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Seasoned speedsters reunite, reminisce almost 50 years later

They also got lifetime free access passes to Laird Raceway
heyden reunion
In attendance at Donnie Varcoe’s home in the west end of Sault Ste Marie were drivers Wes Beckett, Hubie Brazeau, Ed Powley, Wes Seabrook, Dave Seabrook, Mike Uhlman, Larry Ebare, Bill Allan, Dennis Aho, Jim Chapman, Marvin Dunn, Tom Deevey, Harold Daynard, Rick Ellis, Jack Forbes, Gary McBride, Harry Moskell, Sonny MacIntosh, Fred Page, Patt Hubbard, John Villeneuve, Norm Nichols, Winston Wilson, Dennis O’Reilly, Jim McAuley and Ernie Gulyas. Photo supplied

From a garage burning down in Escanaba, Mich., to driving the highway in modified race cars, to track disagreements and feuds, Heyden Speedway's former racers had plenty to reminisce on when they gathered together on June 12.

It was the first time since 1971, when the Heyden Speedway closed, that most of them had been together in the same room.

The event, organized by Laird Raceway owner Donnie Varcoe and long-time Sault driver Rick Ellis, hosted more than 20 veteran racers. The inspiration behind the event was to recognize the accomplishments of these drivers and the contributions that they have made to the racing scene in the Sault.

It was also a special opportunity for the seasoned speedsters to tell stories and share memories of the incredible times shared during the racing days.

The dirt quarter mile Heyden Speedway was once located atop One Mill Hill in Heyden, Ontario. Today sits the Beaumont Trailer Park.

In honour of racing culture and camaraderie in the Sault, Varcoe handed out lifetime free access passes to Laird Raceway to all the drivers. They also walked away with memorabilia to cherish forever; jackets with their names on it and a Heyden Speedway logo, designed by Patti Wierzbicki.


 


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