Check out those stands from 1961Contributed by John Surges
After WWII auto racing was a favorite form of entertainment in the United States. People came out in droves to the tracks throughout the country. From Indy to the short track bullrings the stands were packed five to six nights a week. Fans were eager to cheer on their heroes while watching them risk their lives in these home built machines.

The pits were packed too!This was also the case in southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois where there were many tracks to choose from. Hales Corners, Cedarburg, Beaver Dam, Slinger, State Fair Park, Wilmot, Waukegan, Rockford, Lake Geneva, Plymouth, Oakfield, Oshkosh, Franksville, 151, 141, ... these were the places to be during the 50's and 60's. A special breed of men were involved in auto racing during this time. They built their own cars during the winter months from parts found in junkyards, raced and maintained them five to six nights a week during the summer months while holding down a full time job and raising a family at the same time. It's hard to think of doing that nowadays. Sometimes we find it hard to attend even one race on a weekend especially with the number of tracks that have diminished over the recent years. Tack on increased costs and the gas it takes to get to a track it makes matters even worse. I think that is why I do so much reminiscing about the good old days of racing and realize just how important that time in our local racing history is.

Photo from the Hall of FameA couple of years ago a number of us got together to form the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame. We wanted a place to honor our heroes and others who helped pave the way for the stars of the future. It is also a place to educate the younger race fans about where it all began.

Photo from the Hall of FameAs of this writing there are six vintage modified stock cars on display along with the largest collection of racing memorabilia in Wisconsin. There are currently 40 inductees featured in the HoF with another 10 to be inducted in November of 2009. The Hall of Fame is located inside the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford Wisconsin and is open to the public throughout the year. Stop in and take a trip back in time, you'll be glad you did! Visit us at www.sewishorttrackhof.com.