2021 Yesterday’s Speedways Hall of Fame Inductee: Bud Bailey

Buds first trophy pictures with brother in law Stan Kostoff the pit crew and painter. — Buds first trophy pictures with brother-in-law Stan Kostoff the pit crew and painter.

Buds Ford shared on Brighton Speedway Memories, February 9th, 2020 In memory of his passing. Courtesy of Jennifer Bailey — Buds Ford shared on Brighton Speedway Memories, February 9th, 2020 In memory of his passing.

Buds First Checkered Flag was at Ganaraska Speedway. Courtesy of Jennifer Bailey — Buds First Checkered Flag was at Ganaraska Speedway.

Bud Bailey

September 2, 1941 – February 6, 2020

Bud raced in the late 60s to the early 70s and was a top 5 finisher in the 8 cylinder class. His 1st race car he bought with his best friend Pork Brown. It was a 1957 Chevy that they bought from Orville McNight for $35, and then put a 1955 Chrysler 301 engine in it. The car was sponsored by McGlashon’s Sunoco Port Hope, hence the number 260! This car was raced at the Ganaraska Speedway on the dirt track.

Buds first race car was a 1957 Chevy with a 1955 Chrysler 301 engine. This car was sponsored by McGlashons Sunoco in Port Hope. Courtesy of Jennifer Bailey — Buds first race car was a 1957 Chevy with a 1955 Chrysler 301 engine. This car was sponsored by McGlashons Sunoco in Port Hope.

Pork took over the 260 car and Buds next race car was a 1960 Ford 4 door with a 312 cubic engine. Anyone that knew Bud well, knew he was a Ford man! This car was built for the pavement at Brighton speedway. It was later retro fitted with a Ford Falcon body, making it a small body car. This car became the 240.

Bud had lots of help along the way, with best friend Pork Brown, brother-in-law Stan Kostoff, Fred “Ace” Bailey (Dad), cousin Donny Bailey, friend Dieter Hrncir and Ace Brickman Welding.

August 2nd 1970 Bud won every race that day, while his wife Marilyn was in labour. Later Jenniffer's birth was announced over the loud speaker — August 2nd 1970 Bud won every race that day, while his wife Marilyn was in labour. Later Jennifer’s birth was announced over the loud speaker

“Winner of the week for the Red X trophy is Bud Bailey of Port Hope for the highest points of the day. Approximately 2500 spectators attended the races,”
June 8th, 1969 from The Evening Guide.

“Among the finer feats of the afternoon was a track record set by Pork Brown in 260 and an excellent show of sportsmanship from Bud Bailey in 240,” July 23rd, 1969 from The Trentonian.

Jr Pit Crew, Buds Children Debbie and Greg pictured with Buds first and only professionally built engine and crankshaft. — Jr Pit Crew, Buds Children Debbie and Greg pictured with Buds first and only professionally built engine by Crankshaft. This was Buds Championship Car.

“Bailey had to drop out early after losing a wheel and got involved in a small altercation in the pits, reason unknown. He was ejected for the remainder of the day for fighting,”
September 3rd, 1969 from The Evening Guide.

Anyone that knew Bud, knew that he wasn’t afraid to tussle and stood up for what he believed in! In Buds last year of racing, he was track champion at Brighton Speedway. Pork Brown recalls the celebration at Little Lake pavilion. Buds racing career led to him establishing Buds Auto Wreckers, a well known fixture in Port Hope for many years. Bud went on to sponsor other racers like Howard Moore #133.

“Vote for Bud Bailey. Bud raced at Ganaraska Speedway and Brighton Speedway. Bud raced with grit and won a championship at Brighton Speedway in the late 60’s. He was great sponsor to Howard Moore and great friend. He is also a hero he saved my brother Stan Sowden’s life when he pulled my brother from a burning car. The driver’s side of Stan’s car was fully engulfed in flames, Bud ran across the infield, reached in through the passenger side window, unfastened Stan’s seatbelt and pulled Stan out of the car to safety. I don’t like to think what would have happened if Bud hadn’t been there that day,” said Wayne Sowden.

Jr Pit Crew Uniforms for Debbie and Greg Bailey made by Buds wife Marilyn. Go Dad Go — Jr Pit Crew Uniforms for Debbie and Greg Bailey made by Buds wife Marilyn. “Go Dad Go”

The Bailey kids would like to thank Wayne Sowden from the bottom of our hearts for this great honour of nominating our Dad, our hero!

Courtesy of Debbie Irwin, Greg Bailey and Jennifer Bailey