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Riverhead, New York: Muffler Man: Chief Running Fair

The statue of "Chief Running Fair" stands watch at the Riverhead Raceway. Superstorm Sandy snapped him in two in October 2012, but he was back on his feet by Christmas.

Address:
Old Country Rd., Riverhead, NY
Directions:
Long Island Expressway (495) East to exit 73 (last exit). Stay to the left on 58/Old Country Rd. Raceway will be on your right after the outlet malls, past Kroemer Ave. Turn right at the chain link fence and drive a hundred yards; the Chief will be on the left, behind the fence.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Muffler Man: Chief Running Fair

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Muffler Man - Indian

I'm from Riverhead and we remember this Indian came from the old Danbury Fair in Connecticut.

[NK, 01/09/2010]

The owners of the race track bought the Indian in April 1982 when the Danbury Fair sold all of its big statues. They found a local farmer with a big truck and paid him to drive the Indian to Riverhead.

Indian Muffler Man.

Muffler Man - Indian

This is the Muffler Man at the entrance to Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, NY. As you can see, he is in very good shape (and quite intact; here's proof he's got legs).

[Anne Heffernan, 02/15/2008]

Indian Muffler Man.

Muffler Man - He does have legs

Yes, this guy is still at the Riverhead Raceway. But he DOES have legs and standard looking Muffler Man feet (boots) under the pants (you just don't see them well through the white fencing). He is very well maintained. Obviously not made from the same Paul Bunyan mold as the regular M-Men, but the same size and "flavor".

[Debra Jane Seltzer, 01/20/2002]

Riverhead Indian, 2008.

Muffler Man - Indian

Took a long look today at the reported M.M. (Indian) outside the circle race track at Riverhead New York. Not sure this is a retro-fit original M.M. It is a saluting, raised right arm, Indian without shirt but pants under loin cloth, all molded FRP.

The left arm hangs down, not bent at elbow. Elbow looks original. However repairs evident below elbow and at left wrist. Legs shortened, cut off below knees, no feet. Upper torso bare chested, no sign of ever having shirt like Mufflerman.

[Tom Bernhardt, 12/15/1998]
Muffler Man - Indian

I was driving past the Riverhead Raceway on Long Island a few weeks ago (well...passengering) and I noticed that they have a big Indian out in front. Looked like a retro-fitted Muffler Man to me.

[Anne Bernstein, 09/03/1997]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Grumman Memorial ParkGrumman Memorial Park, Calverton, NY - 5 mi.
The Big DuckThe Big Duck, Flanders, NY - 4 mi.
World War I Monument: Globe Strutting DoughboyWorld War I Monument: Globe Strutting Doughboy, Eastport, NY - 7 mi.
In the region:
Big Bull Statue, Manorville, NY - 6 mi.

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