ÜberDoober
03-14-2009, 01:42 PM
I found this news today and it made me sad.
Manzanita Speedway is closing for good on April 11.
Other than moto-cross races and observed trials events, Manzanita has a fond spot in my heart as some of my earliest memories involved with motorsports. I remember having to get a big deal notarized waiver to get into the pits for sprint car races when I was just 15 (1970). A friend of the family drove a race car there and I spent so many Saturday nights at Manzy as an insider, it isn't even funny. I saw terrible things there that will stick with me for always like a sprint car jump the fence out of four and land upside down in the grandstands and an impromptu amputation with a pair of dykes to extract a driver. I also have many good memories of riding in push trucks and being in the pit of a winning driver.
There was also a lot of motorcycle racing at Manzy in the '70's. They usually ran TT races with a jump where the track came across the 1/8th mile oval. Big Triumph twins, Bultaco Pursangs and just about everything in between...I loved Manzy on the weekends.
I am sad to see a local landmark go by the wayside and think of the last time I was there two years ago for a World of Outlaws race. When I walked into the track, memories of my youth flooded back - the place had hardly changed at all. So, long time locals, shed a tear and tip a glass in salute to an old friend.
Farewell, Manzy. Thanks for the memories.
News story on SPEEDtv.com - http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...edway-closing/ (http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/dirt-manzanita-speedway-closing/)
Manzanita Speedway is closing for good on April 11.
Other than moto-cross races and observed trials events, Manzanita has a fond spot in my heart as some of my earliest memories involved with motorsports. I remember having to get a big deal notarized waiver to get into the pits for sprint car races when I was just 15 (1970). A friend of the family drove a race car there and I spent so many Saturday nights at Manzy as an insider, it isn't even funny. I saw terrible things there that will stick with me for always like a sprint car jump the fence out of four and land upside down in the grandstands and an impromptu amputation with a pair of dykes to extract a driver. I also have many good memories of riding in push trucks and being in the pit of a winning driver.
There was also a lot of motorcycle racing at Manzy in the '70's. They usually ran TT races with a jump where the track came across the 1/8th mile oval. Big Triumph twins, Bultaco Pursangs and just about everything in between...I loved Manzy on the weekends.
I am sad to see a local landmark go by the wayside and think of the last time I was there two years ago for a World of Outlaws race. When I walked into the track, memories of my youth flooded back - the place had hardly changed at all. So, long time locals, shed a tear and tip a glass in salute to an old friend.
Farewell, Manzy. Thanks for the memories.
News story on SPEEDtv.com - http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...edway-closing/ (http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/dirt-manzanita-speedway-closing/)