Looking Back.....

Track announcer Roger Bear interviews Bobby Allison (right) as winner Ramo Stott (left) looks on after the 100-lap "Invitational" in Davenport, Iowa, on Friday, September 15, 1972. — Bernie Tappa Photo

Bill Horstmeyer of Madison, Wisconsin, would compete in numerous IMCA Sprint Car races driving this car during the 1964 campaign. He had one win that season; at Mason City, IA, on August 15.

Bill McDonough of Cedar Rapids, IA, takes a victory lap @ Farley, IA in 1969.

Bill Mellenberndt of Sioux Falls, S.D., accepts the checkers after scoring another Sprint Car feature win at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, IA, in 1981.

Piloting a 1970 Dodge Charger, Bill Moyer of Des Moines, IA, hot laps his USAC Stock Car at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, WI, on August 8, 1971. Moyer would not even get the opportunity to qualify due to mechanical failure.

Blackie Lyons of Cascade, Iowa....1970

Bob Hilmer of Dysart, Iowa, won the feature at Airview Speedway in Monticello, Iowa, on September 12, 1964.

Cal Swanson of Reinbeck, Iowa....

 

Shane Carson and Bob Trostle were an unbeatable pair in 1979. Carson, driving the Vise-Grip Chevy, competed in 91 events at 44 speedways covering 16 states. — Larry Sullivan Photo

Dan Boorse of Whitefish Bay, WI., is a 7-time Badger Midget Series champion as well as being crowned Chili Bowl Midget Nationals king twice in his career. He's shown here in 1987.

Minnesota National Speedway track champion Dan Prziborowski of Savage, Minn., accepts his trophy from track vice-president Tom Doherty (left) and starter Tom Stine after capturing the title on September 22, 1973.

Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, IA, takes another victory lap....1968

Dean Montgomery of Milan, Illinois....1963

A rare photo of two of the greatest short-track drivers in Midwest racing history at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Ernie Derr of Keokuk, IA (#1) and Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. (#99) are neck and neck at what I believe was a MASCAR-sanctioned race there in 1970. - Ivan Jackson Photo

Ronnie Duman (19) finds a seam between Jim McElreath (2) and Carl Williams (52) during USAC champ car action at the Springfield Mile - 1967.

Eddie Leavitt of Kearney, MO, won the Elder - Forester Invitational at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, on July 28, 1976, before a crowd of 5,000. Leavitt, piloting the Fred Aden-owned #4J led all 25 laps and set a new track record, winning in the time of 9 minutes and 56 seconds.

 

A great field of late models head into turn one at the start of their 30-lap feature at Elko Speedway on April 16, 1972. Pole sitter Bill Oas of Bloomington, Minn., (driving the convertible) was the eventual winner.

Gary Webb won the sportsman feature at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa, on Friday, June 23, 1978.

George "Ziggy" Snider prepares to do battle in the Jack Rhoades #20 USAC dirt car......1977

Jim O'Conner at Santa Fe Speedway....1965

 

John Mullink of West Liberty, IA, races on the quarter mile at Hawkeye Downs Speedway....1963

Johnny Babb of Ottumwa, Iowa, drove this Dave Van Patten-owned sprint car during the 1969 campaign. He would score one victory in IMCA competition: winning at Eldon, IA, on August 10.

Victory struck the following drivers during the Knoxville Super Modified Nationals on August 11, 1973. Left to right; Doc Dawson of Lima, Ohio (B-main), Jan Opperman of Beaver Springs, Neb. (A-main runner-up), Kenny Weld of York, Penn. (champion), Bobby Allen of McSherrytown, Penn. (third in A-main) and Bob Moore of Phoenix, Ariz. (consolation). — Morris "Beetle" Bailey Photo

Steve Kosiski #52 and Willy Kraft #83 race side by side during the Gopher 50 at the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatonna, MN, in 1987. - Phil Dullinger Photo

Jules "Chub" Liebe of Oelwein, IA (#0) and Curt Hansen of Dike, IA (#9) both trying to get the upper hand at the Buchanan County Fairgrounds in Independence, IA.....1969 

Mark Liebfried of Rickardsville, IA, was one of the top Sportsman drivers in eastern Iowa in the 70's and early 80's. He's shown here at the at now defunct Midway Downs Speedway in Charles City, IA.

 

Roger Larson of Solomon, Kan., looks to be reaching for a refreshing drink...he's actually cooling his burnt hand after his engine let go and flames entered the cockpit while leading the super modified feature at Knoxville Raceway on August 4, 1973. — Morris "Beetle" Bailey Photo

Roger Rager acknowledges the crowd after winning a sprint car special at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds in Oskaloosa, IA in 1975. Rager, piloting the Chuck Richardson Racing Special, would go on to capture the point's title at Knoxville Raceway. —Morris "Beetle" Bailey Photo

Ron Perkins of Wood River, IL, hard on the throttle....1973

Iowa City, Iowa's Ron Prymek accepts the checkers after winning a Mississippi Valley Speed Club feature at the Louisa County Fairgrounds in Columbus Junction, IA, on August 10, 1974.

Four of the best drivers ever to race at Santa Fe Speedway tug at the checkers prior to racing action. They were as competitive on the track as they were off. From left to right; Arnie Gardner, Tony Izzo, John Provenzano and Jim O' Conner. — Mayer and Storm Photo

Sonny Smyser @ Race Way Park, Burlington, IA.....1972 - Dick Nash Photo

In 1968, Thad Dosher purchased the former Bill Hoback Chevy, painted it purple and white with the number 74, and competed on both the IMCA and BCRA circuits.

Tiny Wainwright of Kansas City behind the wheel of a Curtis Craft car built by Lloyd Van Winkle out of Lincoln, NE. This photo was probably taken around 1948. Wainwright, who tipped the scales at more than 300 lbs., competed in the old Midwest Midget Auto Racing Association that sanctioned races in Iowa and Illinois.

Tom Hearst won the Mid-Season Championship at the Cedar County Fairgrounds in Tipton, Iowa, on July 14, 1973. Joining Hearst in victory lane is flagman Cy Bohr and trophy girl Doris Douglas.

Vernie Covert of Topeka, Kan., cools his hot feet after a grueling IMCA stock car feature at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon, August 19, 1973. — Beetle Bailey Photo

 

Wilber "Wib" Spaulding of Granite City, IL....1967