Thanksgiving Throwback Thursday – November 23

With today being Thanksgiving, we look back at Turkey related events that happened on this day in racing history.

1938 – Bob Swanson wins the Turkey Night Grand Prix on this date in 1938 at Gilmore Stadium. Swanson also won the first Turkey Night Grand Prix in 1934.

1960 – Back in 1960 AJ Foyt won the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot Park (CA) back in 1960. Foyt beat out Jim Hurtubise, Parnelli Jones, and Porky Rachwitz for the win. Foyt would go on to win the race again in 1961.

THE THIRD TURN: 1960 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot Park

1979 – Chalk up the only Turkey Derby win for George Kent, Jr. at Wall Stadium (NJ) back in 1979. Tony Hirschman was third behind Jim Hendrickson. Hirschman’s son Matt has gone on to win the race six times.

THE THIRD TURN: 1979 Turkey Derby at Wall Stadium

1984 – John Blewett, Jr. won his second Turkey Derby feature at Wall Stadium (NJ) on this date in 1984. Blewett's father, John Blewett, Sr., passed away last week. Jimmy Blewett will carry on the family name this weekend.

THE THIRD TURN: 1984 Turkey Derby at Wall Stadium

2005 – Leading 48 of the 100 laps was enough for Jason Leffler to win the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway (CA). Leffler left us too soon in 2013 in a wreck at Bridgeport Speedway (NJ).

THE THIRD TURN: 2005 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway

2007 – Danny Lasoski wins the 35-lap dash in the 2007 Turkey Open Wheel Classic 360 Sprint Feature. The race was held at Springfield Raceway (IL) as Lasoski beat Brian Brown and Jesse Hockett for the win.

THE THIRD TURN: 2007 Turkey Open Wheel Classic 360 Sprint Feature at Springfield Raceway