The story of the history of Selinsgrove Speedway is being brought to the race fans and community thanks to the memories and historical documentation of the many people listed below. We would especially like to thank Bo Fasold for his input for this story. Bo and his father have collected volumes of historical information and photos that were contributed to this article and the website. A special thanks also to Scott Harro for doing the research and putting all the acquired information together. We simply call it "The Story". Enjoy!
The land on which the Selinsgrove Speedway sits was formerly the 115-acre Allinson-Davis farm. The Dauntless Hook and Ladder Fire Company of Selinsgrove purchased this farm in 1941 as a permanent home for its annual carnival and night fair beginning in 1942. The property became managed by the Selinsgrove Fair Inc. in October 1947.
Joie Chitwood at Selinsgrove in 1947
Selinsgrove Speedway was designed and laid out by well known Hollywood stunt man and racecar driver Joie Chitwood. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in time for the first race held on July 20, 1946. Chitwood designed the speedway, initially using the same measurements as the Reading Speedway, and then added more banking to the turns and purposely designed the front stretch to be much wider than the rest of the track to host his daredevil auto show. The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show was first scheduled to perform at the speedway as part of the Annual Carnival and NIght Fair in July 1946 but his caravan was involved in an auto accident in Dubois, PA and they were unable to perform. The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show's first appearance at Selinsgrove Speedway was in July 1947.
Advertisement at Speedway Entrance 1946
Selinsgrove Speedway's first ever race, an American Automobile Association event, promoted by Sam Nunis Speedways, occurred on Saturday afternoon July 20, 1946.
Bill Holland
Bill Holland, who later went on to win the Indianapolis 500 in 1949, won the 20 lap inaugural event. Robert "Red" Byron, who place second behind Holland, won Nascar's first sanctioned beach race in 1948 and became Nascar's first Grand National (Sprint Cup) in 1949. (photos taken pre-race 1946)
Robert "Red" Byron
1st Turn Hill
Under promoter George "Buster" Keller Selinsgrove Speedway started hosting weekly events in 1950 after just 6 races in 1949. A crowd of 5,000 people in the late 1940's and early 1950's was typical.
Grandstand Construction
Construction of the grandstand, designed by Mark Starr of Selinsgrove, began in March 1948 and still stands today as a proud symbol of the history of Selinsgrove Speedway. The grandstand was built by the Bogar Lumber Company of Selinsgrove and used 175,000 board feet of lumber. The new grandstand increased seating capacity at the Speedway from 3,300 to 5,500.
Folding Wooden Chairs Were The Original Seats
Lights Installed in 1953
While lighting was used on the front stretch near the stage for the Fair Week entertainment, lights were not installed for racing until 1953. the first night race was held on June 19, 1953.
The track announcer at the speedway in the early 1950's was none other than legendary Chris Economacki. In fact, according to his autobiography Let “Em All Go!, Selinsgrove Speedway was the first track that Mr. Economaki ever called a race.
Chris Economaki
The Calm Before The Storm
From 1959-1962 Selinsgrove Speedway did not run regular weekly point races like it had been since 1949. Racing didn't completely stop though, as races were still held on special occasions such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and other special events like Fair Week. The speedway closed on July 23, 1960 and reopened on May 25, 1963. There really isn't a concrete reason for the closure but there is a theory, readily agreed upon by speedway railbirds, that suggests television had a hand in it. Dave Herrold, a well-known retired assistant sports editor from the Sunbury Daily Item, who has been going to the races at Selinsgrove Speedway since 1949, said in an interview that he "wouldn't argue that point." By the late 1950's television sets had become affordable and available and with it people no longer had to venture out of their homes as much for entertainment.
By the time new promoter Bob Richwine had re-opened Selinsgrove Speedway in 1963 to regular weekly races, dirt track racing had become engraved as weekly entertainment in Central Pennsylvania and soon again in Selinsgrove. The report of the track's weekly results in local newspapers became commonplace, never missing a week, and the highly competitive point racing for a track championship returned. Richwine also enlarged the track in 1963 by widening the turns.
Jack Gunn
In 1968 Jack Gunn, the speedway announcer since 1963, took over promoting duties from Bob Richwine. Gunn was probably the one man who had the biggest influence on the track in its storied history and was responsible for bringing the newly popular Sprint Cars to Selinsgrove.
In 1979 tom Livelsberger took over the promotion of Selinsgrove Speedway after Jack Gunn fell ill and had to give it up. Livelsberger switched to Friday racing as not to compete with Lincoln Speedway, which he also promoted. Friday night fields were great but crowds immediately dropped off. By mid summer Livelsberger turned the track over to Joe Trone who switched back to Saturday nights.
In 1980 George and Earl Zechman along with Terry Gonzales formed G.E.T. and took over promotional duties at Selinsgrove. Barry King took over for Gonzales in 1981.
From 1993-1997 tri-promoters Tedd Reitz, Herm Braim and Bill Groom operated the speedway.
Aerial View 1987
1998 marked a first in the track's history as the Selinsgrove Fair Association, which owns the facility, acted as its own promoter with Steve Inch and Ed Clark serving as race organizers for the Sunday night fanfare.
After one season the Fair Association again opted to lease the operation. This time to co-promoters Bob Leiby and Tim Hughes. Leiby and Hughes presented weekly Sunday night shows in 1999 and 2000.
The 2001 season marked the return to Saturday night racing competition under the direction of T.C.R. consisting of tri-promoters Earl Zechman, Carl Zechman and Charlie Paige. Carl Zechman opted out early during the 2001 season. The speedway adopted the 358 engine maximum for sprint cars in an effort to control costs and increase car counts. In an effort to increase fan base at the speedway the promotional team made headlines by hosting a "Pack the Track" night in which general admission for the regular racing program was FREE. This highly popular and successful promotion became an annual event through 2006.
Constructed by Zechman and Paige for the 2001 season was Selinsgrove Raceway Park. Raceway Park is a 1/5-mile clay oval built in the infield of Selinsgrove Speedway and is home to Friday night racing action for 17 classes of Go Karts and Micros Sprints.
The Long Frontstretch
Since 2001 many major improvements have been done to the Speedway. it has been resurfaced several times, new concession, rest room and V.I.P. facilities have been built and new guardrails and lighting have been installed completely around the 1/2 mile surface.
5 Tier Guardrail - Turn 4
New Guardrail - Turn 1
In 2006 promoter Charlie Paige, the sole promoter since 2004, installed a new 10 position scoring tower and an electronic scoring system. This system benefited both fans and competitors with the information that was made available.
At the conclusion of the 2006 racing season the back stretch and turns 1 thru 3 were widened 15-18 feet to provide more exciting and safer racing action.
In July of 2007 the track was widened 20 feet from turn 3 to the front stretch to complete the improvements that now allow for four and five wide battles throughout the field.
Victory Lane
At the conclusion of the 2007 season 60 loads of clay were put on the Speedway and an additional 20 loads on Raceway Park. Speedway management put an addition on the infield concession stand and made improvements to the V.I.P. booths in turn 1. Raceway Park had improvements made to the tire safety barriers surrounding the 1/5-mile track. The back stretch of Raceway Park was made 6 feet wider to help soften the radius of turns 3 and 4.
2008 marked the 46th consecutive and 63rd year overall of automobile racing at the half-mile clay oval in Snyder County. 2008 saw the return of the Modifieds to the Speedway after a 25-year absence.
2009 began the 47th consecutive and 64th year overall of automobile racing at Selinsgrove Speedway as well as the 9th season of racing at Selinsgrove Raceway Park. Selinsgrove Raceway Park was completely resurfaced with 250 tons of new clay while the turns on the big 1/2 mile were also resurfaced. Additional lights were installed on each pole on the front stretch of the Speedway and a new PA system, benefiting both the Speedway and Raceway Park, was installed by Moyer Electronics of Sunbury, PA. The PA system is wireless and will use fewer speakers to produce more sound than the 20 year old model it replaced. Fans and race teams will be able to monitor announcements as well as lap-by-lap coverage by the Speedway and Raceway Park announcer on any FM receiver by tuning to FM frequency 88.3. The most visible addition for the 2009 racing season is a four-foot by thirteen-foot message board from Infinite Creative Enterprises. This board, controlled by a computer in the tower, will be able to display advertising as well as Speedway and driver information throughout an event. Also new for 2009 will be the ability for fans and race teams to receive "live scoring" on their computers at the speedway. Electronic scoring personnel will help setup this service for those interested. General Admission tickets for Selinsgrove Speedway will be printed on site for 2009. This new procedure will allow sponsorship to be printed on each and every general admission ticket, which translates into thousands of potential customers each year. The Speedway has also replaced some of the older track preparation equipment with newer models including the grader and water truck. Selinsgrove Speedway Promoter Charles Paige, in his 9th season as promoter, continues to make improvements in all areas of the Speedway to benefit the drivers, race teams and fans.
With the current lease between Charlie Paige and the Selinsgrove Fair Association set to end after the 2010 racing season the two sides began negotiating a new lease early in the 2009 season. While both sides were on the "same page" from the start it took time to get the "i's" and "t's" properly dotted and crossed. On June 13, 2009, promoter Charlie Paige and the Selinsgrove Fair Association signed a new 5-year lease with an additional 5-year option. Victory Lane was the setting for this landmark event that should keep racing at the speedway through the 2015 season and beyond.
At the conclusion of the 2009 racing season work immediately began on renovations and repairs to several areas of the facility. New clay was added to both Selinsgrove Raceway Park and Selinsgrove Speedway in October. Raceway Park received a complete resurfacing with 400 tons of sifted clay while the turns of the 1/2-mile speedway were resurfaced with 1500 tons of sifted clay. The main grandstand was renovated and now features a handicap accessible seating area in Section A, as well as new concrete steps and handrails for all sections. 3000 feet of guide rail was replaced around the facility along with all new support posts on the front stretch.
2010 will mark the 48th consecutive and 65th overall season of automobile racing at Selinsgrove Speedway and the 10th season at SelinsgroveRacewayPark. This season will also mark the 10th year under the leadership of promoter Charlie Paige. Racing in 2010 on the big 1/2-mile will continue to feature 358 Sprint Cars, Super Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners as well as special appearances by other classes during the season. Modifieds returned for the 3rd consecutive year and the Super Sportsman returned for the 1st time since 2004. Racing on the 1/5-mile Raceway Park will continue with Micro Sprints and Go-Karts as well as special appearances by other divisions throughout the season.
Track improvements prior to the 2011 season included 75 truck loads of clay on the speedway and 10 truck loads of clay on raceway park. The speedway also saw additions to both the tracks operations tower and the turn 1 suites. The new addition to the operations tower doubled it in size and contains more room for announcers and scorers as well as a media center. The 7 new suites double the amount of suites available. In addition a handicap accessible suite was also constructed. The 1st floor of the building is currently vacant as different ideas for its use is being considered. Live Timing and Scoring will be broadcast on 32” video monitors in each of the new suites and will be expanded to the original 7 suites in the near future.
2011 marks 49th consecutive and 66th overall season of automobile racing at Selinsgrove Speedway and the 11th season at Selinsgrove Raceway Park. The season began with the dissolution of T.C.R., which oversaw promotional duties at Selinsgrove Speedway since 2001. Former T.C.R. members Charlie and Terri Paige then joined forces with longtime speedway employee Steve Inch to form PPI Motorsports Properties Inc. to promote events at the speedway and raceway park in 2011 and beyond. PPI Motorsports Properties Inc will complete the term of the lease agreement formerly held by T.C.R. This season marks the 11th year of involvement by promoter Charlie Paige. Racing in 2011 on the big 1/2-mile will continue to feature 358 Sprint Cars, Super Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners as well as special appearances by other classes during the season. Modifieds returned for the 4th consecutive year and the Super Sportsman will again return for the second consecutive year. Racing at Raceway Park will continue to feature Micro Sprints and Go-Karts as well as special appearances by other divisions throughout the season.
2012 marks the 50th consecutive and 67th overall season of automobile racing at Selinsgrove Speedway and the 12th season at Selinsgrove Raceway Park. PPI Motorsports Properties Inc continued promotional duties with Charlie and Terri Paige at the helm. Improvements for the 2012 season included new and taller light poles from turn 2 to turn 3 and a new underground transformer between turns 1 and 2. This improvement should definitely enhance the safety at the speedway. Improvements were also made to concession stands on both sides of the track. Two new enhancements to the electronic scoring system are the availability to view live scoring on the speedway’s website and the capability to receive the scoring information from the track on smart phones, I-pads or any other device capable of receiving digital data information anywhere you can receive a cellular, 3g, 4g etc. signal. You no longer have to be at the track to receive this information. 2012 will see 358 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners as regular divisions. 360 Sprint Cars, United Racing Club, 410 Sprint Cars, RoC Modifieds for the fifth consecutive year, and Super Sportsman for the third consecutive year will make special appearances during the season. This year Selinsgrove will be part of a mini speedweek for the RoC modifieds. Also announced early in the 2012 season was the first ever scheduled appearance of the World Of Outlaw Late Model Series in August. Raceway Park will continue to feature Micro Sprints and Go-Karts as well as special appearances by other divisions throughout the season.
2013 marks the 51st consecutive and 68th overall season of racing competition at Selinsgrove Speedway. Off season improvements for this season include a new tech building that will allow race cars to be inspected inside an enclosed garage. Also new scales have been purchased for the speedway and raceway park. The scales for raceway park will have a large monitor to display weight to race teams as their car crosses the scale. Speedway management continued their yearly maintenance that allows the speedway to be a showcase each and every year. 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners will again be the regular weekly divisions. Special events for 410 sprint cars, super sportsman, small and big block modifieds, limited late models, ESS and URC 360 sprint cars. Hopefully mother nature cooperates when the WoO Late Model Series makes its 2nd attempt at their first ever sanctioned event at the big 1/2 mile.
2014 marks the 52nd consecutive and 69th overall season of racing competition at Selinsgrove Speedway. On October 22, 2013 Promoter Charlie Paige announced the transition to 360 cubic inch sprint cars will begin this season. Super Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners will also return as regular divisions. The 2014 schedule will also consist of the 7th Annual Ice Breaker weekend for Big and Small Block Modifieds and newly added Sportsman Modifieds, 410 Sprint Cars, Super Sportsman, 305 Sprints and races sanctioned by the Empire Super Sprints, United Racing Company, Patriot Sprint Tour, Three State Flyers Late Model Series and The World Of Outlaws Late Model Series.
2015 celebrates the 70th overall season and 53rd consecutive season of racing competition at Selinsgrove Speedway and the 15th under the Direction of Charlie Paige (TCR, PPI). 360 Sprint Cars, Super Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners will again be the four regular divisions in competition. Big Block Modifieds will return for the 8th annual RoC Icebreaker event along with the Sportsman Modifieds. 410 Sprint Cars will appear in their traditional weekends during Memorial Day, Independence Day and the season finale National Open. The 2015 schedule is dotted with special appearances by the Empire Super Sprints (ESS), United Racing Club (URC), Patriot Sprint Tour (PST), Super Sportsman, 305 Sprint Cars. Limited Late Models and the World Of Outlaw Late Model Series. With Charlie Paige's decision to not return as Promoter after the 2015 season the Selinsgrove Fair Association, owners of the facility, are working diligently to put a new promotional team in place to prepare for the 2016 season.
The 71st year of operation at Selinsgrove Speedway started in early November 2015 with the announcement that a new management and promotional team had signed on to promote the facility in 2016. Speedway Management Group LLC will be headed by businessman and sprint car owner Michael Heffner. The group also includes Alan Kreitzer, who operates Lincoln Speedway and formerly Silver Spring and Williamsgrove Speedways, and other unnamed individuals. The group named Steve Inch as the facility's general manager. 360 Sprint Cars, Super Late Models, Pro Stocks and Roadrunners will be the weekly divisions for 2016 while 410 Sprint Cars, Big Block Modifieds and many other divisions and traveling series including the World of Outlaw Late Models and the All Star Circuit Of Champions Sprint Cars will also dot the schedule. It was also announced that Selinsgrove Raceway Park will remain in operation for the 2016 season.
2017, the 72nd year of operation at Selinsgrove Speedway, began just after the last race of the 2016 season. Repairs and maintenance began immediately. 125 tri-axle loads of clay were sifted and placed on the speedway before the end of October. It was announced at the 2016 Awards banquet that all regular divisions would be returning to both Selinsgrove Speedway and Selinsgrove Raceway Park for the 2017 season. Touring series visting the speedway in 2017 include World Of Outlaws Late Models, Applachian Mountain Late Model Speedweek, Empire Super Sprints, Patriot Sprint Tour, United Racing Club, Arctic Cat All Star Circuit Of Champions, PA Speeweek, PASS 305 Sprints, Mid-Atlantic Modifieds, Moon Shine Camo Route 35 Late Model Series, 410 Sprints, Econo Late Models & Limited Late Models.
The 2018 season saw a big physical change to the Speedway that now allows for viewing of the entire speedway from any seat in the house. The pit area was moved outside turn 4 in one of if not the largest project ever undertaken. Guardrail was realigned at the exit of turn 4 to allow cars to enter the track. New catch fencing was installed in turn 4 and down the front straight in front of the new pit area. The new pit area was encompassed by chain link fencing and lights and sound system were installed. Millings were used for the road areas of the new pits with more millings planned for the entire pit area as they become available. A concession stand was also constructed for the new pit area and bleachers were installed for fans and teams. Clay was also added to the racing surface in the turns and the tower in the infield was remodeled. All four regular divisions will return in 2018 along with many of the touring groups who make regular appearances at the Speedway and the first ever appearance by the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS). Selinsgrove Speedway also hosted the Inaugural World Series Of Dirt Racing which was promoted by Richie Tobias and Doug Rose. This event featured 10 different types of racing vehicles (410 Sprints, 360 Sprints, Super Late Models, Flat Track Motorcycles, SpeedSTR’s, 602 Modifieds, Street Stocks, 600cc Micro Sprints, Slingshots and Go Karts), racing in 19 different events over 3 days and 2 tracks.
The 2019 season, the 4th under the Speedway Management Group, will continue to grow on their success of the last 3 seasons. All four regular divisions will return in 2019 along with several touring groups including the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), United Racing Club (URC), Patriot Sprint Tour (PST), Northeast Ultimate Super Late Model Series (NUSLMS), United Late Model Series (ULMS), Mason Dixon Shootout Series for Limited Late Models, World Of Outlaw Late Model Series and Mid-Atlantic Modifieds.
The Speedways 75th Season of auto racing takes place in 2020 and marks a new direction for Selinsgrove Speedway. Instead of running the same 3 or 4 divisons every week the management team has elected to run 6 divisions on a semi-regular basis along with several divisions that will make only 1 appearance. Semi-regular divisions include 410, 360 and 305 sprint cars, super and limited late models and roadrunners. Other divisions making appearances in 2020 include USAC Silver Crown, USAC East Coast Wingless Sprint Cars, Mid-Atlantic Modifieds and Super Sportsman. The USAC Silver Crown and USAC East Coast Wingless Sprint Cars will be the first non-winged open wheel events since the USAC Sprint Cars in 1971. The Bill Holland Classic featuring the USAC Silver Crown cars is scheduled to be a 74-lap event honoring the 74th Anniversary of the first race ever held at Selinsgrove Speedway won by Bill Holland. Holland had an illustrious Hall of Fame racing career before and after his win at Selinsgrove. And for the first time ever monster trucks will compete on the speedway thanks to an appearance by the Renegade Monster Truck Tour.
2021 will “Celebrate The Drive To 75”. While it is the 76th overall racing season and 59th consecutive the Speedway will provide for a year long celebration of the first race ever held at the Speedway on July 20, 1946. Just prior to opening the season it was announced that Alan Kreitzer was stepping away from the board of Speedway Management Group although he will remain as a friend and advisor to the Speedway. Todd Benner, a Selinsgrove business man with a long history and affiliation with the Speedway will come on board to continue Alan’s vision. After a year full of turmoil in 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, track officials are eager to kick off the 76th season of competition. This years schedule again provides for 6 divisions on a semi-regular basis along with several divisions making just a few appearances. Semi-regular divisions will include 410, 360 and 305 sprint cars, super and limited late models and roadrunners. Other divisions making appearances in 2021 will include USAC Silver Crown Champ Cars, USAC East Coast Wingless Sprint Cars, USAC 410 Sprint Cars, Mid-Atlantic Modifieds and Short Track Super Series Modifieds. The USAC Silver Crown Champ Cars will again compete in the 75-lap Bill Holland Classic. The USAC Sprint Car event will be their first appearance since 1971. After a very successful event in 2020 the speedway will again play host to the Renegade Monster Truck Tour and Bent Metal Motorsports will be featured at seasons end with figure 8 racing and demo derbies. Re-Creation, “Americas Ambassadors To Hospitalized Veterans” will perform pre-race on July 24 for Armed Forces recognition night.
The 77th racing season at Selinsgrove Speedway begins in early March 2022. This season will again boast an array of racing divisions over the course of 28 events. This years schedule again provides for 6 divisions on a semi-regular basis along with several divisions taking on the big half mile just a few times. Semi regular divisions include 410, 360(URC & PST), and PASS 305 sprint cars, super and limited late models and the popular roadrunners. All six divisions will be featured in championship events during the season and the 410 sprint car National Open will return to a 2-day format for the first time in 30 years. Other divisions making appearances in 2022 will include the USAC East Coast Wingless 360 sprint cars, USAC Eastern Storm 410 sprint cars and Mid-Atlantic and Short Track Super Series Modifieds. For the 3rd consecutive year the highly popular Renegade Monster Truck Tour returns as well as the 2nd appearance by the Bent Metal Motorsports group featuring demo derbies and figure 8 racing.
Since opening in 1946 Selinsgrove Speedway has hosted many National and Regional touring series including the All American Outlaws (AAO), All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars (ASCoC), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Racing Club (ARC) Midgets, American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) Midgets, American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Stock Cars, Central States Racing Association (CSRA) Midgets, Empire State Sprints & Empire Super Sprints (ESS), Mason Dixon Limited Late Model Series, Mid-Atlantic Modifieds, Modcar Modifieds, National Auto Racing Association (NARA) Sprints, National Sprint Tour (NST), PASS/IMCA 305 Sprint Series (PASS), Patriot Sprint Tour (PST), Penn-Jersey Sprint Association, Penn-Mar Racing Association Stock Cars, Race Of Champions (RoC) Big Block, 358 & Sportsman Modifieds, Sports Car Owners and Drivers Association (SCODA), SpeedSTR’s, Super Midget Racing Club (SMRC), Super Sportsman, Three State Flyers Late Model Series (TSF), Tri County Stock Cars, Ultimate Northeast Super Late Model Series (UNLMS), United Late Model Series (ULMS), United Racing Club & United Racing Company (URC) Limited Sprints, United Sprint Association (USA), United States Auto Club (USAC) East Coast Wingless Sprint Cars, United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown Series, United States Auto Club (USAC) Sprint Cars, World Of Outlaw Sprint Cars (WoOSCS) and World Of Outlaw Late Model Series (WoOLMS).
Weekly divisions at Selinsgrove Speedway have included Bombers, Challengers, Daredevils, Late Models, Limited Late Models, Limited Sprints (KARS, 358 & 360), Modified Stock Cars, Pro Stocks, Road Runners, Semi-Late Models, Sportsman Stock Cars, Street Stocks, Super Modifieds, Super Sprints (410) and Thundercars.
Doug Rose & the Green Mamba Jet
Other racing divisions, events and entertainment held at the Speedway have included Flat Track Motorcycles, 602 Modifieds, Slingshots, Micro Sprints, Enduro's, 125 Modifieds, 4-Cylinders, Dune Buggies, motorcycle races. Chitwood was scheduled to perform at the fair in 1946 but his caravan was involved in an auto accident in Dubois, PA and they were unable to perform. The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show's first appearance at Selinsgrove Speedway was in 1947.
Ken Carter
Stunt shows and other events have included Monster Trucks (Renegade Monster Truck Tour), Bands (Marching & Stage), Boxing, Demolition Derbies, Endurance Races, Rodeos, Snowmobile Races, Doug Rose and the Green Mamba Jet Car, Motorcycle Stunt Performers (Jose Canuc, Bob Correll and his Kite-Cycle, Johnny Cowboy Brower & Rena Hart, and many others), Automobile Stunt Performers (Ken Carter, H. Ward Beam Stunt Show, Bill Brown Thrill Show, Irish Horan’s Hell Drivers, Stoney Roberts Auto Daredevils, The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show). Chitwood was scheduled to perform at the fair in 1946 but his caravan was involved in an auto accident in Dubois, PA and they were unable to perform. The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show's first appearance at Selinsgrove Speedway was in 1947.
Debbie Lawler
1952 Demo Derby
Selinsgrove Raceway Park has also hosted numerous classes of racing including go karts, 125 micro sprints, 270 micro sprints, 600 micro sprints, Slingshots, Young Guns as well as touring series including Burris Money Series, World Karting Association, Maxxis Series.
Speedway General Managers & Promoters past and present are Herm Braim (1993-1997), Terry Gonzales (1980-1981), Tim Gray , Bill Groom (1993-1997), Jack Gunn (1968-1979), Tim Hughes (1999-2000), Steve Inch (2011, 2016 - ), George "Buster" Keller, Barry King (1981-1992), Bob Leiby (1999-2000), Tom Livelsberger (1979), George Marshman (1 race in the 1960's), Dick Moyer, Sam Nunis, Charlie Paige, (2001- 2015 ), Tedd Reitz (1993-1997), Bob Richwine (1963-1967), Craig Rutherford, Selinsgrove Fair Association (1998 Ed Clark & Steve Inch), Joe Trone (1979), Carl Zechman (2001), Earl Zechman (1980-1992, 2001-2003) and George Zechman (1980-1992).
Speedway Lease Holders include:
Speedway Management Group 2016 – Present (Michael Heffner (2016 - ), Alan Kreitzer (2016 – 2020), Todd Benner (2021 - ), Brian Scandle (2016 - ), Jeff Kurtz (2016 - ), Roy Adams (2016 - ), Tony Adams (2016 - ), Steve Inch (2016 - )
PPI 2011 - 2015 (Charlie Paige, Terri Paige, Steve Inch (2011 only)), TCR 2001 - 2010 (Charlie Paige, Earl Zechman (2001-2003 only), Carl Zechman (2001 only), Leiby & Hughes 1999 - 2000 (Bob Leiby, Tim Hughes)
Speedway Flagmen over the years have included Gordon "Butch" Book, Nick Fornoro Sr., Leroy Gabel, Rudy Ganzel (1978 - ), Bob Garlinger, Dick Gaumer, Barry King, Randy Kline, Galen Kohler, Dan Lengel (2015 - ), Micah Mosey (2020), Gerry Moore, Charlie Paige, Joe Schonarz (1949), Les Shearer, Joe Swartz (1948).
Track announcers include Kyle Alexander (2017 - ), Michael Batz (2016), Shawn Brouse, Ed Clark, Dick Crownover, Chris Economacki, Jack Gunn, Steve Inch (2001 - ), James Lunt (1959), Tedd Reitz, Glenn Schankweiler (WKOK radio staffer - 1959), Ken Stahl, Jeff Ulrich
Handicappers Brian Householder, Harold Lockwood and Jeff Ulrich
Race Directors Steve O'Neal (1999 - 2000), Joe Kaminski (2007- 2015), Scott Harro (2016 - )
Information and Photo Sources
Dave Herrold, interviewed by Kurt Gladfelter, February 22-23, 2006; Kurt Gladfelter, "Doing It In The Dirt": An In Depth Look At Dirt Track Racing In Selinsgrove Pennsylvania - http://www.susqu.edu/history/webprojects/spectacles/gladfelter.htm
George Franklin Dunkelberger - 1948, "The Story of Snyder County" - Selinsgrove Carnival and Night Fair
Gerald Hodges, "Robert "Red" Byron; NASCAR's First Champion", Snyder County Times, January 8, 2005
Kurt Gladfelter, "Doing It In The Dirt": An In Depth Look At Dirt Track Racing In Selinsgrove Pennsylvania - http://www.susqu.edu/history/webprojects/spectacles/gladfelter.htm
Steve Inch, "A Field Of Dreams: Selinsgrove Speedway Celebrates 60 Years", The Sunbury Daily Item, March 31, 2005
Steve Williams, http://www.thevintageracer.com/articles/lm_steve_smith.htm
William M. Schnure - 1918, 1929, 1967, "A Chronology of Selinsgrove, PA 1700-1967"
The Sunbury Daily Item, July 22, 1946, "Bill Holland Wins Auto Race Laurels; Fair Gate 100,000"
The Sunbury Daily Item 1941 - Present
Charles "Bo" Fasold January 2007 - Present
Scott Harro January 2007 - Present
Dave Herrold January 2007
Charles "Bo" Fasold Photo Collection
Greg Zyla - Circle Track Magazine
Bob Bertasavage Photo Collection
Joie Chitwood Jr - March 2014
Steve Inch
Contact Speedway Office 570.374.2266
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