just found.
C. 1955
This local track that virtually all state and national racing historians have never even heard of has been difficult to obtain information about. Located approximately a half mile from Route 209 in the tiny village of Branchdale, most information on this racing facility is now only in the minds of the locals who frequented the track. it was situated near the end of the dirt covered and overgrown Cherry Lane in close proximity to a large barn. A known aerial photograph shows it's location and that it may have been close to the standard 1/4 mile oval that was typical of that era.
Aerial August 29, 1958
Following the end of World War II until the years just before the Viet Nam Conflict, many race tracks opened and operated from a few years to just a single event. These racing facilities were constructed in various types from farm fields to county fairgrounds. Those circumstances is what makes finding information on them difficult because in many cases it is non-existent or lost forever.
What is known is that Branchdale native, racer, and car owner, the late Fran Purcell, Sr., began his racing career here. As legend has it, Fran was racing around a farmers field when the farmer stopped him to ask if he liked doing that. When Fran said he did, the farmer told him to come back in a week. When he did, the farmer had cut out the outline of the race track.
A few other local racers are said to have started their racing careers here which have yet to be confirmed with any degree of certainty.
While photographs and records may be difficult to find, it is still remembered by some of the local and nearby residents. There has also been some discussion if it was ever open to the public, had any type of facilities, or if more than one car raced on it at a time.
Today, after more than 60 years, the current land owner appears to have the area well kept. One aerial photo shows what might have been the outline of the track. Please keep in mind that this is private property and to respect the wishes of the property owner by not trespassing without permission .
C. 1955
This local track that virtually all state and national racing historians have never even heard of has been difficult to obtain information about. Located approximately a half mile from Route 209 in the tiny village of Branchdale, most information on this racing facility is now only in the minds of the locals who frequented the track. it was situated near the end of the dirt covered and overgrown Cherry Lane in close proximity to a large barn. A known aerial photograph shows it's location and that it may have been close to the standard 1/4 mile oval that was typical of that era.
Aerial August 29, 1958
Following the end of World War II until the years just before the Viet Nam Conflict, many race tracks opened and operated from a few years to just a single event. These racing facilities were constructed in various types from farm fields to county fairgrounds. Those circumstances is what makes finding information on them difficult because in many cases it is non-existent or lost forever.
What is known is that Branchdale native, racer, and car owner, the late Fran Purcell, Sr., began his racing career here. As legend has it, Fran was racing around a farmers field when the farmer stopped him to ask if he liked doing that. When Fran said he did, the farmer told him to come back in a week. When he did, the farmer had cut out the outline of the race track.
A few other local racers are said to have started their racing careers here which have yet to be confirmed with any degree of certainty.
While photographs and records may be difficult to find, it is still remembered by some of the local and nearby residents. There has also been some discussion if it was ever open to the public, had any type of facilities, or if more than one car raced on it at a time.
Today, after more than 60 years, the current land owner appears to have the area well kept. One aerial photo shows what might have been the outline of the track. Please keep in mind that this is private property and to respect the wishes of the property owner by not trespassing without permission .
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