To Be A Dirt - Track Hero

As you approached the entrance to Lake Moc-A-Tek

Speedway in Lakeville, Pennsylvania on a Saturday night, you got a dusting of
dirt flying through the air from preliminary runs; you could smell fuel wafting
in the air, and then there was the roar of the engines. It sounded, and felt,
and smelt so wonderful. So did the smell of burgers on the grill, corn dogs
cooking and crispy french fries.

What an exciting adventure it was going to Moc-A-Tek
Speedway for anyone from the ages of two to ninety-two. The 1/4 mile dirt oval
track that opened in 1961 and provided many years of enjoyment to the folks of
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond was suddenly and wrongly shut down by
politico-nonsense in 2004 about some ... water runoff.

Yes, water runoff. We don't have time to get into the
whole story, but suffice to say, it had nothing to do with race cars on the
track, and it ruined a cool place where people could go to watch great races,
meet up with neighbors and have a night out for the whole family without
breaking the bank.

The races at the track ran the gamut from modified to
modern cars and saw many of the biggest racing names in the game over the
years.

We spoke with Justin Beltrame who is taking the helm
for coordinating the Dirt Track Heroes Show at the Phillipsburg Mall in New
Jersey.

Beltrame is a recognized expert on both the history
and the future of dirt-track racing in the area and commented on Moc-A-Tek
Speedway.

“The Moc-A-Tek racetrack was unique for the fans, and

very tricky for the drivers,” said Beltrame. “It was more about driving ability
than dollars invested in the race cars. That place was like a second family to
many people who felt they lost a sibling when it closed.”

As many of you know by now, the 12th Annual
Quaker Steak & Lube 'Dirt Track Heroes Show' is underway from March 3rd through
March 9th at the Phillipsburg Mall.

This has proven to be a popular setting for this special event and will offer a multitude of race cars, racing memorabilia ,collectibles and photos on display throughout the week long show .

“The Mall show is like no other in that it brings all
the stars from the past and present together in one place, said Beltrame. “The
best part is 'no admission price.'”

“We will also have interviews all week long,
discussing all types of racing, and this year also honoring the men and women
behind the cameras who capture the images that will remain with us forever.”

Updated @SJN