Goin’ around in circles for
60 years with Honest Nate
‘NEVER LETTING THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY’
January 10th, 2013
Introduction
Well, hello out there in Yesterday’s Speedways Land. For those who don’t know me, I have been addicted to stock car racing since the late Ted Gilbert snuck me into the CNE pits, hiding in the trunk of the Fabbri Brothers Garage #19 on opening day 1952. The sights, the sounds and the aromas, but most of all, the larger than life drivers that burned themselves into my little 10 year old brain, hooked me for life and I have been involved with the sport to this very day.
I have had some serious health problems recently, but when Rick Sharples asked me if I would like to recall some of my memories of those wondeful days, I jumped at the chance, since punching the computer keys is still in my realm of possibility.
So set yourself back, tell the missus not to bother you for a bit, because here goes, running around in circles.
Being as the Flamboro Speedway Hall of Fame is opening this spring, I thought a Flamboro story or two would be just nice right about now. But the story you are about to hear ain’t got nothing to do with race cars this time around.
‘Pop’ DeGraw’s Hot Dogs
When going to Flamboro Speedway back in 1962, about a half mile from the track, a most amazing and mouthwatering aroma accosted your nose. No, it wasn’t racing fuel, it wasn’t burnt rubber, it wasn’t the aroma of Castrol “R” that grabbed your attention.
My friends it was the aroma from the massive grill in the rear of “Pop Degraws” former school bus set up at the pit entrance. On that grill my friends was a mess of onions frying in bacon fat and legions of jumbo hot dogs that sent out an aroma that drew you to the bust there was no way, after you signed in and got parked that you could unload the car or do a lick of work before your quarter was exchanged for one or more of ‘Pop’s’ finest.
The dog grilled with the onions, served on a fresh bun and smothered in onions with a touch of mustard was to die for. The flavor was superb and you not only got to enjoy it when you consumed it, but the intestinal aftershocks lasted until at least the following Wednesday. But, heaven help us, come Saturday night, we were lined up for another culinary delight from the back of that old bus.
‘Pop’ didn’t pick favorites, it didn’t matter if you were Jimmy Howard, Harvey Lennox or Jack Sharpe, you got in line with your quarter in hand for your tasty treat. You know folks just thinking about them has my mouth watering and I would bet a few of you Flamboro Speedway old timers are sitting there the same way. I have been to many Speedways over the years and there hasn’t been anything that tastes even close. Heck, I just got heartburn thinking about them.
‘Pop’ used to service Flamboro Speedway, Nilestown Speedway and Delaware Speedway, but I doubt if anyone knows where he is today, 50 years later.
I also copied ‘Pops’ idea when I was managing Sunset in the 1970’s. I convinced the Shakell’s (the owners of Sunset Speedway) to turn the concession exhaust around and point it toward the grandstands. The burger and hot dog sales with fried onions tripled almost immediately because race folks love eatin’ as much as they love racin’.
Anyways folks, we will see you again in a bit, when I tell you the story of our trip to Flamboro Speedway on opening day in 1962.
Until then, remember, it’s only cheatin’ if you get caught…
Courtesy of ‘Honest’ Nate Salter
