Racing has a long, rich history in this area and for the last 50 years the Checkered Flag Fan Club has brought drivers and fans along for a fantastic ride. From the early days in the 1950's, with just a few members getting together at a diner in York, PA, to today's membership - over 1500 strong, meeting several times a year in Kutztown - racing fans continue to come together, sharing their passion for motor sports.

It all started in late December of 1951. That's when Richard Wallace of York and Harrisburg's Lloyd King brought a group of about 150 racing fans together for what they called "The Final Racing Event of the Year." But, this "final event" at Wimpy's Diner in York was actually the beginning what would become the Checkered Fan Flag Club.

At that inaugural meeting fans shared mementos, films and photos, with some people saying it was the best display or racing paraphernalia they had seen in years. That was enough gas to keep cruising for more, and everyone at Wimpy's enthusiastically endorsed the idea of the CFFC. More annual banquets, and much more fun, were coming up around the bend. 

The following year the big meeting was moved to nearby Lebanon, where 250 members and their guests enjoyed lots of food and memories of another great year of racing. Some of those memories that were captured on film won prizes in the first ever CFFC Photo Contest. And of course lots of racing awards were also given out, including one to the car and crew who made the neatest year-long appearance. Top owners and drivers, including Toby Tobias and Tommy Hinnershitz, came to the second annual meeting.

For the first two years Paul Schiding presided as CFFC's president. Then in 1953 members elected Lloyd King to lead them. In the same year CFFC officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania with the following purpose: "To promote the interest and welfare of auto racing; better and safer auto racing, better sportsmanship in auto racing, make awards to outstanding sportsmen in auto racing; and for the appearance of cars, drivers and crews and to conduct social events whereby those interested can assemble in a spirit of good fellowship.

The CFFC continued to grow and prosper throughout the remaining 1950's and into the 1960's, following the mission set forth when the club incorporated. Annual banquets honoring drivers and enthusiasts were held every year. The club also established a fund to support injured drivers, something that continues today. Trophies and awards were given in honor of some of racing's biggest names, including the Johnny Thomson Memorial Trophy. 

Membership increased in the 1970's, as nearly 500 enthusiasts regularly attended the CFFC annual banquets at the Kutztown Fire Company. Over the years some of racing's biggest names were honored in Kutztown with prestigious awards, including Mario Andretti, Wally Dallenbach, Dick "Toby" Tobias, Duane "Poncho" Carter, Jim Hurtebise, Harry Gant, A.J. Foyt, Bill Elliot and Larry Dickson.

CFFC members regularly visit tracks not only along the east coast, but also world famous raceways around the country, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Awards continue to be given at some of those tracks and members also sell collectibles and other racing souvenirs at raceways and collectible shows. All of the proceeds go directly into the injured drivers' fund, which has paid out over $100,000 to help members injured doing what they enjoy most: racing.

Throughout the next 30 years CFFC membership continued to grow, totaling over 1,500 racing enthusiasts and drivers today. In 2001 the club launched a web site where members and fans alike can access the latest news and information.

For more information on the Checkered Fan Fan Club, go to www.checkeredflagfc.com 

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