Checker Flag Speedway
Windsor, ON
Status:
Closed
Years:
1962-1992
Name History:
Checker Flag Raceway (1962-1973)
Checker Flag International Speedway (1974-1983)
Checker Flag Motor Speedway (1984-1991)
Windsor Speedway (1992)
Track Configuration(s):
1/4 mile dirt oval (1962-1966)
1/3 mile dirt oval (1966-68)
3/8 mile dirt oval (1969-1973)
3/8 mile paved oval (1974-1992)
Track Info:
- Originally started out as a go-kart track, known as Pratt Raceway
- The land and go-kart track was owned by Francis Pratt who wanted to open a stock car track instead
- He found two partners - Herman Modlinsky and Dennis Fauteaux
- 1961 - a group of drivers formed the Western Ontario Stock Car Racing Association (WOSCRA)
- In April 1962 WOSCRA signed a contract to race at Checker Flag
- Opened on May 6, 1962
- Most of the drivers had competed at Tilbury, Dayus, Bluebird
- In the early years the cars were '30s coupes and coaches
- The track shut down for a week in late May of 1966 to be reconfigured as a 1/3 mile
- Herman Modlinsky died in 1966 and Francis Pratt sold his share to Dennis Fateaux's sons Gary and Ron
- 1967 - Semi-Late Models were introduced: '57 Chevs and Fords
- 1967- Coupes became the Sportsman class
- Bought by Jack Monahan, John Fahringer and Mark Kalbol in February of 1974
- 1974 - NASCAR Canada was the sanction, Camaros and Firebirds were common
- Tom Hannan was the promoter in 1977-79
- 1979 - John Fahringer and Mark Kalbol were replaced as co-owners by Ed Soulliere and Norm Hallewick
- Super Late Models were the top division until 1984
- Bob Robinson became promoter in 1982
- The lease was sold to Bob Robinson for the 1983 season
- 1984 Street Stocks became Late Model Sportsman and Thunder and Thumpers were added
- 1985 added the Canadian National Stock Car class - Monte Carlos, Regals, Thunderbirds
- By 1987 City of Windsor had grown and was getting close to the track - large homes were right next door
- Bought by a group led by Eric Brauss who leased the track to Bob Robinson
- Track closed at the end of the 1992 season to become a subdivision