Despite numerous roadblocks thrown up by one Dundee Township Supervisor, the Meadowdale International Raceway Preservation Association (MIRPA) car show on Saturday, September 19, was a huge success.  Over two hundred cars were on display and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of track fans crowded the main straight during the height of the show.

The theme for the event was the 50th Anniversary celebration for the Meister Brauser Racing Team, the dominant competitor at the track during the 1950s and ’60s.  Honored guests included Harry Heuer, leader of the team, Augie Pabst, renowned driver, Ron Kaplan, lead mechanic, and many other members and fans of the historic team.  On display were Meister Brauser Mk. II, a Chaparral  Mk. I built by Troutman & Barnes. 

A modern-day replica of a Meister Brauser Mk. I was also shown.  This is a reproduction of the original Scarab racer.  It is currently being marketed by Don Devine, who raced with the Meister Brauser team in the ‘50s and ‘60s.  The original Scarab was commissioned by Lance Reventlow and built by Troutman & Barnes in 1957.   Lead wrench “back in the day” was Chuck Daigh.   He and Reventlow easily vanquished the field at the very first Meadowdale race in 1958, with Daigh first and Reventlow second by large margins.

Many of the other cars on display were racers, hot rods and customs from that era.  An original factory race team Cobra that actually raced at Meadowdale in 1961, was threatened to be overshadowed by multiple modern replicas with gleaming paint, flawless upholstery, and shining chrome, and hardly a stone chip in sight. 8^)

Thanks to all who showed cars, came by to look at the cars, and hear the tales of those who actually raced or worked races at the old track in its heyday.  Special recognition must be given to Linda Daro, the spark plug who led the effort to repeat the track’s 50th anniversary celebration, with a hopefully annual event. 

Hopefully, the anti-racetrack forces who did everything possible to derail this year’s show, have realized what this type of event can be held without drawing throngs of hoodlums, harming the property or offending the sensibilities of the neighbors. 

Without the history of Meadowdale Raceways, Raceway Woods would just be another Forest Preserve/Open Space… true, a very nice Forest Preserve/ Open Space, but of no particular attraction for historians, race fans, and other visitors.  There are many communities that would love to have a historical attraction like the old Meadowdale Raceways site to bring tourists to their areas.

If you agree an annual event of this nature can provide a safe, positive and profitable influence for the Fox Valley community, let the leaders of the local cities, park boards, townships, and forest preserve district know how you feel.

Ross Fosbender

Meadowdale, Motorsports

& Memories  

An event by the

Meadowdale International Raceways

Preservation Association  (MIRPA)

September 19, 2009

Meister Brauser Mk. 1 Scarab in Doane's Corner  - 1959