My dad and I were there one time for an All-Star race and unfortunately it was the last season they were open. I wish we would have gone there sooner....it was a neat joint! I remember walking the pits after the races and we were talking with Leonard McCarl. I was only 12 or so and was pretty shy and he asked if I wanted a soda. I said no, that's ok and he jumped all over my ass saying, "why the f_ck not, its free!" or something like that...so I grab a soda...LOL...for some reason that memory stuck with me. I also remember Jack Hewitt bouncing off the walls at the apex of the corners all night! Good stuff.
I am very proud to say that Springfield Speedway was the "fix" that has gotten me so addicted to racing, an addiction I am not soon going to try and combat. It is such a shame that is no more. The USAC shows are what we made and walking around the pits were so much fun after the races. We would always pick up tear offs on the track on our way to the pits. WIshed I could have gotten some of the drivers back then to autograph them but when you are 8 years old you are too busy being awe struck meeting the drivers.
Sure wish that track was around. This track has taught me one important thing: We need to save our tracks. I feel for so many of the fans at Manzy when it closed.
