http://www.savethetracks.com/...It can't hurt..Some of us still have hope... There are a lot of people in AZ that are looking at all the angles to this deal. How many of you guy's said, Oh man, I should have went to Manzy for the Copper, when you read it was going down? Well, It sure won't hurt to sign this thing.
We've dug this up. It has been registered as a historic sitehttp://www.savethetracks.com/1%20-%20Manzanita.pdf

You will get a email that will allow you to send it out to others after you sign it.. Send it to everyone you know...I know you guy's will step up, I have no doubt at all. You go to other forums, take it over there as well. Let's see how wide we can get this spread... You can look and see who's signed it below. You will recognize some names.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/s...ignatures.html

I was taken to Torrance from Beach Grove Indiana as a baby in 48, but at least it was non wing county..LOL My dad ran back home in Indians after the war. I still tear up for him when they sing, Back home in Indiana before the race.

Not much for rolling over and just laying down about this deal, not me, not all of us.. They really caught us off guard though... They did it behind closed doors without even letting the racing community know..Help get this around guys. You could be next.

See ya at the track, Kenny..PRESCOTT ARIZONA

[IndyBound]

Kenny, will there be someone at the track this Saturday collecting signatures?

Patti

Originally Posted by IndyBound Kenny, will there be someone at the track this Saturday collecting signatures? Patti

I'm not sure Patti, but you did sign the one in my post, right?. I'm going to be at the track at about noon tomorrow to meet some friends and see where we're at. I'm up in Prescott and my concern has been to get the message out and build support. We are looking for help. If you look on the site, you can see the areas we are looking for help in,all of them
If you or someone you know would like to help with a petition to go along with what we have:respect: that would be great. It doe's sound like you might be there. I'll be top row, section F and out in the parking lot early
Did you happen to read any of the comments and read the names of the people who have signed so far.?

Thanks Patti,

Kenny

At the Copper with Frosty. Some of you know Frosty, right.

I was just informed that this great article was written by Dave Argabrigh and not Mike Kerchner, who also writes for Speed Sport news. I had copied and pasted it from a forum here in AZ. I have no idea how this happened.

My sincere apologies Dave, and keep up the good work. You are a great and important part of our community, and this article just proves that once again.

Kenny
National Speed Sport News
Manzanita Closing Feels Like A 'Kick In The Gut'

by david Argabrigh — last modified 2009-03-17 05:50

Pain, Shock And A Bad Case Of The Blues

The news was like a kick in the gut, delivering pain and shock and a bad case of the blues. Manzanita Speedway is closing after nearly 60 years of memorable racing action, with the final race to be held on April 11.

What a rotten, stinking piece of news.

Manzy wasn't just another race track. It was the stuff of legends, delivering powerful memories and experiences to generations of racers and fans. It was unique, with the junkyard just beyond the third and fourth turn, and the clear, arid night air. No doubt about it; Manzanita was unlike any other track in the world.

If you wrote a book about the most important venues in American short-track racing — particularly open-wheel racing — Manzanita would be one of the premier chapters. It holds an indispensable position of importance, particularly with the advent of the inaugural Western World Championship in 1968.

That race put "outlaw" sprint-car racing on the map, and created a national event that helped launch the World of Outlaws. Without the Western World, there might not be a World of Outlaws; without Manzy, there is no Western World.

So this is progress, with money wiping away an irreplaceable landmark in order to park semi-trucks. What a world we live in. I understand business, and I understand finances. I realize that sometimes the value of a piece of property is simply worth more than that which can be generated by a race track. I get it. But I don't have to like it.

Ultimately, I'm glad it wasn't my decision to make; I'm glad I'm not the man who signed the death warrant. Rich or not, I would hate to lay my head down each night knowing I killed something as wonderful and meaningful as Manzanita.

I feel badly for three different groups. First, for the older folks who forged fantastic memories in the '50s and '60s and '70s, memories that will never dim. However, their great memories were especially sweet because they could always return to the scene and bask in the reflected glory. Secondly, I feel badly for contemporary fans and racers, who today look to Manzy as an important place to race. Never mind all the history; these folks depended on Manzanita a few dozen times a year for competition, excitement and simply a place where they wanted to be. And perhaps most of all, I feel badly for future generations, who will never know the exciting thrill of hearing a race car coming off that fourth corner, hearing Windy McDonald giving us an unforgettable call on the microphone, all under a jet-black night sky with distant lights silhouetting the mountains to the south.

My memories of Manzanita? I could write a book, and I'm only a Manzy lightweight. I merely visited a few dozen times; far less than our Western friends who lived — and died — at that great oval. As I sit here with a hollow feeling in my heart, I wonder if another area track can rise to somewhat fill the void. Even though we are losing a tremendous institution, at the very least I hope the Arizona racing scene can move on and continue to be strong and vibrant. It's tempting to hop on an airplane and get to Manzy for the last race. I won't, though, because I'm not quite up to saying goodbye. Too much sadness, too much resentment, too many moments wondering why.

Instead, I'll remember the great things. Parking across from the track as the evening sun faded, and as I crossed the street wondering exactly where Dick Sutcliffe landed along 35th Avenue. Looking at the irrigation canal along the pit entrance, knowing that we're certainly not in Indiana any more. Walking across the backstretch, marveling at the wonderful history that has happened here. Hearing Evelyn Pratt barking over the pit speakers, "And you'd better get that first heat lined up right NOW, gentlemen!" The aroma of barbecue ribs. The nip of the desert air at night.

Entering the little officials' box, getting a chill up my back from Windy's wonderful dialogue on the PA. Wandering through the crowded concourse behind the grandstand during intermission, with happy race fans chattering and creating as happy a scene as you'll ever find at a race track.

Gone. All gone.

You know, I'm suddenly not interested in listening to people nit-pick about their local race track, complaining about everything but the hot dog relish. To have a sturdy, healthy local race track is a great luxury, yet it's fleeting. No guarantees. One minute you think it will be there forever, and the next minute…

All I know for sure is this: After April 11, 35th and Broadway becomes just another crummy, run-down corner in a city that is infinitely less interesting. You had a great run, Manzanita. The promoters who believed in you and kept you alive; the racers who tried their best to tame you; and the fans who were loyal through years and years and years; all of them, today they weep.

Me, too

[Augie]

In my Speed Sport it was writen by Dave Argabright.

Originally Posted by Augie In my Speed Sport it was writen by Dave Argabright.

Hey Augie, I just copied and pasted that from a local AZ site,below.
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/p...ost?id=3378499


It does sound like Dave doesn't it? I can't find it on the speed sports web site. Maybe they don't show the recent one's unless you have a subscription?

I've posted this on a few other sites, could you please send my the one with the byline with Dave's name? I will need to correct this...Strange deal.

Thanks Augie, it was edited..

Kenny

This is what I got from who posted it..No help there..
Yes, I was confused too. In the NSSN paper it says Dave Argabright, when I went to the online version so I could copy and paste- it came up that way with Mike Kerchner as author. ???

Kenny

Can't tell you how disappointed I am with the response. I've been sitting in the stands with some of you guy's for years at the Copper World Classic and Manzanita. I was born back there, and I always thought you we're stand up guys. We are one of the few non wing area's left in the states. I alway wondered why those Pennsylvania boy's went with the wing. Mmmmm

Oh, well...Maybe it ain't nothin to you, and maybe that's why we're in trouble as a sport..

[Gasman fan 50]

From northern Cal. We did our job. Over 40 races there sense 89. Not cheap to see nonwing racing, but SW sure helped us out. After Ascot, Manzy, who would think Calistoga would be the last one around.
Will be there on the 11th to say good by.:crying:

[AustinSprinter]

Originally Posted by Gasman fan 50 From northern Cal. We did our job. Over 40 races there sense 89. Not cheap to see nonwing racing, but SW sure helped us out. After Ascot, Manzy, who would think Calistoga would be the last one around. Will be there on the 11th to say good by.:crying:

Hey Joe...Hows retirement??....be look'n for ya there!!....I'll be there on Fri am...n' hang'n at VFW,4008 W.McDowell by 43rd,602-269-8005....I'll buy 1st one!!.......
___________
Brucer'