1959 – Derr Wins Davenport Corn Belt ‘200’

Ernie Derr receives congratulations from IMCA publicity director Nick Nachicas after winning the 100-miler at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.

Davenport, Iowa (June 7, 1959) – Ernie Derr of Keokuk pushed his 1957 Pontiac to victory in the Corn Belt 200 late model stock car race at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon.

The wiry little Gate City speed pilot also moved to the top of the International Motor Contest Association stock car point standings with his win, moving past fellow townsman Ramo Stott, who dropped to fourth in the national standings, after his seventh-place finish.

Bob Kosiskie of Omaha, Neb., took the early lead in the 100-mile contest and kept his 1959 Thunderbird out in front for 47 laps, when Derr finally caught him and took the lead.

Dick Hutcherson, also of Keokuk, slipped past Kosiskie, and from then on it was a duel between the two Keokuk rivals.

The pair exchanged the lead several times, with Hutcherson being forced to make a pit stop in the closing stages of the race. Derr passed him in the pits, then made a pit stop himself and held the lead due to the quick action by his pit crew and held it to the checkered flag.

Kosiskie set the fastest time in qualifying, with his T-Bird turning the Valley half-mile in 30.74 seconds.


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
2. Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk
3. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle
4. Frank Richards, Marion
5. Bob Potter, Duluth, Minn.
6. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
7. Ramo Stott, Keokuk
8. Larry Behnken, Anita
9. Bob Hardy, Dallas, Tex.
10.Larry Odo, Chicago