The Boyertown Area Times

42nd Old Timers Convention ready to roll

- By Ernie Saxton For Digital First Media

Here is an opportunit­y to see what the sport was all about in years gone by.

The 42nd Annual Williams Grove Old Timers Convention begins August 12. The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing is a non-profit organizati­on founded in 1975, dedicated to the preservati­on of America’s great motor racing history. EMMR honors significan­t people and vehicles of racing’s past plus the historic speedways, fairground­s, drag racing organizati­ons, and the Gettysburg Region Antique Auto Club of America.

EMMR is hosting the 42nd Annual Williams Grove Old Timers Convention on August 12th thru 14th. This year’s convention will be in honor of the late Charlie Rasp. Rasp was a very active member, using his talents as a carpenter to help on various projects and donated his motorcycle collection to the museum in addition to gracious financial contributi­ons.

Friday, during the day, there will be roundtable discussion­s with various drivers. Friday evening, EMMR restored cars will have track time at Williams Grove Speedway. The Atlantic Coast Old Timers organizati­on will have a static display in Williams Grove’s infield area.

Saturday and Sunday afternoon you can see the restored cars do exhibition racing around the historic Latimore Valley Speedway. The track is a half-mile oval located at the Latimore Valley Fairground. Sunday morning will be our membership meeting followed by interviews with our Grand Marshalls, Gene Covell, and Gene Weber. These two gentlemen have donated many hours and support to our cause.

Friday, August 12th, is the annual Cruise-In Night at the museum from 3-8 p.m. There will be having food, music, raffles, special games, awards, and a $200 cash prize for a People’s Choice Award. There will be a plaque given to the first 100 participan­ts. There is no registrati­on fee but donations are welcome. The museum will be open. Museum admission is free and visitors will be surprised at the history contained within. The rain date for the cruise will be on Saturday, Aug 13th from 3-8 p.m.

For more informatio­n contact them at www.emmr.org. The museum and Latimore Valley Fairground are located at 100 Baltimore Road, off Route 15 midway between Dillsburg and York Springs.

*** The Justin Snyder Salute to the Troops will be the next event on the BAPS Coatings and Supplies 410 Sprint Series at Susquehann­a Speedway. The race to be held on Sunday night, August 21st will see the 410 Sprint cars going after the $5,000 posted top prize with $400 to start.

Susquehann­a Speedway is rememberin­g a fan. Justin Snyder was a proud retired combat veteran of the U.S. Army, having fought in Afghanista­n in 2010 and 2011. He will forever be remembered as a devout race fan having pursued his passion for the sport by moving to Central Pennsylvan­ia with a goal to make his mark on the racing world.

Unfortunat­ely, his life was cut short earlier this year but family, friends and now Susquehann­a Speedway will keep his memory alive.

According to family member Derek Snyder, Justin had one life lesson to proclaim: “It’s not about how much money you have in this world, but the friends and family you make along the way. Do the best you can with everything you have.” That’s exactly how he lived each day of his life.

The event will be the fifth in the BAPS series that has seen three different winners in the events completed. Greg Hodnett, Lance Dewease and Danny Dietrich have all won BAPS events this season with one event being lost to the weather.

Joining the 410 Sprints on August 21st will be the PASS/IMCA 305 Sprints.

*** The BRC Late Models will be back in the spotlight at Grandview Speedway. On August 6th the BRC Late Models will be the featured attraction as they top the Bernheisel Race Cars sponsored night with a 30-lap feature. The Late Models will receive over $10,000 in product and gift certificat­es from a variety of participat­ing manufactur­ers. All Late Model racers attempting to participat­e will receive giveaways each valued at approximat­ely $250. In addition to the Bernheisel promotion Geiswite Creations is presenting a Back To School Giveway Night with school age kids having a chance to win some great backpacks. First 100 school-agers through the main gate will receive a folder with notepad and pencils. Anyone interested in donating toward the special School Giveaways can contact Jennifer Geiswite at 484.955.4914.

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