Courtesy of Pomona PD

Pomona – Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was killed in an on-duty motorcycle collision on March 11, 1957, while attempting to stop a vehicle. He was in the process of conducting a traffic stop when he observed another serious violation take place. As he attempted to catch up with the suspect, another vehicle turned left in front of him causing a collision.

Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was involved in various youth activities and was a key figure in the construction of the Pomona Valley Quarter Midget Track in 1956, which was located near First St. and East End Av. Officer Poggetto saw the track as another way to get boys and girls involved in something positive in the City of Pomona.

The first official race event was held December 30, 1956. After his unfortunate death, the track was renamed the Carlo A. Poggetto Memorial Track on March 31, 1957, at a dedication attended by over 4000. In memory of Officer Poggetto, the first club race of the season was dedicated to him. When the Pomona track closed and the Orange Show track was created, the tradition continued.