Lost Speedways will be held on Saturday, November 30. The program will open with a Mark Supley look at motorcycle racing in a segment titled “Motorcycle Madness.” He will be followed by newcomer Paul Malecki, who has completed exhaustive research on the history of the long-defunct Altamont Fairgrounds Speedway, the site of big car races featuring regional drivers, AAA events and even NASCAR’s top division over the years.
Host Ron Hedger’s interviews with a pair of regional legends will round out the program. First up will be Dickie Larkin, who had to cancel a scheduled appearance in the past due to a last-minute conflict. Known for his success on the Empire State’s small block scene early in his career driving the famed “Yellow Banana” Ford Falcon, Larkin went on to great success in the big blocks at Lebanon Valley Speedway, where he had a huge fan base. He also has great stories to tell of his exploits on the Syracuse mile, where he was always a contender.
The program will end with Lebanon Valley hero, John Flach Jr., who had great success on the high banks, then retired at a relatively young age. The 2019 season found Flach back behind the wheel in vintage events, with wins everywhere the group went, all the time wearing a huge smile. Lost Speedways visitors will certainly enjoy his recollections of the past and the story of his return to racing.
Other highlights of the program will include the annual display of memorabilia that participants bring to share and a quick look at vintage photos from western New York showing the rustic cars used long ago. Additionally, a short home movie of Fonda time trials back in the 1960’s and a Billy Rafter win on the Syracuse mile will be run at noon, before the formal presentations start.
Since the program takes most of the day, lunch is a priority as well and for 2019, one of area’s finest caterers will be on hand to refuel attendees.
“Mama Mia’s Ristorante provided the meals for our volunteers at the third annual Saratoga Auto Auction and the food was outstanding,” said Lost Speedways organizer Ron Hedger. “Before the auction was even complete, I asked Giuseppe to offer a variety of lunch items during the program and he readily agreed. He’s a major part of many of our events and I’m sure everyone will love his offerings.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum will open at 10 a.m., and memorabilia will be on display starting at 11 a.m. with the formal presentations beginning at 12:30 p.m. Regular Museum admission rates apply, with Museum members admitted free of charge.