not forgotten . . .

Mel Dodge


Oswego, NY
22.Apr.1929 - 01.Oct.2015

Mel had many interests and business endeavors throughout his life. He was also a stock car driver and began racing in 1949. It was Mel and Dante Raponie who first talked Harry Caruso to go and see a race. Harry became so enthused with racing he decided to sponsor Mel's car. In 1951 Harry opened The Oswego Speedway and Mel ran most of the decade missing only 1952-1953 season to serve in the US Navy. In 1965 Mel decided to retire from racing to work full-time in his business Coin-Op Amusements.
  from Mel's obituary


Mel was a top competitor throughout the 50's. He had a 4th place finish in Oswego's first Classic in 1957 and won a feature race in 1961. He was also able to make the transition at Oswego after supermodifieds became the top division in 1962.
It also appears as though Mel could be considered a founding father of Oswego Speedway in a manner of speaking, having introduced Harry Caruso to racing.


Mel had a 6th place finish with this Caruso owned car on Sep 21, 1951

1959 Classic heat, inside 2nd row

1959

1960 Classic heat, outside 3rd row

1961

1961

1961

October 1961

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