Entry Date: - 7/15/2010 - BILL MURAWSKI JR - i would like to say thanks to tom at shadowoods !!! for putting a kick ass dirt motor together for me !! we won 4 features and pick up are frist mid season camp this year !!! thank you shadowoods , tom !!! thanks bill murawski jr .
Entry Date: - 7/5/2010 - suzi - i remember the pelka family was in the races a lot the powder puff and the derby
Entry Date: - 7/5/2010 - Kim Champine - I remember going t the Mt. Clemens race track as a very young child...My father
Mike Champine raced there when it was a dirt track 1960 - 1969 he was Number #333 Dad is not doing to well and it would be a blessing if anyone has any footage from back in those days to show or give to my father....Its sad that that part of Mt. clemens is no longer
Entry Date: - 7/1/2010 - GARY HESS - I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS SITE WHILE SURFING. I HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF GOING TO THE TRACK ON SATURDAY NIGHTS IN THE 60s. I ESPECIALLY REMEMBER ONE SUMMER WHERE DANNY BYRD WAS ALMOST UNBEATABLE DRIVING A 1958 EDSEL OF ALL THINGS. MT.CLEMENS LOST A REAL TREASURE WHEN IT CLOSED.
Entry Date: - 6/30/2010 - louie bennett - my guess is mark malcuit-about 1980
Entry Date: - 6/28/2010 - darrell - is it art summers or stan yee
Entry Date: - 6/15/2010 - Unknown - my guess on that one would be mark malcuit what year was that my guess i think was 1981 .
joseph
Entry Date: - 6/15/2010 - BOB kRUPA - Here is a little Trivia.
Jr. Hanley won 17 out of 18 races at the mount one year.
Who won the other one?
Entry Date: - 5/16/2010 - Terry Bogusz - Thanks Dennis,
I heard I''ll have to get with Tom DeVette for the Mini Champ pix from the west side of the state. Never could believe Robin Metdepenningen and I raced at so many tracks with those Mini Indy Rockets.
After going over some old Track info to remember I finished 2nd my very 1st Feature (Southbend Speedway) and didnt even know it.
That cement bull ring was a trip......
When my New Mace Thomas minichamp was finished we donated the old car to the Michigan Auto Racing Hall of Fame because belonged to the 2 time Season Champ, 3 years before I bought it.
Hope it didnt get lost or ???
Cant find any info on that establishment ????
Thanks again.
E/mail what you find to: terry.bogusz@spiritair.com
Terry
Entry Date: - 5/3/2010 - Dennis Schalm - Terry, I think I have three of those, but they''re not prints. If I have them then they are JPEGs on my other computer.
Been scanning some slides from about ''67 to ''69. Slow process, but I''ll get them done eventually.
Entry Date: - 4/20/2010 - Terry Bogusz SR. - It was a great party. I was able to get a couple old pics of my cars I didn''t have.
I am still looking for (5X7) pics of:
From 1975 #71 Dodge Challenger Super 6
From 1978 #71 Dodge Dart Kit Car (Burgandy and Gold) Limited Sportsman V-8
From 1980 (or 81?) #46 (Dennis Metdepenningen) Dodge Grabber Blue Aspen Limited Sportsman V-8
#46 AND #71 Minichamps
From 1984 #71 Red Dodge Mirada Sportsman V-8.
Thanks
See ya all at Auto City...........
Terry Sr. #71
''terry.bogusz@spiritair.com''
Entry Date: - 4/9/2010 - KENT KRIMMEL - JUST A QUICK MESSAGE. ITS SO GREAT TO SEE ALL THSE PICTURES AND NAMES. BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES. MY DAD WOULD BRING ME OUT TO MT CLEMENS. ALMOST ON A WEEKLY BASIC. AS A YOUNG CHILD WE WOULD GO TO MOTOR CITY SPEEDWAY. AFTER IT CLOSED WE WENT TO THE" MOUNT". AS I GOT IN MY 20s I STARTED TO COME WITH ART SOMMERS AND CLARENCE SHAW, LARRY LEMAY, AND MIKE SHAW. WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF RACERS.. STILL CREW CHEIFING HERE IN INDIANA AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. KEEP THIS PAGE GOING. THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES....
Entry Date: - 2/17/2010 - Claude Plante Jr - Just wanted to inform everyone that Hugh Fair passed away last night. He is Harold Fair''s father and drove for many years at many tracks in the Michigan area. He was still going to the track and will be greatly missed.
Entry Date: - 2/12/2010 - Dennis Schalm - Two thumbs up for you Tom for putting together another good one! I forgot that at one time I was 65 pounds or so lighter. Thanks Wild Bill, really needed that one! It jogged the memory on a couple of kind of cool things; winning (with Bill Breen) Most Popular Driver in ''85, and having all the final champions being customers of mine, maybe all the Best Appearing Cars that year, also. I''ll have to check that one again.
Anyway, looking forward to next year. I''ll have to try harder to get my mom, and Fair there.
Entry Date: - 2/2/2010 - Gary Lindahl - Had a great time at the reunion, visiting with everybody and watching the racing action. Good time talking to you again and nice job on the party Tom. See Ya!
Entry Date: - 1/28/2010 - Vince (red socks) Cuker - Hi all: Well, I guess the "cat''s out of the bag"! I was going to be the "surprise guest", and I so much looked forward to being there. Sounds, and looks like (I received some pictures, thanks to Roger Williams and Louie B.) everyone had a great time. Oddly enough, I did recognize most of those in the pictures. I worked for a long time planning, and arranging, to be there. But due to the wife''s radiation and chemo, she insisted that I be by her side at the last minute. I was going to go with Roger W., and I''m glad that he attended without me. Next year, for sure, but I won''t be the "surprise guest"! Not being to vain, I had a small group of autographed pictures and copies of "My Racing Bio" which some "might" have found interesting. Next year! Thanks to Roger W. and Louie B. for continually prodding me to attend, and Rogers wife (my step-daughter in-law), offering to stay with my wife. Every one have a successful year, and keep the comments coming. I really enjoy reading them.
Entry Date: - 1/26/2010 - Tom Urban - Thanks everyone for showing up at the Get Together. Due to unfortunate circumstances my mystery guest, Vince Cuker, was unable to attend. Thanks to all my wonderful friends for helping. We will do it again next year. If you had a good time, tell someone who didn`t attend. Again, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 1/25/2010 - Cyndy Winkler - Big thanks to Tom Urban for organizing this outing every year. Hope next year the knees are completely healed and you can cart again. This event seems to be getting better and better. So many drivers and fans and pit crew to catch up with. It was super. Sorry Vince could not be there. Hope he can make it next year. My mom had a great time. So many remembered her from tending the bar...most called her "mom" back then too. Mary D had a great time and promised to be back. Thanks to Louie Bennett, who has always been my friend and supporter. Love your new car Louie.
Gary, thanks for this website. What a special conduit it is to get folks together and keep them in touch.
It was definitely worth the train ride from Toronto. Will be back next year, God willing.
Entry Date: - 1/24/2010 - joseph - hey guys gad a great time at the get together sat night at kart to kart.Had to leave at 9.30 though and did not get to see who the mystery guest was .antone know?
Entry Date: - 1/24/2010 - louie - thank you very much , mr.web master, tom''s kart2kart was very suscessful due to your site, and many (appox150) were thankful and happy to be there, and many karted and more b''s''ed,thank,s to cindy for takin'' the train in from toronto, her mom, jack goodwin for coming up from fla....and j and tracy,and larry and george, marv pareantiu...oops.... and bill simmons, and lindell, and norton & 144 others, thank you all for making it such a wonderful time,,,,,wild bill for doing slides and films, and of course my kids,
thanks to all who just showed up
Entry Date: - 1/24/2010 - Billy Simmons - Just got back from the Reunion. Had a great time, Seen a lot of old friends and racers. Big Thank you to Tom Urban on your great effort for keeping the memory of Mt Clemens alive.
See you there next year.
Bill Simmons
Entry Date: - 1/23/2010 - Unknown - Chellyn Lowran: Just wanted to send a Hi from my Dad, George DeCraemer, to everyone there tonight. He really wanted to be there at the gathering, but is in Las Vegas at the moment. (He turned 81 yesterday!)
Entry Date: - 1/19/2010 - Tom Urban - Another update. In addition to our mystery guest this Saturday, we have a surprise guest showing up. He`s none other than Michigan racing legend, Jack Goodwin. He called me this past Monday requesting information on the Get Together. He said he will attend. Hope to see every one there.
Entry Date: - 1/12/2010 - Dave DeHem - The deal on the 23rd of January is the 4th annual Mt. Clemens Race Track "Get Together". It is a deal put on by former super-six champion and MCRT Pit Steward and official Tom Urban. Tom got some of us together 4 years ago at the Kart 2 Kart indoor karting center in Sterling Hgts. to reminisce, to swap a few lies and stories and to do a little bench and go-kart racing.
If you want to race the karts you need to be there before 5:30 PM so you can register. If you are not driving then you can show up anytime after 6 PM for the get together. You will see many past drivers, officials, and fans of our beloved MCRT. Folks bring some meorabilia and usually there are films of the races being played so you can enjoy seeing Jr. Hanley and Don Biederman battle it out as well as LeMay, Leslie, Fair, Monaghan, Mallott and a many more.
Kart 2 Kart is located on Van-Dyke just North of 18 mile rd. on the west side of the street.
Come on out, you are sure to have a blast.
Entry Date: - 1/11/2010 - jdalessio -
I do remember back in the seventies they would have a hundred or more hobby stocks.I am i late model guy but the hobby stocksand sporTSMAN(DOUBLEO)WERE GREAT also.They seem to put a better show on at mt.clemens then anywhere else including flat rock or toledo.But the late models do put on a heck of a show at toledo.MTclemens was so big and wide(half mile was bigger than a true half mile most tracks are measured from the outside mt clemens was a halfmile from the inside groove of the half mile.What is going on the 23 of jan. a reunion of drivers?
joseph
Entry Date: - 1/11/2010 - Bill - I remember Jr''s car that night. One of the RR ties from the armaco went right a above where Jr''s ankles where. Someone mentioned that Howe recomended the seat be mounted lower then the pedals, as the feet would be less likly to fly upward in event of an accident. If true it saved Jr''s. Boy we all miss that Place. "Hobby stocks, hobby stocks, line ''em up on the half-mile" Jan 23 be there!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 1/11/2010 - joseph -
Roger
Hanleys car was a mess that night,i seen up close.one of the worst short track wrecks i ever seen.Some debris even came up thru the bottom of the car and just missed him in the drivers area.the macomb daily covered this in the paper that year but pictures dont do that wreck justice until you were up close.Oneof the many bad ones over theyears i seen out there.Ibelieve don biederman went on to win the second leg of the winston 100 that night.
joseph
Entry Date: - 1/11/2010 - louie bennett - surprise guest has confirmed ( he - she ) will be at the event stated !what the heck
that''s a event i gotta do! ,,,,,,,,,many will be very happy and surprised, even winkler
to see this person, and to guest i wish to thank you in advance,with all you got going on,,,,,,,,,,
Entry Date: - 1/11/2010 - joseph -
Roger
I do remember that night (the winston 100) hanley crashed.His car was so mangled debris came up thru the bottom of his late model just missing him.the detriot free press and macomb daily had a story and picture of his car but i seen it in person and one of the worst i have seen on a short track.I believe don biederman went on to win the second fifty lapper that night.Imiss those days at the track.
joseph
Entry Date: - 1/9/2010 - Roger Williams - Joseph
If I remember correctly Jr. Hanley crashed 2 times that night. It was the twin 50 lap race. He crashed in the first 50, went in the pits, repaired his car and went out for the 2nd 50 laps and crashed again.
Thats the only time i ever seen hanley crash.
Entry Date: - 12/29/2009 - Joseph Dalessio - hello everyone spent my entire chilldhood around stockcar racing but never missed Thursdays and Saturdays(Sundays to start the year off but only die hard fans would know that)for thirty years at mt Clemens racetrack.was there the night hanley went thru the wall and patty simko flipped wildly several times and boob kesoloswki hit one of the light poles on the backstretch and knocked the power out on the track.have tons of stories hundreds of photos and other things fro mthe old track including my old racing rascal and big wheel race trophies.would love to share stories and danny byrd was and is my favorite driver even have the door from of his rides and it is autographed by him thats my prized piece out of thousands of items i have ,nascar and all.
Entry Date: - 12/24/2009 - Baron LeBlanc - Hi everyone!Very neat site!I recognize some of the names in these pics/programs.My dad,Gerald(Jerry)LeBlanc drove stock cars in the 60s and a midget in the late 60s/early 70s at Mt Clemens and several other tracks in the area.Some may remember him as the "Corvair Kid" as he was running a corvair in the midget in the 70s.He was #0 and a company called Fabu-chem sponsored him.The car was blue and yellow until 1973 when he painted it pink because my sister was born.He raced in AMRA and sometimes USAC.I was born in 1967 so I was a youngster at the time.I remember bugging my parents for money to ride the fairground rides at several tracks.I Knew the National Anthem as "The Midget Song".What great memories and a fun childhood that most kids at school just did''nt understand.I did run an Enduro race,Ibelieve it was 1985."I survived 1000 left turns!"as the T-shirt stated!I finished 20 something out of about 230 cars.Just outside the top 20 payout.Tons of fun!I''ll post pics and more info as I find it.Bye now.
Entry Date: - 12/23/2009 - Tom Urban - Update on the update. The date is Jan. 23rd. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2009 - Tom Urban - Update on the Get Together. If you`re racing, registration begins at 5:30p.m. First race is at 6:00p.m. If you`re not racing, show up ant time after 6:00p.m. There is no food available. For any one new coming, Kart2Kart is located on the west side of Van Dyke Ave. just south of 19 Mile Rd. Hope to see every one there.
Entry Date: - 12/16/2009 - louie - let''s all try to remind someone of tom''s kart to kart deal, as many of the old timers don''t even know how to turn on the puter yet,,and happy holiday to all, and be safe
Entry Date: - 12/10/2009 - Tom Urban - Hi everybody. It`s about 5 weeks to the Get Together. Jan. 23rd. If you`re racing ,be there by 5:30 to register. If not, any time after 6:00. The mystery guest is about 95% committed. Hope (s)he can make it. I won`t be racing this year due to knee replacement surgery. Hope to see everyone there.
Entry Date: - 12/5/2009 - Jim Lee - Does anybody have any pictures of the 003 70 mustang? I have a few. I am interested in getting more because the car was drove by Bobbie Allison and the last motor that was in it was built by Jack Roush before he became famous.
Entry Date: - 12/5/2009 - Jim Lee - The 003 57 Ford picture that is posted was drove by Dick Carpenter. Idrove it the following year. I also drove a 57 and 58 Ford,62 Fairlane,64Comet. The last year I raced at MCRT I drove a 70 Mustang. I am the guy you guys are referring to that had on the first flame retard racing suite. I have a scrape book with newpaper clipping and pictures. I live in Alabams now.
Entry Date: - 11/28/2009 - Rex Manglos - Happy Holidays to everyone who keeps this site and the memory of the "Mount" alive, from a person who won''t forget where he came from!! Peace, Rex,,,
Entry Date: - 11/26/2009 - LAURA TUCKER - The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club will be represented in the annual Mt. Clemens Santa Parade. We will have racecars of Terry Bogusz Jr., Brian Bauman and Scott Menlen. This is the fourth year that we are going to participate in the parade down Main Street in downtown Mt. Clemens at 10am on Friday, November 27, 2009. Board of Directors including President Dave Dehem, Vice-President Wild Bill Barnhart, Laura Tucker, Cory Russell, Bill Walters, Sue Ginter, and Larry Iacoboni along with other fan club members will pass out candy on the parade route. The highlight of the parade is when the kids yell "oooh, racecars"! Come on out and say Hi!
Entry Date: - 11/21/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Tom Peltier (tdpeltier@comcast.net) a very enthusiastic supporter of MCRT has done a project of making the last souvenir program of the final season of drivers at MCRT. It has been a labor of love. He has it available in PDF format and will share it with anyone who is interested. They then, can print it out if they want a hard copy. It contains the point standings for all divisions, photos of the top drivers, hometowns, and other information. Send Tom an email and you will see what a super job he has done.
Looking forward to the "party" again. Don''t know who the surprize guest will be this year, but I am sure they will appear older than you remember. See you then. Thanks again Tom for your organization and efforts.
Entry Date: - 11/10/2009 - Eric Schulz - For you old timers (race time 1952-1960) you may remember my dad Al Schulz. He teamed up with a guy named Sid Keller and produced some pretty good race cars. The number ''000'' Dodge , Plymouths and sprint cars. You may remember the sprint for the monster Chrysler Hemis he ran. He was known for his ability to get a car to handle and was able to get cars of lower classes to compete with the higher powered ones. He won a number of championships in the mid 1950s at Mt. Clemens and Motor City.
He past away October 28th. He and Sid had held their freindship all these years and I know Sid along with all of us will deeply miss him.
His first race car was purchased by my grandfather from Marion Adams. It was a T roadster that Iggy Katona had built and driven to many wins (the T-3 car) Lucky me!! I still have that body. It''s something I could never part with.
Entry Date: - 10/24/2009 - Vince Cuker - Dennis S.: Thanks for the info. Yep, "Brownie". How well I remember.
And your father did a fantastic job on the old dirt track. Sorry to hear
about the health problems that caused you to have to quit with ARCA.
CU later down this site.
Entry Date: - 10/24/2009 - Jerry Lewis - Jerry Lewis (Vince Cuker) I remember Vince when I raced at the Mount back in the middle seventies as a very professional starter. As all racers know we can never see a black flag given to one of us during a race. So one Thurs after qualifying Vince decided to address the problem He claimed he would show the black flag once to the culprit & if that didn''t work he would display it once again.The third time he would throw the red flag to stop the race , pull the guilty party up to the front to show the leaders who caused the stoppage and they could deal with this Driver out in the parking lot after the races . Well guess what everyone that night acted to the "Black Flag" the first time displayed ! I don''t know if you remember this Vince but I still tell this story to up and coming racers at our local track. Enjoy your retirement and stay well
Entry Date: - 10/23/2009 - Dennis Schalm - Vince: Haven''t worked for ARCA for a while, health issues.
People only saw my dad drive the water truck, after Henry Brown ("Brownie") passed. What they didn''t see was him grading the track at 4:00 AM on Monday''s and Thursday''s, in order to get the track ready and then get to work on time, 7:00 AM, for the City of Mt. Clemens. (He could sleep in some on Saturday''s.) He did that for a lot of years that people weren''t aware of. He cared for the sport as much as anybody, his contribution was somewhat less noticable than others. I would walk a little taller as a kid whenever I overheard drivers talk about, ''How great of condition the track was in tonight.'' While working for ARCA, I would still hear comments like that, mostly from Benny Parsons and mostly at MIS, when he talked to people about his early career in the area.
Don''t worry about the response time. I don''t get here that often either. It''s a little tough jogging certain momories loose.
Entry Date: - 10/14/2009 - nick - I just found this site today, and I am a huge fan. Is there any plans to restore any of the tracks on this list? Or are they just a thing of the past?
Entry Date: - 10/11/2009 - Vince Cuker - OK everyone, put on you thinking caps.
I need to know who were the Mid-Season Champions in the "OO" division and the Mini-Modified division that ran on July 16, 1983? I know, I flagged the races, but my memory isn''t quite that good. Looking through my documentations, I do not have the Macomb Daily results for that night in my archives. Thanks!
Entry Date: - 10/4/2009 - Vince Cuker - Dennis Schalm: Thanks for the kind words. This is my "annual" visit to this site, so I don''t know when you posted. Please don''t think I just ignored your comments. I''m pretty sure it was your father who drove the water truck around the track in the good old "dirt days". Someone had to know what they were doing to get the right amount of water on the track so it could be worked in. Boy, we had a hard time getting the drivers to work in the dirt track with their clean and pretty cars.... Are you still working with ARCA? Have a good fall...
Entry Date: - 9/22/2009 - Mark - CHECKER FLAG REUNION IS THIS SUNDAY AT 1PM AT THE MOOSE LODGE IN WINDSOR ONT CANADA 777 T ECUMSEH RD WEST COST IS $2.00 PER PEESON WE HAVE 11 INDUCTEES TO OUR HALL OF FAME HOPE YOU CAN MAKE EMAILS CAN BE SENT TO MDESJARDINS13@COGECO.CA SEPTEMBER 27 TH 2009 REUNION DATE
Entry Date: - 9/17/2009 - LAURA TUCKER - Many thoughts and prayers go out to the Fast Company Motorsports #71 racing team of Terry Bogusz on the recent loss of the crew chief, Mike Wilhite. Mike was a great guy who helped out the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club with some of our events, including the Santa Parade in Mt. Clemens. God Speed, Mike.
Entry Date: - 9/6/2009 - Dennis Schalm - Vince, I wish I had been at Flat Rock to see you.
Eddie Janis and yourself, had very much influenced the way I handled the job in ARCA. Being on such a big stage in front of thousands of people and national TV, you needed to have good examples to look to. You two and Jim Clarke are the only good examples I''ve ever had. Not like what I''ve been mostly exposed to, and seen there.
Entry Date: - 9/3/2009 - Kevin - I have DVD copies of the 1984 racing season - The fifth Turn.
I also have the 1982 Stock car racing shows 1 and 2
Please let me know if you are interested. kevin.danaj@mvpcomm.com
Entry Date: - 9/1/2009 - Tom Urban - For Norm Nieman, Kart2Kart is located on Van Dyke Ave. just south of 19 Mile Road. It`s on the west side of Van Dyke. If you want to race the carts, it`ll cost around $50.00. Registration to race will start at 5:30p.m. First race at 6:00. Racing consists of 3 separate sessions of approximately 8-10 mins. each. We have practice, qualifying, and then the various features, depending on how many people race. So come on over and bring any race track videos you may have. Hope to see you there.
Entry Date: - 8/31/2009 - Vince Cuker - Just me again!
For Dave Dobner: So that''s where the good stuff went? Glad the articles are in very good hands. Thanks for jogging my memory! I remember giving the good advice, "If you stay in front for the whole race, you will win!" Smart statement, huh? Thanks for the update info.
For "Wild" Bill: The address is on its way. Had to send it two times. For some reason the "mailman" didn''t like the first one. And, my apologies for spelling your last name wrong in my article "WHAT AN HONOR". I happened to notice it while reading my printout. I know how your last name is spelled, and I will blame it on my finger. (The H is just above the B on the keyboard.) Now I think I will go to the pictures below, and download some to my MCRT files.
Entry Date: - 8/30/2009 - Norm Nieman - Hi guys, I am interested in this Jan. race. Could some one tell me some more info. on where it will be, and how much it is. Thanks Norm
Entry Date: - 8/28/2009 - Jimmy Tucker - Thanks Tom we will be there this will be the 4th year and ill be looking for my 3rd A-main win hope to see ya''ll there!!!
Entry Date: - 8/24/2009 - Tom Urban - Hi everyone. The Get Together is scheduled for January 23rd. Same deal as before. Registration to race starts at 5:30, racing starts at 6:00. Cost to race will be the same. Don`t want to race? Come on down and bring your best stories. Hope to see everyone there.
Entry Date: - 8/24/2009 - Wild Bill - Just thought I woud say that it was great to see Vince in the flag stand at Flat Rock and I have a couple of photo''s sent in for all to see! Vince drop me an e-mail with your address & phone and I will send you copies! Thanks for being there!
Wild Bill
Entry Date: - 8/22/2009 - Dave Dobner - I have just sent the webmaster two photos to go along with this post.
First in response to Shawn Siterlet I have a photo of Tom Siterlet''s #157 Firebird. The film sat in an old camera undeveloped for some time and the picture is not very good quality. I remember the car well because I was in process of building my first race car also a 1970 Firebird for the Mt Clemens street stock class.
And second to Vince Cuker, best wishes and hello. I wish I would have been there to witness your return at Flat Rock! Vince you were always a gentleman and had kind words of encouragement for myself (a very young driver at the time) and my father. The highlight of my racing career is winning the final Double-O feature run at Mt Clemens Race Track, the 1985 season championship race. I was starting on the pole which meant I was last to get strapped in the car after driver introductions. Vince, I will always remember you walking over to our car as I was preparing to jump in and you told my Dad and myself all we had to do was keep her out front for 40 laps and bring it home which we did. Now fast forward to the track equipment auction where my Mother purchased both the flagstand and decking behind the infield front stretch wall for $10.00. We dismantled and brought home the deck and upper third of the flagstand. Vince, you were brave man to climb atop that stand, it most certainly had seen better days. Anyway, I have submitted a photo of the flagstand, and I have circled an area in the photo of the box that housed the phone of "VINCE PHONE" fame. I still have this box in my basement along with other Mt Clemens Race Track memento''s such as the seating section plank my family sat on weekly in the stands which Elmer Simko kindly let us retrieve after he had purchased the wooden stand section at the equipment auction. In closing Vince I just want to commend you once again on a great career at Mt Clemens Race Track - Thank You, from Dave Dobner and the Dobner family.
Entry Date: - 8/19/2009 - Vince Cuker - Dave DeHem: Thanks for all the kind words. Health (of both my wife and myself) will dictate my presence at the next "racers reunion". But, I won''t get on the flag stand next time. Saturday was "my last hurray"! What a thrill!
Entry Date: - 8/18/2009 - Dave DeHem - Vince, What a thrill it was to see you last Saturday, not only to talk with you but also to see you on the flagstand one more time. As I stood down on the infield between turns 3 and 4 I had a tear in my eye and a huge smile on my face once again seeing your expertise with the flags. I realized that the last time I saw you on the flagstand you were waving the checkers over my old blue #99 the last time I drove it and my last time ever at Mount Clemens. I was very fortunate to be trackside once again to witness you unfurle the green, the white, and the checkers. Thank You for all you did back then, it was a pleasure having you as our flagman back in the good old days at "The Mount".
I too enjoyed seeing all the people from our great past down at "The Rock". I am fortunate though as I see many of them on a regular basis in my travels from track to track. Many of us from those days are still going from track to track to get our racing fix now that our beloved Mt. Clemens Race Track is gone. I believe too that is wasn''t just the track that was so great, it was the closeness of the people that were involved, whether driving, wrenching, watching, or officiating. It was a big family that for the most part got along. Seeing people from those days over the course of the summer keeps it all close to my heart and keeps the good old days alive for me.
I have never set foot on the property at 237 North River Rd. since it closed but if there is a piece of the track left that I can see, feel, and touch, I might just break that rule and join you out there to pay homage to our memories.
The track has been closed coming up on 25 years now but I can still close my eyes and be there. I still remember you lining up the fish flies on the railings during caution flags. Thanks for waving the flags last Saturday and Thank You Flat Rock Speedway, Ron Drager, Scott Schultz, and Gary Lindahl for having you up on the stand......Vince-Phone Vince-Phone
Entry Date: - 8/17/2009 - Vince Cuker - WHAT AN HONOR!
It was very exciting from the time I walked through the gates until I left the parking lot at Flat Rock last Saturday night. (8/15). I couldn''t have been treated more royally. Thanks to Tom Peltier for chauffeuring me there. I had the honor to meet and talk with several drivers and persons from our great past; Al Peltier, Danny Byrd, Jeff Medepenningen, Dave Dehem, "Wild" Bill Harnhart, Bob Fitzpatrick, Marv Parentau, George Decock, Don Johnson, John Nece and many ARCA officials I haven''t seen in a long time.
It was quite a thrill as I climbed the flag stand and flagged the 1st heat for the late models. How fast memories return. And to hear the announcer say over the PA system; "Vince - phone, Vince - phone". But he didn''t have to announce that they didn''t have radio communications, just phones when Vince flagged back in 1935! ! !" Thanks to flagmen Frank Bockstanz and Larry Arnold for having me up there with them.
John Nece: Thank you very much for the picture and kind thoughts, it is really appreciated, and I have it in a special location amongst my other racing items.
Jim Gullet: Thank you for informing me that it was Tommy Gullet in that picture and not George Decock. In those days with the long hair and beards, you all looked the same.
Cindy: Thanks for the plug on the Macomb Daily article. It was a great writeup.
Louie Bennet: Something came up at the last minute and we couldn''t make that tour of the race track area. It''s rescheduled for a future date!
I might also mention that during the interview with George Pohly (Macomb Daily Sports Editor) he was extremely impressed with the faithful following we all have with the MCRT history. I was told at Flat Rock, it isn''t so much the track, but the closeness of the people associated the the track as spectators, drivers, workers and crews.
Thanks for reading this. (If I''d get on here more often I wouldn''t rant on so much!)
Vince
Entry Date: - 8/15/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Sorry to hear about Sonny Adams. He was well known in the racing community. Sympathetic wishes to his family and loved ones.
He was, however, never the owner of MCRT. He and John May shared the promoters duties, both while Clayton Stubbs and Doc and I owned the track.
He was Toledo''s owner and promoter, as far as I know.
God Speed, Sonny.
Cyndy Winkler
Entry Date: - 8/15/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Macomb Daily had an article on Vince Cuker. Vince is being honored at Flat Rock and is deserved of the praise and attention.
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/08/14/sports/prep/srv0000006119437.txt#blogcomments
Entry Date: - 8/10/2009 - Jimmy Tucker - Family and friends may visit on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. in the Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114-128 Alexis Road, Toledo. Funeral services will begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Service in Crossroads Community Church at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in Richardson Chapel Cemetery in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Memorial donations may be given to the Toledo Humane Society or Crossroads Community Church in Ottawa Lake, MI.
Sonny Adams was a very close friend of my family and it really hits home to see him pass. I spent the last two holidays with Sonny, and i will always have those memories and stories from the good ol days. When I was a kid I remember riding in the Iceman Pace car with Sonny and my Dad.
Sonny was a good guy and will be missed by my whole family
My prayers go out to the Adams family
He will always be remembered
Entry Date: - 8/7/2009 - louie - tommy is referring to sonny adams who not only owned mt.clemens race track he was the one who converted it from dirt .............for more info go to arcaracing.com
very sorry to here this
Entry Date: - 8/4/2009 - tommygullett - (thomas) Sonny adams we will miss you. You were a great frend . You were part of a lot of great times Thanks from all of the Jims Catering crew!!!!!
Entry Date: - 7/31/2009 - Chris Brunet - This site is amazing! You guys are bringing back memories for me of when I was a kid. I miss that place so much. My dad and I were there every week. That place and all of you driver''s planted the seed to drive race cars. Driver''s like Andy Farr, George DeCock, Dave Dehem, Scott Farr, Tracy Leslie, Dennis Fetter. The list goes on. Louie Bennett, I haven''t seen you since I was a kid and Andy was running CASCAR. How are you doing? I race Legend Cars and I still get to see Dave Dehem. The youtube stuff is pretty cool too. I am hoping to make it to the reunion this winter. It would be pretty cool to see you guys. You won'' remember me, I was a 9 year old kid when she closed, but I will never forget any of you. You were all heroes to me. Thanks for everything.
Entry Date: - 7/23/2009 - Randy - Sorry, type-O - that was JIM LAFFEY (not Kim) on that #111 crew.
thank you...
Entry Date: - 7/22/2009 - Randy - I want to let the folks on here know that Dave Smith passed away July 12th. He wrenched on the #111 Driven by Steve Lee and owned by Mike Moore (of Action Welding).
Some of you might remember him and some of you might not. But when Steve Lee won his Championship at MCRT, Dave was on that pit crew along with Kim Laffey and Mike Phillips.
God Speed my brother...
Entry Date: - 7/20/2009 - Shawn Siterlet - Hi everyone, My name is Shwan Siterlet and im looking for some pictures or videos of Tom Siterlet, he raced from 1978 to about 1982 car#157 1970ish firebird,orange,black and white. Team mates with Larry Lyons car #2 same colors just a camaro. i was only 2-3 yrs old back when he raced. He still has some great pictures from back then but i would like more myself as i am wanting to get a tattoo with him and his car. i am wanting to pick out the right one for me to do this. To anyone who remembers him by the time i was 15yrs old we started sand drag racing. he kept that same #157 as it brought memorys of racing at MCRT. a bit different kind of racing but loved every minute of it. Thanks to all who can help me out on this, that place holds a huge part in my heart even tho i was very young. believe it or not i do remember going to all of his races. my email is SLEDMONKEY_33@yahoo.com
Thanks Again,
Shawn Siterlet
Entry Date: - 7/20/2009 - louie - please tell paul big hi...........
and if you meet tuesday let me know a time i''ll drive over to 237 n. ave to see you both
louie
Entry Date: - 7/19/2009 - Vince (red socks) Cuker - Hi all: Just my semi-annual visit to this site. It''s always nice to see the interest everyone still has in the MCRT racing fraternity. I received a cell call today (7/19/09) from Paul Schaefer (the last, and best announcer, at the MCRT) as he was traveling up I-75 near Lexington, on his way to Sandusky for a show. Paul still works for NASCAR and writes articles for "localracing.nascar.com". Nice site. Look it up if you haven''t down so already.
Was a nice lloonnnggggg conversation as we exchanged thoughts about the ''ol speedway. It''s so nice to bring back all the good memories. Paul and I were to meet this Tuesday (21st) or Wednesday (22nd) and tour the fields where the track once stood. If you know where to look, even after 25+ years there''s still items laying around.
My thanks to Tom Peltier (nephew of Al Peltier, driver of the yellow #21) for sending me items he is gathering in his quest to construct data on the history of the track. As I mentioned in my last "chat", Tom and I have exchanged information, news articles and photos of MCRT activities.
I''d also like to thank Jim from Jim''s Catering for dropping off a framed picture of George DeCock and myself on the judges stand where George received a trophy. The picture was found by my back door one day and for several months it was a mystery where it came from until I yelled out the truck window as I passed his business on Cass Avenue in Mt. Clemens, and he yelled back, "Did you get the picture?" Mystery solved.
I wish the very best to all the race track drivers, fans and pit crews for many years of exciting times. They will always have a big place in my "memory bank".
Entry Date: - 6/9/2009 - Terry Bogusz SR. - Can anybody contact Jeff and have him get hoild of me please?
Best is to e/mail me at: terry.bogusz@spiritair.com
Thanks gang.
#71 Senior
Entry Date: - 6/2/2009 - Shane PEnnignton - If anyone has any pics or info on the Jerry Peenington or the Centerline Auto Parts 007, please email me at spxmet@aol.com Thanks!
Entry Date: - 5/26/2009 - Lisa Bonner - Finally got an answer from MVP- Sara was out of here office- Thanks all for the info....
Entry Date: - 5/25/2009 - Lisa Bonner - Tried to contact MVP, but e-mail failed. Any more info about the DVDS? Thanks!
Entry Date: - 5/25/2009 - Lisa Bonner - Hi All!
I haven''t visited the site in a while, but glad to see the interest is as strong as ever. HI Cyndy! So sorry to hear about Wink. Everyone here is still going strong. My dad (Earl) has continued to be active with ARCA. He has served as an official with the Re/Max series for about 14 years now. Was just at Flat Rock Speedway on Saturday nite and some of us were talking about the fun times at MCRT. (Pat ran the enduro) My dad is still building engines- That win by the way! (Two engine builder awards in the past 3 yrs, so that''s pretty cool) I sure hope all from MCRT that are out there remember the great times at that track. It was surely one of a kind in it''s day. We have great memories for sure! I''ll try to keep up with the site more. I tell a lot of people to check out the MCRT link. Just remember- the ''Weekend Warrior'' will always rule!
Entry Date: - 5/21/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - I have finally gotten a contact person and more specific info for the DVD's of MCRT.
Here is what Sara from MVP wrote:
----------------------------
Anyone interested in a set can contact me either via phone (248-591-5162) or email (sara.atkinson@mvpcollaborative.com). I’ll process and ship the order within 2-3 business days as there are a few days I will be out of the office in the upcoming weeks.
At this time we are only selling the seven DVDs as a complete set, and they are priced at $95.00 plus tax, $100.70 total (shipping not included in that total). Shipping for one (1) complete set is $10.00 and shipped out FedEx Express Saver (3-day, but known to arrive in 2 days). If someone decides to order multiple sets, or would like them to arrive faster, I will give them an updated shipping estimate before processing so they can decide if that is what they would like to do. Local pickup at MVP can be arranged if someone would like to come and pick up a set, but the times may be more limiting. I highly recommend shipping the order.
Preferred method of contact is by email titled “Mt. Clemens RT DVD’s” and include name, address (billing and shipping if different), phone number and number of sets they are requesting. I will call the requestor back for a credit card number since I don’t feel comfortable having it included in an email. They will receive an email from me with the tracking number and order receipt once the DVDs have shipped.
If anyone wants them for Father’s day, I recommend ordering by June 16 so that they can be shipped FedEx Express saver and still arrive in time.
Preferred method of payment is Credit Card - Visa, MC, AMEX and Diners Club are accepted. Payment by check is acceptable if picking up at MVP.
Let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information.
Sara
---------------------
Hope this answers your questions. I have seen the DVD's and they are quite good.
Entry Date: - 5/9/2009 - Mike Mowatt - LOL, Vince no reason to feel dumb it has been too long since some of us have seen each other. You will always be my favorite flag man for the way you used to start the figure-eight features at " The Mount". Sadly, my hero Bob Belz has passed but I am still in contact with Don Harris almost daily. Recently, Don and I took a trip to Florida and got a chance to see Al Grinde. I am still at Ruehle''s, hauling cars across country so I am not in town much. Thanks for adding that special flair to your flaggin''!
Entry Date: - 5/5/2009 - Vince Cuker - Yep, it''s me. Sitting in the wings reading all the mails from you guys. Sure is nice to "hear" from everyone! A couple weeks ago while standing in a long line at Walgreens, a pretty lady looked at me and said, "Hi, Vince!" No being to stupid, I asked where I had known her from. She told me she used to work at a bank I went to, I think that''s what she said!), and that she was the wife of Mike Mowatt. Boy, did I ever feel dumb! Due to the long wait, we had a very nice conversation about "the good ''ol days!" It''s so nice to meet such nice people who were attached to the MCRT.
I had a nice meeting with Bob Capps over at Kart-to-Kart a short while back. Bob wanted to interview me about the MCRT. I covered everything from my attending the very first race there in the summer of 1951, and the very last event on Sunday, September 29, 1985, the Enduro. I left my 3 binders of newspaper clippings and other articles for Bob to scan through and use any information he needed for his very interesting article found in the May 2009 issue of "Vintage Oval Racing". See pages 20 and 21! Thanks for the nice article, Bob.
Thanks to Tom Peltier for stopping over at my house and exchanging racing information and programs. Tom left a couple I did not have, and he in turn received a couple from me that I hope completes his set. I was thrilled when he brought his son and daughter over the second time and they played with the "original" checker flag I used many times at MCRT, Checker Flag and the Mickey Thompson Offroad racing at the Pontiac Silverdome. Tom''s bringing up his children to become very faithful racing fans! Thank you Tom for boosting my ego and asking for the autographed picture.
Thanks Cindy for directing Bob and Tom in my direction so they could get some use out of my limied source of MCRT information.
I got an email from Paul Schaefer, the most exciting race announcer I''ve ever listened to through my ear phones, and we have a date to go over to the grounds where the MCRT once was. There is still proof that a race track once stood on those grounds, if you know where to look. Paul is still with NASCAR and works with the Camper World East Series. I hope good health (not mine) will prevail and I''ll be able to walk the grounds of the old track.
Hey, I took up enough space. Just my semi-annual report. God Bless all and it''s nice to be brought up-to-date on your life after the track.............
Entry Date: - 4/28/2009 - Dan DeMeulenaere - How do you get photos on here? I have alot of them. Mainly of Carl Scholz I have one of my dad,Carl,and Eddie when he took his first championship in 1972.
Entry Date: - 4/23/2009 - Terry Bogusz Jr. - Tim Gietzen 810-750-1919
Entry Date: - 4/22/2009 - Randy Morse - Cindy W.
You were and still are the best thing that happened to MCR. I miss you and the track I grew up with.
I''m your greatest fan.
Randy
Entry Date: - 4/21/2009 - Terry Bogusz Jr. - Timmy Gietzen lives in the house behind Travis country inn eastside of gratiot, He still does trans work, Motion Engineering 19393 Wallace street Roseville Mi. I am looking for a current phone number for him.
Entry Date: - 4/19/2009 - LAURA TUCKER - If you are looking for pictures and videos from Mt. Clemens Race Track, visit YouTube.com. Type in the search for Mt. Clemens Race Track and enjoy many pictures of our fondest memories.
Entry Date: - 4/14/2009 - Dennis Schalm - Interesting new stuff. . .
Sad to see that "Wink" had passed. My first contact with him wasn''t through the race track. I worked at St. Joseph Hospital-West ER when it first opened and he was a doctor there at the time.
Cyndy: fw2arca@gmail.com and thanks
Claude: Homer Newland also raced in many NASCAR "Cup" races in the 50''s
Lance Pierson: Your dad was one of many drivers who signed my cast when I was a kid.
Al Grinde: I see the hurricanes haven''t chased you back to Michigan . . .
Keith Goodrich: I didn''t know your dad personally, but I sure knew of him. John Cwikla''s and my father both worked for the City of Mt. Clemens. My dad was a road grader operator, which made sense that his "other" job was grading and maintaining the track surface at MCRT. Due to that, our family got a season pass every year, so I was at EVERY event as a kid. The night your dad set the record at 16.99, WBRB radio was broadcasting from one of the covered wagons (yes, they were that old). John Cwikla and I would get the radio guy bits and pieces of info for his show. I had mentioned to him that your dad had just broke the 17 second barrier on the quater-mile. Next break in the music when he came back on the air, he mentioned that fact as a little hype that track conditions were great and people should head to the track, because it promised to be an exciting night of racing.
Why mention all this? I was 12 at the time, John Cwikla was 16. So guess who got the intern job at WBRB and went on to have a successful sports radio career. Yep, John. Timing is everything. It''s funny that my last races there I would run in the low 15''s and still not be nearly fast enough to finish higher than second in a feature.
For all those that know what I had been up to since MCRT, an update. Finally after 5 1/2 years my health is allowing me to persue the possibility of getting back to work for the ARCA RE/MAX Series, with the real goal of getting back up on the flagstand. I reallly want to be back at Springfield, Ill. at the dirt track. It was where I had my heart attack during the ARCA race in 2001. That place owes me at least one more good memory!
I''m still trying to get Joy Fair to one of the Kart2Kart deals. The last time he was on a go-kart was in Daytona about six or seven years ago, beating the back bumper off Bobby Hamilton Jr.''s kart. Chuck Newby would be a good one too. He broke his brother''s arm on a go-kart in Fla. about a year or two later. Not exactly a timid one either.
Entry Date: - 4/10/2009 - lfbennett - tim gietzen worked with andy farr ( 04 ) i''ll have the word passed to andy and maybe he can help you
i believe tim still lives in e.point
happy easter to all racers,and familys, and have a safe season
louie
Entry Date: - 4/9/2009 - Paulette Escalante - My son Steve would like to talk to Timmy G. for a transmission. I don''t know how to spell his last name. He sold transmission parts & fixed them back then.
I would like a set of those Mcrt VIDEOS. It would be nice to see everyone that raced and beat the tar out of me. Plus it''s a must see just for the Double-O!!
Plus the x-tras. Maybe they''ll have the time those big birds where brought in for some of the racers to race. That was GREAT!!! And it showed what great sportsmanship we had at that track.
Entry Date: - 4/2/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Thanks. Since the kids are scattered, if anyone who remember "Doc" wants to send a message they have set up an email address.
Send to
hjwinkler_inmemory@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Entry Date: - 4/1/2009 - l.f. bennett - the real henry winkler has passed away, as in Dr. winkler cyndy''s 1st mr.- let''s say a prayer for the extended family and all his children, his body has been donated to wayne state univ. his alma ma. for all those who knew him he was a good hearted and fun guy.
prayers to you dr. and all his children
louie
Entry Date: - 3/27/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - As promised I have contacted MVP. If you have an interest in videos from Mt. Clemens Race Track-- MVP has made two sets of DVDs— One set consists of the 82 season of stock car racing (5 DVDs in this set.) The second set consists of the Cable program series the Fifth turn (7 DVDs in this set). Each DVD has several programs on each. I don’t have a catalogue of what’s on each DVD yet, but may be able to eventually get one.
The production of these DVDs are quite labor intensive. They will be sold for $10-$12 per DVD so $50 to $60 for Set One, and $70 to $85 for Set Two. Shipping charges would be in addition to these prices.
We need to see what sort of demand there is for these archived DVD’s so if you have an interest in getting a set, please respond back to me and let me know of your interest. (cynwinmail-mcrt@yahoo.ca)
Entry Date: - 3/26/2009 - Louie B - by all means not trying to take away from this great communicating site; however if you go to youtube.com and type in mt. clemens race track there is about 23 entry''s re: the track.. films, photos''s from ron leon, etc. grab a cold one and enjoy.
louie
Entry Date: - 3/26/2009 - James Gullett - Hello, My name is James Gullett, son of Tommy Gullett i was wondering if some one knew where i could find some old pictures of my old man in action. thank you
Entry Date: - 3/25/2009 - Kathy Tosto - HI everyone WOW this was a life time ago,but what a life it was
Entry Date: - 3/21/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Anyone who is interested in photos from the era that I owned the track can contact Ron Leon. You can reach him by email at peggypayne7@hotmail.com or call him at 586-771-9139. He says he still has about 90% of the negatives, so he should be able to help some folks with their photo requests. (Ron gave me permission to post this info.)
Entry Date: - 3/21/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Hi to George DeCraemer who is well remembered as a good, reliable safety crew member. Not too chatty, but always there when you needed him. Hope he will come to the reunion next year. Great to hear from Dennis Fetter and Paulette Escalante. Thanks again to the webmaster for keeping this site alive and a source for comments. Tom Peltier has a You Tube channel with Mt. Clemens Race Track footage. If you type in "Mount Clemens Race Track" in the search on You Tube, you will see a listing of all of them. I am continuing to try and get some results on video copies. I have saved emails from anyone who contacted me about them, so eventually, I will be in touch.
Entry Date: - 3/20/2009 - Dennis Fetter - Just a note. After 40 years of racing I retired from driving 2 weeks from the end of last year. My son Erik was put in #75 and will start this year as a rookie at Auto City. I just want to say to all racers that it has been great and this site is a great way to remember Mt Clemens. I am still looking for old pictures of my first 2 cars. 61 chev #34 and a 57 Chev #34. Limited cars denf_1999@yahoo.com
Entry Date: - 3/16/2009 - louie - try getting ahold of ron leon i believe he lives in warren mich. he''ll have plenty of photo''s
Entry Date: - 3/14/2009 - Keith Goodrich - #85 Lloyd Goodrich, Hello my name is Keith Goodrich and I ''m looking for any pics of my Dads car during the late 60''s. He held the 1/4 track record on Aug 10th 1968 at 16:99. I have some other pics of some of the cars during that time I will post as soon as I can. I can be reached at (734) 461-6819. Thanks and this is a great site.
Entry Date: - 3/14/2009 - Paulette E - Hellllooo again... My e-mail address is vanstarlee@msn.com
Thank you also to TOM S. he was a real race fan - and it looks like he still is!!!
I told my sister Judy about the site-can''t wait for her to chit-chat with one & all. Hugs & kisses...
Entry Date: - 3/13/2009 - Paulette E - One thing MCRT was great for was FAMILY.
Anytime i''ve ever talked to the kids about it (now they are ADULTS) can talk & talk about how much fun it was for them. I didn''t know it at the time but my kids (Steve & Martha) have some great stories about those days. And it was safe for them. So not only keeping us safe on the track they kept OUR families safe in the stands. Thank you all who came in contact with my 2 maniac''s-they remember alot of fun people.
ONE more thing. I thank my pit crew for all they did- I knew less then Cole Trickle about the car. The people that put the real elbow grease in our the real STARS...
Has anybody heard anything about Cathy Tosto?
Check ya''ll later
Entry Date: - 3/11/2009 - Paulette Escalante - I''m remembered even if it is for just being a butt-head
Entry Date: - 3/11/2009 - Paulette Escalante - somebody remembers me. I''m 54 now. That seems like a life time ago!!!
Entry Date: - 3/10/2009 - louie - welcome paulette
you still pushing cars around the track ,we all miss you . welcome to the site were all here, and bob williams say''s hi too;;;;;;;;;cyndy''s on site too
louie
Entry Date: - 3/9/2009 - Paulette Escalante - WOW!!!!! this is a great gift you have put together, I live in Arizona now.
Hugs & kisses to all
Entry Date: - 3/8/2009 - - Wish my Dad, George DeCraemer, was computer savvy and had access. He worked on the safety crew and trackside gates at Mt. Clemens and other tracks throughout Michigan. Wish I had known about your get together held in January, I''m sure he would have wanted to be there. He is now 80 years old and still works for USA Demolition.
I also worked in the concession stands at MCRT in 1970-71, and still miss the place dearly.
Entry Date: - 3/7/2009 - Mark - HI EVERY ONE JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU ALL KNOW WE WILL BE HOSTING A CHECKER FLAG CHILE FEST ON APRIL 4TH 2009 AT THE MOOSE LODGE IN WINDSOR AT 5PM AND DINNER AT 6PM COST IS $6.00 PER PERSON ALL U CAN CHILI AND BEANS AND WIENERS , OTHER FOOD TO ORDER OFF THE MENU CASH BAR , JUST A GOOD TIME TO SIT DRINK, EAT AND CHAT WITH LOTS OF GOOD FRIENDS AGAIN . IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFO PLEASE EMAIL US AT MDESJARDINS13@COGECO.CA HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE
MARK & MICHELLE DESJARDINS CHECKER FLAG REUNION ,HALL OF FAME AND WEB MATERS FOR THE CHECKER FLAG WEB SITE
Entry Date: - 3/2/2009 - R.C. Smith - Norm Neiman, I remember your grandad very well. He was a very nice man. I used to help him and his son John with their car. John and I were pretty good friends. would like to hear from him. E-mail is smittymarg@comcast.net
Was looking through the posted pictures. The one marked anyone know, I dont remember the orange 87 but the blue 11 was driven by Johnny Johnson. I had a friend who later owned that car but never raced it. the black car behind the 11 was the 040 of Harry Farr and I think the white car behind the 87 was the 178 car driven by Jim Hilla. Sorry we missed the get together but I work about 60 hours a week and was too tired to attend. Have heard from some old friends from my earlier post and was happy to hear from them.
Entry Date: - 2/24/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Farewell to a great supporter to the stock car racing industry in Michigan...Mr. Dick Beebe. Unique, individual, enthusiastic and sincere. Good bye friend. You will be missed.
Entry Date: - 2/22/2009 - louie - let''s all take a moment to remember a racer''s racer who has just passed away, mr. dick beebe , of marc times , dealers choice , a great painter , etc. etc. let''s say a prayer for his family and remember many good times........we''ve all had with mr. beebe
thanks for the great times mr. dick beebe
louie
Entry Date: - 2/19/2009 - Norm Nieman - Did anyone know my grandpa Norm Nieman. He raced 1966-1981. His number was 64 and 47. I am trying to find pictures and story about him.
Entry Date: - 2/5/2009 - Dave DeHem - Tom Urban, Thanks again for keeping the faith and trusting that a place would open up for this years re-union. Another great time and always great to visit with and see so many from our days at Mt. Clemens.
It was especially nice to finally see Cyndy after all these years and share a few stories and a hug. Very nice to see Mary DeAlbequerqe and watch her face as I pointed out who was who so she could put names to faces.
I also want to say thank you to everyone who brought pictures and exhibits to share with everyone and the model cars were great although he must not have liked me that much as there wasn''t one of my old blue #99. Thats quite alright as I thouroughly enjoyed seeing what he had to display.
I look forward to next year and also the upcoming racing season. There are still a bunch of us old timers from Mt. Clemens that are still deeply involved in racing and many of us can be found at the area tracks like Dixie, Owosso, Flat Rock, Toledo, and Auto City. I travel with the Michigan Legends Series as PR Director so I get to the races nearly every week somewhere. Another great deal is to join the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club. We have fan club days at 16 different tracks around the state and on those days our current members are admitted free to the general grandstands. Our Board of Directors has many Mt. Clemens people on it like Cory Russell, Laura Tucker, Jeff Moroni, Bill Walters, "Uncle Al" Peltier, Wild Bill Barnhart, Fran Russo, and myself.
The one thing about having the re-union is that while the race track might be gone, we keep it alive by visiting with each other and sharing the stories and re-kindling the friendships from those days. It was great to see Marv Parentau, Bob Slowinski, The Maki gang, Bobby Newby, and just a host of who made up the different divisions on every Thursday and Saturday nights. If I tried to list every body that was there I would miss someone.
Thanks again Tom, thanks to Kart 2 Kart, and thanks to all who came out to enjoy the night.
Entry Date: - 2/3/2009 - Tom Urban - Hi all, Sorry for the delay. Computer crashed. To all that attended the Get Together, thank you one and all. Thanks to Louie for all the help. Thanks to Wild Bill for sending the videos. Hope your mom is doing better. Thanks to Dave Dehem for all your work. Thank you Gary( webmaster) for putting the announcement on the home page. Thanks George for all the phone calls you made. We`re gonna do it again next year. It will be the Saturday after the MARFC banquet.
Entry Date: - 2/2/2009 - Randy - Lance, my email address is sixtychevys@aol.com - please email me there as not to use this form for conversation.
thnx
Entry Date: - 2/2/2009 - Lance Pierson - Randy, thanks for the reply. What a memory, my Dad had several trophies for the best looking car. We also lived in Madison Heights. As I was going through his scrap book i came across a mailing list of all the drivers and there addresses. Ray Nece, Artie Sommers etc. and my favorite driver at the time Lyle Robarge. My dad has a tun of pictures and newspaper articles from that time period, When I learn how to do a scanner, I will share some.
Entry Date: - 1/30/2009 - Randy - LANCE - I do remember Art Pierson...always had an awesome looking car if I am not mistaken. And correct me if I am wrong, but did he (and possibly you) live in Madison Heights off Campbell (near 12 Mile)?
Entry Date: - 1/29/2009 - Al Grinde - Just discovered this site and wanted say hi to everyone! ....A special hello to Don Harris and Mike Mowatt...it was great to see them when they stopped to visit us here in sunny Florida!
Entry Date: - 1/29/2009 - Terry Bogusz Jr. - Any possibility to have the REUNION party the week before the MARFC banquet? My dad and myself would love to attend but had to be at the Auto City Speedway banquet? It sounds like everyone had a GREAT time!
Terry Bogusz Jr.
tkbogusz@aol.com
www.fastcompanymotorsports.com
Entry Date: - 1/29/2009 - Lance Pierson - I was wondering if anyone remembered my dad, Art Pierson. He raced in the late 60''s early 70''s. He was number 09. He was good friends with Artie Sommers. I will send some pictures at a later date.
Entry Date: - 1/26/2009 - louie - tom:::::::;;
you put in a lot of effort and would like you to know, it was a great time had by all,,,,,and appreciated
surprise guest, mary D''albequri " ? pay master, chit giver, office clerk, listerner, helper to all, cyndy''s right hand gal... was a great surprise guest.
mr. webmaster was also missed
and seeing marv p. was a treat for many=============
louie
Entry Date: - 1/25/2009 - Cyndy Winkler - Thanks to Tom Urban for the great job he continues to do in getting folks together to remember MCRT and have fun on the karts. It is always fun to see old friends and acquaintances, and this year a few folks came that I did not see last year. Your comments again show that MCRT still holds high esteem in many folks'' memories.
Dennis Schalm can you send me your email so I can copy those photos you mentioned you would like.
Mary D had a great time seeing you all too. Special thanks to Louie, Jimmy, Bob, Bob and Dave along with all of the folks that came up to say hi and share a memory.
There has not been any progress that I know of since last year with the old track videos, but I will continue to check in and see if something can move along. I still have kept anyone who wrote me from last year, so I will get back to you once there is some news. It''s out of my hands, so I can only ask and hope that something is being done.
Hope everyone has a great 2009 and hope to see you again in 2010.
Entry Date: - 1/13/2009 - BOB kRUPA - Does anyone know if Ed Howe race at MC on the pavement?
I seen Ed race on the dirt during the MC 200, in the #67 car.
Also did Tom Maier came more than one time. Tom came for the 100 or 200 laps in the #61 Ed Howe Camaro, and won.
Entry Date: - 1/9/2009 - Tom Porzondek 01/09/09 - Chuck: I was going to mention seeing Race Neece driving a midget up at Crystal, but I did not think anyone would believe it. I think the year was 1978, or so. I could not believe it myself at first, since he had lost a LOT of weight, but we went up to talk with him and sure enough it WAS him. When he drove supers at Mt. Clemens on the dirt, there was certainly more of him and he really wheeled that "58" Ford around there. (Great shot of him and Benny, at least I am reasonably sure it is Benny, in the photo gallery this site). Also remember when Larry LeMay was crewing for Ray, I think. Does anyone remember the night when Bob Senneker and Johnny Anderson showed up at the track when it was still dirt? Also, there was a guy named Dean Crissman, I believe, who raced the dirt for a short time, and did a pretty good job. Used to have "Dizzy Dean" on his car above the door. Anyone remember Pete Beer, Tim Nester, Harry Zechmann, Len Savagian (?), Mike Diviney, Don Eisen, Dick Carpenter, Jerry Miller, Don McCubbin, and for a while the guy from Flint named Don King?
Entry Date: - 1/8/2009 - Chuck - Tom, You sure kindle good fond memories of following the Mt. Clemens guys to all the big dirt shows. Queen city, Eldora, Auto city, Mansfield Ohio. The Mt. Clemens guys were Kings in Pennsboro, West Virginia, Loved the Hillbilly 100. Even after they paved Cheker Flag in Windsor many of the Mt. Clemens guys ran their. Remember going to Crystal to See Ray Nece in a midget. That was a sight.
Entry Date: - 1/8/2009 - Tom Porzondek - 01/07/09 - To Randy: Yes, the dirt was a world all of its own. I actually started attending auto racing at Motor City Speedway back in the mid fifties, but that place closed in 1958 I think. The old man (my pop) said how about trying Mt. Clemens one day, so we took a ride out there, 1963 I believe. The racing wasn''t the best in those days, but it did get better. By 1965 and later, there were some pretty good super stocks and the sportsmen were starting to put on a good show. Artie and Charlie Sommers, Lyle Robarge (I remember when Lyle got shot in the foot, 1966 I think), Denny Miller, Al Kukuk, Marv Parenteau, and many others. Also went to Auto City when it was dirt (Ed Howe, et. al.); the State Fairgrounds, Oakshade in Ohio (there''s another goofball story), I-96 Speedway (Odessa), and Crystal in St. Johns. Also went to Tri-County Speedway (a.k.a. Queen City Speedway) outside of Cinncinnatti one time, when it was dirt back in 1969. I always wondered why the hot dogs tasted better at a dirt track: Was it the dust and dirt in the onions that did it? Also remember seeing Homer Newland riding in his scooter at Auto City in the mid 90''s as I raced limited lated models with his son Mike. Am going to try to show up at the Go Kart place on the 24th. I can be e-mailed at porzondek1@aol.com.
Entry Date: - 12/30/2008 - Terr Bogusz Jr. - We will not be able to attend this years reunion. Auto City Speedway''s banquet is the same night. I have to go to receive my Championship check and trophy. Everone have fun!!!!
Entry Date: - 12/30/2008 - Tom Urban - It`s a little over three weeks to The Get Together. Please, any of you coming who were at the previous ones, let others know about it. Don`t forget Jan. 24th. If you`re racin, be there at 5:30 for registration. Green flag for first race is at 6:00. Van Dyke just south of 19 Mile Rd.
Entry Date: - 12/30/2008 - Steve Smith - My name''s Steve Smith. My old man used to crew chief for John Nece back in the day, his name is Steve Smith also. I vaguely remember going to Mt. Clemens when I was little (born in ''82). Anyway, the old man told me about the reunion and I think we will be there. I''d like join everyone on the track too.
Entry Date: - 12/30/2008 - Claude Plante Jr. - Actually Homer Newland drove for my grandfather Bob varney for a few years. they even traveled some and raced in WV and some other big shows like the Hillbilly 100.
When I started racing street stocks in 1993 at Auto City Homer''s son Mike was racing then and Homer was at the races alot in a his motor scooter. It was nice to be able to meet him and since my Grandpa built my motors and went to every race with me it was a chance for them to catch up to.
Cant wait for the reunion again Tom, see you there and I will be sitting in a Kart seat attempting to drive lol.
Entry Date: - 12/28/2008 - Randy - Tom, I do remember the boycott...my dad and I were thinking ''this could be the end of Mt Clemens''.
And Homer Newland was one of those dark horse drivers from what I remember. He was good, but not that much attention on him as the likes of Sommers, Neece, Baumgarten, etc got more of the lime light.
I am pretty sure that Homers son tried his turn at racing...I remember his name being called out up at Auto City Speedway a few years ago.
And Pete Magree...I do remember him kneeling and waving those flags in the back of the pace car for the big races.
I remember, I think during that boycott possibly, that he had a nickname of ''Pete Magreedie'' from a few of the drivers.
And I ''was'' a true dirt fan due to Mt. Clemens...it was all about MCRT, Thunder Road, Owendale, Auto City (at the time), Checkered Flag in Windsor, State Fairgrounds, etc...life was so much more fun back then...simpler too!
Entry Date: - 12/23/2008 - Tom Porzondek - To Randy: Yes, Jerry D''Ambrosio (the sharpener) lived on 14 Mile Road, just west of Campbell Road in Royal Oak. Thank you for the nice words. To Louie: You are right about the police hanging around donut shops, and I like the pun about not being "sharp enough". To Bill Murawski about Junior: You may be correct about him looking for another ride after getting out of his wrecked car as that certainly describes the way he was about racing. Does anyone know if Junior ever raced on the dirt? Some of the guys I saw over the years were great on pavement and dirt, and some only liked one or the other. Homer Newland was real good on both as well as many others. I sure missed the dirt when they paved Mt. Clemens, though. It used to be fun to stand up on the mounds of dirt behind the wall in turn four and watch the races from there. No fences or anything. In a long race the whole left side of your face would be covered with dirt and the dust would get in your eyes as well as your hair. I wore glasses in those days and it still got in my eyes a lot. Anybody else remember those days? Saw Artie Sommers hit a guy one night who was running across the track during a caution; the guy flipped up in the air a bit but wasn''t seriously hurt, if I remember right. Also used to get a kick out of Pete Magree kneeling in the back seat of the convertible pace car and waving the flags to start the feature when thay had a big race sometimes. Anybody remember when the super stock drivers boycotted the track for a while because they wanted more money??
Entry Date: - 12/23/2008 - Bill Brown - Tom, I''ll be there Jan 24th, not sure about driving a cart. Will there be a ''C'' main? About Jr''s mishap I beleive it happened about half way down the back straight. My veiw of it was blocked by the house that used to sit in the infeild. But I do remember going in to the pit and all of us examining the car, and being thankful Jr was still walking. It''s scary to thing back at the things we "got a way with" when we where young.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2008 - Jim Bennett - Hi Tom, THANKS for keeping this GREAT time going!!! You can count me in for 2, also I do believe Andy Farr will make it also. Thanks again and can''t wait!!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS to alll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 12/21/2008 - bare - i was also there the night junior went through the wall, and i seem to remember that after he got back to the pits, he tried to borrow different cars so that he could get back on the track. does anyone else remember this or was i thinking of another time. i seem to think one of the cars was the jim''s catering car.
Entry Date: - 12/20/2008 - Louie B. - let''s support one of the webmaster''s favorites,,,soldiers angels -1792 e. washington- blvd.- pasadena ca. 91104 we all love and use this site let''s give a little back,challenge is on, i just sent mine louie p.s. tom if you need anything else call
Entry Date: - 12/20/2008 - bill murawski - i was about 6 years old when jr went went through the wall !!!! it took them along time to get him out of the car ,the rail road tie had him pined in the car up side down. everyone one thought it was for the worst . but he came out ok .
Entry Date: - 12/18/2008 - Randy - To Tom Porzondek:
I am sorry to hear about your father-in-law as well...I do remember him being everywhere.
I have to ask, did he live on 14 Mile Rd? I thought I saw him pulling in to a driveway there many times...and it just clicked when I drove by there the other day.
totally his family and yours have my condolenses!
Try to have a Happy Holiday and remember the good life he lead and the memories he gave you and all of us.
Entry Date: - 12/17/2008 - Tom Urban - Kart2Kart is now officially open. The Get Together is officially on. Jan 24th. If you`re racin, registration starts at 5:00pm. If not,you can show up any time after 6:00pm. Kart2Kart is at it`s old location, Van Dyke just south of 19 mile road. I`ve got a mystery guest again this year. Come on out and see who the guest is. Hope to see every one there. I still would like to get a head count on who`s racing.
Entry Date: - 12/12/2008 - louie - after that wreck of jr. going thru the wall all his, and most other cars were made with what was called a hanley bar left foot area protection naw i don''t think no cop was sharpening knives they were too sharp to do that and were probably at the donut shop
louie
Entry Date: - 12/11/2008 - Tom Porzondek - I got scrolling through the pics on this site after doing my posting and just had to comment on the pics of Junior Hanley''s car before and after going through the fence one night (somewhere around turn three, I believe). I was a spectator at numerous speedways for a long time before I got my own car, and I was there with my youngest brother the night Junior crashed, BIG TIME. You could just see it coming as he only had one throttle position; all the way down ALWAYS. You could sooner get a zebra to change its stripes than get him to lift. He was lapping everything and everyone in sight and was coming up on a back marker or lapped car, I think. (Just about the way Rich Vogler wrecked and was killed at Salem) He went to blast around on the outside I believe and BOOM, the guy went the wrong way. Right THROUGH the fence and out into the night. He got out and came back waving I think, so that people knew he was okay. What the pics do not show is the RAILROAD TIE that was in the driver''s compartment under where his legs probably were when he crashed. They used to back up the wall with those railroad ties and Junior was real fortunate that night. My brother also remembers that they brought his car back between two wreckers (no flatbeds in those days, I guess), right past the grandstands and stopped cars on the frontstretch. (Claude Plante also told me he remembered that part). Anyway, my brother said that Don Biederman was apparently applauding as Junior''s car went by. I honestly don''t remember that part, but I did go to the pits afterward and saw the piece of railroad tie that was in the car. I always thought he was the best I ever saw (not to slight my other favorite, Joy Fair). Even put number 72 on my car when I raced. Does anyone else remember that particular night at the "Mount"?
Entry Date: - 12/11/2008 - Tom Porzondek - Hi Shane: Thank you for the nice words about Jerry. In answer to your question about if he went into Sterling Hts., I really do not know. He went to MANY communities over the years and was asked to leave by the police in some. (Maybe a cop was also a knife sharpener there, eh ?) He used to come rolling in just after dark, many times with a pizza. (He would rather eat a pizza than prime rib, no kidding). Also for Jimmy Tucker: I remember your grandpa Norm very well at Mt. Clemens. I talked with him a bunch of times and he was a really funny guy. I do remember when he got burned real bad and then came back to race again in his tee shirt (purple ? I think). Hardly anyone in those days used a racing suit, let alone the fire suits of today, as most guys raced in either a white tee shirt and white pants, or some other regular shirt. Ya gotta remember also that in those days, NOBODY that I ever saw had or used a fuel cell, just a regular gas tank strapped in the back where the trunk used to be. In 1968 I think, there was a guy named Jim Lee that showed up in a REAL firesuit and Eddie Janis pointed it out to the guys in a driver''s meeting once, but they apparently were not mandated until later years. I do believe that Jack Goodwin had a racing suit, but don''t know if it would have done much good in a fire. Now THERE was a character. Last time I saw him was in the early 90''s up at Auto City, as they were having an old timers race or something, and he was waiting around all night to go out and drive. Don''t know if he ever did, as it was real late and I had to leave. More later.
Entry Date: - 12/3/2008 - Shane Pennington - Hey, Tom. Sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Did he do routes in Sterling Heights? Because I knda remember a guy who came around every so often when I was a little kid who sharpened knives for my grandma''s neighbors. I hated the sounds that it made.
Entry Date: - 12/1/2008 - Tom Porzondek - To All Who Visit This Web Site: I am sure there are many people, especially maybe some older ones, from the Metro Detroit area who remember the short man who drove around on the three wheel cushman scooter and sharpened lawn mowers, knives, and scissors. He did this for over fifty years (that I know of) and was featured many times in newspaper articles.
I am sorry to announce that Jerry D''Ambrosio, age 86, died last Monday, November 24, 2008. He was the father of my wife and we buried him yesterday in Cadillac Memorial East, Clinton Twp. I did take him and his family once to Toledo Speedway back in the seventies and he liked it quite a bit. I am sure there are many Mt.Clemens race fans that may have known of him or had things sharpened by him.
Tom Porzondek porzondek1@aol.com
Entry Date: - 11/30/2008 - Tom Urban - Great news every one. The Get Together is back on. Kart2Kart is reopening in December. They are in the same location. Van Dyke just south of 19 mile road. The date for the Get Together is Jan 24th. If you want to race, registration starts at 5:30, racing at 6:00. Cost is the same. I need to know how many of you want to race so maybe we can get a break on the price.
Entry Date: - 11/27/2008 - jeff jablonski - Hi guys
I met sean about ten years ago and became a close friend of his. We were both musicians and he actually recorded some of my music, as he did for many people among pockets of local music all over michigan. The last show he booked at the Lager House on the 29th has become somewhat of a memorial show for him. Some friends of mine an I are putting together a collage for the occassion as well as a slide show. When i look at the pictures, while there are plenty with him and his guitar, i feel like something is missing.
I know that his memories of the race track were some of the fondest of his life. When he would talk about them his body language would perk up and his eyes would light up.
if you knew him well
my best wishes
if you have any questions about the show
and/or any pics you would like to send
please e-mail at
jeffjablo@hotmail.com
Entry Date: - 11/23/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - I am very sad to hear the news about Sean i enjoy speaking with him several time on the internet hearing some good ol'' days storied my prayers go out to his family.
if anyone has any funeral details please call me at 586-321-2790
Entry Date: - 11/22/2008 - BILL MURAWSKI JR - sean you will be greatly missed !!!!!! ................. sean had great information about every sight not just 1 but all of them !!!! you will be missed in this racing world !! thanks for the stories sean bill murawski .
Entry Date: - 11/18/2008 - Randy Adam - I do not know how many of you on this form knew Sean Fitzgerald, but he was killed last night in a car accident.
He was a true hard core race fan that loved Michigan short track racing. I enjoyed talking with him on numerous occasions whether it was about racing or music. He was the only one I knew who would go back and forth between Auto City and Dixie on the same night to catch all the racing he could.
He also had a love for the Detroit local music scene and supported many bands by attending there shows.
My prayers and condolences go out to the Fitzgerald family.
God Speed!
Entry Date: - 11/18/2008 - Cllaude Plante Jr. - Sad news but Sean Fitgerald who is an obvious fan of racing and of this site was killed last night in a car wreck. Just wanted to pas the info along and give our sympathy to his family
Entry Date: - 11/18/2008 - Wild Bill - This was posted on MSTRC site today!
Sad to report the tragic death of Sean Fitzgerald in a traffic accident last night. Sean was a huge fan of all racing, especially the Limited Lates, and Hobby Stockers. I knew him for almost 35 years, having attended Mt Clements Race Track together in days of our youth. He also was a very talented songwriter, and performer...so sing a song today. Sean would have dug that. I''ll post any arrangements as soon as I hear about them. The sad news was relayed to me through a friend who works with Seans''s dad at the Canton Library. Send your prayers please.
"God''s Speed Sean"
Entry Date: - 11/15/2008 - Shane Pennington - Hey, VP. Sorry it took so long to respond to you! Thanks for posting the link to the site. There''s a couple good pics of the speedway on there. If one of my grandpa''s cars would be on there, they would probably say Stroh''s on them. I noticed the one late model pic of a Stroh''s car. Car looks pretty killer. Looks like candy apple red paint, which my grandpa loved. If anyone else has any information about Jerry Pennington aside from Autorama, contact me at spxmet@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Thanks.
Entry Date: - 11/14/2008 - Claude Plante - Hey Tom, how have you been haven''t seen you in a long time. I appreciate the compliment very much. We are still at it racing when we can but are pretty much under funded to be a winning Super Late model today. I work over at DTS still so if you need any rear axle parts or service just give me a call. I with all the rest of us Varney kids grew up at Mt. Clemens too, so most of my childhood memories are from that place.
My grandpa Varney loved going there and he helped so many people and had some really great drivers drive for him there too. Too bad I never got a chance to actually race on it.
Take care
Entry Date: - 11/13/2008 - Rob Hart - Dennis, Great Stuff !!
Alton Kukuk has never run for office. The other Al Kukuk, who has run for office, is his cousin. Alton is checking out the sight. I hope he leaves a message in the near future.
Rob Hart
Entry Date: - 11/13/2008 - Tom Porzondek - This posting is for Dennis Schalm and Claude Plante, Jr: Dennis, I do not know if you remember me, but you lettered my car back in 1993. It was #72 and you used the templates you had for Tracey Leslie''s car, I believe you said. I just wanted to say thanks again for the nice job, and I still have one of the doors on a wall in the garage, for memories. I ran the car mostly at Auto City and a few times at Owosso. Hey Claude! How are you a doin ? I never did tell you this, but I always thought you were one heck of a good race car driver. Some of these young cup drivers don''t have nothin'' on you, you could flat out get it done. Your cousin Bobby Varney was a class act as well. Do you remember the night Bobby blowed up right in front of me in hot laps at Owosso? That was a fun, out of control ride, eh? Anyway, just wanted to say hello. I also have LOTS of memories of Mt. Clemens Race Track (started going there in 1963), but that is for another posting. Tom Porzondek #72
Entry Date: - 11/10/2008 - Dennis Schalm - Been a while since I checked here. Brings up too many good memories that turn to painful ones missing them so badly.
Just a few observations on the posts.
I remember Ben Ellison, used to drive the #45 modified, then stock car.
Jimmy T., most people don''t even remember you grandfather raced modifieds before they even raced stock cars at MCRT, it was #500 also. My dad and him both worked for the City of Mt. Clemens.
I also remember Alton Kukuk quite well. One thing I always wondered, was he the "Al" Kukuk that was always running for some public office in the Chesterfield Twp. area.
Tom U. you''re thinking of Bruce MacGregor, he did TV and radio with Bud Lynch, whose still the PA announcer at Joe Louis Arena, for the Wings.
Personal note; Probably at least half of the color pictures below were of cars either I, or Ron Leigh, my mentor, had lettered.
Speaking of sign painters, that #22 Bob LaraVie, he was a sign painter that went on to start the International Show Car Assn. who co-produced Autorama in Detroit with the MHRA, and created a national show car championship.
Saw Billy Kratchoff recently. He came up from GA to his Uncle''s funeral. Bob Dera, for those who knew him. Co-owned Saeger & Carey Glass shop, with his brother Ron.
Sharon MacGregor, I think my mom was still racing when you started, our car may be on that film, black Ford #565. (Which was supposed to be 005, Norm''s number reversed, until my idiot brother painted 555 on it, just to have to chagne it when he was remeinded there already was a 555)
Well, that''s about all I can contribute for now.
Entry Date: - 11/5/2008 - Art - The picture by Robert Krupa of the unknown car along side of Jack Goodwin''s #78 Ford is the #07 of Mike Wise''s "Purplehaze" race car. It was a late 68 - 70 Chevelle with a 427, dirt track car. The late, Lyle Snover, also worked on this car for a time.
Entry Date: - 10/26/2008 - Claude Plante Jr. - Just to let the people know that knew her. My Grandma Irene Varney (Bob Varney) passed away Wed Oct 22nd. Her viewing will be at Resurrection Funeral home on Hayes south of 18 mile on Sunday from 3-8 and funeral services will be at 10:30 Sunday at Resurrection.
Entry Date: - 10/20/2008 - jasonmurawski - hey race fans no disrespect to any of you me and my brother billy are proud of the only few memories that we have of MT. CLEMENS SPEEDWAY.
Entry Date: - 10/20/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - I called cart2cart and got a voice mail. It says they are closed for remodeling. There is an indoor carting place in Clio. I
Entry Date: - 10/20/2008 - Rex Manglos - Hello everyone, I had a chanch to run into Jr. Hanley this past weekend. We had a 100 lap Late Model pavement race down here in Pittsburgh Pa., and he was here to help someone out. He still looks good, and I could not find a pen to get his autograph! I am going to be 58 in a couple of months and still messing with circle and drag cars, go figure,,,, Anybody that gets close to Pittsburgh give me a shout. 724-925-6119 See ya or beat ya at the track!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 10/19/2008 - Tom Urban - Hi all. Don`t know if there is going to be another get together. Looks like Kart2Kart has closed its doors. There is nothing going on at the new place either.If you go to the Kart2Kart web site, it says they are closed for remodeling. I went by the place the other day and the building is empty. Been trying to find out about the new location but can`t get any information. I`ll update any further news if I can get it.
Entry Date: - 10/18/2008 - R.C.Smith - I have visited this site a few times and want to contribute my memories. My dad was the track welder for many years Bob Smith everyone knew him by the funny hats he always wore. My brother Dave raced in both hobby stocks and limited sportsman. My happiest memory was seeing him win the double O championship nite 1983 then backing it up by winning opening day 1984. He set and broke his own qualifying record 4 or 5 times in the 1985 season.
We started going to MCRT around 1964 or 65. My dad and some friends built a 1955 Chevy was number 409. After that we just went to watch for a while. Dennis Schalm and I were very good friends. I also attended high school with Norm Tuckers kids, Tommy Gullett and Al Peltier. I also helped Rch Peltier (I never liked calling him Tic Toc he was always good to me) build car for the super 6 division. I missed the 1976 thru 1979 seasons because I joined the military after high school but started going to the track after I moved back to Michigan. It was a shame the track had to close but I lived in Mt Clemens and know the city wanted it gone. As far as building a new track elsewhere in the area I think the major problems would be in the city/township/county where you want to build. Look at how fast the proposed track at the Mich State Fiargrounds went from concept to dead.
Glad this is here good to see familar names and also old pictures too. Anyone wants to contact me my address is smittymarg@comcast.net.
Entry Date: - 10/18/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - When''s the next reunion? Is there a need to help plan? Hate to think one person had to shoulder it all
Entry Date: - 10/16/2008 - Unknown - No disrespect to anyone, I have the same picture, taken by my dads little instamatic camera.
Entry Date: - 10/15/2008 - jason murawski - yeah terry what have you lost your mind i am one of the 3 boys in the pic with my cuz. chad and billly my brother and yeah thanks. dirttrackjay@yahoo.com
Entry Date: - 10/6/2008 - BILL MURAWSKI JR - hi terry bogusz the photo with don s car on the trailer and the boys next to it are myself bill murawski , brother jason an one of my cousins . i have a jr 72 shrit on in the photo . i still have it to this day . thanks bill m.
Entry Date: - 9/24/2008 - Roger Williams - I would also be interested in a copy of the film. raceweekreview@yahoo.com
Entry Date: - 9/8/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - http://macombdaily.com/stories/081708/spo_sports01.shtml
here is the link to that story
Entry Date: - 8/31/2008 - BILL MURAWSKI JR - their was storie in the macomb daily about the track . it was from larry lamay . the other was from cyndy winkler the former track owner .
Entry Date: - 8/11/2008 - David Williams - Sharon, if you get that on dvd, I would like to get a copy.
davidglenn5@juno.com
Entry Date: - 8/7/2008 - Randy - I''ll buy one or two for sure!!! rusty2win@aol.com is how to contact me!
Entry Date: - 8/6/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Put me in Too!
Entry Date: - 8/5/2008 - Randy - Sharon, here is a local company that does all kinds of video tranfers. They can transfer to DVD as well:
http://www.troyvideo.com
They are located in Troy, MI.
Entry Date: - 8/5/2008 - Rob Hart - Sharon, I took a VCR tape to Walgreens and they transfered it. The 1st copy cost a little more but, the additional copies were cheaper. I split the total cost with the people who wanted a copy. They did a good job and they made a nice cover for the DVD case too. Put me in if you deceide to do it. kukhart@fuse.net. Thanks, Rob
Entry Date: - 8/4/2008 - Chuck Cox - I raced in the Demolition Derby''s from 82 - 84 and could watch them on Tuesday evening''s channel 62. Does anyone know of any video''s available.
Chuck
Entry Date: - 8/4/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Sharon, the best thing to do would be to find someone who has a mac and uses Final Cut software and transfer it to DVD. I suggest looking on line for videography services, such as a legal videography service, or a wedding videographer.. Thank you for even having the films!!!!
Entry Date: - 8/3/2008 - Sharon McGregor - My ex husband, Chuck McGregor and I used to race at Mt Clemens (#82) from about 1967 to 1970. I have a 8mm home movie from opening day and I think the year is 1969 or 1970. I know our car wasn''t ready for the first day so we took the movie camera and filmed a few races that day. I have it on a VCR tape but I don''t know how to copy it. If someone knows how or can tell me how, I would apprecialte it and I would be happy to share it with anyone else that would like to a copy of it.
Sharon McGregor
Entry Date: - 7/28/2008 - Bud - Wondering if anyone remembers a driver by the name of Ben Ellison?
Entry Date: - 7/27/2008 - Ron Nelson - Terry, that Biederman pic, do you have any more like that. Would love to see them either on here or by email. I am the guy from Windsor who emailed you those old B&W pics of your Dad from Checker Flag.
I am a huge Jr. Hanley fan and was also wondering if you know what happened to that Hanley shirt that is in the pic. Would love to be able to get my hands on one. Or any pics of Hanley that you might have.
Either contact me here or at hanley_72@hotmail.com
THANKS!!!
Entry Date: - 7/23/2008 - Terry A. Bogusz - The picture of the kids next to Don Biederman''s #43 on the trailer are, from left to right, myself, Jeremy Metdepenningen, and Tom Bogusz. I found a copy of this picture at my parents house.
Entry Date: - 7/19/2008 - Randy - Those pictures ALTON KUKUK has Stan Yee Sr. standing next to him.
Entry Date: - 7/7/2008 - MICHELE - Great to see JIMMY GULLETT back in a car a FLAT ROCK SPEEDWAY had a good run going till a blown tire took him out
Entry Date: - 7/5/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Jimmy I''ll try and make it out there. Iusually go to AC on sat, but it''s time for a raod trip.
Entry Date: - 7/3/2008 - Rich Nyari - Can anyone give me info on if denny nyari won any races at mt.clemens.If so any articles or pics would be appreciated. Rich.
Entry Date: - 7/3/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - sean,
i just wanted to let everyone know that i won 2 out of the last 3 features at springport in the hiloguy.com #50
Entry Date: - 6/21/2008 - Randy A - Mark Smith, I mentioned that way earlier. Wayne Bennett use to live near me in Hazel Park when he had the #98 Northland Ford car.
Entry Date: - 6/18/2008 - mark smith - I think the picture of the #98 car was driven by Wayne Bennett, not Benny Parsons. It was a two car team, and Parsons drove the #198 car.
Entry Date: - 6/17/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - We all want the video and exists. I wish the person who has it would make it available.
Entry Date: - 6/15/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - Dont copy it and put it in google. paste it in the address line.
Entry Date: - 6/15/2008 - Nino Phillips - I am looking for any videos of the races at Mt Clemens race track so i can share the memories with my two sons. Also I am looking for any old pictures of Chuck Phillips # 666 ( the wheeler dealer ) he was my father, we dont have very many pictures of his racing days. thanks for looking!
Entry Date: - 6/15/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - I just copied and pasted the link Jimmy left below and it took me right there, no problem. Nice myspace, good photos from Springsport.
Entry Date: - 6/13/2008 - Don Harris - JUNE 13-2008 @ !:55 AM
I would be iinterested in checking out this "JIMMY TUCKER" SITE???
But I guess Google must of miss placed it ???
Your search - http://www.myspace.com/jimmytucker50 - "did not match any documents. "
Suggestions:
Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
Try different keywords.
Try more general keywords.
Entry Date: - 6/11/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - it should work it does on mine http://www.myspace.com/jimmytucker50
Entry Date: - 6/10/2008 - Terry Bogusz SR. - Mt Clemens Racetrack was televised on Thursday nights on Channel 50 which required a special to get. Ch#50 was a UHF station at the time.
The commentator was Bruce ??, the guy who went on to become the Red Wings announcer back then.
Terry
PS: Last Saturday Night My son Terry (Fliteline Equipment Monte Carlo- #71) took the fast heat AND the feature at Auto City Speedway...
I am very proud.
Entry Date: - 6/6/2008 - Randy A - STAN YEE MEMORIAL:
Flat Rock Speedwa''s biggest Late Model race of the season, the Moran Chevrolet 150, has now taken on an added flavor for the 2008 edition of the event. The Saturday, June 21 contest will now be known as the Moran Chevrolet/Stan Yee Memorial 150. Yee, a hugely successful car owner for over 40 years, passed away May 18, just 2 days shy of his 76th birthday.
Entry Date: - 6/2/2008 - Don Harris - Jimmy Turcker What''s Going On???
"I have a myspace web site http://www.myspace.com/jimmytucker50"
Your search - http://www.myspace.com/jimmytucker50 - did not match any documents.
Suggestions:
Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
Try different keywords.
Try more general keywords
Entry Date: - 5/29/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - RE: sean
I do have a racingt myspace check it out at http://www.myspace.com/jimmytucker50 its not done yet but it something for fans and sponsers.
Entry Date: - 5/27/2008 - Mark - HELLO EVERYONE JUST A LITTLE NOTE TO LET ALL YOU CHECKER FLAG FANS KNOW THAT WE KNOW HAVE A CHECKER FLAG DISPLAY AT THE CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM & HERITAGE VILLAGE THE DISPLAY LOOKS GREAT WE WILL BE HAVING A CHECKER FLAG KICKOFF TO OFFICALLY OPEN THE DISPLAY ON JUNE 14TH 2008 STARTING AT 6.30 WITH A D,J AND OPEN BAR DINER WILL BE OPEN AND A DRIVE IN MOVIE AT 9.30PM COST IS $10.00 PER PERSON . YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE PICTURES OF THE DISPLAY AT THIS LINK www.ctmhv.com ALSO THE CHECKER FLAG REUNION WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 28TH 2008 STARTING AT 1PM AT THE MOOSE LODGE TEC. RD WEST IN WINDSOR THIS YEAR WE ARE ASKING FOR A $2.00 DONATION THANK YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE IF ANY ONE NEEDS SOME MORE INFO PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL AT stockcars33@hotmail.com THANK YOU MARK DESJARDINS
Entry Date: - 5/22/2008 - Dave Lyall - RE; The passing of Stan Yee:
I have frequently shared my reminisces of growing up in Michigan with the visitors the Waterwinterwonderland Web Site, as doing so gives me the pleasure of remembering the wonderful things that became those significant events, as significant events are the only things we actually remember. I have been blessed to have lived a wonderful life, in a wonderful place, during wonderful times, and met so many special people.
However, good things sometimes have a down side, and the down side of my exciting trip through life is now seeing those outstanding special people, who made so many special things happen, by their talent, drive, creativeness, resourcefulness, and all other human factors, the people who gave me these memories, now one by one leave us behind.
Stan Yee was one of those special people. I meet Stan when he was making bubble skirts in a Quonset hut behind his parents’ home in Roseville. What a talent he had with metal, and then to show his mechanical skill, he installed an Olds 88 engine in his ’53 Ford Victoria, transforming it into a winner in the Gratiot Avenue Grand Prix. Stan’s place is where I met many other’s, such as Connie Kalita.
Even with his talent and success, Stan always had time for others, to share advice and comments, accept either congratulations or loss with grace. He was a worthy hero to many aspiring young men, just as he was to me.
Godspeed Stan. And thank you for the memories. Dave Lyall, Livonia, Michigan
Entry Date: - 5/21/2008 - Randy - this is the link for Mr. Yee''s visitation and arrangements:
http://www.kaulfuneralhome.com
Entry Date: - 5/21/2008 - Arnold Kirsch - Macomb Daily had an obituary today.
Stan will be at the Kaul Funeral Home at 27830 Gratiot in Roseville, Mi. 48066
(Just North of I-696)
visitations listed are: 5-8 PM Thursday
2-8 PM Friday
12 noon service at the Funeral home on Saturday
Burial will be in Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Twp.
Kaul has a website that you can view Stan''s Obituary and sign his guestbook with a message to the family.
Just search Kaul Funeral Home and you can get to the site.
Kaul Funeral Home
27830 Gratiot Ave.
Roseville, MI 48066
Timothy J. McGillen, Mgr.
586-775-1911• Fax: 586-775-4810
http://www.kaulfuneralhome.com/
Entry Date: - 5/21/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Hey racers, you should have websites or myspaces so fans don''t have to guess where they are racing. We come to see you guys, so make your selves easy to find. Many of us would rather watch you guys at the short tracks than Dale Jr. at Daytona.
Entry Date: - 5/19/2008 - Randy - I want to pass on my condolences to the YEE family as Stan Yee Sr. passed away.
He was a true legend and veteran of short track racing as well as drag racing in his early years. Most of all, he was a total gentleman and good hearted person.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Yee family.
Randy "ran~man" Adam
Entry Date: - 5/19/2008 - Claude - Just to let you know some sad news. Stan Yee passed away this morning. I do not know the details other than he was in Vegas with his wife.
God bless you Stan and your family, Claude Plante
Entry Date: - 5/19/2008 - Arnold Kirsch - STAN YEE Sr. passed away this weekend.
go the Michigan Short Track Racing Club web site for more info.
http://www.mstrc.com/index.php?
Entry Date: - 5/15/2008 - Vyn Polmanteer - shane close as i get! aren''t those pennington corvettes in the infield?
www.vprace.net
Entry Date: - 5/8/2008 - Shane Pennington - Mt. Clemens Raceway is my dad''s favorite track. He virtually grew up there, as my grandfather raced there every once in a while (as far as I know). My dad even drove a Stroh''s pace car around the track! I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of Jerry Pennington at Mt. Clemens Raceway, it would be great to see those again! Thanks!
Entry Date: - 4/15/2008 - Jim Hehl - The Mark Martin shot is from the now closed Tri-County Speedway or at that time may have been called Queen City Speedway in Cinci. Oh.
Entry Date: - 4/15/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Just a note. ASA at Toledo was rained out yesterday and chilled out today. Got halfway there and called, lucky thing. It''s stinks when the only racing is NASCAr on Fox. It will be rescheduled later in the year.
Entry Date: - 4/15/2008 - Jerry Lewis - Back in the summer of 1978 I won the consi for the Howard Williams Memorial at Flatrock (not Toledo) and I believe Denny Pace was second ,My car was the orange #23 . I never got a photo of the win and I would love to have one . If anyone can help please e mail me Thanks Jerry Lewis ( A big hello to Tommy Urban and I am racing one more year ! lol )
Entry Date: - 4/8/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - dear sean
im gunna try umm i have an offer to drive at springport this year, but the deals not done i need some more sponsorship and then we''ll be ok. i''d like to have a sparkplug on the roof but it has to get through tech... a few years ago jeff medapedigan had one on his car and they said it was areodynamic advantage at flat rock.
Entry Date: - 4/2/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Jimmy, will you be having a spark plug on top of your car, Even if it''s just a tiny regular spark plug, that would be so cool. Good luck, I wish I had money, but then I''d be racing myself. Hope to see you race at Autocity. Sean
Entry Date: - 4/1/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - dear sean,
Thats really cool that my Grandpa was one of your favorite drivers. He is an idol of mine and 1 day I hope I can achieve the respect and fan base he has.
Entry Date: - 4/1/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Down bellow, highlight, copy and paste. Norm Tucker was one of my favorite drivers.
Entry Date: - 3/30/2008 - Steve - Does anyone know where I can find some pics of that track. I went there when I was a kid. I can''t find much on it.
Entry Date: - 3/29/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - Yes Sean, Norm Tucker was my grandpa.
Entry Date: - 3/26/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - 17 days till the ASA race at Toledo. I am crawling out of my freaking skin! It''s worse than being an 8 year old on Christmas eve.
Entry Date: - 3/26/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Any relation to the great Norm Tucker???
Entry Date: - 3/19/2008 - Jimmy Tucker - My name is Jimmy Tucker i raced some of the enduro races last year at the Flat Rock Speedway. I have a alot of laps at the Rock. I am currently looking for a new ride for the 08 season and was wondering if anyone on the site had any ideas or suggestions on rides or sponsers? I have sponsers and was the Jr. Public Relations Director for the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club for 4 years, I have lots of contacts. Its to much paying for college and racing. I am a young driver lookin for a chance!
The racing business is hard and I understand that, I would like to race full-time but if a part timer is what your team needs I would do that to. If you know someone looking for a driver please pass this on. I am willing to work on car daily and be a reliable driver to help your car run upfront!!
contact me at jimmytuckermotorsports@yahoo.com or (586)876-6329
Thanks for reading.
Entry Date: - 3/14/2008 - Rob Hart - To Ben Benedict : Please send me an email when you do , kukhart@fuse.net.
I am leaving today to see Al this weekend and I will show him this website. Also, I''ll try to send the picture of #27 to this website to be posted. Did you check out dirtfans.com ? My Dad is Ben Hart. Thanks Again Ben Benedict.
Rob Hart
Entry Date: - 3/10/2008 - BEN BENEDICT - TO ROB HART I HAVE ALOT OF PHOTOS FROM MTCLEM ALL ACROSS MICH SOME OHIO AND INDY SPEEDROME BUT THE PICS ARE IN MICH AND IM IN FLA
Entry Date: - 3/8/2008 - Rob Hart - Thanks Ben Benedict for your information. I have a picture of his #27 with the GOIKES Water Delivery on the side. I live in Cincinnati. My wife and I may go up to see him next week. If you have any racing pictures of yourself, it would be great to see them on this website. My father raced around the Cincinnati area and there is a website with many racing pictures. It is dirtfans.com . Let me know of anything else you may think of. Thanks Again!!!
Entry Date: - 3/8/2008 - Bill - To Tom Urban, I remember in the 1965 season there were races from MCRT televised on channel 50. That channel was fairly new then, I had to buy some kind of converter box to get it. I know this cause it was my first year at MCRT, I drove a 57 ford #400 on the quarter mile. I ran 56 fords after that until 1972 #118. Mel miller drove my car to 5th place season points in figure 8 in 1969. In 1974 I moved out of Warren, up to a small town of Hale, MI. It is the next town past Whittemore, which had a 1/4 mile dirt, so I ran there. Whittemore is still runnin'' ashphalt now since 1988. 5 classes of cars, If anyone is up that way on a Saturday nite this summer, check us out. I''m there often, my boy runs. MCRT was a great track, lots of good wheel to wheel racin'' and a lot of fun. Until another lap, MOE!
Entry Date: - 3/8/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Youtube has tons of Toledo videos. Anyone can post videos. Be really cool to see the Mt Clemens stuff on Youtube.
Entry Date: - 3/5/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Do you have any shots of the car, i''d love to have it jog my memory banks.
Entry Date: - 3/4/2008 - BEN BENEDICT - TO ROB HART RE.ALTON KUKUK AND THE BLUE 57 CHEVY #27. I PURCHASED THAT CAR FROM HIM IN THE EARLY 1970''S AS ONE OF MY FIRST RACE CARS. IT HAD BEEN SPONSORED BY GOIKE WATER DELIVERY. SOON THE TRACK CHANGED FROM DIRT TO PAVEMENT I CUT IT DOWN AND REBODIED IT AS A 69 CAMERO. AFTER BUYING IT I CHANGED THE COLOR TO BLACK OVER RED AND ADDED A NEW NUMBER #14.I COMPETED AT MT CLEMENS FOR 10YRS OR SO IN THE. SPORTSMAN, DOUBLE O,FIGURE 8 AND SUPER 6 DIVISIONS. READING AT THIS WEB SIGHT BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES. MY RACING CONTINUED FOR 2 MORE DECADES AFTER MT CLEM BUT IT STILL HOLD A FOND PLACE IN MY MEMORY AND SOME GREAT FRIENDSHIPS TOO.
Entry Date: - 2/12/2008 - Gary Lindahl - Had to drop a qucik note to let everyone know that this years racer reunion at the Toledo Speedway bar and grill is Saturday March 15th from noon to 6pm followed by the fan club meeting at 6:30pm. all speedways are represented a we encourage all to bring photo''s and programs even video''s or dvd''s.Its a good way to kick off the season that is close at hand. By the way, used to enjoy the MtClemons 200 on the dirt back when with a terrific field of cars at each one. One of the few times we saw Fair, Anderson, Senneker and Gregory on the dirt together. Of course, its no secret Ray Nece was our guy there in those days.See Ya!
Entry Date: - 2/11/2008 - louie bennett - i think all were surprised and pleased to see none other than mr. lyle robarge there himself, and he seemed to have had a great time,nice seeing you after all this time,,louie bennett
Entry Date: - 2/11/2008 - Rob Hart - Rob Hart
Kukhart@fuse.net
My father -n- law raced at Mt. Clemens and his name is Alton Kukuk. I was wondering if anyone remembered him. Also, I was looking for any racing pictures with him in them. He had a #27 57 Chev and #72 Chevelle.
Thanks!
Entry Date: - 2/7/2008 - Randy - Fred Wolf did do a TV show that had races from MOTOR CITY SPEEDWAY, not sure about Mt. Clemens though.
Here is a little history on Mr. Wolf:
Fred Wolf broadcasted from a "Wandering Wigloo" back in the mid 50''s. In 1965, after refusing to play some rock records, Fred Wolf resigned his show at WXYZ. He was also a championship bowler and an inductee into the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. Wolf passed away at the age of 90 on August 7, 2000.
Entry Date: - 2/6/2008 - BOB kRUPA - For Tom Urban = I think channel 13, on Fox, Tuesday and Friday.
Host was Fred Wolf ( not sure ) from 1963 - 1964?
Entry Date: - 2/5/2008 - Tom Urban - Does any one remember when the races from Mt.Clemens were televised? What channel were they on? What day(s)? Who was/were the host(s)? What year? No prizes for the right answers, just wondering.
Entry Date: - 2/1/2008 - Claude Plante - Tom thanks for everything you did puttin the reunion together. Even though I was a kid growing up at Mt. Clemens I knew everyone and enjoyed seeing all the people, even though most of them did not know me. I wish that my grandpa Bob Varney was still alive, he would have loved to be at that.
Saw some cool pics of his old cars there with Hugh Fair driving and Homer Newland. It was a blast and it was cool to see Cyndy, I was surprised she remembered me, after all, I used to spend the night at her house as a kid with her kids.
thanks again, Claude Plante Jr. #16
Entry Date: - 1/30/2008 - Dennis Fetter - Sorry I missed the reunion but both me and better half were sick.
I still am hoping that some one out there may find some older pictures from Mt Clemans.
I lost my first 2 cars I raced in the Mount. In 79/80 I had a blue 62 chev Limited car with the number 34 on the door. This car rolled on the front strecth and was destroyed.
Wayne Pelky then sold me a 57 Chev and it was black and yellow with 34 on door.
My wive has completed a picture history of all of my cars and has them around the top of our family room but we are missing these two cars.
I would really like to get these on the wall.
I plan on racing this year as my 40th year.
Entry Date: - 1/29/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Tom, I had to ice down my arms, and everything hurt the next day,it was great!!!! Never have I enjoyed pain so much. The only trouble is now I know I absolutely have to race cars. I also know we absolutely need a track between the D and the PH. I wonder if Roger Penske.......
Entry Date: - 1/29/2008 - Randy - just want to say THANK YOU Sean...Kudo''s to you too! I did not get to make it to the MCRT reunion due to a couple things, but it sounds like it was a total success.
I think a big THANK YOU should go out to TOM URBAN for starting this up and getting so many involved. And of coarse Gary from the Wat-Wint-Wond site for making our memories be shared! As if it were not for this site, none of us would know about or how to contact anyone.
Let''s support the local tracks out there trying to keep our sport alive and creating the NEW memories we will have for years to come...and there are some good ole legends still racin out there as Jay Woolworth, Tony Brabbs, Al Kookla just to name a few racin'' at ACS. It is a fun track and is only going to get better as the season goes on.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2008 - Tom Urban - Well here I sit, the Monday after the Get Together, and I still have a smile on my face, sitting here thinking about the great racing on the karts. The great time had by all. I was happy to meet both Gary and Ron from this website. Thanks for coming. A great big THANKS to all those that helped. To Dave Dehem, thanks for all the pr work you did. To Wild Bill, for bringing the big screen and the tapes. To Laura Tucker, for your pr work with the Macomb Daily. To Louie Bennett, for putting me in touch with my mystery guest.
And to Cyndy Winkler, the mystery guest, for setting every thing straight and showing up even after all the negativity started showing up here. THANK YOU one and all. I hope next year`s event is as good as this one or better.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Cindy makes some excellent points and it was great to see her there and it is good to hear her side. That woman has got some moxy. But it seems like a lot of people were caught by surprise when the track closed. Difficult decisions were made I am sure. While it was a business owned by an individual, it was also a fixture in a community. Like Tiger Stadium, only better.
Hindsight is 20/20 though. My suggestion is what already happening, thanks to people like Joe Dewitt at Autocity, Mike Kern at Dixie, Dave Bigos at Owosso, Randy, Nate, Gary the web master of this site, and all the people who visit this site and the places on it and that is for everyone with an interest in tracks to remain well informed and be kept well informed by the ownership and each other so if anyone needs help (and i am not certain this wasn''t the case here) making sure that all parties concerned can come up with creative solutions to ensure the survival of the places we love.
All three of these track owners have been very forthcoming with information as to what is happening at "our" tracks. I think this site is a prime reason as to why, and we owe Gary a great deal of thanks and support. 2008 is going to be an exciting fun year and thanks to Tom and Kat2Kart. it was kicked of right, with the fun had the other night. What if we all took schedules around to the various autoparts retailers in our areas, and we all tried to bring two new people out to the tracks this year. On a side note, let''s make next year even bigger at the reunion so we can get the corporate track at the new Kart2Kart.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2008 - Randy - Dave, all well said...and I have to give an "AMEN" to your last paragraph...so true!
I do encourage all to head out to an existing track and experience something new...we do need to support the local tracks that are out there before they are closed up as well.
I commend Waterwinterwonderland webmaster for having this form and letting us express our opinions, ideas, memories and future memories! ''THANK YOU G''
Entry Date: - 1/28/2008 - Arnold Kirsch - To Cindy and all ... The #1 racing forum for Michigan oval racers is at this web site... They have 1,000''s of members and is very active...
Cindy Please copy your post and post it on...
http://www.mstrc.com/
Entry Date: - 1/28/2008 - Dave DeHem - Just a short note to Cindy:
First off, Thank You so very much for writing your experience of what truly happened back in 1985/1986 regarding Mt. Clemens closing. You provided pretty much the same information that I had except that your information filled in some gaps that spun the story in a different way. I am sure the buyers I referred to are the same as those you referred to, however, the idea of a partnership was never mentioned and it was told to me as a full purchase rather than a 49/51 split. I wouldn''t have gone for it either.
I will admit that I am one of those who has carried a grudge for many years but have pretty much gotten rid of it in the last ten or so years. Your response allows me to take the ill feelings, throw them to the side and put the whole thing behind me now.
While I understand that you did not owe anyone an explanation back then and you more than likely were hurting as bad as we were, I still feel that it would have served all of us well to have had a meeting with the drivers and car owners on record of the day and explain it to all of us. At least we could have had one last official bon-fire in the parking lot as a way of saying farewell to the "old girl". One never knows, we may have found a way to save the place for a while. Never the less, the decisions made at the time were what was made and we all have had to go on from there.
I will say that Mt. Clemens and my time spent there has really grounded me in the sport and due to my experiences I have continued on these past ten years to become Vice President of MARFC along with being it''s PR Director. I also raced for three seasons with the Michigan legends series (along with many Mt. Clemens graduates) and now serve as the PR Director and Co-Chaplain. I am very fortunate to have gotten to know many of the states Track Owners/Promoters and have a much more thorough knowledge of the intricacies of running a race track. You were spot-on in your note regarding that information. I will say for the record that you were handed a very run-down facility when you took over promotion in 1979. Many former lessees/promoters of the track didn''t seem to put much back in to the place but you did what you could with what you had and as I have looked back at pictures, you did a lot.
Mt. Clemens Race Track was no polished jewel, but, it had character, it had pizzazz, and it had some of the best drivers ever to strap into a race car any time, anywhere. The fans were fiercely supportive of "Their" driver and you better not lay a fender on "their" driver. I loved it just the way it was. A new surface would have been nice but once you knew where the bumps were you adjusted your line anyways. Mt. Clemens was a place where you could put your feet on the couch. I really always felt that you were ahead of the times in your promotional style and with the things you did back then that set the standards for today.
I am sorry to have missed you at the party last Saturday but will be there next year. Thank you for giving your side of the story and I am now done with thinking about what could have been. I still won''t set foot on the property and haven''t been there since I pulled out the front gate in September of 1985 with my race car in tow. I will remember 237 North River Rd. as it was and not how it is.
Race Fans, this is a great site to remember our past and honor what we have now. Please make sure to get out and support all of our facilities that are still in operation so that we don''t have to continue to have "Reunions" but rather have annual awards banquets. Travel to somewhere you have never been, I guarantee that it will be worth you time and effort.
Every racer or race fan has a "Home Track" and mine will always be the Mount Clemens Race Track.
Entry Date: - 1/27/2008 - Cyndy Winkler - Thanks to Tom for putting this gathering together and Wild Bill and others who brought photos/footage for the pictorial experiences. It brought back great memories. Gary, it was wonderful that you came and we all had the chance to thank you for your efforts of keeping this site open. I enjoyed seeing old and dear friends.
I was able to recognize many of the drivers but also got a chance to talk to fans/drivers whom I did not personally know before. What really was a joy was seeing so many who have gone on and accomplished some great goals and achievements. Bravo! You all seem to be following your dreams and living life to the fullest. Keep it up. Hope to be back once again at this reunion next year.
Entry Date: - 1/27/2008 - Randy - Cyndy, Thank you for the explanation and getting the story straight for all. I thank you for keeping the track open as long as you could. We all have great memories from MCRT and our own stories to reminisce about... thanks Waterwinterwonderland for this site...
Entry Date: - 1/27/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Great night, thank you Tom and everyone who was there and everyone who made the track such a great place to go.
Entry Date: - 1/27/2008 - Wild Bill - Just arrived home from another great night! Twice as many foks showed up than last year. Lost of photo''s and videos to see. Thanks Tom for making this thing all happen. Glad to see your uprise guest did show up and she seemed to have a great time also. Cyndy and her son said that they would come back again next year.
Thanks again for the great time!
Wild Bill
Entry Date: - 1/27/2008 - Jim Bennett - AMEN!!!! Thanks for eveything Cyndy, my BEST childhood memory''s are because of you and MCRT!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 1/26/2008 - Cyndy Winkler - Hello Mr. Webmaster. Thank you for this most interesting site. I thought enough speculation about the track has been made so perhaps after 20+ years I can put some of the rumors and speculation to rest. I agree with you that fans and drivers should support the tracks that are still running, and stop living in the past. MCRT was a great track, but it is no more. I'll try to explain a bit about facts which few knew or fully understood. Many folks on this site seem to think they know the facts, but that is not the case.
First of all, the track was purchased from Dr. Clayton Stubbs by my then-husband Henry Winkler and me for One Million dollars. Was it worth a million? NO, but it was bought for that - on a land contract from Dr Stubbs. However, the track had an existing lease/contract for both the promotion and the food service. Our portion and income stream was a percentage of what the lessees stated was the gross income of both the food and admissions. The amount coming in was not close to covering even the interest on the mortgage. 7% of a Million is $70,000 a year in interest. We felt we had no choice but to buy those leases out. After that major expense, we put improvements - new lighting and a new sound system - into the track. We had city and county building inspectors in all the time finding things wrong with the buildings and structures. We had to have a stress analysis done by an engineering firm to prove that the stands were strong enough to hold the spectators. That cost a ton. We started to videotape our events to show them on monitors all around the track. A show was produced for cable--very leading edge back then. We were way ahead of the times. How many tracks are even doing that now? The video production was an additional expense but worth it, I believe. We paid the highest purses and we were always fully insured (some tracks skimp on this but we never did.) Our concern was to provide good family fun, in a safe environment. We started a Racing Rascal Fan Club, and many a kid had the thrill of their young lives when they won a chance to ride in a real race car with their favorite driver. I love reading the comments of some of the kids who were in the club, and frequented the track back then. I know how much my 5 kids loved the track and the fun they had. It was a family place, and most of the time I felt we all were family.
OK, the track was sold for just over $700,000 (what was owed on it), Do the math. Buy for a million; sell 13 years later for $700,000. Hmm, isn't property supposed to appreciate in value? Aren't you supposed to make some profit in a business? What about all the capital improvements that were made like sound system, lighting, etc? Ah, how easy it is to be critical when you have no money invested in a business/property and you can spout off what should and should not have been done. All the drivers had money invested in cars, granted, but we had kept our rules in line with many other tracks, so most drivers were able to take their cars elsewhere and race. Did any of the critics have a quarter of a million invested? No? I did.
I agree on this fact- the paving! The job that was done on the track paving was horrible. But that was done prior to our buying it, and was done on the cheap and not correctly irrigated so we had no other choice but to patch and patch and re-patch. Ripping the asphalt out and doing it right was out of the question as far as being affordable. By that time, our drivers had cars set up for asphalt not dirt. Drivers who raced when I ran MCRT will remember that we had drivers meetings and listened to input as far as rules and criteria for building cars. We tried to keep open communication because we wanted good fields of cars. We started the Powder Puff division. We supported the mini-modifieds as a regular new class. We got traveling shows to come in, some worked well, and some didn't. But we were open to new ideas and tried to give the fans what they wanted. You see, some of you think that we were in the racing business, I disagree. We were in the entertainment business. If we were strictly racing, all the mid-pack and back runners weren't necessary. But in the entertainment business you can't have a good show without a full field. And I know how much some of the back runners had to personally sacrifice to keep their cars as competitive as they could. I always appreciated the support I got from drivers and their crews. Safety was a prime concern at all times. The great staff that worked for me, from dear Vince, the Flagman, to Louie and Pat, and Joyce and Mary in the office, Dennis as the track manager, Paul Schaeffer and the other announcers we had, The scorers, the super safety crew, the ambulance service, the wreckers, security people and the bar and food concession folks. Many of my own family worked at MCRT including my Mom and Dad. Ron Leon and other photographers and writers were a great asset...and anyone else I have forgotten to mention. All were a super bunch of people. Most loved coming to work just as much as I did. Yes, I loved my job and my track.
We had Old Timers night every year, and it was so good to see the racers from the 50's -70's come back for a good time. We had fireworks several times a summer, some of the best around done by pyrotechnicians who knew what they were doing. Family fun was what we were trying to give. And I think we succeeded. We wanted a place for a mom and dad to bring their kids and know they were safe - and having fun.
It's been assumed that our stands held 5,000+. Wrong. There was not an event held at the track including ARCA and other sanctioned races that attendance was ever more than 4,000. An average track night attendance was about 1200-1500. Thursdays were more popular and better attended than Saturday events but the purses were substantially lower, so Saturdays were often more profitable. Our fixed expenses (not including the purse) for racing insurance, mortgage payment and interest, and property insurance ran about $10,000 of revenue necessary for every night of racing. This figure did not take into account the nightly track payroll, advertising, or other unseen expenses. Do the math again. If you average $8 per ticket times 1200 it is $9600. And 1500 @ $8 it is $12000. Not all tickets were adults, and you can figure out that every average night was just break even. Now, of course, there was additional income from the bar and concession and other stands. That's what made up the difference. And numbers were necessary for our success. You have to have people buying the goods - and the more people the better.
Now let's take another thing that most do not remember to consider. This was a seasonal business. It only had so many days to hold events - about 40. Why? You can't just run another night because there were other tracks running. And what about during rainy or inclement weather? It would not matter that it was not raining at MCRT and we told our fans so...the phones would ring off the hook with the fans saying..."It's raining in Clinton Township, or Wyandotte." So the staunch race fans would come, and the others would stay away. However if the race ran, the drivers got paid. If the track opened the workers got paid. No one was told, "Sorry, it's a bad crowd tonight and we can't pay you."
One year was particularly tough. We had 8 rainouts that season. That's a lot - 8 out of 40. It is like having a business that runs 7 days a week, 12 months a year, and just shut it down for 2.5 to 3 months of the year. The fixed expenses are there but there is no revenue flow for those months. Fixed expenses are in every business. It's the money that is needed to cover all the costs that are inherent with running it. There was no other substantial way to earn income from the property or the business of the track in the off season.
When Clayton Stubbs was alive, I was able to go to him and he would give us an extension on the payment. He loved the track and would extend the payment schedule a bit. Once he died, however, his estate, who were from Florida were interested in getting their money (as was their right). So they were not anxious to negotiate with me like Clayton would. They put me in foreclosure after the year of 8 rain outs when I came up short.
The track became totally mine through my divorce settlement. So there was no outside source of money to keep propping up the track to cover any shortfall. It had to become profitable or it was not feasible to keep running it. I approached several lending institutions (banks) and was turned down cold. You can get a loan much easier for opening up a business that is on every corner like a service station or pizza shop than a business which is one of a kind and seasonal.
I also approached a number of people hoping that they might be interested in buying me out or joining me as a partner. There were no serious takers. Only one "group" talked to me about a possible deal...that was to pay off the arrearage and start clean. I would own only 49% and the "group of two" would be the major shareholders at 51%. Any of the money that had already been put into the track as far as capital improvements, or investments by me was gone. I was basically at square one, and not the major shareholder. I wasn't even guaranteed a job. That did not seem like a fair and equitable solution, and while a firm offer never came in, under those terms I would not have taken it. There were NO OFFERS. NOT ONE. NADA. ZILCH.
What you also may not know is that MCRT sat in three municipalities - the City of Mt. Clemens, Harrison Township and Clinton Township. That meant three sets of inspectors and officials coming around. Politically, you needed to be sure to make changes and keep the inspectors happy or they could easily close everything down. The City was on us for noise and disturbances all the time, so we kept as tight a show as we could.
The City wanted to amalgamate so that it would be the only municipality that the track was in. They could do this if they owned the property. They would need to keep the land vacant and not run any business there for a year (a legal stipulation for them to get the amalgamation done.)
I was trying everything I could to save the track. One of the banks I approached was one that the eventual owner was a major shareholder. It's not surprising that I was turned down. The financial statements were not healthy; the track was not making a profit. It would have suited someone who was looking for large tax losses, but there was no one I could find like that. I was behind the 8-ball with an impending forfeiture. Subsequently, the Carlo/Anton/City group approached me with the only legitimate offer.
Through the negotiations I also approached the Stubbs estate to see if there might be a chance to run the track for another year, if it was lost in foreclosure thinking that would have given the drivers one more year. But the Stubbs estate was also being courted by the Carlo/Anton/City group, so if I lost it through foreclosure, the same thing would have happened, but I would not have gotten anything.
In the offer, I was to sell everything to the City. Once the amalgamation was complete, the property was to be sold to the Carlo/Anton group for the same amount that was paid to me. That money paid off the estate but nothing else. Because the track had to be cleared, I got to sell the track fixtures at auction for about 10 cents on the dollar. The only place I made some profit was on the sale of the house at the frontage of North River, which was not part of the Stubbs estate property but was purchased separately and used as my office and home part of the time. I can't believe anyone who knew me thought that I was "raking in the coin". I lived modestly and often had to supplement my income in the off-season by working elsewhere.
I've been booed and derided and misquoted and misunderstood, but I have a thick skin and try not to let it bother me. I even had an employee (unnamed but he knows who he is), that was entrepreneurial enough to sell "I Hate Cyndy Winkler" t-shirts at Flat Rock Speedway. Talk about a stab in the back! And then when I was cool to him when we ran into each other, he was surprised that I didn't welcome him with open arms.
Now for those that think building a track in a suburb of Detroit is a possibility or a good idea, think again. One of the most difficult things about being in a larger metro market is that there are many professional sports teams and other forms of entertainment vying for the same entertainment dollar you need. Ok, where would you advertise? The Major newspapers? On one of the 50+ radio stations in the area? In the local community newspapers around the area? And how many are there? Which ones would you choose? What about TV? Can you afford it? Cable was just coming into its own 20 years ago and not as popular as it is today, but still what stations would you advertise on? Just where would you chose to spend your advertising budget? And how much would you spend? A track like Ionia or Spartan or even Flint has only one major TV station, one newspaper, etc. They are probably the only game in town and much easier to get the media's cooperation for promotion. You might think that getting the word out would be easy, but it wasn't and it sure wasn't cheap.
Every media person involved with sports from both radio and newsprint was given a free pass for the season. Many times they would not come out themselves but just pass it on to someone who already was a fan, so that wasn't bringing in a new person or an influential person to the track, it was actually taking a paying customer away. There was one sports editor from the major Detroit paper who was at MCRT every Thursday night for years. He would bring his son. The result? Did the results or any promos every get printed about MCRT? No. But the Tigers, and Pistons and other teams got tons of print. I worked doggedly going to the Press club and trying to get exposure for the MCRT. It didn't work. I instituted corporate nights where we went to companies and offered them free admission for their employees to come to the races on a specific night. I knew once new people got in they would spend money on food, drink and souvenir things, so if they came back as a paying customer - we were ahead. We had staff sending our results of the races to the media every night after the event. As the final race was running, the writers were typing away.
It wasn't my EGO that kept the track from being sold to anyone else, it was NO offers. There aren't many people standing in line trying to buy a business that is not making a profit. For the love of racing? I doubt it.
If anyone is interested, MVP contacted me saying that they found several original tapes of the Cable show called the Fifth Turn. And some others that have not been catalogued. They are digitally mastering them and may be available on DVD if there is enough interest. I don't know yet what the subject matter is, or who is on them, or any particulars, but if anyone is interested in buying a copy, I will find out more and we can keep in touch. MVP is not owned by the same person it was back then, so MVP can't do this without being compensated, but they would keep the price affordable if there is interest.
This email address below is if you would like to contact me directly. Just remember it's done... and has been for 20 years. Give up the complaining. Stop blaming me for everything including selling. Get on with life and remember the good times. There were plenty. It was a great old track. And I loved it...and I miss it too. Life goes on. I made some great friends and admire many of the drivers, and spouses, and sponsors, and fans and kids who came to MCRT.
Once again...Support the tracks that are still running. They need to keep their fan base growing. If each fan or driver brought ten new people to the tracks every year and they became repeat fans and then they did the same, you would see a huge growth in the sport. But it takes your effort as much as the promoters to do that job.
You can reach me at:
cynwinmail-mcrt@yahoo.ca
Entry Date: - 1/26/2008 - Wild Bill - OK People,
Lets move on! I have always loved MCRT and miss her greatly. I remember when my Dad first started racing there and at one time he had two cars running with Nelson Danails (Spelling not right) and Mike ?? because he had a head injury and they would not let him race. I still have the photos around here some where and will try to fined them for tonight.
Wild Bill
Entry Date: - 1/25/2008 - Robin Metdepenningen - Hey Tom, I haven`t seen you for a couple of years now. You and Lucido don''t come down to Charotte for the Good Guys Show any more, so I guess I''ll come up there for your party on Saturday nite. Looking forward to making the trip up from Charotte (N.C.) and see some old friends & faces
Entry Date: - 1/22/2008 - Tom Urban - Lets get back to more cheerful topics people. The Get Together is this Saturday. Hope to see every one there. You too, webmaster. Also, amen to your comment. Drivers, if it`s cold out, bring some cold weather gloves to wear so your hands don`t get too cold while racing. Again drivers please be at the track before 6:00pm to register. Racing should start by then. NO FOOD will be available. There are some restaurants in the area if you want to eat before or after the event. Hope a lot of you eat before. That`ll slow you down some and maybe I can beat you. LOL!!!!. Can`t wait for Saturday.
From the Webmaster - I will be there! Ron from MichiganDriveIns.com will be coming with me.
Entry Date: - 1/17/2008 - j short - I am looking for anyone who may have pictures from 1971 to 1973. My father used to race i beleive it was sportsman and a few double O''s back then. I was just two or three years old back then so anything i can find to make copies of or even post on here I can print would mean an awful lot to me and my father.His name was Roger Short, he drove a 1959 Ford
it was Blue with a white top and red number 32 on it. I beleive it said "Hi Short" on the front fender, there were no sponsors that i can remember on the car. We have one picture of the car when he raced and I am unable to locate it at this time but I am still trying to find any other pictures I can. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank You.............Jeff
Entry Date: - 1/16/2008 - Tom Urban - Well, it`s a little over a week until the get together. Every one who`s racing please get there by 5:30 for registration. If you have your own safety equipment, bring it. Looks like we`re going to have about 200 people show up. WOW!!!!!. I heard from people I haven`t seen for years. Sean, I talked to Pat Haywood. He`s coming and he`s going to race. Those who are not racing, you can show up after 6:00. No food available.
Entry Date: - 1/16/2008 - Dave DeHem - I will always feel that we were sold out!!!!!!!!!You want me to tell you how I really feel, I can''t because it may not be printable. I wasn''t going to put my 2 cents in but I''m one of those people that can still close my eyes and find myself standing right there at Mt. Clemens. I can still re-live every lap I turned on that race track and I still miss it today with all my heart and all my soul. While I was not the owner of the place and really do not have the right to speak for her and why what happened did but I will say what I feel anyways.
The fact of the matter is that the track was for sale and there were buyers ready to pay the price asked without negotiating. I heard that the day it happened and i heard it right from the horses mouth. I won''t name the horse though.
The fact is, that place could be and should be here still today. Yes, there would be a host of restrictions, but it would still be alive. Why were we told at the 1985 awards banquet to go ahead and get our cars ready as there will be no rule changes in 1986? Only, to read in the Macomb Daily that it was sold and would be torn down. Sounds like the city had a few cards up the sleeve and was willing to use anyone they needed to get the place closed down.
It was no secret that the city didn''t like having the track there with all of the noise and nuisance that made. Nobody bothered to look at the big picture of the fact that it drew many thousands of people twice a week and that it supported the business owners in the area. It''s a crying shame that that the glorified flea market sits on that hallowed ground because the truth of it is this.
There was plenty of room to have the "trade center" and the race track and they could have worked together. Possibly today if this were to have happened there would be developers that would have had a better sense of how to make a dual purpose project like that fly. But back in the late 80''s all anyone wanted was to get rid of the track and put something else in it''s place.
I have some very strong feelings about the closure of our dear departed friend "Mt. Clemens Race Track" as do some of my very close friends and it is too hard to put into words what many of us feel to this day. While i could write a lot of negative things here I would rather just say that the years I spent racing, spectating and enjoying Mt. Clemens Race Track are some of the best years I have ever lived. I made some lifelong friendships there and some of those people are as close to me if not closer than family. I have some great memories and don''t regret any moment I ever spent there.
I will miss the reunion this year as I am getting a knee replaced the week before it and will only be out of the hospital for a day or two but I wish that all of you have a great time this year, drink a beer for me, and stuff Billy Simmons in the catch fence for me when you are racing the karts.
Entry Date: - 1/11/2008 - Randy - Yea Nate...all three tracks (1/4 - 1/2 - figure 8) at MCRT were just right for good racing. Even being a clay track it was fast. The sound of the motors winding up as they came out of the turns to head down the frontstretch was just music to the ears. I use to go every MONDAY (Yes Monday) Thursday and Saturday. Lloyd Goodrich was the driver that my dad knew and we followed his career there.
We did get to know other drivers as well. This was in the 60''s & 70''s that we went. I was in a demo derby there and that was off the hook...there were soooo many cars, bunch of fun though. I have to say and agree with Sean, I do not know of a track that compares to MCRT...it is one of those ''special'' tracks that had that charisma about it.
I do miss it as everyone that has commented on here says the same thing. It was popular through all the phases of dirt/clay to asphalt. Some track owner should cookie cut that blueprint. It would be nice to see a TRUE DOUBLE "O" again.
thanks to all the participants, staff and fans for all the great stories and memories that get posted!
Entry Date: - 1/11/2008 - Nate - well that just sux....selling it to a trade center...but maybe mt.c was just growing to big to fast...thats when they buy more property and build a new on...id be lost with out my ac.dixie.whittimore...these places are my home on the weekends and my wife hates it..i see your point sean...it is a wast
Entry Date: - 1/11/2008 - Randy - Nate...this is the last paragraph of a short history of MCRT:
The track was always popular and continued to make a modest profit, but overhead costs in the form of property tax and liability insurance were an increasingly heavy burden, and the value of the prime real estate upon which the raceway was situated eventually exceeded the value of the business. Cyndy Winkler placed the race track on the market in 1985, and sold it to the city of Mount Clemens in March, 1986, for the sum of $725,000. The track equipment was sold at auction the next month and Mount Clemens Race Track ended its 36-year history.
The city of Mount Clemens sold the race track property in 1987 to Gebran Anton and his Riverside Associates development firm. Riverside leased the property to James A. Koester, who built Gibraltar Trade Center North at the location in 1990.
check out this link for the whole story: http://www.libcoop.net/MountClemens/raceway.htm
Entry Date: - 1/10/2008 - Dennis Fetter - Tom I will be there and 3 guys are coming with me.
Entry Date: - 1/10/2008 - Nate - does anybody know the rial reason this track was shut down...from the pic it seems it had a great crowd with alot of cars....those are the cars i remember as a child....would like to know the story of this track
Entry Date: - 1/9/2008 - Butch Klotz - To Katie Mason....I raced at the Mount with your dad...I remember you when you was a little girl...a very young pretty girl....your dad and your mom are great people and we have been friends a long time...I hope to see your dad at the MCRT reunion at the K2K ....
Entry Date: - 1/5/2008 - Katie Mason - Hello. My name is Katie Mason. My dad raced at Mt. Clemens in the 70s and 80s until they closed it down. He still talks about it now and then. Even though I do not know many of you that are on this site, your names sound familiar. Probably from him talking.......Well anyways - to cut a long story short, I was jumping websites and I came across this one. I am going to put it on my favorites, and the next time my dad comes over I will have to show him...hope to talk to yall soon...................George Decock''s daughter. kaytee951@yahoo.com
Entry Date: - 1/1/2008 - Sean Fitzgerald - Just got back from the Mt Clemens fireworks. Drove past the old enterance, what''s now the velvet Elvis Gun and Knife, figurine capital of Michigan. What a crime.
Entry Date: - 12/31/2007 - Dennis Schalm - Hey Tom, to confirm what Wild Bill said, I''ll be puttin'' my butt in a kart this year.
Reading through these posts, I was really saddened to see that Robert Socia had passed. "Ram''s" week wasn''t complete if he didn''t get an opportunity to take a shot at me when I would see him at Newby''s.
This page is more to me than just a rememberance of MCRT, it''s my life story. As a kid growing up pretending I was Bob Trevillian in the press box, or Eddie Janis on the flagstand, while my dad was out grading the track. Then my professional life, seeing so many cars and wall signs that I lettered in the pictures, not to mention the cars that Ron Leigh, my mentor, lettered. I guess my biggest claim to fame would be that I lettered all three race cars of the last champs.
Seeing an old post from my cousin Joe. Who would have known that I would have met Al Peltier as a kid because he lived next door to my cousin, then to re-meet at the races and also become a customer of mine.
By the way, the one picture that shows the #002 1956 Ford Crown Vic is Don Sanders. Spent a lot of time bench racing with Ray Nece an d Don at his welding shop.
But the best memory I will always treasure, is marrying my wife Barb on the front stretch during intermission on September 17, 1977, with my best friend and best man at my side, Rich Peltier. Hard to believe it''s been over 30 years since that night.
Everyone in my family raced at MCRT, at least once. My mom and dad, my two older brothers, John and Ray, and my "little" sister Cheryl. I''m just the one who raced the most.
It was my training ground for my life. Everything I ever did or accomplished, if you traced it back far enough, Mt. Clemens Race Track was at some point involved.
I''ll see a lot of you at K2K on Jan. 26th. For those of you who want to know, my e-mail is fw2arca@gmail.com
Entry Date: - 12/26/2007 - Tom Urban - Yes Dan you may bring your own safety equipment. The only other things you`ll need are $55.00 and a great sense of humor. We do have a fun time on the track. See you there.
Entry Date: - 12/25/2007 - Dan Grinde - Does kart2kart let you bring your own firesuit and helmet or do you have to use their stuff???? just wondering. What else do I need?
Entry Date: - 12/22/2007 - Wild Bill - Howdie All!
Hey Tom I''ll be there with some old WBVS video footage and some old photo''s also. Heard from Dennis Schalm and he said to count him in for a seat in your racing plans. Looking forward to see many of you again this year.
Wild Bill
WBVS Photo''s &
President MARFC
Entry Date: - 12/21/2007 - Tom Urban - For those of you who are racing, registration is at 5:30, first session will start around 6:00pm. Those that are just showing up to watch and talk about the good times, arrive any time after 6:00pm. We will have the big conference room like last time.
Entry Date: - 12/20/2007 - louie bennett - believe jim lee was the driver of 003
also tom, time to post a time for kart to kart
if i can help in any way call,
boy o boy can''t wait to see your surprise guest?
louie
Entry Date: - 12/19/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - I''m racing, maybe I''ll get totally schooled by the real drivers.
Entry Date: - 12/18/2007 - Tom Urban - Hi everyone, It`s about 5 weeks to the Get Together. I REALLY need a head count for racing. You can e-mail me at fourtyford@comcast.net . I also have a surprise mystery guest coming. If you want to see who it is, attend the event. Guaranteed to be a surprise. I still would like to rent the track. That`s why I need the count.
Entry Date: - 12/16/2007 - Jim Bennett - Hi Tom, had a awesome time last year, plan to come back again. I work with Andy Farr so you can most likely count him in too!!!! Happy Holidays can''t wait.
Entry Date: - 12/12/2007 - Tom Urban - Sean, The cost to race is $55.00. Cost includes an 8-10 minute practice session, 8-10 minute qualifying session and an 8-10 minute feature. Doesn`t sound like a lot of racing but I can assure you you`re gonna wish the feature was only 3-4 minutes long. Your arms will be very sore by the end of the evening, guaranteed.
As for the sound system, they do have a p.a. system in the meeting room. We`ll be using the same room as last time. I`ll try to find out and let you know. The racing is open to anyone who went to the races, participated in the races, or was just a fan and attended the races at Mt.Clemens. WE WILL BE AT THE OLD PLACE. 19 MILE ROAD AND VAN DYKE.
Entry Date: - 12/12/2007 - Mike Krieger - Hi does anyone here have ROBERT KRUPA''s email address or know him? If so please have him email me at theace27@hotmail.com I really appreciate it. Thanks, Mike K.
Entry Date: - 12/11/2007 - Ron Nelson - Yes, please bring the tapes and make some copies to sell. I would like to buy one please. Jr. Hanley fan here so if anyone has anything on him please bring it I would love to see it and possibly get copies of things.
THANKS!!!
Entry Date: - 12/10/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Didn''t get to race last year, want to race this year. what are the costs. Is there a sound system for showing video''s. is one required?? Sean Fitz
Entry Date: - 12/10/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Pat Haywood come to the get together.
Entry Date: - 12/8/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Uh, Yeah......Please.......!!!!!!! Awesome.
Entry Date: - 12/8/2007 - Tom Urban - Kevin, Bring them to the Get Together on Jan. 26th. Lets see what you have. You may get some requests for copies.
Entry Date: - 12/8/2007 - Vyn Polmanteer - wish i could get back for this years get together but not going to be possible! I would be interested in some of that video footage if it reasonable!
and somebody please take some photos of the party for those of us that are far away!
won''t be all bad, by that time I will have been to the races here 6 times already in 2008 lol we have a big dirt late model series here with some of the top national drivers in january!
www.vprace.net
Entry Date: - 12/6/2007 - Kevin - I came accross some old video tapes in perfect condition (1982) of some races - The fifth turn series. Would anyone be interested in these? I was thinking about selling DVD copies.
Entry Date: - 12/6/2007 - Tom Urban - Due to bureaucratic red tape involving the new karting center, the Mount Clemens Get Together will be held at the same location as this year. Kart2Kart at 19 Mile road and Van Dyke Ave. I need a head count as to who wants to race. This is important. Please people respond here if you`re going to race. Prices are the same. Thanks.
Entry Date: - 12/6/2007 - Hal Brey - Anybody have info or photos from Mt Clemens when they ran "Supers" (mostly Sprints with roofs) on Wed nights on the 1/2 mi. dirt in 1962? Some of those who ran were: Johnny White, Jimmy Nelson, Mickey Shaw, Dean Mast,
Nolan Jolhncock, Dick Carter.
Entry Date: - 12/4/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - hey Brent, love to use your 003 photo for a cd label or cover. How do I get your permission or compensate you. Sean
Entry Date: - 12/3/2007 - STEVE PASTORINO - i thought jack goodwin had an edsel in the 1965 season, or there abouts. i sure could be wrong. i remember byrd''s edsel. and maybe that''s what i''m thinking of.
Entry Date: - 12/3/2007 - Randy - I do not right off hand, but oddly enough, I have 2 - 1959 Edsels (one 2dr and one 4dr) that are cruisers for the summer.
Entry Date: - 12/1/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Anyone remember an all edsel demo derby?
Entry Date: - 12/1/2007 - Randy - Steve, I think you mean Danny Byrd''s Edsel. He ran a 58 Edsel and of coarse his # was 08.
I do not remember Jack Goodwin running an Edsel.
Entry Date: - 11/30/2007 - sreve pastorino - does anyone have a picture of jack goodwin''s packard or his edsel?
Entry Date: - 11/26/2007 - Tim - Contact me for Charlie Newbys info. at tsocia@comcast.net
Entry Date: - 11/25/2007 - darrell - does anyone still have contact with the newbys charlie or bobby bobby an old friend and i have lost touch. also im interested in the get togeather at kart to kart, thanks
Entry Date: - 11/17/2007 - Robert Krupa - To = Bill Eison, I sold all my pictures. you can download the picture from this site.
Robert Krupa
Entry Date: - 11/15/2007 - Hugewally - Looking for a race program from the 18 Aug 1973 ARCA/NASCAR Grand National East race. Was there a particular name for that race? Can anyone help?
Entry Date: - 11/15/2007 - Bill eison - Hello the "140 car is not Don Ilson its Don Eison . Robert i wood like two git a cope of this for my dad''s shop . ty Bill Eison .
Entry Date: - 11/13/2007 - Arnold Kirsch - Please bring YOUR old racing videos so that we can play them at the 2007 get together at Kart to Kart.
WE NEED TV''s and VCR''S FOR THE 2007 GET TOGETHER,,, bring them with you.
Dave DeHam or wild bill can you bring a Tv and VCR?
anyone else have a tv and vcr that they could bring?
Entry Date: - 10/23/2007 - Tom Urban - The Get Together will be on Jan. 26th, 2008. Got a bit more info on the new place. They plan to have an Italian restaurant on the premises. The karts are going to be electric with something like a rheostat on them to control the power. Electronic restrictor plate????. Still would like to get a head count for those of you who want to race. Still would like to rent the track also, so please let me know ASAP. Don`t forget. Mark your calenders on Jan. 26th.
Entry Date: - 10/2/2007 - Dave DeHem - Tom,
I''ll be there for the get together again this year. I probably won''t be driving the carts this year as I am scheduled for knee surgery in December and will be spending 6-8 weeks on crutches, ahh the joys of getting older, arthritis, and cartilage loss. If you need some help just give me a shout and I''ll do what I can as I will have a lot of time during recuperation, therapy, and crutch time.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the get together. I have run into a lot of MCRT Alumni in my travels this summer at the local short tracks. Always makes it feel like old home week when I get to spend a night at the races with some of our old co-horts.
Entry Date: - 9/30/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Tom, I''m there. I hope they put in the facility for a reconfig to Oval and include some banking.Renting it for a few hours sounds good. Maybe you guys could give some of us novices some tips.Sean
Entry Date: - 9/28/2007 - Tom Urban - The Mt.Clemens Get Together is a go again in January. It will be the weekend after the Fan Club Banquet. Kart2Kart will be the location. I would like to rent the track for X amount of hours in order to keep outsiders from messing up our racing. I need some feedback on this issue as time is of the importance so I can lock in that weekend. It will be a go on the Saturday after the banquet. Kart2Kart is moving. Their new location will be in the old Sam`s Club building on 14 mile road between Dequindre and John R. It`s located on the south side of 14 mile. They are going to have two tracks inside with faster carts. As of today, 9-25-07, the prices are the same as last yearfor the Grand Prix format. Renting the track may cost $5-$10.00 more per person. All that attended the inaugural event, I will try to contact you by phone if I don`t hear from you here. Thanks all. Please let me know. I need a head count for racing.
Entry Date: - 9/15/2007 - Unknown - The photo of the cars in the pits and backstretch is Deleware Speedway not Mt Clemens as is evidenced by the large billboard in the background that welcomes race fans to Deleware. Also the photo of the 003 on the Thunder Road page is Mt Clemens according to the wall, fence backstretch and light towers. Although some of these things are blurry if you compare grandstand shots looking at the track from Thunder Road and Mt Clemens from that era you can plainly see the difference. Thunder road doesn''t have a white fence or backstretch wall then. Great shots though as the 003 looks like it''s about to take flight.
Entry Date: - 9/7/2007 - Dick Ciesiolka - Tierod Tom where you been? Hey Bennnett did you learn how to spell your name yet? I found this site looking for photos. I belonged to the "RAT PACK" driving the # 020 car in the early 70''s. I''m looking for any photos of my 57 chevy that I drove or pointed before I joined the Rat Pack, yellow w/black top # 035 that I flipped over and over in the 1st turn of the 1/4 mile in the "double O" in the last race of the year,I think it was either 1970 or 71.I still don''t know but I think one of the Sommers Bros. took me out. Tom or Louie or both get ahold of me, lets get a case and do some bench racin''. I really like the site! Thanks!!!! rscnorth@hotmail.com
Entry Date: - 8/30/2007 - Randy - To Al Blixt, did you and your dad ''sell'' the photos right under the stands entranceway? If you were the one''s set up there, I can''t tell you how many pix I bought from that booth. Unfortunately, when I moved out of my house at 19, all those were left behind and disgarded once my parents went to move. I am very bummed about that as I had a photo album of those pix and others I had taken as well (along with newspaper articles from the local papers).
Great sight, everytime I read something about MCRT or MCS, I WISH I could turn back the hands of time...the drivers were so good back then. It was not about $$$, it was about who was gonna win that night. And being a ''clay'' track back then was perfect for MCRT. Made for some awesome, exciting racing.
I again have to say how nice it is to have this site to share so many memories with so many perople with such a passion for the track...just goes to show how MCRT was a ''legendary track'' back in the day for the Detroit area (and still living through this site).
thanks to all that share there memories!!!
Oh a side note, I tried to contact Lloyd Goodrich with no sucess...
Entry Date: - 8/30/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Al has really cool pictures on his site, not just the Clem but Jackson as well. Hey randy and Nate, maybe we should all find a cornfield and race ford tempos and geo Prizms, Hah That''s the way they used to do it.
Entry Date: - 8/29/2007 - BOB kRUPA - Hey, Al Blixt - Do you have any pictures of Mt. Clemens Racetrack? If so, you should post them here.
Entry Date: - 8/28/2007 - Al Blixt - So great to see so many people have fond memories of the old Mt. Clemens track. I was the track photographer for a few years beginning in 1963 and reporting on the races for the National Speed Sport News three times a week. I was very young (18) and it was great fun to be part of the action.
Years before, my dad, Al (Ace) Blixt was a writer and race photographer based at Motor City Speedway in Detroit and I felt privileged to have a chance to do the same. I now have an auto racing history site that has several stories from MCRT that you might be interested in.
You will find it at http://alblixtracinghistory.typepad.com. I would love to hear from some of you that have stories to tell from the 60''s that could be included in future features. - Al Blixt, Ann Arbor.
Entry Date: - 8/20/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - That''s awesome too hear that he''s running. I think I met him for a second at Toledo a few years back and someone said that''s Norm Tuckers grandson. Spark plug on the roof, my dad''s favorite driver next to Carl
Entry Date: - 8/20/2007 - Tommy Gullett - Jimmy Tucker is the son of Jimmy Gullett and Norms grandson. Yes that was his first race he ran great that was the first time out on the track and was running in the top ten after starting 17th and ran into battery trouble.
Entry Date: - 8/20/2007 - Joe Colliss - I''m a long time mt. clemens race fan and just learned of this site last sunday down at flat rock i havent been to the races in years so my son asked me to go to the enduro but still was ammased at all the new gereration of mt. clemens racers and some of the old guys to Jeff Rohde,Jeff Metdepenningen,Derrick Sheppard,and Jimmy Tucker. Is that Norms son or grandson they said it was his first race he did good beside a spin he ran good. Derrick is Rick Sheppards son someone told he ran great its good to see these mt. clemens guy still running. But they make me feel old.
Entry Date: - 8/16/2007 - Chuck - For those who remember long time race fan Robert "Ram" Socia passed away of congestive heart failure August 16, 2007.
Entry Date: - 8/7/2007 - Mark - Just a little note to,let you all know that this years Checkerflag reunion will be on September 30th 2007 at the moose lodge on crawford ave in windsor canada would love to see the old drivers that came from the states we have a blast so come and enjoy and have fun walking down memory lane it start at 1.pm for more info please e mail me at stockcars33@hotmail.com hope to see you all there Mark from the Checker flag web site
Entry Date: - 8/1/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - That''s a great point about the road course Bruce, one that owners and promoters should think about today. Waterford hills is a club and so it has survived where others have not. Think about how great it would be to have a road coure combined with a 1/2 mile oval inside it and a dragstrip. I for the life of me don''t understand what is so hard about getting the concept of strength in #s and multi use. These divisions of labor from motorsport to motorsport make little or no since. Racing is racing and needs all the support it can gather what with every farm field in Michigan being turned into a breeding ground for repulsive half million dollar condos and wall marts. All the michigan tracks ought to run ethonal too, it''s grown here, why not use it. To Nate''s point, I will never give up on the idea that a racetrack can exist somewhere between Chelsea and Port Huron. You can''t honestly say it''s impossible. Heck, why not turn Detroit city airport into a multiuse racetrasck. The locals already have drag races on the road behind it every week. Why not get Detroit involved. If Nat, Randy and I only had about a billion bucks, or 500 more people like eachother......
Entry Date: - 7/31/2007 - Bruce Freeburger - Folks, I can only recall visiting MCRT twice. First time in the summer of 1963 for a USAC Midget points race (Mel Kenyon won), then later in 1983 or 1984 for a regular stock car night. I saw a couple of Motor City Speedway races on 8 Mile when I was in kindergarten back in 1956. By 1989 I was a reporter for CompuServe''s Motor Sports Forum and posted onlne Flat Rock ARCA results I covered. Things were dial up back then and Flat Rock did not have a phone jack for the media, so I drove back home in Roseville and posted the stories online from there. When I was in grade school a classmate gave me a Mt. Clemens Race Track program for a SPORTS CAR race there. It used part of the oval and went out back where the motocross track was made decades later. New Hampshire''s road course was shaped like this. I now realize that this sports car race would have had to be an all dirt road course! The year would have between 1957 and 1959. I wonder if the MCRT road course even lasted more than one event. NOBODY seems to recall a sports car race at MCRT, but I had a real program from the event! Cheers, Bruce Freeburger
Entry Date: - 7/30/2007 - Randy - Todd...please contact me rusty2win@aol.com And see below in a reply to my same question about Lloyd.
Entry Date: - 7/30/2007 - todd - does anyone know if Lloyd Goodrich is still in st. clair shores? im looking for information on a owner he used to drive for Ed Adams. He drove his # 85 car. if anynoe has any pics of the 85 car or of the owner, please let me know im tring to help Ed Adams grandaughter put a profile together as a gift for her father.
Entry Date: - 7/27/2007 - Dan Grinde - Congradulations to Brian Norton for 50 featrure wins in the A-Main Street Stock division at The Flatrock Speedway. I wish I could have half the chance.
Entry Date: - 7/26/2007 - Dan Rinke - The picture from Bill Murawski of the #1 yellow chevelle in front of Jack Goodwin in the #78 car dated June 1970 was being driven by me. It was sponsored by Centerline Auto Parts and we were 3rd in points behind Art Sommers & Ray Niece at the time. I''m sure Art can verify this. Thanks, and you are doing a great job with this site! Dan Rinke
Entry Date: - 6/20/2007 - Dave DeHem - Tom, The MARFC Banquet is usually the third Saturday in January. It should be on the 19th of January, 2008. As far as renting the track for a couple of hours goes, I would say yes to that and I will be more than happy to front some money for my racing. Catering would be alright I think, as long as everybody knows they have to pay. It could turn into a nightmare though as last years was pretty easy with people sliding in and out of the room swapping stories and remembering the good old days. In any event, you can count on me for help again.
Entry Date: - 6/20/2007 - Tom Urbanom Urban - The Mt.Clemens Get Together will happen for a second year. It will take place the Saturday after the Fan Club Banquet. I need some input for this year. Do we want to rent the track for a few hours? This will keep intruders out of our races. Last time, we had some outsiders, and they kind of messed up some of the racing by crashing people. Do we want to have catering? It`s an extra charge of $12.00 per person. Food would be pizza/pasta and pop. As soon as I find out what the fan club date is, I`ll post the get together date. Any ideas on how to improve on the last get together? Any and all ideas/suggestions will be considered. If we decide on track rental, I`ll need money up front from those that are going to race.
Entry Date: - 6/12/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - CONGRATULATIONS TO ARTIE SOMMERS AND RON DRAGER FOR GETTING INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME! THE INDUCTION CEREMONY WILL BE ON NOVEMBER 4, 2007 IN MOUNT PLEASANT. CHECK THE MICHIGAN MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME WEBSITE FOR TICKET INFORMATION.
Entry Date: - 6/5/2007 - Stewart Thurman - to: Tom Urban my Email is thurman@fev-et.com send me a note if you get a chance
Entry Date: - 6/2/2007 - Paul Michelsen - i am the son of Frederick Michelsen. i am looking for any info on my late dad''s racing career. if u have any pics plz send me a copy of them if at all possible.his car number was 166 or 66. he used to work at midway auto parts in detroit. in now as been removed. fred pasted away in 1980 from cancer. i miss him. my step mom has since destroyed his career. im trying to rebuilt it if at all possible. he had a very disticted hand injury. it was smashed in a crane accident. it looks like he was giving u the middle finger.
Entry Date: - 5/16/2007 - Randy - Thank you Louie...I will give this a try. I didn''t think of zabasearch until I saw your post with a ''born date''.
Entry Date: - 5/10/2007 - louie bennett - for Lloyd Goodrich born june 1939 try 28111 SHOCK st. st.clair shores mi. 48081 have a great day louie!!!!!! ( not shook) p.s. congrats to Leslie"s son ( billy) MOM an DAD gotta be proud
Entry Date: - 5/10/2007 - Greg Aknderson - I''m new to this website ( and to high-tech and computers generally), but I "lived" at Mt. Clemens Race Track Mon. Thurs., and Sats. from early sixties to mid-seventies (when the track was finally paved) and witnessed some very fine racing including some nationally famous racers ( Benny Parsons, Joe Ruttman, Iggy Katona, etc.). I''m a first cousin to Dan Baumbarten. and I spent many a summer night in the late ''50''s and early 60''s in the playground at the track and absorbed all the tire smoke and high-decibel engine wines that are indelibly stamped in my psyche. I spent my entire teens until my mid thirties living under my and friends cars, and I still have grease under my fingernails to prove it! My unconscience is a treasure trove of memories of MCRT just waiting to explode with data and anecdotes. Talk to me, and I will spew out reminiscences of Jack Goodwin, Chuck & Artie Sommers, Homer Newland, Bob Fredericks, Ralph Young (I can never forget when he won his first feature, and in the winner''s circle they popped the hood on that blue ''60 Plymouth to reveal that 426 Hemi with those huge chrome valve covers with plug wires going through them); In the sportsman class I was always an Art Sommers fan (with Chuck Sommers in the "2-11 ''56(?) Chevy as much a threat to win as Art hinself) always looking at Marv Parenteau''s #68 ''57 Chevy in his rear-view mirror. This is my introduction to this venue, so just picque my memory and let me fill in the gaps of your memories that are just as erroneous as mine!
Entry Date: - 5/9/2007 - Randy - Anyone know the wereabouts of Lloyd Goodrich? He drove the #85 (pale lavender 57 Chevy) in the sportsman class in the 60''s and early 70''s. This was when the track was clay. He won a 1/4 mile championship as well as a Double "O" Championship. He use to live in the East Detroit area back in the day. His brother Gene took over driving after Lloyd stepped out and the car was then an orange 57 chevy, but still #85. He did not have the success that Lloyd did. thanks!
Entry Date: - 5/8/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - I forgot to tell you that Billy Leslie''s first ARCA team win included Tracy Leslie as the spotter, Lee Leslie as the crew chief, Chuck Carroll and Larry Lamay crew members. Sound familiar? How could he lose? It was all left up to the driver who was awesome!
Entry Date: - 5/8/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - Billy Leslie, son of Tracy Leslie, won his first ARCA Remax Series race on 5-7-07 at Winchester Speedway. It was really exciting to be there watching the second generations of Leslie and Keselowski. Billy led the last 60 laps and finished 2 car lengths ahead of Brian Keselowski and Frank Kimmel. At age 19, the young man showed that racing is in his blood. Billy has a Titan Tire sponsorship for a 10 race deal in the ARCA series. His next race will be at Toledo Speedway on May 20th. He will be running MIS and Talladega too!
Entry Date: - 5/4/2007 - Don Harrison - Pat Collins-5/3/2007 Looking for Jim Hehl from Flat Rock Mi. Jim''s page : Jim Hehl''s +4 homepage, links for all formats! (*) Amiga +4 Emulator : A4 homepage. Other Cool Links. (*) Lemon64 : The best C64 site on ... plus4.emucamp.com/plus4link.htm - 13k -
Entry Date: - 5/3/2007 - Pat Collins - Looking for Jim Hehl from Flat Rock, MI.
Entry Date: - 4/21/2007 - lance skotcher - Hi Tom. How are you? How''s your mom & dad and brother Bill? I remember racing against your brother and Dave Randa when your dad sponsored them. Wish I still had some of those dodges now. Sure would be worth alot of money now.
Entry Date: - 4/21/2007 - lance skotcher - Hey Louie. How are ya? All those cars were from the ''70''s. Raced from 1972-until the track closed. 1970 Duster # 51 orange/black/white. 1969 Dodge Charger # 51 black/red. 1970 Dodge Challenger # 51 black/red was raced as a sportsman car. They were all sponsored by Michael E. Wilkins Excavating and were street stock. In the ''80''s, I raced a 1984? - Ford Thunderbird in late model division # 11 black/white/orange sponsored by Al Long Ford. Sure would be cool to see some photos of them. The first car I ever raced there was a 1964 Dodge black/red # 55 - when they first started the street stock class. When I raced the 1964 Dodge, Larry Carpenter won the track championship in street stock. I was 17yrs old then. Rick Sheppard, Tracy Leslie, "Trailor Rod" (anyone remember him?), Jeff Jagota, Jimmy Nevel and I all strated racing for the first time that year. Don''t recall what year that was.
Entry Date: - 4/21/2007 - lance skotcher - Hey Dan, how are you? How''s your dad? Moved to North Carolina a year ago. Came to THAW-OUT. Will never miss Northern Michigan snow. I am driving truck now-all local and home every day. Live about 10 minutes from Bowmen Gray Stadium Speedway. They race modifies & late models. It''s cool. Really awesome to see you on this site. Enjoy looking back at alll the photos. My home email address is in this site''s guest book. Email me.
Entry Date: - 4/21/2007 - Ron Nelson - 1-Louie Bennett-Thanks again for the Hanley hat. It is the same as the shirt I got from a guy in florida just recently. Also, did you get the email I sent you with the story about you from the CASCAR series back in the early 90''s. 2- recently saw some pics from the Mt. Clemens reunion at Kart to Kart. I have a question. Does anyone know who had the collection of pics and drawings and news stories laid out on a table. There were a few articles on Jr. Hanley and what looked like a colored drawing done of his car and one of Artie Sommers in the #10 (seperate drawings). Would really love to get in touch with whoever owns these. I have a huge Hanley collection, mainly pics and news stories but I am always looking for more. Would love to either get a scan of that drawing or a copy of it somehow. REALLY hope someone can help me out with who owns the collection. THANKS again guys and maybe I can help you out with anything as well. RON NELSON
Entry Date: - 4/20/2007 - lfbennett - ok lance be more specific on cars, color, and numbers,and what year you raced these vehicles at the mount------------I''ll see what i can do as i have a few pics.as I''m sure others do as well-------------good luck we''ll do the best we can for you Louie
Entry Date: - 4/18/2007 - Dan Grinde - Hey! Uncle Lance, how the heck are ya??? I heard you moved down south, is this true?
Entry Date: - 4/14/2007 - lance skotcher - I had 70 duster#51 69 dodge charger#51 68dodger corrnet#87 we race at mcrt in steet stock class the #11car was late model that car had dodge eng in it when frist race it that was also ex stan yee car had alot of fun at mcrt met alot very nice people at that track wish I had some pic from back then of all the cars I had back then
Entry Date: - 4/13/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - I agree with race fan. But we need to combine it with other uses such as a road course that can be rented by the car companies for testing and commercials like Waterford. I personally like all types of racing. The more different types of racers you get together the better chance you have of a successful track. This us only mentality is what closes tracks. You need passionate people to keep a sport alive. the more people and the more diverse the better. This is not 1950. Land is super pricey and justifying a large parcel for one use, a few months a year, well, you see where I''m going. Heck, put a dirt track in the center if you want. Have concerts too. As far as a track in Indiana, that''s good for Indiana, but I live in Metro Detroit. Tracks in the sticks are great, but like Randy, I''m sick to death of driving a few hundred miles every Saturday to watch a bad show. Does anyone ask themselves why these places have such a hard time making it? Population. Build a good track near a large metro area and make it accessible and market it to a broader population base. You can''t just market a a sport to one type of person with one type of mindset. Look at Basketball and Hockey. I love it when I see someone who looks like they don''t fit in with the crowd at a race, that means there''s hope. Bring someone that never thought of going to a race with you sometime. You have to market things. This website is the best thing going for racing. Pictures, enthusiasm, passion. Also, theres a billion kids in love with their Hondas and Neons. Have a division not based on clunkers for these types of cars. All you have to do is stand at the turn around at Gratiot and Frahzo on a Sturday night and you can see a bunck of slammin rides. And put on a good show like Dixie. Toledo would be tolerable if they''d actually put more than one sparsely populated division on the 1/2 mile track per regular show and ran the show right and actually tried marketing it to people in Detroit an hour away. Racing is visual and audio. Try a TV commercial. Build it and run it right and they will come. But build it near a large populated area for petes sake.
Entry Date: - 4/12/2007 - Tom Haas - Lance Sckotcher had a black and red ''68 Dodge Charger #51 if my memory serves me correctly. Un-sponsered I think?? 1977 or1978?
Entry Date: - 4/12/2007 - Race Fan - ERIC , what do we need a road course for ? we want another MTCS some place. a super fast 1/2 mile with long straight aways.
Entry Date: - 4/11/2007 - Eric - Gentlemen, there is a new track going up in Lake Village Indiana. Heard it will be almost 6 miles of road course. I believe it will be a private club
Entry Date: - 4/11/2007 - Dan Grinde - Just dropping a few more names, and touching base before the race season gets under way again for the 2007 season at flatrock and Toledo. Anyone remember Lance Scotcher #11 I think With AL Long Ford as a sponsor. Paul Tregembo Jr. and Sr. and Leonard Roberts. It would be cool to get some stories on these guys.
Entry Date: - 4/11/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Good goodness that would rule!!!! How do we mass the troops???
Entry Date: - 4/9/2007 - BOB kRUPA - iI hear Selfridge AFB wants to rent / lease some of it''s 3,000 aces of it un-used property. A perfect place for a new racetrack.
Entry Date: - 4/3/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Dave, exactly. I never remembered it near the road. I always thought it was thee coolest thing. Reminded me of the abandon racetrack from Scooby Doo when I was a kid. Kids think every old house is haunted. Said that it happened the way it did.
Entry Date: - 4/1/2007 - louie bennett - house on n.river road believe it or not had a address of 237 N. RIVER rd. same as exit off i-94 237
Entry Date: - 4/1/2007 - Dave DeHem - Sean, You are right about the big old house in the parking lot. I had forgot that it was moved closer to the front gate, which is where you probably remember seeing it. The only time I was ever in that house was when it was up near North River Rd. however I can still picture it with the moving beams and timbers under it just after they moved it and hadn''t put a foundation under it yet. It was just sitting in the parking lot.
Entry Date: - 3/29/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks Dave I was talking about the old house in the parking lot. Everything about that place was great, even the parking lot. I remember being six years old and walking to the front gate under the trees, hearing the cars with my dad and finding lug nuts in the dirt. Anywhere I go it just isn''t even close. I thought it was just that I missed it, but when I saw the films at the reunion it really hit home. Best short track around.
Entry Date: - 3/29/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - hey Randy, I ran into Etahan Daniel Davidson the other night at an acoustic open mic. I told him to tell his dad to try again with another track. He said his dad had wanted the fairgrounds thing to work. wouldn''t it be great to have a half mile indoors and and the Pistons play there!
Entry Date: - 3/28/2007 - Dave DeHem - There were two houses on the Race Track property. There was the old house on the corner of the parking lot on North River Rd. that ended up being used as an office. I remember going in there to pre-register for the year and getting my picture taken for the ID card we used to have to show at the pit sign-in. That house had a reputation as being a former "cat house" and I don''t mean the kind that says meow or uses kitty litter. That was well before the Race Track used it.
The other house was the ranch style home across from the pool on pit road behind the grandstands. I don''t remember who lived in it but they were supposedly allowed to live in the house for an extended period of time after the track was closed up. However, the house mysteriously burned down not long after the track was shuttered. That always was a little fishy.
With spring in the air and the excitement of tracks opening up it makes me yearn for those Sunday afternoon in May shows. I can still smell the fresh paint and the oil burning off those hot surfaces for the first time of the racing season. It was always exciting to see the new paint schemes, the new cars, and the new team match-ups along with the old standard of teams that just kept on doing what they knew best. Long live "The Mount"!!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 3/27/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - I seem to remember an old house off the parking lot.? Any info?
Entry Date: - 3/26/2007 - Don Harrison - Information from the "1981 Michigan Auto Racing Year Book"
The Mount Clemens Race Track has been running for 30 years.
Although it originally was a horse racing track at the turn of the century, it was purchased by Dr. Clayton Stubbs and his wife Ruth. Shortly after they were approached by some stock car drivers from "Michigan Modifieds" who ask if they could clear off the track and practice on it. The Stubbs decided to develop the property strictly for stock car racing. Ed Jones was the first promoter in 1951.
The original tracks were 1/4 & 1/2 mile dirt tracks and they remained dirt until 1972 when the tracks were paved. The first race was a sellout in June of 1951.
Jones continued to run the track for about 10 years. Then John Miller ran the track for about two years. Then Jack Ferris along with some backers took over for awhile.
Pete McGee took over after that and promoted for about 8 years, selling out to A & M Sports Enterprises under John Mayand Sonny Adams in 1972.. The track was bought by Dr. Henry J. and Cyndy Winkler in 1977. Cyndy took over as promoter in April of 1979.
The track was run under the names of Wonderland Raceway, Mount Clemens Raceway, Mount Clemens Speedway and finally Mount Clemens Race Track...
Entry Date: - 3/25/2007 - Don Harrison - "Flat Rock Speedway" & A R C A Is where Benny Parsons started his career in 1962. Flat Rock and Toledo and other ARCA tracks is where He made His Fame & Fortune...
Entry Date: - 3/15/2007 - Jim Laraway - Parsons family would like some memorabilia back: Benny Parsons, as selfless and thoughtful a man as the good Lord ever molded, was quick-as-a-hiccup to aid a friend in need. He didn''t keep tabs, wasn''t interested in paybacks. He just wanted to help. It''s time some of those folks he helped reciprocated the gesture. Terri Parsons, Benny''s second wife, is searching desperately for memorabilia from Benny''s driving career. The hope is to collect a wide range of helmets, trophies, driving suits and sheet metal to display in a special wine-tasting room at Rendezvous Ridge, Benny''s winery in Wilkesboro, N.C. Terri seeks a driving uniform and helmet from every car he ever drove. To date, the quest has been exasperating. (see full story at ESPN.com)(3-14-2007) Copied from Jayski
Entry Date: - 3/14/2007 - louie bennett - many thanks to laura tucker----and this site,,chuck called, got info. i needed, packed up his award and mailed it out,which he was happy to hear he was getting, anderson''s accident was a 1 car accident, he ran into a bridge support. No alcohol, or drugs were involved just a accident, again thanks laura
Entry Date: - 3/13/2007 - Chuck Mack - Tom Urban your right John Anderson was killed in a highway accident. If I remember correctly he was going home after work. He was working at Hutcherson-Pagan at the time.
Entry Date: - 3/13/2007 - Tom Urban - Rex, John Anderson was killed in a highway crash down south a number of years ago. Don`t know all the particulars. I`m sure some one can fill in the details. A very sad loss.
Entry Date: - 3/13/2007 - Rex Manglos - The site is still great to look at weekly. Since moving to Pa. a long time ago I have read about Mich. racing in NSSN weekly paper. My ? is what ever happened to John Anderson? I know he tore up the east coast quite a bit in the 70''s and 80''s and can''t seem to get any info. Thanks guys and keep up the work,,,,,Rex
Entry Date: - 3/12/2007 - louie bennett - ok ---Louie called ---left message, as this is slow time of year up there -no waitress''s are in at this time of day, as this is slow season---------it''s 10:45 AM, when some do come in this afternoon for dinner time he''ll have message sent,this is fun thanks for the info let''s hope this works out I''ll keep you informed.........
Entry Date: - 3/11/2007 - Brian Norton - I know Gary Lindahl has already mentioned this, but I too would like to mention the Racer''s Re-union coming up this Saturday, March 17, from noon ''til six. It has turned into a pretty neat event with lots of former racer''s and tons of old photos and even a story or two. The event is free and I''d love to meet more of you there. Bring some photos and stories of your own and I''m sure you''ll have a good time. Hope to see many of you there!
Entry Date: - 3/11/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - To find Chuck Roumell, you can also contact Roumell Enterprises on Pentecost Hwy in Onsted, MI at (517) 467-7974.
Entry Date: - 3/11/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - If you are looking for Chuck Roumell, contact Jerry''s Pub in Brooklyn, MI at 517-467-4700. Chuck lives right down the street. He told me to have any waitress call him while you are there, and he will walk down the street.
Entry Date: - 3/9/2007 - louie bennett - i have a trophy from Delaware speedway park, London ont. that belongs to chuck rommell # 0, anybody have an address, -e-mail, -or phone #, so i may contact him and make arrangements to get this delivered , only been holding it appox. 10 or so years, sure he would like to get this,,,,,,,,,,thanks
Entry Date: - 3/7/2007 - LAURA TUCKER - Jim Hale contacted me because he is trying to get Artie Sommers inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame. Artie has given me alot of material, but I am still looking for some statistics from his dirt track days. Please contact me or Dave Dehem.
Entry Date: - 2/14/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Gary, I'll be there for the ASA for sure, so load the Faygo machine and clear the spider webs from the coin slot. The show with the Lates and the Sportsman the same night looks like a winner too. You should do that more often. I miss the afternoon stuff, from a couple years ago. Sure wish you'd run modifieds on the half with part of the weekly show. Just imagine how cool it would be to have the Sportsman and some open wheel stuff on the same track for that. I bet you'd pack em in from everywhere. Make the drive more worthwhile.
Entry Date: - 2/14/2007 - David Williams - Vyn, Thanks for the memories, lots of cool pics. Everybody needs to check them out. Do you have any photos of the first enduro they had at the mount? See pic below #5 #10 Bill and Dave Williams. That is from the first one, but I would like some other pic, if you or anybody else might have them. Thanks again. Sean I'm with ya on the double o thing. I need to see one now.
Entry Date: - 2/14/2007 - Gary Lindahl - SEAN. yOU NEVER KNOW WHAT ROY MIGHT DO,AND HE HAS PUT A LOT OF FILL AROUND THE SHORT TRACK AND HAS MENTIONED THAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THE INNER TRACK THE SIZE OF FLAT ROCK. THAT WOULD BE INTERESTING BUT NOTHING ON THE HORIZON YET. AS FOR THE HOTEL,IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RACE TRACK AND IS BEING BUILT BY THE SAME GROUP THAT RUNS THE COMFORT INN ON ALEXIS ACROSS FROM RACEWAY PARK. LOOKS TO BE ALMOST DONE,AND SHOULD? OPEN THIS SPRING. DON'T FORGET THE RACERS REUNION AT THE TRACK BAR MARCH 17TH. ASA AND USA MODS OPEN THE SEASON AT TOLEDO APRIL 13TH AND 14TH. ASA IS LEASING THE TRACK FOR THAT WEEKEND SO CHECK THE ASA SITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS,AND ARCARACING.COM FOR THE FLAT ROCK,TOLEDO SCHEDULE. BY THE WAY,LOOK US UP IF YOU COME TO THE TRACK, WE'RE NOT HARD TO FIND. SEE YA!
Entry Date: - 2/11/2007 - Leo Bolzman - Vyn, thanks for the link for your Mt Clemens and the Dome photos.
Entry Date: - 2/10/2007 - louie bennett - just wanted to say thanks web master for doing this, as we all have fun looking up items, and pic's, and reading about old-er times, thanks again
Entry Date: - 2/7/2007 - Jim Hehl - Hey Butch Klotz you there? I use to see your photos from Mount in the Marc Times back in the 70's. Do you have them and if so how about seeing some of them? Jim Hehl
Entry Date: - 2/6/2007 - Vyn Polmanteer - OK I've been scanning away and there are over 100 old pics posted from the mount and some from inside the dome too! Follow the link at HTTP://WWW.VPRACE.NET and let me know you've been there too! While there are a few that i find to be good photographs most are just snapshots but it was fun going thru them anyhow, funny how many memories I found hiding in the backgrounds! Hope you all enjoy, Vyn
Entry Date: - 2/6/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - I really miss the pursuit races and the four car dash. Also I think small speedways like Dixie, Toledo and Auto city should either start out with a big race, just like the big boys do, get the interest rolling right off, and/or do the afternoon thing in the beginning. One of my favorite memories is being chased around the grandstands by a bee at Mt Clemens as a child. I can't wait for the season to start, but I hate freezing the night away. Day races were great. Hey Gary, two questions. When is Toledo gonna fix that small track and run a double O there? That would be awesome. Also, s the hotel next door any relation to the speedway? Thanks.
Entry Date: - 2/3/2007 - Mike Mowatt - Note to Gary Lindahl: funny you would mention that, I was just telling that story to one of my friends here recently. LOL
Entry Date: - 1/31/2007 - Fran Russo - For the 1st annual Mt. Clemens Reunion Grand Prix at Kart 2 Kart Jimmy Tucker was the champion Billy Leslie was 2nd followed by Bob Mackey and Jimmy Gullett. There was some very exiting racing with a last lap battle between Jimmy and Billy with some "bumping and banging". Several former champion drivers didn't make the show. it was a great night!!
Entry Date: - 1/31/2007 - Gary Lindahl - SORRY WE COULD NOT MAKE THE PARTY,WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT TO SEE MANY OF OUR ROWDY FRIENDS,LIKE "MIKE MOWAT IS STILL YOUR LEADER' OUR JOHN NECE WHOSE DAD,RAY WAS ONE OF OUR EARLY HERO'S.NOW THAT BILLY SIMMONS HAS RETIRED FROM RACING,MAYBE HE CAN LOOK IN THE ATTIC FOR SOME OF THOSE GREAT SPARTAN AND JACKSON SHOTS.LIL RICHARD POSTED A RECORD 32 FEATURE WINS IN A ROW AT JACKSON IN SUPER SIX COMPETITION. CHECK OUT THE JACKSON SITE FOR THE DETAILS.ALWAYS LOOKINGFOR OLD PICS AND WE REALLY ENJOYED THE RACING ON THE DIRT AT MT CLEMONS. DON'T FORGET THE RACERS REUNION MARCH 17TH AT THE TOLEDO SPEEDWAY BAR AND GRILL FROM NOON TO 6PM. ITS FOR ALL SHORT TRACKS AND NOT JUST TOLEDO. BRING YOUR STUFF TO DISPLAY LAST YEAR WE HAD OVER 8000 PHOTO'S IN THE HOUSE PLUS ALL KINDS OF OTHER MEMORIES. THIS YEAR,THE MARFC CLUB MEETING FOLLOWS THE REUNION AT 630PM SO IT REALLY SHOULD BE AGREAT TIME.
Entry Date: - 1/30/2007 - louie bennett - --don harris very correct,, shot once in leg, and it put a few holes as it went thru-an thru-,very good, waiting for pilot 504 on biedermans car
Entry Date: - 1/29/2007 - Billy Simmons - Thank you Tom for putting this on. And thanks to everyone that attended. I had a great time and will put it on my schedule for next year also. Guess I'll have to lose some weight to pickup some speed. A big thanks to Bob Capps as well for the use of the Conference room for the videos. Still need to have a Double setup. This also reminded me of when a group of us would meet at Hugh and Harold Fairs Shell station and travel over to Canada and race mini-bikes and go karts. to old to that now. Billy
Entry Date: - 1/29/2007 - DonHarris - REPLY to Louie Bennett, 1/28/2007 The Answer to your Question, LYLE ROBARGE was the Drivers name, His Car Number was #14, He was Shot By The Race Track'S s (RENT-A- COP SECURITY) While trying to jump into the MCRT Swimming Pool..After the Double "0" Feature "I Believe the Rent a Cop Said HEY YOU there don't jump?"And LYLE THOUGH HE SAID "JUMP" Being a part time Cop I believe Lyle only got hit once ? But there could of been several shots fired ?? "But then again you'd had to know LYLE ROBARGE too" louie bennett - 1/28/2007 ok, kinda tough one, back in the day who got shot at mt.Clemens race track ? by who ? why ? how many shots ? how many holes ? hint-since he was a driver what was his car #?
Entry Date: - 1/29/2007 - Dave DeHem - What a blast! I had a riot racing the karts even though it's Monday and I am stiff as a brick and my neck feels like it got stretched a bit after a few bumping incidents on the track. For me it was pretty neat to race the karts with some people I had not ever had the chance to race with in the old days. It was great to see so many people that I hadn't seen in so many years and some I had just seen a week ago at the MARFC Banquet. The night made me remember what I loved about racing at the "Old Girl", the camaraderie we had and the fun we all had. It was deja vu standing there in a circle with Tom Urban telling jokes, it was like nothing had ever changed. Thanks Tom for putting the "get together" together. It is on my calendar for next year already and let me know what kind of help you need. I am going to go and practice a bit before we go racing the karts again as I don't want to run the B-Main again, although we had some pretty racy drivers in that show. I enjoyed the videos from Wild Bill and always enjoy seeing a Double-O from back then. The pictures from Brian Norton took me back in time and whoever brought all the newspaper clippings was sure thinking when they clipped all that stuff out of the paper. See everybody next year..................
Entry Date: - 1/29/2007 - Ron Nelson - Louie, thanks for the hat. Brian has it and will get it to me somehow. Maybe at Reunion show at Toledo on March 17. Wish I could have been there. Never got to go to the track but do have a patch from their. Always knew of it though. Checker Flag was my track but always knew of the guys from the Mount. Just too young then to go over. Love seeing all the photos and history on here though.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - Tom Urban - THANK YOU to Wild Bill Barnhardt for bringing the videos and helping to spread the word. To Brian Norton for the awesome photographs. To Louie Bennett, Dave Dehem, George Decock, Mike Taft, and Laura Tucker for also helping spread the word about the get together. It was an awesome time for everyone. We will do it again next year. It will be the Saturday after the Fan Club Banquet, just as it was this year. Thanks to everyone who attended.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks Tom and everyone else. Great night. Great to meet so many people I watched race as a kid, and a few I still do.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - Butch Klotz - Kudos to Tom Urban...the Kart 2Kart thing was a blast...was very heartwarming seeing old friends and sharing memories...It will become an annual event I am sure...thanks again Tom....
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - louie bennett - let's give tom urban a big hand----and a few others ,,,not fair to name names and miss a few,,a great time was had by many;;;;musta been a hundred people there, thanks again tom--------and others,,video's were great hat has been delivered
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - I'll try and make it for at least a while, I have a gig tonight.
Entry Date: - 1/28/2007 - louie bennett - ok, kinda tough one, back in the day who got shot at mt.clemens race track ? by who ? why ? how many shots ? how many holes ? hint-since he was a driver what was his car #?
Entry Date: - 1/26/2007 - louie bennett - ok ron- hat's your's, will deliver to your designated carrier sat. 1-27-07
Entry Date: - 1/26/2007 - Vyn Polmanteer - I sure wish I could have made the trip for the the kart outing! Hope to see some pics from it. We have already run our big winter shows here and had over 200 different cars show up! gotta love it not thru January yet and i have been to the races 6 times and taken over 3000 pics! got a scanner for xmas and dug out the boxes, hope to have some old mount shots soon! Vyn www.vprace.net
Entry Date: - 1/26/2007 - Don - How about the first few times JR. Hanley was there !! he sure liked that first turn wall....I remember everyone laughing at him, and thought to myself you better hope he doesnt get that car to turn, then after a few crashes he did !! I remember him winning the pursuit in three laps from the rear...no body was laughing then :)
Entry Date: - 1/24/2007 - Ron Nelson - Louie Bennett: I would love to have that Jr. Hanley hat if you don't mind. Yes, I am a big Hanley fan and am always looking for photos, etc. Hat is one thing I don't have and if you don't mind parting with it, I will gladly take it. I just found a guy in Florida who is sending me an old orange Jr. Hanley shirt and some pics. I won't be at the Kart show, other commitments right now. But can we find some other way to get that hat to me. I really would LOVE to have it. The shirt and hat together would be awesome for my collection. Have found alot of people on here that have helped me out in my Hanley search. Where are you from. The name is familiar. Are you from Windsor. I am. Did you work at Checker Flag and Delaware. Let me know how we can work this out. I REALLY DO WANT THAT HAT if you are willing to part with it. THANKS LOUIE and hope to hear back from you. Email me at hanley_72@hotmail.com PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 1/24/2007 - Tom Urban - To Don Harris. Harry`s number meant nothin for nothin. I know Pat haywood finished second to me in the point standings. Probably one of the closest finishes in the history of the track at that time. I beat him out by 10 points. Don`t remember who finished third. Don, are you comin to the get together this Saturday? Hope so.
Entry Date: - 1/24/2007 - Sue - Hey Louie saw that you checked out the web on cheecker flag well you should go check out the other web site on checker flag they have page just for the Mount clemens boys it's a great site so check it out www.checkerflagraceway.piczo.com let mark know if you like it sign his guest book he's a real nice guys
Entry Date: - 1/24/2007 - louie bennett - nothing for nothing better yet why did don biederman have pilot 504 on his lste model and what did it stand for
Entry Date: - 1/23/2007 - Don Harris - Trivia Question's For all you "Rat Rack Fans Out There" Question #1 Of the Original Rat Rack Car Numbers 010 ~ 020 ~ 030 ~ 040 ~ 050 ~ 060 & 070 Harry Farr's ~040~ Had a Meaning? Does any one know what the "0 4 0" Stood For? Billy Simons ask a good question about what year did "Rat Racks Tom Urban" Win the Double "0" Champion Ship (1974-1975) Tom's Reply: Billy that would be 1975 I won the Champion Ship... ....... Question # 2 Does any one remember who finished 2nd. & 3rd. in Points in 1975 behind Tom Urban ?
Entry Date: - 1/23/2007 - louie bennett - ok, ron nelson you seem to be a die hard jr. fan and i have one like new jr hanley hat i'll give you, are you going to kart to kart--------if so i'll bring it, and don't even know who you are, but tom and a few of the fellows know me,be nice now--------
Entry Date: - 1/19/2007 - Mark - Hey Guys thanks for checking out the site on checker flag if you have any pics that you would like us to put on the site send the email and we will be glad to put them on there I my self loved the mount seen some great racing there . keep in touch . there will we a checker flag reunion again this year when we have the date i will post it here with all the info so you can all come and have some great fun . Hope to see you all there .
Entry Date: - 1/19/2007 - Sean Fitzgerald - Went to Checker Flag a few times as a kid. They used have go carts you could drive on the front stretch on off days. I found that ghost track site and Google tera served one spot. Amazingly, the remains of Dayus Raceway are still there at the corner of Howard and McDougall. It's surrounded by buildings and weed trees. Like to check it out.
Entry Date: - 1/18/2007 - Dave DeHem - Hey Don Grinde, Anybody that loved "The Mount" can come on the 27th. Remember it starts at 6 PM. Bring out your old pictures, your old programs, your old articles and show them off so we can all reminisce and walk down memory lane. The only thing that Tom Urban needed was a head count for racing the karts by the 17th. Those that are racing need to be there for the 5:30 sign-up time. I checked out the website that shows Checker Flag. Great site and a really nice section on Mt. Clemens. I couldn't get there with addrtess posted but googled the track, found a Canadian Ghost Track site and linked over to it through the links and fan sites. I even found a picture of Tom Urban.
Entry Date: - 1/17/2007 - Dan Grinde - To Mike Mowatt and Don Harris - Hey guys my Dad says hello and he hopes you are doing well. He remembers the stuff you guys told me about on here, he said that he might be joining the message board here pretty soon. Who is allowed to come to kart2kart on the 27th?? Just wondering.
Entry Date: - 1/17/2007 - Terry Bogusz Jr. - Dad and myself will not be able to attend, the Auto City banquet is on the same night. Hope everyone has a great time! If anyone is interested, Auto City speedway races every Saturday night starting at the end of April, qualifying at 5pm racing at 7pm. I drive in the pro late model division, alot of old Mt. Clemens people are out at the track, come by and say "hi"..... Terry Bogusz Jr. # 71 (my dads old number)
Entry Date: - 1/17/2007 - Ron Nelson - Mark Desjardins: I am in Windsor as well and LOVE your site on Checker Flag. THANKS for all the work you put into it. Glad you found this site as well. Amazing to see all the old pics and history from both these tracks. Maybe someone should start a Mount Clemens site on piczo like the Checker Flag site. Would be able to post so much more info and pics like on your site. Also, to Mark, the people on here are amazingly helpful. If there is anything you are looking for, ask someone on here. I have had a few people help me out with Jr. Hanley memorabilia I have been looking for. Thanks to everyone who works on both of these sites. The tracks are gone, but the memories and friendships should always carry on.
Entry Date: - 1/17/2007 - Randy - This was a part of the article from NASCAR.com about Benny Parsons, The driver in reference was Wayne Bennett that drove the #98 Ford sponsored by Northland Ford (see photo on this page). Benny's father's station was on Woodward and Benny actually drove cab up here for a bit as well. here is the article (nice that there is a mention of MT. CLEMENS): *** Parsons' racing career came somewhat by accident. When his parents moved north to Detroit following World War II, Parsons helped work at his father's service station. One evening in 1963, a truck towing a racecar stopped at the station for fuel. Parsons was invited to join them and hopped into the bed of the pickup on the way to nearby Mount Clemens Speedway. According to the story, when the regular driver failed to show up, Parsons volunteered to drive.
Entry Date: - 1/16/2007 - Mark Desjardins - To Tom Urban hey TieRod Tom just found this web site boy is it cool well here you go guys here is a web site for you all to check out it's all about checker flag in canada and we have put on a page just for mt. Clemens just for you guys send us and email let us know what you think here is the link to the web site www.checkerflagraceway.piczo.com make sure you sign our guest book I use to help Marshall 070 on his car Mark From Checker flag
Entry Date: - 1/16/2007 - Jimmy Gullett - WE WILL BE THERE TOM SHOULD BE GREAT
Entry Date: - 1/16/2007 - Billy Simmons - Tom I'll be there the 27th. Could they set up a Double O track? LOL. Rick Kilbourn said he'll be racing also. See you there.
Entry Date: - 1/14/2007 - A.J. Klotz - Tom Urban.....I will be there Jan.27 5:30 Looking fwd.
Entry Date: - 1/12/2007 - Tom Urban - Hey everybody The Get Together is coming along. The start time is 6pm. Registration will start at 5:30. Still need a head count by the 17th. Please respond on the message board. Thanks.
Entry Date: - 1/7/2007 - Don Harris - Hey Dan Grinde, Yes I remember AL GRINDE, very well, in the mid-70's Al & Rose use to bring your Sister Down to Roseville on Halloween almost every year and my Daughter Jennifer & your Sister use to go out Trick or Treating and Al and Me would go along, After the first year We new what houses gave out the Brown Bottle's Treats to us Father's. We also knew the House'sd that got the Soap Tricks. And at the end of the night the girl had a Bag of Treats... And Al and Me Were Half in the Bag.! Also I remember the Grinde Hay Rides, One year Al was riding on the tractor and With His Buddy Don and they hit a chuck hole and AL flew off and before Don could stop the tractor? AL got run over by the Trailer Tire, OOP'S The Next year your Mother fell off the trailer and got run over, another OPP'S.. I believe Vince Cuker flagged that one..? Maybe this will put a smile on your face???
Entry Date: - 1/7/2007 - Don Harris - Thank you Mr. Webmaster for clearing up who did the posting... And thank you Vince Cuker for the B-Day question, Hope your wife is doing better...
Entry Date: - 1/6/2007 - Don Harris - Regarding the Post Below: Yes I remember ALL the Jim Brooks Birthday Party's ! But I Don't know WHO POSTED THE QUESTION BELOW ??? I am the DON HARRIS that WAYNE LEE ~ JIM BROOKS and BOB BELZ All drove one of My race cars during the late 60's thru the mid 90's when BELZ RETIRED...MY WIFE IS DOING VERY WELL... It's possible there was an error when this got posted ?
"Don Harris: Remember all those Jim Brooks birthday parties we had in the parking lot? Tom Urban: Saw Laura Tucker at breakfast the other day and she mentioned the Kart2Kart get-to-gether. GREAT IDEA! My chances of making it are not to good. Wife has not been doing to good!"
Webmaster note to Don Harris: Vince Cuker posted the question and was addressing a section of his post to you. He is referring to his wife here...
Entry Date: - 1/6/2007 - Mike Mowatt - Note to Dan Grinde: I drove the #73 figure eight car at Flat Rock speedway. My car was built by Don Harris and was Bob Belz's last figure eight car. When Belz drove the car it was the #37. The car was mostly white with turquoise trim. I was rookie of the year in 1983 and ran until I got married in 1987. Next time you see the old man, tell him I said Hi.
Entry Date: - 1/4/2007 - Dan Grinde - To Mike Mowatt- What car did you drive at Flat Rock I might remember because the name sounds familiar. I will soon be putting pics of some figure 8 racing in the 1980s mostly of my Dad, Ben Benedict, Ken Carpenter, Bob Studt etc. there are hardly any on here. LIAR'S POKER!!!!!!!!!! lol, Man we just played back in December when I went to visit him in FL. at the Snowball Derby.
Entry Date: - 1/4/2007 - Rex Manglos - It's true that Erv Baumgarten sailed over the 3rd. turn wall, because I was dating his daughter at the time and she almost killed me to get out of the stands to see if he was ok. I have been in Pa. for over thirty years and still miss that place keep up the fine work and have fun at the kart track,,,,,
Entry Date: - 1/2/2007 - Mike Mowatt - Note to Tom Urban: I would love to tell you that I can make it but driving truck over the road, so schedule is up in the air. But if there is any possible way, I wouldn't miss it for the world. Thanks!
Entry Date: - 1/1/2007 - Tom Urban - To Mike Mowatt, LOL yes I do remember. You comin on the 27th?
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Mike Mowatt - Note to Dan Grinde: I too not only remember your dad, but I raced with him at the Flat rock speedway. I also remember liar's poker games in the parking lot of the "mount" between Rosie and Bob Belz after the races by the light of car headlights. I have not seen your dad in years but he is a great guy.
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - Does any one know where the videos from the speedway tvs went ?
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Ron Nelson - The Biederman photo(crash) is from Delaware. Also, where is the Mark Martin pic from (not Mount Clemens). Vince Cuker-thanks again for all the Hanley articles and photos. Always looking for more if you ever come across any.
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Brian Norton - To Dan Grinde- We do remember your dad at the Flat Rock speedway. Check the Flat Rock page, as I sent a photo of him.
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Brian Norton - Hey everyone, Just wanted to say GREAT SITE! I've been watching this site for two years and finally decided it was time to contribute. I love all the stories and photos, really neat. I never made it to Mt. Clemens, but pretty much grew up at Flat Rock and Toledo as my grandpa owned cars that raced there when I was a kid. I've gone on to race at these tracks for the last 15 years, and love it. Most recently I've become an avid collector/historian of sorts for these speedways. I'm always looking for stuff to add to my collection, and am more than happy to share mine. Hope you'll find my stuff interesting, as I do all of yours. I also would like to add to the Stan Yee storied list of drivers as I know it. #68 Marv Parentau 1968 #33 Marv Parentau & Joe Ruttman 1969-70 #33 Joe Ruttman 1971-72 #33 John Anderson 1973-75 #33 Artie Sommers 1976-77 #33 Danny Byrd 1978-79 #33 Chuck Roumell - Steve Lee - Stan Yee Jr. Harold Cook also drove a couple times, and there may have been others. Thanks! Brian Norton
Entry Date: - 12/31/2006 - Mike Mowatt - Note to Tom Urban: Very important to remember that figure eight drivers go both ways, remember?
Entry Date: - 12/30/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Great new photos! I think one of the Biederman photos is from Delaware in Ontario. These photos make me wanna go back and sit in the stands during one of the early season day races.
Entry Date: - 12/30/2006 - Vince Cuker - Tim Brooks - 11/29/06. My condolences on the passing of your father, Felix. He was a great driver and person. I have some pictures I took from the stands at the MCRT in 1951. One shows your father qualifying. The caption along side the picture says, "Felix Brooks", but the car number is blured because of the slow lense on an old camera and the speed of the car. A couple other pictures show cars on the front stretch lining up for a race. Let me know what the car number was and I'll see if it's in one of the pictures. Leave message here or E-Mail me at wa8bi j@arrl.net.
Entry Date: - 12/30/2006 - Vince Cuker - WOW! I can't believe what I've missed on this site since October. Gotta get here more often. Tony Kania - 11/2/06: Erv Baumgarten went over the number 3 turn wall in 1968, I'm sure. I was working the north turn, and when I jumped over the wall to see if Erv (also my neighbor) was OK, the car was on its roof and Erv was climbing out asking, "What the h--- happened?" Don Harris: Remember all those Jim Brooks birthday parties we had in the parking lot? Tom Urban: Saw Laura Tucker at breakfast the other day and she mentioned the Kart2Kart get-to-gether. GREAT IDEA! My chances of making it are not to good. Wife has not been doing to good! Bill (Moe) Meiers - 12/24/06. I remember walking up to a car with that sledge hammer (early 70's) to "bang" on the roll bars of a Hobby Stock, and the wife of the owner/driver got extremely irate with me because I was going to hit the roll bars, messing up the paint. Well, I knocked out a couple of bars (poor welding) and wouldn't let the guy race until I later re-inspected the roll bars in the pits. That night, the car roller over a couple of times, and the first person to see me after the races was his wife praising and thanking me for checking the car. Ron Nelson: Glad you could use the JH copies I sent you. And thanks to you guys posting the kind remarks about my flagging. Couldn'd have done it without all your support. Everyone have a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and safe racing season in 2007.
Entry Date: - 12/29/2006 - Dan Grinde - Does anyone remember Al Grinde? He also drove a 111 but it was in the figure 8 division. In the Mt. Clemens days he may have been (1) or (11) I was just wondering if any of you know my old man? He now lives in Milton,Fl. and runs his own bar and grill The Oval Office. We recently went to the Snowball Derby at Five FLags Speedway that track reminds me of Mt. Clemens alot. If anyone remembers Bob Van he drove the 8 ball car in the Street Stock division, he lives about 20 minutes away from my Dad down in Florida. It is nice looking at all the old photos, man I was just a pup in the Jr. Hanley days but I do remember and miss that Race Track very much.
Entry Date: - 12/27/2006 - Tom Urban - We have a definite date for Kart2Kart. It`s the 27th of January. I need a solid head count by the 17th. Please reply on the message board. Thanks. Webmaster you are invited to attend if you like. This wouldn`t be possible without this web site.
Entry Date: - 12/27/2006 - Tom Porzondek - Hello to Leo Boltzman. I used to go racing with Bob Frederick (#30 Mopar) and I remember when you and your dad came over to Bob's and were looking to buy the car. I think you put Dodge sheet metal on it after buying it and made it #12. Was that maybe 1968 ? Take care.
Entry Date: - 12/24/2006 - Bill (Moe) Meiers - Hi everyone, Just found this site not long ago. Really neat. I raced the Mount off and on from '65-'72. Ran quarter mile car #118. Had a lot of good memories of racing there. Moved out of the area in '73 up north near Whittemore speedway. I had never been to MRT when it was paved. I will try to locate some of my old stuff for posting in the future, pics, etc. I'll never forget my first time at MCRT, I was nervious enough allready, and here comes Vince with a sledge hammer bigger than him to check the welding of my cage. Awsome!! Everyone have a good new year!
Entry Date: - 12/21/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Count me in for kart2kart. Does anyone know how to get a hold of Pat Haywood??
Entry Date: - 12/21/2006 - Randy Adam - OK, my bad...that was suppose to be STAN YEE (not Lee, like I wrote, just a type-o) and it was he that sponsored the #68 that Marv Parenteau drove in the sportsman class.
Entry Date: - 12/19/2006 - Dave DeHem - Count me in at Kart to Kart Tom. I'm good any Saturday in January except the 20th. That is the MARFC (Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club) Banquet. I can probably get a few folks to come out like Wild Bill, Metdipennigen's, Al Peltier, Laura Tucker, Dave Dobner, Arnold Kirsch, Cheeseburger and that bunch. I'll put a posting up on the Michigan Short Track Racing Club if you would like. MARFC has one meeting a year at Kart to Kart and we usually have our winter Michigan Legends meeting there.
Entry Date: - 12/18/2006 - Tom Urban - Merry Christmas to one and all at this forum. I have an idea. There`s an indoor go-cart track at 19 mile road and Van Dyke called Kart2Kart. How about we have a get together there after the new year to talk about the good ole days and race carts. I`ll put the details up on the message board. My name on the board is hotrod.
Entry Date: - 12/18/2006 - Randy Adam - I remember Stan Lee owning a car (#68 sportsman - 57 Chevy, sponsored ny Yee's Auto Glass) that Marv Parenteau drove and won a championship or two with.That was when the track was clay in the mid to late 60's. He (Marv) drove a superstock that they debuted at Tri-City Speedway (the trick track) at the end of one season and he put it into the wall during qualifing. Mike Moore was indeed the ower of the #111 that Steve Lee drove. Mike was the owner of Action Welding and now resides in Texas. The first 111 was a 66 or 67 Chevelle. Corky did motor/head work on the car as well. I just talked to Mike about a week or two ago and we were reminissing about the good ole days.
Entry Date: - 12/18/2006 - Tom Urban - Merry Christmas to one and all at this forum. I have an idea. Does everyone who has posted here know about an indoor kart track called Kart2Kart? If so, how about a get together after the new year where we can talk about the old times and have some fun racing karts. I will post details on the message board.
Entry Date: - 12/18/2006 - David Williams - John Anderson drove the Stan Yee yellow #33 in the early 70s. He won the championship in 1973.
Entry Date: - 12/15/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - I knew the difference between Lee and Yee, but it seems to me that Stan Yee owned a car at Mount Clemens as well. I will look it up in one of my old programs. But thanks for the much more in depth info.
Entry Date: - 12/15/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks for clearing that up. Another question. Did Ron Varney drive the #16 Volarie? I remember a season championship race where Lee, Varney and haywood were battling and Haywood ended up in the weeds off the exit of turn 2. Is this accurate? Thanks
Entry Date: - 12/14/2006 - Don Harris - Comment from Sean Fitzgerald - 12/13/2006 The 111 was owned by Stan Yee, was it not? Stan Yee Junior runs at Toledo now. NO your talking about STAN YEE JUNIOR" who drives the #33 for His father "STAN YEE of Yee's Collision in Roseville Michigan "Junior runs at Toledo - Flat Rock & OTHER'S. (That's YEE NOT LEE) The Number 111 RED Camaro "STEVE L E E DROVE" was for MIKE MOORE THE OWNER OF ACTION WELDING.... Also WAYNE LEE WAS RACING MOUNT CLEMENS-FLAT ROCK & TOLODO along with Auto City and Owosso in the Mid - 50's........... Back when Stan was still in High School... I can't Remember WHEN STAN YEE"S HOUSE CAR'S WERE NOT BEING Bright Yellow with the # 33 on the Side.... "Befor we had a STAN YEE building Racing Cars We had "WAYNE LEE" Winning Races.............. In the "LEE RACING FAMILY OF DRIVERS" ("WAYNE LEE "6-26-1930~6-19-2006) ~ Son "STEVE LEE"~ AND Grans - Son ERICK LEE who race at Flat Rock ~ Toledo ~ Dixie & Otheres.
Entry Date: - 12/14/2006 - Dave DeHem - The red #111 car that was driven by Steve Lee was owned by Mike Moore. The car(team) ran it as a limited Sportsman in 1979 and 1980 and then I believe moved it up into the super Late Model class in 1981 or 1982. In those days the Sportsman cars were pretty much everything from a really tricked out and built up Street stock to a bona-fide Super late model with a limited motor in it. The Limited's ran a 2 Barrel Carb. and I believe Hoosier tires while the Supers ran a 4 barrell, Goodyear tires and pretty much unlimited motors. Steve Lee later drove for Stan Yee in the famed #33 and did very well with the car down at Flat Rock and a few other places. I don't believe that Steve drove for Stan Yee while Mt. Clemens was still open. I remember Chuck Roumell driving the Yee #33 towards the end of Mount Clemens days. Mike Moore teamed up with Jim Neville for a while in the late 70's to build and set-up race cars. Mike drove the 111 and Jim drove the #67 I believe. For some reason they didn't stay in business for a very long time and Jim went to work for Jerry Churchill while Mike Moore kept racing with his car and team and also continued his business "Action Welding". I don't know where Mike Moore is anymore. I saw Jim Neville a couiple of years ago and saw Steve Lee just the other day while I was Christmas shopping.
Entry Date: - 12/14/2006 - Leo Bolzman - i miss all the action we use to have at the track. seen alot of good racing there. i was at the track from 1959 till the end. I was a fan , driver , car owner, and work with BoB Keslowski till 1995. A lot of great drivers raced at the track that became stars in NASCAR, ASA, ARCA You know we are getting old when we see the our kids and grand kiids racing. Mark Martin retired and he came up to Mt Clemes as a kid
Entry Date: - 12/13/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - The 111 was owned by Stan Yee, was it not? Stan Yee Junior runs at Toledo now.
Entry Date: - 12/11/2006 - Don Harris - Lookimg for some answers or corrections ? Here is a couple you migth like to up date? A couple of photo,s below the RED 06 camaro of BILL VENTON, There is a earlier 60's photo from Don Krupa with Car 44 Driven by Carl Scholz and the #16 Driven by JIM LARAWAY and the #25 was driven in those days by "WAYNE LEE" Later JIM BROOKS Wayne Lee's Son-In-Law took over the driving duty's of the 25 car... In Hazels Photo of the RED Camaro 111 That was WAYNE LEE'S Son "STEVE LEE"
Entry Date: - 12/6/2006 - Lisa Decock - It's kinda funny reading what everyone has to write about MCRT! It's like listening to the guys talk about the past, before I came in the picture! A few years ago I married George Decock's son Brian. I went to school growing up with the Decock, Lamay and the DeSmith families! I still see all of them on occassion and laught at all the stories! Brian raced for awhile, but recently gave it up to be a family man! There's not a day that goes by that he doesn't want his super late-model car back! We are also friends with the Randa family! Small, small world!
Entry Date: - 11/29/2006 - Tim Brooks - FELIX " BB EYES " BROOKS PASSED AWAY 10/31/06 MEMORIAL MASS DEC.2 10 AM ST CYRIL .TAYLOR MI RACE IN PEACE BB LOOKING FOR OLD PICS /PROGRAMS WITH BB MY DAD IN THEM REPLY TO MRBROOKSYFF@YAHOO.COM
Entry Date: - 11/26/2006 - Ron Nelson - Dave DeHem, you are so right about Brian Norton. Super nice guy and loves the history of racing in these parts. Does so much to preserve and let everyone else see what went on back then. Would love to see the pics you mentioned of the SLM from the late 70's and early 80's that you have. Those are all the guys that I want to see, plus many others. Hanley especially though. To attach pics, click on the link on the left under General Info, 2 up from the bottom where it says Submit Pictures. Tells you how to do it in there. Good luck and hope we all get to see the pics you have. Sound like they would be great for the site.
Entry Date: - 11/25/2006 - Dave DeHem - I forgot to mention Ron, that I know Brian Norton and have seen some of his extensive collection. A heck of a nice person and a big supporter of MARFC too. We are planning on being down at The Racers Reunion (Old Timers day) down at the Toledo Speedway Bar & Grill next march. We also have our monthly meeting of the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club that night immediately following the reunion so we are hoping to get a few of those rascals to hang out and share some memories with the Club. It is also St. Patty's day so we are thinking about Hotel rooms.
Entry Date: - 11/25/2006 - Dave DeHem - Ron Nelson, I just rememberd that our new computer at work scans, I am not real computer literate so that's not a feature I use but I may try to scan some pictures into a folder. Hope for a miracle. I just don't see how to attach a picture file to these submissions. I have some late 70's/early 80's Super Lates (Hanley, Fair, Monaghan, Mallot, LeMay, Malcuit, Bieder, Butch miller, Mark Martin) and then a bunch of early 80's street stock pictures as that is what I raced at Mt. Clemens. Blue #99 Chevelle. Had one of George DeCocks old cages that He had sold to the Farr's and in turn got put into another 66 Chevelle that I bought from Mark Riefert. Stopped racing after Mt. Clemens closed, raised my Daughter and then got back in to driving by buying a Legends car in 2002. Just sold it this fall and have now retired from driving and am now concemtrating on P.R. for The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club and the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Michigan Legends Series.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Ron Nelson - Hey Bill, how could you wear that nice JR. shirt and have your pic taken with that awful #43 of Biederman. HAHAHA!!!! If you ever get rid of that shirt, keep me in my mind. Have to keep trying till I find one of my own someday. Thanks for info and I have a pic of that Hanley car somewhere but not from Mount Clemens. I think it was black and silver and not blue. Will send it in when I find it. THANKS AGAIN!!
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - in the old dirt track photo car # 1 yellow could that have been joy fair ?
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - 1 of the 3 kids by dons 43 is myself bill murawski with my jr 72 shrit on. i still have the shrit to this day.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - the plain car blue and silver car is !!!!!! jr 72 yes jr.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Ron Nelson - Thanks for the info Dave DeHem. I have a pic of that Chuck Roumell car at Mount Clemens but just could not recognize it in this pic. Thanks again. As for the old pics you have from Mount Clemens, would love to see them on here. Somebody should start a Mount Clemens site on one of those free photo sites like Photobucket or something. THIS SITE IS AMAZING!!! Pretty sure we get get hundreds of pics to put on a site like that. I know of 2 Checker Flag sites on Piczo ( another free photo site). Tons of history, pics, programs, etc. Being in Windsor, the Checker Flag sites are just a blast to look at. As for not having a scanner, I would love to help you out just to see all the old pics, especially the old SLM and any of JR. HANLEY. Being across the border might make it a little more difficult. Maybe somebody else on this site closer to you could help us all out. One suggestion would be to contact Brian Norton. He does all the archiving for ARCA. He has made me copies of a whole bunch of old Hanley photos that he has. He has thousands of old pics from the Michigan, Ohio area. He also helps out with the Racer Reunion show at Toledo and Flat Rock. I am almost sure he would help anybody out that has old photos. His collection is just amazing. I can give you his e-mail if you want but I won't post it on here. Please let me know if you are interested.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Tom Urban - Correction Billy, It was 1975 that I won the championship.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Tom Urban - Billy, I won the Double O championship in 1976. I won it win your old 64 Chevelle. Man that was fun. You still racin Legends?
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Tom Urban - Yes Bob, I was a member of the Rat Pack. All our cars were black and we were based out of Harry Farr`s gas station. The gas station was called Kelly-Morang Sunoco. The members were Me, Harry Farr, Mike Taft, and Dick Ciesolka. Can`t remember how to spell his last name and it was harder to pronounce than spell. At one time we even had Erv Baumgarten in The Pack, but we waived the black car rule for him because the car was so nice. Car numbers were Harry-040, Mike- 010, Dick-020, and my number was 60. Thanks for askin.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - BOB kRUPA - For Tom Urban: One of the pictures i posted look like Harry Farr 040, 1955 chev. Wasn't you a member of the Rat Pack? I think they had 4 cars, all black.
Entry Date: - 11/24/2006 - Dave DeHem - Ron Nelson, In the picture of the late models stopped on the front stretch the car in the middle (silver with a yellow stripe) would have been Chuck Roumell in the 0, the 99 is Russ Burden and I can't see a number on the plain Jane car closest to the wall. That may well have been a special late model show as I believe that Russ Burden's #99 was a limited sportsman. Many time when there was twin 50's or twin 100's, sportsman cars would move up for the night to fill out the field and pick up a few extra bucks. Like Billy Simmons says, I might just have to get out the old boxes of pictures and post some too. The only problem is that I don't have a scanner to do it with. Anybody out there that can tell me how to do that? Saw Mark "The Turtle" Johnson today at the Mount Clemens Christmas Parade. We pulled Frank Jiovani's Legends Car behind my truck in the parade for the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club. Seemed like a lot of people liked seeing a race car in the parade.
Entry Date: - 11/23/2006 - Ron Nelson - For Mr. Krupa: 1. In the Biederman pic, the #82 is Wayne Keeling from Ontario. He is also in the other photo where the cars are going into turn 3 it looks like along with Hanley and Jack Monaghan and Biederman. All Canadians. For Mr. Kurawski 1. In the photo of the 3 kids in front of Biederman's car. Who are they if I can ask because the kid on the right in the pic appears to be wearing a Jr. Hanley shirt. Wearing a Hanley shirt in a pic of Don Biederman's car. Never thought I would ever see that. Just Kidding though. You are either a Hanley fan or a Biederman fan but not both. 2. In the photo on the frontstretch where the cars are stopped. The #82 is Wayne Keeling but who are the other 2 SLM cars stopped beside each other and behind #82. Can't see any #'s on the cars or anything that I can make out on them either. Hope I helped you out with the info and hope to find out who the other guys are as well. Thanks for all the Hanley photos guys. Love them and always want more for my collection. Thanks.
Entry Date: - 11/23/2006 - Billy Simmons - Tom, what year did you win the Championship at Mt. Clemens? (1974-75) man that was 30 years ago. Double O races were wild. lead a few at Mt Clemens but never won one there. I did win a double o at Owosso in 1972. Liked the Owosso 1/2 mile better than the Mt's 1/2. This makes me want to get the photos out of the attic. Nice seeing all the names I race with from the past. Bill
Entry Date: - 11/22/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - There seems to be so much interest in this place. How can we, as peole who obviously love this sport bring it back to our community. Maybe a track would work better as a nonprofit club, like Waterford. Maybe we should form one.
Entry Date: - 11/21/2006 - Tom Urban - Don, The #1 super stock in your picture might be that of Mike Diviny. Not real sure but that might be it. In your other picture the #16 might be Jim Laraway and the #25 is most likely Jim Brooks. Hope this helps.
Entry Date: - 11/21/2006 - Tom Urban - Bob, The red 06 Camaro, I believe, was driven by Billy Vinton. He sponsored his own car. The sponsorship read "Bill`s Harper Shadylane Service." I think that car is an old Artie Sommers Car.
Entry Date: - 11/21/2006 - BOB kRUPA - Can anyone identify the drivers in my picture. #43 Don Biederman #22 ? #14 ? #28 ? #82 ? Who is the driver in the red #06, Camaro, I can't remember that car.
Entry Date: - 11/20/2006 - Dawn Courtemanche - My Dad, Jerry Morrison built his race cars, numbers 120 and 614 in the late 60's and early 70's. His driver was Jerry Nicholes. Does any one remember him? He passed away on April 29, 2006 and my Mom passed away on August 15, 2006. They were always together and always working on the race cars. Any memories or pictures would be wonderful. Thank you.
Entry Date: - 11/7/2006 - Ron Nelson - Hey there Bill, too bad about the shirt, hope I find one someday. I have pics of the shirts but not one of my own. I do have other Hanley shirts from the 90's though. NO I do not have the centerfold from the Marc Times from 79 or 80. I do have pics of a match race between Jr. and Don at Delaware , not sure the year, but JR. did not have a white car if I am correct. Did they have 2 match races?? I would like it if you could scan and email that pic to me if it is possible. I would also greatly appreciate it, if you can find those other pics, if you could scan and send them to me as well. I collect for my own collection as I have been a Hanley fan since I was 9 back in 1979, the first time he came to Checker Flag Speedway. Or if you are interested in getting rid of the pics and centerfold, maybe you could mail them to me. If you are iterested, we can talk through e-mail and I could give you my address. I just had another fellow, Vince Cuker, who mailed me photocopies of Hanley stories from the Macomb paper back in thek early 80's. Thanks again Vince if you are reading this. I am always trying to get my hands on whatever I can As for the links, here they are. http://public.fotki.com/predmond/assorted_race_cars/1970s_super_late_model/ http://public.fotki.com/predmond/assorted_race_cars/1980s_super_late_model/ http://public.fotki.com/predmond/assorted_race_cars/assorted_southern-1/pinecrest_speedway/ http://public.fotki.com/predmond/assorted_race_cars/assorted_southern-1/assorted_southern/ http://public.fotki.com/RodM/canadian_short_trac/ http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y209/RACEGOD/ They have thousands of old late model photos from Ontario, Ohio, Michigan and all over. ASA, ARTGO, Slm, just about everything. HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM. and hope to hear back from you about those JR. pics you have. (hanley_72@hotmail.com)
Entry Date: - 11/7/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - It seems like enough people love Mt Clemens to form some sort of group. Maybe explore options for a new track near Detroit.
Entry Date: - 11/6/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - Ron i would like to keep the shirt. but thanks for the offer. i had about a dozen photos of jr, i am having a hard time finding them. i posted some over the weekend, i dont now if the made it or not ? they were all from mt.clemens. yes i would like the links you have to see jrs cars. ron do you have the center fold from about 79 or 80 marc times racing news, the showdown VS jr an don biederman ? jr had a white car all beat to hell ! an don had a silver car. the race took place at delaware speedway. my center fold is in fair shape. i will keep digging for my photos. i just now thier here some place. murawski09@echoicemi.com
Entry Date: - 11/6/2006 - Ron Nelson - Hey Bill Murawski, you have any interest in selling or trading that old Hanley shirt. I would be interested in it for my collection. Please let me know either here or by e-mail. The half camaro, half mustang car was for the All-American 400 race back in the early 80's. I have a pic of that car in an old Stock Car Racing magazine I have. I have collected probably close to 1,000 or more or a few less pics of Jr. from his whole career. Right from his very first car up until his last race in the old Sunoco now CRA series. Pics I took, ones I have bought, pics given to me by other Hanley fans, and a ton by e-mail or websites that I have found. If you want the links let me know and I will be glad to post them here. Tons from the 70's and 80's of SLM from Ontario, Ohio, Michigan and all these parts. If anyone can help me out with anymore I would REALLY appreciate it. Actual photos or e-mail me a scan if you can. Thanks and hope to hear from some of you.
Entry Date: - 11/3/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - I was there the night jr went through the wall, and got the rail road tie through the foot box. man jr had some bad ass looking cars and fast!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 11/3/2006 - Bill Murawski Jr. - i have a jr#72 shirt my dad got me. i still have it to this day it is in good shape.
Entry Date: - 11/2/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Got an old shirt I actually found at the thrift store last year, orange, complete with a 80's camaro #72, but sorry it's a keeper. I'm always liked Jr. (Hanely not Earnhardt). saw him in the SUNOCO Super Series at Toledo a few years back. He and everyone else got beat by a freaking sophmore in highschool! I remember somone at Mt Clemens joking that Jr. probably had airplane engines under the hood and reading an article about how he went down to Nashville for some North South shootout and they wouldn't let him run because the car was so wild it looked like half camaro/ half mustang. he was pretty rad. Now if anyone has an old Pat Haywood Tee Shirt...
Entry Date: - 11/2/2006 - Ron Nelson - Thanks for the info guys. I am a huge Hanley fan and I am always looking for anything I can get on him. Whether it be info or collectables. Anyone have any Hanley pics or anything (especially an old shirt) let me know and I would be glad to get them from you.
Entry Date: - 11/2/2006 - Tom Urban - Junior Hanley went through the back stretch wall. This was when the wall was wooden. Got some HUGE pieces of lumber throught the foot box in his late model. Don`t know how he didn`t break or lose his legs that night. Really scary to look inside his racer after the crash. There was another racer that went over the wall in turn one and ended up in the trees that used to stand there. Don`t remember his name but the car number was 10. That was in the dirt days. Ray Nece punched a hole through the turn four wall one night. That too was on the dirt.
Entry Date: - 11/2/2006 - Tony Kania - Yes, Irv Baumgarten went over the wall in the back stretch. I cannot remember the exact year but what a thrill ,and to see him walk away was the biggest thrill. Does anyone remember the SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS in the pits? Some stiff competition under the lights, or should I say the light, HA! HA! Carl Sholz enjoyed mixing it up with many other drivers.
Entry Date: - 11/1/2006 - Robert Krupa - Ron Nelson. Kim Wallace was all by himself when he hit the wall, and almost went over. I never seen anybody go over the backstretch wall. Does anyone seen somebody go over?
Entry Date: - 11/1/2006 - Dave DeHem - I think Hanley put the bumper to Wallace and He tagged the wall and up and over he went. Nah, just kidding. I was there that day and remember Hanley in the DW car. I can't remember why Kim Wallace had that big wreck but remembering the track, Wallace would have been nearly half-way to three quarters down the back chute and would have had a good head of steam so if He had gotten turned into the fence, he may have flipped at that point. Don't remember how he got in the wall though. I am not sure if there was still some armco barrier yet but he may have clipped that at the end of the cement wall. If you look close, the front of Wallace's car is blunted back in to the front wheels. That race was one of the Sunday races that were always run in May. Hanley was at his heyday of building cars for all kinds of people and I recall he brought the car for Waltrip with him and raced it that Sunday and won the show. He wasn't tame with it either as it had some donuts and some dings on it when he loaded it on the trailer that day. I always loved those Sunday races. They started the first Sunday in May and then it switched over to Thursday and Saturday starting the first of June. They even tried Monday in additon for a while but it didn't draw the crowds so they quit. Back then you could go to Mount Clemens on Thursday, Spartan or DeLeware on Friday, Flat Rock, or Checkered Flag on Saturday, Toledo or Dixie on Sunday, and back to the "Mount" on Monday. Throw in a MSPA show on Wednesday and you could go to the races 6 nights in a row. (and thats not all the places you could go to either) I sure do miss those days and the friends I made. I still see many of those friends today except that we are all traveling somewhere else to see races and no matter how good the races or how friendly the track, it is just not the same as going to Mount Clemens. It is good to read some of the submissions on this site cause they bring the old memories back alive.
Entry Date: - 11/1/2006 - Ron Nelson - Hey MR. Krupa, in the photo you posted of Kim Wallace flipping and Jr. Hanley in the Waltrip car ( I have a nice pic of Jr. and the car in the pits), what exactly happened to make him crash. If you can remember at all. Just curious cause there is no debris on the track, no marks on the wall and no other car crashing to make him wreck. Just wondering how he got upside down and in the air. I am a bit Hanley fan and love any pics I can get of him for my collection. Love the Biederman pic as well. From Windsor and like to see any pics of our guys over at the Mount. Thanks for the pics and hope to get an answer to my question.THANKS and LOVE this site!!!!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 10/30/2006 - Robert Krupa - When i took the picture of Canadian Kim Wallace almost going over the wall, Jr. Hanley was going by, in the car he built for Darrel Waltrip.
Entry Date: - 10/29/2006 - David Williams - I guess the buildings along the backstrech look a lot closer in the picture. Sorry guys.
Entry Date: - 10/28/2006 - Dave DeHem - The pictures from Robert Krupa most certainly are from Mt. Clemens. You can look across I-94 and see Executive Drive. The picture of the midgets lined up shows a guy with long wavy hair (from the back) Thats about where I used to sit when I sat in the bleachers and I remember being at that show. My hair was about that length back in those days so I think it might be me.
That is also one of the LaDuke brothers getting into the back of Steve Lee in the Mike Moore owned #111 right beside Larry Lamay in the Clarence Shaw owned #23. Lamay and company checked up for a spin in front of them. Those definitely are "The Mount".
Entry Date: - 10/28/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Dave, I guess you are right about the Double O at Autocity. I think Mike Kern might just go for running it at Dixie! Got to say, those photos ARE most cetainly Mt Clemens. If you look at the three gates painted white looking out from the grandstands behind the flag tower in the other peoples photos (black and white and color) and compare them to Mr. Krupa's photos they are the same. And I remember em from being 12 years old.
Plus, you can make out the very faint stroh sponsorship on the back wall. Mt Clemens had Stroh as a sponsor. If you look closely at the photo of the ministock and the Krupa photos you can also make out the same WINSTON painted on the back wall. The Light towers are exactly the same and in the same places as many other photos on this page. Look at the photos from Dave Dobner looking out over the track after it closed and look at the Krupa photos. Everything is nearly the same. The backside of the frontstretch wall, and the old wooden fencing behind that.
Plus it looks like cars going by out on the freeway in Mr. Krupas photos. It looks like one of Mr. Krupas photos of the sprint cars in the front stretch is taken just over the white wooden railing above the enterance from the concession area to the grandstands. You can just make it out in the bottom of the photo. backstretch retaining walls are painted the same red to white to red to white in the shot with the late models (isn't that daytona Don in the 43) as they are in the after closing photos. Looks like Larry Lamays 23 to me in one as well. Check out the wooden pole bracing backing up one of the frontstretch lighting poles behind the frontstretch wall. It's visible in the Krupa photos and the Dobner photos.
Entry Date: - 10/27/2006 - David Williams - It looks like a nice track, but the photos from Robert Krupa are not Mt Clemens
Entry Date: - 10/27/2006 - David Williams - Sean, I seen a double O at Auto City about 15 years ago. It was just not the same as the Mount. The track set up is not right. They might be able to try one at Dixie.
Entry Date: - 10/23/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Sounds like we need a decent 1/2 mile within 20 miles of Detroit. Does anyone know or has anyone tried to get a hold of the guy that wanted to build a track at the fairgrounds? Thanks Tom and Billy by the way. I asked the owner of autocity about the chances of running the Double O and he kinda chuckled. I'm sure he'd love to do it if he could. Do either of you remember the time Haywood one the figure eight with his hood blown back over the front window?
Entry Date: - 10/22/2006 - Jo Ann Bagnasco - What a great collection of memories. Sounds like we need another get together party.
Entry Date: - 10/21/2006 - Tom Urban - Sean, The 105 car was driven by Bob Slezak. I do believe the car was purple. I chased that car a lot at Mt.Clemens. Billy`s car number was 71 and the car was orange and white. Bob`s car was a Nova. Note to Billy Simmons, AMEN on your statement about Vince.
Entry Date: - 10/19/2006 - Ron Nelson - Hey there Vince, thanks so much for taking the time to copy the Jr. Hanley stuff you have for me. I really, really appreciate it. I can't wait till it comes in the mail. I am looking forward to it. Hope you got my e-mail about not having a computer for a couple weeks while we figured out the problem. Have it back now and will be checking this site every chance I get. I really love the old SLM from the late 70's through the 80's. They are and will always be my favorite car. Thanks again for sending me the Hanley stuff and if there is anything I can help you out with, if I can, please let me know.
Entry Date: - 10/18/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Hey Billy, was your super six #105 with a white and silver or lavender car? Camaro? Seems I remember a car like that battling a lot with Pat Haywood. Maybe my mind is going.
Entry Date: - 10/17/2006 - Billy Simmons - I remember Vince Cuker he was the best flagman I every ran under. I raced at Mt. Clemens from 1973, 74 super sixes to 1975, Late Models. Nice to see your names again. Brings back the memories of batting Schultz, Urban, Farr and others. Man those were fun days.
Entry Date: - 10/16/2006 - Mike Mowatt - Hey Vince, thanks for the info. I worked with Richard for a couple of years and was just happy to hear that somebody remembered who he was. He was quite the character. Also, thank you for so many "colorful" starts to those figure 8 features. FYI, my e-mail address is drhouse1961 @ yahoo. Thanks again.
Entry Date: - 10/16/2006 - Vince Cuker - Well, it's "catch-up" time again! First, comments on recent entries: MIke Mowatt: The owner of the "Ugly Duckling" was Rich Lucier. He owned the gas station on the north-west corner of Birdgeview and South River Road (long gone!). I helped him out for a while by working part time at the station for a month or two. He also brewed wine. He gave me a bottle of his "rot-gut" for a wedding present. It darn near killed me on my honeymoon........ Ron Nelson: I finished all the copies about Jr. Hanley I have in my MCRT albums and as soon as I get to the PO, they will be on their way. Enjoy!! Dave Williams: I'm going to visit the old MCRT site soon. (You did yesterday!) I exchange emails with Paul Schaefer, the GREAT announcer (still working with NASCAR) in the early 80's, and he mentioned that while, not to long ago, while in the Detroit area, he found the back entrance to the track and walked around what was the pits and turns 3 and 4. There must be a ton of heavy-duty wire buried back there where the lighting system was going to be upgraded, but it never happened. I look forward to all the input on this site. It's too bad all those videos that were taken at the track seemed to have to disappeared. And, as I said in the past, my wife and I always looked forward to the parking lot parties after the races. I was told a couple of times (won't mention names) not to mingle with the drivers after the races. It might look like I was going to show favorites. Those good friends that I have black-flagged during a race can sure attest to the fact that I DID NOT show favorites. I learned that by "flagging cars" and not "drivers". Hope everyone had a good summer...... Vince
Entry Date: - 10/15/2006 - David Williams - I went to visit the old site of MCRT today. As I passed over Joy rd, I remember thinking back. I always called it Joy Fair rd.It was my second time back to the site, the first was back in 1986 or 87. You could still see where everything had been. Not now. Gibraltar trade center, paint ball course, and lots of trees, but when I lined up the sewage treatment plant, and the church by the pit entrance it looks like the track area is still there. I guess nothing can be done about it now. I always said I would not go back to the site, but after I left, I thought of all the great times I had in the 100s of time I had been, from 1966 until the end. What a great track. Go back and visit.
Entry Date: - 9/30/2006 - Robert Burbary - i remember how perfectly set-up it was at mt. clemens race track on it's last days. they had an arca race in, it think it was 1983 where davey allison was driving the miller car and benny parsons was drving larry lemay's car. tim richmond was brought in the track infield by helicopter and signed autographs thru the night. also chris econimaci (excuse the spelling) was joining in on the announcing that evening. i drove in the sportsman series (06) in 1969-70, when it was still dirt. the "double o" races were so much fun to drive. parnelli with the sparkplug everyone remembers. what an artform ray nece and art summers were the way they glided around the turns. monohan, hanley, fair, nece, summers, anderson, barker, roumell, and on and on. tv's all over the place and of course the beers called "super giants" lol. great memories. i still have my mt. clemens, racing patch sewn on a light blue hat. in perfect condition for those special moments. GREAT MEMORIES ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 9/29/2006 - Tony Kania - Just a quick note on MCRT. I was stationed out at Selfridge in 1964 /1965 and enjoyed MCRT every Thursday and Saturday nights. Always paid the extra $1.00 for the reserved seating to enjoy the races in comfort. Many nights I reminice on how much enjoyment that MCRT had given me. So many good memories. And yes,I did hear Lysle Robarge say," A beer for each hand cause God gave me two hands". Dr. Stubbs is missing from the area but the spirit will live in our memories of Mount Clemens Race Track. Thanks for this web site.
Entry Date: - 9/26/2006 - Mike Mowatt - Adendum to last submission: How many people remember Mustache driving an orange jeep named "The Ugly Duckling" at the track back when it was dirt?
Entry Date: - 9/24/2006 - Mike Mowatt - As with most of you, I too have great memories of Mt. clemens race track. I remember walking across the I-94 overpass from my house off S. river rd. to sometimes catch a ride with A.J.Klotz who was sometimes getting gas at the old Mobil station on N. river and ride the rest of the way in with him or sometimes being lucky enough to sit in Norm Tuckers old #500 and steer it to the track (as he pulled it with a tow-bar) and working on such great cars as John Lilleys #11 Terry Boguszs # 71 (yes Terry, I still remember all the kids names Terry, Tommy, Timmy, Tammy and Tina, the twins). And of course my favorites, Don Harris and Bob Belz. I still remember Vince Cuker starting a figure-eight race by walking across the track with the flag hidden behind his back and then jumping up and waving the green as he ran out of the way. I remember Bob Belz and Rosie Grinde in the parking lot after the races playing liars poker by car headlight. And then in later years, I drove tow truck and later ambulance for the now defunct Ruehles ambulance service. As someone once said,"Good times, we just never figured they would end". Who will ever forget the characters out there, such as "The Weekend Warrior" Pat Haywood (not Hurley Haywoods cousin) sitting in his car waiting for the Double O or, figure eight, for that matter to start and only being able to see the bill of his helmet sticking out from the "B" pillar on the roof of his camaro #104. Do any of you remember Steve Lee driving a turqouise camaro one nite with a duct taped no. 1 on the doors to stay in the championship points? I do. How many great battles were there between Steve Lee, Tommy Gullettt, or Pat Haywood for double O wins? Yes, we will all miss that great track but as long as we are around, Mt. clemens race track will live for a little while longer anyway.
Entry Date: - 9/11/2006 - Terry A. Bogusz (jr.) - The car in the picture was my dads car (orange 71). He sold the car to Delmar Jenson. The picture you are asking about is when Del owned the car and is at his house on gratiot and 22 mile. We bought the car back and turned it into a Dodge Mirada, raced it once and got into a wreck. Fix the car and sold it to a guy who had Steve McMann drive it as a sportsman at Toledo. The car was originally a Howe/Bert McCall car that John Lilly drove in the sportman class(White # 11 official towing car)
Entry Date: - 9/8/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Very curious about the #71 Volarie photo below. There is an old church or school house in the background. This car looks like the same car as the sportsman in the start of the double "O" shot. Anyone got any info.
Entry Date: - 9/5/2006 - Sue Lyons - Stumbled onto this site by accident, and WOW, brought back a lot of memories! I raced there Powderpuff from 1978-80 and had so much fun. Part of S & L Racing Team which included me, my husband Larry Lyons, cousins Keith Switzer and Tom Siterlet. I still have my trophies packed away in the attic. We made extensive scrapbooks from those years and I know have lots of photos packed away. We keep in touch with the Fosters from Hobby Stock, Buddy Foster passed away a few years ago but we still hear from Kathy Foster who also raced Powderpuff. Dan Strucinski (Hobby #222) lives across the street from us in Shelby Twp. Id love to hear from some of our old friends!
Entry Date: - 8/26/2006 - Chris Brunet - I was just messing around and found this site.I grew up at MCRT like so many others.My dad took me there for the first time in 1976.I was fresh into the world at 3 weeks old he says.We went Thursday and Saturday every week as far back as I can rememeber.My favorite driver was Andy Farr and always will be until I am gone.I was around 10 when she closed and cried.That place got me hooked and shaped my life forever.I still see some of the guys from MCRT.I bought my first race car from Rob and Dave Randa.That was wild because that Camaro was built by Andy Farr and John Krueger for MCRT just before it was closed.I sold that car and bought a Legends Car and we are still learning about those cars.Unfortunately we have not been able to race much this season,but we will be back for a full season next year.As much as I enjoy a traveling series,I would rather be racing at Mt. Clemens.I run into and race against alot of people that raced there.I see Rob and Dave Randa all the time,Stan Yee,Tracy Leslies son racedwith us last year,Dave DeHem,Steve Lee,Paul Freeland.If anyone is not busy this Sunday we will be at the North Gratiot cruise,if you are out andabout look for #36 Legends Car and stop by and reminisce with us.See ya.
Entry Date: - 8/26/2006 - Ron Nelson - Vince Cuker: I would really love any and everything you have on Jr. Hanley. I have always been a huge fan of his since I first saw him at the age of 9 at the now gone Checker Flag Speedway here in Windsor, Ontario. Even got to work next to him in a few different series. Followed his career right up to his retirement from racing 2 years ago. Still keep tabs on what he is doing in racing nowadays. I collect photos, magazines, racing papers, and whatever I can get. It is all for my own personal collection as a fan of his. The one thing I dont have but am always looking for is an old shirt or hat of his from the late 70s, early 80s. The orange one with Hanley Racing Enterprises and a pic of the car on the front. Anyways, thanks for keeping me in mind and hope to hear from you with anything you might have. I am interested in anything you might have. Thanks a bunch for trying. Ron Nelson (hanley_72@hotmail.com)
Entry Date: - 8/12/2006 - Vince Cuker - Vyn P: How interesting to read your submission on your racing history in AZ. Guess you could say you really "worked your way" to the top. Thanks for the kind words on my flagging at the ol MCRT. After 10 years, I guess I should have finally gotten it right. And to everyone else writting in, I find them all very interesting. Tom T.: Maybe Ill get downtown MC and see you one of the shows. Ron N.: Ill see if I have and Jr. Hanley stuff laying around. I printed out you input so I have your email address. CU you guys in the parking lot for the "after race party"....
Entry Date: - 8/1/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Hey Lisa, you can also send em to me if youd like, at SOUTHOF8MI@HOTMAIL.COM
Entry Date: - 7/28/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks Lisa!
Entry Date: - 7/28/2006 - Lisa - Hi all! I am submitting a couple of Pat Haywwood photos I found in my stash. Will forward more when I get the time. Just so much to go thru! I hope all you 104 fans enjoy.
Entry Date: - 7/18/2006 - Tom Urban - No Vyn. The T-Bucket is long gone. It was so to finance a Model A coupe to replace it. Then that went down the road after 5 years. It was replaced by a 1940 Ford DeLuxe coupe. Had this one for the last 12 years. It`s red with flames. If you want to see it, it`s on www.mhraonline.org. Click on the Millwinders 50th anniversary link. I`m even in the picture with the car. Thanks for askin.
Entry Date: - 7/18/2006 - Jim Hehl - Im surprised "Wild Bill" hasn’t mentioned this as he works for ARCA but for those of you who are interested in Mt.Clemens help yourself out by purchasing the 50th Anniversary ARCA History Book. This book contains tons of old photos color and black & white with 4 pages designated to Mt.Clemens history with photos of Joy Fair, Benny Parsons, Joe Ruttman and many others. The book can be purchased at either Flat Rock or Toledo Speedways in addition via the ARCA web site for $29.95. Jim Hehl Co-author of the ARCA 50th Anniversary Book
Entry Date: - 7/18/2006 - John Keyes - My grandfather also raced at several Detroit area tracks, I have several of his trophies, many programs, one of the little plastic models they had back then, his helmets, goggles, lens holders, his and my grandmother satin Toledo Speedway jackets, I have lots of score cards, newspaper clippings, and articles... His name was John Wallace, also went by Junior Wallace or Johnnie Wallace. I live in the house built buy the Lamays in Clinton Township. My grandfather raced in the early fifties into the 60s. He often drove for car owners, and also owned his own car and built his own cars. I have lots of pictures and programs at the house. His name appeared on the entry list on one of the detroit area tracks on this website. If any one is interested in seeing any of this stuff, email me and we can get together, at my house, or meet somewhere. My email is jkeyes@dartheads.com or call me at 586-946-0078. Thanks
Entry Date: - 7/17/2006 - Vyn Polmanteer - WOW! sitting here reading thru all these posts gives me chills! what a wonderful find. having moved to the detroit area from grand rapids in 68 due to my dad being transfered i missed going to the track every weekend for a couple of years. we had been regulars at several west coast (mi)tracks and dad had been involved since before i was born. the next few years only allowed a few trips to the races but as i grew older the interest only got worse. I was fortunate to have gone to the same school and became good friends with the Haas family, Mr Haas owned Mount Clemens Dodge. I got my drivers licencse in 1976 and began making the mount a weekly trek! By 1979 i had my first race car, a 69 dodge dart. thought i had the world by the tail, graduated from high school, had a race car was having loads of fun. Never won anything but considered just getting to race a victory! Hanging out at MCD there were several racing regulars around all the time. I had little idea at the time just how much the years there would come to mean to me later in life! I managed to keep racing in the Hobby stock class til 82 when I bought a house and had to put a race car aside so i could pay the bills, but still continued to work on several other cars. I learned so many things about building cars from Bernie DeSmith and lots about how to make them work from Dave Randa. I helped Tom Haas with his car when he started racing and we did win some races! I spent 84 and 85 helping Tom Terzo at the track and he won the last Hobby Stock title at the mount! then with MCRT closing down racing kinda got put on the back burner for quite some time. I ended up moving to arizona in 90, didnt really know any body here but damned if they hadnt just reopen the local dirt track. well by 92 i had another car built and was back at it worse than ever! once the bug bites you your infected for life lol ! I caught the last 10 races of the season in the hobby stock class and in 93 ran all 32 shows here and won the points championship at Central Az Raceway. I backed it up in 94 with a second title! I also won the Sportsman award both of those years and I know that was directly impacted by the way we raced at the Mount! by 95 it was time to start getting bolder and i built my first Modified, I raced the dirt til 97 and was a top 10 car at several tracks including finishing 8th and getting the most improved driver award at the legendary Mananzita Speedway. 98 saw another big step as i built a new car and raced the pavement once again at Tucson Raceway Park. What a kick it was! Still the fundementals i learned from the days at the mount were helping me out! and yet again i was a top ten car in 99. 2000 was the year that i caught up with me, having a dirt car and a pavement car and ready for twice the fun! in may i was involved in a bad wreck and my driving days were ended, i got big air and when i came down i shattered my back. i was out of work for almost a year, still the racing bug doesnt go away, i continue to build and repair cars and spent the next few years as a track official. the last 2 years i have taken on the duties as the track photographer. once again the Mount is my memories as i thought of the great photos that ron leon took! would sure like to see some of his work on the web! and seeing all these post sends more great memories running wild! and Vince was a fantastic flag man! Tom Urban do you still have that Tbucket? have been digging thru some old pics from back in the day and will try to get some submitted here! best wishes to all ! Vyn Polmanteer www.vprace.net
Entry Date: - 7/17/2006 - Ron Nelson - I came across some pics from an old dirt late model race at the Silverdome in the 80s while doing a search for Jr. Hanley photos. Go to the link I am posting to check them out. Pages 12,13 and 14 are the ones to look at. They are at http://www.mrmracing.net/tribute/ If anyone can help me out with any older Jr. Hanley pics from the late 70s through the 90"s I would really appreciate it. His old #72 is what I am always looking for. Photos, programs, news clippings, shirts, hats, just about anything I would love to see or get my hands on. Thanks. (hanley_72@hotmail.com)
Entry Date: - 7/14/2006 - Rex Mamglos - i feel bad for you guys who have to travel so much to see a race. when i moved from Mt. Clemens in 72 to Pittsburgh Pa. i found there were tracks everywhere.as of now i have one drag strip, 5 dirt tracks and 2 paved tracks within a 30 mile circle of my house,,,,its heaven boys!!!!!!!!! check out Lernerville.com,,,motordrome.com,,jennerstowm.com,,www.ppms.com,,pittsburghracewaypark.com if your not sideways, your not racing!!!!!!!! Rex
Entry Date: - 7/9/2006 - Bob Smith - A little triva----I was track welder for the last 5 or 6 years of mcrt.I built race cars for Bob Fredrick,and latter for my son,Dave Smith.We always had a good looking sportsman car & won several features. Dave was usually in the dash & ist heat.Dave moved up to late model,& when mcrt closed,we lost minimix & sterling sanitation,our sponsors ,& Dave sold his car. Bob Fredric is still active in raceing,working for pensky shocks @ many area tracks
Entry Date: - 7/1/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Randy, that is a great idea, now we just need...1 billion dollars... or someone who is interested in buiding a professional racing facitlity that understands that interacting with the small time racing community is important as as well and is filthy rich and a nice guy or gal. I have often thought the exact same thing about that area. Gotta be at least a 5/8s mile ( the big track at MCRT had to be a 1/2 measured on the inside not outside wall like Toledo) and combine it with a road course outside the oval and attract the Waterford Hills folks. As a side note Pontiac ran a downtown race in 74 and 75 but that ended when the 74 winner died in the 75 race. Ive often wondered at the lack of cross over between the turns left and turns left and right cliques. I like both, people should get together and support both and strengthen the herd! If I only had Bill Davidsons or that Neederlander guys phone #s....
Entry Date: - 6/30/2006 - Randy Adam - Sean, I agree, I am getting to the point of not being able to afford the gas to go to Flint or Flat Rock/Toledo these days,here is a wild suggestion...tear down that Silverdome and put a new MCRT on that site....perfect location to get to from East, West, North or South...plenty of acreage there, and all utilities are already ran to that area...wont that be nice, I can dream cant I...This is still the best website
Entry Date: - 6/27/2006 - Al Blixt,Jr. - Hi Everyone. Some of you may remember my dad, Al, Sr. who was an auto racing photographer and writer in the 1930s and 1940s. I have just started a site dedicated to his photos but I am also going to publish some of my photos from Mt. Clemens. I was the track photographer there briefly in 1963 and 1964. I am interested in getting in touch with anyone who can help me with historical information about the track and this is clearly a good place to start. The blog site is http://alblixtracinghistory.typepad.com and my email is alblixt@aol.com Thanks.
Entry Date: - 6/27/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Anyone thought of contacting the guy (Needrlander I think was his name) that wanted to build the track at the fairgrounds and suggesting other options nearby. Should we form a group of some kind to maybe explore the possibilities?I I personally am worn out from driving 200 miles + round trip every weekend to see a race.
Entry Date: - 6/24/2006 - Vince Cuker - GOOD NEWS! I just got an email from the webmaster and he stated that the (3) pictures from MCRC I took in 51 will be here soon. You can compare them to others on this site. Yep, I said 1951... Erv Baumgarten drove the push jeep at the track in 51. Oh well, we all had to start somewhere.. CUL
Entry Date: - 6/24/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - You Rock Lisa!!!
Entry Date: - 6/22/2006 - Lisa - Hey Sean, see my previous entry- Yes, Earl is still building engines. Won engine builder of the year last year for Flat Rock/Toldeo. Ill submit some choice Pat Haywood photos as soon as I can....
Entry Date: - 6/22/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks Vince! I think the roof tops of the buildings behind the back fence and the water tower is probably a dead give away. Im gonna take a drive past the state fair and look for the water tower tomorrow. God I mis the Clem. I been to a ton of tracks this year and last year and none compare. What we need is a BIG 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile track near Detroit, that is sharply run and is a pro facility. That way the people that are all into NASCAR could actually relate better to it. I think Tiny Ovals for all their charm, like flatrock and springsport are just hard for the novice fan to relate to. As exciting and amazing as the rock is, I wish it was a 1/2 mile. . And as much as I try I just cant get into tracks with hardly any straightaways. Oh yeah, I actaully saw the old red Dodge safety truck at a donut shop in hamtramck and went in and talked to the guy that was driving it. I dont remember his name or anything. that was in 93.
Entry Date: - 6/22/2006 - Wild Bill - Howdie All, Been reading this site for a while now and have not had the time to respond or put in my two cents about the old girl. My Dad came from Motor City to Mt. Clemens in the early 60s and raced there until 1969. Thanks to him I fell in love with the sport that I am currently working in today. I was just 3 years old my first trip to the Mount and when she was closed and big piece of me went with her. I have not set foot on the old site. I find it hard to think that others do. It to me is like walking across someones grave. I have many great memories and that is where WBVS started in the early 80s. In 1998 I and a few others put on a Mt. Clemens Reuion Banquet and it was attended by over 350 folks from all around the state to have a good time and remember the old girl. I have a few hours of video tape footage that I shot in the last few years she was open but have not been able to transfer them to DVD yet. The video are old and used up and I am working on the DVD thing soon. I have had many folks ask about them but they are just my interviews and a few races that I taped. There are a few folks out there who have a copy here and there but only one person somewhere has all the main copies and we my never find them again. It is so sad to think that if a person who had them would decide to make copies they could make a bundle just from all of us MCRT folks around. Remembering the old girl sometimes make me mad, sad, and makes me laugh. I am currently working at the Flat Rock Speedway as an offical and one of the track photographers. My web site is WBVSPHOTOS.com . Ill be working later this winter to get up some old photos I shot from Mt. Clemens but that will have to wait until the 2006 season is over. You all take care and keep remembering her she was a great place and is now apart of racing history. Wild Bill WBVS PHOTOs & President MARFC
Entry Date: - 6/19/2006 - Vince Cuker - Hi all: An answer to a few recent entries. Sean: I submitted three pictures of MCRT several weeks ago from 1951. Looks like I didnt do something right, as they are not here yet. Im 99% sure that the pictures you mentioned were the old Detroit State Fair Grounds 1-mile track. I worked turn four a couple of years for the USAC Stock Car races in the 60s. Randy: I have newspaper articles (with pictures) about the drivers you mentioned. I can send you copies of them is you give me your mailing address. Email me at wa8bij@arrl.net. Paul: Kind of sad to walk over the area where the track once stood. I go to the Gibraltar Trade Ceenter often, and sometimes I can hear the Super Stocks winding down the backstetch. Im emailing you a (poor) copy of a picture of you interviewing your father in May of 1985. He just had a ride around the 1/2 mile track with Steve Lee.
Entry Date: - 6/14/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Still looking for the pictures from Vince on the site. Like to compare em to the some of the other photos on the site. Wondering if he has any Pat Haywood/ Steve Lee/ Ron Varney photos. I remember a quite exciting season championship race where Varney and Haywood got together and Pat eneded up in the weeds off of turn 2. I was extremely bummed. I just saw a car at running at Toledo that I thought was rumored to have an engine built by Pat Haywoods engine builder. Is this possible?
Entry Date: - 6/12/2006 - Randy Adam - I submitted a Mark Martin photo when he was at MCRC in the early 80s. I blew it up to 8x10 and had it autographed at Homestead in the late 90s. He said he didnt remember the car.
Entry Date: - 6/12/2006 - Paul Schaefer - The great Vince Cuker has spoken! I had some business in Detroit in April, and on a free afternoon I drove up to look at the race track site 21 years later. I walked around the field for 45 minutes or so, just enjoying memories. Hey Vince, gimme a shout sometime at pschaefer@nascar.com. PS: Hey site dudes, thanks for giving us a place to enjoy old times. Paul
Entry Date: - 6/12/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - So Vince I am still a little confused. Are the pictures from Mr Sprotberry Mt Clemens? I see a water tower and a few other things I dont remember ever seeing in the years I went there? Plus the back wall loks odd.
Entry Date: - 6/7/2006 - Vince Cuker - Mt. Clemens race track in 1951 when Michigan Modified Stock Racing Association, renting the track from Dr. Stubbs, sanctioned the races. These three pictures were taken by Vince Cuker from the stands. This was looking toward the north turn from the stands. The judges’ stand (l) and front stretch race lining up. The #38 to the right was “hot dog” Bob Coucher’s car, sponsored by The Hot Rod Shop. Notice the flagman’s stand on the infield side of the front stretch, to the right side of the picture. This is looking towards action in the south turn. Pits were on the infield. Race cars would sometimes go off the track and if the driver was lucky, he’d make it through the woods in the background and re-enter the track coming out of turn #2.
Entry Date: - 6/5/2006 - Vince Cuker - Boy, looks like I have to play “catch-up” since my first and last input on 11/9/05. I brought up the site this afternoon to run copies for my step-son, Gary Williams, who ran Hobby Stock #211 in the mid-70’s, and saw I’ve missed out on some very informative stuff. FIRST: Sean F. (11/15/05). Paul S. was correct; the video company was Metro Video Production. My other stepson Roger Williams (Safety Director at MCRT) has been trying to track them down with little success. SECOND: Paul S. (11/25/05). Boy do I ever remember those bees buzzing up inside of my pants while on the flag stand. The good thing is I learned a new way to “wave the flags”. Nice to hear from you! THIRD: Randy (12/06/05). I certainly do remember the “tortoise and the hare” races. It was very similar to the Australian Pursuit. FOURTH: Tom U. (12/21/05). I do remember “harassing’ you when you were doing your practice laps on the ¼ mile track. I flagged the ¼ mile from the bottom of the flag stand back then. I remember you coming so close to the outside wall and my flag stand that I would hit the roof of your car as you went past me. “BANG” each time you passed. I can see that I had you wondering for a while FIFTH: Terry B. (02/20/06). Oh yeah! I remember spreading my arms out wide telling you “Slow down Hot Dog”, cuz you were a mile ahead of everyone else. Not really, I just wanted you to save you equipment. I did that for others but I guess you’re the only one to notice me up on the stand. Haha. SIXTH (and last): Reference pictures submitted by Tom Sprotberry. I found them very interesting and can understand the confusion. I am submitting three photos of Mt. Clemens Race Track I took in 1951. One is of the front stretch showing the judges stand with a heat race lined up. (That’s Bob Coucher on the inside in #38, sponsored by the Hot Rod Shop. The other photos aimed at the south end (turns 1 and 2) and the north end (turns 3 and 4). Notice the trees in the south turn where many a race car, upon leaving the track had to dodge many trees to come out the other side and re-enter the track. Nice “seeing” you all here!”
Entry Date: - 4/28/2006 - Steve Wolski - Tom, Those pictures you are calling Mt Clemens Race Track, I believe are really from the State Fairgrounds. You can tell just from the size of the race track. Its much bigger than MCRT. You can also see cars parked on the inside of the main straightaway. This is where the pits were located at the fair grounds. The pits at MCRT were outside the racetrack. I hope this message doesnt sound to critical,thanks ..Steve...email is" stewol40@wowway.com".
Entry Date: - 4/28/2006 - Dan Baumgarten - Hey Rex....whats up. What do you need to remember about the Baumgartens? Drop a note to my email address....boatnerd@comcast.net and Ill bring you up to date.
Entry Date: - 4/28/2006 - LAURA TUCKER - Glad to see that most of us are still keeping the memories alive. Thanks to Cindy Donahue for submitting pictures of my dad, Norm "Parnelli" Tucker. I really wish that I would have kept better records of my life at Mt. Clemens Race Track. It would make one priceless book. There are way too many great times and great friends to mention. One piece of trivia: my dad, Norm Tucker, won the first Double "O" at Mt. Clemens Race Track even though he was a great Figure "8" driver. My mom still has the article from the newspaper for those who would like to argue that fact.
Entry Date: - 4/28/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Glad to here the Pat Haywood news. Thank you Lisa, so much. Love to see those photos. Next time you see Pat, please tell him one of his biggest fans misses seeing him race. Hey are you any relation to Gail Bonner the Court Reporter?
Entry Date: - 4/24/2006 - Rex Mamglos - Does anyone know about the Baumgarten brothers history mcrt? I know there were a few that raced at the same time in the 60s but cant remember. Any info would help thanks,,,,,,Rex
Entry Date: - 4/24/2006 - Lisa Bonner - I am so glad to read all the memories from the MCRT. My dad is "Earl the Pearl", who was partners with Pat Haywood BITD. I have photos from then and some stats. I see Pat once in a while... He is alive and well and running his own heating and cooling business. "The Pearl" is an ARCA RE/MAX official. He has been doing that for about ten years now. OH yeah- there are still some Pearl engines competing today! (Flat Rock, Toledo and Lincoln Welders Trucks) BRING BACK THE DOUBLE O!!!!!
Entry Date: - 4/18/2006 - David Williams - Sean, I agree with you. The pictures look more like the state fair grounds. Man I wish I could see a double O
Entry Date: - 4/18/2006 - Tom Sprotberry - The pictures I submitted were from my dad and written on the back they said MCRT. I felt they were not MCRT after sumitting them but it was to late by then. My dad is no longer alive or I would ask him about them. My mom thinks they could be Jeddo, but I dont know. If anyone out there knows what track this is please write in and let us know.
Entry Date: - 4/18/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - That composite photo shows a race picture from 1924 at Clinton View Park race Track, was this the first ever race held on the horse track that became Mt Clemens?
Entry Date: - 4/18/2006 - Randy Adam - I have to agree with Sean on this as well. To me, from what I can see, this looks like the State Fair Grounds as they did run horses there as well, making for the mild fencing/gaurdrail on the front stretch and the standing room area. The grandstand did sit back from fence. And by the distance of the back wall (how far away it looks), the Mi. State Fair was close to a mile track. The tension wires look like they would parrallel the railroad tracks that ran along the backstretch (and are still there running N+S). The smoke stack would be in Det as like the water tower. I am looking for more pics of the State Fair to refer to. This is just my opinion from looking at these pics. These are great pics though!
Entry Date: - 4/18/2006 - Randy Adam - One more thing I noticed is the shadow from the grandstand are at the peoples back, making the sun setting on the backside of the grandstand, which is how the sun hit the grandstand at Mi. St. Fairgrounds. I also looked at the pic posted on the Mi. St. Fairgounds and there is one pic there that is very comparable to the ones on here, I think even in the same era by the looks of the cars.
Entry Date: - 4/17/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Mr. Sprotberry, no disrespect intended, but are you sure those photos are Mt Clemens? I see a water tower, a high tension tower I dont remember and cant find in any of the photos I have seen of Mt clemens and I also see what looks like a smoke stack and some structures beyond the back fence. Also the shadows on the front stretch make it seem that the grandstands are really tall. Plus no lagoon, and the back wall looks way different to. I see a race car with a mt Clemens sponsor in one shot , but Im sure anyone who raced at one wouldve raced at both.They are certainly important and great photos in anycase. Thanks
Entry Date: - 3/16/2006 - Rex Mamglos - I remember the track very well as almost growing up there. We would go on thur. & sat. My favorite drivers were Irv Baumgarten ( i went will his daughter for many years and still love her!!!!) Ray Nece,Artie & Chuck Sommers,Benny Parsons in the yellow #72 or the #55. I left the area in 1970 to move to Pittsburgh and am active in the dirt late models here. I am looking for a few pictures of Irvs cars of the late 60s and race programs from the same period, let me know if any one has some and i can still smell that place on a hot summer night!!!! thanks for the rush,,,Rex
Entry Date: - 3/7/2006 - Tom Bogusz - I am the second oldest of the 5 Bogusz kids. I never lost a big wheel races on the front stretch there at Mt Clemens, I have all the trophies, STILL!!!! I remember growing up at Mt. Clemens Race Track with my father Terry Sr. racing. I cant begin to tell you how fun it was growing up, sneaking in, playing under the stands, some of the drunk guys fighting after,... We now get the pleasure of watching a true talent and offspring of my Dad: my brother Terry Jr. The apple doesnt fall far here!! I now, live here in Boston, but I have been to see Terry race 2 or 3 times and can tell you HE CAN FLAT OUT RACE. I admire him for what he does, how hard he works at it, and the bond that continues in the pits with my father, brother Tim, brother Terry and all the Metdepenningan(sp?) boys . I actually think I am more nervous than Terry is when hes out there racing. I wish I lived at home to truly be a part of my brothers race team. All the best to everyone, from Baaastin! Tommy
Entry Date: - 3/6/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Love the Steve Lee and the Jr Hanley photo. Steve Lees car looks especially radical. Anyone got any Pat Haywood photos???
Entry Date: - 3/6/2006 - Mike McCreary - Any information or pictures about my uncle Ray Nece would be greatly appreciated.
Entry Date: - 2/21/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Terry, Sportsman was by far my favorite division because I it was pro but not so pro that it wasnt about the , sportsmanship, the fans, and the love. Plus I was able to go on Saturdays cause that was tme with my dad, and I didnt see many thursdays. Is it true the sportsman had to run a stock front clip as opposed to the late models. I will be at Autocity and Dixie a lot this year as my favorite track, Toledo (well, Mt clemens will alays be my favorite) only features one division on the Half per regular show, which makes no sense considering their 1/4 is really a 1/6. I will look for 71. Some guy actually runs a 56 chevy at Dixie, and there is a 69 Camaro and a I think a 74 Nova. How cool is that, real cars. I think I miss that the most. Was Ron Varney running a Volarie in the sportsman? Shame costs are so out of hand. I long for the days of huge feilds of cars.
Entry Date: - 2/20/2006 - Terry Bogusz (sr) - Sean, A couple of us had a small advantage. If you used the cam supplied by Rick Wies and Paul Trigumbo (sp) (AKA: The School Teachers) in one of their engines. Their Chet Herbert cam could be (valves) adjusted (Tight @ .020") for long end/hi RPMs or (Loose @ .028") low end- torque. I only had 337 cubes when the limit was 355. I didnt have to shift down into the 1/4 then up for the half mile. I have watched the videos and noticed not loosing the rear end going into the 1/4 and not haveing that burp/pause upshifting going into #1 on the half. It worked great for me. Another note is that I know I WASNT one of the HOT-DOGS out there. I finished 9th in the points in 78 and 7th in 79. I was a permanent part of the middle of the pack. FILLER guys who helped make up the 3 heats instead of only one. My best finish was 3rd twice. One of those nights I led the double "O" for 2 laps. Ran 2nd to Steve Lee. Then I ended up third. Jim Lucido was on my ass for 5 laps, My mirror was FULL of Blue Camaro. Then, on the last lap, he got me inside going into turn 3 on the half. Man-O-Man I miss that kind of racing. My circle of friends (I think I got along with everybody, though) were Dennis Fetter, Jesse Forton, Jim Lucido, Don Brey, Pat McCormick, Dennis & Robin Metdepenningan, Mark Bott, Rick Van Vyve, Bob Fitzpatrick, Tom (Disturbin) Urban, Donny LaDuke, George DeCock, Pat Haywood, Steve Lee, Mark (FOOTS) Johnson, Harry Farr, Eddy Sachs, etc, etc. Those kinds of friendships built that class. We all shared and helped each other. REALLY!!! You could have hammered on a guy and he on you . Then you went in the pits and fixed each others car. Sometimes they came over your house to help during the week too. I could also swear some of us purposely put on a SHOW for the fans. Running door to door with somebody lap after lap and just squeeking ahead coming out of the last corner. Rubbing fenders big time, but only on the front stretch. When your car didnt handle going IN to the corner you leaned on the outside guys car and made it. I remember getting the "Slow Down Hot-Dog, you have a MILE lead" sign from Vince Sucher, once. Not enough time or room for ALL MY Memories. Terry
Entry Date: - 2/20/2006 - Terry Bogusz Jr. - Info for anyone who might be intersted, I will be driving the Integrated Deicing Services, black Monte Carlo # 71 at Auto City Speedway (Flint/Clio area) in the pro late model division, racing almost every saturday night (check the auto city website). And we will run some Superpro Series races when possible. Stop by and say HI!, We all like to talk about the good old days at the mount!!!!
Entry Date: - 2/17/2006 - Sean Fitzgerald - Terry I remember the Super Sixs, pre sportsman on the 1/4. I loved Pat Haywoods 68 Camaro. That was a cool class. Man I miss the white #104 Sportsman 74 camaro car breaking it down a gear going into the first turn. THat was an awesome sound. I was just a kid but man...
Entry Date: - 2/17/2006 - Joe Schalm - Watching the truck race with my son in New Hampshire, I stumbled across this site. Very quickly, I go "Back To The Day"... My first visit to MCRT was June 11, 1963. I remember this as it was my sisters b-day and I begged and pleaded my Dad to take me. While I remember very little about that night, there were many other great memories. We usually went on Thursday nights (since the Super Stocks raced). My neighbor, Al Peltier, his Dad Barney and my dad Les would pile in the car and head down to the track. To read the comments below brings back memories of Baumgarten (Ervs 108 67 Chevelle is still one of my all time favorite cars), Nece, Sommers and Danny Byrd. In 1973 I remember hearing the sounds of cars from the track. I hopped on my bike and the Stan Yee Camaro #33 on the newly paved track. While I thought the switch to pavement made little sense at the time...I soon changed my mind. The 70s brought Smokin Joe Ruttman, Joy Fair, John Anderson, the return of Danny Byrd, Jr. Hanley and a lot of speed. How many remember Joy Fairs 4 Door Ford Maverick? Ugly Car...but very fast. So many remember the Double O. My favorite was the Austarlian Pursuit (Top 10 qualifiers, inverted, if you are passed, you are out). If memory serves me right, one night Joy Fair won this race in 3 laps! I could go on and on...but will save this for another post. To the great friends that shaped great memories (Al Peltier, Tom Tucker, Tom Gullett...) while the track is gone...the memories are not....
Entry Date: - 2/15/2006 - Terry Bogusz - Sr. - Hazel, Hey kiddo whats up with you. Havent seen or talked to you in a L O N G time. E/mail me at: dadbogusz@aol.com or terry.bogusz@spiritair.com Type at ya soon. Man-o-Man I miss Mt Clemens, Super 6s AND the Double "O". ...and my fans too ! Terry (the original #71) Now about that kid of mine..... Im proud, believe me. See him in the Integrated DeIcing Services - Monte Carlo at Auto City and travelling with the Super-Pro Series this season. #71 of course.....
Entry Date: - 2/13/2006 - Tom Urban - Hazel, I see Terry all summer long. Just about every Tuesday, he can be found at Pampa Lanes for the cruise night. He`s got a Dodge A-100 pick up. It`s the one that looks like a van from the front but it isn`t. You also may bump into him at the Autorama at Cobo Hall. It will be held the 1st weekend of March. His son Terry jr. had his stock car in the show last year. Maybe again this year. Hope this helps you out.
Entry Date: - 2/12/2006 - Dan McGregor - I remember growing up watching my dad and his friends build new race cars. It was the mid to late 60s and going to the track was so much fun!!! My Mom raced in the Powder Puff and as I remember she won more than my dad. Many more stories to tell on that...subject to verification (if you know what I mean). I would like to hear from any one on knowing my Mom (Sharon) or father (Chuck). Good or bad, please reply.
Entry Date: - 2/12/2006 - Hazel Jensen - Im really glad to see so many people interested in the old track. Dows anyone know how to get a hold of Terry Bogus Sr or his family he had a lot of the vhs videos from the 80s I would like to get some copies of them if he still has them. My husband del jensen bought his car in 82 and raced it in 83 for a season and then sold it back to him. Also how do you add pictures to this sight i have a few i would like to donate. Thank you for all the memories.
Entry Date: - 1/24/2006 - Robert Krupa - Hi. Bob Krupa here. I started racing at mt.clemens racetrack in 1965, with a 57 ford, #41, then a 55 ford #41, a 61 mercury #41, last car was a 65 mercury comet #74. when they paved the track in 1971, i sold everything. just when i was getting good driving on the dirt. I live west of port huron at the time. now i live in tampa florida, for the last 15 years. now i follow the tbara winged sprints on the paved tracks in florida. mt. clemens race track was the best in michigan. if the track was still open, i would still in michigan.
Entry Date: - 1/12/2006 - Quarterking - Wonderful times of growing-up will always be missed. Dont forget the early days of Homer Newland Ray Nece, Erv,Danny,Chuck and Artie.It was a different world looking forward to mon. thurs, sat nights. Remember having to go to the car wash next to the hay-loft bar just to get enough dirt off the winshield to see to drive home.What about the rainy days and calling 468-1200 to see if the phone was off the hook.237 north river road was a lot more to me then just an address.Thanks!! for this great site good luck in the coming years.
Entry Date: - 1/8/2006 - Doug Peltier - I also have a ton of great memories of MCRT. Every Thursday and Saturday night watching my dad (Rich Peltier aka Tic-toc) Im still bummed out that it closed. Ive been to other tracks , but none of them even compare to MCRT. Does anybody know of any websites that show any pictures of the track and/or the drivers? Ive been to the site Dave DeHem spoke of previously, but for as many years that the track was open, I didnt see that many pictures.
Entry Date: - 12/31/2005 - Dan Monaghan - SPEEDY JACK MONAGHAN AT 68 IS STILL GOING STRONG HE DROVE MY CAR AT DELAWARE SPEEDWAY LAST YEAR FOR ONE RACE ONE HIS HEAT RACE AND STARTED NEAR THE BACK OF THE FEATURE AND CAME SECOND. ITS TO BAD MT. CLEMENS CLOSED I LOVED GOING THERE.
Entry Date: - 12/25/2005 - Butch Klotz - I also have many many memories of Mt.Clemens race track. I raced there from 1974 to 1980 in the Hobby stock division. I was one of the first guys in that class. I won the Hobby stock championship in 1975 . Tom Urban won the Sportsman class and Joy Fair won the late model in that same year. That was a wonderful time in my life......In 1978 the drivers went on strike at the beginning of the season and shut the track down for a time. I then went to Checkerflag Speedway in Windsor and raced as a Sportsman. In 1979 I came back when Cindy Winkler and her husband bought the track. I also was the flagman at Owosso Speedway when Johnny May bought that track. I have many fond memories of both places. My wife Marlene was the track reporter for the "Mount" and wrote articles for the Marc Times .....those were good times....
Entry Date: - 12/25/2005 - Tom Peltier - Its great to see all of the names I recognize on this site sharing their memories of Mt. Clemens Race Track. My sister Jane took me to my 1st race there in 1983. I was 13 years old & I was hooked after my 1st visit to the track. I continued to go to the track with my Grandfather Barney Peltier. He had a shoe shop in the basement of his house in Mt. Clemens & every Thursday & Saturday I would stop by & he would say "theres my racing buddy". My uncle Al Peltier raced there. I was addicted to that place & miss it very much. It was the best time of my life. I have displayed on a wall of my apartment all of the 1980s Late Model (Grand American) champions in 8x10 photos. I also have a few of my favorite sportsmen drivers as well on another wall. I have every program from the 1980s except 1982 & 1985. I keep looking on e-bay but no luck so far. I am currently a fan of the Flat Rock Speedway & Toledo speedway. My son & daughter are my current racing buddies & we are now creating our own special memories. I have been collecting everything I can for years probably like a lot of people. Thanks for reading.
Entry Date: - 12/22/2005 - Dave DeHem - There seems to be a lot of interest about Mt. Clemens and some other tracks on this site. This is really a neat site. I like to come on here and just browse the whole thing. I like to look at all the old stuff on here as much as I like the racing stuff. I know that there are discussion boards here but they dont seem to be used a lot. (I am guilty of that myself) I usually hang out on the Michigan Short Track Racing Club www.mstrc.com. There is a huge amount of discussion on racing from all over the state on that club. Feel free to go over and take a look at it. Actually, it is through that site that I found this site. Now, on rebuilding Mount Clemens. I know someone that has 80 Acres for sale in St. Clair County right next to I-94. He approached me about building a track on it. I dont have the money so I cant do it even if the township, the county, and the neighbors went along with it. The property is big enough to do it, just need the backers and the approvals. Might sound like a pipe dream but you never know unless you try. The footprint of the old "MCRT" would fit.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Dave DeHem - Sean, the kid you met at Toledo last year was probably Jimmy Tucker. His Mother is Laura Tucker, Norms Daughter. Jimmy is a walking encyclopedia of racing knowledge for a young man. He isnt 16 yet and knows more than many people twice his age. He is going with me to hand out Christmas baskets to the needy tomorrow. Then we go out for lunch. He and I do that every year. There are a lot of us from Mt. Clemens that are racing Legends Cars or if the Clem was still open would be racing there in a weekly division. Tom Terzo just retired a year ago, Rick Kilbourn is getting back in the car next year, If mine doesnt sell I will be back for a limited schedule in 2006. We have some guys like the Semlows, Skip Krassa, Randy Gallagher, Chris Brunet, Bob Parker, Frank Jiovani who all live in this area and would probably have raced there if the old girl was still open. We have Jeremy Metdipennigen racing a Legends Car. Jeremy is the son of Dennis, who used to drive a super late back in the day. Billy Leslie spent a season with us before moving on to the sportsman at Toledo and now on to ARCA. Terry Bogusz Jr. has been racing Template bodied, crate motored Super lates with Superpro. Jeff Metdipennigen is racing enduro cars as is Al Peltier. Stan Yee Jr. and Eric Lee are second generation drivers in the super lates down at the rock. Arnold Kirsch and Len Roberts are both running spers down at Flat Rock also. Dennis Fetter raced a limited sportsman for many years at Owosso. Mt. Clemens still lives in all of us that raced there and are still racing today and the spirit lives in all the second generation drivers that have ties back to Mt. Clemens. I still regularly see a ton of people from the old days. There isnt one of us that doesnt stop and think of that place everyday. I too dream about a "new" Mt. Clemens being built someday. Sometimes I think I will wake up and find out that I only dreamt that the place closed up 20 years ago. Oh well, legends cars are fun. If you want to know more about them www.michiganlegends.com will get you there. There will never be a place as great as Mount Clemens was, at least to me anyways.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Tom Urban - Hi evryone. Tom Urban here. I won the Double O championship in 1975, I think. The track was ARCA sanctioned. I quit racing that year and went to work for the track. I started out on the safety truck and ended up taking Bob Arnaz`s job as the pit steward when he retired. I kept that job until the track closed. One very important driver`s name is missing. The late John Anderson. Man could he get a car around that track. Any one remember "Speedy" Jack Monaghan from Windsor, Ont. He drove the Windsor Automotive late model Chevelle. Remember when he showed up with that small block powered Chevelle and it had the 180 headders comin up through the hood? It was on the dirt and it was a huge invitational. Ran real well against the big block cars and if memory serves it blew while he was at or near the front. How about Harry Farr in his 040. His two sons, Andy and Scott also raced there. Andy won a lot. So did Scott. Both on the quarter. Andy was also a Double O champ and he went on to be a champion in CASCAR. How about Mark Bott in his 070 Monte Carlo. Another Double O champ. Anybody remember when Dick Trickle showed up ? He brought his posse with him. Tom Reffner, I believe drove a Javelin late model. Marv Marzofca in his Hemi powered Challenger. I think that was when Carling was running Wendsday night touring show. Rember when Ray Nece wrecked both his cars on the same night in the same turn? I think it was twin 100`s and he rolled the 57 in turn 4 the first race and rolled the 67 Fairlane in the second race in the same turn. Hey Vince. Remember when you used rap the roof of my super six when we would hot lap on the quarter? Took me a couple of nights to figure out what the heck that sound was every time I went past the starter stand. Guys check out the cruise nights in downtown Mt.Clemens during the summer on Saturdays. They only have three Saturday cruises but you can find more than a handful of Mt.Clemens drivers there. Well, that`s all i can think of at the moment. To the keeper of this site, THANK YOU. What a great place.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Randy Adam - I also remember when the last feature winner of the night was interviewed on the platform at the start finish line, the kids around use to be able to pile on the car for a ride back to the pits after the interview. This was in the 60s as I do remember riding on Danny Byrds #08 - 1958 Edsel. I know there are some developers trying to get Thunder Road opened back up and if they do so...it would be awesome if they copied the Mt. Clemens track pattern (1/4 & 1/2 mile) so there could be a "throwback" to the Mt. Clemens days of running a "Double O". Mt. Clemens was the elite of tracks back in the day and there is no other like it to this very day (in the metro Det. area). Well for that matter...you still have to drive an hour in any direction before you get close to a track. Sad, the MOTOR CITY with not one track in the metro area....beating a dead horse I guess!!!
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Gary, guess I just miss Mt Clemens so bad.I met a kid who I think was Norm Tuckers grandson at toledo last year. My dads favorite dirver was Carl Schultz. Glad to hear Pat Haywood is doing okay, he was always really nice to me when I was a kid bumping around the pits after the races. I even got to sit in # 104 once. I think at one point he used to bring two cars to the track, a 74 and a 68 camaro to run the 68 in the Figue 8. Does anyone remember a fast back Mustang ending up upside down in the swamp during a double O? I remember it cause it was a Mustang in a sea of Camaros. True enough Toledo is a great yard and wonders have been done in the last few years. Good announcer too! The racing I saw on the 1/2 mile was awesome and the aluminum grandstands are great. Faygo 100 was great, I emailed Faygo and they emailed back, its nice to see a Detroit company with history supporting great racing. I remember a sportsman race with a side by side battle for the lead that seemed to go on lap after lap. Ron Alans comeback win was awesome and he really drove hard. Please build a big 1/4 inside, and run the double O. Ill bring a shovel.
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Unknown - A few more names - Jack Goodwin (the ciger guy), Stan Ye, Earnie Ward, Chuck Summers #7-11, George Busti (raced 1 year and painted Dads car the year he won best in show). Remember the Strohs Beer sopnsered a car? It was a 56 Ford convertable - burgandy and yellow. Lyle Robarge could be found after the races at the beer stand holding two beers. If ever asked why he had two beers he would say "thats why God gave me two hands"
Entry Date: - 12/21/2005 - Craig Pierson - I think neece is spelled with a capital N. He was the big dude who ran the Orange Ford #01. Some more names - Marv Parento, Bub Bulllis, Joey Ruttman, Wade Horn, Dizzy Dean, and Jack ????? (smoked a cigar).
Entry Date: - 12/19/2005 - Gary Lindahl - For those of you who continually inquire about photos,one of the best days to do that will be March 18th, 2006 from noon to six at the Toledo Speedway bar and grill. Last year, 7 to 8 thousand pics were on display with quite a few being from Mt Clemens. Joy Fair, Frank Loving and Pat Haywood were on hand at last years edition of the racers reunion which is open to one and all. Photos from many area tracks along with programs, trade papers mags and etc were on display.Check out all the info on ARCA, Toledo and Flat Rock at www.arcaracing.com. There is not enough property to expand Flat Rock but you never know about a new inside track at Toledo. So many things at Toledo had to be fixed, things take time. Hopefully you all can see what an inproved facility Toledo is these Days. We do listen and are trying to schedule more two divisions on the half mile type programs. Sure understand your longing for the mount, are favorite race was the old Mt Clemens 200s on the dirt when everybody showed up. Thanks for your concerns, see ya !
Entry Date: - 12/17/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Dave I know what you mean. I been to a to quite a few tracks and I feel the same. What I cant figure to be billed as Mt Clemens sister track and is a good track but the program absolutely stinks. They have an unbearable small 1/6 mile circle inside a great High banked scarry fast 1/2 mile. The trouble is they only ever run one class on the 1/2 mile per night and the field of cars for that is small, so you have to sit through really bad factory stock racing ( fault of the 1/6th mile not the drivers) to see good racing on the big track. Not a good time investment fan wise. I dont know why ARCA doesnt get that. With everybody so short on time these days a track really needs to make it worth while for people to justify spending a few hours there, a couple hours driving and gas money. We need a carbon copy of Mount Clemens near Detroit. Be nice if it had a road course attached to it too. Then the Stock Car folks and the Road Racers could cross breed and have a much better chance of fending off developers and pissy people who build houses next to a track and then complain. I fear the same thing happening to Waterford Hills as happened to Mt Clemens. Speaking of cross breeding Stock Car and Road Racing I actually saw an honest to goodness ARCA Template car running at Waterford this year. Paul, Mark Johnson I think used to store his car up the road from me off Cherry Hill and I ran in to him at autocity a few years back. How strange to see someone after 15 years.
Entry Date: - 12/16/2005 - Paul Schaefer - Thanks for more great names, Sean. My late father, who was a minister, came up to Mt. Clemens with my mom from Sandusky in 1984 or 1985, and Mark Johnson gave dad a few laps around the track in his #94 Late Model. A few weeks later, I got a 8x10 of a picture of dad with Mark standing next to the race car, and Mark autographed it for dad. We had the picture framed and matted, and it became a famility heirloom. Dads been gone 14 years today, but we treasure the picture depicting a huge thrill for him.
Entry Date: - 12/16/2005 - David Williams - Hey Lance, Lets not forget Danny Byrd, Joy Fair, and Joe Ruttman. Man it breaks my heart everytime I think about the track. I have been to at least 30 tracks, and nothing is as good, and never will be.
Entry Date: - 12/14/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - I remember Pat Haywood ,Steve Lee and Ron Varney battling it out in a season championship race. As I recall Ron Varney and Pat Haywood got together and Pat Haywoodss 74 Camaro ended up in the weeds. He still won the championship. I think steve Lees Camaro or Ron Varneys Volarie won the race. Haywood was by far my favorite driver and I remember late lap battles he had with Leeand Varney that perhaps I selectively remember him winning most of. The next season I think he blew his engine from what I think I remember car 104 never ran quite as good. Did he have a split with his engine builder? I saw him once at Toledo a few years later and his car was off song and he never even raced a lap. That was the last time I saw him race and it was sad cause he was my favorite driver from the time he ran his 68 Camaro in the figure eights and later Super Sixs at the Clem. I remember Mark Johnson and Chuck Romel. Chuck still runs at Toledo and I saw Johnson a few years back at Auto City. Off the subject, I currently like Ron Allen a lot especially after the firey wreck, the way he came back at Toledo and won the sportsman race and Don St Dennis too, although hes made some mistakes is a great driver as well.Toledo is okay but as anyone who had ever been there knows Mt Clemens was as good as it gets. Anyone got a few million bucks they wanna build a racetrack with.
Entry Date: - 12/13/2005 - Lance Pierson - Yes, I remember the sparkplug. I also remember getting the the races early and standing in line to go into the pace car and getting a bag of candy. Whenever I hear the supremes my mind goes back to the late sixties at the track. Do you remember lighting the punks to keep the mosquitos away?
Entry Date: - 12/13/2005 - Lance Pierson - My dad, Art Pierson, used to race a long time ago at Mt. Clemens with Benny Parsons, Artie Summers, Ray neece, and Irv Baumgartner. Sorry for the mis spells does anyone remember these names?
Entry Date: - 12/6/2005 - Randy Adam - Vince, what a great shortened version of the history of MCRT. That is a remarkable history you had there. I do remember Ed Janis as flagman and Norm Tucker (#500 yellow Ford w/the spark plug on the roof). Do you remember the "tortoise and the hare" race? of course the Austrailian Pursuit...ah yes, those were the days!!!
Entry Date: - 11/26/2005 - David Williams - The best race in the history of racing, was the double O at Mt Clemens. Just pick a night. It was always great.
Entry Date: - 11/25/2005 - Paul Schaefer - My old friend Vince Cuker forgets to mention the night he looked like he was learning to dance on the flagstand. We asked him what he was doing and he yelled "BEES!" that had flown up his pants leg... and who could forget the skunk that lived in the infield marsh, that would hide near where the safety truck parked, and sometimes come out to surprise them... the company that did the video at MCRT was called Metro Video Productions. I cant recall names or of the guys. Paul
Entry Date: - 11/17/2005 - Bill Murawski Jr. - Man if we could only go back in time !!!
Entry Date: - 11/16/2005 - Dennis Fetter - I really love reading all of these stories. I agree with Vince it takes a lot of words to tell the stories. I am looking for some older pictures from Mt Clemans days. I started tin 1968 with a Blue 61 Chev with the number 34 on it. I was the car that went end over end on the front straight away . I also cant find the 2nd car I had a black and yellow 57 chev number 34. Then Don Brayhad this number I went to 075. This would be 68-69-70. My wive has made a collection of my race days but we lost all of these older pictures. ANY HELP!!!!!!
Entry Date: - 11/15/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Hey Vince, do you know what happened to the videos shot at the track??
Entry Date: - 11/14/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Thanks for clearing up the pavement question, guess I was wrong. I do remember Vince and the announcer had a really cool kind of interplay between them that was super entertaining. I miss watching Pat Haywood and Steve Lee battle it out the most. Thanks to Vince for all the great memories.
Entry Date: - 11/9/2005 - Dave DeHem - Both the 1/4 and the 1/2 miles were paved in 1973. I got that from Rick Kilbourn who used to race a Super Stock in 1973 and before that ran the Double-O on the dirt in 1972.
Entry Date: - 11/9/2005 - Vince Cuker - “Status; Demolished”, what memories that brings back. I drove the first “race” on the ¼ mile race track. Well, it wasn’t exactly a “race” car, but my brothers’ 1939 Ford Coupe. We timed each other to see who could make the fastest lap on the newly laid clay track. I first attended races at the track at 1951, when the MMSRA held racing on Sunday afternoons.
I started working at the MCRC in 1956 when the Michigan Modified Stock Racing Assn. rented the land from Dr. Clayton Stubbs. I worked the infield on the Safety Crew for the first 7 years of the 29 at the track. 8 years later, when Pete Magree as the promoter, I was given the responsibility of Safety Director. I carried a heavy sludge hammer to check roll bars. Yes, I collapsed a few. I checked every car, every night for safety features.
Five years of that, I then became the Technical Advisor/Inspector. I inspected all the cars for “cheaters”. Naw, no one cheated, all their discrepancies were “accidental” designs. 1971, I took over the responsibility of Flagman when Eddie Janis left. Before Ed, was Burt Ellis and before Burt was Clem Vanrosen(?). I “flagged” the next 13 exciting years. In 1974 I flagged my first ARCA show when Bobby Watson from Prestonburg, KY was the winner. Back then John Marcum was founder and president of ARCA. I worked under four different promoters.
In 1973, under the promotion of Sonny Adams and John May, the tracks were repaved hardtop. (Guess I outlasted them all.) Some of my worst memories were when on June 16, 1978; Jim Smith of Canada lost his life when he hit the pit exit wall coming out of turn four. Norm Tucker getting rear-ended at the intersection of the Figure 8 and his car exploded in a ball of fire, and Norm came running over to me on fire. What a helpless feeling that was trying to calm him down and stop the burning.
Most embarrassing memory at the track was flagging the “shortest race in the history of the track” in 1977. I started the race with the “checker” flag. Some of my better memories were in 1966; receiving a trophy on the infield-reviewing stand, from all the drivers at the track, for something I had done on August 27, 1966. And in 1980, at the racetracks annual banquet, I received a very nice plaque from all the drivers at the track, showing their appreciation for my service.
I remember the rivalry whenever Junior Hanley and Don Biederman arrived from Canada on the same night. We were always in for an exciting race 1980 was the same year NASCAR-sanctioned racing began, under the promotorship of Cindy Winkler. During one of several appearances by Mark Martin, he was involved in a 4-car crash in the north turn wall during the Winston 100, and his car was demolished.
NASCAR’s involvement with the MCRT ended in 1983. On July 1, 1984 the “Enduro” 250 on the ¼ mile track was introduced with 3 more to follow. This proved to be a good crowd pleaser. I liked this event. After I waved the green flag, I could sit on the flag stand and watch for the next 250 laps. NO YELLOWS! The event was only stopped if the track became completely blocked or if there was a safety problem.
I remember also, the 4 “Officials” races I won, at the end of each year. I remember taking our grandson, Roger Michael Williams (see 10/2/04 below) to the races. I think this had a big influence on him, now being the announcer for tracks in the middle of the state. (At least I hope so.) I also have fond memories of all the after-race parties we attended in the parking lot. I’m sure that’s where the money came from mentioned in the letter dated 2/2/04, below. And I remember the Double-O on Saturday nights. What a thrill the drivers gave the fans. My involvement as flagman led to other opportunities.
I flagged 2 Mickey Thompson off-road races at the Pontiac Silver Dome, and I flagged for 2 years for CASCAR at Checkered Flag speedway in Windsor. The champions for the last year (1985) the track ran were; Super Stock: Tracy Leslie; Limited Sportsman: George DeCock; Mini-Modified: Bill Breen; Street Stock: Tom Terzo; and Powder Puff: Judy Harris.
March 6, 1986 it was announced in the press “Mt. Clemens To Buy Track”. April 23, 1986 racetrack items were sold at an auction for promoters all over the state. My saddest day was on a Sunday in mid-March of 1986 when I drove the half-mile track for the last time. I wasn’t in a racecar, but my pickup truck. I stopped at the start-finish line, climbed the flagman stand for the last time and took a couple pictures. As a grand finale, two fires at the track offices in April 1986 burned the structure to the ground. Such a fatal final ending for the 38 year history of auto racing at the MCRT.
I apologize for this lengthy dissertation, but I hope all you past fans of racing at the MCRT find it interesting and informational. It’s nice to read the stories others of you have added to this memorial to the Mt. Clemens Race Track. Keep them coming. Vince Cuker.
Entry Date: - 10/27/2005 - Randy Adam - OK, I graduated in 73, I was in a demo derby at MC in 72 and both the half and the 1/4 were dirt, I was only 17 at the time and i had a 61 Chevy station wagon that I used. I remember this as i was unsure if they were going to I.D. me as you had to be 18 at the time to enter the demos at that time. In 73 I remember the tracks still being dirt as well. Maybe after that it was paved, but i do not recall one being paved and the other not...I thnk they were both done at the same time!!!,
Entry Date: - 10/25/2005 - Gene Kruger - I was a ticket taker at the old Mt Clemens Race Track in the early 60s, when the track was still clay. During intermission, my best friend, Mark Forton & I rode on the back of the water truck to wet down the track for the second half of the races. Marks stepfather, Hank Brown, was the track caretaker. Oh what a thrill it was for a couple of 16 year olds to be on the back of the truck operating the valves in front of all those race fans. All the thanks for that tho went to Hank, as he could operate the valves from the cab of the truck with the attached ropes. Anyway, it was a great time and the track is sorely missed by many.
Entry Date: - 10/20/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - I say again, what happened to all the videos of the racing action taken at at Mt Clemens??? They gotta be somewhere.
Entry Date: - 10/16/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Why not replace the Silverdump in Pontiac with a track???
Entry Date: - 10/3/2005 - Susanne Smith McCarthy - I remember quite vividly going to Mt Clemens with my father, Jim Smith #33. I also remember playing in the chuck wagon they had for the kids & getting Milk Duds from the concession for a treat. My father was killed in an accident at Mt Clemens June 15/78 - he died June 16/78. My brother, Gary and I werent there that evening and have been told about how the accident happened by some people that were there that night. I would like to talk to anyone who was there or has info about it. I was 8 and Gary 11 at the time. Anyone with pics/programs of Dad I would dearly love to get copies of them. If there is video or memorabilia out there of races with him in it PLEASE let me know. I would gladly purchase it from you!! What a wonderful website! I will be checking back in often!!
Entry Date: - 9/27/2005 - Don - 1977 Mt. Clemens Race Track, Michigan late model champion.....#1 Joy Fair
Entry Date: - 9/16/2005 - Dennis Fetter - Someone just showed me this site. I really miss running the old Double O. I started there in 1968 and run figure 8 and limited sportsman till they closed. My kids grew up in the stands and they still all have memories of that track. I since have continued to race but there will never be another Mt. Clemens. The family always had a good time and most of the drivers would complain agrue and yes fight but there was still a friendship together. Laughing about all of the stories that could come from all of us drivers.!!!!!
Entry Date: - 9/10/2005 - Paul Schaefer - Its been 20 years since the old place ran its last events. The fans and drivers at that place were part of my two happiest summers ever when I announced races there. The people who attended races at MCRT were the greatest!
Entry Date: - 8/5/2005 - Brett Merritt - I raced many motos at both the supercross track in the infield and the other track near I-94. It was my favorite track in Mi. and had some of my best finishes there! Great memories.
Entry Date: - 7/13/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Where are the videos from the racing at Mt Clemens??????
Entry Date: - 7/13/2005 - Ron Nelson - Hey Bill Murawski Jr. would you be interested in selling that shirt. Hey, I have to ask, it is the only way I will ever get one for my collection. Would also like to ask you if there is any way you could scan and e-mail those Jr. Hanley pics you have to me. My e-mail is hanley_72@hotmail.com. I collect them for my own personal collection and try to get my hands on any pics of Jr. Hanley I can but mainly from the old days of his #72. I would really like to hear back from you by e-mail if there is any way we could do this. I would gladly e-mail any pics I have that you would be interested in. I have all kinds from his career. He has always been my favourite from the first time I saw him when I was 9 back in 1979 at Checker Flag Speedway here in Windsor. Right up until he quit racing, for the time being, at the end of last year. Please let me know if we can do this. I would really appreciate it. THANKS, Ron Nelson,(hanley_72@hotmail.com), Where are the videos from the racing at Mt Clemens??????
Entry Date: - 7/6/2005 - Bill Murawski Jr. - I have a Jr Hanley shirt my dad got me one night in the pits from Jr after the races. I think we got the shirt in 1980. I have a few Jr photos. Every weekend I went to Mt Clemens I got a photo of Jr and had him sign it. Jr was the man at Mt Clemens!!!
Entry Date: - 7/5/2005 - Hazel Jensen - I am looking for some old videos of Mt. Clemens track. My husband had a car there in 1982. I Also have some photos if anyone interested email me at purplebaby3@hotmail.com.
Entry Date: - 7/3/2005 - Ron Nelson - I am a HUGE Jr. Hanley fan. I am from Windsor, Ontario and grew up watching Jr. and all the other guys from Checker Flag Speedway in Windsor. Hey Sean Fitzgerald, interested in selling that Hanley shirt. Have been looking for one for quite a long time. Send me an e-mail if you are interested. Would really love to get my hands on that shirt. Also looking for any pics of Jr. from the late 70s through the 80s of his old #72. If anyone can help me out I would really appreciate it. I collect pics of him from his entire career, for my own personal collection and have close to 1,000 or so already. I read a couple messages in here that say they have photos and such of Jr. Hanley. If anyone could help me out that would be amazing. I would glady e-mail you anything i have that you are looking for. I have all kinds of pics of Jr. throughout his entire career. THANKS for any help anyone can give me.
Entry Date: - 6/27/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - On a side note, I just got a vintage 1983 JR hanely t shirt at the thrift store for around $1.50. How absurdly cool. Its orange and has a 78 or so # 72 Camaro silk screened onto it with JR HANELY written below it. i almost cried. Well not really, but man was that a cool find.
Entry Date: - 6/27/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Judging from the popularity of this page it makes absolutely zero since to me why the metro detroit area does not have a half mile banked oval. I know, Flat Rock, but come on now, there is no comparing a soup bowl like that to great oval like the Mt. Somebody should make a carbon copie of the 3/8 mile at owosso and build it near Metro Airport, On a side note, I just got a vintage 1983 JR hanely t shirt at the thrift store for around $1.50. How absurdly cool. Its orange and has a 78 or so # 72 Camaro silk screened onto it with JR HANELY written below it. i almost cried. Well not really, but man was that a cool find.
Entry Date: - 6/16/2005 - Dan Baumgarten - Note to Jim Laraway...Our group actually goes back to the 50s when Mt. Clemens was dirt and also called Old Race Track Park. I remember the name Jim Laraway but cant put together a car and number. By the mid 60s, only my Uncle Erv was still racing, but wed go watch as often as possible. My dad, Don would fidget in the stands and lean like he was in the car with him. Used to make me laugh.
Entry Date: - 6/16/2005 - Bill Murawski Jr. - Where did Jrs Mountian Dew car go?, I have several Old Race Track Park programs scanned in...from 1953,54,55,56 plus quite a few photos Id like to share, if theyre good enough to send. , Note to Jim Laraway...Our group actually goes back to the 50s when Mt. Clemens was dirt and also called Old Race Track Park. I remember the name Jim Laraway but cant put together a car and number. By the mid 60s, only my Uncle Erv was still racing, but wed go watch as often as possible. My dad, Don would fidget in the stands and lean like he was in the car with him. Used to make me laugh.
Entry Date: - 6/3/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Someone should put a track by Metro Airport or the old Eloise complex. Or better yet actually in Detroit. Manhattan is getting a Nascar Track and we the Motor City have nothing. What about a road course with a half mile banked oval built into it and not the other way around. Tracks dont have the character that the Clem had.
Entry Date: - 6/3/2005 - Jim Laraway - Any "old Timers" from the mid sixties when the track was dirt
Entry Date: - 5/27/2005 - Randy Adam - The B & W pics that Dave Dobner sent in are awesome. That;s when I use to go to the track THREE nights a week (Mon., Thurs. & Sat.) That #85 (Lloydd Goodrich) was the driver I knew and supported. I even got to wrench on that ride in his last year racing. His brother Gene took over the ride after Lloyd won the 1/4 mile and double O championship in the same year and then retired. Marv Parenteau, Larry Lamay and Bill Shultz were a couple of other drivers that were hot shoes back then as well (in the sportsmen div.). One note on the #98 Northland Ford shot, that might be actually Wayne Bennett, as he originally owned/drove that car and Benny Parsons was his mech. When Wayne gave up racing, Benny purchased the car and it was his first car as a driver. (you can even ask Benny about that,,,as that was the story he told me a few years back when he was in town for the MIS race). This is awesome, the amount of fans that have so many memories, from the clay days to the end...great site!!! I agree ,where is the racetrack for the Motor City???
Entry Date: - 5/24/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Karren was a great driver. I was a huge Pat Haywood fan. I remember Carl Shult and Norm Tucker and Paulete Escalanti.
Entry Date: - 5/22/2005 - Karen (Carbone) Kein - I remember sitting in the stands in 1976 when an announcement was made that if their are any women interested in driving a race car please report to the pit gate. I was so excited I got to the gate first. We borrowed cars from the generous hobby stockers and lined up at the track entrance. I was first in line. I won that race and was hooked. By the next week I had my own hobby stock car and raced every Thursday and Saturday night until the track closed. I miss those days. The Winklers ran a safe/Fun track.
Entry Date: - 5/20/2005 - Dave DeHem - I used to race at "The Clem" in the #99 Street Stock from 1982 up until the demise of the track. Seeing those pictures sent in by Dave Dobner brought back some great memories but also a tear to my eye. I loved that place and even today, I can close my eyes and find myself there. I can still see the track, hear the cars and smell the smells. Back in those days Dave Dobner was ny my best friend at the Mount along with the Fow Brothers Mark and Scott. There a million memories of pranks we pulled, races we ran , and junk that we did. We had great times with guys like Wild Bill Barnhart, Eddie Sachs Jr., Jeff Metdipennigen, Chuck Helleybuck, Chuckie Brodeur, Al Peltier, Steve and Cory Russell and just a whole bunch of "Family" The old girl lives in my heart everyday and the strangest thing is that when returning from any race track that I go to now I still have to drive by that awful trade center. Thanks for the memories and someday, somewhere, we will get another place to love like we all did "The Mount."
Entry Date: - 5/15/2005 - Bill Murawski Jr. - My dad took me to Mt Clemens alot back in the late 70s to about 81. The race track was one of the best places I have ever seen. Jr Hanly 72 , Don Beatterman 43, they were always going at it on the track and running hard. I remeber the night Jr 72 went up side down on the backstrech and went through the railroad ties an got pinned in the car. Does any one remeber that?? I have photos of Jr 72 and some press clippings. I miss the track, it was a great place to see a race.
Entry Date: - 5/4/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - Truly heaven on earth for a twelve year old. I first went therre when i was six and I last went there a year after it closed and wandered araound the collapsing grandstands. That was the best track ever. racing is truly not the same. I recently went to Owosso and it was great. It had a great feel, but nothing anywhere could equal Mount Clemens. I saw Pat Haywood win a figure eight race with his hood stuck over his windsheild at Mt Clemens. I got to sit in his car once and they never charged to go into the pits. Those were the good old days I guess. On a side note Id love to see a track in or close to Detroit. I grew up in the city and unlike my black friends, I was made to feel welcome anywhere. I wish my my friends from my childhood could have shared the love of racing I feel. The one thing about auto racing I dont like is it seems exclusively marketed and geared toward white right thinking demographics. As long as rebel flags hang from the concession stands at Toledo, Im saddened this wont change.
Entry Date: - 5/3/2005 - Eric Schulz - In approximately 1952 my grandfather, Henry Schulz and father, Al Schulz purchased Iggy Katona’s T3 roadster. They rebuilt it and renumbered it as 000 (H Schulz & Son Trucking). It was run at both Motor City and Mt Clemens for a couple of years until everyone converted over to sprint cars. The sprint cars were quite unusual in that they ran Chrysler Hemis. At the same time they got into the late model stock racing running mostly Dodges and Plymouths. My dad had a knack for chassis setup and could get the old Chrysler six cylinder cars to out perform many of the V8s. During the 1950s those cars were some of the top competitors around. They won several championships. The original t roadster body is still in our family, still bringing back fond memories. I have attached a few pictures from those days, to include the T roadster that started it all. Those were some of the most memorable days of my life. The traveling to all the different tracks, Mt. Clemens, Motor City, Checker Flag (Canada), Jackson, Flat Rock and more. During those years we had many very good drivers. Bob Sampson, Jack Goodwin, Skeeter Ross and Sid Keller. Sid Keller bringing the most success.
Entry Date: - 4/30/2005 - Dave Dobner - The track pictures were taken in April of 1986 during the closing auction of track equipment. I raced at Mt. Clemens Race Track during its last five years. The highlight of my racing career is winning the final Double-O feature race ever run at the track by winning the season championship race on Sept. 7th 1985. The Double-O race was unique to the track in that you would run alternating laps of the 1/4 and 1/2 mile ovals with traffic crossing in the front stretch on the shared front straight. Lots of great times and fond memories of "The Mount", myself and my family really miss the place! Racing never had the same "family" feel to it after the Mt. Clemens Race Track closed.
Entry Date: - 4/28/2005 - Mike Woody - A friend of mine thinks that he has the pace car from the track from 1968. He purchased it and is in the process of restoring it. It is a 1968 red GTO convertible. Can anyone confirm that this is the right make for that year? Does anyone have pictures of the pace car from 1968 or 1969? If so, please contact me. I attended races at the track from 1965 until 1968 three nights a week. In 1968 I moved from Mt Clemens to Pontiac and rarely attended after the move. Two of my best friends were drivers Norm "Parnelli" Tucker, #500 with the Spark Plug on his roof and Jerry Ruthenberg #777 who was sponsered by Bobs Mobil on N. River Rd.
Entry Date: - 4/5/2005 - Randy Malik - I distinctly remember a June Thursday night in 1980 when I couldnt get a baby sitter to be with my 4 month old son while I went to crew on Ron Varneys Limited. I took him with me in the pits and put cigarette butts in his ears for sound control. A long time ago but, that memory will be forever; believe it or not, on race nights, I never again got another baby sitter and always took him with me.
Entry Date: - 4/3/2005 - Adrianne Winkler - I am the youngest daughter of Henry and Cyndy winkler. The fondest memories of my childhood is spending my summers at Mt. Clemems race track. My whole family would travel to MI for the summer to help work at the track.
Entry Date: - 2/7/2005 - Sean Fitzgerald - I would love to see some Pat Haywood photos!
Entry Date: - 11/16/2004 - Carol - If anyone has any pictures of Mt. Clemens rase track before it was torn down I would love to see them. Me & my first husband used to go there every Saturday when we were dating in the 60s.
Entry Date: - 10/19/2004 - Randy Adam - This is to Roger Williams, you mentioned that your grandfather was the flagman there. Was that Ed Janis? I remember him as the flagman there for many any years. And I do remember back in the days, between time trials and the racing, the booth would play Supreme LPs for music. Every time I hear STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE, it takes me back to those days seeing who was going to be were in the line-up. Back in those days they inverted the top 10. Also they had a race called the Austrailian Prusuit that had the top 10 cars (superstocks) once you were passed, you were eliminated. That was a great race.
And the Double-O, wow is all I can say, you had to see it to believe it. Surprized no other tracks have tried it. Or the tortuise and the hair...anyone remember that race? Ive been going to other local tracks thru this past summer, Owendale, Flat Rock, Auto City, Dixie, etc...but its not like the good ole days of MT. Clemens. BUT on a AM radio program on Sunday mornings (in the Flint area) and even Flat Rock, they still make refference to Mt. Clemens racetrack...so the memories live on....Ive really appreciate anyone that has memorabilia from Mt. Clemens Racetrack to contact me. Rusty2win@aol.com, thank all you Mt. Clemens Racetrack nostolgia fans...
Entry Date: - 10/2/2004 - Roger Williams - I spent my first 14 years of existence at the Mount Clemens Race Track. My father was a long time inspector (the one with the cowboy hat) and Safety Crew Leader. My Grandfather was the flagman for nearly 20 years until the tracks untimely demise. I remember all the people that built homes and then complained that the noise was too much. I never truly appreciated the existence of the Speedway until it was removed from my childhood summer schedule. It was a sad day for my family when it closed. I was out of the racing scene for awhile, but fell back into it as the announcer for Crystal Motor Speedway and Ionia Raceway Park. My First year at Crystal in 1998 had my voice coming out of the same P.A. Speakers that became silent in 1986 at Mt. Clemens. Who knows what I would have done if the track were still open. I met drivers like Tim Richmond, Mark Martin, and my most favorite memory was spending time with Davey Allison. I wish that I could see the double-O one more time. Ironically, my father who spent his time in the infield of Mt Clemens is now a vendor in that trade center. He probably stands in the same spot he did years ago. Thanks for such great memories!
Entry Date: - 5/25/2004 - Morris Pegelo, Jr. - It is great to see the old Mt. Clemens Speedway again. I was about 1 the first time I went. I think my best memory is when I was about 3 or 4. I guess I wanted to see what the timing tower/press box looked like, so when my uncle chuck went to pay for the food at the concession stand, I ran off. To this day my mom and dad could not figure out how I got all the way up there. I was so heartbroken on that day in 1985 when my dad told me the track was going to be demolished, i cried my eyes out for about 3 days. Well thanks to this great website, at least I can go back there, even if it is only in my memories.
Entry Date: - 5/12/2004 - Scott - In the late 70s, a motocross track was added to the infield of the original circle track. The format was an outdoor "stadium super-cross" type track. Myself & a few friends were there during the initial excavation to help with the layout. It was fairly successful, and the track was expanded to the surrounding property the next season. The motocross track continued to run into the early 80s if I recall. I stopped racing in 1981, and dont remember exactly when they halted the racing there. I do remember many fun weekends & trophys from those years.
Entry Date: - 2/2/2004 - Lorraine Beltz Diamond - I lived off N. River Rd in front of the Mt. Clemens race track from 1976-1983. We would walk to the track on race nights we knew some of the drivers. It was great. I would walk our dog the next day back to the parking lot and track and always find change or a few bills laying on the ground. Lots of good memories. Does anyone remember the lime green Mercury cyclone called "The halk" my boyfriend buddy's car?
Entry Date: - 12/4/2003 - James Pegelo - My, nephew Morris was about 1yr. old when we started taking him to the track on a weekly basis, and he loved going to the Mt.Clemens Race Track all the way to the final closing day. Morris is now 28 and he still has all of the pictures of the cars that used to race there. Cars such as Pat Haywood, Roger Delp, Frank Loving, Steve Lee, and so on.
He is one of the biggest race fans I know. He goes to a lot of tracks and says his favorite race track will always be Mt.Clemens Race Track. I Will have to agree with him, we talk about it often how we wish the track was still here, but it is not. We still have some great memories and are grateful for that. Thank You for this great web site.
Entry Date: - 10/16/2003 - Dennis Prill - I enjoyed the insite on the races at the track. Im 56 and now live in Florida. Like you my dad took me to Motor City Speedway and then Mt.Clemens. I sat above the main entrance every Thur and Monday. I remember all the great races. The late models were the best. I think I could go on forever. I remember all the drivers you wrote about. My best driver was Joy Fair. Matter of fact I got in touch with Joy Fair Racing up there about 3 months ago. The person I spoke to was very nice. I wanted to know how Mr. Fair was doing and what he was up to. They sent me a lot of pictures, a signed hat and a book of his history. I even drove a streetstock for a few races at Mt.Clemens but the wife made me quit. I wasnt that good anyway. I sure miss them days. When racing was racing. I guess Ill stop but I think I could write a book on the old days of racing. So many stories I could write about. Thanks again for the trip back in time.
Entry Date: - 7/27/2003 - Randy Adam - Wow, were do I start? My dad use to take me to Motor City Speedway on 8 mile and he also took me to Mt. Clemens. This was in the 60s and thru the 70s. Mt. Clemens use to run Monday, Thurs (that was Super Stock night) and Sat (that was Sportmans night).
I remember Benny Parsons being the mechanic for Wayne Bennets yellow, Northland Ford sponsered #98 Ford Fairlane, which he ended up buying to become his first race car. I remember Bob Fredrick, Jack Goodwin, Danny Byrd, Erv Baumgartner, Artie Sommers, Homer Newland and of course Ray Neece in the Super Stocks. In the Sportsman class was Larry Lamay, Bill Schultz,Don Bray, Denny Miller and hot shoe Marv Parenteau. One more was Loydd Goodrich, he was the driver I followed and became friends with #85 a 57 Chevy.
Pete Magree ran the track in those days and boy were there some issues on certian occasions. But there was always a crowd and good racing. I participated in a few of the Demo derbys when I got old enough, that was fun.
Due to that track and those days, I still go to Flat Rock, Toledo, Owendale and any other track I can. Im a follower of NASCAR, Busch, ARCA & ASA as well. When the track became asphalt, was when I remember the likes of Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and others with the ASA racing there.
What great memories I have of Mt. Clemens Racetrack. I even remember there was a radio station that would broadcast before the race and I won a decal from the track for a triva question they use to ask over the air. I even entered the model car contests they had for the kids. Those were the days.
The entrance to the Trade center is the old entrance to the track. Sad that its gone, but not forgotten. Oh, the car with that "spark plug" on the roof, that was Norm Tucker, yellow # 500, he drove in the figure 8 races.
If anyone has pics of the track or any memorabilia, contact me, id love to see it or maybe get copies somehow.
Thanks for letting me remeniss with you all.
Entry Date: - 6/18/2003 - Mt. Clemens Public Library - Mount Clemens Race Track was located on a 55-acre site along North River Road near the I-94 freeway. The property was purchased after World War II by Mount Clemens resident Dr. Clayton T. Stubbs and his wife Ruth, for use as a private pheasant hunting preserve.
The land was an old harness racing site, the Clinton Driving Park, which had not been used for racing since about 1925. Dr. Stubbs discovered the old track, which had been erected in 1916 by the Mount Clemens Driving Club, overgrown with brush. About 1950, some local race drivers who were using the track to practice for their races at the Motor City Speedway approached Dr. Stubbs about cleaning up the track and offering races there. Dr. Stubbs agreed to their proposal, and the Mount Clemens Race Track was born. The first public race was offered on September 3, 1951, with 5,000 fans on hand.
For years, the raceway attracted crowds for MMSRA stock car races on Sunday nights during the summer (in later years the schedule would change to Thursday and Saturday nights), as well as the occasional crowd-pleasing demolition derby. Grandstands seating 5,500 featured an adjacent picnic and playground area, as Dr. and Mrs. Stubbs wanted their racetrack to provide entertainment for the entire family. The grounds included half-mile and quarter-mile ovals and a figure-eight track.
For the opening of the 1954 season, a man-made lagoon was created at the race track, and Dr. Stubbs announced what was thought to be a first in racing history: Mount Clemens Race Track would feature auto races and boat races! Small outboard craft were set to race on the lagoon, and to top it all off, the Tommy Bartlett Water Show from Cypress Gardens, Florida, was brought in to entertain the crowds with acrobatic water skiing. The water show opened on July 11, but the premiere was marred by an accident in which one of the performers fell and was mangled by the twin propellers of the tow boat. The skier recovered from the deep lacerations on his back, and the water show went on through the summer drawing good crowds, but it was not repeated the following year. The little lake became a landscape decoration thereafter.
During the 1950s an effort was made to re-introduce harness racing at the track, but the plan was stalled for years after the Racing Commissioner denied a permit on the grounds that local officials were opposed to the idea and because the track was too close to Selfridge Air Force Base. Legal wrangling went on for some time, and the proposal eventually fizzled.
In June, 1977, Dr. Stubbs sold Mount Clemens Race Track to Dr. Henry J. Winkler and his wife, Cynthia, who continued to operate the track much as the Stubbs family had. Cyndy Winkler eventually became owner and manager of the track, and was at the time one of only two women among the owner/managers of the 900 racetracks in the U.S.
The track was always popular and continued to make a modest profit, but overhead costs in the form of property tax and liability insurance were an increasingly heavy burden, and the value of the prime real estate upon which the raceway was situated eventually exceeded the value of the business. Cyndy Winkler placed the race track on the market in 1985, and sold it to the city of Mount Clemens in March, 1986, for the sum of $725,000. The track equipment was sold at auction the next month and Mount Clemens Race Track ended its 36-year history.
The city of Mount Clemens sold the race track property in 1987 to Gebran Anton and his Riverside Associates development firm. Riverside leased the property to James A. Koester, who built Gibraltar Trade Center North at the location in 1990.
Entry Date: - 6/4/2003 - Web - My first race was at 8 or 9 (early seventies) at the now defunct Mt. Clemens Race Track (late models). Dirt, 1/4 and 1/8 mile if I remember correctly. Over the years I watched Stan Yee, Artie Summer, Tracy Leslie, Joe Ruttman (those that immediately come to mind). I remember a 55 Chevy that had a plastic spark plug affixed to the roof.
The figure eights were always exciting. Really used to enjoy it when the sprint cars used to come to the track. Once got to ride around in the "pace truck" prior to a race. The track was eventually paved with ashphalt. Many fond memories going to the races on Thursdays and Saturdays with my cousins and grandfather. My uncle started out with a 66 chevelle (always red), then a 69 chevelle. Occasionally used to head down to Flat Rock and Toledo. There was nothing like coming home from the races with a face full of dirt! Paul
Entry Date: - 6/4/2003 - Web - The figure 8 and dirt track were open till around 85-86. It was lots of fun to watch. The figure 8 race always brought a lot of crashes and fender benders. - Dan
Entry Date: - 5/19/2003 - Tom Orvis - Mount Clemens Race track was located on the north side of North River Road, just west of I-94 on the site where Gibraltar Trade Center stands today. I’m not sure exactly what year the racetrack closed. In the early 80’s, a friend of mine owned and drove a street stock car on the quarter mile track and I participated as the car’s mechanic in the pits. Some other friends raced in the half-mile events there too. Some of the old timers there used to tell us about the races on the old figure-8 track, which sounded pretty dangerous! That old figure-8 track was still there in the 1980’s, but the event itself had been discontinued long before we arrived.
|