Here is an opportunity to see what the sport was all about in years gone by.
The 42nd Annual Williams Grove Old Timers Convention begins August 12. The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing is a non-profit organization founded in 1975, dedicated to the preservation of America’s great motor racing history. EMMR honors significant people and vehicles of racing’s past plus the historic speedways, fairgrounds, drag racing organizations, and the Gettysburg Region Antique Auto Club of America.
EMMR is hosting the 42nd Annual Williams Grove Old Timers Convention on August 12th thru 14th. This year’s convention will be in honor of the late Charlie Rasp. Rasp was a very active member, using his talents as a carpenter to help on various projects and donated his motorcycle collection to the museum in addition to gracious financial contributions.
Friday, during the day, there will be roundtable discussions with various drivers. Friday evening, EMMR restored cars will have track time at Williams Grove Speedway. The Atlantic Coast Old Timers organization will have a static display in Williams Grove’s infield area.
Saturday and Sunday afternoon you can see the restored cars do exhibition racing around the historic Latimore Valley Speedway. The track is a half-mile oval located at the Latimore Valley Fairground. Sunday morning will be our membership meeting followed by interviews with our Grand Marshalls, Gene Covell, and Gene Weber. These two gentlemen have donated many hours and support to our cause.
Friday, August 12th, is the annual Cruise-In Night at the museum from 3-8 p.m. There will be having food, music, raffles, special games, awards, and a $200 cash prize for a People’s Choice Award. There will be a plaque given to the first 100 participants. There is no registration fee but donations are welcome. The museum will be open. Museum admission is free and visitors will be surprised at the history contained within. The rain date for the cruise will be on Saturday, Aug 13th from 3-8 p.m.
For more information contact them at www.emmr.org. The museum and Latimore Valley Fairground are located at 100 Baltimore Road, off Route 15 midway between Dillsburg and York Springs.
* * *The Justin Snyder Salute to the Troops will be the next event on the BAPS Coatings and Supplies 410 Sprint Series at Susquehanna Speedway. The race to be held on Sunday night, August 21st will see the 410 Sprint cars going after the $5,000 posted top prize with $400 to start.
Susquehanna Speedway is remembering a fan. Justin Snyder was a proud retired combat veteran of the U.S. Army, having fought in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011. He will forever be remembered as a devout race fan having pursued his passion for the sport by moving to Central Pennsylvania with a goal to make his mark on the racing world.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short earlier this year but family, friends and now Susquehanna Speedway will keep his memory alive.
According to family member Derek Snyder, Justin had one life lesson to proclaim: “It’s not about how much money you have in this world, but the friends and family you make along the way. Do the best you can with everything you have.” That’s exactly how he lived each day of his life.
The event will be the fifth in the BAPS series that has seen three different winners in the events completed. Greg Hodnett, Lance Dewease and Danny Dietrich have all won BAPS events this season with one event being lost to the weather.
Joining the 410 Sprints on August 21st will be the PASS/IMCA 305 Sprints.
* * *I would do just about anything for a cannoli including race. How about you? The 13th Annual “Run for the Cannoli” St. Mauro’s Italian Festival 5k Run takes place on Sunday, August 21 at 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Queen of Heaven Parish, 12th and Vine Streets, Hazleton.
Top prizes of $150 to the male and female winners, $75 for second place and $50 for third.
There will also be event t-shirts and festival food voucher for all runners plus post-race giveaways.
Our longtime friend Dino Oberto, the announcer at Mahoning Valley Speedway, is in charge and promised to send me a cannoli if I mentioned his event. Just kidding! I do wonder if I entered and won if I could get all my first place award in cannolis? Call Dino for information at 570-401-8168.
* * *Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway continues to enjoy a successful season. This Saturday, August 6th, they offer something that you do not hear much about these days. They are presenting a Powder Puff event which, if I still remember how it all works, is ladies racing in stock cars. Always makes for some fun.
Also included is Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks. Racing gets the green flag at 7 p.m.
* * *The BRC Late Models will be back in the spotlight at Grandview Speedway. On August 6th the BRC Late Models will be the featured attraction as they top the Bernheisel Race Cars sponsored night with a 30-lap feature. The Late Models will receive over $10,000 in product and gift certificates from a variety of participating manufacturers. All Late Model racers attempting to participate will receive giveaways each valued at approximately $250. In addition to the Bernheisel promotion Geiswite Creations is presenting a Back To School Giveway Night with school age kids having a chance to win some great backpacks. First 100 school-agers through the main gate will receive a folder with notepad and pencils. Anyone interested in donating toward the special School Giveaways can contact Jennifer Geiswite at 484.955.4914.
In addition to the BRC Late Models there will be racing for the TP Trailers NASCAR 358 Modifieds and Sportsman. Racing action will start at 7:30 p.m.
* * *Here is something free. Join other fans at Pocono Raceway for an open Verizon IndyCar Series test session on Thursday, August 4th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This session is open to the public and admission is free.
