Page 15 - osmer_saugusspeedwayscrapbook

Saugus Speedway Scrapbook

"Steady" Eddie Gray, outside of
"Astronaut" Walt Price in 1964 Pacific
Racing Association stock car action.

"All these improvements and
innovations have certainly been
rewarding," Wilkings said, "but
what makes me most proud is the
quality of our cars and drivers. First
class competitors all the way. That's
what racing is all about."
In recognition of his accom-
plishments, Marshall Wilkings was
named the 1981 Western Division
Auto Racing Promoter of the Year.
The prestigious award, voted on by
fellow auto racing associates, is
sponsored by Racing Promotions
Monthly, a national organization
of racing business people. Wilkings
There was "Steady Eddie" Gray, Ron Hornaday The grandstands were completely refurbished was also top vote getter in the balloting for the new
Sr, Ben Thomas, Vernon "Gabby" Garrison, in 1979. The pits and track infield were repaved Art Atkinson Award, commemorating the highly
Marvin Heinis, Walt Price Sr, Jim Cook, Bill Small, during that off season, leaving only the parking respected and innovative promoter at San
Jimmy Insolo, "Wild Bill" Foster, Sonny Easley, lot unpaved. Bernardino's Orange Show Speedway.
"Roarin' Oren" Prosser, and on and on. A new lighting system became operational in
Most of them were Saugus Speedway cham- 1980, and in '81 an additional light tower, 80 feet
pions and wherever they raced, they were the ones high, was erected behind the main grandstand.
to beat if you wanted to win. Soon afterwards, the old roof supports were
Tony Coldewey was involved in a serious completely removed, giving the speedway a
auto accident in 1972 which took him away from contemporary '80s look.
Saugus Speedway. In 1973, Marshall Wilkings The years under Wilking's leadership have seen
assumed the management and operation duties, larger crowds, more cars in the pits, and larger
formed the Olimpic Racing Association, and guaranteed purses. The posted payoffs have
immediately implemented a continuing plan of climbed to over $10,000 per race night, making it
updating and improving the existing facilities. one of the highest in the nation for a weekly short
One of the most ambitious projects was to track show.
engineer a major facelift on the Super Track,
Marshall and Helen Wilkings took the helm of Saugus
the oldest operating auto racing facility in the
Speedway in 1973. They created the family-friendly
Western United States. atmosphere enjoyed by racers, fans, and officials.

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