Meadowdale Raceway

HALLOWED PAVEMENT

MEADOWDALE RACEWAY
50TH ANNIVERSARY

Meadowdale Motorsports & Memories
See photos for pictures

Following a near rainout in 2008, the event was re-scheduled for Sept. 19, 2009. It was designated as: Inaugural Event September 2009.

In sharp contrast to last year's dismal weather, a picture-perfect day unfolded for this year's celebration! While promotional releases indicated that storied drivers Augie Pabst, Jr., Don Devine and Harry Heuer would be in attendance, we were disappointed to find that Augie could not be there. Don and Harry were kept busy reliving their racing days and signing countless autographs throughout the day. My copy of the Official Entry Form for the May 31-June 1, 1969 race was signed by Don & Harry. (I have donated original Race Forms from two of the 1969 Race Events to the Meadow-dale collection.)

The event drew about 200 vehicles of all types! The display was staged on the actual blacktop that was once the track's main straightaway. There were 4 - T-Birds in the impressive line-up: Gordon Gluff ('56) an Elgin resident ('57), an "M" Sports Roadster and my '57 "E" 'Bird. The Race Cars included two of the legendary Scarabs, a famous Nickey (with the backward "K") Chevrolet Corvette as well as several other vintage racecars.

The track opened in September of 1958, however, a number of factors led to its closing in 1969. While the silo still stands at the west side of Rte. 31 in Carpentersville, only a few sections of the track still survive.

The sounds of powerful engines has long since given way to on eerie silence, broken only by the cries of high-flying birds and the wind rustling through the trees.

It was an unforgettable day as drivers and visitors shared in a salute to the past glories of this once-proud road course. Who can forget the high-banked Monza Wall, Doane's Corner, etc.? For me, the visit brought back memories of when my Inca Gold '57 circled this track for 50 laps! (It was an Economy Run, not a "racing" competition.)

For more information,see: MEADOWDALE RACEWAY.HOMESTEAD.COM

NOTE: IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AL TOURANGEAU, A FORMER CTCC MEMBER, TAKING IN THE SPECTACLE! - Editor