2007 Middle Georgia Raceway Reunion
Central City Park, Macon, GA
11/3/2007
by: Joe Cawley Sr
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The 2007 Middle Georgia Raceway Reunion was held at Central City
Park in Macon, Georgia on 11/3/2007. It was for the 50th anniversary of
the last race held on the track, also known as Macon Speedway. The first
track built on the premises was a mile track, that was formerly a horse
race and built before 1900, and in the late 40s the 1/2 mile track was added
and it was 50 years ago the last race was held on it.
The mile track is still intact except a couple strips of asphalt across it, but
the 1/2 mile track has been gone a long time. There is an old concession
stand from years gone by still standing in the 1-2 turn of the racetrack.
The fairgrounds was located on the premises and many of those buildings
still stand, including a gazebo where Robert E. Lee gave a speech.
The National Vintage Racing Association's Macon chapter hosted the
event. There were several race cars on display, including the # 85 open
wheel race car of "Speedy" Morelock who raced on this track, and many
more in the 30s and 40s, and was on display in a clearing where you could
see the # 4 turn and backstretch. This car sat on display at Middle
Georgia Raceway for years by the front ticket office.
Several drivers who competed at the Middle Georgia Raceway and others
in the area were on hand to greet the people, sign autographs and have
their pictures taken with the fans. They included: Bob Burcham of
Chattanooga, Tn., Harold Fountain of Martinez, Ga., Woody Moore of
Hawkinsville, Ga. Eddie MacDonald of Tifton, Ga. Al Smith of
Jeffersonville, Ga. , Tommy Clinard, Don Tomberlin, Bob Moore and
several others from the Macon, Georgia area.
There were activities going on in an exhibition building, along with the
drivers seated for autograph sessions, there was a slide show of the races
in Macon, Ga. from the 20s through the current years, a memorabilia
auction, and vendors selling items to race fans. Outside, were food
vendors.
A good time was held by all who attended this event, which is held yearly
the first Saturday in November.
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Joe Cawley Sr by the #85 of Speedy Morelock
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The #85 of Speedy Morelock, Middle Georgia Raceway turn 4 sits behind
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Bob Moore ( Sweet 16)
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Woody Callaway (22)
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Martin Sapp (8)
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36 John Knowles (36), Dewey Stancil (06), David Owens (87),
Hoot Gibson (B1)
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Pam Bird (74)
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Hoot Gibson (B1)
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Woody Moore, Harold Fountain, Al Smith, Bob Burcham, &
Eddie MacDonald
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Central City Park mile and half mile tracks - 30s
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(22) Red Byron & (24) Buddy Shuman - 40s or early 50s
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Macon Ga - Cars on the track - late 40s or early 50s
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Macon Ga - Open wheel racers - 30s or 40s
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Central City Park Speedway - Frontstretch to turn 1
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Central City Park Speedway - View from turn 2 down the backstretch
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of turns 3 and 4 from the backstretch
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of turn 3 from the backstretch
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of turn 4 from the backstretch
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of backstretch into turns 3 and 4
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of frontstretch from turn 1
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of frontstretch into turn 4
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Macon Ga - Central City Park Speedway -
View of concession stand in turns 1 and 2
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