Press Release
The Emo Speedway has been in existence since the summer of 1954, and the Borderland Racing Association wants you to celebrate with us the brilliant accomplishments that have been made throughout the many years of stock car racing in the region.
This Saturday (July 25), starting at 6:50 p.m. for hot laps, there will be an evening of celebration and remembrance of the many hundreds of drivers, fans, sponsors, volunteers, pit crew, and families who have been a part of this amazing history.
The Emo Speedway was started through the support of the Emo Chamber of Commerce and both American and Canadian individuals. In May of 1954, it was decided that the track would be located inside the horse track on the Emo Fairgrounds.
The track was to be clay, one-fifth of a mile around, with low banking.
The Borderland Stock Car Racing Company was the original operating organization of the Emo Speedway.
The very first race took place July 30, 1954 with 13 drivers attending. They included Sid Asselin (#8), Don Marsh (#60), Maurice Frenette (#100), Lyle Busch (#5), Bill Beninger (#57), Raoul Cayer (#37), Tom Hardy, and others.
Training had started the Sunday before and enough cars were ready by the 30th.
A total of 2,500 fans attended the very first race, and the stock car races also were featured for the first time during the Emo Fall Fair in August.
Even though the track lay dormant from 1960-64, and again from 1976-80, it was resurrected both times due to the endless efforts of many individuals.
This deep history and dedication has helped to make every one of us proud of the accomplishments made by all throughout the past 55 years.
The evening’s events will start at 7:15 p.m. with a presentation and gathering in front of the grandstand, with any of the current and past drivers to have ever raced at the Emo Speedway to be in a photo shoot.
Heats will begin soon after.
Then during intermission, there will be a cake-cutting ceremony provided by the Emo Chamber of Commerce in front of the grandstand and a few words from individuals who helped, raced, or supported dirt track racing in the region throughout the years.
Vintage race cars will be on display, and kids will have the opportunity to take photographs with the cars.
The features will be run after intermission, followed by the Powder Puff races at the end of the night.
Memorabilia also will be on display throughout the night.
If you are interested in bringing old photos, trophies, awards, articles, or other interesting items pertaining to the Emo Speedway, contact Anthony Leek at 482-2806 or via e-mail at anthonyleek@hotmail.com or Deb Morriseau at 487-2275 or via e-mail at wesmor@tbaytel.net
Or you can bring your items to the track this Saturday and put it on display with the tables provided.
All past and current race car drivers are invited to be a part of the night’s celebration. If you have any questions, contact us as soon as possible.
For more information, visit our website at www.borderlandracing.com
