Mel Dodge

Mel had many interests and business endeavors throughout his life. He was also a stock car driver and began racing in 1949. It was Mel and Dante Raponie who first talked Harry Caruso to go and see a race. Harry became so enthused with racing he decided to sponsor Mel's car. In 1951 Harry opened The Oswego Speedway and Mel ran most of the decade missing only 1952-1953 season to serve in the US Navy. In 1965 Mel decided to retire from racing to work full-time in his business Coin-Op Amusements.
  from Mel's obituary

Mel was a top competitor throughout the 50's. He had a 4th place finish in Oswego's first Classic in 1957 and won a feature race in 1961. He was also able to make the transition at Oswego after supermodifieds became the top division in 1962.
It also appears as though Mel could be considered a founding father of Oswego Speedway in a manner of speaking, having introduced Harry Caruso to racing.

• please stories or images so we can all remember Mel Dodge.

• 6th in points in 1959
• 7th in points in 1960
• 6th in points in 1961