Today, Heart of a Champions ‘Saturday Salute’ is Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s, Wendell ‘Bud’ Greer! Bud Greer built ‘Bud’s Speedway’ in 1976 and was a compliment to his amusement park type facility, called Bud’s Playland. The race track is close to present-day Cape Breton University. On opening night in July 1976, Bud brought in over a dozen modifieds from Atlantic Speedway in Halifax, Riverside in Antigonish, and River Glade Speedway near Moncton. Twin 50 lap races were held for modifieds, with Rollie MacDonald winning the first race and Frank Fraser the second. Local street stocks also ran that night, drivers included Frank Bennett, Squirelly Earl Drysdale, and Ron Boutilier. Over the years, Bud brought in attractions such as the Imperial Hell Drivers, Benny Koske, the Human Bomb, and Jose Canuc – a motorcycle daredevil. In 1977, Greer added a 4 cylinder class to the weekly card, and in 1978 a late model class was added. The track continues to run, as Sydney Speedway, to the pleasure of thousands of Island race fans! 🙂 Bud, thank you for supporting Maritime Motorsports! You have the Heart of a Champion! Photos & Information: Ken MacIsaac