Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee Vehicle Show Video
Hudson Valley’s Racing History Shines At Annual Event
Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee Racing Vehicle Show in Hopewell Junction, NY
On Sunday I headed over to Hopewell Junction, NY to check out the Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee’s Racing Vehicle Show and Hall of Fame Induction. Dan Rocket of the HVHRC had reached out after I had met him and his team at the Orange County Motorsports event back in March. Visiting with the group back then brought back a flood of memories growing up as a kid, heading to Englishtown, NJ or Lebanon Valley Raceway, NY with my parents, as my father prepared to race on the quarter-mile track. I grew up with Hot Rods and Dragsters, and coming here made me feel like I was a young kid again.
It was fascinating to walk around, check out the cars, talk to some of the drivers and pit crews, and get to see the support and emotion that occurred during the hall of fame ceremony. I know that this free event, allowed Hudson Valley residents of all ages to maintain their sense of community and touch those heavenly high horsepower vehicles that have been a part of their lives. Racing is a part of my heritage and family history, and the folks at the Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee are here to ensure that we don’t forget the past.
Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee Racing Vehicle Show Highlights:
Hall of Fame Induction:
The Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee did a fantastic job giving the Hall of Fame Inductees a proper ceremony honoring their achievements. They held 2 sessions, at 10:30 and 1:30 and at 10:30 am they honored:
- Tony Bonadies
- Tom Dewhirst
- Tony Feil
- Richie Head
- Mike Lorusso
- Ted Meiuller
- Reggie Sellick
- Warren “Specky” Sherwood
- Mose Van Benschoten
- Eddie Woodruff
At 1:30 pm:
- Bill Bichteman
- The Bouley Family
- Steve Conklin
- Nick Giardina
- Hoppy & Wes Jensen
- Pete Keator
- Allan Kellogg
- Don Palmateer
- Ev Pierce
- Bob Schmidt
- Stan Sherman
- John Snyder
- Slim Wheatley
Cars, Drivers and Community:
The heat may have dissuaded some from coming, but overall a great turnout of cars and drivers. From a beautiful setup like Spiritual High’s 1963 Impala SS and Trailer, to the ones that seem like they came off the hard clay track, like the No. 51 or No. 333 cars. My familiarity with the current drivers is minimal (and if anyone wants to send me a note to update the picture captions, just let me know). The best part one was that each car and driver was so open to supporting and helping their fellow drivers.
Keeping Racing History Alive:
The Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee is doing their best to make sure that these memories stay alive. You can help as well, become part of the group, share your experiences and history. Like many things that change, it is up to us to make sure that each new generation gets a chance to see what made their parents and relatives enjoyed, and perhaps they, in turn, will help us keep the memories alive.
In Closing...
Thank you to the Hudson Valley Historical Racing Committee for inviting me out to share in your day at the Whortekill Rod and Gun Club in Hopewell Junction, NY.
