1961- Derr Sets Record in State Fair Win

Ernie Derr is congratulated by promoter Frank Winkley after winning the 250-lap IMCA stock car feature at the Minnesota State Fair. - Ernie Derr Collection 

St. Paul, Minn. (September 2, 1961) – Ernie Derr made it two long-distance races in a row at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday by winning the 250-lap late model stock car race before an estimated 20,477.

Der set a new IMCA world’s record, running the distance in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 1.36 seconds to erase Sonny Morgan’s standard of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 28.98 seconds set here last year.

The little Keokuk, Iowa, driver beat Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn., by 17 seconds. Both drivers piloted 1961 Pontiacs.

Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan., driving a 1961 Ford, took an early lead but was forced to the sidelines with a broken oil line. Buzz McCann, St. Paul, moved to the front after Funk dropped out.

Derr would catch McCann at the 50-lap mark and hold the lead the rest of the way.


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Mert Williams, Rochester
3. Buzz McCann, St. Paul
4. Chub Liebe, Oelwein, Iowa
5. Jerry McCredie, Keokuk, Iowa
6. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
7. Gerry Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
8. Ernie McMahan, Keokuk, Iowa
9. Bob Jusola, Mound
10.Dick Johnson, St. Paul
11.Jerry Draper, Moline, Ill.
12.Bud Helm, Minneapolis
13.Kenneth Pratt, Darlington, Wis.
14.Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
15.Johnny Jones, Russell