Toledo Speedway

Flat Rock, Michigan—February 29, 2012:  When Flat Rock Speedway opened in 1953, the Telegraph Road facility featured a ¼ mile asphalt paved oval, the first “rubberized asphalt track” in the country!  Built by Detroit area paving company owner Sheldon Hayes Sr. and his business partners, Flat Rock ran 3 nights a week and included several NASCAR-sanctioned events. 

Through its initial years of operation, the track saw numerous changes in promoters of the racing cards, as well as divisions of race cars.  But with the 1962 season looming, 2 changes were made at the track that have etched “The Rock” in the history books of short track racing.  A man by the name of John Marcum became the promoter of Flat Rock Speedway and, the installation of a Figure 8 track inside the paved oval became a reality. 

And from that day on, Figure 8 racing became a mainstay at Flat Rock, and, in 2012, the track will officially celebrate 50 years of wild action on the Figure 8 course!

One of the early heroes of the division was Dick “Little Richard” Simmons.  A native of the Plymouth/Livonia, MI area, just north of the track, Simmons was the first champion of the class, the first of 6 track titles for the driver of the famed red and white #771.  The car of choice in the early days was the 1957 Chevy! 

Figure 8 racing became a fan favorite, almost a “cult” to Flat Rock fans.  To this day, the crowd stays to watch the grand finale’, the Figure 8 feature race! 

In its infancy, Figure 8 racing was pure entertainment, something that still holds true today.  While the cars have evolved, the division still provides heart-pounding, incredible excitement lap after lap as the cars cross at the intersection at speed! 

Simmons also captured the World Figure 8 title at the Islip, NY Speedway, a feat also accomplished by fellow Figure 8 king Chuck Hall (#5) in later years.  Many of the Flat Rock Figure 8 drivers and teams made the annual trip east to New York for the race, which was featured on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” in the 1970’s. 

Flat Rock’s all-time Figure 8 feature race winner is Bob Studt (#54), a 13-time division champion at the track and the owner of 115 checkered flags. 

Simmons is next with 67 wins and 6 crowns, Hall garnered 55 on his way to 6 championships, while the late Dennis Pace (#67)captured 49 victories and 5 titles.  Current Figure 8 racer Dennis Whisman (#1)rounds out the top 5 in the all-time win category with 42 to go along with his 5 championship belts. 

The class has also groomed several drivers who went on to become notable Late Model drivers and champions, even moving into the ARCA and NASCAR Stock car ranks during their careers.  And it all began in the Figure 8 division…..  

In future stories, we’ll look back at the zany characters of Figure 8 racing, the second and third generations of Figure 8 racers, many of the past and current champions, the drivers that moved up the racing ladder and much, much more! 

Flat Rock Speedway will officially celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Figure 8 racing Saturday evening, May 12 with a 50 lap Figure 8 feature for the Parts Galore Figure 8 division. 

Stay tuned to www.flatrockspeedway.com leading up to the celebration of perhaps the most exciting and entertaining short track race in the nation---Figure 8 racing!!