The Waterloo Library & Historical Society will host a free Sept. 21 local history lecture exploring Maple Grove, the former racing venue at the Seneca County Fairgrounds.
“Half-Mile Thunder: The Story of Fairground Racing at Maple Grove Speedway in Waterloo, New York” will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Fatzinger Hall at the society, 31 E. Williams St., and the program is open to the public.
The speedway operated from the 1950s through the 1970s and became one of New York's leading racing venues, according to the historical society. The lecture will place Waterloo's track within the broader history of fairground racing and grassroots motorsports in the United States.
Alison Kreitzer, director of collections at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, will discuss the rise of fairground racing. Motorsports historian Ken Parrotte will examine Maple Grove's track, race cars, drivers and the events that led to its closure.
The evening will conclude with a “Reminiscences of Maple Grove” panel led by Kip Zeiter, public outreach coordinator for the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Panelists will include Waterloo resident John Velte, whose father, Rollie Velte, raced at Maple Grove, and local dirt-track racing expert Chuck Brownell.
Audience members will be invited to share their own memories and stories. More information is available from the Waterloo Library & Historical Society at 315-539-3313, waterloolib@gmail.com or wlhs-ny.com.
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