Whatever happened to …

… Checker Flag Speedway?

If you’re a fan of racing, then today’s your day. It starts early but, if you’re committed to the sport, you can watch on television

• Grand Prix of Monaco
• Indianapolis 500
• Coca-Cola 600

I have my chair ready.

There was a time when I didn’t have to go all that far to watch great racing. When I moved to Essex County and let my students know that I was a fan of racing, they were quick to point out that I needed to go to Checker Flag Speedway “out by the airport”. One of my student’s father raced there as a hobby. I was offered a job working in the pits. (I passed)

There’s just something intimate about smaller tracks. The price of entry is very affordable, the racing every bit as competitive, and the hot dogs just taste better! And yes, there are the odd crashes that happen.

In terms of society getting better, often innovations are tried out on racing cars before they ever get to the family vehicle.

Sadly, Checker Flag is no longer in operation. But, there are alternatives within driving distance.

• Buxton Raceway
• Grand Bend Motorplex
• Delaware Speedway
• Varney Motor Speedway

And, there’s kind of a big deal race that happens on Belle Isle in Detroit. Even if you just like the sound of engines, you can hear them from Riverside Drive in Windsor.

Heck, if you just like the smell of burning rubber, there’s always the Comber Fair.

Your thoughts for a Sunday?

• Do you remember Checker Flag Speedway?
• Have you ever gone to a local or not-so-local local short track speedway?
• Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a vehicle at those speeds?
• Is there a local track that you know of that I haven’t listed above?
• Do these names have a significance to you? La Rascasse, Piscine, Anthony Noghes, Mirabeau
• Do you know what a train race is?
• Do you think that motor racing is in danger as a sport with the higher price of gasoline and our concerns about environment?

As always, please share your thoughts via comment below.