Ishpeming Speedway - Champion MI

Address: 7000 US-41
City: Champion
State: MI
Zip: 49849
County: Marquette
Number of visits to this page: 15072
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General Information:

Update 4/18/2025: I found an old topographical map from 1977 that shows the landing field, drive-in theater, and a speedway all in a row on US-41. It has been seen as a possibility Nick's and Ishpeming Speedway may have occupied the same lot. Nick's was a dragstrip and we know from people who were there that one of the runways at what was then Dexter Landing Field was used for that. Makes sense. The racetrack east of the drive-in is probably Ishpeming Speedway given it was an oval track. The topo map is below.

Source: John McDonald

I had three uncles who raced at this track in the '50s, usually driving flat head Mercs or Fords. There was a drive-in theatre nearby and were both located on M-28 about five miles west of Ishpeming. I may have a picture of the track and if so will send it to you.

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Info Updates:
7/31/2024 - amos mccoy
Nick's 41 Speedway (drag strip) was located just west of the old Evergreen drive-in. Ishpeming Speedway (dirt oval track) was located across us41 from the 41 Club (now Jerzi's), just a little east. I have a picture of Earl Krause that passed away parachuting on 7-4-1952, "after" he hit the ground. He hit the ground in a small opening in the trees. So, the crowd never really saw the impact. If you want, I can send you the picture of him, but it's not for the sensitive type. Amos McCoy
3/18/2020 - Steven P. McCoy
I forgot to mention, I have both movie projectors from the Evergreen Drive-in, that was real close to the Ishpeming Speedway. One can be viewed on this site, in the drive-in section.
1/13/2020 - amos mccoy
I believe this is where a fella named Earl Francis Krause, fell to his death during a parachute jump on July 4th, 1952. He was only 25 years old. He was trying to put on a show for about 4,000 spectators, when he opened his chute too late. Officers stated that he left an indentation in the ground of almost a foot. I would like to see a picture of the race track, and race drivers, where this took place. I know of a couple of guys that used to race there in the day. Rest in Peace Earl. Amos McCoy.
 Photos:6
Ishpeming Speedway - 2024 View Of What Was Probably The Entrance Road To Speedway
2024 View Of What Was Probably The Entrance Road To Speedway
Ishpeming Speedway - 1977 Topo Map Showing 3 Attractions
1977 Topo Map Showing 3 Attractions
Ishpeming Speedway - 3 Potential Oval Track Outlines
3 Potential Oval Track Outlines
Ishpeming Speedway - July 1959 Article
July 1959 Article
Ishpeming Speedway - July 5 1952 Earl Krause Skydiving Accident
July 5 1952 Earl Krause Skydiving Accident
Ishpeming Speedway - May 1953 Ad
May 1953 Ad
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