I know Statsman would be interested in any Barrie data from that period in the mid/late 90's to help fill out the history of the track on his archive site. I'm sure the Sunset history would be pretty interesting to look over as well. The story of the two tracks is certainly a long one and I'm sure it will continue for awhile yet.
I just mentioned the Wheelspin thing as confirmation that Mr. Coates HAS been involved in the sport for a long long time and the racing press of those days proves it for those who may not be aware of that fact, as someone suggested here recently in questioning his knowledge of the scene. I only mean that as a statement of fact, not as a comment on his impact, good, bad or indifferent. I'll leave that one to others.

I have tons of history on Sunset but could take a while to dig out of the archieves lol.....I think I have some Barrie stuff too but would have to look. I'm still in contact with the handicapper I worked with that year and I believe she still has records and I'll check.

Deb: I'm quite interested in getting copies of anything you might have on the history of both tracks. I do intend to eventually finish documenting the history of Barrie and have had discussions with Mark about his desire to get Sunset's history together as well. I'd already given him copies of all the old Wheelspin stuff I had collected from 1968 - 1985 or so.

Dster:
Gord Coates operated Sunset at least from 1971-1973. A tell tale sign is in the track logo from that era, Sunset Speedway 1971 Ltd, I think that all of Gord's limited companies have the year of incorporation in them. I have lots of good memories of those Sunday afternoon and Wednesday night Late Model and Six-Cylinder races. The cars were drawn from the other regular Saturday night Late Model shows at Pinecrest, Flamboro and others. 1973 was the year that the two tracks actually worked together with the same cars, rules and points fund and the top class was called Limited Late Models. Basically the old Barrie Diamond class but running Hoosier slicks instead of street treaded tires. Anyone have deja vu here? 😀

It was not a successfull year as car counts were low but not due to any political reason as I recall, it was more about the rigors and higher costs of running twice a week for a bunch of weekly racers.

Barrie went back to less expensive tires for 1974 but closed after 4 nights and the drivers dispersed to Westgate, Sauble and Pinecrest. I don't recall what happened to Sunset in 1974.

I know that both were back in 1976, the story of Wes Good getting the inside line on Pinecrest's pending closure and signing a lease to run Sunset is one of the most interesting of that era.

Hi Statsman, I will have to do some searching but would be glad to put together what I have I know where some is easily to obtain but other things could take some time to dig out of the archieves.
Your right about Coates leasing the track during that time and Wes Good as well. I know for a fact Wes still has alot of things from that time because he gave me some. I have contact with him too and will see what I can obtain from him as well.
And just for the records Sunset has run every season since the day she opened regardless of car counts etc.......
Just wondering Statsman what are these records etc being used for?? Or is it just your own interest.

Well ever since I started putting the Barrie History together I've had it in the back of my head that Sunset's glorious past should be online as well. Mark B. started to gather some material this past winter but hasn't had time to get it done with the season starting, he and I talked about it as a winter project that we could work on together. The end result will be something online that everyone can access.

I'd like to get copies of whatever we end up with to the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame Archives as well.

I'll be at Sunset most nights from here to the end of the season, just look for the graybeard with the camera and glasses hanging around the 19k crew.

Good run for you guys last night at Kawartha Statsman!