Next Meeting – June 3 – Gary Gonsar, host – Harvey Edwards, Adjunct English Instructor/Teacher-In-Residence

May 27, 2021: 17 fellow Rotarians joined us at Isabella’s. Tom Gates, introduced Steve Inch, the track announcer at Selinsgrove Speedway.  Steve is a Selinsgrove native and has more than 30 years in race track experience. He shared the Selinsgrove Speedway is celebrating its 75 year anniversary and he has been at the track since he was 17 years old. In addition to the raceway, he is employed with NRG Controls.  He had a great pictorial slide presentation that included historical pictures from when the 100 acre property was originally bought by DH&L to use as the fairgrounds with the idea of building a race track. Back in the day, the annual fair which was one of the largest in the east saw as many as 20,000 people a night. Current day, the Speedway is leased from the Fair Board, of which DH&L is the majority share holder. He shared some of the famous people that raced at Selinsgrove Speedway from Joey Chitwood, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart.  The speedway has been in operation since 1946 and was shutdown for a brief period in 1960 and reopened in 1963. Several years ago, they remolded the speedway and relocated the pit area; affording the spectators a full view of the races. This weekend, they are having Monster Trucks compete and it is completely SOLD OUT. The race schedule reflects 22 races for the 2021 season. It was very interesting to hear the history behind this gem that brings people here from all over the country.  If you haven’t gone to a Saturday race, you need to put it on your bucket list!! For more information on the Speedway follow them on Facebook or on their website at www.selinsgrovespeedway.com

Announcements: 1) President Dan handed out an overview of the water project in El Salvador and stated that anyone wishing to contribute can do so in the remaining three weeks. 2) Tom Gates provided an update on Wheels in the Grove. He had copies of Sponsorship Forms and Applications to participate to hand out. It’s $20 to show your car. 3) Chapin Jones stated that there was a Mallet Madness meeting tonight and they were still looking for volunteers.