Race tracks that are gone

[jballscalls]

I still drive by old Longacres whenever I go home and miss it terribly. My whole childhood was spent there. The beautiful tall poplar trees that lined the turns are still there on one side.

Boeing bought it and literally left the land barren and used only a tiny area by the 3/8ths pole and built a building.

If you go there and walk around, under some bushes you'll notice a part of the rail is still there as well as some of the brick flooring.

The last day was a night event and it was very sad. They let everyone out onto the track afterwards to go grab souvenir dirt. The last race, Gary Henson the announcer let run silent, only saying at the 7/8ths pole. "Ladies and Gentlemen, these horses belong to you. Listen to their final thunder"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_TpIkZ9C4M

[geeker2]

Originally Posted by jballscalls

I still drive by old Longacres whenever I go home and miss it terribly. My whole childhood was spent there. The beautiful tall poplar trees that lined the turns are still there on one side.

Boeing bought it and literally left the land barren and used only a tiny area by the 3/8ths pole and built a building.

If you go there and walk around, under some bushes you'll notice a part of the rail is still there as well as some of the brick flooring.

The last day was a night event and it was very sad. They let everyone out onto the track afterwards to go grab souvenir dirt. The last race, Gary Henson the announcer let run silent, only saying at the 7/8ths pole. "Ladies and Gentlemen, these horses belong to you. Listen to their final thunder"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_TpIkZ9C4M

Agree - I traveled for work to the area and always managed to sneak in a few races. Was very sorry to see it close.

[Easy Goer Otis]

1989. Chicago. South Loop. Working at Coopers & Lybrand right out of Notre Dame.

The OTB on Jackson Street had three levels. First level was for the action-addicted traders who worked in the nearby commodity pits. Designed for quick hitter, one race bets while they ducked out for a smoke.

Second floor was for the hardcore grinders. A weathered looking group that was not looking for new friends.

The third floor was what I miss. The Derby Club. Had to have a suit coat to get in and pay $99 for membership. But once in, you might sit down at the oak bar with a local celeb (Gene Siskel was the best). Big leather booths and TVs.

Heady stuff for a 22yo kid. Not sure when it closed down, but I miss its "rat packy" vibe. Fell on love with the sport during the a Sunday Silence-Easy Goer season.

Cheers,

Otis