Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT
Zoom and Facebook
Online Event
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT
Zoom
Online Event
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT
Zoom and Facebook
Online Event
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Skagit Speedway</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4796 Old Highway 99 North</div> <div> <span>Burlington</span>, <span>WA</span> <span>98233</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.skagitspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Speedway</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 360-724-3567</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Skagit+Speedway%2C+4796+Old+Highway+99+North%2C+Burlington%2C+WA+98233" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like that…. Skagit Speedway's first race was underway. The dream of fourteen investors comes to fruition. Skagit County has a racetrack.To the current ways of thinking, seventeen acres cleared of stumps and trees and an egg-shaped oval cut out of its middle may not qualify as a racetrack, but those that came up with $100 to purchase the land were excited about the future.Thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Jim Raper, Floyd Grace, Art Hillstead, Don Latting, Elbert Lemley, Don Jeter Sr, Harley Sutt, Glen Sutt, Bill Woodruff, Ted Decker, Harry Weatherby, Jerry McAdow, Bud Schaimshen, and Dick Woodring Skagit Speedway has been the #1 spectator draw from north Seattle to Vancouver B.C. They forged a 3/10 oval of clay using all the acreage available and taking clay from the property itself. At the time, the track was roughed out of the terrain. Finding that the landscape at the south end was twelve feet higher than the north end, dirt was taken and relocated to the north side to compensate. All this time they thought they were building an oval track shaped like all the others. It wasn't until someone flew over the track in an airplane and took an aerial photo that they realized it was actually egg-shaped.Volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hauling of water from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley to water the track were just a few of the early challenges. Cows and horses were the only creatures using the area before "horses" of another kind hit the clay oval.Harley Sutt managed the track until 1961, when Elbert Lemley took over. Lemley saw many more improvements take place under his leadership including concrete grandstands, improved bathrooms, lights, regrading and guardrails for the track. His racing interests were not just for Skagit. From 1951 to 1954 he owned a Lincoln race car that raced at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, B.C. Lemley died in 1964, leaving Jim Raper as the track's guiding light.As the 60's came and went, Raper became synonymous with Skagit. He was one of the most respected promoters in the country; whether he spoke at a promoters' meeting in Kansas City or Portland, people listened. Skagit was one of the first in the country to require mufflers. Drivers and fans thought Jim was crazy – mufflers and race cars didn't make sense; race cars are supposed to be loud and rumbling. Raper knew it would eventually become law … and it did!Noise wasn't the problem in the early days of Skagit Speedway; the problem was dust! Raper and his investors dug deep into their pockets in 1958 to build a well. Two years later lights were added. Skagit's motto became "Racing Every Friday Night Under the Lights!" Fencing and better grandstands were added, and as Jim Raper started open competition action, Skagit Speedway was finally on the map.The Dirt Cup was Jim Raper's baby. He wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over the coast. He had a couple open comp races in the late 60's, prior to the Dirt Cup becoming a three-track event in 1972, between Skagit, Sky Valley and Elma. Elma dropped out in 1977 and Sky Valley in 1978. The Dirt Cup became one of the nation's top non-sanctioned open wheel events.Known today as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, the event continues on a much larger scale. You can only imagine how proud he would be today. 50+ Sprint Cars, coming from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia.Looking at the speedway today, it's hard to imagine how basic of an operation it was in the beginning. The first restroom was simply two planks with blankets draped over them. One side was for women and the other side for men. Fans sat on the hillside on blankets, stumps, or logs. There was no fence or safety wall between the racetrack and the fans. The flagger stood right on the racetrack. A canopy was set up over the top of a three burner Coleman camping stove cooking hot dogs and coffee.Today we have a 10,000-seat venue with the most breathtaking views that is home away from home for more than 100,000 fans from April – September. Racing happens nearly every Saturday night with the addition of special events such as Dirt Cup, Summer Nationals, Monster Slam and the World of Outlaws.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/burlington-wa/report/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Burlington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-fraud-watch-with-phil-and-pam-november-14th-2024-knn5vpl6c4q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FRAUD-WATCH-WITH-PHIL-AND-PAM-HOW-TO-SPOT-DISASTER-SCAMS">Fraud Watch with Phil and Pam: How to Spot Disaster Scams</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-soil-compost-mulch-houston-tx-111424-qcntslpt4t9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-FOUNDATION-OF-YOUR-GARDEN-SOIL-COMPOST-MULCH">The Foundation of Your Garden: Soil, Compost & Mulch</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BURLINGTON-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BURLINGTON-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Skagit Speedway - Burlington, WA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like" name="description"/> <meta content="Skagit, Speedway, Burlington, WA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/skagit-speedway-burlington-wa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Skagit Speedway"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Skagit Speedway HistoryLabor Day, September 1, 1954 – Jed Davis waves an old green homemade cloth flag in front of twenty old jalopies and just like"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="48.576302"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.332001"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/burlington-wa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Burlington, WA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/burlington-wa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/burlington-wa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118