Book tells story of Dayton’s racing history

From Mutt Anderson to Len Zengel, the Dayton area is a who’s who of rich racing history from national competitors to regional champions to local legends. And now all that history can be found in one place.

Local racing historians Bill Holder and Rick Patterson, with help from a hard-working pit crew, have compiled Dayton’s racing history — with a radius of 50 miles or so — in “Dayton, Ohio: Race Town!”

The 134-page book of lists gives brief descriptions of everything racing from tracks, drivers (stock, open wheel, Indy, drag, off-road and more), engine builders, vintage ownership and corporate connections among other topics.

Ever wonder who won more features, Dick Dunlevy or his son Dick Dunlevy Jr.? It’s in there. Want to know more about Clifford Littrell, one of the best mechanics at Stoddard-Dayton who met an unfortunate end as the first casualty of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? He’s in there too.

For more information or to order a book, call Holder at 937-233-0924.

Proceeds benefit the Dayton Auto Racing Fan Club’s injured drivers fund.

Books can also be purchased at the Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carrillon Park on Sept. 17. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holder will be there with an all-star racing cast. Scheduled to appear are Indianapolis 500 historian Donald Davidson and racing greats Tom Bigelow, Jack Hewitt, Greg Leffler and Larry Moore.

In addition to the racing, the Wright “B” Flyer will make a flyover at noon, weather permitting. Nearly 200 antique and classic autos, motorcycles and race cars will be on display.

For more information regarding the Concours, go to www.daytonconcours.com or call 937-293-2841.

Eldora Speedway: It's the last tune-up for the World 100 dirt late model race as Eldora hosts the Baltes Classic on Sunday. The Sunoco American Late Models, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds and Eldora stocks are on the schedule. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. with hot laps at 6 and racing at 7:30.

Winchester Speedway: The World Stock Car Festival hits Winchester, running Saturday through Monday. The JEGS All Star Tour and Vore's FWD Compacts run features Sunday. Also Sunday, it's the CRA Super Series, Winchester Modifieds, Vore's FWD Compacts, Thunder Roadsters, CRA Late Model Sportsman and CRA Street Stocks. Gates open at 10 a.m.

Kil-Kare Dragway: The Labor Day Classic presented by Loose Rocker Promotions hits the strip for what was expected to be a three-day show. Rain is expected Friday so that day's activities have been canceled. Saturday's show is expected to start in the afternoon, followed by Sunday's show. For more information visit LooseRocker.com.

Shady Bowl Speedway: Five classes are in action Saturday as the late models, modifieds, street stocks, pure stocks and compacts hit the track. Racing starts at 7 p.m.

Edgewater Sports Park: Saturday action returns with UMTR racing as well as super pro, pro, sportsman, junior dragsters and motorcycles. Gates open at 2 p.m. with time trials at 2:30 and racing at 6:30.

Waynesfield Raceway Park: The Summer Sprint Sizzler kicks up the dirt at Waynesfield on Sunday with the NRA Sprint Invaders, FAST 410 sprints, FAST 305 sprints and AMSA Mini Sprints. Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6 and racing at 7.

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