Wall’s First Winner, Frankie Schneider, to be Turkey Derby Grand Marshall
Legendary northeast racecar driver Frankie Schneider reached many milestones during his career. Although accomplished on both asphalt and dirt racing surfaces, one of his accomplishments that is more than noteworthy is the fact that he won the first ever race held on Wall Stadium’s high banks when the speedway first opened on May 26, 1950. On Saturday, November 30, during the second day of the 40th annual Turkey Derby, Schneider will be honored as the event’s Grand Marshall.
As a part of the ceremonies the Lambertville, N.J. resident will also be honored with an award. Schneider’s appearance and the presentation is being arranged by Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club President Ray Shea.
The Turkey Derby is a three day auto racing event held during the daylight hours. On Friday, November 29, the Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks and 4 Cylinder cars will all compete in qualifying and 50-lap main events. The Legend Cars will qualify and compete in a 40-lap feature. The Wall Modifieds will also be on the card as they qualify for their Saturday main event and the restored cars of the Garden State Vintage Stock Car club will also be an important part of the day. The pit area will open at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, while practice will start at 8:30 a.m. Grandstand seating will open at 9:30 a.m., qualifying is set for 12:30 p.m. and main events are planned for 2:15 p.m.
Day two of the 40th Turkey Derby will see the Touring Modifieds qualify and battle in a 150-lap championship race while the Wall Modifieds race for 100-laps. Dirt Modified/Sportsman and Limited Late Models will compete in 50-lap races while the TQ Midgets are set for a 25-lapper. Qualifying, as needed, is set for all divisions on Saturday. The pit area will open at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, while practice will start at 8:30 a.m. Grandstand seating will open at 9:30 a.m., qualifying is set for 11:00 a.m. and main events are planned for 1:00 p.m.
The 40th Turkey Derby weekend will then wrap up on Sunday, December 1 with a championship Demolition Derby, a 75-lap race for the 4 Cylinder cars, a 50-lapper for the Factory Stocks and a ladies’ Powder Puff race. The pit area will open at 10:0 a.m. on Sunday, while practice will start at 11:00 a.m. Grandstand seating will open at noon as qualifying begins and main events are planned for 1:00 p.m.