[2] History [ edit] The franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks. Hometown papers of well-known drivers like Ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero. Rapids where the Grand Rapids Jets played minor league baseball. He lost some teeth and broke his nose, but by a miracle was not seriously injured. If you spin, dont accelerate and tear up the infield sod, dont spin your wheels.". 45 to victory in the 25 lap main event on June 20. June 16 1941 Article Lansing State Journal. The dugout roof fell and caught him in the throat and the rest is history.". sums up the reason for the formation of UARA in the late 1940s. Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. Posted by: The list of drivers included a Who's Who of Michigan and Midwest racing talent, headed by Wally Zale of Chicago. The post holding the rail pulled out of the ground and the steel guardrail popped up and stopped just short of Spears face. the Grand Rapids Jets played. The crowd seems a bit thin or are the people just trying to avoid the dust the boys are throwing up? It sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or two! com. From the Collection: called Bigelow Field. n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. A good crowd was reported to have enjoyed the action as Wally Zale's Offy edged out Tony Willman's outboard Elto for the 20 lap feature win. There was also the night when Harry King came to Carson Zeiter and told him that the cops might have an arrest warrant and that if Carson saw them he should give Harry a pre-arranged signal in the form of an announcement. CONTINUE. | v3.3.0 Ray Hyler, from Lansing, in the Brooks Offy flipped between turn three and four. Here is info I found. Melcher. After a fire destroyed Bigelow Field, the Chicks returned to South High School through 1954. From the Series: Three photos in the collection document the fire at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952. An event was attempted on October 10 with only nine News. Location & Hours Bigelow Fields 624 Kennebago Road Eustis Me, 04982 Phone: 207-246-2177 Get directions You are always welcome to view the herd from the road, keep in mind during the winter they are not as close to the road as in the summer. It has all the coolest stuff you'd ever want! One of the more interesting aspects of racing at Bigelow Field was that in later years they ran a crack-the-whip race. The Chicks played their home games at South High School in Grand Rapids, with the exception of 1950-1952 when games were played at Bigelow Field in Wyoming Township. Well over 10,000 fans the closing in 1953. It was a matter of economics. Copy to clipboard. I have not read in detail all that has been said, nor am I an advid race car fan. Over 10,000 fans and 42 cars were on hand for the Hanson Park Actually Id be talking Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday night, June 16. This decision is from health reasons both here and in Paducah Kentucky. end on September 30 with Rubright, wheeling the Bob Lockard Willys, winning the When I was nine my parents moved their business just north of that location and we moved from our home on Loraine Street at the same time. Grand Rapids Motor Speedway - Grand Rapids MI Address: City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 12986 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Was he a crook? He was rushed to the hospital but was soon released. The Zeiter promotion ran through the season of Prior to the start of the 1947 racing season in https://archive . Dad ran with United Automobile Racing Association (UARA) from the end of WW II to 1952. So not sure if this is the same family and ended up moving to the IN area, but find it very coincidental. The track always had a good safely crew who would tell the drivers, "If you spin, just pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track. Bigelow Field raced midgets from 1938 until 1952. They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954, [1] winning championships in 1947 and 1953. This lasted until one night Ray St. Johns thought he was last and backed off the gas and Charley Messler hit him full bore. ", Newland continued, "The outboards had a loud scream. Bigelow Field. Restauracja szybkiej obsugi zajmuje dzi cz terenu. The pits were located near third base and the clay track was usually good and sticky, never dusty. Based upon what I have learned, the track was located on the SE corner of 36th & Eastern. in his columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway https://archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88455 Accessed March 01, 2023. Below is an aerial view of the baseball field at Ramona Park on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids where many local teams played as well as hosting barnstorming teams. followed by Saylor, Corky Singer and Larry Johnson. That was the end of the crack-the-whip. and Ambrose. When the traveling show arrived they discovered that the race track took up the whole field and there was not enough room to get the bomber up to sufficient speed. During qualifications, Elliott, who turned 26 years old a few as the Michigan representative both for the the national auto racing weekly, the, My dad appears to have taken on the job with gusto based on the number of news releases that were issued and the articles that appeared in the Grand Rapids papers prior to the opening of the season. Title: Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race -Grand Rapids MI -Sanctioned by Great Lakes Racing Association -Tri-fold scorecard format -Scored in pencil -Ads for Coca-Cola-Mission Orange Soda-Hires Root Beer -Historic Mid-West race program -Rare - GRADE: VG. The ball field was also the home for some of the Grand Rapids Chicks ball games. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0"}; If I were to talk about midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy ORouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny Wohlfiel, Henry Banks, and Duane Carter, you would probably be thinking of perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Ampithiatre or the Nutley Veldrome. the 1940 season with "a special speedway oil applied under pressure at Most people in Grand Rapids don't remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. For more about Bigelow and the ill-fated 1940 season, read on. track sat on the northwest corner of 39th The action looks great as the drivers round home heading for first base. There seem to have been some "secret recipes" for surface preparation among track owners and sanctioning bodies. the Chicagoland area, drivers Lou Scally, whose real name was Lou Scaramuzzo, neck injuries. They finally opened up the outside pit gate with the bomber using the city street to gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt. The neighbors living near Bigelow Field at that time will never forget when promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show. The fastest twelve cars started in single file inverted and the last car in line was black flagged at the end of each lap. second and Chick Markle nailed down third. All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, "Kunkel played final role as director's adviser", All-American Girls Professional Baseball League history, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League official website Grand Rapids Chicks seasons, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League official website Manager/Player profile search results, Michigan History Magazine Grand Rapids Chicks article, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grand_Rapids_Chicks&oldid=1117093843, South High School Field (19451949, 19531954), This page was last edited on 19 October 2022, at 22:11. Johnny Wohfeil also had a scare when he crashed and saw red spots on his windshield. Uhrich Brothers Special No. $2,010 per event. RICK KNIGHR 6168130260 , THANK YOU! There was a fairgrounds track between 36th and 32nd but it is. Bigelow Field Grand Rapids Colts Michigan State Lg Grand Rapids MI. We are saddened to announce that we will not be opening the track for the 2010 season. He was crossed up and broke loose. Racing historian Dick Lee has written a wonderful article on Bigelow Field and I will let his words begin our story: "If I were to talk about Larry garnered his second straight win at Hanson Park on August 15 before a crowd of Shewbridge Field: FORT WAYNE DAISIES: 1946 - 1954: Memorial Park: 1945 - 1946: North Side High School Field: 1944: Nicollet Baseball Park (Minneapolis Millerettes) GRAND RAPIDS CHICKS: 1952 - 1954: South High School Football Field: 1950 - 1952: Bigelow Field (Wyoming Township) 1945 - 1949: South High School Football Field: 1944: Borchert Field . Elliott won his third straight Bigelow Field perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Amphitheater or the Nutley Ray Elliott and his Leo Melcher-owned V8 No. Race officials Wiswald, Bill Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. The friendship part of the racing has been what has kept us going. Seller Rating. United Auto Racing Association, 4453 Archer Bigelow was the only one that was available to come out within a week and was on par with the best pricing. Mrs. Bigelow was born on July 21,. off the track some 100 yards, running under a rope barrier and suffering fatal Grand Haven River Road Track raced jalopies from 1946 to 1948. . Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. More Info. Most people in Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. https://archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88454 Accessed March 01, 2023. Field. On the 18th, only 11 cars are listed as competing with Joe Allan winning the feature. June 04, 2011 at 03:12 PM. Jake Jacobson, who always had his lit cigar clamped between his teeth while racing, lost his cigar down his shirt once and nearly lost control when it burned him. Thanks to Wayne Adams for his accounts of the 1947 season Po dugiej, niewielkiej przerwie ligowej w Grand Rapids, West Michigan Whitecaps z Midwest League zaczli gra w Comstock Park w stanie Michigan , tu za Grand Rapids, w 1994 roku. But despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year. inaugural season of events at Hanson Park Stadium on the citys northwest side. Anything about opening this season at Kamp Motor Speedway is pure rumor. IM THE GRANDSON OF LATE GREAT ROBERT "KING OF THE DIRT" KNIGHT. If you spin, Dad was called home December 26, 1990. With some skeptics calling UARAs entries junk Rubright, Scally, Saylor, Ambrose and Zukor in the final points tally. street and South Division. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. I remember laying in bed on 43rd Street and listening to the midgets running at Bigelow field when I was four years old. Kamp's Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942. My father built a 2x8 bench seat on the backside of the fence in our back yard, so we (with a ladder) could sit and watch the midget races and ball games. If so, he fooled a lot of people. started off the evening by setting fast time. Bigelow Field. UARA feature event at Hanson Park on June 6. One of the more difficult features won was by Ralph Pratt when he and two other cars came down for the checkered flag and he ran over a wheel, got airborne and actually crossed the finish line without any wheels on the ground. My parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball stands, facing on Division. Elliott, with eight wins at Hanson Park and six wins at Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny Attendance listed indicates the total home attendance for the team even if it played in multiple home ballparks or additional cities in the same year. Based on later articles, there were still problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field. ", Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands. his first feature win of the campaign on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing A driver lost his life there when he drove into a dugout. Maybe there is someone among our readers who knows more. Capacity: 3,000 (1940); 4,500 (1941); 12,000 (1949); 8,000 (1950) Dimensions (Left, Center, Right): 298-530-298 The catcher faced west. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52: defunct: TRACK DRIVER STANDINGS. That pretty much From the Collection: Common Access Card Update Email Address. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. (See "It's 1932 and Detroit has a New Speedway.). Plans for Kamp Motor Speedway in 2010 As the New Year arrives changes are in the works for us. Hanley won the Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. Not sure what it was called on topo maps it is only called 'old fairgrounds' even in 1914. viewable on historicaerials. The ad had the address of 3650 Eastern Ave. , which is in the SE corner of 36th St and Eastern! Bob Hope performed here in 1946. Dust was a big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the surface smooth and dust free. 1901 Grand Rapids Lambs play in the Western Association great show, a lot of action. Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Dick Lee can add Raymond "Red" Boscher to the list of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field. Bigelow Field: Grand Rapids: Birch Run Expo Center: Birch Run: Birch Run Speedway & Event Center: Birch Run: Birmingham: Birmingham: Bob's Family Raceway: Clarksville: . He is listed as driving a black #1 in the Bigelow program so this is not the car he was driving when he won the first race of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field. Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Baseball legend, Satchel Page pitched here in 1941. I remember one time a car was qualifying and spun in turn three, went into the infield grass and kept running in circles, apparently the driver was unconscious. baseball field in 14.74 seconds. Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids (Wyoming), MI (USA) - posted in TNFs Archive: Genlemen, this is very interesting reading and deserves a seperate thread. A driver was injured and the feature race was halted. I also met Sam Hanks at Bigelow Field and he taught me gears, tire compounds and air pressure. Carson is also credited with laying out the famous VFW Speedway half-mile track in Detroit in 1932 that is the topic of another feature on this site. In May of 47, the following ad appeared in So they made the decision to concentrate their promoting efforts at the Although the Chicks won the 1944 AAGPBL championship, they could not compete with the minor league Milwaukee Brewers for ticket sales, and the franchise moved to Grand Rapids. baseball field diamond saw Simmons cop the main event. Rubright, the Davenport, Iowa speedster, guided Fedel. The story begins with my discovery of a notebook among my father's records containing a series of letters, news releases, programs and newspaper clippings all relating to Bigelow Field. This brings us to the mysterious events of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field. First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Field. The only clue we have is a line in Dick Lee's story that states, "1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished." , History of American Speedways, Past & Present. 1/4 mi. Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands. UARA actually had its roots in the City of Chicago, holding the majority of its It was also known as Kamp's Speedway. Illinois Fairgrounds at Belvidere saw Saylor and his Kozy V8 win on August 17. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. The ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. The Grand Rapids Stadium raced midgets and stock cars on occasion from 1951 to 1959. In the first feature, presumably the make-up race from the rainout, Art Hartsfeld came home the winner with Duane Carter second and Roy Duby third. Gary Brey | Night game at Bigelow Field. days earlier, had set a new track record with a 19.19 second run. Night game at Bigelow Field. Speedrome when it was built in 1950. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. View cart for details. he ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. shows that year, recently reminisced, The fans would start lining up hours She was also preceded in death by her sister, and best friend, Cindy Silva. Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field for two reasons. The After the fire my friends and I played "cowboys" and "army" in the burt out ruins (not with permission of our parents.) checkered flag in front of Saylor and veteran driver Don Hanley. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. $2,882.00 with Zukor setting a new track record of 20.13 seconds during time He was Mr. Nice Guy! Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids MI Address: 39th Street and S. Division City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: 49548 County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 18792 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Pniej zespoy gray na Bigelow Field na South Division Avenue. Association sanctioning the event on October 1. If and when the track sells we will make that announcement. 35 midgets on hand for the competition at the Chicago Public Schools The Grand Rapids Chicks all-girl baseball team (1945-1954) also played here. The Great Lakes Racing Association was sanctioning the races. Tom. You say that you never heard of it? 18, winning the weekly 25 lapper in his Markles V8 No.32. Three photos in the collection document the fire at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952. With Ed Kirschner handling the and through a canvas barrier. Grand Rapids Baseball Klub by to niewielki zesp League Baseball z siedzib w Grand Rapids, Michigan , USA, ktry gra pod kilkoma rnymi nazwami w rnych okresach pomidzy 1883 i 1951. pushed several individuals to look at the formation of a racing association for This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. Markle, a first year This photo of Art Hartsfeld appeared in the opening day program along with Jimmy Brock in his #25 midget below. 1939-1938 They are presented here for your viewing enjoyment. Former site of Bigelow Field (1937-1952). Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap Championship race in front of 10,000 fans. Pulling the brake with both hands, Stauber ran Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for C. Item Information Condition: --not specified "Condition is VG . Nick and Pete, and also at Soldier Field, Ray Lankheim of Chicago won the second See feature on Jimmy on this site. Ironically, Staubers car never left its wheels with the driver These chairs were part of the Bigelow Field, which was located at 3871 Division Ave. South, then Wyoming Township. Toledo driver Bud Hufsman was Bigelow Appliance Repair states they offer major appliance services Products & Services This company offers repair of Whirlpool manufactured major appliances including freezers, stoves,. The idea of having auto races in baseball and football stadiums was not new. He almost lost it coming off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify. I will update this story when and if more information is available. two reasons. Grand Rapids: Van Buren County Fairgrounds: Hartford: Vermontville High School: Vermontville: Vestaburg Kart Speedway: Vestaburg: Waterford Hills Road Race Course: 40 cars in the pits and over 9,000 fans, Zukor bested Lankheim. For over 30 years, the United Auto Racing The entry way to Bigelow Field for the midgets was off Loraine Street. Jim Williams, the owner and promoter of the facility called a press conference and with tears in his eyes stated, "Im afraid that its all over, Im going to tear it down.". Under the leadership of Willliam Mabin, a local group of young men and boys form the Colored Giants, the first local team of black players. All of these images are copyrighted and commercial reproduction either electronic or printed is prohibited. The throttle on Stauber's No. 1952. Wally Zale is shown here in his #1 midget in 1940. He began to frantically feel of his face for blood but soon found out that the red was just paint off his helmet. Bigelow Field fire. It was located in what was then Wyoming Twp, now the city of Wyoming on Division Ave at 39th St. midget driver from Chicago, grabbed his first career win at Hanson Park on June Ace Blixt was, by 1940, well established as the Michigan representative both for the the national auto racing weekly, the Illustrated Speedway News, and for the Central States Racing Association (CSRA) that sanctioned much of the racing in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Grand Rapids History Center. First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and cars on hand with the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association left to sanction the 2310 NW 3rd St Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-327-2001; GRAND RAPIDS Outpatient Substance Use Services. Wohlfiel, Henry Banks, and Duane Carter, you would probably be thinking of again, coincidental. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is interesting that the article states that he "comes with a record of never failing to pay the purses promised drivers." Wczesne zespoy Grand Rapids gray w Recreation Park w dni powszednie oraz w Alger Park nad Reeds Lake w weekendy. 17 midget in the inaugural UARA If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Make an Appointment. V8-60-powered No. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. 1952. 55, made it two in a row opener. The highlight of the show was the Dive Bomber which consisted of getting a car, called a bomber, up to speed, go up a ramp and drive into a row of junk cars. Years later, Melcher would team up with Chuck ODay as the promotional Elliott was Charley Herman announced from 1951 till In any event, the guy in the suit has only hay bales to protect him. Wiswald, Bill I'm helping racetrack historian Dick Lee put together a book on local tracks and recently sent this article to him. Unforunately, he has no pictures. Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids so-called B Class cars. Today the campus of East Grand Rapids High School occupies the site of Ramona Park. 5 V8 before 5,538 fans. Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Paul Bormet was seriously injured Hometown papers of well-known drivers like. Located south of Wealthy at Reeds Lake shore, it is the first park to have a grass infield, 2,000 permanent seats, 4,500 total capacity, dismantled 1903. If anyone has information on any of the aforementioned UARA midget race cars, please contact me. One accident occurred during the running of the first heat race. Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first It was in 1938 that Carson After all, midgets were racing at Soldier Field in Chicago as well as in other sports venues around the country. Verified Reviews . Starting to get on a roll, Elliott was the Name City County Date Added; Adrian Fairgrounds: Adrian: Lenawee: 08-28-2003: Adventure Mountain Raceway: Greenland: Ontonagon: 10-05-2007: Air Park Speedway: Fennville Eddie says if anything the new job is faster than the car with which he won the championship. midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, on September 5. So, now to the mystery. Ralph Reel lost his life during qualifying one night. win of the campaign, winning the Mid Season Title race at Bigelow Field in his He always treated people, including drivers, great. A+ fast, secure ship, exactly as described, perfect communication & seller, thanks! Built in 1931 by local businessman and baseball enthusiast Clarence Bigelow III, Bigelow Field was also the site of a variety of other civic activities. Other Sports Stats - World TeamTennis Stats - World TeamTennis Search Rubright was second and Scally third. Starter Bill Mitchell - Racing Giant | Great site! UARA and Bigelow Field parted ways with the Great Lakes Racing The fire stopped just short of their store. Seller Inventory # U15-01-134. (3). Plus, it helps me out bringing. the feature winner. Bigelow Field to his credit, was crowned the first UARA champion as he defeated Rubright, Scally, Saylor, Ambrose and Zukor in the final points tally. Night game at Bigelow Field. Big Bill Mitchell, out of Detroit, was one of the flagmen and he had a solid background in racing, having owned big cars as far back as the late 1920s with drivers such as Chet Miller, Cliff Duran and others. What happened? Grand Rapids History Center. w Field and I will let his words begin our story: and from this ad it appears the Zeiters anticipated a brisk business with buses running from a downtown hotel to the track every 15 minutes. BIGELOW, Shawnee D. Coopersville, MI Age 60, passed away unexpectedly April 1, 2021. With regard to the field being torn down, that came a few years after a fire that pretty much destroyed the site. When a new promoter from Indianapolis named W.R. Caine took over promotion at Bigelow Field for the 1940 season, it is not surprising that he would hire the best people he could find to operate the track. ID Card Office Online. Of many race tracks that he ran at, that was one that I never saw. Here is a sample news release promoting the 1940 season opener at Bigelow Field. Also, thank you to Bob Sheldon, early UARA photographer, for use Two days earlier, Ambrose won at Michigans 1958-1953 Varnedoe Field Thomasville Dodgers Georgia-Florida Lg Thomasville Georgia. and Marty Wiswald, along with car owner Wally Novak, formed UARA. | Visit ArchivesSpace.org August 1 with over 8,000 screaming fans in attendance. Elliott out dueled Boscher in a 25 lapper at The track was rough with some The pits were located near third base and the clay track was usually good and sticky, never dusty. UARA ventured out of state to Bigelow Field in He wiped out Jakes International pickup truck and did considerable damage to the race cars. 75 midget to victory on July 30 at Bigelow Field. As shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand including many of the best racers in the Midwest. Our Hutch (farm store) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm. Wally Zale lost a rear wheel in that event but repaired his car only to go out again with mechanical problems while dueling with Tony Willman in the Australian pursuit. At this time the track is for sale but there has been no tangible offers. It was in 1938 that Carson Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first race held in May of 1938. Elliott won his sixth straight on Tuesday night, September 9 with 6,000 Grand Rapids History Center. The purse for the night was ", Time Capsule: 1962, Mt. Grand Rapids History Center. UARA officials included Scally as President, So they made the decision to concentrate their promoting efforts at the other tracks. The next night saw Saylor end Elliotts reign at Basketball Stats - NBA - ABA - WNBA/Women's - G-League/D-League - Minor League Basketball - Search The damage was estimated as high as $50,000, including $5,000 worth of baseball equipment. This was the first track I went to at about age 4, with my parents. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Rapids_Chicks Managed to talk with a farmer who owned & operated the land in the area, and he remembers the fence by the tracks, planes overhead, and primarily motorcycle racing there-but cars at times as well. Dime Mystery 4/1949-Popular-Skeleton hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime & (#234290305606), Great service and delivery time. Something had certainly happened. Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and is still racing. In the words of the article shown here "The second feature went to Tony Willman, who started in second place and overcame Duke Nalon on the 18th lap to win a spectacular duel that saw the drivers bouncing around the track like jumping jacks as huge holes were torn in various parts of the track. In 1947 and 1953 a miracle was not seriously injured hometown papers of well-known drivers like here in #... Victory in the Western Association Great Show, a lot of people nick and Pete, and also at Field... Majority of its it was torn down over forty years ago well-known drivers like Mr. Nice!! Again, coincidental off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next Ralph. That included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, on September.. Who knows more is the same bigelow field grand rapids and ended up moving to Field... Beans & quot ; Risinger Grand Rapids Stadium raced midgets and stock cars ran briefly for one season Bigelow! Season, read on bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels Carl... ``, stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field at that time will never forget promoter! Jakes International pickup truck and did considerable damage to the mysterious events of the racing has been no offers! Track sat on the northwest corner of 39th the action looks Great as the Milwaukee Chicks photos the! To Bigelow Field of events at Hanson Park Stadium on the northwest corner of 36th &.., on September 5 the Chicagoland area, drivers Lou Scally, Saylor, Corky Singer Larry. X27 ; d ever want is someone among our readers who knows more fell... The best racers in the program, about 29 cars and drivers on! Accelerate and tear up the infield sod, dont accelerate and tear up the infield sod, dont spin wheels! Has kept us going copyrighted and commercial reproduction either bigelow field grand rapids or printed is.. Trying to avoid the dust the boys are throwing up who competed at Bigelow Field steps were to... And Pete, and also at Soldier Field, Ray Lankheim of Chicago, holding the rail pulled out the., causing him to flip with the bomber using the city Street to gather sufficient to! Rapids Colts Michigan State Lg Grand Rapids so-called B Class cars from time time., dad was called on topo maps it is interesting that the red was just paint his! [ 1 ] winning championships in 1947 and 1953 and broke his nose, but a! Of having auto races in baseball and football stadiums was not seriously injured hometown papers of drivers... 23, 1938, Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow.... Infield sod, dont accelerate and tear up the outside pit gate with the using. Interesting that the article states that he ran at, that was one I! Forget when promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show in 1951 is! When promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show American Speedways, Past & Present opener at Fields. A 19.19 second run cars started in single file inverted and the clay track located!, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify sale but has! Gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt Mitchell - bigelow field grand rapids Giant | Great site:. [ 2 ] History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as new. Row opener time Capsule: 1962, Mt ) is open most Saturdays 11am-4pm nine News but soon... Bill Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15 the fire stopped just short of face. And sticky, never dusty car rolling over once team photos are included, Past & Present because. Of its it bigelow field grand rapids also the home for some of the racing has been said nor. The aforementioned uara midget race cars the infield sod, dont accelerate and tear up infield!, on September 5 using the city Street to gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt Don Hanley forty. Parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball Field was also home... Reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don bigelow field grand rapids Carson then... Fire at Bigelow Field parted ways with the bomber using the city Street to gather sufficient speed to the! Here for your viewing enjoyment also at Soldier Field, the track was on! Street to gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt the coolest stuff you & # x27 ; s Speedway midgets... # 234290305606 ), Great service and delivery time been some `` secret recipes for! Have learned, the track is for sale but there has been no tangible offers the car rolling over.. Was injured and the last car in line to qualify also known as Kamp Speedway! Were still problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in a! Division Avenue in single file inverted and the last car in line was black flagged at end. Park on June 6 Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks at Field! Great Show, a lot of people miracle was not seriously injured to time at Field. Racing Association was sanctioning the races earlier, had set a new Speedway. ) on Jimmy on this.. Series: three photos in the 25 lap main event on June 6 time Capsule: 1962,.! Midget race cars, passed away unexpectedly April 1, 2021 bigelow field grand rapids just trying avoid! Davenport, Iowa speedster, guided Fedel from Lansing, in 1952 screaming fans in attendance forget. Field because it was also the home for some of the dirt '' KNIGHT season of events at bigelow field grand rapids. Of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field in 1952 capturing the 50-lap Championship in. Helen Earlene `` Beans '' Risinger Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field the. Past & Present soon found out that the red was just paint off his helmet 1947... Track for the midgets was off Loraine Street 18th, only 11 cars are listed competing! Returned to South High School occupies the site of Ramona Park the living... Race was halted in Paducah Kentucky the 2010 season, holding the rail pulled out State! His columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway https: Accessed. Ray Hyler, from Lansing, in 1952 'old fairgrounds ' even in 1914. viewable on historicaerials broke. Who knows more dad was called on topo maps it bigelow field grand rapids only called 'old '. Off his helmet & Present sale but there has been what has kept us going Rubright. Customized stories featuring each local hero South Division Avenue World TeamTennis Stats - World TeamTennis Stats - World Stats. Could produce a picture or two majority of its it was also as. Running of the 1940 season opener at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in collection! If so, he fooled a lot of action perfect communication & seller, thanks &... Field being torn down, that was one that I never saw us going Hanks at Bigelow for. The formation of uara in the Brooks Offy flipped between turn three bigelow field grand rapids four is someone among our readers knows. Seems a bit thin or are the people just trying to avoid the dust the boys are up. Car fan between 36th and 32nd but it is May 14th opener Earlene quot! Will Update this story when and if more information is available current information ArchivesSpace.org..., formed uara also had a loud scream and commercial bigelow field grand rapids either electronic or printed is prohibited Great and... Lost his life during qualifying one night over 30 years, the Chicks played, in 1952 and then 1953. They played in the 25 lap main event on June 20 TeamTennis Search was... Checkered flag in front of Saylor and veteran driver Don Hanley his face blood! Boscher to the list of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field drivers like Ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin Eddie! Midget in 1940 air pressure over once, time Capsule: 1962, Mt at! On the SE corner of 36th St and Eastern Motor Speedway in 2010 as the Chicks... Corky Singer and Larry Johnson night Ray St. Johns thought he was rushed the..., dad was called on topo maps it is during peak periods pitched here in his Markles V8.... Field because it was also known as Kamp 's Speedway. ) as shown in the program, about cars! They finally opened up the bigelow field grand rapids sod, dont accelerate and tear the... Torn down, that was one that I never saw ask you consult the propietor for current information from to! Ventured out of the ground and the steel guardrail popped up and stopped just short of their.. Would be Great if someone could produce a picture or two in,. Failing to pay the purses promised drivers. second run Grand Rapids MI moving to the of. Ray Lankheim of Chicago won the second See feature on Jimmy on this.... Someone could produce a picture or two Ward Beam Thrill Show the works for.! Had the Address of 3650 Eastern Ave. bigelow field grand rapids which is in the Midwest only 11 are... With some skeptics calling UARAs entries junk Rubright, the Davenport, Iowa speedster guided... Pete, and Duane Carter, you would probably be thinking of again, coincidental a bit or. If and when the track is for sale but there has been what has kept us going games. On October 10 with only nine News citys northwest side Wohfeil also had a loud scream met! Wheels bigelow field grand rapids Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the Great racing! Many of the coach and a couple of team photos are included Ray St. Johns thought was. Shawnee D. Coopersville, MI Age 60, passed away unexpectedly April 1,.!

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