Printcast version of Marchbanks stories now available

The Printcast version of my Marchbanks Speedway storiesI've created a Printcast version of my Marchbanks stories for those readers who prefer to read things in a more traditional "magazine" format. I'll create new editions as I add updates to my Marchbanks section. You can also sign up for free email alerts of future editions on the Printcasting.com site.

For those who aren't familiar with Printcasting, it's a simple way for everyday people to become magazine publishers in minutes by creating web-based and PDF publications (DISCLAIMER: I work closely with Printcasting on behalf of The Bakersfield Californian, which is an investor in Printcasting and its offshoot, FeedBrewer).

What's missing in the Printcast version of my Marchbanks stories are all the photos and hotlinks contained in the original stories. But it's still a great way to dive into what is a lot of information.

Let me know what you think.

---

RELATED STORIES: Read more about Marchbanks Speedway and Hanford Motor Speedway in my Marchbanks section, including this regularly updated "History of Marchbanks Speedway, aka Hanford Motor Speedway."

March 1968 Champ Car race program

he $1 race program for the first of two 1968 Champ Car races at Hanford Motor Speedway features lots of photos of action taken during the inaugural USAC Champ Car race at the newly renovated track just months before.

The images capture the wide variety of chassis and technological ideas at play during those days.

A lot of the famous names from the 1967 race returned, with one notable addition: Danny Ongais making his Hanford Champ Car debut in a rear-engine Chevy V8. Ongais crashed during practice and did not start.

Here's a breakdown of the entries:

Click to read more ...

1970 stock plan tried to keep Hanford Motor Speedway alive

I ran across an interesting item in an Oct. 1, 1970, Modesto Bee column by Art Glattke that references promoter J.C. Agajanian's plans to issue stock in order to pay for Hanford Motor Speedway improvements -- including grandstand seating for 20,000, new pits and a new infield tunnel -- required to continue hosting USAC races.

Glattke, citing a story by The Fresno Bee's Everett Feay, reported  Agajanian was trying to raise at least $750,000 by selling stock at $25 per share in blocks of 100 (and a maximum of 300). At that time, $400,000 reportedly had been raised, but "incorporation papers say the firm must have the $750,000 stock sale or no go."

"The USAC board recently gave tentative approval for Hanford's race plans and Aggie (Agajanian) is talking in terms of two Indianapolis car events and possibly a stock car program on the mile and a half triangle," Glattke wrote.

Obviously Agajanian's plan failed. I'll try to find out why, but if anyone knows, leave a comment or otherwise contact me.

---

RELATED STORIES: Read more about Marchbanks Speedway and Hanford Motor Speedway in my Marchbanks section, including this regularly updated "History of Marchbanks Speedway, aka Hanford Motor Speedway."