SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES.....

I have to post some fond memories of the beginning of my racing days at Speedway Park 30 years ago. 

I moved to Florida (the first time) in 1977. I owned a service station in Leesburg with my father-in-law at the time, Fred Auriemma. Fred had just started racing at Speedway Park and he introduced it to me. I was hooked immediately. I bought a used Rupp kart with a McCullough engine. Fred also introduced me to a lot of great people at the track: Eddie Ruser, Tony Paganno, Fred (Tiki) Garcia, Leroy Teate, Lefty Moyer (Lefty's Karts and Parts), Marty Ruser (Who became an employee at our service station. He was about 17 at the time.), Robert Barker, John Crowder and so many more!

Speedway Park was some of the best fun I ever had and the people were just the best! Well circumstances changed and I had to return to New Jersey in 1979 after the birth of my first daughter Meredith (she is the girl working in the trailer with me). I continued racing in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

I made a lot of friends in the racing community up there including a fellow named Jack Burroughs. On a visit to Florida a few years ago, I was talking to Marty and some of his friends when I mentioned Jack. Marty asked "What was the name?" I responded with Jack Burroughs, he stated that "he lives down here". What a shock!! I had not seen Jack in a long time as I stopped racing in 1990 and was sure surprised when he walked up to my trailer on October 3rd. He had been over at Dirt Devils and made a special trip to see me at Speedway Park. What a friend, huh?

Speedway Park will always have a special place in me for the wonderful fun, friends and camaraderie.

In February 2009, I realized it was time to come back to Florida as my 3 daughters were all here with 11 grandchildren. One of the first stops after I got settled was to Marty's place. I was told of what happened at the track and was saddened at the outcome. I went to the track on race day and a again was saddened with very small turnout, etc. Marty told me of the legal aspects that were coming about. I am proud and glad that Marty, Joe, and others gave all their time to get Speedway Park back "on track".
When I took delivery of my food trailer I went to the track one Saturday when the crew was working on the track to prepare it for opening day. I brought the trailer that day to feed the people working as a small token I could do for all their hard work. When I was asked to bring my trailer to the track to serve food to the racers and families I was overjoyed as you can imagine how tough it is to start a new business in these trying times.
I again thank all of you for patronizing "Bill's Grill" and helping my dreams come true.

Sorry for taking up so much room here but I thought it necessary to post this.

                            Thanks again. See ya at the track,
                                             ~~Bill