Museum History

1999- Fonda Speedway Museum opened inside Fultonville McDonald’s.

The museum was established through the initiative of Brian Hanaburgh, owner of multiple McDonald’s restaurants in the area and a major sponsor at Fonda Speedway, including sponsorship of the annual McDonald’s 200 event.

Following the renovation of the McDonald’s restaurant, the space was adorned with Fonda Speedway-themed decor, and numerous pieces of memorabilia were contributed by local racing enthusiasts as well as individuals present at Fonda during its formative years.

Ed and Betty Biittig, both area auto racing columnists and history enthusiasts, were invited to act as curators for the museum, collaborating with Pat Schneider, McDonald’s Community Liaison. As new items were donated, the museum was regularly updated, and each year, champions from the Fonda Speedway were featured.

2010-After McDonald’s was sold, the restaurant was marked for renovation, and all museum décor items were removed. The Biittigs gathered the items, placed them in bins, and stored them in their garage until 2012.  

2012-Ric Lucia, the promoter of Fonda Speedway, called the Biittigs with the idea that a museum be established on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds at the Fonda Speedway.

Items were transferred to the present location, where Ric Lucia and Ed Biittig arranged them for display during the annual Fonda Fair that year. After the relocation to the fairgrounds, the Biittigs ceased to serve as curators.