I've been researching the 35 year history of the former Tunis Speedway in Waterloo, Iowa. The 1/4 mile (later 3/8 mile) dirt track spawned a number of talented drivers and was built in 1948, closing for good in 1983. Judd Tunis, who built the track on his land, was not a car guy, but was convinced that a dirt track would attract drivers. For the next 35 years the drivers did come, some of them for the very first time with experience that was gained only on the streets and dirt roads around the track. It was a hot rodder's dream and hundreds of drivers made their first appearances at Tunis before moving into other midwest venues. More information about the history and the book being produced can be found at www.tunisspeedway.com. Hot rodding at its best!!
Wow......sounds like a great project Jim. We built and owned a car that raced there in 1966. #43 1957 Chevrolet driven by Pat "Blackie" Lyons of Cascade Iowa. We were mediocre at best as we were young kids just out of high school trying to do full time college and build race cars at the same time. We bought an old worn out engine from Red Droste and the remains of front suspension and rear quickchange from Lee Kunzman......so we had parts with great pedigrees but still worn out !! We built the car in a shed on a farm like lots of other competitors of that era. We also raced in Cedar Rapids at Hawkeye Downs and at Monticello Ia as well as other tracks on a one time basis. How ironic......our youngest daughter has decided that I am a serious hoarder......so her goal is to simplify my life in 2015 starting with our basement. I just went thru boxes and boxes of stuff including Hawkeye Racing News from 1966 to 1974. I am making NO progress since I sit down and start re-reading every issue instead of just tossing them !! Look forward to buying your book.
Tunis l965 season championship left to right- Bill Connally, Cal Swanson, Darrel Dake, Len Blankenship, Red Droste, Bill McDonough.
The Jalopy Journal
