Lost Speedways Returns for 2022

With the end of another racing season on the horizon, attention is turning to off-season activities. And at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, nothing is more popular than the “Saturday after Thanksgiving” Lost Speedways program.

“We came back strong last November after losing a year to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said event organizer Ron Hedger. “But this year will rank among our best programs ever as we look at a wide swath of the past as well as peer into the future.”

Opening the program will be the always popular “Motorcycle Guy,” Mark Supley. But for 2022 his focus will change, as he has also begun restoring Soap Box Derby cars and researching past activities in the region.

Next up will be Mike Zagata, who will take listeners back to the glory days of the old Fonda Speedway Drag Strip with assistance from photographer Frank Simek, who pulled a treasure trove of old photos from his archives to illustrate Zagata’s presentation. The photos run from Zagata’s personal cars to shots of NHRA superstar Shirley ‘Cha Cha’ Muldowney’s early days to some amazing home built creations.

Following intermission, attention will turn to the future with interviews of two of the regions up and coming stars, Jack Lehner and Jack Speshock. Both are favorites at the nearby Albany-Saratoga Speedway, especially with younger fans, and current plans are for their cars to be on display as well.

“We want people to know that Lost Speedways isn’t only for ‘old guys,’ said Hedger. “The two Jack’s represent the future of area racing, as many of the current favorites are edging towards retirement. And they have a different view of the sport as well, as to them the ‘old days’ are ten years ago, not 50 or 75.”

The final segment of Lost Speedways 2022 will look back on Fifty Years of Super DIRT Week with a panel of SDW winners. Rob Yetman has won at both Syracuse and Oswego in the Pro Stocks, Rocky Warner has been to Syracuse’s Victory Lane in both the Pro Stocks and Sportsman races and Kenny Tremont Jr won both the 358 modified and big block 200 races on the historic Syracuse mile.

“I hope to have another big favorite from the Syracuse days join the panel as well,” added Hedger. “When everything is in place, we’ll announce his name along with further details on the day’s events. In the meantime, fans should mark November 26th on their calendar with a big star.”

Attendees will also appreciate seeing a great addition to the Racing in New York gallery, the offset supermodified that the legendary Nolan Swift drove from two laps down to win the International Classic at Oswego Speedway. Lovingly restored by master craftsman Steve Miller of Mexico, NY, the car will move to Saratoga after completion of its summer/early fall outdoor display schedule.

More information on all Saratoga Automobile Museum activities is available online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org.