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March 30, 2007 at
11:42:28 AM
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11/22/2004
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27816
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Nettie Fort Reties For Santa Maria Speedway
by Jim Pluhar
Santa Maria, CA - 3/26/07...In the early 60's, Doug Fort, a businessman from Morro Bay, CA, had a dream. That dream, was to build a race track on the Central Coast. After researching possible locations Fort settled on a property located just north of Santa Maria, CA on the west side of U.S. 101. Nestled in a semi amphitheater of natural terrain, sheltered by dense eucalyptus trees at the top and to the back of the future location of the Speedway's bleachers, the wind protected area was perfect for a race track. Hence, Santa Maria Speedway was born, opening in 1964.
By Doug Fort's side during construction, and for the next thirty-five seasons of auto racing on the 1/3-mile clay oval, was Doug's wife, Nettie. When Doug passed away in 1998, Nettie Fort took over the operation of the Speedway and continued the tradition for the next seven seasons.
In 2006 Nettie enlisted the aid of Dave Swindell. Swindell, with a wealth of Short Track and Super Speedway knowledge, became CEO of Santa Maria Speedway, bringing to local race fans a program that moved quickly and efficiently and sent them on their way home between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. most race nights. That was a decided improvement over previous years when the races would sometimes go on until midnight or later.
With the Speedway in the capable hands of Swindell, Nettie, at age 85, decided it was time to retire. "Dave and I both agree Santa Maria Speedway has the best Fans and Competitors in the world and want to see the tradition continue." stated Mrs. Fort. "I just want to thank everyone for a lifetime of memories." A lease was agreed to between Nettie Fort and Dave Swindell.
The address for the new Speedway office is P.O. Box 1859, Nipomo, CA 93444. Phone 805-922-2233. With Swindell at the helm, the legacy of Doug and Nettie Fort's dream of so many years ago, will continue.
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March 30, 2007 at
11:09:42 PM
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Joined:
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04/21/2006
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379
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As we say good bye to Mrs. Nettie Fort, it is the end of an era. Nettie was Dougs partner and I grew up with them operating the track. Many great races were held there and like any great track, many people have fond memories of SMS. Of my personal involvement with the Forts, I have many fond memories and will say thank-you to Nettie in person Saturday night.
Nettie is in the twilight of her life and I think that those of us who benefitted from not only a great place to race but many wonderful memories should drop her a line or post a thread of thanks. I think many of the folks out there who have been involved with racing will attest to the memories made and the great operations in their prime. From the late 60's when I was a mere lad watcing the Jalopies through the Super Modified era into the other various open wheeled classes over the years it has been great fun.To all of the NARC and CRA/SCRA/USAC shows through what-ever era. he first event ever was a CRA event where Bobby Hogle set a track record that stood for nearly a decade.
Nettie really would like the old joint to stay open and thrive. And really, she had fallen into some disrepair for various reasons. There are some challenges ahead but great strides were made last season and are being built upon this year. The racing was unprecedented with a worn but well prepared race surface went through a sprint car season without red flags during weakly events. Dave Swindell and his cracker-jack team of John Hansen, Dave Sneed and John and Carol Poquet did a fantastic job and do deserve a lot of credit.
This year promises great expectations. A full season with great weekly action featuring Bandit Sprint Cars, Late Models, a ton of Modified races and Super Steets all supported by a full field of entry level Factory Stock Cars and Mini Stock Cars. All of this will be don a a track surfice refurbished in the off season. Track records are bound to be toppled.
I hope many of you fans and folks can make it out tomorrow to hang out, say good bon voyage' to Nettie and give her a kind word.
This year offers a fresh surface and continueing improvements Nettie should be satisfied with a career well done.
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April 01, 2007 at
04:12:58 PM
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Joined:
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11/10/2006
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13
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Reply to:
Posted By: ljennings on March 30 2007 at 11:42:28 AM
Nettie Fort Reties For Santa Maria Speedway
by Jim Pluhar
Santa Maria, CA - 3/26/07...In the early 60's, Doug Fort, a businessman from Morro Bay, CA, had a dream. That dream, was to build a race track on the Central Coast. After researching possible locations Fort settled on a property located just north of Santa Maria, CA on the west side of U.S. 101. Nestled in a semi amphitheater of natural terrain, sheltered by dense eucalyptus trees at the top and to the back of the future location of the Speedway's bleachers, the wind protected area was perfect for a race track. Hence, Santa Maria Speedway was born, opening in 1964.
By Doug Fort's side during construction, and for the next thirty-five seasons of auto racing on the 1/3-mile clay oval, was Doug's wife, Nettie. When Doug passed away in 1998, Nettie Fort took over the operation of the Speedway and continued the tradition for the next seven seasons.
In 2006 Nettie enlisted the aid of Dave Swindell. Swindell, with a wealth of Short Track and Super Speedway knowledge, became CEO of Santa Maria Speedway, bringing to local race fans a program that moved quickly and efficiently and sent them on their way home between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. most race nights. That was a decided improvement over previous years when the races would sometimes go on until midnight or later.
With the Speedway in the capable hands of Swindell, Nettie, at age 85, decided it was time to retire. "Dave and I both agree Santa Maria Speedway has the best Fans and Competitors in the world and want to see the tradition continue." stated Mrs. Fort. "I just want to thank everyone for a lifetime of memories." A lease was agreed to between Nettie Fort and Dave Swindell.
The address for the new Speedway office is P.O. Box 1859, Nipomo, CA 93444. Phone 805-922-2233. With Swindell at the helm, the legacy of Doug and Nettie Fort's dream of so many years ago, will continue.
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Dear Nettie:
Dear Nettie:
I've been coming to Santa Maria since the 70's?? and I consider it.. (bar none) the best racetrack I've ever been to. I remember my Dad winning his championship there and I remember considering this "my playground".
Thanks for bringing us awesome sprintcar racing weekend after weekend. My hats off to you and Doug for your commitment.
It won't be the same that's for sure but I have alot of faith in the talents of Dave Swindell and his ability to promote a race. I certainly hope that your "retirement" won't mean we won't see as much of you.
God Bless and enjoy yourself
Renee' Eiland
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April 03, 2007 at
12:10:37 AM
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Joined:
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11/10/2006
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13
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Reply to:
Posted By: Pete Curto on March 30 2007 at 11:09:42 PM
As we say good bye to Mrs. Nettie Fort, it is the end of an era. Nettie was Dougs partner and I grew up with them operating the track. Many great races were held there and like any great track, many people have fond memories of SMS. Of my personal involvement with the Forts, I have many fond memories and will say thank-you to Nettie in person Saturday night.
Nettie is in the twilight of her life and I think that those of us who benefitted from not only a great place to race but many wonderful memories should drop her a line or post a thread of thanks. I think many of the folks out there who have been involved with racing will attest to the memories made and the great operations in their prime. From the late 60's when I was a mere lad watcing the Jalopies through the Super Modified era into the other various open wheeled classes over the years it has been great fun.To all of the NARC and CRA/SCRA/USAC shows through what-ever era. he first event ever was a CRA event where Bobby Hogle set a track record that stood for nearly a decade.
Nettie really would like the old joint to stay open and thrive. And really, she had fallen into some disrepair for various reasons. There are some challenges ahead but great strides were made last season and are being built upon this year. The racing was unprecedented with a worn but well prepared race surface went through a sprint car season without red flags during weakly events. Dave Swindell and his cracker-jack team of John Hansen, Dave Sneed and John and Carol Poquet did a fantastic job and do deserve a lot of credit.
This year promises great expectations. A full season with great weekly action featuring Bandit Sprint Cars, Late Models, a ton of Modified races and Super Steets all supported by a full field of entry level Factory Stock Cars and Mini Stock Cars. All of this will be don a a track surfice refurbished in the off season. Track records are bound to be toppled.
I hope many of you fans and folks can make it out tomorrow to hang out, say good bon voyage' to Nettie and give her a kind word.
This year offers a fresh surface and continueing improvements Nettie should be satisfied with a career well done.
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Hey Pete:
Can't believe there haven't been any other comments or well wishers on this...come on people
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