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from: Paul Paschal
to: joel@rockinghamremembered.com
date: Jan 7, 2008 11:02 PM
subject: rockingham speedway ( From Rockingham Remembered )
The old Rockingham Speedway was run and promoted by John McNeill, a
local home builder who built and developed the Deweese Avenue Extension
area. He lived in the first house on the right, just as Deweese Avenue
went down a steep hill. His son was Larry, and a daughter, Ann. If
they stayed in Rockingham, Ann should have graduated in 1965 or 66;
Larry was a couple of years younger. Perhaps others might know their
whereabouts, for additional info and pictures.
At one time I had a copy of the agreement all drivers had to sign, green
cars were not allowed because drivers looked at green as unlucky. They
had several catagories of races (sportsman, rookie, and an occasional
demolition derby); most of the cars were from the forties, real jalopies!
The only car I remember was "00", driven by a Moon??
The sound system was almost as loud as the cars, with records played
between races. Elvis Pressley's "Hound Dog" was introduced as by an up
and coming star! "Thunder Road" was another song played; they had
limited recordings. Hot dogs,peanuts and cokes in bottles were avalable
at a small concession stand.
In 1956, as a kid of nine and ten, I really enjoyed the races, free
tickets, thanks to my friend Larry. My parents did not have a very high
view of the "sport". I don't think the term "redneck" had been invented,
but it sure would fit, looking back on things. Everyone had a grand time
at the original Rockingham Speedway.
I moved from Rockingham in 1961.
Best Regards, Paul Paschal
to: joel@rockinghamremembered.com
date: Jan 7, 2008 11:02 PM
subject: rockingham speedway ( From Rockingham Remembered )
The old Rockingham Speedway was run and promoted by John McNeill, a
local home builder who built and developed the Deweese Avenue Extension
area. He lived in the first house on the right, just as Deweese Avenue
went down a steep hill. His son was Larry, and a daughter, Ann. If
they stayed in Rockingham, Ann should have graduated in 1965 or 66;
Larry was a couple of years younger. Perhaps others might know their
whereabouts, for additional info and pictures.
At one time I had a copy of the agreement all drivers had to sign, green
cars were not allowed because drivers looked at green as unlucky. They
had several catagories of races (sportsman, rookie, and an occasional
demolition derby); most of the cars were from the forties, real jalopies!
The only car I remember was "00", driven by a Moon??
The sound system was almost as loud as the cars, with records played
between races. Elvis Pressley's "Hound Dog" was introduced as by an up
and coming star! "Thunder Road" was another song played; they had
limited recordings. Hot dogs,peanuts and cokes in bottles were avalable
at a small concession stand.
In 1956, as a kid of nine and ten, I really enjoyed the races, free
tickets, thanks to my friend Larry. My parents did not have a very high
view of the "sport". I don't think the term "redneck" had been invented,
but it sure would fit, looking back on things. Everyone had a grand time
at the original Rockingham Speedway.
I moved from Rockingham in 1961.
Best Regards, Paul Paschal
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