This week's Rewind is the monthly feature, "Picture Parade." Robert Smith has selected some interesting old photos for readers to look over. If you so choose, you can send in your best guess at the identity of each pictured person. As always, pick them all or just a few.
This time around, all of the pictures feature a person or persons who raced at the now-defunct Windsor Raceway. This month marks the 61st anniversary of Windsor's opening night, which was Oct. 22, 1965. The track operated each year until Aug. 31, 2012, when it closed forever. That was a span of almost 47 years.
Most of the track's buildings and other features have been removed over time, with very few signs of its former use remaining. The property was recently sold and, in time, will be converted to parkland and a nature preserve, consistent with the immediate area, which is a naturally abundant home to many plant species as well as an animal haven for wildlife.
#1 - Can you identify these folks, as well as the horse? Name as many as you can.
#2 - These two young lads both got their start at Windsor. Can you name them? Thankfully, they are still with us!
#3 - This fine fellow raced for many years at Windsor. He also lived nearby. Who is he?
#4 - This winning driver spent a lot of years racing at Windsor and won his fair share of the races he competed in.
#5 - This fellow started his career at Windsor and learned his trade from one of the best. Who is he?
#6 - This young lad spent a lot of his early years at Windsor before eventually moving to the U.S. I'll bet you can name him.
#7 - This young lad had some productive years at Windsor and eventually made it to the Hall of Fame.
#8 - Here are a couple of regulars doing battle as they reach the wire. Name them if you can.
#9 - This fellow was born and raised in the neighbourhood of the Windsor track and raced there for many years. He was a highly successful horseman as both a trainer and driver. Who do we have here?
#10 - Not sure of the fellows at either end. Who are the two in the middle?
#11 - Both pictured drivers were regulars at the border oval for many years. The winning driver (#1) left us a few years ago, but the second-place finisher still lives in nearby LaSalle, or at least did a few years ago. Can you name one or both?
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)
Quote For The Week: "A hit is as good as a walk." Words uttered by former major league pitcher, the late Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, in a moment of intense excitement. Sounded like he got the saying a bit mixed up from the usual version.
Blast From The Past
This old photo was not taken at Windsor (a bit too hilly), but it was shot at a once-popular Canadian racetrack that closed many years ago, in 1985. Any guesses as to the location?