Olean Speedway

Last updated
Olean Speedway
Location Olean, New York
Coordinates 42°06′18″N78°25′37″W / 42.1051°N 78.4270°W / 42.1051; -78.4270
Broke ground1956
Opened1957
Closed1969
SurfaceDirt
Length.536 km (.333 miles)

Olean Speedway was a 13-mile (0.54 km) dirt oval racing facility located in the Chautauqua-Alleghany (or the western Southern Tier) Region of New York State.

Overview

Olean Speedway was built by Fred Rosen on the northeastern edge of the city of Olean, New York, and opened in 1957. [1] The speedway was one of a series of venues in the Twin Tiers region of New York and Pennsylvania where drivers, such as Hall of Famer and NASCAR Bush competitor Merv Treichler, began their careers before becoming known on the state and national scene. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Charles Ivory took over management in 1964 and the facility continued in operation until 1969. [6] The speedway was demolished to allow for construction of Interstate 86 through that area. [3]

References

  1. Foster, Bernie (August 6, 1959). "Pit Stops". Chemung Valley Reporter. p. 5. Retrieved August 27, 2025 via Old Fulton New York Post Cards.
  2. Wilbur, Bob (July 12, 1959). "Soper heads Stock Car parade". Elmira Sunday Telegram. NY. p. 5D. Retrieved August 27, 2025 via NewspaperArchive.
  3. 1 2 Wiser, Chuck (October 14, 2021). "Words From Wiser: Tracking from Rug Rat to Track Rat". The Wellsville Sun. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  4. Easton, Ford (2014). Stock Car Racing in the '50s. IPP. ISBN   9781500171780.
  5. Kasper, Len (2016). Spencer Speedway Legends 1957-1977. Dorrance Publishing Company. p. 202. ISBN   9781480973664.
  6. "Charles Ivory leases Olean Auto Speedway". Buffalo News . NY. February 4, 1964. p. 10. Retrieved August 27, 2025 via Newspapers.com.