Our March general meeting was held at DeCarlo’s Banquet Center and for those who came out thank you for your support! Our speaker for the night was Auto Racing Historian Al Blixt, Jr. Al started the evening events by going around the room, having each person introduce themselves and tell about the first racing event they remember going to. Was interesting all the different places people had been and how everyone became interested in racing. Al continued in his father’s footsteps, Al Blixt, Sr., after his passing. Al Sr. worked as an electrician during the day and track photographer during the evenings. He ran F. J. O’Toole Company and stopped the photography during that period. He passed in 1961. Al Jr. took all of the photographs, programs, etc. and made them into slide shows, books and continued his dad’s work. He had a press pass which allowed him to get into the races and obtain his photographs. In 2006, Al Jr. gathered up his dad’s things and the documentation of his father’s life began. Al spoke of the history of four different race tracks – Grosse Pointe Race Track, Michigan State Fair Grounds, State Fair Coliseum and Motor City Speedway. He presented a slide presentation and history of each race track and finished off with a slide show of Mt Clemens Speedway. Al also had several photo albums for everyone’s viewing enjoyment. You can follow Al Blixt Jr’s blog at Al Blixt Racing History. (Report provided by Barb Gullett & Photo above: Al Blixt Jr. provided by Rand Thompson)
Dedicated to the Betterment and Benefit of Auto Racing and Those Engaged Therein