History 1940's? Hot Rod footage from California

No earlier than Jul. 46.

 

D'oh...correct. I was going solely by the cars and OTTOMH (actually, the cars look more like pre-WWII roadsters from Nor Cal).

Tom Motter's Oakland Stadium book mentions roadsters being run as exhibition races as early as September of 1946 with weekly racing in 1947 sanctioned by NCRRA (Northern California Roadster Racing ***ociation) races. So, Ruttman, Rathmann, Ayulo, McGrath aren't likely. Unfortunately, as good as Tom Motter's book is, no results, so it might be difficult to pinpoint the exact date.

 

Thanks I love these old films

 

I liked the hay bales wired to the light poles...

 

haha. sir mix-a-lots "big ****s" could probably smoooooth out any kind of footage, however i went with something closer to the period. Arthur Smith's "Guitar Boogie" from 1945. (your suggestion to check out Billboard charts from the 1940s was a great idea). I've started a new thread with the HD version of the footage. thanks! Rob. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=846788

 

I'm nearly 100% sure the track IS Oakland and NOT Bonelli stadium (Saugus Speedway). From day one Bonelli always had low grandstands surrounding most of the track and we don't see this in the movie.

 

Thanks for the post. Looks like there was a shortage of spectators on the back straight away.

 

and in other Oakland Stadium related news. Found this cool, old race program for sale on Ebay:

 

cool video. Oakland was the first thing I thought when I saw the hills in the background. the area became a mall in the 70's and now is empty with an odd array of businesses and a police department.

 

what are those crazy 3 wheeled pointy trike things at 2:00, look like some kinda belly tank?

 

Definitely Oakland Stadium , the background hills and the high banked wall give it away! Also the Cabins at the beginning were located on East 14th street across from the track.