Langhorne Speedway
Encyclopedia
Langhorne Speedway was an automobile racetrack in Middletown Township, Bucks County
, near the borough of Langhorne, Pennsylvania
, a northern suburb of Philadelphia.
The speedway was built by a group of Philadelphia racing enthusiasts known as the National Motor Racing Association (NMRA), and held its first race on June 12, 1926 (scheduled for May 31 but postponed by rain). Freddie Winnai of Philadelphia qualified in 42.40 seconds, a new world's record for a one-mile (1.6 km) track; and went on to win the 50-lap main event. According to Walter Chernokal, Langhorne was the first dirt track built specifically for automobile racing. The track's unique circular layout earned Langhorne the name "The Big Left Turn".
The NMRA operated Langhorne through the 1929 season, staging 100-lap events on Labor Day
s and occasional shorter races. Difficulties in track preparation, management disputes, and poor attendance drove the speedway to the brink of bankruptcy until noted promoter Ralph "Pappy" Hankinson took over in 1930. With partner "Lucky" Teeter, Hankinson brought in AAA Championship 100-lap races and continued to stage shorter Sprint car racing
on the circular track. One of the first stock car races
in the northeastern U.S. was held at Langhorne in 1940; Roy Hall of Atlanta, Georgia was victor in the 200-lap event.
Both Hankinson and Teeter died during World War II, and control of Langhorne Speedway passed to John Babcock and his family. Then in 1951, Irv Fried and Al Gerber became promoters. During this era, Langhorne hosted races for the United States' major national series: AAA
and USAC Championship Cars, and NASCAR
Grand National. It also hosted the nation's most noted race for the Modified division; the first post-war stock car race run at the facility was a National Championship Stock Car Circuit (a forerunner to NASCAR
) race in 1947, with Bob Flock
taking home the checkered flag.
Catering chiefly to USAC's Championship Car division, in 1965 Fried and Gerber changed the track layout to a "D" by building a straightaway across the back stretch, and they paved the surface. However, as suburb
an growth engulfed the speedway, the offers from developers became too tempting to refuse. Fried and Gerber announced the sale of the property to mall developers in 1967, but the speedway held on through five more seasons. The final checkered flag
fell on October 17, 1971 at the National Open for Modified stock cars.
sanctioned Championship Car races at Langhorne Speedway twelve times between 1930 and 1955.
USAC sanctioned Championship Car races there from 1956 to 1970, won by such famous names as A. J. Foyt
, Mario Andretti
, Bobby Unser
, Gordon Johncock
, Lloyd Ruby
, and Eddie Sachs
.
American Motorcyclist Association
sanctioned National Championship Motorcycle races at Langhorne Speedway between 1935 and 1956.
won that race. The Strictly Stock series was renamed the Grand National series for the 1950 season, and the series is now known as Sprint Cup. Langhorne continued to host an annual stop on the Grand National schedule from 1950 to 1957. Some of the era's top drivers won those Langhorne races: Curtis Turner
again, Fonty Flock
, Herb Thomas
, Dick Rathmann
, Donald Richman, Sr, Tim Flock
, Buck Baker
, Paul Goldsmith
, and Fireball Roberts
.
was the most successful driver, winning five times. Hoag was the only driver to win the National Open on both the dirt and pavement surfaces.
, Frank Arford, Bobby Marvin, John McVitty
, Joe Russo
, Mike Nazaruk
, and Jimmy Bryan
were all killed racing at this track. In the first National Open in 1951, a large wreck blocked the track and burned driver Wally Campbell
, that year's NASCAR National Modified Champion. Several other noted drivers were injured in accidents, often described as spectacular, due to high speeds on the mile-long but rough dirt surface.
In 1965, one of the most spectacular comebacks in auto racing history began with the serious burns and injuries to Mel Kenyon
. Kenyon would later return to racing to place third at the Indy 500 and win numerous national midget racing
championships.
Langhorne was relocated to southern New Jersey and became Bridgeport Speedway in Bridgeport,NJ.
American
American
American
American
References: American Motorcycle Association Archives; Jack Vanino, motorcycle historian
Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Middletown Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 45,436 at the 2010 census. Many sections of Levittown, Pennsylvania, are located in the southern end of the township...
, near the borough of Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Langhorne is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,622 at the 2010 census.The name "Langhorne" is used broadly to describe the majority of surrounding Middletown Township, which for the most part uses Langhorne's zip code of 19047...
, a northern suburb of Philadelphia.
The speedway was built by a group of Philadelphia racing enthusiasts known as the National Motor Racing Association (NMRA), and held its first race on June 12, 1926 (scheduled for May 31 but postponed by rain). Freddie Winnai of Philadelphia qualified in 42.40 seconds, a new world's record for a one-mile (1.6 km) track; and went on to win the 50-lap main event. According to Walter Chernokal, Langhorne was the first dirt track built specifically for automobile racing. The track's unique circular layout earned Langhorne the name "The Big Left Turn".
The NMRA operated Langhorne through the 1929 season, staging 100-lap events on Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
s and occasional shorter races. Difficulties in track preparation, management disputes, and poor attendance drove the speedway to the brink of bankruptcy until noted promoter Ralph "Pappy" Hankinson took over in 1930. With partner "Lucky" Teeter, Hankinson brought in AAA Championship 100-lap races and continued to stage shorter Sprint car racing
Sprint car racing
Sprint cars are high-powered race cars designed primarily for the purpose of running on short oval or circular dirt or paved tracks. Sprint car racing is popular in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa....
on the circular track. One of the first stock car races
Stock car racing
Stock car racing is a form of automobile racing found mainly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina. Traditionally, races are run on oval tracks measuring approximately in length...
in the northeastern U.S. was held at Langhorne in 1940; Roy Hall of Atlanta, Georgia was victor in the 200-lap event.
Both Hankinson and Teeter died during World War II, and control of Langhorne Speedway passed to John Babcock and his family. Then in 1951, Irv Fried and Al Gerber became promoters. During this era, Langhorne hosted races for the United States' major national series: AAA
American Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
and USAC Championship Cars, and NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Grand National. It also hosted the nation's most noted race for the Modified division; the first post-war stock car race run at the facility was a National Championship Stock Car Circuit (a forerunner to NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
) race in 1947, with Bob Flock
Bob Flock
Robert Newman Flock of Fort Payne, Alabama, USA was an early NASCAR driver. He qualified on the pole position for NASCAR's first Strictly Stock race.-Flock family:...
taking home the checkered flag.
Catering chiefly to USAC's Championship Car division, in 1965 Fried and Gerber changed the track layout to a "D" by building a straightaway across the back stretch, and they paved the surface. However, as suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
an growth engulfed the speedway, the offers from developers became too tempting to refuse. Fried and Gerber announced the sale of the property to mall developers in 1967, but the speedway held on through five more seasons. The final checkered flag
Racing flags
Racing flags are traditionally used in auto racing and similar motorsports to indicate track condition and to communicate important messages to drivers. Typically, the starter, sometimes the grand marshal of a race, waves the flags atop a flag stand near the start/finish line...
fell on October 17, 1971 at the National Open for Modified stock cars.
"Indy cars" at Langhorne
AAAAmerican Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
sanctioned Championship Car races at Langhorne Speedway twelve times between 1930 and 1955.
USAC sanctioned Championship Car races there from 1956 to 1970, won by such famous names as A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
, Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
, Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser
Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser...
, Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
, Lloyd Ruby
Lloyd Ruby
Lloyd Ruby was an American racecar driver.Ruby raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1958-1977 seasons, with 177 career starts, including every Indianapolis 500 race during 1960-1977. He finished in the top ten 88 times, with 7 victories. His best Indy finish was 3rd in 1964...
, and Eddie Sachs
Eddie Sachs
Edward Julius Sachs, Jr, born May 28, 1927 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, died May 30, 1964 in Speedway, Indiana was a United States Auto Club driver who was known as the "Clown Prince of Auto Racing." He coined the phrase "If you can't win, be spectacular."...
.
American Motorcyclist Association
American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association is an American not-for-profit organization of more than 300,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights...
sanctioned National Championship Motorcycle races at Langhorne Speedway between 1935 and 1956.
Langhorne in NASCAR pioneering years
In September 1949, Langhorne hosted the fourth race of NASCAR's first year of sanctioning unmodified cars, then called Strictly Stock; Curtis TurnerCurtis Turner
Curtis Turner was an early NASCAR driver. In addition to his success in racing, he made a fortune, lost it, and remade it buying and selling timberlands. Throughout his life he developed a reputation for drinking and partying...
won that race. The Strictly Stock series was renamed the Grand National series for the 1950 season, and the series is now known as Sprint Cup. Langhorne continued to host an annual stop on the Grand National schedule from 1950 to 1957. Some of the era's top drivers won those Langhorne races: Curtis Turner
Curtis Turner
Curtis Turner was an early NASCAR driver. In addition to his success in racing, he made a fortune, lost it, and remade it buying and selling timberlands. Throughout his life he developed a reputation for drinking and partying...
again, Fonty Flock
Fonty Flock
Truman Fontello "Fonty" Flock of Fort Payne, Alabama was an early NASCAR driver.-Flock family:He was the brother of NASCAR pioneers Tim Flock and Bob Flock, and the second female NASCAR driver Ethel Mobley...
, Herb Thomas
Herb Thomas
Herbert Watson Thomas was a NASCAR pioneer who was one of the series' most successful drivers in the 1950s.-Background:...
, Dick Rathmann
Dick Rathmann
Dick Rathmann was an American racecar driver....
, Donald Richman, Sr, Tim Flock
Tim Flock
Julius Timothy Flock was one of NASCAR's early pioneers, and a two time series champion. He was a brother to NASCAR's second female driver Ethel Mobley and NASCAR pioneers Bob Flock and Fonty Flock.- NASCAR career :...
, Buck Baker
Buck Baker
Elzie Wylie Baker Sr. , better known as Buck Baker, was an American race car driver.-Racing career:...
, Paul Goldsmith
Paul Goldsmith
Paul Goldsmith is a motorcycle Hall of Famer, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee and former USAC and NASCAR driver.- Motorcycle career :...
, and Fireball Roberts
Fireball Roberts
Edward Glenn Roberts, Jr. , nicknamed "Fireball", was one of the pioneering race car drivers of NASCAR.-Background:...
.
Langhorne National Open
From 1951 to 1971, Langhorne Speedway hosted the Langhorne National Open, which became the nation's most prestigious race for Sportsman and Modified cars. Guaranteed starting positions were awarded to the winners (or highest finishers not already qualified) at special Langhorne Qualifier races held at weekly racetracks throughout the Northeast and Southeast. It was common to have over a hundred cars attempt to qualify for the National Open. From 1951 to 1957, the race was sanctioned by NASCAR. In 1961 and 1962, Supermodifieds raced with the Modifieds and Sportsman cars. Dutch HoagDutch Hoag
Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers....
was the most successful driver, winning five times. Hoag was the only driver to win the National Open on both the dirt and pavement surfaces.
Deaths and serious injuries
The track became known as one of the more dangerous tracks in motorsports. Larry MannLarry Mann
Larry Mann was an American stock car driver born in Larry Mann was an American [[Auto racing|stock car driver]] born in...
, Frank Arford, Bobby Marvin, John McVitty
John McVitty
John McVitty was a NASCAR Grand National driver from Mamaroneck, New York, USA. During his two-year NASCAR career, McVitty had raced in eleven races with three finished in the top ten and 1382 laps of experience under his belt - the equivalent of . McVitty's total earning were considered to be $800...
, Joe Russo
Joe Russo (driver)
Joe Russo was an American racecar driver active in the 1930s. He was killed in a crash at Langhorne Speedway....
, Mike Nazaruk
Mike Nazaruk
Mike Nazaruk was an American racecar driver. He raced midget cars, sprint cars, and IndyCars. He was nicknamed "Iron Mike."...
, and Jimmy Bryan
Jimmy Bryan
James Ernest Bryan was an American racecar driver. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bryan died as a result of injuries sustained in a champ car race at Langhorne Speedway.-Career:...
were all killed racing at this track. In the first National Open in 1951, a large wreck blocked the track and burned driver Wally Campbell
Wally Campbell
Wally Campbell of Trenton, New Jersey was a stock car, midget, and sprint car racer. He was the 1951 NASCAR Modified champion and the 1953 AAA Eastern Division Sprint car rookie of the year. Wally was killed practicing for an AAA Midwestern Division sprint car race at Salem, Indiana on July 17, 1954...
, that year's NASCAR National Modified Champion. Several other noted drivers were injured in accidents, often described as spectacular, due to high speeds on the mile-long but rough dirt surface.
In 1965, one of the most spectacular comebacks in auto racing history began with the serious burns and injuries to Mel Kenyon
Mel Kenyon
Mel Kenyon is a former midget car driver. He is known as the "King of the Midgets", "Miraculous Mel", and "Champion of Midget Auto Racing." The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America says "Many consider him to be midget car racing's greatest driver ever." -Racing career:He attended his first auto...
. Kenyon would later return to racing to place third at the Indy 500 and win numerous national midget racing
Midget car racing
Midget cars, also Speedcars in Australia, are very small race cars with a very high power-to-weight ratio and typically use four-cylinder engines.-Cars:Typically, these cars have 300 to 400 horsepower and weigh...
championships.
Site after closure of speedway
Today the site of the once-famous racetrack is home to multiple big-box stores, K-Mart, Levitz, Sam's Club, The Dump (formerly Bradlees) and most of Langhorne Square Shopping Center, and a future residential development. However, a historical marker has been erected at the intersection of U.S. Rt. 1 and Woodburne Road to indicate the site of the past speedway.Langhorne was relocated to southern New Jersey and became Bridgeport Speedway in Bridgeport,NJ.
AAA Champ Car
All winners were American| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Chassis | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | May 3 | Bill Cummings Bill Cummings Bill Cummings knicknamed "Wild Bill", won the 1934 Indianapolis 500 and set the diesel . Cummings died driving a passenger automobile on State Road 29 in Indianapolis, when he hit a guard rail and plunged into Lick Creek... |
Miller | Miller |
| 1935 | October 13 | Kelly Petillo Kelly Petillo Cavino Michele "Kelly" Petillo, was an American race car driver.... |
Wetteroth Wetteroth Wetteroth was a racing car constructor. Wetteroth cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the 1950 Indianapolis 500.- Indianapolis 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1940 | June 16 | Duke Nalon Duke Nalon Dennis "Duke" Nalon was a midget car, sprint car, and Indy 500 driver from Chicago, Illinois, United States.-Racing career:... |
Adams | Sparks |
| 1941 | June 22 | Duke Nalon Duke Nalon Dennis "Duke" Nalon was a midget car, sprint car, and Indy 500 driver from Chicago, Illinois, United States.-Racing career:... |
Adams | Sparks |
| 1946 | June 30 | Rex Mays Rex Mays Rex Mays is a former AAA Championship Car race driver from Riverside, California. He made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1934 and won the pole in 1935, 1936, and again in 1940 and finished second, he returned the next year and finished second again. Mays won the AAA National Championship in 1940... |
Stevens | Winfield Carburetor A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom.... |
| 1947 | June 22 | Bill Holland Bill Holland Bill Holland was an American race car driver from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1949. He nearly won as a rookie in 1947 but slowed and allowed teammate Mauri Rose to pass him seven laps from the end, mistakenly believing that Rose was a lap down... |
Wetteroth Wetteroth Wetteroth was a racing car constructor. Wetteroth cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the 1950 Indianapolis 500.- Indianapolis 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1948 | June 20 | Walt Brown | Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft was a designer and builder of race cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis.Kurtis Kraft designed and built midget cars, quartermidgets, sports cars, sprint cars and USAC Championship Cars.... |
Offy |
| 1949 | October 16 | Johnnie Parsons Johnnie Parsons Johnnie Parsons was an American race car driver from Los Angeles, California who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1950.... |
Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft was a designer and builder of race cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis.Kurtis Kraft designed and built midget cars, quartermidgets, sports cars, sprint cars and USAC Championship Cars.... |
Offy |
| 1950 | June 25 | Jack McGrath Jack McGrath John James "Jack" McGrath was an American racecar driver.A major player in the "mighty midgets" at Los Angeles' Gilmore Speedway in the late 1940s, McGrath won the first CRA championship in 1946 and was dubbed "King of the Hot Rods." His efforts, along with those of friend and teammate Manuel... |
Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft was a designer and builder of race cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis.Kurtis Kraft designed and built midget cars, quartermidgets, sports cars, sprint cars and USAC Championship Cars.... |
Offy |
| 1951 | June 24 | Tony Bettenhausen Tony Bettenhausen Melvin E. "Tony" Bettenhausen was an American racing driver, who won the National Championship in 1951 and 1958.... |
Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft was a designer and builder of race cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis.Kurtis Kraft designed and built midget cars, quartermidgets, sports cars, sprint cars and USAC Championship Cars.... |
Offy |
| 1954 | June 20 | Jimmy Bryan Jimmy Bryan James Ernest Bryan was an American racecar driver. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bryan died as a result of injuries sustained in a champ car race at Langhorne Speedway.-Career:... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
| 1955 | June 19 | Jimmy Bryan Jimmy Bryan James Ernest Bryan was an American racecar driver. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bryan died as a result of injuries sustained in a champ car race at Langhorne Speedway.-Career:... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
USAC Champ Car
All winners were American| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Chassis | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | June 24 | George Amick George Amick George Amick was an American racecar driver, mainly competing in the American National Championship. He was killed in a crash in a USAC race at Daytona International Speedway... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
| 1957 | June 7 | Johnny Thomson Johnny Thomson Johnny Thomson was an American racecar driver. Thomson was nicknamed "the Flying Scot."-Midget cars:... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
| 1958 | June 15 | Eddie Sachs Eddie Sachs Edward Julius Sachs, Jr, born May 28, 1927 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, died May 30, 1964 in Speedway, Indiana was a United States Auto Club driver who was known as the "Clown Prince of Auto Racing." He coined the phrase "If you can't win, be spectacular."... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
| 1959 | June 14 | Van Johnson Van Johnson Van Johnson was an American film and television actor and dancer who was a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios during and after World War II.... |
Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft Kurtis Kraft was a designer and builder of race cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis.Kurtis Kraft designed and built midget cars, quartermidgets, sports cars, sprint cars and USAC Championship Cars.... |
Offy |
| 1960 | June 19 | Jim Hurtubise Jim Hurtubise In 1957, Hurtubise started his NASCAR career running two races. Over the next twenty years, he would race 36 races, winning one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and amassing eleven top ten finishes.-Award:... |
Kuzma Kuzma (constructor) Kuzma was a racing car constructor founded by Eddie Kuzma in the USA. Kuzma cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1951 to 1960.-World Championship Indy 500 results:Note: all cars were fitted with Offenhauser engines.... |
Offy |
| 1961 | June 18 | A. J. Foyt A. J. Foyt Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won... |
Meskowski Meskowski Meskowski was a racing car constructor. Meskowski cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the Indy 500.-World Championship Indy 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1962 | July 1 | A. J. Foyt A. J. Foyt Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won... |
Meskowski Meskowski Meskowski was a racing car constructor. Meskowski cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the Indy 500.-World Championship Indy 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1962 | August 26 | Don Branson Don Branson Don Branson was an American racecar driver.Born in Rantoul, Illinois, Branson was killed in a racing crash at Ascot Park in Gardena, California. He drove in the USAC Championship Car series and also in sprint cars, racing champ cars in the 1956-1966 seasons with 129 starts, including the... |
Watson A. J. Watson A. J. Watson was a car builder and chief mechanic from 1949 through 1984 in the Indianapolis 500, winning the race seven times, which leaves him tied for the record for most wins by a builder.... |
Offy |
| 1963 | June 23 | A. J. Foyt A. J. Foyt Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won... |
Meskowski Meskowski Meskowski was a racing car constructor. Meskowski cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the Indy 500.-World Championship Indy 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1964 | June 21 | A. J. Foyt A. J. Foyt Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won... |
Meskowski Meskowski Meskowski was a racing car constructor. Meskowski cars competed in one FIA World Championship race - the Indy 500.-World Championship Indy 500 results:... |
Offy |
| 1965 | June 20 | Jim McElreath Jim McElreath Jim McElreath , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Racing career:He raced in the 1961-1983 seasons, with 178 combined career starts, including 15 in the Indianapolis 500 in 1962-1970, 1973–1974, and 1977-1980. He finished in the top ten 101 times, with five victories... |
Brabham | Offy |
| 1965 | August 8 | Jim McElreath Jim McElreath Jim McElreath , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Racing career:He raced in the 1961-1983 seasons, with 178 combined career starts, including 15 in the Indianapolis 500 in 1962-1970, 1973–1974, and 1977-1980. He finished in the top ten 101 times, with five victories... |
Brabham | Offy |
| 1966 | June 12 | Mario Andretti Mario Andretti Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR... |
Brawner Hawk | Ford |
| 1966 | August 7 | Roger McCluskey Roger McCluskey Roger McCluskey was an American race car driver. He was from Tucson, Arizona.He won championship titles in three divisions of USAC -Sprints, Stocks, and Champ Cars. He won the USAC Sprint Car title in 1963 and 1966, the USAC Stock car title in 1969 and 1970. The Champ Car title in 1973... |
Eagle | Ford |
| 1967 | June 18 | Lloyd Ruby Lloyd Ruby Lloyd Ruby was an American racecar driver.Ruby raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1958-1977 seasons, with 177 career starts, including every Indianapolis 500 race during 1960-1977. He finished in the top ten 88 times, with 7 victories. His best Indy finish was 3rd in 1964... |
Mongoose | Ford |
| 1967 | July 30 | Mario Andretti Mario Andretti Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR... |
Brawner Hawk | Ford |
| 1968 | June 23 | Gordon Johncock Gordon Johncock Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."... |
Gerhardt Gerhardt Gerhardt is a masculine name of German origin. It can refer to any of the following:-As a first name:* Gerhardt, a Dutch musician* Gerhardt Boldt, German soldier and writer* Gerhardt Laves, American linguist... |
Offy |
| 1968 | July 28 | Al Unser Al Unser Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr.... |
Lola | Ford |
| 1969 | June 15 | Bobby Unser Bobby Unser Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser... |
Eagle | Offy |
| 1970 | June 14 | Bobby Unser Bobby Unser Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser... |
Eagle | Offy |
NASCAR Grand National
All winners were American| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | September 11 | Curtis Turner Curtis Turner Curtis Turner was an early NASCAR driver. In addition to his success in racing, he made a fortune, lost it, and remade it buying and selling timberlands. Throughout his life he developed a reputation for drinking and partying... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
| 1950 | April 16 | Curtis Turner Curtis Turner Curtis Turner was an early NASCAR driver. In addition to his success in racing, he made a fortune, lost it, and remade it buying and selling timberlands. Throughout his life he developed a reputation for drinking and partying... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
| 1950 | September 17 | Fonty Flock Fonty Flock Truman Fontello "Fonty" Flock of Fort Payne, Alabama was an early NASCAR driver.-Flock family:He was the brother of NASCAR pioneers Tim Flock and Bob Flock, and the second female NASCAR driver Ethel Mobley... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
| 1951 | September 15 | Herb Thomas Herb Thomas Herbert Watson Thomas was a NASCAR pioneer who was one of the series' most successful drivers in the 1950s.-Background:... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1952 | May 4 | Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann was an American racecar driver.... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1952 | September 14 | Lee Petty Lee Petty Lee Arnold Petty was an American stock car driver in the 1950s and 1960s. He was one of the pioneers of NASCAR, and one of its first superstars. He was born near Randleman, North Carolina.-Career:... |
Plymouth Plymouth (automobile) Plymouth was a marque of automobile based in the United States, produced by the Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler.-Origins:... |
| 1953 | May 3 | Buck Baker Buck Baker Elzie Wylie Baker Sr. , better known as Buck Baker, was an American race car driver.-Racing career:... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
| 1953 | June 21 | Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann was an American racecar driver.... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1953 | September 20 | Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann Dick Rathmann was an American racecar driver.... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1954 | May 2 | Herb Thomas Herb Thomas Herbert Watson Thomas was a NASCAR pioneer who was one of the series' most successful drivers in the 1950s.-Background:... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1954 | September 26 | Herb Thomas Herb Thomas Herbert Watson Thomas was a NASCAR pioneer who was one of the series' most successful drivers in the 1950s.-Background:... |
Hudson Hudson Motor Car Company The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy... |
| 1955 | April 24 | Tim Flock Tim Flock Julius Timothy Flock was one of NASCAR's early pioneers, and a two time series champion. He was a brother to NASCAR's second female driver Ethel Mobley and NASCAR pioneers Bob Flock and Fonty Flock.- NASCAR career :... |
Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925.... |
| 1955 | September 18 | Tim Flock Tim Flock Julius Timothy Flock was one of NASCAR's early pioneers, and a two time series champion. He was a brother to NASCAR's second female driver Ethel Mobley and NASCAR pioneers Bob Flock and Fonty Flock.- NASCAR career :... |
Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925.... |
| 1956 | April 22 | Buck Baker Buck Baker Elzie Wylie Baker Sr. , better known as Buck Baker, was an American race car driver.-Racing career:... |
Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925.... |
| 1956 | September 23 | Paul Goldsmith Paul Goldsmith Paul Goldsmith is a motorcycle Hall of Famer, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee and former USAC and NASCAR driver.- Motorcycle career :... |
Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918... |
| 1957 | April 14 | Fireball Roberts Fireball Roberts Edward Glenn Roberts, Jr. , nicknamed "Fireball", was one of the pioneering race car drivers of NASCAR.-Background:... |
Ford |
| 1957 | September 15 | Gwyn Staley Gwyn Staley Gwyn Staley was a NASCAR Grand National driver from Burlington, North Carolina, USA.-Career:... |
Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918... |
Langhorne National Open
All winners were American| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Home State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | October 14 | Hully Bunn (relief driver: Dick Eagan) | Connecticut |
| 1952 | October 12 | Jim Delaney | New Jersey |
| 1953 | October 11 | Ted Swaim | North Carolina |
| 1954 | October 10 | Frankie Schneider Frankie Schneider Frankie Schneider of Lambertville, New Jersey was a stock car, modified, midget, and sprint car racer. He had one NASCAR Grand National victory at Old Dominion Speedway in 1958 driving a 1957 Chevrolet. He also won the 1952 NASCAR modified title, where it is suspected that he scored at least 100... |
New Jersey |
| 1955 | October 9 | Pete Corey | New York |
| 1956 | October 14 | Dutch Hoag Dutch Hoag Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers.... |
New York |
| 1957 | October 13 | Glenn Guthrie | District of Columbia |
| 1958 | October 12 | Jim Delaney | New Jersey |
| 1959 | October 11 | Jim Delaney | New Jersey |
| 1960 | October 9 | Dutch Hoag Dutch Hoag Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers.... |
New York |
| 1961 | October 8 | Bob Malzahn | New Jersey |
| 1962 | October 14 | Frankie Schneider Frankie Schneider Frankie Schneider of Lambertville, New Jersey was a stock car, modified, midget, and sprint car racer. He had one NASCAR Grand National victory at Old Dominion Speedway in 1958 driving a 1957 Chevrolet. He also won the 1952 NASCAR modified title, where it is suspected that he scored at least 100... |
New Jersey |
| 1963 | October 13 | Dutch Hoag Dutch Hoag Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers.... |
New York |
| 1964 | October 11 | Freddy Adam | Pennsylvania |
| 1965 | October 10 | Bill Slater Bill Slater William John "Bill" Slater , OBE is an English former professional footballer.... |
Connecticut |
| 1966 | October 9 | Will Cagle | New Jersey |
| 1967 | October 8 | Dutch Hoag Dutch Hoag Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers.... |
New York |
| 1968 | October 13 | Dutch Hoag Dutch Hoag Donald "Dutch" Hoag is an American racing driver who won the Langhorne National Open five times when it was the most prestigious event for Modified and Sportsman racers.... |
New York |
| 1969 | October 12 | Ray Hendrick Ray Hendrick Ray Hendrick , was known as "Mr. Modified" during his 36-year career in motorsports mainly in the modified stock car racing class.... |
Virginia |
| 1970 | October 11 | Merv Treichler | New York |
| 1971 | October 17 | Roger Treichler | New York |
AMA 100 Mile National Speedway Winners
| Season | Winning Rider | Make |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Woodsie Castonguay | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1936 | J. Lester Hillbish | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1937 | Ed Kretz | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1938 | Ed Kretz | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1939 | Robert Sparks | Norton |
| 1940 | Ed Kretz | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1941 | Tommy Hays | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1946 | Johnny Spiegelhoff | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1947 | Ed Guill | Norton |
| 1948 | Ed Kretz | Indian Indian (motorcycle) Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the... |
| 1949 | Jimmy Chann | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1950 | Billy Huber | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1951 | Billy Huber | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1952 | Rick Fisher | Triumph |
| 1953 | Paul Goldsmith | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1954 | Everett Brashear | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1955 | Brad Andres | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
| 1956 | Everett Brashear | Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression... |
References: American Motorcycle Association Archives; Jack Vanino, motorcycle historian