Old Pikes Peak Speedway

[impala]

Just discovered your site as i was looking for a old race track from my army days. The old Pikes Peak Speedway in Colorado Springs, About 1/5 mile blacktop. A friend and my self were fixtures there 1968 - 1970. I believe it was demolished around 1980. They ran stock cars there then and always big crowds. I even remember the Track announncer ( Beck Beckilmeyer) Larry Carnes was one of the fast drivers. Usually was quick time and won the dash. In later years he ran the hill climb. "Smittys Number 1 Garage" ran i believe 2 cars Anybody else from that time frame on here??

[impala]

Anybody remember The old Pikes Peak Speedway ?? Spent my Army Years there 1968 -1970

[webby]

Impala, welcome to ARM. I merged your two threads because they were on the same topic.

Can't wait to hear some of your auto racing memories.

[hath27]

Impala, although I was very young, I do remember the track. Its where my father and uncle (Bill Canty) got their start racing.
Beck Bechtelheimer is still announcing races, now at the El Paso County Speedway. Brings back alot of memories hearing him, and seeing Art Walsh flagging.

[JimmyK]

I have this photo of my Mom Ethel Kouba. Is this the track?
I have many Trophy photos of Dad (Earl) (and trophy girl) from Pikes Peak speedway from the 40s. I didn't think they were the same track though and I don't have those scanned yet (danged day job gets in the way).

[VintageBuzz]

I have this photo of my Mom Ethel Kouba. Is this the track?
I have many Trophy photos of Dad (Earl) (and trophy girl) from Pikes Peak Speedway from the 40s. I didn't think they were the same track though and I don't have those scanned yet (danged day job gets in the way).

JimmyK, I believe your photo is what eventually became PPIR (Pike Peak International Raceway). We used to race motorcycles when the track was still dirt (Turf Club for horses). Pikes Peak Speedway in the '40s relates more to this photo. Pikes Peak Speedway (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=269) ~VB

[impala]

The Track was located on 24 on the way Limon, real bull ring, used to pack the place on Sat Nights. They had a real tight set of rules that gave everyone a chance to compete. The old timers told us the track was built for midgets in the 40's, Funny those guys were younger then than i'am now. How about the BIG 4 Auto parts which i believe became Widner AutoMotive Had a Dragster on the Roof. I Believe i still have a old Program which if i can find it has all the names from the time and Numbers. Thanks for helping and old fart remember the past.:D:

[teamfds]

The track was on the corner of Hwy 24 and Powers Blvd. The remains were torn down about 10 years ago for a new interchange. I had a former employer who lived just across the street and could watch the midgets from his bedroom. Colorado Springs always had a long history within the racing scene. Within miles of this track there also was Stockers Speedway, a 1/8 mile dirt dragstrip, and Colorado Springs International Speedway, and one mystery track. I have seen a picture at the Pioneers Muesum of a Champcar with Pulpit Rock in the background. The track had to be near Nevada Ave and Filmore St. Any info of these other tracks would be great.

[impala]

Teamfds, I remember the other track it was farther out on 24 and off to the left, Bigger track but wasn't used much,it was used for figure 8's mostily. A buddy of mine in the service and i ran a 56 buick once in a sunday race. Damn thing caught on fire. The remains of the dragstrip were out that direction but i can't remember the exact location. Locals said that a flood in 1965 washed it away. Seems like every garage in the Springs had a stock car or a hill climb car in the garage at that time. I used to live in the old Chicken Coops Behind the Rest Home on Fountain Blvd. I believe they are used for storage now.

[hath27]

Impala, the track you are speaking of is Sportsmans' Raceway Park. It was located off of Hwy24 and Peterson Rd. It was torn down in the late 70's to make way for a softball complex.
The drag strip you speak of ran somewhat parallel to Hwy 24 roughly where Marksheffel Rd intersected the hwy. (east of C/S) Remnants of the strip remained until maybe 8-10 years ago when the area was finally developed. I believe the strip was not asphalt, but oil-based?

[Mike Croley]

Great to see some Southern Colorado fans on the board . I was a regular , and i mean virtually every race night , at Sportsmans and at Pikes Peak Speedway from 1961 through 1975 when i left the state . Went to Beacon Hill many times as well as all of the Denver tracks a time or two .
One thing missing is photos of those tracks . The Denver tracks have plenty of photos , but not many for the tracks in the Springs and Pueblo . If anyone has any , please post them .
The Pioneers Museum in the Springs has a huge collection of photos from PPS and Sportsmans . They were donated about twenty years ago by the man who printed the programs for many years . He owned H&H Printing .
The old Memories web site had many photos and posts as well , but most never resurfaced on this site for some reason . But posts and photos about Ronnie McDowell , Larry Carnes , Carl Foster , Joe Becker , and many others were there .
I remember a drag strip in a dry creek bed somewhat behind Sportsmans . It was used primarily by a local car club .

[Mike Croley]

I've found a few of my photos of Pikes Peak Speedway , and a couple from Sportsmans Raceway Park . I'll try to post them here .

[Mike Croley]

Here are some photos i've found from Pikes Peak Speedway , about 1971 . The 3.2 Chevy is Bill Canty . The finish line photo is also Canty and an unidentified 55 Ford . The two cars side by side going into the first turn At Pikes Peak Speedway are Ronnie McDowell in the #119 Camaro and Bill Clarke in the # 411 65 Mustang with an in-line Ford 6 cylinder engine .

[Olen McGuire]

Hey Mike,I'm glad you found your pics and figured out how to post them.:racing:I wasn't on the old ARM much,so I can't wait to see what you've got.:cheers:~Olen

[Mike Croley]

Heres a couple more i had . The # 89 Nova is Bob Howard . The yellow # 42 Chevy is Al Rawlins . The two cars side by side are Sonny Stier in the # 32 Camaro and Mike Bonecelli in his pink Camaro # 8 . He also wore a pink driving suit and pink shoes .

[Mike Croley]

Here are some more photos from Pikes Peak Speedway . I believe the car in the first photo is Tad Hascall . The second photo is one of my favorites for two reasons , its a very clean 56 Chevy ( a four door at that ) driven by Bill Geddes , and in the background you can see the namesake of the speedway partially covered in clouds . The third photo is Dale Huff .

[Mike Croley]

Heres a photo of Lloyd Axel in a beautiful midget , taken in the infield at Pikes Peak Speedway .

[Mike Croley]

The Track was located on 24 on the way Limon, real bull ring, used to pack the place on Sat Nights. They had a real tight set of rules that gave everyone a chance to compete. The old timers told us the track was built for midgets in the 40's, Funny those guys were younger then than i'am now. How about the BIG 4 Auto parts which i believe became Widner AutoMotive Had a Dragster on the Roof. I Believe i still have a old Program which if i can find it has all the names from the time and Numbers. Thanks for helping and old fart remember the past.:D:

There was indeed one of Dan Widners old fuel dragsters on the roof of Widner Automotive . It was on Nevada Ave . The old Big 4 Auto Parts was on Colorado Ave . , it was one great speed shop . In fact i've included a photo on this thread of Bill Clarke , and he was the counterman at Big 4 .
Impala , if you can find your old program , it would be great if you could post the photos and info here . I keep hoping that more photos from the Colorado Springs area race tracks will find there way onto this board some day .

Pikes Peak Speedway was built in the 40s , and Mr. and Mrs. Sager owned it . Upon the death of her husband , Mrs. Sager decided to lease the track to an association while keeping the concessions . The association was the Pikes Peak Stock Car Racing Asociation . Every person who entered the pit area had to buy a membership in the PPSCRA . Every year , names were put up for running the association and voted on by the entire membership . They voted for a committee to tech cars , a committee to write the rule book , and a President , VP , and Sec. Trs . Imagine having your competitors do the tech inspection on your car . Not much chance for cheating . But i really don't remember any more problems with inspections than i've seen every where else .
The rules , written by the racers themselves , were very tight , but made sense and made for very close racing . Also , it was decided to completely invert every race , even the Trophy Dash , to give the fans a good show and provide a competitive race .
Pikes Peak Speedway ran the Denver modifieds fairly often , also brought in the RMMRA from time to time .
Pikes Peak Speedway and Sportsmans Raceway Park were only about 3 miles down the highway from each other , but they had completely different rules .

[Mike Croley]

I found a couple more photos of Pikes Peak Speedway drivers , these were taken at Englewood Speedway . The first photo is Paul Elder , the two sponsors on his car , Jims Auto Service and Star Marine , were both long time sponsors in Colorado Springs . Jims Auto Service is Jim Willy , owner and builder of winning stock cars for Mike Woolley # 50 , Bob Silvers # 409 , and the incredibly successful # 119 cars driven by Ronnie McDowell .

The second photo is Ray Daniels . Ray was one of the best at Pikes Peak Speedway , and a Ford man through and through . He raced mostly 65 and 66 Mustangs and i believe all of his cars were # 80 .

[impala]

Thanks for the memories Mike, and hearing some names from that time also bought back some memories. I think Bill Clarke opened his own Auto Parts Store on the north End in Early 1970. I see make a reference to Ray Daniels There was a Daniels Chevy Dealer downtown that used to race the hill with Corvettes in the late 50's and early 60's. I See that GM just **** canned him so much for years of Service. I little off the subject but i do have a interesting story about Louie Unser. In i believe 68 or 69 they (USAC) told Louie he was to old to run the hillclimb. Louie loaded 2 or three officals in a New Olds Toro put the front wheel about 3 ft. from the edge and took off for the top. Even after that ride they still wouldn't let him race, go figure. There were hill climb cars in it seems like every garage.
Yep right you are they inverted every race and there was alot of good racing. They also had a rule that if you ran i believe 2 hundreds of second quicker in a race than you qualifed you were out. No sand bagging allowed.
1957 was the newest cars at the time ( at least in 1970) that were allowed.
They even Had a few that ran wagons. Chevys could run 30 over 265's Fords 292 and i believe Plymouth and Dodges 318's Never seen a Chrysler product at the track! 10" tire no quick change and i believe flat tappet Cams made for damn close racing. Larry Carnes was the Record holder at 13.25 but his car one of the nicest, Center steering and i was told a destroked 302 i no it would turn some RPM. He set that record i think on the first night of racing in 1970. It was a big deal as the fastest a midget time ever was a 13:14 What ever happened to Smitty's # 1 Garage He ran or sponsored several cars and then there was Bronco's Resturant the owner ran a 55 ford. 39 years have come gone and i still remember all those Sat. nights. Still have to Try to find that 1970 program and i hope some more picture show up to jog my memory bank.

[Mitch G.]

Mike, great stuff, I agree it's great to see stuff from the Springs. Being a hardcore midget guy, we only went down there for the USAC midget shows, or the occasional RMMRA midget show. One memory I have of Raceway park, as you left the grandstands after the races, tons of rubber from the racing tires would be all over the lower level of the grandstands. The pavement was really abrasive and ate up even those hard tires used in the 1970's.

[Mike Croley]

Mitch , you're right about the rubber on the first few rows . I was a kid then and thought getting covered with tire rubber was too cool .

Larry Carnes did indeed hold the track record at one point , however it was re-set by Carl Foster in the # 105 Chevy and Carl held it for a long time .

Broncos was a great place to eat . It was located on Highway 24 almost at the eastern edge of Colorado Springs in those days . My dads' shop was right next door , so i ate at Broncos hundreds of times . In those days most racers went right out 24 to either Pikes Peak Speedway or farther on down the road to Sportsmans . Since my dads' place was right on 24 , i got to watch almost every race car go right by the shop every Friday and Saturday afternoons in the summer . Actually the owner of Broncos didn't own a race car , but he sponsored a bunch of them .

Bill Clarke did open a speed shop with a partner . It was out on Garden of the Gods Road , near Super Flow , the flow bench and engine dyno company .

Heres some names and numbers from my days at Pikes Peak Speedway .

in no particular order -
Alvin Browning # 81 56 Ford station wagon
Carl Foster # 105 56 Chevy
Larry Carnes # 96 55 Chevy
Ronnie McDowell # 119 69 Camaro
Bill Clarke # 411 65 Mustang
Jack Gabardi # 00X 55 Chevy ( Glen Bowers later bought the car )
Max Geddes ( The Blue Max ) 66 Ford Falcon
Larry Martin # 14 55 Chevy
Bill Canty # 3.2 55 Chevy
Dave Wiggins # 05 66 Shelby Mustang
Lynn Cowen # 409 56 Chevy
Mike Bonecelli # 8 69 Camaro ( his son Marcus was Tony Stewarts gas man at Joe Gibbs )
Mahlon Saunders # 24 56 Chevy ( along with Ronnie McDowell , Mahlon was one of the best i ever saw ) .

[Mike Croley]

Impala , Ray Daniels raced for many years in southern Colorado , but he wasn't related to the Daniels family that owned Daniels Chevrolet . Ray owned , and maybe still does , Rustic Hills Texaco out on N. Academy Blvd. He only raced Fords , and the 66 Mustang he had was one of the best sounding stock cars of the day . I believe it was because he ran a 289 Ford engine with the original firing order instead of the later 302 engines that used a different firing order .
Daniels Chevrolet was run owned by Al Daniels and his son Bill . They both raced in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb every year , and both were very successful . Al raced a 66 Corvette that was one of my favorite cars . Bill raced the stock car class with Impalas powered by genuine ZL 1 427 engines . It was rumored that he used new Impalas from the car leasing department , ran the race , and then put them back to stock for leasing . I must admit they certainly looked very streetable .

[Mike Croley]

Regarding Louie Unser , he worked as a machinist at an auto parts store in downtown Colorado Springs , and hes the one who built my first racing engine , a 292 Y block Ford .

[lakeside #29]

I have a question for you guys that are knowlegable on So Col late models. I have a set of floater hubs and drum brakes on the front of one my cars that I bought from John or Mike Pickard many years ago. They are eight lug Chevy 3/4 ton hubs with aluminum Buick brake drums like street rodders use. I was told that they had come off a car that had hit the wall hard at Pikes Peak or Beacon Hill. The were supposed to have been off a Falcon that was owned by a man named Max. Would you have any idea who his gentleman was? The work on these parts was very high quality. I have them on a vintage modified and they still work great.

Thank you.

Chris Ertler-"professor coupe"

[Mike Croley]

Chris , i'm not sure whos car those parts came off of , but the only person i can think of who meets the criteria is Max Geddes . He raced a 66 Ford Falcon at Pikes Peak Speedway . I don't know for sure if hes the source of your parts , but he sure fits the description . He was known as the Blue Max as his car was always dark blue .

[Mike Croley]

Chris , as i think about it , there is another possible donor for those parts . Max Carpenter raced Fords in the 60s and 70s at Pikers Peak Speedway and Sportsmans Raceway Park . He might also be the source of those parts .

[lakeside #29]

Mike, Thank you. I appreciate the info. The man that did the work on these old parts really knew what he was doing. The drums have the center machined to fit over the Chevy floaters and were redrilled 8 lug. Even the backing plates are custom made. I've used them on my #29 lakeside coupe, then when we upgraded that car to disc brakes I used them on our #52 ex- Wayne Stallsworth coupe. They don't fade like most drum brakes.

Thanks again, now I finally have a good idea who built these parts.

Chris Ertler-"professor coupe"

[parrot]

Mike or Impala; Was that Broncos in the Springs the same as the Broncos in the Denver area? Remember one on Federal BLVD just behind Mile High Stadium. Think another eatery is there now. (That's my street rodder cruisin' the burger joints memory kicking in. Rodders, racers and fans all ate at a lot of those joints after the races.)

[Mike Croley]

No , i think the Broncos in the Springs was the only one they had . It was owned by a very nice couple from out east of Colorado Springs . They were ranchers as i recall . There was a life size fiberglass replica of a horse on the roof . They sponsored many different cars over the years at PPS and Sportsmans .

[impala]

Well as promised i found the program from Pikes Peak Speedway. It was my last vist before discharge from the Army in 1970 This was opening night first of May.Now if i can figure out how to get it all on the site we will be in business. The info and pictures from almost 40 years ago are priceless. For once i'am glad to be a packrat. Give me a little time as i want to post for all the old timers to enjoy. Anybody else have any more old pictures from 68 to 70 of the track? :checker:

[Mike Croley]

Thats great news , i can't wait . I contacted Brad Foster , Carl Fosters' son about re-submitting some of his great photos from the old days . Carl Foster had some of the best looking and fastest cars at Pikes Peak Speedway . His photos were lost to the crm site , hopefully he'll put some of them up here .

[impala]

Hope to work with the wife tonight on posting some of the program pictures and info. I have been to many race tracks in the last 40 years but none that have the memories as that old track. As i was looking through the program it was if it was only last weekend not almost 40 years. How many of the old drivers are still around ? I remember that Larry Carnes did run Stock cars up the hill in the 70's. I really hope that some more pictures show up i can't be the only one that is a pack rat.:sprint:

[Mike Croley]

I feel the same way about PPS . Over in the drivers section of this site i posted some pictures of Larry Carnes including his Pikes Peak Hillclimb car .
I'm really hoping someone comes up with a photo of Ron Cogdills' car from Pikes Peak Speedway . Around 1967 or 1968 Ron built a 56 Ford Victoria that was metalflake red with a metalflake silver roof . It had real long chrome organ pipes sticking up through the hood ( which was louvered ) for exhaust and for a short while he had E T mag wheels on it . The rules required double center wheel , so he cut the centers out of another set of E T mag wheels and welded them in place . The car even had red metalflake seat and roll bar padding . Ron built many beautiful show cars , and that 56 Ford was as nice as any car in any custom car show . In fact he did show it before racing it . A few years later it was sitting outside of Bill and Bobs Auto Service , just the
shell .

[JRKracer]

:bow:Heres a photo of Lloyd Axel in a beautiful midget , taken in the infield at Pikes Peak Speedway .::Just so you know this is Loyds second car that Burt McNeise drove.:wave2:

[Mike Croley]

Thank you for that info . I first thought it was Burt , and then i let someone convince me it wasn't . Now i know for sure .

[Mike Croley]

As for the question of WHERE ARE THEY NOW , a lot of the PPS drivers are still in Colorado Springs . Wes Vandervort and Ronnie McDowell are no longer with us . I'm not sure where Larry Carnes is . Larry Martin , Alvin Browning , Mike Bonecelli , Jack Gabardi , Bob Silvers , Harry Wichman , Bill Geddes , Mahlon Saunders , Jim Webb , Glen Bowers , Lynn Cowen , Ray Daniels , and Dick Heikes were still in the Springs the last i heard . Bill Clarke was up in Golden . This info is several years old , so i don't know how acurate it is .
Jim Willy ( car builder for Ronnie McDowell , Mike Wooley , Paul Elder ) still has Jims Auto Service in the Springs .

[JRKracer]

Thank you for that info . I first thought it was Burt , and then i let someone convince me it wasn't . Now i know for sure . You are welcome!! Some times I look at stuff and my memory tells me one thing and reality is another. That car , however I know well because all my life people have tried to convince me it is my dads car. Dads was bought from Bussard after 6 races in 47. That car was already sold to Hal Robb and was racing out on the west coast. That is the reason for my certainty. You have great pictures. thanks for sharing.
Joe Kouba

[impala]

Mike, I looked for a picture of Ron Cogdills car as do remember it after you mentioned it but no luck. I can tell you he was track Champion in 65 and 68 and i don't believe he ran full time in 69 at least he didn't finish in the top 10 in points. I will try to post the program complete as it has alot of really neat Info. In 1970 there 101 car numbers registered to drivers / Owners. Its no wonder that they often ran a Hooligan race. Judging from the picture of Larry Carnes car from just 4 years later they must of had a major rule change on cars and Specs. Anybody have any idea of the assocation rules from later years. What was the last year the track ran? I was in Denver on business In 1981 drove down to the Springs to look things over. The Track buildings were gone but the old tires that lined the inside of the corners were still in place.In fact that is how i found the place. I sure would like to hear some of the later history of the track.

[Mike Croley]

Mike, I looked for a picture of Ron Cogdills car as do remember it after you mentioned it but no luck. I can tell you he was track Champion in 65 and 68 and i don't believe he ran full time in 69 at least he didn't finish in the top 10 in points. I will try to post the program complete as it has alot of really neat Info. In 1970 there 101 car numbers registered to drivers / Owners. Its no wonder that they often ran a Hooligan race. Judging from the picture of Larry Carnes car from just 4 years later they must of had a major rule change on cars and Specs. Anybody have any idea of the assocation rules from later years. What was the last year the track ran? I was in Denver on business In 1981 drove down to the Springs to look things over. The Track buildings were gone but the old tires that lined the inside of the corners were still in place.In fact that is how i found the place. I sure would like to hear some of the later history of the track.

I believe the track closed in 1978 . I never really heard why , though i'm sure money probably had something to do with it , because it always drew a good field of cars and plenty of fans . Might have been forced to close so that the interchange could be built . The rules were still pretty much the same . The track remains were still visable for years on satellite photos before the interchange went in . Thanks for the info on the Ron Cogdill #210 . People think i'm joking about a short track stock car being built to the level of the very best custom show cars , and then actually being raced each week . But it sure was . Hurry and post that program !!
Speaking of tracks that were forced to close for interchanges to be built . Sunshine Speedway in St. Petersburg FL. was closed a number of years ago so that a highway interchange could be built there . After the track was closed , the DOT re-paved it , re-striped the surface and to this day uses it for testing of toll booths . Yep , there is a three lane wide toll booth at the start finish line . What a waste of an oval track . Of course not a week goes by that there isn't a rumour of the track starting back up , but it will never happen .

[impala]

Mike the pictures from the 1070 program are up in the community section. I can not get them to post here,
Sunshine Speedway! Wow small world. My son live in Largo and i know the track well. The drag Strip still operates as 1/8 mile on a year to year lease. Yea i hear the same thing that going to open up every year. The place just gets a little more rundown. Really Sad

[Mike Croley]

I didn't realise how much i missed Pikes Peak Speedway . Thanks for posting that program . There are sure some great memories that came flooding back .
And some names i had forgotten .

[Mike Croley]

:bow:::Just so you know this is Loyds second car that Burt McNeise drove.:wave2:

I found this photo of both drivers together .

[impala]

I sure wish that there were more pictures and history on the old track, there must be alot of old pictures and more history some were.

[dannyracer6]

You Guys,
This stuff is priceless. I gobble it up since I spent 68--72 in Col Springs and hardly missed a race. I did spend a lot of time with Bill Walters and the #83 55 chev. It was candy green and I remember when Bill won his first Trophy dash and his sister in law was the T Queen. I used to have a couple of the old programs, the latest was in 1975 when I came down from Rapid City to visit and came that night with Bill in his #83 red Nova. By that time, Mike Bonicelli had his New speedway out on 94 and PPS was still operating as well.After that, the next time I was in Co Springs was in 1998 for the race at the new PPS. I spent the afternoon at Bill's place. Would like to touch base with him again. You speak of Daniels Chev. I worked there for the years 68-Dec, of 71 then moved to the west coast. Came back for a time and lived in Delta CO. and raced a Monza mod mini there in Olatha at Thundermountain Speedway. Worked for Chev. Dealer there for a year then went back to CA. Now we are in Boise ID., retired and still racing. Will run in Meridian at the 1/4 asphalt track, which is a lot like the old 1/5 just a bit longer. Racing in the PRO 4 Lights. All those names you listed from the old speedway, I remember all of them. Is Carl Foster still around or has he pass on. I never knew his boy. Those names read like a "who's who" in the Colo. racing annals. I raced out here in CA. and use Glen Bowers old "00X for a couple of years on the dirt. I knew him pretty well, although I doubt he would remember me now. You mentioned His Plymouth, they used a 273 V8 in that one. In the early days, 265 chev. 272-292 and 312 fords later the little 260s in ford which Dick Heikes ran and boy did they sound awesome. They then allowed the 273 ply. dodge motor untill they opened up to larger 283, 327 variations, and 289 fords then finally 350 etc. and the rest is history. Remember Alvin brownings 6 cylinder ford wagons? The old chipmonk really gave everyone a run in the V8s. Hey, I just love reading this stuff...Keep it coming.

[impala]

Yes sir i have been to racetacks all over the country and that was the best racing that i can remember. I think the main reason was that you could race on a budget. There were cars that were built to the max of the rules and there were cars built in there back yards to have fun with and they never had to run each other at the track. Alvin Browning, the wagon was gone in 69 and at least the first race of 70 but that kind of stuff made for a interesting racing. Seems like there aren't many old fizzers left but i hope we can come up with more pictures of the old track and drivers. Still remember sitting in turn 4 on Sat night like it was yesterday. What a time to be alive!!

[dannyracer6]

Yeah,
Alvin went to mustangs after 69. Most of the ford guys went to the larger motors as did the rest of them as soon as they opened it up. The old y block fords and little 265s were getting absolete and 283, 327 and variations from those for chev, and the 260 289 302 fords were the ticket. By the time they went to the new track out on 94, they were using 350 chevs and 351 fords as well as 302s. My friend Bill used a 327. You mentioned Smitty's #1 garage, I think they had two cars, they use to bring them out on a flat bed truck in the early days. I remember Bill Canty had a real nice I think 56 or 57 after his old 3.2 car. They raced under the name of Canty and Pey I believe. It was a nice piece. Tell you what, I would travel to a get together of the old guys If they ever had one. That would be some deal. Problem is, most of them pretty much put it all behind them and moved on with life. Us guys who like to remince just try to keep it alive. That is the fun of it, at least for me. I like to remember. What we have now days, is not much to remember. But those were REALLY the days. Would be interesting to find out how many are really still around. I used to have some old PPS programs, but they got lost in all my moves. Mike seems to be a good resource for a lot of this good stuff.


Dan

[Mike Croley]

Speaking of Alvin Browning , his #81 Ford station wagon and two of his crew are in the background of the Bill Canty photo posted here .
Many of the drivers of that era are still around Colorado Springs . Mahlon Saunders owns a towing company there . Carl Foster has passed away . Alvin Browning , Larry Martin , Dick Heikes , Bobby Hellem , Mike Bonicelli , Bill Geddes , Jack Gabardi , and Ray Daniels all lived in the Springs as of a couple of years ago . Bill Clarke has an auto parts store in Golden . I believe Ron Cogdill lives in Utah . Dick Foltz has passed on . No idea where Larry Carnes is . I've lost track of Bill Walters over the years . I last saw him at his house way out east of the Springs in about 1975 . I left the Springs shortly after that .
Beck Bectelheimer , the announcer and all around good guy at PPS still lives there and according to one of the posts here still announces . I talked to him at one point several years ago about him going through his photos and programs and maybe posting some things , but i guess he never did . He did say that he thought some of his old programs had water damage .
The official track photographer was Darrell Porter for many , many years . In fact he was one of Alvin Brownings sponsors . When Darrell retired , he sold his photo business and all of his negatives to Sunshine Photo out on Acadamy i believe . They say they only bought the business , that they never received any racing photos or negatives . I asked Darrell about it and he insisted he sold all of his negatives to them . They insist he did not . So.... there may not be a lot of photos available of PPS until someone finds out what happened to that stash .
I did receive a few more photos a couple of years ago that were taken on the last race night ever at PPS . I haven't had them scanned yet , but i will post them when i do .

[Mike Croley]

And some of the hot shoes from the seventies still live there as well . Harry Wichman is still there i think . So is Bob Silvers . I think Terry Boyce is still there . And Dan Lundstrom . This is as of a few years ago , they may have moved since .

[Matt]

anyone remember Frank Martinez #1, 61 and 006 i think were his numbers? I was not born yet, but my mom and dad talk about this track all the time. My dad is still around and comes helps me with my car now. Im sure if anyone wanted to chat about CSIS, The Turf Club or Beacon Hill he would love to chat. We race every weekend at El Paso County Speedway now. I currently fly the #61 on my 1200 mini sprint. We still have the blue #61 camero and a brown '68 camero #36 I think that car was Ed Belec old car.

[racerjim]

I spent the summer of 1969 in the Springs in the service. I often went to Pikes Peak and the track on out the road on the left, International?

I was there last summer and couldn't even begin to find where it was. Things have changed out there in the last 40 years a bunch.

I sometimes went up to Englewood (seems like on Sunday nites) to the modified races. That was more to my liking than the stock cars at Pikes Peak.

And mentioning the rubber left on the stands at the Colorado Spring National Speedway I remember that well. In fact I often thought it was much dirtier than the dirt track races I was use back home. Also remember the RMMRA midgets out there as well as the Englewood modifieds coming down about once a month. Remember in early spring a practice day that was bitter cold but we stuck it out.

I will say that Pikes Peak Speedway had some of those late model cars were 1 of a kind cars. I remember the exhaust pipes sticking up through the hoods and the drivers in some of the cars sat on the right side of the car if I remember right. Seen many names on here I recognize. Ronnie McDowell was a top gun and it's sad his life ended as it did. Will never forget the squealing tires and smoke. One other thing I remember ...I learned of the death of young Troy Ruttman Jr. back east in a supermodified while sitting in the stands at Pikes Peak.

[Mike Croley]

Matt , i do remember the name . In fact i think i remember the car as well , but boy its been a long time , the memories are a little faded . Please , if you can find any photos of your dad and his cars , please post them here . Same goes for any programs from those days . As you noticed in this and other threads , there are a lot of Pikes Peak Speedway fans on this board . Sportsmans Raceway fans too .
Funny how the military is responsible for many of the Pikes Peak Speedway fans . But Colorado Springs is and was a military town if ever there was one . Fort Carson Army Post south of town along with the NORAD underground facility under Cheyenne Mountain . Then there is ENT Airforce Base on the east side of town , within a stones throw of both Sportsmans and Pikes Peak Speedway . And of course on the north side of town is the Air Force Academy . All the guys needed something to do on their time off , and the local stock car races were just the thing .

[Mike Croley]

Same goes for racerjim , if you have any stories or photos to add to this or the Sportsmans thread , please do .

[highboy-xlt]

Here are a few I remember from the time period:

Mike Adragna
Pat Adragna
Larry Martin - #14 (56 Chevy then a 69 Camaro)
Ted Foltz - #27
Dick Hiekes - #711
Rudy Gish - #99 (69/70 Chevelle or Nova)
Steve Davis - #100

[Mike Croley]

More and more people are finding this site . Its great ! Those names sure bring back some memories . Ronnie McDowell and Larry Carnes are featured in the Drivers section . I hope you have a few photos from your nights at Pikes Peak Speedway , i'd love to see them .

[highboy-xlt]

Unfortunately Mike no photos. That's how I found ARM. I am currently building some replica cars (1/25 scale) and was looking for pictures of old cars. Had found tons of pics at the old Colorado Racing Memories site but of course it's lost. Forgot to save or print any for reference.

Hope someday that the photos from CRM can be relocated and posted. All I have to offer up is some old stories.

I remember Max Geddes in an A Dash Trophy Heat getting the whole rear panels ripped off his Falcon only to continue with the race. He was an aggressive driver and always in the thick of things.

I particularly recall that at Pikes Peak Speedway when races went to a Red Flag the drivers were not allowed to return to the pits. Crews would rush to the infield and do what they could out there while the tack was being cleared.

Ronnie McDowell was an amazing driver, I also liked watching Carl Foster, Larry Martin, Ray Daniels, Mike Bonicelli (I worked at the restaraunt that sponsored his car Nemeth's El Tejon) and Alvin Browning.

[Mike Croley]

WOW , that last post took me back to the Springs ! I had pizza from the El Tejon at least once every week for twenty years . And the rest of the time i ate at Giuseppies downtown . If you can remember it , please share the ingredients for the El Tejon pizzas , they were great . A lot of oregano i re-call .
The CRM photos apparently are never going to surface again . But some of the folks on this board did keep some of the submissions to the CRM site , and occaisionally the photos show up here .
Yes i do remember the cars being stopped on the track during red flags . I was one of those crew members who ran out onto the track pulling a jack behind me when needed . I started going to PPS when i was real young , my father was friends with Mahlon Saunders . Mahlon was track champion in the early 60s , and still rates as one of the best short track racers i've ever seen . The announcer used to call him " the man who comes to race " .

[Mike Croley]

Speaking of red flag incidents , i remember several cars tangling in the third turn during the A feature , and Ronnie McDowell went into the wall hard . The steering wheel spun and practically ripped his thumb off . One of the crew ran back to the pits and brought out duct tape . They taped Ronnies' thumb to his hand and as i recall he went on to win the feature .
The photos i posted in this thread are pretty much all i have scanned , but i have some others i'm going to post when i can .

[highboy-xlt]

That's awesome Mike. I hope to see some of your photos soon.

I remember Pat Adragna getting up on the wall in turn 2. It was like he was high centered. I remember on holiday weekends they would extend the Main, from 50 laps to 100??? Maybe you recall. I would have been about 9 or 10 years old when I started to go. I went quite often until the track closed. I enjoyed it much more than the new track (CSIS).

[impala]

Wow i forgot about the holiday races and the extension to 50 and 100 laps for the Semi Main and the Main. I do remember that those guys could really tear up some sheet metal. Is there any way some of the old drivers that are still around could be talked in to doing a little reminiscing on here or through a member if they are not computer friendily. There has to be some really good stories that haven't been heard in about 40 years.

Can anyone tell me why in the old days in midwest the last races of the night were the Consolation and the Feature and in the West it was the Semi-Main and the Main?
I only it made to Englewood once, they were running figure 8's and what were late models at the time, mid 50"s fords and chevys. One car that sticks in my mind about that night was a 55 Chevy that changed colors from front to back and its sponsor was Serendipity Motors. Funny i can not remember a customers name from yesterday and yet 40 year old race cars stick like glue.

[super14j]

I was stationed at the Air Force Academy and in late 1971 a couple of us (who were itchin' to get involved in racing ) drove out to the Black Forrest one day and introduced ourselves to Dick Humphrey and volunteered to be his pit crew. Dick was quite a character and at that time drove a 55 or 56 Ford at Pikes Peak Speedway. His son John also had an old Ford and raced there. The track was a 1/5 mile and we ran the cars in 2nd gear (3 in the tree) all the time. I drove John's car one night and actually won my heat race only because I started on the pole and the car was pushing so bad no one dared to pass me. I got the bug after that and bought a car from Rick Willet the next year but never did much with it. The track was run by members of the association and was a great place to run. I still have a couple of stubs from my winnings..One for $ 3.15 and one for $ 26.40. I also have the drivers listing from a 1973 program. If I can figure out a way to scan it I will and post it here. I left the area in September of 73 but still have many fond memories of the track and my time there.

[highboy-xlt]

Fellow Pikes Peak Speedway fans....just got some old issues of Stock Car Racing magazine. The July 1975 issue has a nice little article on the track and the Pikes Peak Stock Car Racing Association of the time. It was written by Jim Newbill. There is a nice aerial photo of the track, one of the start of what looks to be a "B" Main with Roy Bowers on the outside front row and a couple of a demolition derby with I believe flagman Art Walsh sitting on top of one of the losers. It is a cool article, not sure I could post it due to copyright stuff. So if you come across that issue of SCR take a look.

[dannyracer6]

Memories are wonderful things. I remember most if not all of what you guys have been sharing. 67 thru 74 were awesome years at Old PPS. I was a member. still have my cards issued from the speedway for 70 and 71. Just could never figure out why in a city as big as Colorado Springs, they could not keep it going. Cheyenne has been able to, and Pueblo has. Such a shame. It was THE place to race in those days. I guess time moves on and we are left with just memories. I plan to make a visit to the Springs this summer maybe for the last time, just to look and remember. Keep those memories alive and keep em coming.

[highboy-xlt]

Hey PPS fans.......I am currently building some replicas of some of the old cars. I am working on Ronnie McDowells "white" 69 Camaro. Found one photo in here.

I was wondering if any of you remember Larry Martin's sponsors. I recall something like "Tony's Standard" on the rear quater panel and white numbers on a light copper colored car. I would like to do this one as well.

It is a shame I didn't save photos from the old Colorado Racing Memories site. I guess I figured it would always be there to check on.

Any info on any of the old cars/drivers you can remember would be cool. When I finish them I will post pics for you all.

THANKS

highboy-xlt

[Mike Croley]

The car was medium brown / copper color with a white roof and white letters . The main sponsor was Rustic Hills Standard i think . Good luck with the project .

[highboy-xlt]

Thanks Mike, I think I will do Larry's 55 Chevy. How about the Mahlon Saunders car do you recall color, #, sponsors and type of car? I could try to replicate that one for you.

[Mike Croley]

Actually i'm positive it was Rustic Hills Standard on the quarter panels . I just realized that my description of the colors was based on Larrys' 56 Chevy . The Camaro he raced in 1974 was all brown with white letters and either red or gold numbers outlined in white .

[dannyracer6]

It was Rustic Hills Standard, and It was on his brown 55 and later on his camaro. I remember in 70 I think he put on a string of fast times that was incredible. I also remember standing in Carl Foster's pit one night talking to him about his use of a power glide tranny. Yep that is right. No one could figure out how he got so much power out of it. I believe he was one of the first ones in that area that was experminting with the trans coupler, much like the now IMCA dirt cars use. Basically a one to one type in out box with a flow switch. He was not giving out too many secrets but Bill and I talked a long time with him..He was a super nice guy. RIP Carl.

Dan

[azray]

:checker: Hey this is fun! My dad raced @ PPS for years! I was born and raised @ that track! Anybody remember Triple Nickle? car number 555...Jerry Sikora was a long time racer in Colorado, always the best looking car at the track! he had us all over the state at the differnt tracks in Colorado but PPS was his home....I have hundres of memories of the guys you have talked about....My Mom has a lot of pics and programs, I will go get them and post them when I can! But please if you have any pics send them to me! azrays at cox dot com

[webby]

:checker: Hey this is fun! My dad raced @ PPS for years! I was born and raised @ that track! Anybody remember Triple Nickle? car number 555...Jerry Sikora was a long time racer in Colorado, always the best looking car at the track! he had us all over the state at the differnt tracks in Colorado but PPS was his home....I have hundres of memories of the guys you have talked about....My Mom has a lot of pics and programs, I will go get them and post them when I can! But please if you have any pics send them to me! azrays at cox dot comWelcome to ARM! I certified your membership so now you have full privileges.

[highboy-xlt]

Thanks Mike and Danny. I have a 55 Chevy model ready to go and now I know who to do. I appreciate your help.

[azray]

Thank You...here are a couple of pics, I will get more....

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1953&thumb=1 ('http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1953') http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1952&thumb=1 ('http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1952') http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1951&thumb=1 ('http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1951') http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1954&thumb=1 ('http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1954')

[Mike Croley]

Great pics , i look forward to any others you have .

[KASSIE_MEADOW]

larry carnes is still in the springs..helping out a couple people i know with modifieds and late models at what was beaconhill.

[Mike Croley]

It's good to hear that Larry is still in the Springs . Hopefully he will post some photos and stories on this site someday .

[Mike Croley]

Here is a photo of the press box and frontstretch grandstand

[Mike Croley]

This is the old sign on the outside of the pits facing Highway 24

[Mike Croley]

Here is a photo taken at about the time the track was closed for good . This view is from the center of turns 1 and 2 .

[Mike Croley]

Track Officials , this was after i left the Springs so i'm not sure of the names .

[Mike Croley]

Here is the rescue crew and the frontstretch grandstands .

[Jerry Lee]

Neat pics Mike! I never realized that PP had an "X" for Figure 8 racing. Any idea of when they might have started that??

[83x]

They Started fig. 8s after the association moved over to Mike's track
and Allen took over.

[83x]

Mike
I don't Recognize any of those guys. Except Leroy Walton in the lower left corner.
Bill

[Mike Croley]

Neat pics Mike! I never realized that PP had an "X" for Figure 8 racing. Any idea of when they might have started that??

It had to be around 76 or 77 i would think . It was after i left the Springs . I actually have some photos of a Figure 8 race there . I'll post them soon .

[Mike Croley]

Mike
I don't Recognize any of those guys. Except Leroy Walton in the lower left corner.
Bill

I'm hoping some of the PPS fans on this board can help identify some of the people in these photos . I posted some more PPS photos in the album section today , but i'm a little hazy on who some of them are too . These photos were sent to me several years ago by Rita Bull . They were after my time , but theres some good photos in there . I've got some more that i have to get developed and i'll post them also .

[Jerry Lee]

It had to be around 76 or 77 i would think . It was after i left the Springs . I actually have some photos of a Figure 8 race there . I'll post them soon .

Would love to see those Mike. Also, if anyone has a Fig-8 listing from the old PPS (any year) they could post, I'd like to see if there were any Englewood guys on it.

[Halfpint]

Found this on the El Paso County Speedway web site

This is an invitation to all drivers, car owners, pit crews & immediate families that competed at Pikes Peak Speedway through the years.

Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles 1050 S. 21st St. Colo. Springs, CO 80904 719-632-1934

When: Saturday, Oct. 2nd 2010

Time: Registration for Pit Pass (meal ticket) - 5:00pm Cash Bar - 6:00pm Dinner 7:00pm

Cost: $ 15.50 per person

Please Contact one of the following if plan on attending --

Larry / Gerry Martin 598-0113
Larry / Peggy Carnes 337-4014
Beck / Elaine Bechtelheimer - 570-9428

[webby]

Found this on the El Paso County Speedway web site

This is an invitation to all drivers, car owners, pit crews & immediate families that competed at Pikes Peak Speedway through the years.

Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles 1050 S. 21st St. Colo. Springs, CO 80904 719-632-1934

When: Saturday, Oct. 2nd 2010

Time: Registration for Pit Pass (meal ticket) - 5:00pm Cash Bar - 6:00pm Dinner 7:00pm

Cost: $ 15.50 per person

Please Contact one of the following if plan on attending --

Larry / Gerry Martin 598-0113
Larry / Peggy Carnes 337-4014
Beck / Elaine Bechtelheimer - 570-9428
Welcome to Auto Racing Memories! I have certified your membership so now you have full privileges and you can post pictures if you want to. For tips on how to post images check out these instructional videos (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25).

Looking forward to hearing more of your auto racing memories!

[Mike511]

Just found this website and it's interesting seeing stuff about the old Pikes Peak Speedway. I actually ran several cars there in the early 70's. #511's. I'll try to figure out how to post some pics. It was a very unique track, small bull ring 1/5th mile. Packed every Fri. night and a huge field of cars.

[Mike Croley]

I'm glad you found this web site and this thread . As you can see there are a lot of fans of Pikes Peak Speedway . Please post any additional photos you have . By the way , that red Ford is a good looking race car .

[Mike511]

I'm glad you found this web site and this thread . As you can see there are a lot of fans of Pikes Peak Speedway . Please post any additional photos you have . By the way , that red Ford is a good looking race car .

Thx. Mike, racing was good, fun & didn't cost an arm & a leg in those days, here's a few additional pics...

[Jerry Lee]

Wow Mike! Those 511's are some sweet looking Late Models! Thanks for sharing, and welcome to the site.

[bmeigs]

Wow i forgot about the holiday races and the extension to 50 and 100 laps for the Semi Main and the Main. I do remember that those guys could really tear up some sheet metal. Is there any way some of the old drivers that are still around could be talked in to doing a little reminiscing on here or through a member if they are not computer friendily. There has to be some really good stories that haven't been heard in about 40 years.

Can anyone tell me why in the old days in midwest the last races of the night were the Consolation and the Feature and in the West it was the Semi-Main and the Main?
I only it made to Englewood once, they were running figure 8's and what were late models at the time, mid 50"s fords and chevys. One car that sticks in my mind about that night was a 55 Chevy that changed colors from front to back and its sponsor was Serendipity Motors. Funny i can not remember a customers name from yesterday and yet 40 year old race cars stick like glue.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the color-changing car at Englewood was either Lynn or Larry Hunter. As I remember, both brothers had similar "rainbow' paint jobs (but different color schemes) on their Chevys. I especially remember Lynn's car, because he raced more often at Raceway Park. You're right- once seeing those cars, you'd never forget. I knew Lynn personally, and followed his racing in later years at Co National in a Late Model when the track was still dirt.

[Mike511]

I can only speak for PPS in the late 60's, early 70's, as I ran there and was on the board of directors for the assoc. that ran the track. They had such a large field of cars (60-70 cars every Sat. night) that they would divide the field down the middle into A&B fields. Time trials determine which field you were in and where you started each race. Then each A&B field was halved again into slow & fast B and slow & fast A, each of these ran a paid heat race, which automatically qualified you for the semi-main (B field) or the main (A field), no race qualifying and no consi. The only trophy dash was the fastest 6 qualifiers from the A field. They ran all races inverted (fast cars in the rear), which made for wild racing on a 1/5th mile track.
The stands were standing room only every Sat. and the purses were great because the assoc. split all the gate amongst the racers after operating expenses and the track owners share was paid, no promoter.
The most unusual thing that I remember from that track, other than the amazingly competitive racing, was if there was a red flag during any race they would allow the pit crews to run onto the track and repair damaged cars or BS with the drivers. It made for great entertainment and the crews and fans loved it! If you can imagine a red flag during a main with 30 crews charging out of the pit entrance/exit dragging jacks, tires and tools, it was a circus.:banana:

[jdl777]

Loved the old PPS.

Here is a scan of the cover of my ONLY copy of an original PPS program from 1975.

Note the autographs of Ray Daniels, Bill Clarke, and one of #19 that I can't recall whose it is.

http://www.pitzoom.com/applications/my-action-shots/78-pitzoom-admin/photo.html?albumid=23#photoid=365

[jdl777]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the color-changing car at Englewood was either Lynn or Larry Hunter. As I remember, both brothers had similar "rainbow' paint jobs (but different color schemes) on their Chevys. I especially remember Lynn's car, because he raced more often at Raceway Park. You're right- once seeing those cars, you'd never forget. I knew Lynn personally, and followed his racing in later years at Co National in a Late Model when the track was still dirt.

Here are some pics of Stephen Smith's cars. Note the recognition of Lynn Hunter on the Omni. Lynn was helping Stephen quite often at the time.

http://www.pitzoom.com/applications/my-action-shots/78-pitzoom-admin/photo.html?albumid=24&photoid=367#photoid=367

http://www.pitzoom.com/applications/my-action-shots/78-pitzoom-admin/photo.html?albumid=24&photoid=367#photoid=366

[bmeigs]

Here are some pics of Stephen Smith's cars. Note the recognition of Lynn Hunter on the Omni. Lynn was helping Stephen quite often at the time.

http://www.pitzoom.com/applications/my-action-shots/78-pitzoom-admin/photo.html?albumid=24&photoid=367#photoid=367

http://www.pitzoom.com/applications/my-action-shots/78-pitzoom-admin/photo.html?albumid=24&photoid=367#photoid=366

Hi jdl- thanks for those pix. I saw Stephen race that very car one day at CSI. It was an end of season invitational that was run in the daytime. If memory serves me correctly, that race was won either by Larry Detjens or Tom Reffner; can't remember which. When I first saw that car, I actually thought it was Lynn Hunter, because until then, Lynn was the only guy I knew of running that unique Omni body.

[bmeigs]

Hi jdl- thanks for those pix. I saw Stephen race that very car one day at CSI. It was an end of season invitational that was run in the daytime. If memory serves me correctly, that race was won either by Larry Detjens or Tom Reffner; can't remember which. When I first saw that car, I actually thought it was Lynn Hunter, because until then, Lynn was the only guy I knew of running that unique Omni body.

One other interesting little factoid- the chassis under Lynn & Stephen's cars were built by Lynn in his garage, based on Maynard Troyer's modified design.

[Mike511]

If you remember PPS you must remember Ron Cogdil's car from the late 60's early 70's. His car was #210, which I believe was the address of his business, Ron's Body Shop. Does anyone remember Ron, know if he's still around or have pictures of that beautiful car? He was my hero when I was a kid!!

[Mike Croley]

If you remember PPS you must remember Ron Cogdil's car from the late 60's early 70's. His car was #210, which I believe was the address of his business, Ron's Body Shop. Does anyone remember Ron, know if he's still around or have pictures of that beautiful car? He was my hero when I was a kid!!

Ron raced a 56 Ford Victoria at PPS . Really an incredible car , true candy apple red and metalflake silver . And ohhh those chrome exhaust pipes sticking up through the louvered hood . Even had metalflake red roll bar padding . I saw the body sitting alongside Bill and Bobs Auto Service a year or so later . And for a while he used double centered ET mag wheels .
His street ride was a Bronco , same color , and beautifully customized . I heard Ron lives in Utah now .

[bmeigs]

If you remember PPS you must remember Ron Cogdil's car from the late 60's early 70's. His car was #210, which I believe was the address of his business, Ron's Body Shop. Does anyone remember Ron, know if he's still around or have pictures of that beautiful car? He was my hero when I was a kid!!

I was going to Raceway Park exclusively right at the time, because I don't remember seeing the '56 Vic. I did get to meet and know Ron though. He had moved to Canon City, and become acquainted with my late dad, who was well known in the area for his knowledge & expertise on the old flathead V8's. Ron had a beautiful little stable of old Fords that I was lucky enough to see. As a matter of fact, I had ron paint one of my cars for me- a '73 Triumph TR6 in Carmine Red- beautiful job. I later moved to Pueblo, and lost track of Ron. Hope he's doing well in Utah.

[Mike511]

Interesting! Yeah before I was old enough to drive my Dad would take me to the track. Ron's 56 Ford Vic was always in the A dash, the nicest car on the track. If I remember right it was metallic red, lots of chrome with the chrome exhaust coming straight out of the hood, as was the craze at the time. A friend of mine Daryl Roberts who runs the local chrome shop did a lot of the chrome work I believe. So Ron's in Utah now, do you know how to contact him?

[bmeigs]

Interesting! Yeah before I was old enough to drive my Dad would take me to the track. Ron's 56 Ford Vic was always in the A dash, the nicest car on the track. If I remember right it was metallic red, lots of chrome with the chrome exhaust coming straight out of the hood, as was the craze at the time. A friend of mine Daryl Roberts who runs the local chrome shop did a lot of the chrome work I believe. So Ron's in Utah now, do you know how to contact him?

I had no idea that Ron was in Utah until someone on this site mentioned it. I don't know how to contact him myself, but I saw that he was at the PPSCRA reunion that they held back in Oct. Have you googled "PPSCRA" to see the list of all who attended? Carnes and Martin would have to know his address for sure, since they organized it.

That 210 was a real piece of work! Back in those days, I was just a poor high school kid who had to scrape up enough money for gas, ticket, and Giuseppe's Pizza money. Remember that place? (on Cascade, downtown I think). I was having so much fun at Sportsman's, and no way could I afford to drive up again the next day from Florence to go to PPS on Sat. Besides, Lou was there every Fri. night with the Tijuana Taxi, trying to run with McDowell & Woolley. When I finally started going to PPS, I was really Jazzed to see the car counts, and the fact that there were a dozen cars totally capable of winning the main any given night. After that, I was a dedicated PPS dude.

[Mike511]

Thx. I'll check it out, I was at that reunion, but I must have missed Ron! Giuseppe's & Giuseppe's East, remember them well, the garlic bread was awesome and the psychedelic 3.2 brew, pitchers of it!!

[bmeigs]

Thx. I'll check it out, I was at that reunion, but I must have missed Ron! Giuseppe's & Giuseppe's East, remember them well, the garlic bread was awesome and the psychedelic 3.2 brew, pitchers of it!!

Maybe he was listed, but not actually in attendance. If you ever do connect with him tell him hi for me!

[PPS Kid]

Great memories everyone! My father was a Pit Gate Official at Pikes Peak Speedway and was also the Assistant Business Manager for the Pikes Peak Stock Car Racing Association (PPSCRA) for more years than I can remember, but I know he was at PPS from at least 1965 until Mike Bonicelli opened Colorado Springs International Speedway. His name was Robert (Bob) Fraser. He worked with Ed Copeland. Ed was tragically killed during the 4th of July races, which he loved. I can't recall the year. My dad went over to CSIS when it opened and was there for a while. I have 3 of his jackets that were issued to him. I will get pictures posted of those soon. Unfortunately, I don't have any other items or pictures from that time, so I love looking at the ones that have been submitted!! Thanks to all

[webby]

Great memories everyone! My father was a Pit Gate Official at Pikes Peak Speedway and was also the Assistant Business Manager for the Pikes Peak Stock Car Racing Association (PPSCRA) for more years than I can remember, but I know he was at PPS from at least 1965 until Mike Bonicelli opened Colorado Springs International Speedway. His name was Robert (Bob) Fraser. He worked with Ed Copeland. Ed was tragically killed during the 4th of July races, which he loved. I can't recall the year. My dad went over to CSIS when it opened and was there for a while. I have 3 of his jackets that were issued to him. I will get pictures posted of those soon. Unfortunately, I don't have any other items or pictures from that time, so I love looking at the ones that have been submitted!! Thanks to allWelcome to Auto Racing Memories! I have certified your membership so now you have full privileges and you can post pictures if you want to. For tips on how to post images check out these instructional videos (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25).

Looking forward to hearing more of your auto racing memories!

[Mike Croley]

Great memories everyone! My father was a Pit Gate Official at Pikes Peak Speedway and was also the Assistant Business Manager for the Pikes Peak Stock Car Racing Association (PPSCRA) for more years than I can remember, but I know he was at PPS from at least 1965 until Mike Bonicelli opened Colorado Springs International Speedway. His name was Robert (Bob) Fraser. He worked with Ed Copeland. Ed was tragically killed during the 4th of July races, which he loved. I can't recall the year. My dad went over to CSIS when it opened and was there for a while. I have 3 of his jackets that were issued to him. I will get pictures posted of those soon. Unfortunately, I don't have any other items or pictures from that time, so I love looking at the ones that have been submitted!! Thanks to all

Glad you found this site . There are some great memories posted about PPS from a lot of racers and fans from the old track . I think it was your father that helped me with a glitch in my membership one year .

[83x]

PPS Kid
Did your dad work at the entrance going out on the track
where he wrote the line ups on a black board. Had some
fun times joking around with him.
Bill

[TMEANS1950]

Just discovered your site as i was looking for a old race track from my army days. The old Pikes Peak Speedway in Colorado Springs, About 1/5 mile blacktop. A friend and my self were fixtures there 1968 - 1970. I believe it was demolished around 1980. They ran stock cars there then and always big crowds. I even remember the Track announncer ( Beck Beckilmeyer) Larry Carnes was one of the fast drivers. Usually was quick time and won the dash. In later years he ran the hill climb. "Smittys Number 1 Garage" ran i believe 2 cars Anybody else from that time frame on here??

I raced out there during that time frame, worked on Bobby Hellem's #26 and later #39 Chevy. Also helped Bobby at Sportsman's Raceway park working on Ed McConnell's #26Hell-Mac Chevy. I worked for Bobby and his Dad Gene at Hellem's Skelly Service down on Union Blvd. Bobby drove a couple of races for Smitty's #1 Garage in those days but they could not work out a deal that was acceptable to both parties, so Bobby went back to building his own cars.

Those where good times!! I met my first wife down at Hellem's Skelly, her father and mother where BIG fans of Bobby's and went to the races every weekend.

Also remember towing down to Beacon Hill a couple of times and also towed up to Englewood with the car we ran at Sportsman's Raceway.

Was a shame when the tore the old place down.. I did run a couple of years out at CSIS with Geoff Day and his #26 Chevelle...

[Mike511]

PPS Kid, welcome, remember your Dad well, worked with him a lot on PPSCRA business, nice gentlemen!!

[Beck's Kid]

Hey All.

I love reading all the old memories about the track. I spent most every Saturday night there causing problems and my parents headaches. Great memories though!!

[webby]

Hey All.

I love reading all the old memories about the track. I spent most every Saturday night there causing problems and my parents headaches. Great memories though!!Welcome to Auto Racing Memories! I have certified your membership so now you have full privileges and you can post pictures if you want to. For tips on how to post images check out these instructional videos (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25).

Looking forward to hearing more of your auto racing memories!

[Terryj]

Went to Beacon Hill, Pikes Peak and Sportsmans in the 60's. Loved watching Ronnie Mcdowell and Lou Wilshaw go at it. Remember Mike Wooleys Studebaker running against Mcdowells 119 ChevyII. Mcdowells black 56 T-Bird was the coolest of them all.

[bmeigs]

Went to Beacon Hill, Pikes Peak and Sportsmans in the 60's. Loved watching Ronnie Mcdowell and Lou Wilshaw go at it. Remember Mike Wooleys Studebaker running against Mcdowells 119 ChevyII. Mcdowells black 56 T-Bird was the coolest of them all.

Hey TerryJ- did you live in Florence (Co) during the time period?

[Terryj]

Yep, it's me Bill. Went to my first Beacon Hill race with you and your dad. Wouldn't you love to go back there again.

[bmeigs]

Yep, it's me Bill. Went to my first Beacon Hill race with you and your dad. Wouldn't you love to go back there again.

Then you remember Ronny being mad and kicking his car cause he wasn't fast enough to get around Pickard? As little kids, we tried to console him and make him feel better. Don't know if it worked, but we sure know how his career went.

[Mike Croley]

83X and Mikes511 , if you two ever see some of the Pikes Peak Speedway regulars that still live in the area , try to get them to post some photos and stories here . I've gone through all the photos i have . By the way , thanks again for all of the great photos you two and others have posted . I know Jim Willy said he had a lot of photos , just had to dig them out . Larry Carnes probably has a lot too . I seem to recall that Jack Gabardi ( 00X ) had some . And Glen Bowers . And Mahlon Saunders . Willet Willis might even have some to share . From the photos i saw of the PPS reunion , it looked like Bill Clarke had a good collection of memoribilia . If you ever run into those guys , please ask them to post here .

[Jus' Roach]

I haven't heard anyone mention the red white and blue wagon......Alvin "The Chipmunk" Browning.
He is back behind the wheel at El Paso County Speedway

[Mike Croley]

I haven't heard anyone mention the red white and blue wagon......Alvin "The Chipmunk" Browning.
He is back behind the wheel at El Paso County Speedway

That was certainly one of the most unique stock cars i've seen . And very fast too . I can still hear Beck over the PA system " The Chipmunk , Allllviiinnn Brrrrrowning " .
Hopefully he'll find out about this site and post some things .

[83x]

I had heard he was racing a truck at the fair grounds.

[Mike Croley]

Thanks Bill . Keep em coming .

[Jus' Roach]

2011 Hobby Truck Champion

http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n514/JusRoach/browning.jpg

[dannyracer6]

My Brother had a 55 chevrolet in late 69 or early 1970. It was painted bright yellow sponsored by Denny's resturant . It was not very fast mostly just in the way and usually got into a hooligan race if there were too many cars for him to get into the B main. He had fun, and I got to drive it once. the number was 315 to match the Dennys address on Circle Drive. His nick name by Beck was "Deacon Dave because he was a ministry student at Nazarene Bible College in those days. We had a blast with it. Did by any chance anyone get a picture of it. I have looked everywhere for one. If anyone does have one would appreciate getting a copy of it. His name was Dave Smith and he was partner with Floyd Perrin and Me. We worked at Daniels Chevrolet in the New Car get ready shop on 8th street. Thanks..My address is dannyracer6@yahoo.com.


Dan