Featured Club Car: Sonny Ritter

Site Updated 7/2/08

Schedule updated 6/21/08 (Important changes and cancellations)

 

OUR STORY

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Club Officers from Left to Right

Bill Erbe
Trustee

Earl Krause
Trustee
Ray Shea
Prsesident
Marty VanDruten
Vice President
John Malsbury
Secretary

Paul
Hayes
Treasurer

The Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club grew from the dreams of two men - Ray Shea and Bill Erbe. In August 1991, a group of former stock car racers, car owners and enthusiasts gathered in Bill Erbe’s backyard - a group who also shared the dream and goal of keeping the spirit of the early days of stock car racing alive, especially the rich history of the sport here in New Jersey. From that initial gathering, the group moved into Ray Evernham’s Race Prep Shop and the club began to grow.

The club has attracted many former racers, mechanics, car owners, fans and others associated with the early days of stock car racing as well as their wives and family members. It is incorporated as a non-profit historical organization with a membership of over 300 which extends into 20 different states. Monthly meetings are held so members and guests can gather to relive the “Golden Age” of stock car racing through displays, models, photo albums, restored racers and shared stories of racing days past. Attendance is optional.

Although the club does not actually race the old cars, it is dedicated to the preservation of stock car racing history. This Golden Age of racing from the past is brought into the present in many ways by the club and its numerous activities. Old stock cars are restored and recreated by experienced club members. These cars are run on the racetracks in a rolling display of how they use to look and sound while they were burning up the track. The cars are also put on display at various car exhibits and mall shows. The club presents video, slide, photo and model displays to the general public. The membership also honors past competitors, officials and people associated with the sport in a variety of ways at an annual banquet through presentations of our “Hall of Fame” and “Pioneer” Awards. A Bi-monthly newsletter is distributed to the membership. This newsletter has articles on various persons, places and historical races and serves as a forum for club information, technical articles and vintage parts exchange.


The Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club is not standing still. Our primary goal was to open a museum. That goal was reached in 2001 with the opening of our museum at the Wall Township Speedway, where photos and memorabilia are displayed for the race fans enjoyment. If you are interested in joining us, the requirements are easy to fulfill. All you need is an interest in preserving and sharing the history of the sport of stock car racing. You don’t need to have an old car or even be mechanically inclined. The yearly dues are $22.00 which includes a membership card, bi-monthly newsletter and associate membership for immediate family members. All are welcome.


Copyright ©2007 Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club
Site Designed and Maintained by
Wayne Weaver