June 1, 2011

Racing historical gallery

Racing of all kinds has always been popular in Cape Girardeau. Here are photos of boat races, horse races, car races and other types of races that took place in Cape Girardeau over the years.

Southeast Missourian archive

Sulky racing at the SEMO District Fair. Published Sept. 27, 1940. Gus Thompson of Paducah, Ky., driving "Benton Watts," finishes the pace in 2 minutes, 11 seconds to cop the 2:15 trot feature. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Boat races on the Mississippi River. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Published Friday, Aug. 25, 1961 Swift action by go-carts and drivers from all over the nation thrilled spectators at the TWIKA Speedway Thursday as the Rose Stakes finally began after two days of delay by rain. This speeding racer in the time trials adjusts his motor in a final jaunt before the clock started as other karters sit on the sideline ready for their turns on the track. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Published Monday, Aug. 15, 1955 A part of the thousands who lined the waterfront Sunday afternoon to witness the Missouri championship motorboat races. The picture looking south from the judges' stand located opposite the foot of Themis Street shows less than half of the crowd. In the foreground is shown one of the barges which served as a pit, out of which the racing boat drivers operated. Although the sun shone warmly, a brisk northern breeze made the temperature, for the most part, quite comfortable. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Published Aug. 21, 1961 World champion go-kart racing on this track near Municipal Airport will take place this week sponsored by The World's International Kart Association. It is one of the most outstanding kart tracks in the nation. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Saturday, Sept. 3, 1960 The Honkers Boat Club Mississippi River dock was temporarily the busiest place in Cape Girardeau early today as dozens of selected crews serviced high-powered boats arriving here on the first leg of the fifth annual Mississippi River Marathon race from St. Louis to New Orleans. Some boats are shown crowding the service "pits" and two others, serviced, are speeding away downstream. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Preparing their go-cart for a coming race. circa 1960s (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Go-cart racing on the track near the airport. circa 1960s. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Published Monday, Aug. 28, 1961 Andy Watson, right, winner of the World's Championship Overall Go-Kart Race Sunday, is being handed the $1000 prize and Eddie Rickenbacher Trophy from Miss Missouri of 1961, Miss Sarah Kay Burns of Caruthersville, while TWIKA President Sig Petchul, in the middle, looks on. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Watching the boat races on the Mississippi River from the riverfront at Cape Girardeau. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Boat races on the Mississippi River. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Sulky racing at the SEMO District Fair. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Midget auto racing drew enthusiastic crowds to the Arena Park track in the 1940s. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Mule racing at the SEMO District Fair. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Horse racing at the SEMO District Fair. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

Sulky racing at the SEMO District Fair. Undated. (Missourian archives photo by G.D. "Frony" Fronabarger)

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Racing of all kinds has always been popular in Cape Girardeau. Here are photos of boat races, horse races, car races and other types of races that took place in Cape Girardeau over the years.

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