2007.14.03

Airpark Speedway featured weekly races in stock and modified open competition classes. Mechanical specifications, from a rule sheet for the 1959 season included: MODIFIED OPEN COMPETITION 1. Any American make or year engine for open competition, 2. Engines may be installed in any position. Drivers protected by firewall, 3. Any transmission permitted. Gear change optional, 4. Carburetion, ignition and fuel optional, 5. Gas tanks of heavy steel may be inside securely fastened, with firewall between tank and driver. 6. Four wheel brakes compulsory and in good working order, 7. Intake manifold of any kind, but may be reworked. Exhaust headers permitted. STOCK TO THE EYE 1. Any vehicle will be allowed to run as long as it is stock, 2. Bodies and engine, transmission and rear end, stock to the eye, 3. Cars between years 1932 and 1953. 4. Any overhead valve has to be run in same chassis in which manufacturer installed engine. In addition to car races a few other events were held at the Airpark Speedway. One of the last was the Second Annual Saugatuck Jazz Festival in 1960. The first annual festival had been held at Saugatuck's Big Pavilion in 1959. On May 6, 1960, the Big Pavilion burned and shortly after the ashes cooled a sign appeared reminding people that "Last year on this site was held what was obviously the hottest jazz festival in the country... "The sign also identified the Airpark Speedway as the new site. The festival was held in August and included the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond on Friday and Duke Ellington and his orchestra headlining the Saturday night show. But it did not do well as an outdoor event. Portions of the land were later sold as home sites. The building that housed the old Airport Grill still exists remodeled as a residence. The road to the north is what is left of the east-west runway.

Ev and John Thomas Collection

Voss, Mary

11/05/2007

11/09/2023