Comments on: Iowa – 94 Years Of Open-Wheel History

By: Jim Volgarino

Jim Volgarino — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:23 +0000

Have begun research on the 35 year history of Tunis Speedway in Waterloo, Iowa, at the time the longest operating dirt track in the state and home to quite a number of competitive drivers. Any additional information anyone has of this track and its history would be greatly appreciated. Below is link to a specific Facebook link page where quite a bit of information has already been posted.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/178616285607374/

By: James Sheets

James Sheets — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:48:45 +0000

I am haveing trouble finding a history of auto racing i Des Moines in the 50′s 60′s.I used to go to Pioneer race track to watch my dad and uncle race there cars.Drivers like Lou Jenkins,Wayne Chadwick,Paul Dant,Sonny Helms.Akk these drivers raced in Des Moines and central Iowa.I would like to find histories and photos.Can you help me???? JIM

By: Unassembled

Unassembled — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:09:37 +0000

I’m looking for information about the 1965 Iowa Fair IMCA sprint car race held August 2, 1965. In particular, I am looking for the starting line-up of the heat or consolation races, or time trials, in which Mac (Mack) Terry, from Torrance, CA, participated. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance.

By: Bill H

Bill H — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:02:30 +0000

I enjoyed reading the article, but the first race in Iowa occurred in 1902 at an old mile horse track in Davenport. Also, AAA ran a race in 1904 in Red Oak, Iowa, and it was Eddie Rickenbacker’s first race. AAA made a number of other stops in Iowa and ran a 100-mile race at a mile track north of Sioux City on July 4, 1914, won by Eddie Rickenbacker. I have all the black and white photos of that race. There were a number of other AAA events between those two races. Also, the International Motor Contest Association was formed in 1911 and ran many open wheel events in Iowa prior to the 1915 race.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:32:40 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement and kind words guys. And a big thanks to George for sharing his platform with me for a day.

By: bickelmom

bickelmom — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:01:01 +0000

What a great article! I love getting the history of different places. As an Indy resident, I hear a lot of IMS history, but I rarely see stories of other places. Thanks, Tom (and George for the continually awesome blog).

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:21:24 +0000

This has become my favorite IndyCar blog, also.

By: redd carr

redd carr — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:36:11 +0000

great story, tom. you’re setting a high standard, oilpressure. keep up the good work.

By: Travis R

Travis R — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:28:35 +0000

Thanks for sharing this great story! Oilpressure has become my favorite IRL blog. Keep up the great work, George and Tom!

Just to add my 2 cents: If you like motorsports history and are going to Iowa Speedway this weekend, do yourself a favor – head down to Knoxville Raceway for some Saturday night sprint car racing and visit the Sprint Car Hall of Fame (http://www.sprintcarhof.com/). It’s worth the trip!

By: John McLallen

John McLallen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:12 +0000

I think that I enjoy that the history of this sport as well as the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is such a huge part of OilPressure.com. For those that share this same enthusiasm that I find here, then I recommend reading Wilbur Shaw’s book, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”