This commemorative monument on West Capital Avenue marks the location of the old West Capital Raceway.
The "Capital Speedway" first opened its gates to the public on Sunday, May 25, 1947 and was located on a 40 acre site at 4200 West Capitol Avenue. Photo by Christy.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
West Capital Raceway Monument
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Landmarks
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I spent many a Saturday night at Capital Speedway watching my uncle, Clyde "Fireball" "the Camel" Casto race the likes of Wally Baker, Larry Burton, Johnny Brazil and Paul Michaels. Uncle Clyde succumbed to cancer October 7, 2005.
I raced motorcycles at the track in 1960 or 61. Friday nights then we trucked down to Selma Speedway near Fresno for a Saturday night TT race. Wheelyed off the line at start and whack the fence. Drove a nice long splinter into my right arm that lead to an ambulance ride after I finished the race though !
Rich Ruef BSA mounted
I was just a child, usually sitting behind the chain link fence that broke the chunks of clay into smaller pieces after the Finish Line on the first turn. I believe there was a time when we sat closer to the last turn, until Mom captured the fatal accident on film. Our family sat together, including my Grandmother, Mom and siblings. Grandpa was the Owner of the car, as noted on one of the trophies my sister was wise enough to save that I have been blessed to keep. These were not like today's trophies; these were made of solid woods, marble, metal columns etc., and metal castings of the cars and angels with spread wings, finished with metal plates accurately etched with the details including the winner and placement. Beautiful pieces, one of them the better part of five feet tall, and another beautiful piece with an electric clock.
I am the grand-daughter of Harold "Bill" Walden. I understand that at one time Wally Baker was his driver. My Grandmother hand embroidered the shirts that her sons, including my father, wore as the pit crew. If I remember correctly, there was one set with a turquoise peacock colorfully splayed across the back, and another with an 8 ball theme.
I understand my uncle to have been involved with the early fabrication of "wings" and modifying the rims for wider tires. One of my most cherished set of mementoes has long since disappeared over time; a set of programs completed by my grandmother.
No evening was complete without dinner at the Yolo Club; where I remember my brother once getting me to look away as he put pepper in my water, the rotisserie, and being a small child walking through the bar to the dining room around back of the bar where we were surrounded by family.
Our family has separated over the years, however I can be found at https://www.facebook.com/rene.waldenqualls/
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