It chronicles the true story of an historic NASCAR short track in suburban Boston, where several racing legends were born. The story is told through first person accounts of those who lived it, including Pete Hamilton, the 1970 Daytona 500 Champion. Also featured is the tragic story of Don MacTavish, who also chased his dream at Daytona, and died in a tragic crash on live TV. The movie captures a bygone era in American sports, and brings a track known as 'The Little Daytona' back to life! This emotional film is packed with rare photos and vintage home movies, and reveals why Norwood Arena Speedway is still beloved in racing circles.
The Norwood Arena Movie tells the history of the track through the accounts of drivers, fans, promoters racing journalists. The background includes profiles of two local drivers who set out for success on the national stage, one winning the Daytona 500 and one tragically killed trying to win on the same track a year earlier.Small tracks sprang up all over the heart of the country following the end of WWII. Norwood was unique in that it is the the most popular track in Massachusetts during the era. It was situated a few short miles from Fenway Park and sat on Route 1, just a few miles north of where Gillette Stadium is today. competitive Motorsports are not generally linked to Massachusetts or the Boston area. At a time when the country was rebounding from global conflict,it was commonplace to spend Saturday nights at the track. The track also served as a venue for other entertainment such as boxing, football, fireworks, carnivals and alligator wrestling.
