YORK, Pa. — It has been in talks for a while. The wondering and rumors of when that day would come can finally be put to rest.
On Saturday, the historic Williams Grove Speedway bridge was taken down. The bridge at the Speedway has stood over the backstretch since 1947.
The demo started bright and early—before the crack of dawn—to safely dismantle and lower the bridge down onto a tractor trailer before shipping it to its next location. It was an eight-hour process dividing the bridge into three sections, but this isn't the last of the old bridge. It will have a new home and new use—not at a race track, but at a place very fitting.
The bridge has been donated to the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing in York Springs, York County. Race fans for years will be able to come and see the bridge. A brand new bridge will replace the 76-year-old famous walkway at the Grove.
Saturday also concluded the racing season around tracks throughout Central Pennsylvania. BAPS hosted their finale, The Les Stewart Sprint Showdown for $25,000. With 13 laps down and on a restart, Chase Dietz battled Troy Wagaman early for the lead. Dylan Norris driving in the No. 27S and Derek Locke made contact in turns one and two. That caused Locke to roll over.
He set the QuickTime in Group B and on a restart, Dietrich slid Wagaman for the lead. He capitalized on a huge win to close out the 2023 racing season. Dietrich ended with seven wins this season.
On a good side note, Aaron Bollinger charged from 16th to steal second on the final lap, racing the No. 19 for John Anthony and Travis Esh.
The outdoor season might be over, but indoor is kicking into high gear, fast. Quarter midgets will be racing at the Farm Show Complex.