Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Cloverleaf Speedway Hall Of Fame and Reunion

Cloverleaf Speedway, the famed quarter-mile  Cleveland paved oval, will be having their annual reunion and Hall Of Fame this Friday evening, July 20.

Hundreds of drivers, officials, and fans have fond memories of the track, which was in operation from 1960-1990.  A Sunday night mainstay, Cloverleaf also raced on Wednesday nights for several years.

Cloverleaf operated in what I consider The Golden Age of local stock car racing.  Drivers raced two, three or more times a week.  Dirt or asphalt.  Some would run the quarter-mile dirt at Canfield on Saturday, then Cloverleaf's paved quarter on Sunday.  Others ran the big paved half-mile of Heidelberg on Saturday, then go to the tight quarter-mile at Cloverleaf.

"The Leaf" was also part of the three track partnership of Cloverleaf-Lorain-Painesville, of which it was the crown jewel.  It's peak seemed to be in the ORA (Ohio Racing Association) days, with the watchful eyes of Shaver-Eisenhart-Giurukis.  The ORA (an organization, idea, ruling body, that today's paved tracks in Ohio and W. PA could sorely use now), expanded to several Ohio paved tracks in the mid 70s, but Cloverleaf seemed its anchor.

I have many memories of the track, and I would say all of them are good.  The great racing, huge crowds, modern facilities, great food.  One night - I believe in '75 - Sharon Speedway rained out early, and it seemed everyone headed to Cloverleaf to watch.  The stands were full of 'Leaf and Sharon fans, packed to the max.

Relive memories, look at photos and memorabilia, visit with old friends - this Friday evening at the Good Old Daze Tavern, 6001 State Rd., Parma, OH from 5-11 pm.  It is across the street from Shymski's Automotive, where free hot dogs, pizza, and soft drinks will be available. 

This year's inductees into the Hall Of Fame are an impressive group, many bringing bittersweet memories. 

Honored this year are:  Jim Bickerstaff, Jack Chambers, Gene Clark, Tony DeLillo, Walt Ellis, Bobby Giachetti, Nick Giurukis, Wimpy May, and Lew Zane.

Can anyone ever forget the words, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Cloverleaf Speedway!  I'm Bobby Conklin!" ?!

1 comment:

  1. I have a friend named Huey Williams, he always talks about his racing days and he smiles the complete time, if anyone out there remembers him send him a letter, hes is in a little rough condition and his wife is in a nursing home he could really use to hear from old friends, I never raced so i cant help him with that but I can ask all you out there to send him a letter that would be great if you could, his address is 8039 Bellflower rd Mentor ohio 44060 it would warm his heart, and if you now him you know he is one of the nicest people on earth thanks if you can

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