held at Jackson. On August 19,1973, Bill Heeney won the last race in a supermodified before the rains came and put a halt to the evenings events. Little did we know that was goning to be the last race ever at our race track. The memories of Jackson can be relived the last Saturday of October at the Jackson Motor Speedways Reunion Party. This year will be the 15th year for this reunion.
Last year over 200 people attended. Great event and a great time to meet some of your heros from the past.
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8/12/2006 - Jim Little
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You should have gotten a picture of the sign on the water tower out front. Well off the road a little ways. I heard it got caught up in a law suit and the person who won it wont let anyone race there again. What I hear is a lawyer in Lansing now has control of it.
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8/1/2006 - Jim Heddle
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We used to come over to Jackson from Ann Arbor to see the Sprint Car races in the early 60s. Heres a list of drivers from the 1963 program: Bob Seelman, Howard Metzmaker, Flip Thompson, Wayne Brockman, Sammy Sessions, Wayne Root, Dick Filkins, Stan Nawrocki, Gordon Johncock, Ed Snyder, Jerry Flanigan, Johnny Logan, Bill Heeney, Butch Sedewa, Harry Chapman, Nolan Johncock (Gordons cousin), Dick Carter, Bill Deninger, Harry Jones, Jack Sharp, Norm Brown, Ray Bernard, Ken Crampton, Bob Johnson and Howard Woodman. Sessions and Gordon Johncock went on to race at Indy. I recall an especially exciting feature race in 1963. Gordon Johncock was leading most of the way but developed a tire problem just a few laps from the finish.
His cousin Nolan passed him and gestured as he went by as if to say Come on! Cant you keep up with me? As Nolan reached turn 4 of the final lap he crashed with some cars that he had lapped. The track was completely blocked by wrecked cars so all of the racers had to stop on turn 3, and no one could cross the finish line. After it was determined that everyone was OK they announced that they were awarding the race to Gordon Johncock since supposedly he would have finished first if the wrecked cars werent in the way. This drew a mixed reaction from the crowd since Nolan Johncock had been leading prior to the crash.
There was no guard rail along the back stretch at Jackson, and sometimes a car would get bumped and go off the track, over the bank and out of the view of the fans in the grandstand. Everyone would hold their breath waiting to see if the car or driver would reappear! I remember that sometimes after the races we would stop for a snack at Bill Knapps which was close by, near the I-94/US 127 interchange.
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2/26/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald
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Looking at the photos. What a waste. Almost makes you cry. Why cant there just be a few more good tracks? Theres a freaking golfcourse full of chemlawn every twenty feet. The racing fans of this state deserve better.
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2/17/2006 - Cindy Guckenberg
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Hi. I am Ralph Stull, Sr. grand-daughter. Grandpa built and ran the Jackson Motor Speedway. I spent many weekends there as a young girl.
My mother was Ralphs daughter, Wilma. She worked in the office. All of the seven Stulls were involved. My grand-mother sold tickets.
Even, my father parked cars and wore a uniform. The oldest son of the Stulls, Ralph Jr was a co-owner, another son Robert was also a co-owner and was the flagman. There were four girls and a younger son, Roger. Around 1960, my grandfather sold the track and moved to California for a year.
Then, moved back to Jackson. They spent several winters in Florida. Most of the family has passed away, now. My uncle Ralph died in 1991.
My uncle Bob died in 2004. Grandpa passed in 1968 and Grandma in 1986. My fondest last memory of Grandpa was watching him watch MIS speedway being built in Brooklyn, Mi. He took me out there one sunny afternoon.
I can still see him watching through the fence. He was a great fisherman and hunter and is sadly missed.
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6/24/2005 - Marty Blume
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The early season Sunday afternoon shows were just plain awsome! It was as good as any invitational at the time for regular admission prices. It was a whos who. It was Berlin/Kalamazoo vs. Auto City/Dixie/Tri City vs. Flat Rock/Toledo vs.
Indiana vs. the local Jackson drivers. Some of the names were Ed Howe, the Senneker brothers (Rich, Bob, and Terry), Ed Vanderlaan, Bob Carnes, Joy Fair, Fran Harden, John Anderson, Dave Sorg and Jack Reiley. The memories of Jackson are relived the last Saturday of every October when the Jackson Racers Reunion is held.
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2/7/2005 - Rob Imerson
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Sadly enough Ron killed himself. Apparently he never found his path in life. Last time I saw him was at a high school reunion. He was pretty loaded and crying on me. I always liked the guy.
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2/7/2005 - Rob Imerson
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Ron Stull whose dad built and ran the speedway committed suicide. He was a friend of mine in highschool. I saw him last at a class reuntion, he had been drinking and tended to cry. Apparently Ron never found his path in life.
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12/17/2004 - Diane Mysliwiec
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What happened to Ron Stull? His younger sister, Phyllis, was a friend of mine but we havent seen each other since she got married many years ago.
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11/28/2004 - Rob Imerson
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Im 12 years older then my brother Chuck who had a reply here. Dad took me regularly when the track first opened. It was a 1/2 mile dirt oval. They ran motorcycles, midgets and jalopys. The fans sat on folding chairs and the ground.
My highschool friend Ron Stulls dad, who was a wwII hero, built the place from scratch. Sorry Ron is gone.
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11/27/2004 - Chuck Imerson
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My dad used to take me there in the late fifties. Remember Dick Goode and Larry Caitland? They drove super-modifieds and Goode was number 11. The pictures were great and sad at the same time.
Santee, California.
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3/22/2004 - WaterWinterWonderland
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A recent site inspection reveals that the track is still there, although no access road to it exists and it is clearly marked no tresspassing. The weeds and trees are growing up through the old paved track and there is very little left of the grandstands and auxillary buildings. It appeared to be a nice track though, with nice high banks all the way around.
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9/9/2003 - Gary Long
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The track is located off Clinton Rd, next to US127 about two miles north of Jackson. The track is still there! I drove around the high banked paved oval the summer of 1979 in a 1972 Buick Electra 455, what a blast it was! You cant get to it now, its posted. Stands and concession/restrooms and race signals are still there. My dad was a safety man on turn 2 in the late 50s and early 60s. nondaga dragway).
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