History Defunct racetrack--Vanishing Americana--part 4

This chapter in my continuing series on old Kansas racetracks features our hometown track right here in Salina, KS. Closed forever, abandoned and possibly in foreclosure, this track was built in the 1960's by a local pair of brothers (still active) on land that was part of the old Schilling Air Force base just southwest of Salina. The ownership had changed hands over the years and was in business until the last 4 years or so when a new track was built 20 miles north. No longer to compete this one was closed down and allowed to sit idle. I hope you enjoy the photos. <center>
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Looks like a Jalopy Showdown style event waiting to happen....

 

this building looks like it was part of the military base and you can barely see the old base 2 miles away in the distance which was a missile command center as well as an air force base for B-52 bombers. <center>
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I know !!!! I thought that while walking around there today.

 

Great looking photos....thanks for sharing. Kinda looks like time just stood still there........

 

Here is a video taken not too long ago I would guess. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG6coPKFTyI Kinda brings the old track to life somewhat.

 

Part one of my series here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466318 Part two of my series here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466779 part three of my series here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470599

 

more pics <center>
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what a waste. Would be a good place to race motorized bicycles. And remember, brakes are for *****s

 

Ha ha!! I love my motorized bike. I'm gonna build you one and we will race in Salina in July Bob!

 

I fear our 3/8 mile track may meet the same fate. No races scheduled this summer, except for flattrack motorcycles during the fair, and possibly the vintage dirt cars June 8th, the evening after our downtown car show. The fair board claims greedy promoters are the reason, they don't make enough money to pay the insurance after the promoter takes his share of the spectator gate money, and they can't find anyone to do it for less.

 

Dang, that's bad Chris.

 

That's a ****** shame.

 

Spent many, many Saturday nights at Salina Speedway. In the 80's late models (before IMCA modifieds) would come from all over the U.S. to run that track. Brings back alot of memories... That was one of the fastest 3/8 mile in the country!

 

Found another video of the track. Not the greatest one but shows alot of activity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko_oojx7uIQ&feature=related

 

Not time, just track maintenance. That's what the place looked like for at least the last 2-3 years it was open. It had really turned into a dump, and the promoters were unwilling to make any investments. They figured they had the market cornered, why worry? Then a new track was built 20 miles north in Minneapolis, KS.

 

I can't even begin to count the number of Saturday nights I spent there in the early to mid 90's, and Dad's told me stories about taking me there as wee lad as well. I haven't made it up to the new track yet but I hear that it is very nice, when I drive by something just seems missing though.