Union City Museum Celebrates Area’s Racing History

By Scott Shaffer, Winchester News-Gazette Writer

From our earliest days, man has been fascinated with speed. This area has a rich history in auto racing. The first gasoline powered car in the U. S., the Lambert, was built in Union City. Until recently, Lawrence “Sham” Kiser owned the building where the Lambert was built. Local racer Brady Bacon has recently bought the building from the retired tow-truck operator.

Sham has always enjoyed racing and has long considered opening a museum to display his collection of racing memorabilia from the area. From the days of Funk’s Speedway to Winchester’s “World’s Fastest Half Mile.” From nearby tracks such as Eldora Speedway, and Montpelier Speedway, to tracks that no longer exist, Sham is familiar with them all. The Union City resident has photographs, helmets, trophies, and all manner of memorabilia from several of the region’s best known drivers. Bob and Dick Pratt, Dick Debolt, Tom Bigelow, Sammy and Todd Keen, the Mannings, and others are all depicted on the walls of his museum.

One of the most recent additions is the bent frame of the car that Brady Bacon recently flipped off of the track in a race in Terre Haute. There is even a small corner of the museum dedicated to the hobby of Sham’s wife. Mrs. Kiser creates clothing for dolls. Some of her work is on display in a corner in one of the rooms of the museum.

Sham is a very knowledgable host as he walks you through his museum, he recalls facts about several items on display. Someone really should collect all of this knowledge into a book, as it would be fascinating reading for local racing fans. He tells tales from tracks that are no longer in existence. Did you know that there was once a track a few miles North of Union City? Sham can tell you all about it.

He long dreamed of opening a museum, and now that he has retired, he finally has time to realize this long time dream. “Sham’s D&R Racing Museum” is located at 205 South Division Street in Union City, Ohio. Just look for the Sprint Car hanging from the building.

Sham’s D&R Racing Museum is located at 205 South Division Street in Union City, Ohio.

Photo: Long time Union City resident “Sham” Kiser has realized his dream of opening a museum dedicated to local racing history. Photo Credit: Scott Shaffer – Winchester News-Gazette.