Fans Relive
Long Island Auto Racing's Golden Years
by Danielle
McCormack
Last Sunday’s Fifth Annual Old Timer’s Day at the Himes
Museum of Motor Racing Nostalgia in Bay Shore, N.Y. takes you
back to the Golden Era of Long Island Auto Racing. Marty Himes,
museum owner/curator, says since he started the event at his
home and museum, it continues to grow ever year. Himes has
packed so much history in his museum that even the most seasoned
visitor winds up seeing something he or she hasn’t seen before.
Even Himes’ daughter, Nancy Johnson, says she hasn’t seen
everything at museum. “I always find something new,” she says.
“It probably has been here forever, but I just haven’t seen it
before.
A few years ago, a fire ravaged the museum and unfortunately
took a lot of memories with it. This past year, one of the cars
that were burnt in the fire received a much-needed restoration.
Islip’s Terry Carney, a former superintendent of highways, has
been a long-time racing fan and served as crew chief for Dick
Rhodes back in the ‘60s at Freeport. Carney heard Himes on a
radio show and felt compelled to visit his museum. Himes, as
usual, served as the gracious host and tour guide of his museum
and after an hour or two into the tour, Carney noticed one of
the cars that had been damaged by the fire – the No. 447 of Jim
Lacy – and was so taken back by the damage it had become that
he offered to restore it. In only three months time, Carney
brought back the No. 447 better than ever. Its paint and
interior were restored to perfection; its engine and
transmission worked better than ever. Himes couldn’t have been
happier as he says it’s rare that someone comes to the museum,
opens up their heart, and contributes not only time and money,
but also their heart to keep the museum going.
If you’re interested in helping restore any of the vehicles at
the museum, call Marty Himes at 631-666-4912. It is help like
Carney’s that helps keep the museum alive and well. Bummed that
you missed this year’s event? Well, mark down the last Sunday in
August next year, which is when the Old Timer’s Day Reunion is
always held.
Source: Danielle
McCormack/LongIslandJam.com
Posted: August
31, 2010
