Jerry Lee
04-27-2009, 11:04 AM
Another short lived and long forgotten Colorado race track is Shelby Speedway, a small dirt oval (1/5 mile maybe?), which possibly started up in the late '50's and ran through '61 or '62.
Located on the East end of the mountain town of Idaho Springs, CO. (where the ball fields are now), the facility did attract some racers from around the region, but apparently wasn't a very popular place to run.
From what I was told by a few who remember the track, the facility was pretty primitive for even 1950's standards. There were no concrete walls or guardrails in place, but wooden posts with thick wire cable strung between them to contain the race cars around the track.
The drivers didn't care for the track surface either, as sharp rocks protruding from the dirt were pretty hard on tires.
I did get to thumb through a track program someone had years ago, and recently noticed an action shot from the speedway that surfaced in the Big West Racing vintage photo gallery.
Maybe the gang can post that image here. If not, look for a shot of Jalopies #13, #21, #47 rounding what might have been turn 4 of the track. Another car looks to be up into the "fence" with the Rocky Mountains in the background.
That's about all I know of this speedway, but would love to hear any additions, corrections, or memories anyone has of this mountain track.
Located on the East end of the mountain town of Idaho Springs, CO. (where the ball fields are now), the facility did attract some racers from around the region, but apparently wasn't a very popular place to run.
From what I was told by a few who remember the track, the facility was pretty primitive for even 1950's standards. There were no concrete walls or guardrails in place, but wooden posts with thick wire cable strung between them to contain the race cars around the track.
The drivers didn't care for the track surface either, as sharp rocks protruding from the dirt were pretty hard on tires.
I did get to thumb through a track program someone had years ago, and recently noticed an action shot from the speedway that surfaced in the Big West Racing vintage photo gallery.
Maybe the gang can post that image here. If not, look for a shot of Jalopies #13, #21, #47 rounding what might have been turn 4 of the track. Another car looks to be up into the "fence" with the Rocky Mountains in the background.
That's about all I know of this speedway, but would love to hear any additions, corrections, or memories anyone has of this mountain track.