Solid Rock Cruisers Car Club to recognize the late Mel Anthony, vintage midget racer from Shoreline

Mel Anthony in #12
Mel raced until age 87

Mel Anthony was legendary among the vintage midget racers crowd, having started his career at age 14 in Shoreline and later racing for many years at the old Aurora Speedway near Bitter Lake. Mel resumed racing after a 40 year lapse, at age 83, and subsequently raced up to age 87 at race tracks through the Pacific Northwest.

Smoke, Sand, and Rubber
by Mel Anthony

Mel also wrote a book called "Smoke, Sand and Rubber", sharing stories of his racing, plus other racing legends, the Aurora Speedway and more. A film was produced by Greg Brotherton, a young filmmaker, that was featured on KCTS.

Solid Rock Cruisers Car Club will honor Mel at its meeting on Tuesday evening, October 27, at Spiro's Pizza, 18400 Aurora in Shoreline.

Bob Junell, member and friend of Mel, will show various videos and share some stories about Mel.

"Mel was a genuine person who loved and lived racing most of his life, stated Junell. "When he and his son, Dennis, bought and restored a 1947 Kurtis Offenhauser race car, Mel returned to racing. 

He was quite the story teller, too, with humor and a twinkle in his eye. Known through the world by his counterparts and vintage racing buffs, Mel's exploits and stories are legendary."

Mel passed away at age 92. Mel was also honored in the Golden Age Racing Club's Hall of Fame. Golden Age is a club of many enthusiasts and both current and former midget racers which also meets in the Shoreline area. The Shoreline Historic Museum has historic records, photos and displays of the Aurora Speedway and hosts the annual Golden Wheel midgets racecar show.

Solid Rock Cruisers meets at 6:30pm at Spiro's, and is open to guests. For information, contact Bob Junell.