Lots of them went on to become famous Indy car and NASCAR champions. I know I can't mention all the great drivers I met through Manzanita Speedway, but I sincerely thank them all. I think the all-time winningest driver at Manzy is Phoenix star Terry Belcher, with over 200 victories racing in several different divisions.
The sad times for Manzanita would be the loss of eight drivers and two infield personnel through accidents over the years. A couple of the fans' most favorite drivers, Hank Arnold and Hall of Famer Buddy Taylor, are among those who lost their lives at Manzanita.
I can only imagine all the wild stories told by the old-timers at the 50th anniversary celebration, but I am sure it included tales about the junkyard outside Turn 3 on the half-mile. It seems if a sprint car flipped over the fence, as many did, and the driver consciously survived the accident, he would open his eyes to be staring directly into the jaws of some of the biggest, ugliest, meanest doberman pinscher watchdogs in the city of Phoenix.
The stories could go on and on, but all I've got to say is that this track should be on every sprint car fan's must-see list. Manzy, thank you for the memories.