|
| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Heidelberg in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
|
Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena
|
| | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 1. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker | | |
Inscription. Opened in 1948, this former Pittsburgh Racing Association racetrack was the site of the 1956 final performance of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus under the Big Top. Rising railroad costs, changing technology, labor troubles, space issues, and competition from TV led to this end of an era in entertainment history. The site of early NASCAR races, it boasted several records and brought acclaim to local and national racers before closing in 1973.
Erected 2012 by Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission.
Location. 40° 23.247′ N, 80° 5.487′ W. Marker is in Heidelberg, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Pike (Pennsylvania Route 50) and Greentree Road, on the right when traveling south on Washington Pike. Click for map. Located between Kings Restaurant and Walgreens. Marker is in this post office area: Carnegie PA 15106, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Old Saint Luke's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neville House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bower Hill (approx. one mile away); Honus Wagner (approx. 1.4 miles away); William T. Kerr (approx. 2.7 miles away); Hand's Hospital (approx. 3.7 miles away); Pittsburgh (approx. 3.7 miles away); Bethel Presbyterian Church (approx. 4.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Heidelberg.| | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 2. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker | | Immediately after unveiling by former drivers and dignitaries. | | |
Also see . . .
1. Welcome to Ringling Bros. Circus. (Submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Official Site of NASCAR. (Submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
3. Welcome to the Borough of Heidelberg. (Submitted on July 16, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
4. Plaque to celebrate Heidelberg Raceway. July 12, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article by By Bob Podurgiel (Submitted on March 28, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Additional comments.
1. The marker unveiling
The unveiling ceremony was held on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the site of the former raceway in Heidelberg. Former drivers were in attendance including Dick Bailey and Joe Mihalic, who flew in from Daytona just for this occasion. State Senator Wayne Fontana, U.S. Conressman Tim Murphy, State Representative Nick Kotik and Allegheny County Council member Mike Finnerty were the political figures delivering speeches, as well as the Mayor of Heidelberg, Kenneth A. LaSota. Other speechmakers were Andrew Masich, Chairman of the PA Historical and Museum Commission, David Kohler from the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club, Steven Witlock of NASCAR Members Club plus an interesting story about the last circus occuring at the track by Mary Lou Kientz, who was a former waitress at Josie's Truck Stop formerly outside the track. Despite the rain, many spectators showed.| | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 3. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker | | Covered prior to the unveiling ceremonies | | |
— Submitted July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. |
| | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 4. Former Driver Joe Mihalic | | Being interviewed by Speedway Productions prior to the unveiling ceremonies. | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 5. Former Driver Dick Bailey | | Standing with his former 1937 Chevrolet racecar prior to the unveiling. | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 6. Dick Bailey stats | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 7. PHMC Chairman Andrew Masich | | Speaking at unveiling ceremony | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 8. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker | | One of the vintage race cars on show for the ceremony | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 9. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker | | Another vintage racecar on display for the ceremony | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012 | |
| | | 10. Mrs. Mary Lou Kientz | | Former waitress at Josie's Truck Stop talking about the last circus. | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Wintermantel | |
| | | 11. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena | | Marker Dedication program cover | | |
|
Credits. This page originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 261 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 11. submitted on July 16, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org