Old Race Track

[Dave_L]

Does anyone know the history of the old race track at the west end of 3rd street. I remember playing there as a kid in the 50s. It was over grown with weeds and well weathered wood. There were several 40s era stock cars rusting away as I recall. Any info appreciated.

[John]

I don't know too much about it other than it was an oval dirt track and very popular in its day. There are still a few remnants of it but the property contains a private residence now. The Streatorland Historical Society Museum has several photos of the track and the cars that used to race there on display. They used to have motorcycle races there also.

[galsal]

Just read this, so sorry if I'm late in answering. My boyfriend used to go there as a kid to watch the races in the 50's. He said Tattersall, Wilkinson, Schaefer and several others he knew raced there. They also raced midgets, but he does not remember motorcycles racing there, rather on Richards St. where the church is now. He said by "58 it was closed, but can't remember the year exactly. He does remember a lot of out-of-town racers coming to that track. It was a popular place for all the young guys to hang out.

[John]

Here is an old advertisement for motorcycle night at Third Street Speedway.

[Dave_L]

Thanks for the follow-up posts. Interesting!

[Stephanie]

This is an interesting topic. I never knew that existed at one time in Streator.

[galsal]

There used to be a horse race track out on Spring Lake Rd. many moons ago. It was behind a tavern.

[John]

Here is a photo when they were building the Third Street Speedway.

wind2.home.mchsi.com/Streatorland/Third Street Speedway.jpg[/img]

[Dave_L]

:)Thanks for the pic John. It captures what I remember, though in it's grown over state of ruin at that time. I believe a small announcer shack or similar building stood where the narrow post is located in the right center, just below the tractors. Very interesting, thanks!