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History Guest Book

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Stacy Lynne said:August 21st, 2009 8:04 pm

Can't wait for the finished product!

Tom Motter said:September 9th, 2009 1:18 pm

Dennis it's looking really good so far. Keep it up. It should be a big seller! You'll need more shipping boxes I'm sure!

Steve Lafond said: September 10th, 2009 2:19 pm

Looks like it's gonna be an awesome book, Dennis! Can't wait...

Robert Haugh said:September 16th, 2009 9:50 am

Can't wait to get my hands on a copy! I have told a few folks, and I believe this is going t be a hot seller!

George Rimmer said:September 24th, 2009 12:12 pm

This looks like an amazing piece of work Dennis, it must have taken years!! I've passed the word among the UK oval racing fraternity here (where you’re already well known of course!!). Well done.

Elisabeth Lemas said:October 25th, 2009 2:43 pm

Wow, that looks great. Can’t wait to buy the book when it comes out. Lots of great pictures. Good luck!

Jim Phillipson said:November 25th, 2009 9:24am

Dennis this looks to be a real labor of love and I am looking forward to seeing it!

Steve Gregory said: December 1st, 2009 8:38 am

Dennis, They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but how can I not... The cover has me excited anticipating the arrival of my copy. Great work, A wonderful piece of racing history.

Jim Lowe said:December 11th, 2009 9:47 am

Checking in regularly so I can order as soon as available. Looks great. Mentioned it on the race history group on yahoo

Mark Sublett said:December 11th, 2009 3:06 pm

I know you have put a lot of work into this book and I am excited about seeing the finished product!!

Steve Hazelton said:January 10th, 2010 5:07 pm

Dennis, your lifelong love of racing photography is now chronicled. Congratulations and bring it to my NorCal Racing EXPO for a book signing, among race cars and fans.

Steve Gregory said:January 14th, 2010 9:12 pm

Dennis, You were mobbed last nite at the first book signing. Joe Leonard was very flattered being a part of such a quality book. The photos and stats are so impressive, Great Work. Cheers...

Mark Dill said:January 19th, 2010 10:18 am

Congratulations on the book Dennis! Mark Dill www.firstsuperspeedway.com

Bruce Goodwin said: January 26th, 2010 1:41 pm

Wow!! A must have for all open wheel fans alike!!....I grew up at Tully Rd. Speed Plant in 50's-60's.

Ralph Pearce said:January 27th, 2010 7:12 pm

Beautiful Dennis, great work!

Bonnie C Chisholm said: January 28th, 2010 12:59 pm

Great to know there is book on the history of the San Jose area. Please bring some copies to the West Capital event this Sept 16 - 18.

Dennis aXe Sylvia said:February 3rd, 2010 9:52 am

Wow got my copy and haven’t had the chance to want to put it down! Memories of that old Tully rd. paved track just jump out at me on most pages it is talked about. Names from My introduction to it are Shiner Watkins, Herb Kaeding they are in there and more. Great Great book Dennis My hat is off to you on the whole thing. If anyone has ever been to that speedway you have got to have a copy of this book. aXe

wally elane said:February 6th, 2010 10:52 pm

Finally, a book about the best race track ever....the paved track on Tully Rd. That was my 2nd home from '58- '77. Can't wait to order a copy for me and a copy for my sister in Texas.

Vic Peterson said: February 12th, 2010 6:11 am

I just finished reading your book. I found it to be an excellent presentation of meticulous research and the photos are great. To have all the statistics in one book is a great contribution. You confirmed my feeling that San Jose leaders were extremely short-sighted when making their decisions about what to do with the Fairgrounds. Keep me in mind for a copy of your next book on Speedways in Northern California. Vic Peterson

Dan Yetter said:February 15th, 2010 9:09 am

When I heard about your book I was glad to see someone preserve the best racing in America. The super modified days were my favorite. San Jose supers were always fast and beautiful.

George Rimmer said: February 18th, 2010 3:17 am

This book is amazing!! I have been following oval track racing in CA for almost forty years, and the info in the book is just incredible - all so comprehensive, with all those great old photo's too. Well done Dennis and all who helped, I will be spreading the word here in the UK about it for sure.

Randi Turner said: February 20th, 2010 12:09 pm

Just heard about the book. Can't wait to get one. I own the San Jose Speedway sign that was on Tully Road. Look forward to the book.

mike rinaudo said: March 3rd, 2010 9:36 pm

anyone who has ever gone to the old speedway or the fairgrounds must have this book. Brings back alot of good times at the track. it's great. good job dennis! ps. joe leonard get well soon. who's going to barbeque at keebles????

Steve Lafond said: March 8th, 2010 2:53 pm

Well done, Dennis! Extremely comprehensive and well researched. And the photos are awesome!

Kenny Takeuchi said: March 20th, 2010 11:34 am

Great job, Dennis!! I will be passing the good word on this masterpiece. Keep up your outstanding work.

Stephen Noia said:March 25th, 2010 9:51 am

I'm looking forward to the Book(s), one for me and a second for a friend.

joe winters said:March 30th, 2010 3:06 pm

Hi Dennis I can’t wait to get one

Joey Santos said:April 7th, 2010 4:32 pm

Great job Dennis. Would also like to find any old photos of myself, lost many in move.

Tony Loxley said:April 17th, 2010 1:17 am

Dear Dennis, great job with the book. There are plenty of Aussies out there who will be familiar with the names in the book. Many of the San Jose, Roseville and Calistoga racers competed Down Under such as Wilbur, Andreetta, Welch, Patterson, Sills, Sue, Burton et al, and your book is certainly an effort that deserves to be on any racing fan's bookshelf. I'll be telling all my mates in the Land of Oz about your fabulous publication.

robert macgregor jr said:May 28th, 2010 10:45 am

great job dennis can’t wait to read this book, my brother was roland wlodykas crew chief at the old speedway before going winston cup racing with dale earnhart

Don McWhirter said: July 1st, 2010 5:52 pm

Just received your book, as a birthday gift. What a great surprise! A second surprise was seeing a picture of one of my cousin's Johnny Neece with his car and driver rod spencer. I also noticed you show the 11x car being driven by scott ludorff; but no mention of the car owner who I believe is bill schwartz who has been a friend for the last 60 years.

ruth himan said: July 19th, 2010 11:02 am

from another race track brat---my dad Wild Bill Hayley raced at Alviso and San Jose---I am in town researching old

Carril Cooks Jr. said:August 23rd, 2010 5:38 pm

Do you have any history of the 1st African american driver at San Jose Speedway. It was Alvin Cooks, my uncle. He and my Father would always bring us to the track. We were actually the only African American family at the track in the early 1970's. We were good friends with Sargent's and Kaedings.

Santoro Salerno said: August 30th, 2010 9:06 am

Grew up in San Jose & went to the Saturday night races at the San Jose Speedway. In those days, the late 1950s-60s, Tully Road "ended' and it was just a dirt road: one "lane" going to the parking area & the other "lane" leaving the racetrack. I had 4older brothers-in-law and all were hotrodders of the 50s. One brother in law, Bob Rutgers, was a mechanic for Bill Scott (the #5 checkerboard car) who ended up racing against the 2nd team, most famous was Carmel Fernandez. I'm looking for any old photographs of San Jose Speedway racing from the 1950s & 1960s, please.

t d mckee said:September 7th, 2010 1:02 pm

i met dennis at the car show in alviso man did it bring back the old days, my dad allen worked for steve don’t remember last name he owned car # 19 jim was the driver then...but bill scott was my favorite driver back then i just want to thanks dennis for the hard work he did on this book, it was wow to me great job if your from the days of racing its a must....

David Patton said:September 15th, 2010 5:19 pm

i went to San Jose speedway from 1956 to 1982 my dad raced from 1953 until 1955 when my mother told my dad the car goes or she goes well the car went my dad used to work with Nick Ringo and marshal used to live down the street from us

Diana DeCair Romano said: October 3rd, 2010 3:40 pm

My Father Bill DeCair raced at San Jose Speedway back in the early 1960's. We lived in Santa Clara at the time. I learned from him before his passing in Oct. 2009 that he also raced at the Stockton Speedway. He always kept his passion for racing and spent his final days watching the speed channel keeping up on all the action. My Uncle Bobby (Bob DeCair of Santa Clara, CA. Dad's youngest Brother) is building a race car in Memory of my Father Bill DeCair. If anybody has any information on my Father I would appreciate it so very much. My Uncle is trying to decide what # to put on the door and would like to be as accurate as possible. Thank You to all those keeping the sport and the memories alive and helping those that you can along the way. Sincerely, Diana Lynn DeCair Romano

greg jones said: October 30th, 2010 9:17 pm

we lived in sunnyvale and my dad lebaron jones took us to the old alviso and san jose speedway track during the late 50s and 60s and seventies..the drivers like marshall,mike.mark sargent,bill scott,nick ringo,al pombo,howard keading,clyde palmer,nick resino.were true legends.the super modifieds during that time were the best looking race cars in the usa.old san jose speedway was the greatest.......greg jones

Larry Lundin said: November 9th, 2010 9:52 am

As a young boy, I lived on Pala Avenue on the east side of San Jose. I clearly remember the roar of engines and even an occasional burst over the track's PA system. My grandmother was a big fan of the hardtop races and I recall her driving us there down a one lane road (now Capitol expressway). In 1965, we moved to Hopkins Drive. On the corner of Hopkins and Story Road was a gas station with a hardtop #45 belonging to Bill Track. Riding our bikes, my brother Garry and I followed the car as it was being towed to the rear entrance gate of SJ Speedway. This entrance was where the teams parked their unloaded trailers. As a pair of 11 year old twin brothers, we would hang on the fence mesmerized by the colorful race cars, the roar of unmuffled engines and everybody wearing white jeans! We were hooked. Garry and I grew up going to every race from that day on and rarely missed a show. Later we went to races at Vallejo, Clovis, Kearney Bowl, Stockton 99er and my favorite...West Capitol. One Saturday night in the mid-seventies, I found myself sitting on the stock car pole for my first ever main event at the very same track where I idolized so many others as a young boy. I actually led the first few laps before Larry Jackson stuffed me in the turn 3 wall. The same wall where Lloyd Nygren and Bob Zewemke lost their lives. Little did I know that night, there would be much better race days for me in the future. However, there will never be another time period comparable to racing in the 1960's or for anything else. I'm forever thankful for all the memories of growing up when I did. Larry Lundin.

Larry Lundin said: November 9th, 2010 9:58 am

During the early 1980's, I built almost 40 late model stock cars for various drivers. For nostalgic purposes, I sure would like to locate one of those cars. If any one knows where I might find one please contact me at email: llundin7884@aol.com or at 925 577-3513. Thank-you very much, Larry Lundin.

Clarence Senteio said:December 2nd, 2010 5:12 pm

Al Pombo was My Friend f4k8k

Alex Wheeler said:December 5th, 2010 8:05 pm

Wow it is so rad to see all the photos and posters from Old San Jose Speedway. My uncle had a midget and used to race there in the 70's. His drivers were Pat Holton, Wheeler Gresham & Bobby Morrow. My dad and I used to go there every Wednesday night for the stock cars. My stepdad wrenched for on super modifieds for Glen Roberts. Glen used to take some hot laps in his cement truck on the track sometimes. My stepdad also had a midget later on but that was after the Speedway was gone. We raced at Fremont, Madera, West Capitol, etc. His driver was Richie Garcia. Wow, thanks for keeping the history and memories alive. I will be picking up a copy for my stepdad as an Christmas present. I look forward to meeting you. -Alex

chuck shurtleff jr said: December 9th, 2010 12:12 pm

spent many of saturday at the track watching my dad race chuck shurtleff sr car # 76

Donna Scott said: January 19th, 2011 8:20 pm

Leo Scott was a founding member of Western Auto Racing and later after the battle lost to NASCAR, became a NASCAR member driving for himself and John Minor in the 808 Birelys car. I would like to contribute to the photos - webmaster. I have a lot of newspaper clippings of results from the 40's & 50's at SJ Speedway. Donna

Lyle Hopper said:January 22nd, 2011 8:55 pm

WoW - I like Larry (hay Larry !!) move to SJ in 1963 just the other side of Overfelt HS three blocks, the one you passed going in to the back gate and would set at our back window to hear Ken T announce the race when I could not be at the track, I drove my first race there ( figure 8) after ses'n 90% of the races run from 64-77 love the place to this day .

Rich styles said: February 5th, 2011 10:30 pm

I totally miss racing my sprint car, it's like part of me has been missing ever since I gave it up. Rich styles Sprinter #16

Frank Florio said: February 6th, 2011 12:50 pm

I started at San Jose in 1961. I was president of the Marshall Sargent Fan Club. Later I crewed on the Pete Winters Chevy for Johnny Brazil, and later, Howard Kaeding. I stopped racing after LLoyd Beard was killed at Calistoga. He and I had become close friends. I still have tons of pics from the old days, many from Bob Mise, Donnie's dad. Save me at least one copy of the book!!!

Tracy Jones said: March 16th, 2011 8:09 pm

Best memories growing up was watching my cousin Rod Spencer #22....we never missed a sat. nite at the track

jimmy prater said: April 24th, 2011 10:21 am

Thanks for keeping this Great sport alive. The decade of the 60's , are super memorable for me .

Jeanie Picetti said:May 6th, 2011 4:40 pm

WOW did this bring back memories! Growing up at San Jose Speedway my father had 2 cars back in the old flat head days and thru the super modifieds. Manny Picetti owner builder 711 and 48 that’s my dad and boy many times did that man volunteer me for trophy girl from howard to nick. Dad has gone now but I know he is still hitting the asphalt upsatirs! Thanks just ordered my book didn't even know it existed live up north now it Lakeport Speedway seems like yesterday! Jeanie Picetti

Jeanie Picetti said: May 6th, 2011 4:45 pm

How many of us remember the good old last lap sargent Bar! after every race sat.

David Santana said:May 9th, 2011 7:06 am

Great idea.... Hey if anyone can get Mike Sargeant my info and tell him to contact me I'd appreciate it! david@vintagejetboats.com

Jeff Browne said: June 10th, 2011 4:00 pm

Are any of your books going to contain any information on Alviso Speedway? My Step-Grandfather and Grandmother were in charge of that (WAR - Western Auto Racing), for a number of years (in the 50's).

clarence senteio said: June 28th, 2011 8:38 am

I have what would have been the last car being Built to Run the asphalt track i need a Body to complete the car where's mike Damron ?

greg jones said: July 1st, 2011 10:25 pm

i remember alviso,old san jose speedway ,Fremont, the fairgounds.the super modifieds of the sixties and seventies at old san jose speedway were the best looking race cars in the country.the true legends were al pombo,marshall sargent,mike sargent ,mark sargent .nick ringo,clyde palmer.

lee james said: July 8th, 2011 9:36 pm

hey dennis save me a copy.and you better autograph the damn thing for me and my dad

ken said: July 15th, 2011 6:49 pm

I trying to find pictures of the 1/2 mile track they had in San Francisco back in the 60's. I think it was called candlestick raceway. Can you help me? If so email me at kbguy@comcast.net......ty

Ted Lepas said:July 30th, 2011 5:39 am

Born and raised in San Jose, Tully rd. was my sat nite hang out. Great racing back in the day. Glad I found Ur site Dennis. I have memorabilia from San Jose Speedway, Bay lands, Also have audio recordings of Chico, Baylands, El Centro, CopperWorld Classic, Santa Maria.shoot me Email.

sal v said:August 2nd, 2011 12:36 pm

Alviso raceway. I grew up there. Friday nights were race nights with the Eppersons, Teddy Whit (co raced with Howard...). Yeah, I remember Nick Ringo - his wife (or girlfriend) was a trophy girl. I used to clean under the stands Saturday morning with other locals - lots of coins, paper money and occasional wallets.

Dennis Kneeshaw said:August 30th, 2011 2:54 pm

Dennis M great coverage I used to crew for Jack Epperson and met my wife of 39 years at the old SJ Speedway wow what an era that was Sat night thunder Great memories of great racing

Dennis Foley said: September 15th, 2011 9:09 pm

Hi Dennis! I drove AAA Tow Truck for Alongi Bros and they painted my v-8 60 Midget (shalalla chassis) to look real pretty (Bud Jackson #3 Chevy Midget Actually) was my mentor. Then Big Mike McCreary showed up and I soon learned a whole lot about racing. I miss Mel Fernandez ... Best Flagman Ever... Is there any www. tribute to the best flagman that ever lived? Just Curious... BTW: the Guine Hen "watch-dogs" @ Mattish Towing were quite entertaining... (& the albino walking catfish) I'm rambling, so I will check out now... - Dennis Foley

carrie anne said: October 27th, 2011 3:45 pm

Frank, I’m Lloyd eldest granddaughter, would love to see some pics from the old days.

Clyde Henningsen said: October 30th, 2011 12:56 pm

What a great site. And so was the San Jose Speedway in the late 50's. Although there did not seem to be a lot of kids there on Saturday night. It was a great place for a kid to be. My friend Barry Moreland's dad worked there so we arrived early, walked around the pits as the drivers arrived, scoured under the bleachers for loose change and it was always worth our time. Driver's uniforms consisted of white t-shirts with a pack of cigs rolled up in the sleeve, blue jeans (501s) and engineer boots The Safety equipment consisted of seat belts or surplus aircraft harness. And the old brain bucket was everything from a leather football helmet to the classic bell helmet. What a great time to be a kid and what a great time it must have been to be a driver. My best recollection was the pace car in the rear. You know the guy in back that never drove fast enough to put his cigarette out, and the race wasn't over till he crossed the line. Sometimes he was more than several laps back. Thanks for the great memories. Just one quick question. Do you think Jeff Gordon carries a K-bar in his engineer boots?

michael lee moses said: December 24th, 2011 12:10 pm

I remember seeing my dad beat the pants off of pombo at alviso with the acme glass mid engine num 10 back in 57.I also remember my childhood friend mike sargent.My and his where best friends. david leroy moses WAS his name.

Gregory Rapier said:December 31st, 2011 10:47 pm

I spent many great nights at the track as crew chief and car builder of the #15 Jim Perry Jr supermodified. I miss those days and it’s too bad that great old track is gone.

Dennis Sylvia said:January 9th, 2012 9:27 am

Dennis Am starting to chomp at the bit waiting for your latest book? You do such GREAT work cant wait for it. I grew up first going to Alviso speedway only when they had Sunday afternoon races. Then hooked up with the Taylor Hughes hardtop driven by Shiner Watkins at San José around 57? (Boy do I miss that place!) They then purchased a midget. I then moved on to the Benson shops where there were close to 30 midgets built. I got out of the working on racecars in 71, I now run my own web site. www.openwheelracers3.com Been a great ride I am still one of the best race watching fans around these parts. Let me know when you get close on that new book I could help with the advertising as we did with the last one. Den

DICK JONES said: January 15th, 2012 1:35 pm

Lots of fond memories from San Jose in the 40s 50s and 60s. keep up the good work. and keep your wheels down.

Bill Montagne said: March 18th, 2012 11:12 pm

I raced motorcycles and sprint cars at San Jose. The first time I drove my 4 wheel independent suspension sprint car was I think at the first WOO race there. Wondering if it in your book. Dark blue, #64 without a wing.

mike salinas said: February 13th, 2012 7:58 pm

drove hardtops at Alviso speedway from 1958 to 1963 all so ran stock cars at san jose speedway watsonville / altamont spdwy and others. Thank You Mike Salinsa Sr.

Rodney Hogan said: April 26th, 2012 9:58 pm

I was wondering about my dad and his brother that had raced in the late 1940's 48 to the mid 50's after the war in 1945. My dads brother raced at alviso and raced hardtop's in the day. later in the 1960's my cousin still races and at 69 year of age he still races the 360 winged sprint's and as a kid at the age of ten or so I can remember the good old days at san jose raceway asphalt track racing in the 70's saturday night at san jose raceway, I wonder if some one out there has any old pictures of my uncle his name is Art Mc Carthy Sr. please send pic's to rod_wrenches@yahoo.com I’m trying to find some of the event logs from that era 1948 to 1960, art jr still racing and doing well at petaluma raceway.. and god bless

Rich Taylor said:May 16th, 2012 8:58 pm

Hi, I grew up at the San Jose Speedway Track! My dad was an ambulance driver and went by Dick Taylor. I know that he knew everyone at the track and I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of the ambulance crew from the late 60's till they closed the track. Then everything moved over to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds where he eventually became the ticket taker! His brother’s name is Bob Taylor. If you knew he was let me know ...... He is gone now, and we have started racing up here in the Northwest! A little different kind of racing though :) My boy races a quad on Flat Track, Motocross, Super cross, Trials and cross country. His website is JTRacingOnline.com Well, thank you for all the memories and by the way, Howard Kaedings car in the Sprint Car Museum was found buy my dad and Chuck Pebehouse Thanks again, Rich Taylor

Carol McGraw Kolodziej said:May 18th, 2012 9:50 am

I would love to order your book on the history of San Jose Speedway. Will you be having anymore printed? I would also love to talk to you about ordering some photos of my father and brother. I have sent you a message on Facebook.

Michael Miller said:May 22nd, 2012 5:35 pm

I hope you consider reprinting the first book as I am sure there were a lot of people who did not hear about it. I would like to get the book for my parents as a gift. They had many friends at the Speedway!

Jeff Chiszar said:August 3rd, 2012 7:50 am

I worked with Dave and Terry Thompson in the late 80's and am happy to have stumbled onto this site. I hope the San Jose book goes to reprint. It will go on to my Christmas wish list! Tami Pelletaire Keltner said: December 6th, 2012 12:12 pm I cannot wait until the reprint of the San Jose book is ready, My dad was a friend of Marshall Sargent and spent many nights away from us racing with him, He would love, love, love this book. I’m getting it for him just because I love him. thanks Tami

Jeanie Picetti said: December 7th, 2012 3:40 pm

OK guys Nicks name was not ringo it was rescino remember Yeah my dad had 2 cars there at san jose 48 and 711 (that was old flat head days) I was the stand in Trophy girl long time ago. I have lots of pictures of the old days racing

Janis Meals said: December 7th, 2012 8:22 pm

I would love to order the 1st book and more editions to come!! it would be a great gift for my dad who raced there and hung out in the pits......my brother and I heard of this site from our mechanic. we would love information to when we could purchase these books "History of SAN JOSE auto racing 1903-2007. please please!!!!

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Steve Ruby said:January 25th, 2013 12:16 pm

I worked the pits for both Donnie Epperson and Nick Rescino and really miss the old Tully Rd track. I retired to Iowa and help my grandson race at Knoxville now.

Jeff Kessinger said: January 27th, 2013 8:24 am

When I was about 5 years old (1966) my mom starting taking us kids to the races at San Jose Speedway. We stopped for a couple of years when they closed the track and then went religiously to the Fairgrounds. I'm still a fan to this day and have a FB page "save sprint car racing" devoted to tracks, drivers, and promoter to help stop what happened to the San Jose Fairgrounds Speedway.

Sal villagomez said: June 23rd, 2013 4:04 pm

Do you have any video or photos of alviso speedway

Walter beltramo said: August 4th, 2013 11:57 pm

Dennis your San jose is the best. just found out about. The Watsonville book.that I well order .keep up the great work . Thanks walter

George Rimmer said: March 9th, 2014 11:10 am

Hey Dennis Mattish has done it yet again! I've been showing his latest book around at the BRITISH Stock car association media day at Coventry and it was a big hit with everyone. Even some old timers who raced with Crawfish Crider & Cotton Owens and the USA team when they came here in 1955. Well done once more Dennis and keep up the great work!

Ron Burch said: April 29th, 2014 5:10 pm

I am anxious to get ahold of your books, i found a link through the Hot San Jose Nights web site, I believe. Type your paragraph here.

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