Gentlemen, start your backhoes!

Gentlemen, start your backhoes!

Okay, so it didnt begin that way at all. But in essence, one green flag from the current owner of the former Cheraw Speedway has inspired race fans to clear the track while unleashing memories 50 years old or more.

Take Back the Track is slated for Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., at the old Cheraw Speedway. The event has grown to include a Vintage Car Show, food, and music.

Lee Knight, of Wallace, who once raced there, will be selling barbecue sandwiches. Roy Allison will have hots dogs and Patsy Leviner will be selling boiled peanuts and popcorn to benefit the Paws and Claws.

But above all, the day promises to be filled with story after story of how it was, back in the day, when the smell of burning rubber and dust were pure inspiration.

The Cheraw Speedway, behind Janice Circle and right next to the Cheraw Municipal Airport, was owned and operated by the late Jimmy Ingram during the 1950s and 60s. Until this summer, the track had become virtually unrecognizable with trees and vines covering it. But thanks to kindred spirits and thewildfire effect of Facebook, devoted volunteer race fans have poured their efforts into clearing the track, at least enough to gather there for a day of reminiscing, if not racing.

Lynn Ingram, formerly of Cheraw, is Jimmy Ingrams daughter. She is the current owner of the track. Ingram said she has been blown away by the tremendous response she received this summer when she uploaded some old photographs to Facebook. In fact, the group is currently 247 members strong, and growing.

Daddy built the track the year I was born, Ingram said. That was 1955, and they raced there until 1968.

I always knew how sentimental the track was to me, Ingram said, but admitted shed never realized how many other people shared her sentiments for the beginning days of real, unsponsored, redneck racing from the heart.

I forgot other peoples daddies had raced there too, Ingram said.

Facebooks Cheraw Speedway site was created to connect all the people who have an interest in the old Cheraw Speedway, said Ingram. Thats what she posted Aug. 17, encouraging others with pictures, stories, newspaper clippings or memories, to please share.

This group, however, did more than share. They started working. In the heat of the summer, Junior Lisenby of Chesterfield was one volunteer who cranked up his backhoe and literally started clearing the track. He and others removed trees and burned brush to unearth the rocky asphalt that circled the small patch of trees. Others, such as Marty Griggs of Chesterfield, contributed to the clean-up effort by supplying diesel fuel for the backhoe.

According to Ingram, just the idea of gathering at the old spot is exciting enough for some folks. But in reality, the resurrection of the Cheraw Speedway has been noticed by the Racers Reunion, a national group that focuses on helping bring attention to ghost tracks.

I am overwhelmed by the interest and support, and you know Daddy would be so very pleased, Ingram said.

Ingram, a published author, is currently teaching psychology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has written for various newspapers in North and South Carolina, including The Cheraw Chronicle. Her collection of short stories can be purchased locally and is titled Necessary Things. Her long list of accomplishments also includes a NASCAR mechanics license in 1980 when her father revived his racing career.

Ingram said she plans to be in town this weekend for the event, regardless of how many people show up. Heres what I know, she said. Volunteers have seen to it that there will be food; some for sale, some for free. She also said there will be vintage cars, portable toilets, a generator and maybe even a band.

I have no way of knowing for sure if therell be a hand full of people or hundreds, Ingram said.

According to Ingram, Lee Knight is the only one still living to have raced at Cheraw Speedway. He will be taking his 1933 Plymouth Fenderless Coupe to the event Saturday. Jim Leviner will be taking Ingrams original number 12 from the days of glory as well as his own new number 12 car.

Ingram has provided the photographs, complete with captions, for this publication for all to enjoy and remember.

For more information about the Tack Back the Track event, look for Cheraw Speedway on Facebook and take part in Cheraws racing history. See you at the track!