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THEN & NOW PART 6

Since 1954, BAPS Motor Speedway has been serving up some of the closest and most exciting racing in central Pennsylvania. What started as a dream of founder Bud Bricker has grown into a cherished experience for generations of families, friends and racing lovers from all over the country.

The transformation of BAPS Motor Speedway from 1950 to 2025 have been tremendous in regard to safety, Track Conditions, Sponsor Signage and technology. The above photos show back in time how drivers and crew members lived on the dangerous side of things and how Insurance and technology have evolved over the years. BAPS Motor Speedway have always had a strong group of 410 Sprint Car drivers compete at the speedway that included all time feature winner Johnny Mackinson Sr and Bobby Hersh to young guns like Stevie Smith to modern greats like Fred Rahmer, Greg Hodnett and Danny Dietrich.

Over the next few weeks, we will take our fans, teams and partners on a journey on how the speedway has stood the test of time and risen from the ashes.

Journey #1:
A photo from an unknown time period at then Susquehanna Speedway (Now BAPS) where four sprint cars battle in turn 2 with a crew member looking on by the guardrail.

A follow up photo from 2017 Shows Ryan Smith, Brock Zearfoss, Tyler Ross and Trey Starks battle in turn 2 at BAPS Motor Speedway during 410 Sprint Car Action.

BertWojo Images

“Today is about progress, and one of the things that I am most excited about today is the fact that this shows that in this community we have the heart, we have the passion, we have the foresight, we have the wisdom, we have the vision to do big things.” Said General Manager Kolten Gouse

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