Canadian Race Track Database
Checker Flag SpeedwayWindsor, ON
Status
Closed
Years in Operation: 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 Configurations:
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)
Notes:
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
