Heidelberg in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
1. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker
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.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.
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. Located between Kings Restaurant and Walgreens. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carnegie PA 15106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Saint Luke's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neville House
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Heidelberg Raceway. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 8, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Racing Against Time. Midwest Racing Archives website entry (Submitted on October 8, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. The Official Site of NASCAR. Website homepage (Submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
4. Welcome to Ringling Bros. Circus. Website homepage (Submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
5. Welcome to the Borough of Heidelberg. Website homepage (Submitted on July 16, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, unknown
2. Heidelberg Raceway
Additional commentary.
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.
— Submitted July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
3. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker
Immediately after unveiling by former drivers and dignitaries.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
4. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker
Covered prior to the unveiling ceremonies
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
5. Former Driver Joe Mihalic
Being interviewed by Speedway Productions prior to the unveiling ceremonies.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
6. Former Driver Dick Bailey
Standing with his former 1937 Chevrolet racecar prior to the unveiling.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
7. Dick Bailey stats
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
8. PHMC Chairman Andrew Masich
Speaking at unveiling ceremony
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
9. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker
One of the vintage race cars on show for the ceremony
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
10. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena Marker
Another vintage racecar on display for the ceremony
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 15, 2012
11. Mrs. Mary Lou Kientz
Former waitress at Josie's Truck Stop talking about the last circus.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
12. Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena
Marker Dedication program cover
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,681 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on October 8, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 12. submitted on July 16, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
