Wolf Lake Speedway

Wolf Lake Speedway was a racing venue located in Hammond, Indiana. The speedway opened on July 16, 1933, and operated until 1936.[1][2] The track was described as "the World’s Most Unique Automobile Race Course."[3][2]

Wolf Lake Speedway
LocationHammond, Indiana
Coordinates41°40′22.1″N 87°30′48.6″W
OpenedJuly 16, 1933
Closed1936
Oval
SurfaceSand
Length1 mi
Midget track
SurfaceDirt and oil
Length0.2 mi

Wolf Lake Speedway contained two tracks. One track was a one-mile (1.6 km) sand track that was completely surrounded by Wolf Lake.[3][1][2] A portion of the lake was drained to allow for the track's construction.[3] This track hosted auto racing, while speedboat racing was held in the lake in the vicinity of the track.[2] The other was a 1⁄5-mile (0.32 km) dirt and oil surfaced midget track, constructed in 1935, located between Wolf Lake and Calumet Avenue.[1][2] Midget car racing took place at this track,[4] with the opening race on June 9, 1935,[5] and races continuing until 1936.[6]

Among the drivers who raced at Wolf Lake Speedway were Emil Andres,[4] Frank Brisko,[7] Duke Nalon,[8] Harold Shaw,[2] Jimmy Snyder,[5] and Tony Willman.[2]

In 1935, Wolf Lake Speedway hosted a series of weekly Amateur Athletic Union boxing matches.[9][10][11]

References
  1. Kalwasinski, Stan (July 17, 2014). "Region Motor Sports: Hammond Tracks Part of Racing's Past". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  2. "Wolf Lake Speedway". Chicagoland Auto Racing. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  3. Dorsey, Kathleen (July 30, 2014). "Wolf Lake". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  4. "A Strong Field Set for Midget Races". The Hammond Times. August 14, 1935. p. 20.
  5. Kalwasinski, Stan. "Jimmy Snyder". Chicagoland Auto Racing. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  6. "Wolf Lake Speedway to Hold Midget Races Today". Chicago Tribune. July 26, 1936. pt. 2 p. 6. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  7. "Brisko Races Sunday Night With Midgets". The Hammond Times. June 20, 1935. p. 11.
  8. "New Pilots in Friday Races". The Hammond Times. August 15, 1935. p. 8. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  9. "Boxing Bouts Attract Crowd". The Hammond Times. August 14, 1935. p. 20.
  10. "Eight Bouts on Wolf Lake Card Wednesday Eve". The Vidette-Messenger. August 20, 1935. p. 6.
  11. "8 Great Bouts on Wolf Lake Card Tonight". The Hammond Times. August 21, 1935. p. 13.


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