The Rumney Racetrack

First, I want to say that I'm sorry about not getting more onto this page this summer. It's been very busy, and for once that very-busy-ness has not included racing. Also, I've been frustrated about not having pictures to go with the really old, boring stories that I'd like to post here. So, I'm just going to post them without the pictures.

But I didn't start this entry so you could listen to me whine. This is about a changing of the guard that I'm hearing about at what I proudly consider my home track, the Legion Speedway. In spite of the fact that it is actually located within the town of Wentworth, NH it is always referred to as The Rumney Racetrack. American Legion Post #66, the Lamont/Haley post, has been the owner of the land it rests on since right after the invention of dirt. My father was a member of that post when they cleared the land and opened the track in 1961, and he was the first track announcer. My mom was in the Ladies' Auxiliary and worked in the snack shack.

For the last three years the Post has taken over management of the facility once again under the leadership of their Commander, Bob Ayer, known affectionately to his friends as B. A. I have been hearing that BA is stepping down as managing director of the track, and I just want to take the opportunity to wish him and Post 66 well. I think they've done a great job of getting a great track back up and running. And they've done just about all of it with volunteer help!

They have tried very hard to be family-friendly, fan-friendly, and racer-friendly all at the same time. They've put a lot of hard work into improving the facility, and at the same time have managed to turn enough of a profit to be able to do some very good work in the community. Don't forget, this is the only racetrack around that is owned and operated by a non-profit organization. Like a church, or a grange, or an Elks lodge, they pour the money they make back back into their mission. In their case, it's to help local veterans and also doing things like Christmas baskets for underpriviliged families. Some organizations do these works with bake sales or suppers. Post 66 does it with car racing.

I don't know what the future of the track will be. I've heard a lot of rumors but I won't speculate on them here. I can understand why BA and the post might feel a little burnt out. For the last three years they've all busted their collective kiesters to give us a good show. I hope the good Lord will grant them wisdom as they contemplate their future.