Sterling Colorado and Casper Wyoming

[Mike Croley]

When i was very young , we lived for a couple of years in Sterling Colorado and then moved to Casper Wyoming before moving back to the Springs . Sterling was around 1955 and Casper was 1958 .
Through the mists of time i seem to remember a stock car track in Sterling and i know there was one in Casper . Does anyone remember either or both . My father promised to take me to the track in Casper , but the season had ended the week before , and we moved back to Colorado before the next season started .

[Jerry Lee]

Oh boy, this is right up Parrot's alley. I know he's doing some research on a track (or tracks) in Sterling for an upcoming story.

[parrot]

Oh boy, this is right up Parrot's alley. I know he's doing some research on a track (or tracks) in Sterling for an upcoming story.

Hey Mike, I am indeed gathering info for a story on racing in Sterling, at least the stock cars. Think they had other racing there early part of last century. Anyway, I've learned that there were at least three tracks there over the years. I went to one with a buddy around '55 or '56 maybe? That track was northwest of Sterling and said to be a new track at the time. He had a '34 Coupe that he raced and several of us guys tagged along. (He went over the south turn burm and messed up his toe-in. Wore out some tires flat towing it back to Sidney) I have several photos of stock cars from around 1953 or 1954 (from an earlier track?) that I plan to post as soon as I can track down some more info. I'm hoping that old newspapers in their local library will be helpful. Did you happen to get there as a youngster, or have any relatives still there who might remember? BP

[racer99]

Parrot,

In your research, see if you can find anything about a driver by the name of Ed Ruff. He drove a #99 out of Sterling and was practically unbeatable on dirt. I remember a race in 1957 or 1958 at Pueblo State Fair where cars and drivers from all over the state (Lakeside, Englewood, The Springs, and Pueblo) raced and he beat the best drivers and cars easily that day!

Thanks,

Bob

[parrot]

Bob, I remember Ed Ruff from the northeastern part of the state. Unfortunately, none of the Sterling photos I have show a #99. I may have even seen him race in Sidney. I have a Devels Motor Club photo #99 with no name on it. The car came over from the Holyoke area every Sunday to race. Think it's posted under the "Devils Motor Club" on this site. He raced around Sterling, Sidney, Holyoke, etc. As you stated, always raced #99, that is untill he came to Lakeside. Guessing that since you had the #99, he did next best thing, turned the number upside down and raced as #66. I remember him being there, but forget what the car looked like. Interestingly enough, his cousin is Fred Floth who I know you know also used the number 99 for a few years.

[Mike Croley]

Parrot , i think the track you describe north of town was the one i remember . I remember very little about it . I went there once , and was so overcome by the sights and sounds of race cars that i didn't pay much attention to anything else .

[Flagman]

The Casper track is located north of town, near and east of the Events Center. I've been there a few times over the years. I believe the city owns the track and hires a group to run the races for them. In the late 70's and 80's the track fell on hard times and was closed for a few years. Last race I saw there was probably 4 to 5 years ago. Lots of cars and a very fast track. I think it's current configuration is 3/8 mile.