Millstream Speedway, a Comeback Story for Dirt Track Racing! Small Town Findlay, Ohio Rocks!

Millstream Speedway in Findlay, Ohio is undergoing an incredible restoration, thanks to new property owners Matt and Beth Cogley who are pouring in their heart, soul, pride and money into the ole dirt track...to bring her back to life after it sat for years without much hope. Join me, the History Mystery Man, during my visit to Millstream Speedway in Findlay to get an interesting update on the progress and plans for 2024 and beyond. And I didn't stop there; I traveled into the heart of Findlay to visit with business leaders and store owners who call Findlay home. I stopped by Logan's Irish Pub, a super-cool candle store, the Little Red School House and the home of Tell Taylor, who wrote the old American classic -- 'Down By The Old Mill Stream'. This one's packed with adventure and fun. Welcome back to Millstream Speedway and say hello to beautifully-preserved Findlay, Ohio...and thanks for your support!

[@edwardlee1150]

HHM, You’re the best! Who does what you do, making sure the history of the small towns and dirt tracks is not forgotten! Keep up the great work!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Edward; your compliment warms my soul...helps keep me going. HMM

[@ralphcopeland4530]

Thank you Don for another great story about small towns and the rebuild of this legendary track.Hope they are very sucessful in their efforts.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Ralph. The new owners have their heart and soul in it...money too; that's for sure! HMM

[@manga12]

@@HistoryMysteryMan now if maybe they do that with gas city I heard its permenently closed dont know of any plans for the property or if it just needs sold and someone else bring life to the staple of indiana dirt racing again but montpielier isn't currently running eaither though a blog on indiana openwheel forum or something like that says the new promoter has a scedual put togather and wants to have a season in 2024 just the current owner is not seeing eye to eye with him, but thats two dirt tracks in the north we dont have this year, we cant have racing if we have no venues and we are down to just 4 in the north half of indiana as far as dirt also I am sad to say you were too late to see the old auburn hotel in person they leveled it, now they are going to rebuild it to look just like it did but the rumor mill is there is another two buildings on the chopping block on the other side of the courthouse square, I tell you if this keeps up and development keeps exanding we arn't going to have any countryside left to farm or hunt on, now they will rebuild the building in question but what it will look like I dont know and as for the old kruse auction park someone said they heard its going to become housing I hope not its a vast wide open park area that could be soo much more then a housing addition and town houses I hope the roumor is not true I like being able to bike out to a place where there are few houses or people when I talk controversial stuff with my friends or want to talk in earnest which its getting harder to do and let alone places to grow food or hunt which sometimes I like to do but if there are no farmers or woods where am I going to go thats near by, will you be comming to the vogler classic this weekend? I am planning on comming and most likely if I get there in time be in the pits talking to drivers getting autographs discussing things, most likely by taylor ferns or derek bischak or kody swansons pit depends when I get there though or if the weather holds out its indiana and the weather can change on a whim.

[@robertayers9424]

Just what I needed today! Good to see some positive places and great history. I wish the folks with the track all the best! Thanks for including us on your journey. Happy Trails!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Robert; thanks for tagging along...again and again! You are appreciated. HMM

[@davidwiner8571]

Thank you so much Don helping old race tracks stay alive. Have a great week

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome David; thanks again! HMM

[@davidwiner8571]

@@HistoryMysteryMan ok hope to catch you at the races

[@Dudemaster850]

Ohio....simply a great place to be.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll buy that! Thanks Dudemaster850...HMM

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Great to see track resurrected and improved. Roots are taking hold. Always enjoy the small town tour. Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome americanoffroadadventures; thanks for your feedback! HMM

[@robertmcgee3146]

Glad to see you back at the racetracks again Don. Findley is sure a beautiful historic town. Good luck to the Cogley's on their renovation of the old Millstream Speedway.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Robert. Millstream Speedway is back on the right track. HMM

[@robwiggins6319]

Excellent episode! I really love people who respect history and do what they can to preserve it in any way. I’ll have a beer to Findlay!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Rob. Yeah...we'll both belly-up to the that cool upstairs, corner bar at Logan's Irish Pub in Findlay and order up those beers! HMM

[@Blrtech77]

0:02 0:02 HMM, you're the best! Thanks for the history of the Old Mill Stream and Findlay, Ohio. As a US Navy veteran, I appreciate the shout-out to the Navy!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your service in the US Navy! Pure respect and admiration! Thanks again, Birtech77. HMM

[@briansteinmacher5811]

Thank you for bringing this place back to life...a fan in Northern Michigan ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching! The new owners are doing it right! HMM

[@brcisna]

Great details HMM.. beautiful old buildings...with the arched windows,downtown buildings... ,,beautiful courthouse,,, and the couple that resurrected Millstream Speedway... Hats off to them.. Talk is cheap. Actions speaks louder than words. Enjoy watching all your history YT's ,Barry

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Barry...I appreciate your support. Millstream Speedway is back on track. HMM

[@critterscute3642]

What a beautiful town (city) Findlay is! And what a great story with the track restoration. So inspiring to see folks who have passion and a dream and actually bring it to life. Interesting history on the Millstream name and song too. Thanks for taking us on a visit there. The “Americana” small town feel of Findlay really came through! Thanks HMM…as usual!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, critterscute3642. Your feedback is sooo helpful. I was hoping the small town Americana thing would come through; I'm sure grateful it did for you! Keep it comin! HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍.. thank you for sharing the history of that " little" town with us HMM..See ya next time feller 👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Elroy; thanks for your continued support there, feller! HMM

[@markhedges9617]

Mystery Man, no Custom Engines, Findlay College, my college and Kears Speed Shop? I watch all your KZbin’s your the best!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mark...so appreciated. Kears Speed Shop would be an interesting story. I believe the old building is still standing, but I've heard talk of its demolition. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@donmcnally9063]

Ran there many Sundays in the late 90's! Great times! Glad they are bringing it back!! Thanks Don

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Don...thanks. I'm sure our paths crossed at Millstream...track announcer there in 1993, 94, 95 and 96. HMM

[@donmcnally9063]

I crewed for John Lawhorn back then! We won a few times then!

[@FastKiwiBoss]

Watching your film footage gives me hope for America Don, must be thousands of small towns all across the USA like this.....luv your postive input and another dirt track saved. We are in fall downunder(New Zealand) so enjoy your spring weather and coming summer, the weather looked great there. Regards Dale

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Dale...great to hear from you. NZ and Australia are undergoing many of the same struggles we are here in America; I'll never get it...but I sure appreciate you checking back in...been wondering about you. HMM

[@FastKiwiBoss]

@@HistoryMysteryMan neither do i Don, seems all western countries are suffering!....i'll be back in California later this year and plan to be over Indianapolis way September and then down to Mooresville/Charlotte area. Always remember, Kiwis and Aussies luv America, an appreciation of past history for all 3 countries. PS: Luv the distant Train whistle and the ol-Andy Griffin theme, very cool indeed mate.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@FastKiwiBoss Love to visit when you're here. Ha! The Andy Griffith theme...the America I long for. I actually live in a development called Mayberry, which is where I took that pic. Distant train whistles are nostalgic...and I love 'em. Thanks my freind...HMM

[@rbb1949]

Awesome video Don👍👍 it's great to see a race track not closing down and coming back to life because they are dropping like flies

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, rbb1949. You're absolutely correct...race tracks going down by the dozens. So nice to see one comin' back! HMM

[@wadeenyart9676]

Still watching it, but TY sir

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Wade; thanks! HMM

[@roycecornett8263]

Another GREAT Lil video BUBBA..........☝️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Champ...always appreciated. #CarolinaFlash. #8. HMM

[@BALOYBEACHBUM]

Wow! I am 8300 miles away in the Philippines! Thanks for visiting my Home town of Findlay, Ohio FLAG CITY USA!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So awesome to hear from you all the way from the Philippines! Do you live there now? Thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM #FindlayRocks!

[@Chris-zk2wu]

Glad to see Millstream Speedway making a comeback,,,, my Dad and I raced sprint cars there back in the 70s,,,, always had great racing there,,,,, we were one of the few Ford powered cars of that time,,,,, Welcome Back Millstream!!!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...Fords...don't get a lot of that. I remember hearing Gary Bettenhausen's Thermo King Ford powered car...had a different sound to it. It screamed rather than growled. Thanks...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Wow, who knew the talent of the HMM, singing. Great video of small town American and race tracks. Looking forward to your next video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! I think I lost most of my viewers when I made my sad attempt at singing...probably won't do that again! Thanks again, Roger! HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@HistoryMysteryMan HMM your singing is better than my singing. I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@rogerozdarski2935 I'll carry the tune if you carry the bucket. HMM

[@dannygonzales8364]

Made me cry seeing this video I miss being home. I live in Houston now

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You gotta get home! Findlay be glad to have you! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@gjm5959]

Nice job , thanks HMM. Love small towns. Headed up to Michigans UP this week , will be going through many similar small towns

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome gjm5959. To the UP? Man...I'm jealous. I'm planning my own trip this year to the UP...thanks for watching. Beautiful small towns up there. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

Love the small town history Don.You have taught me alot about something i never knew. Keep em coming!

[@wideslammer]

If Findlay has a Chamber of Commerce or a Welcome Center, they should have this video running in a continuous loop for visitors to get a nice taste of what the community has to offer. Beth and Matt Cogley are taking on a large challenge in resurrecting a long-dormant race track, but with the enthusiasm Beth showed in her conversation with you, I'm sure they do everything needed to be successful. I hope the weather cooperates on their race days and i hope you will be able to be there to share the Grand Opening with the rest of us.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, wideslammer; your input is always appreciated. I have Millstream's June 14 Speedweek show on my schedule. It's funny you would mention your bit about the Chamber of Commerce. From past experience in doing Small-Town America, I've had absolutely no luck with Visitor Centers and/or Chamber of Commerces sharing my videos...no idea why. I know they see them, but I can't get them on board. Maybe it's because they didn't originate it? Or, I'm an outsider; I don't know. It's always been a mystery to me. Thanks for your support! HMM

[@Wylie013]

Another useful video, will be up for Sprint week so can check out Logans Bar for lunch on the 14th

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll see you there! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@tomlusty8376]

More good work Don. I remember Millstream when the Corvette's Cat caused the grass fire in the parking lot. I got my truck moved in time, but the Vette got barbequed.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...never heard that story before. Approximately when did that happen...ballpark? Thanks Tom, for sharing that story here...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@tomlusty8376]

Approx. 1987

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I'm glad to see Millstream being saved! McCutchenville speedway, a.k.a. Quad City (but most of us called it Scutch) is another dirt track in the area that's gone by the wayside. It closed back in the mid/late 1980s but, you can still find the remnants of it.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Is what's left of this track in McCutchanville, Ohio? Love that name...Scutch! Gunna have to check into this one...thanks Mike. HMM

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Yes, McCutchenville Ohio. It's actually not far from Findlay in the Tiffin area.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt I think ARCA raced there in the 60s and/or 70s.

[@BillAlexander-cv6oj]

I lived In Marion Ohio and Moved to Bowling Green For My Job and always Traveled Near Findlay on My way to BG or Michigan, near I-75 One such Trip I was Coming down 23 North towards Findlay, and a Spring Snow Squall Blew up, and a hugh white out started, there was little Traffic and I knew the Road well and Kept driving, I heard a engine and thought how odd, and to My surprise, a small Plane headed to the Findlay air port was flying very low and in the same direction I was Going, I guess he was using Land Nav. never forgot that...great little Town......

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bill...super interesting story; I appreciate you sharing it here! Sounds like that low-flying plane was using Interstate 23 to show him or her the way. Very cool! HMM

[@waynedavis8980]

Another great video Don .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Wayne! HMM

[@foreman3737]

What a great track. Opening night was fabulous.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Amazing. I had been coming to Millstream since the 70s, but I had never seen that many people there before. Well done...HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

Thank you for creating and posting this video. You definitely packed a lot into less than 24 minutes. Very happy to see the Millstream Speedway getting a new lease on life. As we both know we are losing too many tracks. Cayuga/ Jukasa is one that we lost around here fairly recently. So it's nice to hear a track being saved/ reopened. Beth seems to have so much enthusiasm, that coupled with their excavating and demolition business will go along way towards their success with the track! Not much of a drinker, but Logan's Pub looks so cool. Other than the historical building what struck me most is how clean it looks. Literally spotless! And it's not just the U.S. that seems to be losing it's traditional small town values. Sadly Canada has really went downhill in a lot of ways as well. But it's nice to a see a small town thriving! I'm sure you would love the "real" Mayberry aka Mt. Airy, NC as well. If you ever get the chance to visit there I highly encourage it, especially for the Moonshine and Racer's reunion (festival) which takes place every September.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great post Gregg; you also packed a lot in on this one. That's probably the best part about Millstream...it's a story about a track coming back to life; not one going by the wayside. Fortunately, Logan's Pub has a lot of great food too, so no drinking necessary (I'm not a drinker either)...but nothing against it. I hear you on Canada. Both America and Canada are following a similar trajectory toward hell. I just hope we go to "hell and back" because both countries need a serious comeback. Thanks again, my friend...HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

No problem at all thank you for creating all this great content. And I certainly agree with you it's nice to see a track come back to life. I worry very much about some of our local tracks. Nearly half of the tracks I raced at are in danger of closing up in the next decade or so IMO, mostly due neighbors complaining, the price of real estate and existing track owners selling out or passing away due to old age. And sadly you are right about what our great countries are becoming. I'm not really sure what the solution is. I guess just try to vote for the right candidates, try to stand up for our rights and live by example. One positive thing I see is that there are many more people that have common sense and agree with us than the media and government portrays. I think in general human beings have more in common with each other than differences. I see it with customers at work and our conversations. Different ages, skin colors and religions agree on a lot more issues than most people would believe.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@greggrauscher34 Excellent commentary...one of the smartest posts I've ever received. You make a lot of sense Gregg...more specifically, commonsense. As far as racetracks surviving, more and more will be headed toward the chopping block, for all the reasons you cited. It's just too hard to make ends meet in the racetrack ownership side of the equation. Some, fortunately, will survive and thrive as they become the only options. Thanks again...HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

@@HistoryMysteryManthank you for your kind words and that is definitely true the tracks that remain will be stronger.

[@Leroy-qr9pd]

Great show!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Leroy...HMM

[@wadeenyart9676]

if you ever get down to north east okla i would love to take you to some of our dirt tracks and just visit with you. us old racers just sit in the pit bleachers and watch now we call it the old dead peckers club

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'd love to travel your way and check it out...always up for something new. Hanging out with old racers in the stands is right up my alley...because I am one! Thanks again, Wade...HMM

[@williamstile5696]

small town america making a huge comback

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And thank God for that! No thanks on the big city chaos. Thanks William...HMM

[@edminas3159]

Thank you Don. I would to here more about when Mill Stream started and when it closed. Did it not have bleachers prior to the new owners took over.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome...I'll see if I can dig up more on Millstream's history...it reaches back to the early 1950s. Yes...Millstream had wooden bleachers on the frontstretch. They moved those older frontstretch bleachers to the backstretch and replaced every board with treated wood. Then built brand new aluminum grandstands on the frontstretch...thanks! HMM

[@edminas3159]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thanks again Don, I appreciate you and your channel

[@stevenbuis4490]

👍👍HMM. Hauled washers and dryers out of the Whirlpool plant north of town in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Lots of good people around there.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@stevenbuis4490 Thanks again, Steven. Findlay is part of America's heartland and chockfull of good folks! HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@edminas3159 Thank you so much. You're what keeps me inspired to keep going! HMM