Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, proudly displays the checkers after winning the 50-lap Labor Day Invitational at Speedbowl Park in Sterling, Ill., on September 4, 1967.
Dake, starting in the third position, overtook early leader Benny Hofer of Rock Island, Ill., on lap 33 and then held off Speedbowl point's leader Verlin Eakers, also of Cedar Rapids, for the victory. Fast qualifier Lloyd Ewing took third while Hofer settled for fourth. Peoria's Don Bohlander, piloting a Dodge Charger rounded out the top five finishers.
The afternoon sunshine made the Monday special a wild affair as the hard dry slick track caused spinouts all day long. Several top drivers including Bill McDonough, John Schlemmer and Johnny Beauchamp were involved in mishaps during the event. Thirty-seven cars were on hand to qualify for the 50-lap main event.
Winning heat races were Jim Kaehler, Bruce Haack, Jim Gerber and Del Williams. The consolation was won by Bill Hunter.
I love to hear stories about the days when I was young. Benny was my Great Uncle. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDelete