December 19, 2006

Robert Heinfeld - Author of 'Daredevils On Dirt'

Author and long time New Bremen resident Bob Heinfeld addressed the club and shared some stories about the early days of the New Bremen Speedway.  He has recently released a book titled 'Daredevils on Dirt - Early Years at the New Bremen Speedway' and had traveled to New Bremen from his current home in Ada Ohio to address the Rotary club and for a morning book signing at the local Coffee Shop.

Bob shared about some history of New Bremen that dated back into the 1920's at a time that preceded his birth and the Speedway.  New Bremen was noted for various things including the White Mountain Creamery that supplied some of the East Coast markets, New Bremen Brooms that were thought to be the best made at that time and the annual Farmer's Picnic to name just a few.  In 1926 the New Bremen Speedway was initiated and added another mark for New Bremen on the map.

He went on to share about how the track got started and brought some pictures and memorabilia including a copy of a racing program from 1928.  He described some of the challenges the drivers faced due to poor quality wheels and frequent breakage that caused sometimes fatal accidents.  I the 5 year span of racing at the track from 1926 until the riots that led to the burning of the grandstands in 1931, 5 drivers were killed in accidents at the track.  Nevertheless, the track was a draw for drivers and racing enthusiasts from places such as Detroit, Indianapolis and Cincinnati and it posted more than 12,000 admissions for spectators in that time span.

For more information on obtaining a copy of Bob's book, contact the Crown Store by following this link.  

Hosting Rotarian: Jim Dicke II

Note: Jim generously provided a copy of the book to all Rotarians and visitors to the meeting that day.