THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
SILVER CITY QUARTER MIDGETS
TRACK TIMELINE
TIMELINE OF SILVER CITY'S TRACK
1958
Opened as a dirt track.
1959
Paved to be an asphalt track - American Quarter Midgets.
1960
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
L-R: Joe, Fred Kiser, Harry Vicory, Bruno Novicelli, Dom, Charlie, Don Slaney, Pete Novicelli, Bat Carabetta, Ralph Le Gendre, Frenchie Hamlin
1963
Quarter Midgets of America is Incorporated
1975
Track is repaved by former member Jack Arute from Arute Construction as a donation
1978-1988
Renee Dupree’s illustrious racing career began at just five years old in Quarter Midget racing at Silver City, where she amassed numerous victories and championships, setting six track records along the way. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her five 'Driver of the Year' awards before she advanced to the Pro Four Modified division at the age of 15. Making history as the first woman champion in the Pro Four Modified Tour in 1994, Renee continued to break barriers, becoming the first female to win a NASCAR Modified feature event in the speedway's 51-year history. With a remarkable seven-time recognition as the Riverside Park Speedway's 'Most Popular Driver' and the highest qualifying and finishing female driver in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour's history, Renee's impact on motorsports is truly extraordinary.
1984
1st Eastern Grand Nationals are held at Silver City
1985-1994
Eric Berndt began his racing journey at the Silver City Quarter Midget Club, laying the foundation for a lifelong successful racing career. Berndt’s racing legacy continued at the Waterford Speedbowl in 1995, driving for his grandfather, where he secured a memorable win as a rookie at just 16 years old. In addition, with 22 career victories in the SK Modified division at Stafford Speedway (as of January 2022), he holds the ninth spot on the all-time win list at the iconic half-mile track. Moreover, he clinched the 2003 Sunoca Championship at Thompson Speedway and achieved back-to-back wins at the Budweiser Blastoff at Waterford Speedbowl. With numerous feature wins across multiple tracks, Berndt’s legacy in racing remains enduring and impressive.
1988
2nd Eastern Grand Nationals are held at Silver City
1986-1995
Doug Coby, an American racing pro, dominates the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, clinching an impressive six championships from 2012 to 2019. Additionally, he's a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Coby's versatility and skill extend beyond asphalt as he's also triumphed in Late Models and Prostocks at Stafford Motor Speedway. With a solid start in quarter midgets at Silver City Quarter Midget Club, Coby's journey is a testament to his dedication and talent on the track.
1990-1998
Hailing from Franklin, Massachusetts, professional racing driver Bobby Santos III began his journey in motorsports racing Quarter Midgets at the Silver City Quarter Midget Club. His career later saw him make his NASCAR Busch Series debut in 2007 and achieve success in the Whelen Modified Tour.
1991-1998
Erica Santos made history as the first female to clinch a victory in the NorthEastern Midget Association, kickstarting her racing journey at just 8 years old at the Silver City Quarter Midget Club. Transitioning from the racetrack to a fulfilling career as a Nurse Anesthetist, Erica now cherishes her memories on the track while embracing her passion for healthcare.
1993
At the Silver City end-of-year banquet, NASCAR legend, Jeff Gordon, generously took the time to sign autographs for families, adding a special touch to this special event.
1994
During the 4th Eastern Grands Nationals held at Silver City, the Quarter Midget Club's committed endeavors, such as the construction of a pole barn, significantly enhanced the racing experience for participants. Generous contributions from Bill Crocker, who donated the metal, former club president Michael Vangruskas, who donated the telephone poles, and Jimmy Manafort who lent the club his backhoe facilitated the completion of the addition that continues to benefit racers today. Additional support from former QMA President and Silver City Vice President Pidge Gill, Kent Billings, Paul Bennett, Dave Brooks, Frank Russo, Harold Lineweber, and Thomas McKnight were instrumental in the project's success. Furthermore, Joe Civali facilitated the removal of the old tower building with his tow truck, while Paul Cavanna played a crucial role in cleaning up the area with his track loader.
1996-1999
Joey Logano, hailing from Portland, CT, kicked off his racing journey at Silver City Quarter Midget Club when he was just 5 years old. Today, as a two-time Cup Series champion driving the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, he's made a name for himself with 32 Cup wins, including the Daytona 500 in 2015. From his roots at Silver City to claiming victories at tracks like Atlanta Motor Speedway and WWT Raceway, Logano's career is a testament to his passion and talent behind the wheel.
1998-2000
Ryan Preece, originally from Berlin, CT, got his start in racing at Silver City Quarter Midget Club when he was just 7. Now, he's tearing up the NASCAR circuit, driving the No. 41 Ford in the Cup Series. In 2022, he showed off his skills across all three national series, scoring his first Truck Series win at Nashville and adding more victories to his impressive Xfinity Series record. With 25 wins in the Whelen Modified Tour, Preece's racing career is a testament to his talent and determination.
1999-2005
Silver City alumni, David Gravel, kicked off his racing journey in quarter midgets before making his mark in Legends cars and dirt micro-sprints. Originally from Watertown, he's been a consistent force in the World of Outlaws, scoring top 10 finishes in points for seven consecutive seasons. In addition, he made history at Eldora Speedway by shattering the 410 track record that had stood for nearly two decades.
2000
During a Silver City work party, club members came together to expand the original concession stand building, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the facility for all participants and visitors. In addition, Mr. John Morgillo Sr. purchased the track’s first electronic scoreboard and the Billings family from Monaco Ford donated the electronic timer marking a milestone in the club’s development, improving the experience for both racers and spectators alike.
2008
At Silver City’s 5th Eastern Grands Nationals, NASCAR drivers Ryan Blaney, son of David Blaney, and Harrison Burton, son of Jeff Burton, both showcased their racing skills, continuing the legacy of their accomplished racing families.
2018
60th Anniversary of the orginial paved track at Silver City
2020
This season marked the last year of racing at the Silver City Quarter Midget Club’s track before The Joey Logano Foundation stepped in to pave the way for future racing endeavors, enhancing the facility for generations to come.
2021
Joey Logano, NASCAR driver and proud Silver City alumni, demonstrated his commitment to his roots by having The Joey Logano Foundation pave the race track at Silver City. In a heartwarming gesture, Logano returned to the track upon project completion to personally sign autographs for all of the Silver City drivers and handlers, fostering a strong bond with his community.
2022
At its 7th Eastern Grands Nationals, Silver City welcomed back its alumni and NASCAR drivers, Joey Logano, Ryan Preece, and Doug Coby. They visited the track to connect with the drivers participating in this week-long event, inspiring the next generation of racers.
LETS GO RACING!