Story By: RON HEDGER / SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM – SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – With Thanksgiving Weekend on the horizon, arrangements are complete for the annual Racing Memories program at the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
Set for Saturday, November 30, 2024, the popular program, formerly titled Lost Speedways, will once again fill the museum with racing enthusiasts, drivers, memorabilia collectors and at least one well-known promoter. And as a bonus, attendees will be among the first to view the newly opened Golub Gallery exhibit “Evolution of Performance and Design.”
“I know I’ve said it before, but I really think this could be the best program ever” offered event organizer Ron Hedger. “We have Ken Parrotte looking at a great era of the Indianapolis 500 and Mark Supley, the ‘Motorcycle Guy,’ back with a segment on side-car racing. Racing historian Herb Anastor will be here to talk about the fabled Formula Libre race at Lime Rock Park where Rodger Ward beat the world’s best sports car racers with Ken Brenn’s midget. And to put that presentation over the top, Keith Majka will have the beautifully restored Brenn midget on hand so that everyone, whether a road racing enthusiast or an oval racing fan, can check it out.
“On the interview front, I’ll talk with modified star Demetrious Drellos, who will bring along his uncle, Dan Drellos, to share memories of his grandfather Chris’ famed #11 and #111 coupes wheeled by such notables as Kenny Shoemaker and Pete Corey. I’ll also interview promoter Brett Deyo about his Short Track Super Series and his weekly promotions at Fonda and Utica-Rome.
“And as the grand finale, we’ll have popular drivers Brian Ross, Phil Spiak, Nick Ronca and Jack Halloran on hand for a panel discussion of the early NASCAR era at the then newly opened asphalt Albany-Saratoga Speedway.”
As always, attendees will be allowed to ask the presenters a few questions following each of the segments.
Admission for the event can be obtained ahead of time on the museum website, www.saratogaautomuseum.org or at the door. As always, museum members are free.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park, just off Exit 13N of I-87, the Adirondack Northway. Doors open at 10 am with the formal presentations set to begin at 11:45.
A variety of food and beverages from West Avenue Pizza will once again be available in the museum lobby during the event.