Lost Speedways’ Interest At Saratoga Auto Museum Reaches Record Level

Story By: RON HEDGER / SARATOGA AUTO MUSEUM – SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – From inquiries received and conversations with “racing people” in the region, interest in the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Lost Speedways program on Saturday, November 24th appears to be at a record level.

“We’ve had great guests in the past but the addition of Albany-Saratoga Speedway promoter Lyle DeVore, mini-stock king Bob Hackel and DIRT Hall of Fame driver CD Coville to longtime presenters Ken Parrotte and Bill Ladabouche gave us a combination that appeals to everyone,” summed up event organizer Ron Hedger. “Add in the fact that the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions after each segment and you have an outstanding opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with all five guests.”

Thanks to Bob James of Bobco Video, videos featuring racing legends CD Coville and Jack Johnson will be run on the big screen beginning at 10 am. From 11:15 am, memorabilia will be on display in the main gallery, with attendees encouraged to bring their own treasures to share with other enthusiasts.

The memorabilia area will also feature a table manned by noted author Lew Boyd, who will be on hand to unveil his new book on the Lebanon Valley Speedway and offer other hits like Gary Balough’s memoirs to the racing public. Chris Grady will also be on hand with his huge collection of vintage photos.

On the culinary front, beverages, barbeque and other lunch offerings will again be available from the great crew at Dinosaur Barbeque.

The day’s featured presentations will begin at 12:30 pm, opening with Vermont’s Bill Ladabouche offering a look at his area’s rather primitive cars of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. He will be followed by Ken Parrotte’s review of AAA and USAC championship car events on the historic Syracuse mile and Bob Hackel, who will discuss his father’s racing exploits and promotion of the Burden Lake Speedway with host Ron Hedger.

Following intermission, the program will continue with Hedger interviewing 2017 Northeast Region Promoter of the Year Lyle DeVore about his time working with two notable promoters, the late CJ Richards and Alex Friesen. Lost Speedways will then conclude with the traditional driver interview session featuring modified legend C.D. Coville, highlighted by a trove of old photos provided by photographer George Smith.

As always, there is no extra admission charge for the museum’s most popular annual event. Regular adult and senior admission charges will prevail, with members admitted free of charge. And visitors will also be among the first to view the new Golub Gallery exhibit “Vintage: Celebrating 60 Years of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America.”