What was once a large plot of farmland owned by the Allison and Davis families of Snyder County Pennsylvania, soon became known as, “The Fastest Half-mile on the East Coast”. The land was purchased from the two families in 1941 by the Dauntless Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Department of Selinsgrove for the purpose of hosting the company’s annual carnival. It wasn’t until 1945 that the Selinsgrove Speedway was built under the direction of Joie Chitwood who was a Hollywood stuntman and race car driver from Denison Texas. Races continued to take place regularly at the speedway up until 1959 when the action at the track died down partially due to the abundance of events that took place on the fairgrounds. It wasn’t until 1963 when the track began hosting weekly races again with the help of Chris Economaki who was a pioneer of motorsports writing and served as the track’s announcer during the 50s. Below, will show a multitude of photos describing the location, events, people of the speedway.
The early stages of the construction of the grandstand that were finished in 1948 is shown here. Designed by Mark Starr, these stands are still standing to this day. As popularity for racing grew during the 1940s, the need for additional seating grew as well. With the use of 175,000 feet of lumber, the speedway was able to reach a new capacity of 5,500 spectators.
An action shot of one of the countless races that took place at Selinsgrove Speedway before the grandstands were built. Early on in the racetrack’s creation there was not a very wide range of interest in car racing events. After the speedway had been around for some time, popularity began to grow. In this image the racetrack is visible with a race actively taking place, but there are no spectators due to the absence of the stands.
People park their cars alongside Route 35 right before the beginning of the first ever race at Selinsgrove speedway. About five thousand people came to watch an event where temporary bleaches stood that were meant for at most 3000 people. This was of course, all before the beautiful grandstands were officially installed.
After this specific race, the winner, Dick Tobias, stands here alongside his crew in 1964 with his trophy and the checkered flag. With growing popularity and various levels of races, the Selinsgrove Speedway was given the name, “The Fastest Half-mile on the East Coast” by an unknown source. This nickname helped the speedway gain traction and the amount of people that not only attended from local areas, but all over the country were racing to come get their eyes on an Selinsgrove speedway event.
American race car driver Bill Holland pictured in the Lou Moore-owned Blue Crown Special in Indianapolis in 1948. The first race held at Selinsgrove Speedway took place on July 20, 1946, as an American Automobile Association sanctioned event that was promoted by Sam Nunis. The winner was Bill Holland who went on to win the INDY- 500 in 1949. In 2020, Selinsgrove Speedway Honored Holland by hosting the Bill Holland Classic and hosting, for the first time in decades, the United States Auto Club.
The Selinsgrove fair was held at its new location in 1942. The speedway was used for much more than just races, it was home to the Dauntless Hook and Ladder fire department’s annual carnival. The carnival included live music, stunt shows, animals, and a circus. The carnival would last multiple days allowing for many different kinds of events for all people of all ages which would bring people in from out of town to experience it.
From an aerial view, vintage automobiles pile up to come enjoy a day at the fair and watch the races on what is most likely a hot summer day. More cars can be seen pulling into the lot in anticipation of making a day at the Selinsgrove speedway.
Pictured above is one of the many daredevil stunt driving events that took place over the years at the carnival. This car seen flying through the air as a packed crowd in the grandstands watches in suspense.