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art11758
10-24-2008, 08:47 AM
Does anyone remember or know who the owners and or promoters were at Westhampton? The question came up on another board and I cannot recall. IIRC the last time it was run as a oval for stock cars was in the seventies. I wasn't old enough to get there so I never saw it, just read about it in Gator and Scene.

Teds Race Tours
10-24-2008, 12:10 PM
Art.
I was about 9 the only time I went there, so I don't know who the owners/promoters were. 1/2 mile high banked oval with a flat 1/4 using the same straights. I guess the mods really ripped up the pavement in the turns, as the used 1 and 2 of the flat track, and 3 and 4 of the banked track. Probably about 4/10's of a mile. Jarzombek won and Cook was 2nd. Robin Vollmoeller won 2 Bomber Races on the 1/4 mile that day.It was an afternoon race.

Jaws
10-24-2008, 03:47 PM
I have the promotors name somewhere in some old Gater clippings, I will see if I can dig them up.

Charlie won almost every race they held in 75(?)

They ran on Sunday afternoons because they had no lights and they had a few races canceled that year due to a heat wave.

They also had a track that was like a double figure 8 track, forget what they called the division, but it was the figure 8 cars from Islip and Riverhead..

Here is a picture of the track.

http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=11&Z=18&X=1738&Y=11307&W=2&qs=Old+Country+Road%7cWesthampton%7cNY%7c&Addr=Old+Country+Rd%2c+Westhampton%2c+NY+11977&ALon=-72.6601603&ALat=40.8231903

310fig8
10-25-2008, 08:26 AM
That was 1975. The races were called Double Ovals. The cars ran on 2 tracks. Track 1 went from the start finish line to turns 1 and 2. Then you went down the back stretch. For that track turn 3 and 4 were paved thru the infield short of the main track turn 3 and 4. You then reentered the main track on the home stretch. The second track, you start at the start finish line and turned short of the main tracks turn 1 and 2. there was a paved short cut there. You reentered the main track on the back stretch. You went down to the main tracks turn 3 and 4 and back to the start finish line which was common to both tracks. 2 sets of cars raced. There were flags attached to the roof of the cars to derermine which track the cars were running. The cars were lined up side by side for the green flag. The cars on the inside line, we will call them the red flag cars, diverted thru the first shortcut onto the back stretch. The cars on the outside line, we will call them the Blue Flag cars, continued down to the main 1st and 2nd turn. They would blend in down the back stretch. Now the cars would criss cross with the Red Flag cars continuing all the way down to the main 3rd and 4th turn while the Blue Flag cars took their shortcut to the main stretch. So it was blend in, criss cross, blend out for 20 laps. It was fun while it lasted. I ran all the races there finishing 3rd in the final one. I know the explination may sound a little confusing but it's the best I can do LOL.

randomrodder
10-25-2008, 12:29 PM
I recall going to one race there and if memory serves me correctly, most of the modified drivers didn't care for the track much. Turn two was like making a complete left turn, way too sharp with no real transition. Then there was the gear change to run a longer track weekly.

As a fan I always wanted to see West Hampton make it.

In the photo to the lower right are a bunch of buildings lined up. They used to contain ICB Missiles. We filled the flat laying missile silos with sand then covered them with concrete. This was around 1978 or so. Bet most of you who went to WH didn't know ICBMs where just behind the back stretch.

Much thanks for the foto.

J.D.
10-26-2008, 07:33 AM
I went there a couple of times as a kid, I think I was 13 0r 14 years old. They used to race on Friday nights. I watched Eddie Flemky Sr. pass the whole field on the backstrech , in the dirt. Also Ronnie Hera drove the black 10 cents coupe, right under the gaurd rail, because he had a flat on the left front tire, but would not stop, even after being black flaged numerous times.Anybody have any photos, share them with us.
Also was Westhampton a Nascar track or outlaw ?, I remember the Eastern Bandits used to Come there.

rydogg97
10-26-2008, 08:39 AM
ive heard alot about westhampton.never was there but wouldlike to know more about it.a family friend used to run there and then islip and riverhead.his name was dave ryan[wilcox].he was to young to drive so he changed his last name.does anyone have any more info on westhampton or a place to look?looked up westhampton speedway not much.thanks

The Bullfather
10-26-2008, 09:44 AM
Doesn't help that much but try this link to see two photos
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1752/stockmenu.html

randomrodder
10-26-2008, 11:15 AM
Great site Pete. :drool:

rydogg97
10-26-2008, 07:16 PM
thanks pete!!

art11758
10-27-2008, 10:21 AM
The owner from the mid fifties to 1991 was the Caricola Family. Still waiting to see if Fat Albert, old racer, or someone else remembers who promoted there though.....

rydogg97
10-27-2008, 05:29 PM
this maybe a stretch but has anyone here ever race there that can compare this track to he tracks of today.seems to be a tough place to find out history of.

woot lawrence
10-27-2008, 08:10 PM
I think I remember reading Bob Finans "eye on riverhead" something about Bob Hagers dad promoted westhampton at some point.

capitalcity300
10-28-2008, 05:19 AM
http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/NY/LongIslandMP.html

http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/NY/Westhampton.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350113744955&viewitem=

http://cgi.ebay.com/SUFFOLK-COUNTY-RACEWAY-WESTHAMPTON-L-I-N-Y-CLASS-WINN_W0QQitemZ130144335712QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p 3286.m20.l1116

http://cgi.ebay.com/WESTHAMPTON-DRAG-STRIP-100-CLUB-STICKER_W0QQitemZ400003600286QQcmdZViewItem?hash=i tem400003600286&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1240%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

capitalcity300
10-28-2008, 09:20 PM
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=10&Z=18&X=3476&Y=22617&W=2&qs=Old+Country+Road%7cWesthampton%7cNY%7c&Addr=Old+Country+Rd%2c+Westhampton%2c+NY+11977&ALon=-72.6601603&ALat=40.8231903

Jaws
10-29-2008, 10:56 PM
I think I remember reading Bob Finans "eye on riverhead" something about Bob Hagers dad promoted westhampton at some point.

Thats the last promotor, he was the one who made the changes to the track, I think the idea was to slow them down. But they ended up almost stopping in the turn!

I also remember he had scheduled a big end of season race , then canceled when the pre entry of cars was too small and they never had another race again.

I think the promotor passed away that winter.

Except for go carts that year was the last races were ever run.

Jaws
10-29-2008, 10:59 PM
Doesn't help that much but try this link to see two photos
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1752/stockmenu.html

Actually I think they show a lot, pavement, sand and weeds!!

I went back to the track about 5 years ago and it was pretty cool to see. I wished I had a camera since it is all gone now.

It was all track, a little guard rail and almost no bleachers.

Only memories now.

capitalcity300
10-30-2008, 05:55 AM
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1752/stock20.html

http://www.geocities.com/psychojimking/1967unk711.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/psychojimking/1967unk1.jpg

art11758
10-30-2008, 08:10 AM
this maybe a stretch but has anyone here ever race there that can compare this track to he tracks of today.seems to be a tough place to find out history of.

When the very ill concieved plan to run an enduro there (1988 or 89 IIRC)I spoke to Dave and Joe Veltman about it. Dave's answer was one word, "treacherous". Joe said he used to run in tires there. He said it was plenty fast, and pretty tough on the tires. I and Artie Veltman walked it and my impression was a paperclip with two very different sets of turns. I speed balanced tires in anticipation of running there only to have the "promoter" screw us. (and himself but that is another thread)

art11758
10-30-2008, 08:21 AM
Actually I think they show a lot, pavement, sand and weeds!!

I went back to the track about 5 years ago and it was pretty cool to see. I wished I had a camera since it is all gone now.

It was all track, a little guard rail and almost no bleachers.

Only memories now.

From what I remember: no paved pits, the grand stands that were there were long gone (i could see where they were though), cement front straight wall, single armco in the turns, no fence on the back straight, incredible (steep!) banking in 1 and 2 (south end), moderate banking in 3 and 4. And no light poles so I would think it was a daytime operation.

When the dragstrip was "adjusted", they took away the entry to the first turn. I saw that when I was testing just before the track closed completely.
And the model for the community that is there now was up in like 60 days. It was like they couldn't wait to totally erase what had been there.

The Bullfather
10-30-2008, 04:32 PM
I have photos of the last races at the go-kart/oval/road course and drag strip. I have to find them, when I do I'll post them.

wayne
10-30-2008, 05:13 PM
If my memory serves me correct ,Robin vollmoellers' first experience there was in the passenger side of my fathers modified clinging to the roll cage! That was the start of a few wins there for robin.

The Bullfather
10-30-2008, 07:43 PM
ok have some photos for you to enoy, it was the last day of any competition at West Hampton. I thought they would get another week or two but it was closed down right after the day was over.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/63.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/64.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/65.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/66.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/70.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/69.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/68.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/67.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/9.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/8-1.jpg

The Bullfather
10-30-2008, 07:45 PM
next batch
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/19.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/2-1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/20.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/21.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/3-1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/4.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/6.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/59.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/57.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/5.jpg

The Bullfather
10-30-2008, 07:46 PM
last batch
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/10.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/11.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/12.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/16.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/15.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/14.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/13.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/17.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/thebullfather/18-1.jpg

Jaws
10-30-2008, 08:30 PM
Looking at the pictures of the oval its a real shame that this track which was in the middle of no where for many years never made a go at it with stock cars.and it is also a shame they cut out turns 1 & 2. I would guess having 1 & 2 being flat and turns 3 & 4 banked made it real tough to set a car up.

Just think if Westhampton not Riverhead (Nothing against Riverhead) was where the Sat night races were all these years. 1/2 mile oval that all those LI cars could stay close to home and race at.

Could have had ISMA super there, Bush North/East ,some USAC races, how about a Hooter Cup race, they have 2 of those on LI ( No pun intended)

4 tour races a year including a big spring and fall race. With the 10-15 LI cars and all the tour cars, mnan those would have been some races. Too bad, would have saved me thousands of miles of driving over the last 20 years!

randomrodder
10-30-2008, 08:31 PM
Thanks Peter. Some of those photos of what remained of the track are really gut wrenching. I recall taking you out there to watch the go karts a couple of times. I also recall going to a race there, I barely recall any of the details other then there being a lot of not too happy modified drivers, especially concerning turn two. I wish my memory were clearer.
Such a shame to see another track gone to the dogs, no pun intended. :*-(

Jaws
10-30-2008, 08:33 PM
From what I remember: no paved pits, the grand stands that were there were long gone (i could see where they were though), cement front straight wall, single armco in the turns, no fence on the back straight, incredible (steep!) banking in 1 and 2 (south end), moderate banking in 3 and 4. And no light poles so I would think it was a daytime operation.

When the dragstrip was "adjusted", they took away the entry to the first turn. I saw that when I was testing just before the track closed completely.
And the model for the community that is there now was up in like 60 days. It was like they couldn't wait to totally erase what had been there.

From what I read some where they did have loghts at one point, but not the last time the track was open, they lost a few races to heat!

J.D.
11-02-2008, 08:24 AM
They did have lights at Westhampton, They used to race on friday nights, I'll never forget Freddy Harbachs car X89, It made an impression on me for some reason. I think chuck Pecora in Riverhead has all the pictures of the cars that used to race on Friday nights, I have one picture of his of Ed Flemky Sr. in the dollar sign coupe.

Jaws
11-02-2008, 09:17 AM
They did have lights at Westhampton, They used to race on friday nights, I'll never forget Freddy Harbachs car X89, It made an impression on me for some reason. I think chuck Pecora in Riverhead has all the pictures of the cars that used to race on Friday nights, I have one picture of his of Ed Flemky Sr. in the dollar sign coupe.

Any way you could scan in a few so they could be posted, that was before my time and I would love to see what he track looked like thern.

Its funny, when you read about Long drivers from the 60's a70's rarely do they mention Westhampton. I know the track was not open that long, but you here about guys traveleing to New Egypt and Staford places like that but almost no mention of Westampton.

J.D.
11-02-2008, 05:23 PM
This is the only picture I have of Westhampton.

rydogg97
11-03-2008, 02:26 PM
thanks!!this track seems to be one of the toughest to find things about.

don38
11-04-2008, 03:18 PM
Anyone remember this place

Richie
11-04-2008, 05:46 PM
I don't think ol man Greger can even remember that place.

rydogg97
11-04-2008, 07:12 PM
that is great stuff!!it is nice to see that memoribilia like this with stand time.
thanks!

J.D.
11-05-2008, 05:53 AM
I thought this was a Westhampton Thread. Anymore info on Westhampton?

rydogg97
11-05-2008, 06:30 PM
it is but i like to see all that is history.it seems like westhampton memo and facts are hard to come by.

capitalcity300
11-08-2008, 08:48 AM
They did have lights at Westhampton, They used to race on friday nights, I'll never forget Freddy Harbachs car X89, It made an impression on me for some reason. I think chuck Pecora in Riverhead has all the pictures of the cars that used to race on Friday nights, I have one picture of his of Ed Flemky Sr. in the dollar sign coupe.

Was it an #X89 coach or #X89 coupe racecars that Fred Harbach raced at Westhampton Speedway??? :cheers: :wave:

The Bullfather
11-08-2008, 08:51 AM
I just saw Bob Hager last weekend, maybe he'll be at the karts again this week. If he is, I'll try to get some info about his pops and West Hampton Speedway.

EDGEnterprises
11-08-2008, 02:35 PM
Why don't you just call Marty Himes @ The Himes Museum to get all the information you need... You can reach him at 631-666-4912.. or online @ thehimesmuseum.com

You'll get nothing but the facts!

J.D.
11-08-2008, 05:59 PM
It was the X89 coupe.

J.D.
11-08-2008, 06:01 PM
Was it an #X89 coach or #X89 coupe racecars that Fred Harbach raced at Westhampton Speedway??? :cheers: :wave:

It was the coupe

Kamikaze.
11-08-2008, 07:13 PM
It was the X89 coupe.


It was the coupe

Double Post FTW...

Anyway..
Josephine Caricolla (sp?) and her Husband built the track, and the land was in the Caricolla name untill it was sold for 55+ housing.

As far as I know, and i know alot since my father ran the go-kart track along with Rick Keller untill 2004 when it was closed, the drag strip was run by Gary Schimiri, and we leased the go-kart track land from him untill the land was sold.

I know from my grandfather that Larry Mendolsohn promoted the track for some time, as well as another (George Payton or Paynton).

Anyway, just call my grandfather Marty Himes up @ The Himes Museum. Hell know the actual facts. (631) 666-4912 He is the Racing Encyclopedia.

If you get the answering machine, leave a message with your contact number and hell call you back.

don38
11-10-2008, 08:49 PM
front strech bleachers 1994 westhampton speedway

W. J.
11-10-2008, 09:39 PM
Wow, look at that crowd!

Kamikaze.
11-14-2008, 02:35 PM
Wow, look at that crowd!

Just like riverhead on a saturday night! :lol:

capitalcity300
12-06-2008, 02:10 AM
Check out the old post: Pictures of the Past:Hampton Jitney page 2 post #19 and #20 :cheers: :wave:
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8026&page=2

post #19
Some figure 8 cars from mid 70's, and the 8 Mod at Westhampton.
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=188&d=1134670459
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=189&d=1134670459

post #20
Don Howe and Jim Tyler at Westhampton.
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=192&d=1134671086
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=193&d=1134671086

capitalcity300
12-06-2008, 02:14 AM
Check out the old post: Pictures of the Past:Hampton Jitney page 2 post #21 and #22 :cheers: :wave:
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8026&page=2

post #21
Robin V's Bomber in the pits at Westhampton, and Wayne's Big Block Pinto.
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=194&d=1134671133
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=195&d=1134671133

post #22
Freddie (Fred Harbach) at Westhampton, and another track photographer purchased photo, which is one of my all time favs.
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=196&d=1134671312
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=197&d=1134671312

capitalcity300
12-06-2008, 03:08 AM
Check out the old post: Pictures of the Past: J.D. page 7 post #101 :cheers: :wave:
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8026&page=7

post #101
Here's Ed Flemky Sr. after a Westhampton Win, on a Friday night.
http://www.racerhub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=287&d=1136123398