1967 – White Take Opener on Lakefront

Don White is joined by starter Pat Vidan after the Keokuk, Iowa, driver won the opening night of stock car racing at Soldier Field. – Ed Coffey Photo/Stan Kalwasinski Collection

Chicago, Ill. (June 3, 1967) – Don White of Keokuk, Iowa, driving a Dodge Charger, won the 30-lap feature before an announced crowd of 13,857 opening night stock car fans at Soldier Field.

White, racing in third place for 20 laps, took advantage when Sal Tovella sent Jack Bowsher into the south wall and passed them both to take over the top spot. Bowsher’s car spilled oil and the race was slowed, then stopped on the 29th lap.

White was declared the winner with Tovella, of Addison, credited with second place.

Norm Nelson of Racine, Wis., was third followed by Bill Shoulders of Waukegan and Bay Darnell of Deerfield rounded out the top five finishers.


Results –


Time trials – Don White, Keokuk, Iowa (20.24)
Trophy dash – Sal Tovella, Addison
Semi-main – Bay Darnell, Deerfield
Feature –
1. Don White
2. Sal Tovella
3. Norm Nelson, Racine, Wis.
4. Bill Shoulders, Waukegan
5. Bay Darnell