1969 - A.J. Rallies to Win at New Bremen

Anthony Joseph Foyt

New Bremen, Ohio (October 5, 1968) - A. J. Foyt was there for the entire route and he carried off the top prize in the United States Auto Club 200-lap feature race at New Bremen Speedway. It was Foyt's first feature win ever at New Bremen, although he has raced there often in stock cars, sprints, and midgets.

Foyt snared the lead the first time on the 41st lap when he sneaked inside Roger McCluskey. He lost it to Roger on the 63rd lap but recaptured it on the 88th. He was out of the lead again only when he pitted on the 131st lap, but he took it for good on the 147th circuit and stretched it to a three-quarter lap lead over second place Don White.

By finishing second, White maintained his point lead in USAC's stock car division over Foyt and McCluskey with just two races left.

The luckless McCluskey, who held the lead for 48 of the first 88 laps, was forced to make three pit stops in quick succession during the second half of the race and finished sixth.

Bruce Sparrman drove an excellent race throughout, even leading briefly when Foyt pitted, to finish third. Verlin Eaker ran fourth, and Whitey Gerkin, winner of last week's event at Tri-County, also passed McCluskey during his problem to snare fifth.

Bay Darnell, Jerry Smith, Frank Freda, and Paul Feldner rounded out the top 10.


Results –


1. A.J. Foyt, Houston, Tex.
2. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Bruce Sparrman, Excelsior, Minn.
4. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5. Whitey Gerkin, Melrose Park, Ill.
6. Roger McCluskey, Tucson, Ariz.
7. Bay Darnell, Deerfield, Ill.
8. Jerry Smith, Medina, Wis.
9. Frank Freda, Elmhurst, Ill.
10.Paul Feldner, Colgate, Wis.