partialperson
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Doug "The Flying" Cross was made famous at the Turnpike. His failed attempt jumping the flaming haybales was witnessed by a full grandstand and most notably thousands of the WSIL TV audience.
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It was dusty that night and he ran into the back of another car that was stopping, he was pretty much wide open ready to back off for the corner.I remember Gary Easton when the motor fell out the front of the car at the benton fairgrounds track They loaded that car by standin it straight up on thr rear wheels with no front suspension and rolled it on the trailer I always called that car the tub but i was very young then,,,just after that Johnnie Pal tried sprints and the front wheel got torn off and he put his hand out the top to signal he was comin to the pits ,when the front end hit the dirt flippin it over on his hand Ugly
Hi GaryGood day, race fans. I joined your site because I came upon it in a web search looking for the name of the speedway that was located east of Carbondale. I can't remember the name, but this Turnpike or I-57 sounds probable. I know the track was owned or operated by the Poe family because they let me take photos there one year a part of a photography class project. They were very nice and let me have the run of the place. I never met or got to know the track photographer, however. I do remember the best home made BBQ sandwiches made by the Poe family cooks in the snack bar and the really great sprint car racing. I left the area in 1974. I still have a ton of pix, but they are not scanned and I don't have a scanner. I would appreciate any more info on the track or when they stopped racing. The last time I was thru there all you could see were weeds and part of a fence. Thanx, Gary Nichols, Brandon, FL
If u go to gogglemaps aerial view on race track and shaw rd you can still see the old race track it is west of interstate 57 off of rt 161 by the way the ground were it sets is for sale EAST OF CENTRALIA IL
Loved the "Turnpike" --I grew up there!!! My grandparents were Dick and Sara Poe, my dad is Richard,so i guess that would make sense. Any thing you need to know or pics etc.. just let us know as dad and myself would glad to help you in anyway possible.
i am looking for it on google maps but don't know if i see it for sure. Is it east or west of race track rd? I see something that looks like an oval off the road to the east, across from copple road. Is that it? I never went to it when it was open.
Hi Gary
I remember you. I was working in the pit concessions then, as a teenager. I remember you taking pictures and you would perch up on the light towers to watch the races. I also remember seeing many of your photos posted in the Communications Building at SIU because I was a student there at the time too. I would love to see your photos and get copies of them as those times are dear to me. Let me know if there is any way to work this out.
I worked there with two other teens, Terry and Terry. You are right about the BBQ's. They were so good!
Hi Ross- I know it is quite past the time you inquired, but I have and archive of newspaper clippings, Pit Stops, and a few pictues from the day. I can send you a list of my archived materials if you give me your e-mail address. I watched your grandpa in many exciting races. I lived very close to where the WSIL station now resides, in Crainville. Turnpike was also very close by. I will share some photos of the track and a few car shots when I have your e-amil. Are you related to Mike Weese, the SIUC broadcaster?I'm looking for anyone who may have some pictures from the "Turnpike" speedway that used to be in Marion, IL where the Ike Honda Dealership sits now. I work for a television station here in Southern Illinois doing racing stories and I want to do some "vintage" stories! Thanks to anyone who can help!
I tried this number, but it doesn't appear to be working. Can you give me your update contact info please?i have alot of pitcures of that track call me 618,927,2785