Center Conversations

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies. If you are looking for the Live Streams from the Argetsinger Symposium, please click here.

Upcoming Center Conversations

Upcoming Center Conversations!

	Straight Line Speed – the History of Niagara Dragway A day of memories, stories, photos and more as seen thru the eyes of DEAN JOHNSON, Promoter, Niagara Dragway, 1964-1974. May 10, 2025 - LEARN MORE.
	MORE TO COME!

Be please be sure to take a look at our VIRTUAL Center Conversations being held throughout the year as well. Sign up today to be part of those live events.

2024 Season

1948 Watkins Glen; Cameron Argetsinger in his MGTC at Milliken's corner	“100 Years of MG” narrated by Glen Moore & “One Track Mind” the new book by artist, Bob Gillespie September 7, 2024 - LEARN MORE.
	“THE GREATEST CORVETTE STORY EVER TOLD” June 22, 2024 - LEARN MORE.
IMRRC - Center Conversation (Part 3) - The Camoradi Corvette - Panel Discussion Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More Now Playing Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More Now Playing Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More Now Playing Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More Now Playing Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More Now Playing Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built ...for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten. Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960 Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historianShow More
	“OSWEGO SUPERS – A LEGACY OF SPEED AT THE STEEL PALACE” May 11th, 2024 - LEARN MORE.
The Steel Palace, Oswego Speedway (FULL LENGTH) IMRRC's Center Conversation, The Steel Palace, Oswego Speedway, May 2024 Now Playing IMRRC's Center Conversation, The Steel Palace, Oswego Speedway, May 2024 Now Playing Part 1 of the IMRRC's Center Conversation, The Steel Palace, Oswego Speedway, May 2024 Now Playing Part 2 of the IMRRC's Center Conversation, The Steel Palace, Oswego Speedway, May 2024 Now Playing A presentation on the famous Oswego Speedway supermodified "The Purdy Deuce" at the IMRRC's Center Conversation, May 2024 Now Playing Roy Sova from Oswego Speedway chats with the Hodgson's about the Purdy Duece at the IMRRC's Center Conversation, May 2024

2023 and earlier

Pit Stop: Remembering Howard Purdy & The Deuce

When Howard Purdy and Bob Hodgson chalked out the frame for the Purdy Deuce on the floor of his parent’s home in 1964, little did they know that the car ...would be one of the dominant cars to compete at the famed Oswego Speedway from the mid 1960’s thru 1974…as well as ultimately become one of the most iconic supermodifieds in the history of the sport.



The car debuted late in the 1964 season but was plagued by “new car” issues. The 1965 season however was a revelation as driver, Ron Lux, won 5 features in a row and 12 of the 16 races held, easily winning the track title. In several of those wins, Lux used an alias as he was afraid of losing his USAC sprint car license. That year, the car also made its first – and only – race ever on dirt, racing in the National Open at the Williams Grove Speedway. Lux was running 5 th when he hit a rut and spun out. Sadly, Lux was fatally injured in a sprint car crash in July 1966 in Tulsa.



The winter before he died, Lux had suggested a young, New England driver, Bentley Warren as a candidate for the ride. Purdy wanted a more experienced driver, but after trying several veterans with no success, he put Warren in the car. Warren drove the car from 1966 – 1969, winning 7 features in that span, including the 1969 International Classic, the biggest race of the year. Canadian Warren Coniam was behind the wheel in ’70 and ’71 winning 2 features and the final driver was the late Jimmy Winks, who won 5 features including the car’s final race in 1974.



Small block and big block injected Chevy motors have powered the car over the years. The current restoration carries a 1960’s small block Chevy. In its time at Oswego The Deuce racked up 25 wins – 11 seconds – 5 thirds with 1 track championship and 1 win in the International Classic.



The car was competitive throughout the eras of upright supers, the sleeker, Indy roadster style bodies, and even when rear engine supers were running. 



===== (Oo---x---oO) =====


































































































00:00 The Purdy Deuce: A Legendary Car's Journey
02:37 Restoration Team and Their Contributions
03:12 Personal Stories and Memories
06:02 Howard Purdy's Ventures and Innovations
09:38 The Restoration Process
10:53 Bentley Saloon and Display Plans
14:08 Technical Details and Challenges
19:56 Drivers' Experiences and Insights
26:38 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
27:09 Sponsors and Closing Remarks









====================





























































































The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)




• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)


• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports


• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)




This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.Show More

Now Playing

When Howard Purdy and Bob Hodgson chalked out the frame for the Purdy Deuce on the floor of his parent’s home in 1964, little did they know that the car ...would be one of the dominant cars to compete at the famed Oswego Speedway from the mid 1960’s thru 1974…as well as ultimately become one of the most iconic supermodifieds in the history of the sport.



The car debuted late in the 1964 season but was plagued by “new car” issues. The 1965 season however was a revelation as driver, Ron Lux, won 5 features in a row and 12 of the 16 races held, easily winning the track title. In several of those wins, Lux used an alias as he was afraid of losing his USAC sprint car license. That year, the car also made its first – and only – race ever on dirt, racing in the National Open at the Williams Grove Speedway. Lux was running 5 th when he hit a rut and spun out. Sadly, Lux was fatally injured in a sprint car crash in July 1966 in Tulsa.



The winter before he died, Lux had suggested a young, New England driver, Bentley Warren as a candidate for the ride. Purdy wanted a more experienced driver, but after trying several veterans with no success, he put Warren in the car. Warren drove the car from 1966 – 1969, winning 7 features in that span, including the 1969 International Classic, the biggest race of the year. Canadian Warren Coniam was behind the wheel in ’70 and ’71 winning 2 features and the final driver was the late Jimmy Winks, who won 5 features including the car’s final race in 1974.



Small block and big block injected Chevy motors have powered the car over the years. The current restoration carries a 1960’s small block Chevy. In its time at Oswego The Deuce racked up 25 wins – 11 seconds – 5 thirds with 1 track championship and 1 win in the International Classic.



The car was competitive throughout the eras of upright supers, the sleeker, Indy roadster style bodies, and even when rear engine supers were running. 



===== (Oo---x---oO) =====


































































































00:00 The Purdy Deuce: A Legendary Car's Journey
02:37 Restoration Team and Their Contributions
03:12 Personal Stories and Memories
06:02 Howard Purdy's Ventures and Innovations
09:38 The Restoration Process
10:53 Bentley Saloon and Display Plans
14:08 Technical Details and Challenges
19:56 Drivers' Experiences and Insights
26:38 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
27:09 Sponsors and Closing Remarks









====================





























































































The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)




• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)


• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports


• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)




This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.Show More

Now Playing

The Oswego Speedway, located in Oswego New York, was built in 1951 when original owners Harry, George and William Caruso converted the one time Wine Creek Horse Track into a ...3/8 mile dirt auto racing facility. The track was paved during 1952 and remained a 3/8 mile track until 1961 when it was enlarged to its current 5/8 mile size. The Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly race track since it opened in August of 1951.



Dick O’Brien former Public Relations & Track Manager at Oswego Speedway kicked off this IMRRC Center Conversation about the history of Super Modified racing. He spent over 40 years in Motorsports and spoke to the early history of the track how it has significantly evolved this discipline of racing.



Following his presentation, Drivers from Oswego’s over 70 year history were invited on stage: Bentley Warren, Warren Coniam, Eddie and Brandon Bellinger, Alison Sload (the only woman to win a supermodified feature), Otto Sitterly, Dave Danzer, and car owner/promoter John Nicotra answered a wide variety of questions posed to them by “The voice of Oswego Speedway”, Roy Sova. Enjoy this funny and insightful view of how Oswego and supermodified racing has been a major influence in their racing careers.



===== (Oo---x---oO) =====


































































































00:00:00 The Early Days of Oswego Speedway
00:02:16 Transition to Supermodified Racing
00:05:29 The Rise of Supermodifieds
00:10:12 Mario Andretti's Impact
00:16:25 Classic Races and Legendary Drivers
00:21:06 Memorable Moments and Personal Stories
00:41:49 A Nervous Start and a Pitman Arm Mishap
00:42:55 Unexpected Wheel Trouble and Caution Laps
00:43:17 Dave Dancer's Vegas Adventure
00:44:42 Brandon's Racing Plans and Challenges
00:45:30 Allison's Nickname and Racing Plans
00:46:25 Bentley's Early Racing Days
00:47:46 Otto's Racing Career and Future Plans
00:48:51 The Challenges of Maintaining Race Cars
00:51:44 Eddie's Two-Seat Supermodified Experience
00:52:29 John's Challenge Series Success
00:54:55 Bentley's Ride with the Legends
00:56:42 Racing Rivalries and Memorable Wins
01:16:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Racing









====================





























































































The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)




• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)


• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports


• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)




This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.Show More

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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Steve Post currently is one of the pit road reporters for MRN’s race coverage. He is the co-host of Winged Nation, an audio and television program on MAVTV covering sprint ...car racing. He is a weekly contributor to RACELINE, a nationally syndicated motorsports television program, and for the past 20 years has been the lead announcer for the popular Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He also hosts many corporate hospitality events over the course of a year, at tracks and events away from the track.If you’d like to learn more about Steve be sure to visit stevepostcommunications.com or follow him on social media @thepostman68 on FB and Twitter and don’t forget his new website postman68.com

Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.orgShow More

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

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The Battle for the Land Speed Recordi n the 1960s. Campbell, the Arfons, and Breedlove. March 22, 2014. Courtesy of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), Watkins Glen, NY. ...

Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.orgShow More

Podcast Versions

Check out other Podcast episodes sponsored by the IMRRC brought to you by the Motoring Podcast Network.

Archive

Racing Safety Through the Years - Feb 24, 2018

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Pamela Yates and Stacy Bradley speak about Brock Yates in a Feb. 24, 2018 talk titled "Looking at the World Through a Windshield. at the International Motor Racing Research Center ...in Watkins Glen, NYShow More

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Center Conversations talk at the International Motor Racing Research Center on Jan. 20, 2018: "15 in the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame" by IMRRC Historian Bill Green, Jim Scaptura ...and Rick Hughey, all members of the Watkins Glen Historic Racing Committee. The Historic Racing Committee manages the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame and is a committee of the IMRRC.Show More

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The 3rd Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History was Nov. 9-11 at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY. This academic symposium is ...presented by the IMRRC in partnership with the Society of Automotive Historians International Motor Sports History Section. On Saturday, Nov. 11, the symposium offered four sessions on women in racing. Three of those sessions were recorded and are presented here: Dr. Elsa Nystrom, "Mad for Speed: The Racing Life of Joan Newton Cuneo"; Francis G. Clax, "Anne Cecile Rose-Itier, Overcoming Gender Barriers and Earning Legitimacy by Competing and Winning"; and Dr. Jeremy R. Kinney, "Speeding through a Man's World: Women Sports Car Racers in the 1950s and 1960s". The presenters are introduced by Dr. Pat Yongue of the SAH.Show More

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The International Motor Racing Research Center marked the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Grand Prix with reminiscences from three long-time insiders.
The Center Conversations program was presented by George Webster, chief ...steward for the Formula One race at Montreal for three years; motorsports photographer Lionel Birnbom; and Timothy Meddaugh, who flagged at 25 races on June 24, 2017Show More

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The exciting life of John Fitch

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Frank Spena and Dave Van Duzer discuss Slot Car Racing
0:00 Announcements and Introductions
6:45 Speakers take the stage

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Walk of Fame

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Preston Lerner, author of "Ford GT: How Ford Silenced the Critics, Humbled Ferrari and Conquered Le Mans" speaks at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY on ...Dec. 10, 2016.
Recording by Ron Hills, edited by Dan RapaportShow More

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Streamed live on Oct 22, 2016. Re-edited and uploaded Dec. 9, 2016

A panel of Trans-Am experts discusses their experiences. The panelists: Judy Stropus, Chuck Cantwell, John “Woody” Woodard, Lee ...Dykstra, Don Cox, Tommy Kendall and Butch Leitzinger. The talk was part of the IMRRC's Center Conversations series.Show More

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Dan Simone, NASCAR Hall of Fame curator delivers the keynote address at the Jean S. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History on Nov. 12, 2016 in Watkins Glen, NY

Our ...apologies for the sound problems during the first few minutes of the stream.Show More