HISTORY: Limaland's 78th Anniversary

Bill Keeler (20) leads Cory Seeling (03) and Tyler Stump (93) into the Limaland sunset.

If you know me, or even if you don't and you just follow this blog, you know I'm a fan of two things: good racing and well-run programs.  Likewise, it's no secret I'm a a big supporter of Limaland Motorsports Park. I've mentioned that on here multiple times.  This Friday, May 17, the Allen County oval will hold it's 78th Anniversary Race presented by Homeland Technology Group.

Like several tracks, Limaland has a long and storied history that began just prior to the start of World War II.  And, like most, the track shut down during the war years after a few summers of racing old jalopies and motorcycles.  Allentown Speedway, as it was called back then, reopened after the war with several now-known names taking turns at promoting the track, including Roy Spears and Jack Keller among others.  After a few "open-and-closed" seasons in the late 50's, the oval was transformed into a more formal, flat, quarter-mile race track in 1960.

The general admission entrance as it looks today. (Track photo)

In 1967, the track was renamed Limaland Speedway and took on a new look with 22 degrees of banking in the corners.  From there, the popularity of Limaland began to take its shape with track champions such as Don Hewitt and Rocky Fisher.  That popularity also prompted several regional stalwarts to tame the highbanks with drivers such as Dick Gaines, Tommy Dickson, Jim & Fred Linder, Johnny Beaber, Harold McGilton, Dick & Al Liskai, and Larry Helms among others often making the trip to the storied race track.

But even through the good times, Limaland wasn't immune to the hard times either.  At one point, it looked as though the facility may have reached its end.  However, changes in ownership saw legendary promoter Earl Baltes take a stab at reviving the track and then, in 1998, the historic speedway would be purchased by the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH).

As they say, "the rest is history".  UNOH has invested a countless amount of time, money, and resources into making Limaland Motorsports Park, as its now called, one of the premier facilities in the midwest.  And, as I mentioned in the beginning, the racing at Limaland is top notch and the program run in a timely fashion.  The facilities are the icing on the cake, and the complete package of what Limaland is today would certainly make its founding fathers proud.