MEMORIES

LEWISTON FAIR - GROUNDS

 

 

 

Lewiston Fairgrounds, also known as Maine State Fairgrounds, was one of the premier thoroughbred and harness tracks in the state. Like most fairgrounds in the country, motorsports events of various types were held on the Lewiston half-mile dirt track.

The Bay State Motor Racing Association, Inc. promoted Midget auto races on Friday nights in 1949. Beech Ridge Speedway owner Jim McConnell soon followed, promoting Main State Stock Car Racing Association races at the Lewiston Fairgrounds.

As best can be determined, Lewiston Fairgrounds stopped holding auto races at the end of 1951.

 

The above page is from the souvenir program promoting "Midget Auto Races" at the Maine State Fair Grounds in Lewiston "every Friday nite". the Midget auto races were sanctioned by the Bay State Motor Racing Association. Photo from "You Auto See Maine" by Will Anderson. 

 

Mac Moores with checkered flag in hand at the Lewiston Fairgrounds in 1950 or 1951. Notice the covered grandstands in the background.

 

The remains of Phil Libby's race car after a roll over at the Lewiston Fairgrounds. Phil says, "The promoter came up with the idea of special race with four of us would race the other way around the fairgrounds. In the infield on the edge of the fourth turn was a large water faucet and pipe sticking up from the ground used to water down the track for the horse races. It stuck out far enough where it caught the right front wheel of my race car and flipped me over several times."

 

More 'Memories' from Lewiston Fairgrounds coming soon.