‘Lost Speedways 2016’ at Saratoga Automobile Museum

When the green flag flies for the November 26, 2016 "Lost Speedways" program, Saratoga Automobile Museum visitors will enjoy presentations on a variety of gone but not forgotten speedways.

Bill Ladabouche will take the audience back to the days when the top drivers from New York and New England squared off each Thursday night at Vermont's famed Catamount Stadium, while Ken Parrotte will revisit the legendary Maple Grove Raceway in Waterloo, NY. On an entirely different note, Brian Ross will recall the days of 1/4 midget racing with Tommy Kingston, who recently donated his Offeyette, complete with spare parts, to the museum. The race-ready car and photos of it competing near Troy, NY will be on display along with another Offeyette that will be the focus of an upcoming restoration project for area students.

Area Auto Racing News columnist Herb Anastor will journey from Vineland, NJ to share information on board track automobile racing, a subject he recently discussed with host Ray Evernham on his "Americarna" TV show. And closing out the program will be the traditional interview segment, which this year will have a special twist.

"Dave Lape has just finished restoration of his famed #44b that he dominated area speedways with back in 1977," said event organizer Ron Hedger. "When I asked him to loan the car for display in our Racing in New York gallery, Dave immediately said 'Yes,' which set up the perfect combination for Lost Speedways. Dave will be coming to talk about the car, which he ran a single season and won 23 features with, including ten at Fonda. He'll field questions about the #44b and we'll discuss his Hall of Fame career, his promotional ventures with the late Andy Fusco, racing on the Syracuse Mile and other subjects of interest to our audience. It will be a perfect way to end the program, which is always the busiest day of the year at the museum."

In addition to the presentations, visitors are once again encouraged to bring their memorabilia to share with others in what has turned into a "gathering of the clan" on the traditional "Saturday after Thanksgiving" date.

More information on Lost Speedways will be available on the museum website, www.saratogaautomuseum.org, as the date nears.

The mission of the Saratoga Automobile Museum is to preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts. They celebrate the automobile and educate the general public, students and enthusiasts regarding the role of the automobile in New York State and in the wider world. In addition to technical and design aspects, their educational focus is on the past, present and future social and economic impact of the automobile. With a strong focus on safety today on the roads. The Museum is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York Department of Education as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit institution. The Museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the National Association of Automobile Museums (NAAM).