We’re kicking off 50th-anniversary celebrations with a Throwback Thursday tribute to the late John Chisholm, founder, and builder of Riverside Speedway. With the blessing of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., John Chisholm, an Antigonish businessman, modeled Riverside after Bristol Motor Speedway. After its opening in May 1969, Riverside quickly became one of the top tracks in Canada, attracting top series and racers. During the 70s John Chisholm was a top racer at Riverside and other tracks. He introduced purpose-built race cars to the Maritimes with his 1969 Holman Moody Mustang, 1972 Bobby Allison Chevelle, and 1973 Ed Howe Camaro. Riverside was sold in 1989 and bought back by John Chisholm late in 2005, rebuilt in 2006 and rebranded Riverside International Speedway. John Chisholm is an honoured inductee in both the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (2008) and the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame (2014.). Mr. Chisholm, we thank you, and we salute you.
*Courtesy of Maritime Motorsports photographer & archivist, Ken MacIsaac. Click photo to enlarge/view captions.
Installment #1 – ris 50 throwback thursday celebrations