AIRBORNE PARK SPEEDWAY  South Plattsburgh, New York

Photo Source Unknown

Dick Nephew, of Mooers Forks, NY is the prototypical Airborne star - and the 1961 NASCAR National Sportsman Co-Champion. He returned
 in the mid - 1980's to successfully race an Olsen Eagle for a few years. You can link to Dick's page - CLICK HERE

         Airborne Speedway took its name from the Strategic Air Command base located only a few miles away, in Plattsburgh. Founder Maurice Broderick got the half-mile oval underway in the 1950's, hoping to draw fields from New York, Vermont, and Canada. Airborne had a NASCAR sanction for many of the earlier years of its operation.

                                                                                                        Left Photo _ Wimble Collection                                                                    Right Photo Courtesy of Yves LaDouceur

The T-800 car of Gaylord Rowe won one of the first track championships at Airborne, driven by Bill Wimble, from nearby Lisbon. In this photo, Dick Goodell is the driver. Check out all the holes drilled in the body to lighten the car. To this day, the car sits in a forgotten junkyard outside of Ellenburg Depot, NY. Click here to go to the car's own page.

From Outside Groove Courtesy of Brian Branham

Very early action on the dirt track at Airborne. I don't know any of these cars or drivers. Can anyone help ? We now know the JL7
is Jack Liberty, current chief mechanic for Mike Bruno's 22. 77 is likely Henry Jarvis's brown and orange A&W car.

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THE GREAT ICE RACE OF 1958
Check out one of Airborne Speedway's crazier ideas, by CLICKING HERE.

From Outside Groove Courtesy of Brian Branham

More early action on the dirt track at Airborne.

           As the years went by, the track was promoted, sanctioned and even re-named many different times. By the early 1970's, it was in a state of disrepair, wherein competitors would reach into their cars and pull out pieces of asphalt, as a regular part of their post-race maintenance. The track was alternately sanctioned by NASCAR, Champlain Valley Racing Association [CVRA], ACT, and even as independent, unaligned track.

From the ACT Office Archives

Paul Hamel is one of the dozens of Canadians who have invaded and successfully run at Airborne.

        Besides Broderick, it saw guidance - at various times - from Charles C.J. Richards, of the CVRA, by Ken Squier, and by Tom Curley. It was run by itself, and it has been part of a circuit which - at different times - has included Catamount Stadium, Thunder Road, Sanair [St. Pie, Quebec], Devil's Bowl, and Albany _ Saratoga Speedway.

        After nearly falling completely apart, C.J. Richards tore up the asphalt and tried running CVRA dirt modifieds there, on a shorter dirt track, in the early 1980's. After Richards, the American - Canandian Tour took over and completely rebuilt the track and re-paved the surface. Tom Curley found it very difficult to run the track because, in short, very few Vermonters could get along with the tough locals from the Plattsburgh area. He tried more and more security to no avail - and finally gave up in the early 2000's.

From the ACT Office Archives

Living one minute from the track, and operating successfully on a shoestring, Danny Bridges is the typical Airborne story. Many of
Airborne's best talents were slowed down mostly by having limited funds. Bridges somehow overcame that for many seasons.

       2005 would see a local Airborne driver and successful DIRT member, Mike Perrotte take over the speedway, in hopes of keeping the lower divisions, with the headliners being dirt-style modifieds running on pavement. Perhaps, being one of the locals and a very, very tough man, Perrotte can bring law and order to Airborne and make the whole thing work. How large a crowd he can draw will probably continue to be a concern.

      Former driver Jim "Twelve Port" LeClaire" found some photos from around the 1980's at Airborne. Some were damaged; some could be saved. CLICK HERE to go to that page.

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THE EARLIER YEARS - DIRT SURFACE

Bucko Branham via Outside Groove This shows a field of coupes racing on the oldest version of Airborne. A little help with who they are ?	Bucko Branham via Outside Groove This shows a field of coupes being started by a brave flagger right on the track.	Bucko Branham via Outside Groove Bill Guynup's 33 after an apparent crash with the #9 sedan.	Catamount Yearbook Shorty Carmichael, Plattsburgh, New York	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts The original 7VT, with Royce Tucker	Bucko Branham via Outside Groove The Legend Jackie Peterson, Plattsburgh, NY	Bucko Branham via Outside Groove Jackie Peterson, on the way to Airborne	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Ernie Barcomb, Winooski, VT The 71VT is wrecked.	Courtesy of Bucko Branham Check out George in this shot of a 1985 ice race.
Bucko Branham via Outside Groove Dick Gadelle, ?,NY	Photo Courtesy of Otto Graham Bill Wimble and the Hal Kempeny 113	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Jr. Bruno's car.	Catamount Yr Book George Bridges, S. Plattsburgh, NY	Catamount YrBook Rex Shattuck Colchester, VT	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Unknown early cars.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Mack Miller	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Henry Jarvis, Morrisonville, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Jim Luke, Utica, NY The Burns & Wilson 100 NY
Courtesy of Gary Nephew A very early photo of Airborne legend Bob Bruno	Courtesy of Yves LaDouceur Dick Goodell, Mooers, NY The Gaylord Rowe T-800, formerly driven by Bill Wimble to an Airborne championship CLICK HERE to go to a  page on that car.	Catamount Yearbook ACT Office Archives Ernie Reid, Massena, NY	Courtesy of Nephew Family Ernie Ried, Massena, NY	Catamount YrBook Photo Ben Keys, Plattsburgh, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Earl Maille, Glens Falls, NY Henry Caputo's 11NY	Courtesy of Chris Companion Earlier Wimble, with one of the Gaylord Rowe cars - the red and white #26. After Wimble, Bobby Trombley, brother of Charlie, would drive the car.	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock MackieMiller, Ellenburg Depot, NY His 1st car looks a lot like the two Rowe cars from the same town. That's Jackie Peterson in the background.	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Dick ? Plattsburgh, NY
Courtesy of the Pascal "Magnum" website A 1967 Airborne article in a  racing newspaper of that era. Notice it is Canadian.	ACT Office Archives Around 1965, future legend Harmon "Beaver" Dragon, of Milton, VT would try Plattsburgh. It would be his favorite track for years.	Catamount Yearbook Jackie Peterson, Plattsburgh, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Bunn Reid, Plattsburgh, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Rod Ritchie, Wilmington, NY Ritchie mechanic Bob Lucia with wife,. Maria.	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Sherwood Holliday, Waddington, NY Floyd Geary's GM-6	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Dick Nephew, Mooers Fks, NY Just bought car from George Palmetier	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Bill Wimble, Lisbon, NY New ad on Gaylord Rowe's 26	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Bill Wimble, in Victory Lane at Airborne around 1955.
	Photo Courtesy of Bruce Jarvis Henry Jarvis 777.
Courtesy of Cho Lee Collection Charlie Trombley, Mooers, NY	NASCAR Courtesy of Cho Lee Collection Jean-Paul Cabana, Beloeil, QU Courtesy of John  Grady	OVERHEAD Courtesy of Norm Vadnais Charlie Draper, Wilmington, NY	V-8 Mike Watts Photo Gilles Brochu, Montreal, QU	SPORTSMAN Courtesy of Gary Nephew Jean-Paul Cabana with the Mohawk Chief	ERA Bill Ladabouche Photo The Lee Tucker 14 Burlington, VT Ernie Reid was injured in this car at Airborne	CIRCA Photographer Unknown Bob Bruno, Schuyler Falls, NY	1960 - Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY Bill Fowler's 27Jr	1971 Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Charlie Trombley Ray Hanson's sedan
Courtesy of John Rock Bob Mackey Photo A 1960's field of sportsman cars.	Courtesy of John Rock Bob Mackey Photo A 1962 heat goes at Airborne. Gahan, Cabana, Charland, Wimble, Bruno, unknown, and Pete Corey	Courtesy of John Rock Bob Mackey Photo The Harold Healey 70 - a former Vic Wolfe car. This driver is Jim LeClaire.	Ladabouche Photo Rejean [Field] Berard, Quebec	Courtesy of John Grady Pete Corey, Crescent, NY	Mike Watts Photo Jean-Paul Cabana, Beloeil, QU	Pascal "Magnum" Site Pierre LaFrance, Iberville, QU	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Jim LeClaire Plattsburgh, NY Harold Healey 70	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Unknown car
Herbert Family Collection The red and white 111's of Chris Drellos, out of Glens Falls, NY made frequent appearances at northern tracks, with different drivers.	Courtesy of Pascal Magnum Website Jean-Guy Chartrand, Montreal, QU	Photographer Unknown Dick Nephew, Mooers Forks, NY Courtesy of John Grady CLICK HERE to go to Dick's own page.	ACT Office Archives Marcel Godard, Montreal, QU	Cavalcade of Auto Racing Pete Hamilton, Needham, MA	ACT Office Archives Ernie Reid, Massena, NY	Mackey PhotoJim "Sapphire" LeClaire, Plattsburgh, NY He was given this nickname by Royce Tucker, Jim's mentor and sometimes car owner.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Whatta Pair ! Hamilton and Flemke	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Richie Evans, Rome, NY
Courtesy of Ardyce Blohm Rod Ritchie Check out the feature stickers.	Russ Bergh Photo Rene Charland, Agawam, MA The Three-Time NASCAR National Sportsman Champion	Photographer Unknown Gaston Desmarais, Tupper Lake, NY	Mike Watts Photo Dick Nephew & Rod Ritchie shared this odd one, owned by Fran Kane & Denton Dow.	Courtesy of Pascal Magnum Website Frank Hodge, Montreal, QU The car is a former Bob Bruno ride.	Courtesy of Three Wide Site George Janoski, Stafford Springs, CT	Danish Family Steve Danish, Cropseyville, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Modifieds lining up	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Dick Nephew Shadow Broderick - sponsored car
Courtesy of John Grady Paul Marshall, Schenectady, NY Rare shot in the Allie Swears #51	Devils Bowl Program Bob Ellis, West Haven, VT	Bill Ladabouche The potent Welch's 77, from Schenectady may have ventured North a few times - with any number of various drivers.	Mike Watts Photo Charlie Trombley, Mooers, NY	Courtesy of Nephew Family Buck, in the Geary C38, is discussing something with Nephew. Dick doesn't look happy. Looking on could be Kay Hanson, Chief Pit Steward.	Courtesy of John Grady  Ron Narducci, East Haddam, CT	Courtesy of John Grady Wes Moody, Saranac Lake, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Joe Thomas, Plattsburgh, NY Jimmy Guynup's Coupe	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Ken Platt, Rome, NY Roerig Brothers' 99 entry
Courtesy of Yves LaDouceur Website Buck Holliday, Waddington, NY - with car owner Floyd Geary	Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Bob Bruno's Fonda win. Courtesy of John Grady Vic Wolfe's 66 Morrisonville, NY	Otto Graham Site Jerry Cook, Lockport, NY	Photographer - Ed Baccei Bill Wimble, Lisbon, NY The Dave McCready 33 out of Sherburne, NY	Courtesy of Saratoga Auto Museum Lou Lazarro, Utica, NY	Photographer Unknown Don MacTavish, Dover, MA 1963 NASCAR National Sportsman Champion - one of the most popular drivers to ever drive in the North Country.	Courtesy of Paul Michaud Bob Bruno Vic Wolfe's famous #66	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Harold Ormsby, Schuyler Falls, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Work on the Harold Healey 70
Bill Ladabouche Jack DuBrul, Burlington, NY CLICK HERE to go to Jack's own page.	Courtesy C.J. Richards The Royce Tucker -built C37, sometimes driven by Jim	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock & Bobby Castine The Royce Tucker #7 sportsman, Burlington, VT	The 1st Tucker car	Bill Ladabouche      The Lee and Royce Tucker #7 VT, in which Jackie Peterson & Dutch Reed drove @ Airborne.	The last Tucker sportsman	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock & Bobby Castine Jack DuBrul, Burlington, NY The Royce Tucker #7 sportsman, Burlington, VT	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Marcel Godard Montreal, QC	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts My favorite Godard modified
Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Unknown Modified	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Harry "The Head" Provost with brother, Frank Cadyville, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Pit work during the early '70's mod era.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Phil Spiak [X] Dick Fowler [11]	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts 1960's sportsman field at speed.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Ed Cloce #69 Jean Guy Chartrand	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Paul Conover and another Trombley crewman [lft]	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Ernie Gahan With Art Prairie	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Gene Mangino, Schenectady, NY
Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Charlie Trombley	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Dick Manning Chateauguay, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Dick Fowler	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Ernie Reid, Massena, NY	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Frank Provost	Paul Michaud Photo Courtesy of 360 Nitro Site Guy Chartrand and Dave Gaul - about 1971.	Paul Michaud Photo Courtesy of 360 Nitro Site Bob Brunell, Denis Giroux, and Nick Ronca - about 1971.	Possibly a Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Cavalcade of Auto Racing Andre Manny, Laval Des Rapides, QU	Photo Courtesy of 360 Nitro Site Andre Manny
Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Ardyce Bloehm Rod Ritchie, former driver as tech inspector.

Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock
One of my favorite photos ever. Early sportsman action. Howard Rock leads an unidentified
Plymouth coupe; as well as Wally Russell [outside]; 99, Charlie Trombley; 26, Bill Wimble;
and T-800, Dick Goodelle.

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SOME OF THE PHIL BUTLER PHOTO COLLECTION

Courtesy of Phil Butler George Rettew, Chicopee, MA A former Charland mod	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bill Branham, Plattsburgh, NY Late model division.	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bill Conover, Champlain, NY Late model sportsman	Courtesy of Phil Butler Brian Ross, Ballston Spa, NY	Courtesy of Phil Butler Assumed to be... Joey Kourafas, Sharo, MA Late Model Sportsman	Courtesy of Phil Butler Brian Ross, Ballston Spa, NY Jerry Rose's Coupe	Courtesy of Phil Butler Assumed to be... Buck Holliday, Waddington, NY Later C38 mod
Courtesy of Phil Butler Bob Dragon, Milton, VT Former Bill Wilson mod	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bob Bruno's sedan, Schuyler Falls, NY Vic Wolfe mod	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bob Brunello, Peru, NY The Pontiac Coupe	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bob Brunell, Peru, NY The Mustang	Courtesy of Phil Butler Dick Fowler, New Hartford, NY	Courtesy of Phil Butler Danny Bridges, So.Plattsburgh, NY In white T-Shirt	Courtesy of Phil Butler Rene Charland, Agawam, MA All Star League era (see the helmet)
Courtesy of Phil Butler Charlie Trombley, Mooers Forks, NY Ray Hanson's sedan Adirondack Raceway era	Courtesy of Phil Butler Pete Corey, Crescent, NY With the constant cigarette	|Courtesy of Phil Butler Don MacTavish, Dover, MA Wright/Zautner 24	Courtesy of Phil Butler Ed Pieniazek, Schenectady, NY Jerry Rose mod	Courtesy of Phil Butler Gaston Desmarais, Tupper Lake, NY Former Airborne promoter	Courtesy of Phil Butler Jerry Cook, Rome, NY	Courtesy of Phil Butler Jerry Cook, at speed

Courtesy of Phil Butler A Jimmy Guynup Ford Is there any other kind ?	Courtesy of Phil Butler Joe Bruno, Schuyler Falls, NY Former Hobby Class Driver	Courtesy of Phil Butler Joe Thomas, Plattsburgh, NY Jimmy Guynup's Cougar	Courtesy of Phil Butler Johnny Thompson, Mooers Forks, NY Usually a Norwood Arena, Massachusetts driver	Courtesy of Phil Butler Jim"Sapphire" Leclaire, Plattsburgh, NY Harold Healey's 70	Courtesy of Phil Butler Ernie Reid, Massena, NY Harold Healey's 70	Courtesy of Phil Butler Assumed to be... Don Smith, Plattsburgh, NY Earlier '60's Sportsman
Courtesy of Phil Butler Lee Carpenter, Colchester, VT Late Model Sportsman Torino	Courtesy of Phil Butler Mack Miller, Ellenburgh Depot, NY Dan Bridges in background	Courtesy of Phil Butler Marcel Godard, Montreal, QC His Dart Modified	Courtesy of Phil Butler Marcel Godard, Montreal, QC Same Dart in color	Courtesy of Phil Butler Marcel Godard, Montreal, QC  Dart Close Up	Courtesy of Phil Butler Marcel Godard, Montreal, QC Plain white coupe before lettering	Courtesy of Phil Butler Mark Lamberton, Mooers Forks, NY Very young, with a Renegade or B Tiger
Courtesy of Phil Butler Maynard "Cyclone" Forrette, So. Hadley, MA Originally from Ellenburg Depot	Courtesy of Phil Butler Rudy Mesec, Plattsburgh, NY Hobby Class Mopar	Courtesy of Phil Butler Mike Parsons, Plattsburgh, NY	Courtesy of Phil Butler Dick Nephew, Mooers Forks, NY Early, pre - National Championship red 6	Courtesy of Phil Butler Dick Nephew, Mooers Forks, NY A pose with Fran Kane's Studebaker	Courtesy of Phil Butler Norm Burl, Elizabethtown, NY One of his last Studebakers	Courtesy of Phil Butler Phil P.J. Spiak, Troy, NY Future NASCAR Grand Touring Driver at Adirondack Raceway
Courtesy of Phil Butler Ricky Lyman, P.I.R. late model	Courtesy of Phil Butler Roger Guynup, Plattsburgh, NY A very long late model	Courtesy of Phil Butler Roger Guynup After a little experience	Courtesy of Phil Butler Russ Shaw, Bomoseen, VT Dooger Jones' 8VT recently bought from Jack DuBrul	Courtesy of Phil Butler Sherri Meunier, Fairfax, VT 2008 Renegade Champ	Courtesy of Phil Butler Tom Tiller, Essex Jct., VT. His "2nd Career" Tiger Sportsman with ACT	Courtesy of Phil Butler Bobby Allison, Hueytown, ALA This car might have been driven by Tommy Howe, son of one of Allison's top mechanics
			Courtesy of Phil Butler Wes "Slugger" Moody, Saranac Lake, NY Right after he began to run pavement instead of dirt.

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EARLY AIRBORNE OFFICIALS
All Bob Mackey Photos Courtesy of John Rock

Don Hayes, [rt] Gary Mesec, [lft] and a second official.	Track owner Maurice Broderick [2nd from right], Red O'Connor, announcer [right] Mrs. Broderick, and a local assemblyman Feinberg.	Starter Johnny Tellini [lft], promoter Gaston Desmarais, Lou Lazzaro [right]
Ernie Burl [lft], Ken Duquette, and Ron Anderson - 1969.	Mr. and Mrs. Broderick - with Ken Duquette - 1968.	Archie Blackadar mans the sign-in booth. Charlie Trombley to the left.
Mr.Broderick, track photographer Bob Mackey, and the ever - present Ken Duquette - 1960's.	Maurice Broderick - with Toni Hanson at the sign-in table - circa 1962.	Ken Duquette [lft] and starter Paul Boyea watch Mackie Miller congratulate Bill Branham - 1968.
Starter Art Prairie congratulates Ernie Reid - 1961.	Art Prairie [lft] another official and someone's wife - 1960.	Maybe Mrs. Broderick at sign-in shack - 1964.
Starter Paul Demers - 1966.	Bob Seymour - with Hugh Gordon [rt] - 1964.	Chief Pit Steward Kay Hanson in the Sign - in Shack 1961.
Archie Blackadar - with unk. official - 1964.	Mrs. Broderick - with Bud and Jean Read - 1962. What's everyone else looking up at ?	Bud Read - with Bob Mackey - 1962.
Gaston Desmarais, promoter - with his family - 1964.	Kay and Toni Hanson - with Mrs. Brodrick [lft] - 1959.	Co - Founder, Burt Blake - with winner Bud Besor - 1958.
Toni Hanson [lft[ - with Mercedes O'Connor - at sign - in table in 1955. Probably Kay Hanson in white hat.	Starter Don Thomas - 1983. Winner is Gailand Wood.	1964 Officials.
Early [and legendary] starter, Chet Hames- 1950's.	Announcer Red O'Connor - 1958.	Art Prairie is getting a kick out of a very angry Bud Besor.

WE HAVE MANY MORE EARLY BOB MACKEY PHOTOS RELATED TO AIRBORNE ON BOB'S OWN PAGE. CLICK HERE TO GO THERE.

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MORE PAVED SURFACE SHOTS

Russ Photo by Mike Watts Joe Thomas, The Jimmy Guynup 37	Mike Watts Photo Hank Stevens, Rocky Hills, CT	Mike Watts Photo Don MacTavish, Dover, MA
Mike Watts Photo Marcel Godard, Montreal, QU	Mike Watts Photo Kenny King, Rosemere, QU	Mike Watts Photo Ed Flemke, Sr., New Britain, CT
Bob MackeyPhoto Joe Thomas, Morrisonville, NY	Courtesy of John Grady Andy Romano, Johnstown NY	Courtesy of John Grady Maurice Tallard, Quebec City, QU
Courtesy of John Grady Will Cagle, Tampa, FL	Free Press Photo Bobby Dragon, Milton, VT	Courtesy of Otto Graham Website Ken Canestrari, Cohoes, NY
ACT Archives Andre Manny, Montreal, QU	Pascal "Magnum" Site Bob Brunelle, Peru, NY CLICK HERE to go to Bob's own page.	Courtesy of John Grady Marcel Corriveau, Quebec City, QU
Courtesy of Jim Ladabouche Nick Ronca, Clifton Park, NY	Courtesy of John Grady Ray Forte, Montreal, QU	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock & Bobby Castine Ken Platt, Rome, NY
Free Press Photo Three Vermont racing pioneers running  the pavement mods at Airborne around 1970: [lft - DuBrul, Beaver, Bobby]	Courtesy of John Grady Beaver Dragon, Milton, VT The Ray Richards 75

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EARLY PHOTOS FROM C. J. RICHARDS [and Others]

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

A 1957 sportsman field, including T-800, Dick Goodelle; 26, Bill Wimble;
someone in a Henry Caputo car; and C38, Buck Holliday.

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

A 1957 sportsman field, with one in the infield pond. Most likely, the driver on the roof is Bill Wimble [26] and the 71 might be Ernie Barcomb.

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

A 1957 sportsman start as Chet Hames gives the green to Jack Liberty.

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

The 000 is either Bob Bruno or Len Barcomb; GM6 is either Bill Bourgeest or Sherwood Holliday; the white car on the
outside is most likely Charlie Trombley [or Bud Besor's 50NY]; and the plain silver car on the inside looks a lot like Dick Nephew.

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

This 1960 shot of cars in the payoff line shows the only known photo of
Jim "Twelve Port" LeClaire's C37. Also seen are the Chris Drellos 111 and the
Red Knoblach 13 driven by Johnny Perry.

Courtesy of C. J. Richards

In 1954 Art Prairie was starting fields from the track. It was a big joke to both the
drivers and Art how close they could get without hitting him. People are
bright, aren't they ?

Courtesy of the Nephew Family
 An early field kicks up the dust at Airborne. Dick Nephew [6] chases the leader, a
1950 Chevy coupe [possibly Trombley in the Suprenant car].

Courtesy of Bucko Branham, via The Outside Groove Site
Once thought to be an early Mack Miller shot, this shows Ernie Reid traversing
the front stretch at an early and dusty Airborne.

THE DUTCHER CONSTRUCTION RACING TEAM OF 1954

Courtesy of Rick Reome From left- Bill Agnier, Jim Patten, Jackie Peterson and Gale Wolfe just before leaving for a race in '54.	Courtesy of Rick Reome From left- Jim Patten, Bill Agnier, Bob  Tierney, and Gale Wolfe at the Dutcher Construction site.	Courtesy of Rick Reome Jim Patten and the Dutcher Constr. D9.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Jim Patten, in an early Airborne lineup with the  Dutcher Construction D9 entry.
Courtesy of Rick Reome Jim Patten,  just before leaving the Dutcher site for a race.	Peterson Collection Photos	Courtesy of Rick Reome Jackie Peterson, with the Dutcher Construction team car, D8.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts Bud Besor, with what might be another Dutcher car.

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EARLY PHOTOS FROM BOBBY CASTINE
CLICK HERE

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THE VARIOUS LATE MODEL YEARS - DIRT AND PAVEMENT

Courtesy of Bucko Branham

This rough and ready bunch includes Gene Fountain, Bill Branham, and Don Burl. When lettered, this Studebaker was the famous 7UP.

From the Pascal "Magnum" Website

An early late model field comes out to race at Airborne in 1967.

Courtesy of Brian Branham

Is it Lou Diamond Phillips ? Nope it's a very young Wild Bill Branham.

Branham Family Collection Wild Bill Branham, Plattsburgh, NY Mike Watts Photo	Catamount Yearbook Gene Guynup, Cadyville, NY	Ladabouche Photo A late model 66	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Danny Bridges, S. Plattsburgh, NY Early Hobby Car	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Unknown Early Hobby Car	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Lee Begor, Mooers, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Ronnie Miller, ?, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Danny Bridges, S. Plattsburgh, NY Early Hobby Car	Bob Mackey Photo via John Rock & Bobby Castine Bucky Bousquet Plattsburgh, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Al Patterson, Saranac Lake, NY
Courtesy Brian Branham Coucilman Feiberg, Plattsburgh, NY A politico tries his luck at driving	Photo from Brian Branham Joe Goddeau and Junior Vorce Mid to late 1960's	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Paul "Cooke"Vallaires, S. Plattsburgh, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Jim LaFountaine, Altona, NY Early Pose	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Lining up early late model hobby cars.	Bob Mackey Photo, via John Rock Unidentified '53 Ford #8 1/2	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts The Sousie Family Pits	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Bob McClatchie	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Roger Guynup	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Bill Branham, Plattsburgh, NY
Devils Bowl Yearbook Bill Brooking, Malta, NY	Devils Bowl Yearbook Larry Curtis Argyle, NY	ACT Archives Courtesy of Cho Lee Ronnie Bonnette St. Albans, VT	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Unknown late model '80's	Photos from Brian Branham Various shots: Roger Guynup	Photo from Brian Branham Various shots of Gene Guynup, Cadyville, NY	Photo from Brian Branham Jimmy Guynup's Late Model Ford	Photos from Jim Watson Roger Guynup	Photos from Dan Nolin Roger Guynup	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Bruce Harrell,
Mackey Photo via John Rock Lee Carter, with Paul Demers	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Kevin Kezar Tim O'Neill's LMS	Bob Mackey Photo via John Rock & Bobby Castine Danny Bridges, So. Plattsburgh, NY|	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Larry Delong	Mackey Photo via John Rock Gerry LaCroix wreck.	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Leon Gonyo, Chazy, NY	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire| Steve Frennier, Plattsburgh, NY	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Bernie Griffith, Plattsburgh, NY	Dan Jerry Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire Don Thomas, Peru, NY Bob Mackey Photo via Cavlcade of Auto Racing	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Fred Trim
Mackey Photos via John Rock Some Charger Fields	Mackey Photos via John Rock More Charger Fields	LA West Photo Beaver Dragon, Milton, VT Airborne was his favorite track.	LA West Photo Ron Barcomb, Winooski, VT	Denis LaChance Photo The Bob Ferreira 38, Plattsburgh, NY Drivers Bill Branham, Charlie Trombley, Mike Perrotte, and Dan Perez	Photos from Andy Boright The Bob Ferreira 38, Plattsburgh, NY Drivers Bill Branham, Charlie Trombley, Mike Perrotte, and Dan Perez	ACT Archives Andre Manny, Montreal, QU More 1970's NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Cars available on the Catamount pages.	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Norm Burl	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Don Burl	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Joe Bruno, Schuyler Falls Lake, NY
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Rick ?	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts No Idea	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Don Sousis, Cohoes, NY	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Joe Buck [Joe Goddeau]	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Mack Miller, Ellenburg Depot, NY With Roland Trombley	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Paul "Cooke" Vallaires	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Mike Watts Roger Benjamin, Alburgh, VT	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Dave Brown Karen Sutliffe in Paul V's Car	Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of Dave Brown Bob McClatchie	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Roland Dennis, Tupper Lake, NY
	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Ernie Mason in Dick Nephew's Dodge LMS	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Bob Dragon, Milton, VT	Bob Mackey Photo via Cavalcade of Auto Racing Sonny Sousis, Cohoes, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Bill Conover, Champlain, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Beaver Dragon, Milton, VT Airborne was his favorite track.	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Don Thomas, Peru, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Henry Van Acker, Champlain, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Henry Van Acker, Champlain, NY	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown E.C. "Honest Ed" Champagne, Plattsburgh, NY
		Courtesy of Andy Boright The first car of Leon Gonyo [far right] as it appeared in 1976 at Catamount and Airborne.	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Joe Thomas Plattsburgh, NY A rare Jimmy Guynup Chevy	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Joe Thomas Plattsburgh, NY A rare Jimmy Guynup Chevy	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Karen Sutcliff Plattsburgh, NY With Paul V's Chevy	Bob Mackey Photo via Dave Brown Paul Vallaires Plattsburgh, NY With his Chevy

Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts, Sr.
Gaston Desmarias, usually a colorful driver, promoted the track around 1964 and changed the name to Adirondack Raceway.

Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock

AIRBORNE VIA SATELLITE

A Terraserver satellite photo of Airborne from the 1990's. At about nine o'clock on the photo you can see how the track used to be much longer. At eleven o'clock is the infamous, mosquito - breeding wetlands that breed 'em so big they have to land at the old airbase nearby. This configuration is basically the one laid out by C.J. Richards, for dirt and later paved by Tom Curley for ACT.

TODAY'S AIRBORNE SPEEDWAY

http://www.airbornespeedway.net/airbornespeedwayprofiles.html

    The Ernie's Discount Tools Modified Series features dirt modifieds racing on the the asphalt surface at Airborne. This is the brainchild of promoter Mike Perrotte, himself a dirt modified driver. The modifieds handle Airborne very respectably considering their considerable height disadvantage compared to their pavement modified cousins in southern New England.

Patrick Dupree, Onchiota, NY

Brian "Bucko" Branham, Plattsburgh, NY

George Foley, Saranac Lake, NY

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ANDY WARD PHOTOS FROM THE MID '80's DIRT DAYS

A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT All Star Race. Dave Heaslip 84 leads the late Doug Hoffman.	A and A Ward Photo 1986 Airborne dirt late model Torino.	A and A Ward Photo 1985 DIRT mods: Gailand Wood, Dick Nephew, Leon Gonyo, Don Scarborough, etc .	A and A Ward Photo 1985 DIRT mod #76 at speed. Not sure who that is. Bob Ellis ?	A and A Ward Photo 1985 DIRT mod heat: I see John Proctor, Bob Savoie, and Pete Corey, Jr.
A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT All Star Race. Bob McCreadie in full opposite lock.	A and A Ward Photo 1985 DIRT mod action. The late Charlie Laduc in a rare appearance with his last car 54.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT All Star Race. Vermont's dominant star, Charlie Wilbur.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT action. Charlie Wilbur, Duxbury, VT	A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT All Star Race. The late Doug Hoffman.
A and A Ward Photo 1984 DIRT All Star Race. Doug Hoffman  leads the pack .	A and A Ward Photo Honest Ed Champagne has quite a push coming out of 4.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 Frank Keene would bring the 6 banger mod over from Chelsea, VT and shock the hell out of the competition.	A and A Ward Photo Keene is running away from the 8 cylinder late models in this race.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 action: Glen Ormsby 33 and the inimitable Dominic Racoe.
A and A Ward Photo 1984 Jay Dubuque would drive this car to the track. He lived on the access road.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 Leon Gonyo spins the Riley Ford.	A and A Ward Photo Mike Perrotte.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 Dick Nephew was dragged out of retirement to drive this Olsen Eagle. He surpassed expectations.	A and A Ward Photo 1984 theclassic Ward shot of Nephew and Wilbur at speed.

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LEGENDS AT AIRBORNE IN EARLIER YEARS

Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock The late great Don MacTavish.He drove the Cliff Wright 24 and his own CIrcle J at Airborne.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock The late national champion Bill WImble. He drove the Gaylord Rowe T800 and 26; the McCredy S33, and his own cars at Airborne.	Courtesy of Gary Nephew Canadian great Jean Guy Chartrand. He drove the Ed Cloce Hemi Cuda 69 and his own 901 at Airborne.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Gary Nephew The late national champion Dick Nephew .He drove the George Palmetier 6 7/8, the Mason Dodge LMS,; the McGree Bridges car,  and his own 6NY cars at Airborne.	Source Unknown The late champion Kenny Shoemaker.He drove the Cliff Wright 24, the Bill Fowler 27Jr, the Henry Caputo 111, and assorted other cars at Airborne.
LaSheef Photo Carl "Buggs" Stevens, a  multi - time National champ. He drove the Len Boehler 3 and the Sonny Koszella 15 at Airborne.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock The late championCharlie Trombley. He drove the Mose Surprenant 98; the Ross McNaughton 5 7/8, and Bob Ferreira's 38 at Airborne, as well as some early family entries.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock The late track champion Bob Bruno. He drove the Vic Wolfe 66's and his own cars at Airborne. Car owner Wolfe qualifies as a legend, himself. [Center in photo below] Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Bruno Collection via John Rock.	Ladabouche Collection NASCAR National Modified Champion Ernie Gahan. He drove the Sonny Koszella 15'a, as well as his onw familiar 50 NH's at Airborne.	Rick Parry Collection Four - Time NASCAR National Sportsman Champion Rene Charland. He drove numerous cars at Airborne including his own 3's.
Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Jim LeClaire While perhaps not of Northeastern fame, local driver Bucko Branham is a legend at Airborne, by  all means.	Jo Towns Collection Courtesy of Otto Graham Howard "Jeep: Herbert . He drove the Henry Caputo 11, the Sam Kittler/Gibby Wolfe 37, the Richard Welch 77, and the Tony Villano 37 at Airborne,	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock The late champion Sterling "Buck" Holliday. He drove the Floyd Geary C38 cars almost exclusively.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Steve Danish was one of the sport's first true legends. He ran his car 61 at Airborne around 1955.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Gary Nephew Multi - time Canaddian  champion Jean - paul Caban ran Airborne in both his own coupes and with a Northern NASCAR late model sportsman.
Ladabouche Collection Track champion and Northern NASCAR champion, Beaver Dragon drove both modifieds and late model sportsman cars at Airborne. The coupes belonged to Ray Richards, while the late models were from the Robar/Everest 75 team.	Bob Frazier Photo Courtesy of Bob Kilburn Temperamental and innovative, Pete Corey was both a great car builder and a darned good driver. He drove his own #3's, as well as Chris Drellos' 11, and AC Caprara's 37 at Airborne. [Maybe  even the Ted Vogel 95].	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock For the limited years in the early '50's  that he ran, Bob Bushey rates some legendary status. he still holds the record for feature wins in a year set in 1954.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Multi - time NASCAR National Modifed champion Jerry Cook. He drove his own 38's only.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Rich Palmer Multi - time champion Bob Dragon. He drove his own modified, as well as theFamiliar red 71 LMS car at Airborne.

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