Historians delve into Dayton’s racing past

From Delco to drag races held on U.S. 35 decades ago, the Dayton area has left a lasting impression on racing history.

Local racing historians Bill Holder and Rick Patterson, with help from photographer Phil Kunz and editor Cheryl Dalhamer, have delved into Dayton’s racing history with the book “Dayton, Ohio – Race Town.” The book, expected to be released later this summer, is a comprehensive listing of the Dayton area’s contributions to the sport including drivers, car owners, crew members, race teams, tracks, businesses and technology among other subjects.

The book covers a 50-mile radius around Dayton and goes back to the 1800s.

“It’s just a great history. … This was one of the first- or second-most important race-technology cities in the country with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Delco and UD,” Holder said.

The book is being produced in cooperation with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Anyone with a submission request or story about Dayton’s racing history should contact Holder at 937-233-0924.

Indy 500 historian here: Donald Davidson, the popular historian at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will be the guest speaker at the Dayton Auto Racing Fan Club (DARF) membership meeting Tuesday. Meetings are held at the Rip Rap Roadhouse, 6024 Rip Rap Road in Dayton, and are open to the public. Meetings start at 7 p.m.

Davidson has served as the full-time historian at IMS and hosts the popular The Talk of Gasoline Alley radio show during the month of May.

“I’ve known for a long time that Dayton was a huge racing town,” Donaldson said during a past visit. “I’m mostly about the people and the past. Not just drivers but the media and the broadcasters. There are several I remember very fondly from Dayton. I’ve got a lot of Dayton stories.”

Daytona viewing party: DARF is hosting a Daytona 500 viewing party Sunday at Little York Tavern and Pizza, located at 4120 Little York Road in Dayton. The event, open to the public, also offers a raffle and door prizes. Doors open at noon. The 59th running of the Daytona 500 starts at 2 p.m.

Piqua hosts car show: The 14th annual Race Cars and Future Stars Expo will be held March 17-19 at the Miami Valley Centre in Piqua. Spots are still available to display race cars of any division and style. Race tracks are also welcome to participate.

Entry fee is $20 ($15 for additional entries) and the deadline is March 10. All proceeds benefit charity.

To register or for more information, contact Steve Stiefel at 937-606-1088 or by email at raceexpo@hotmail.com.

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