2016 Jungle Park Reunion part 1

Let's go to Jungle Park.

While there hasn't been racing at the Jungle Park Speedway in over half a century, the track still serves to preserve the history and memories from the past. The 2016 Jungle Park Reunion featured racing legends, historic race cars, tribute cars, classic cars and hot rods. And of course the track itself. A historic marker was placed along the highway this year. As Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson spoke before the dedication of the marker, he described Jungle Park as having a magic feel, an aura about it, and it certainly does. For a motorsport fan the place is an experience unlike any other.






Here is Jungle Park in it's prime.

Here it is today. Nature has been busy reclaiming much of the grounds. Only one of the smaller grandstand sections remain.


Closer to the grandstands, you can see some of the old racing surface, which is visible is many places around the track.








Here is looking into turn 1 of the track. A slow walk around the banked 1/2 mile track is a moving experience. You can't help but think of those that raced here in the past, many going on to glory at places like Indianapolis, and others whose lives ended here.


This is looking back through turn 1.


Coming out of turn 2 here, the back straight was lined with the race cars.


Standing on the top of the banking on the back straight, you can see the Sugar Creek below.


This is looking into turn 3. The bridge is where US Highway 41 crosses the Sugar Creek.


Here we are looking into turn 4.


Exiting turn 4.


This is back onto the front straight in front of the grandstands.


Donald Davidson speaks before the dedication of the marker. To his immediate left is Tom Bigelow. Bill Vukovich Jr. is seated on the end.


An animated Merle Bettenhausen recalls his mother's reaction whenever his father Tony Bettenhausen would speak of racing at Jungle Park. 


Dave Darland listens to Donaldson at the dedication.