Peoria Oldtimers Racing Club

We grew up in Sterling/Rock Falls, IL. My brother, Roger got to know Don Bitner while he was racing at Speedbowl Park back in 1963 (I was only 6). We began following Don's racing career from that point on going to races three nights a week wherever he raced. Many Sunday nights after the races, Don, Cookie, Harold and the gang would stop by the house for a sandwich prior to their trip back to Peoria. We made the 90 mile trip from Rock Falls to Peoria nearly every weekend for many years. Most of those nights were with some friends that were Jerry Roedell fans and needless to say there were some quiet rides back home as Jerry and Don had some hard fought duels on the track. I have some extremely fond memories of Peoria Speedway and have a great deal of appreciation for the Bitner's as they served as a 2nd set of parents for my brother and I