Indianapolis 500
My Grandfather
  My Grandfather |
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#1 
03-18-2008 10:03 AM |
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 My Grandfather Growing up in my family, I knew about my grandfather's racing career but I never had a chance to really appreciate it until the early 1980's. My grandfather (Joie Chitwood Sr., also known as "the Chief") would drive his motorhome up to Indy in May and spend 3 weeks there every year. In the early 80's, the Oldtimers were honoring all the living members of the 1946 race. My father and I came up to Indy to be with the Chief for that special occasion and I can remember every detail. Here are a couple of memories that stand out: - I spent an afternoon with the Chief in the Oldtimer's Club located under the Tower Terrace grandstand. I met Emil Andres, Duke Nalon, and Cowboy O'Rourke just to name a few. To witness the closeness of this group some 40 years after they competed was truly special. It was the first time I ever heard " Well, who'd he ride with?" It was always asked when someone didn't recognize a name of a person. It refers back to the days of riding mechanics - The Chief had credentials for us but the Yellow Shirts would not let me in the garage because I was too young. I kept trying to get into restricted areas but no luck. Finally, I was able to get into the area inside Turn 1 between the fence and the guardrail. Press and photographers were in this location. I was worried that if I left this area, I wouldn't get back in so I spent 5 hours sitting in the grass watching qualifications. What a perfect afternoon. -Track officials loaded the 1946 race participants into pacecars and took them around the track before qualifications. I rode in the car with the Chief and remember a fan yelling out to him as we went thru Turn 4, "Hey Chitwood, put it up on 2 wheels!" - One night, we had dinner at a place called Harley's in Brownsburg. It was the place to go. Everyone knew everyone and there were more stories than can ever be remembered. It was just like being in the Oldtimer's Club under the Tower Terrace. Unfortunately, it is no longer there. There are days when I still can't believe that 25 years later, I am working at the Speedway. Anything is possible. 
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#2
05-07-2008 08:38 PM |
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Thanks for sharing Joie Chitwood My father used to work at the Speedway for WIBC way back in the 60's and 70's, his last year was 77.. I never got to meet a lot of the people he spoke with, but always loved to hear stories of the past. thanks for sharing about your grandfather. I recall seeing the Chitwood Auto Thrill show at the fairgrounds one year when I was about 9 or 10.. 2 cars on 2 wheels around the mile long track.. Interesting how things stay with you.. guess you can say i was thrilled!!
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#3
05-14-2008 06:51 PM |
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re: My Grandfather Quote: Originally Posted by Joie Chitwood III Growing up in my family, I knew about my grandfather's racing career but I never had a chance to really appreciate it until the early 1980's. My grandfather (Joie Chitwood Sr., also known as "the Chief") would drive his motorhome up to Indy in May and spend 3 weeks there every year. In the early 80's, the Oldtimers were honoring all the living members of the 1946 race. My father and I came up to Indy to be with the Chief for that special occasion and I can remember every detail. Here are a couple of memories that stand out: - I spent an afternoon with the Chief in the Oldtimer's Club located under the Tower Terrace grandstand. I met Emil Andres, Duke Nalon, and Cowboy O'Rourke just to name a few. To witness the closeness of this group some 40 years after they competed was truly special. It was the first time I ever heard " Well, who'd he ride with?" It was always asked when someone didn't recognize a name of a person. It refers back to the days of riding mechanics - The Chief had credentials for us but the Yellow Shirts would not let me in the garage because I was too young. I kept trying to get into restricted areas but no luck. Finally, I was able to get into the area inside Turn 1 between the fence and the guardrail. Press and photographers were in this location. I was worried that if I left this area, I wouldn't get back in so I spent 5 hours sitting in the grass watching qualifications. What a perfect afternoon. -Track officials loaded the 1946 race participants into pacecars and took them around the track before qualifications. I rode in the car with the Chief and remember a fan yelling out to him as we went thru Turn 4, "Hey Chitwood, put it up on 2 wheels!" - One night, we had dinner at a place called Harley's in Brownsburg. It was the place to go. Everyone knew everyone and there were more stories than can ever be remembered. It was just like being in the Oldtimer's Club under the Tower Terrace. Unfortunately, it is no longer there. There are days when I still can't believe that 25 years later, I am working at the Speedway. Anything is possible. Joie, First of all I too would like to say thanks for sharing some of your families memories. When I was just a little fellow I got to meet your Grandpa and your father at drag strip in Orange County, California. Trouble is with age I can't remember if it was Lions or Irwindale. I have thier autographs on a ticket stub stashed away with a bunch of race stuff I've collected over the years. Looks like you're the only Chitwood I haven't had the pleasure to meet yet. Perhaps our paths will cross at this years race but I dought it considering how busy you'll be. Best wishes to you and your family.
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#4
07-09-2008 01:49 PM |
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re: My Grandfather Does the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show still perform? Do you have a schedule? Quote: Originally Posted by Joie Chitwood III Growing up in my family, I knew about my grandfather's racing career but I never had a chance to really appreciate it until the early 1980's. My grandfather (Joie Chitwood Sr., also known as "the Chief") would drive his motorhome up to Indy in May and spend 3 weeks there every year. In the early 80's, the Oldtimers were honoring all the living members of the 1946 race. My father and I came up to Indy to be with the Chief for that special occasion and I can remember every detail. Here are a couple of memories that stand out: - I spent an afternoon with the Chief in the Oldtimer's Club located under the Tower Terrace grandstand. I met Emil Andres, Duke Nalon, and Cowboy O'Rourke just to name a few. To witness the closeness of this group some 40 years after they competed was truly special. It was the first time I ever heard " Well, who'd he ride with?" It was always asked when someone didn't recognize a name of a person. It refers back to the days of riding mechanics - The Chief had credentials for us but the Yellow Shirts would not let me in the garage because I was too young. I kept trying to get into restricted areas but no luck. Finally, I was able to get into the area inside Turn 1 between the fence and the guardrail. Press and photographers were in this location. I was worried that if I left this area, I wouldn't get back in so I spent 5 hours sitting in the grass watching qualifications. What a perfect afternoon. -Track officials loaded the 1946 race participants into pacecars and took them around the track before qualifications. I rode in the car with the Chief and remember a fan yelling out to him as we went thru Turn 4, "Hey Chitwood, put it up on 2 wheels!" - One night, we had dinner at a place called Harley's in Brownsburg. It was the place to go. Everyone knew everyone and there were more stories than can ever be remembered. It was just like being in the Oldtimer's Club under the Tower Terrace. Unfortunately, it is no longer there. There are days when I still can't believe that 25 years later, I am working at the Speedway. Anything is possible.
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