Freelance motorsport writer, Tim Miller, recently penned an article for the Hamilton Spectator (March 23, 2023) on Colonel Sanders’ visit to the Cayuga Speedway in 1977.
“During its heyday in the 1970s and ‘80s, Cayuga Speedway owner Bob Slack worked hard at promoting the big oval outside of Hagersville. Not only would he bring in great racing series, he would also give fans some intermission shows that are still remembered,” he wrote. “Motorcycle jumps, parachute demonstrations, and a tug of war between the Funny Cars of Jack and Toby Ehrmantraut wowed them, but one night Slack and track promoter Clayt Spears were able to get Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame to the track.”
Spears received word Sanders was travelling to Toronto to visit the Craven Foundation’s car collection and got in touch with the foundation. He managed to bring Sanders and five of the firm’s classic cars to the track in mid-July 1977.
“After Spears had the cars lined up for viewing, and with a nod from the Craven people, he thought taking Sanders for a lap around the track would be a great idea,” Miller continued. “He asked Sanders to step into a 1931 Duesenberg, the most valuable car in the collection.”
Sanders decided he wanted to ride in the Model T Ford instead. After his lap, Sanders would not leave the track until every child had an autograph.
Spears sent The Press the above photo card and said, “It would be interesting to know if this was the Colonel’s only visit to Haldimand County and how many of the youngsters in the photo still have the picture card signed by him.”
He added, “The bald headed chap (second from right) was Joe Gee, father-in-law to Mini-Stock racer, Larry Anthony. Joe was celebrating his 90th birthday and my wife, Helen, baked a cake and sang Happy Birthday to him.”
Do you know if Colonel Sanders visited Haldimand County any other time? Did you meet him that night and still have the picture card signed by him? Do you have memories you’d like to share from this night at the track? Let us know at
publishers@haldimandpress.com!
