The search for lost and forgotten speedways continues - Rochester 1925

[lynchmobb]

For the indoor races at the Rochester War memorial, they ran around 1964-65. The mini Stocks followed after the TQ's. Bobby Hamilton won most of the races in the TQ's. I have a recent program from the Baltimore indoor races that show all the stats for the east coast indoor midget races over the years, if anyone is interested. I remember that they used to put plywood down on the floor for the War Memorial races. As someone already mentioned, at least one of the TQ races was shown on Wide World of Sports. I seem to remember that the mini stocks had to have some type of catalytic converter installed to keep the fumes under control.

 

[boxscar15]

Half fast Bob,I seem to remember my Dad taking me to an indoor midget race in the late 50s,I think it was at the rochester war memorial. They laid plywood over the ice.The cars were powered by Crosleys and Harleys.One of the drivers was named Garcia and he pitched for the Cleveland Indians I can't remember what I did yesterday but I remember this.Any idea if I'm right?  Sorry if I got off the topic of this thread. Thanks Joe

 

[Half Fast Bob]

boxscar15 -

The driver you are referring to is Mike Garcia, who raced midgets simultaneously throughout his professional pitching career. Mike was with the Cleveland Indians from 1948 - 1959, the Chicago White Sox in 1960 and the Washington Senators in 1961.

What we know about the history of the War Memorial is this...

The War Memorial was nothing but an idea on paper in 1952. The original building at that location was a farmers market and trade center for local merchants. The War Memorial as we know it today opened for business in 1955.

The earliest I have been able to confirm racing at the War Memorial is 1964 under the promotion of Jim Vollertson. Jim held midget racing through 1967 according to newspaper articles and history of events conducted there.

I have heard on more than one occasion that midget races were held there in the 50's as well, but I haven't been able to establish a date yet. One of the people who told me this was my father. He and his step father were fans of the wrestling scene both locally and nationally in the 50s, and would have attended the bigger events there. Dad and his step father also attended races at Spencer and Monroe County Fairgounds, so they probably would have attended an indoor show of midgets at the War Memorial too. Unfortunately, Dad passed away almost 2 years ago, so asking for further details isn't possible.

I'll keep digging though.

 

[leadfoot4]

Does anyone here know anyone that attended the indoor midget races at the War Memorial? I'm told this could have been as recent as the 60s.

Saturday, January 25th, 1964 was the first time Midgets ran indoors at the Rochester War Memorial.

And I was there that evening....

 

[boxscar15]

HFBob,thanks for the info,it seems the race was in the late 50;s My father raced at monroe county and spencer.  Thanks again,anything I can do to  help you,just ask!!

 

[Half Fast Bob]

My father raced at monroe county and spencer. 

Who was your father and what car did he drive?

 

[boxscar15]

His name was Frank Bachmann, he ran at monroe county,I have no memory of his car .Somewhere I have his very early nascar license.Mom and I sat with the wives of Bliss and Fran Jesky. I was real young,but I remember Dutch,Elmer Musclow and others, Barkley was the starter.I'll try to find his license.