Des Moines, Iowa (July 15, 1956) – Johnny Beauchamp of Harlan, the newest sensation in late model stock car racing, set one track record and shared another on Sunday, winning 125-mile Iowa International at the State Fairgrounds.
Beauchamp was almost as hot as the 100-degree temperature, which resulted in numerous heat prostrations in the throng of 23,000 – the largest sports gathering in Iowa this season.
The 32-year-old winner, who sells cars around Harlan during the winter months, led a record field of 30 cars all the way to finish two laps in front with a track record time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 51.59 seconds.
Although the yellow flag came out nine times for minor mishaps, no injuries were reported as 19 drivers finished the grueling 250-lap grind.
Beauchamp and his rival, Don Pash of Avoca, only 12 miles away from Harlan, both rolled their 1956 Chevrolets around the half-mile dirt oval in 30.12 seconds to set a new qualifying record during time trials.
Six others, including Don White, the former record holder and defending International Motor contest Association champion, beat the 31.36 second record White set here a year ago.
Beauchamp, whose car is powered by a 225-horse Corvette motor with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, ran his current string of major triumphs to seven in winning his 16th feature in 18 starts this season.
White, the Keokuk veteran, was one of the casualties in the race when he blew a piston on lap 12. Others ranged from over-heated motors to spin outs, which with a pair of wheel losses were the major mishaps of the afternoon.
Pash, who ran second behind Beauchamp until forced out temporarily by motor troubles on the 100th lap, managed to finish ninth among the 12 money winners.
Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, driving a Chevrolet, finished second behind Beauchamp. Chub Liebe, Oelwein, was third in his Ford and George Miller, another Cedar Rapids entry, powered his Ford to a fourth-place finish.
One of the victims of the heat was Froggy Droz, a Fairfield driver who was able to bring his Ford to a halt in front of the pit area before fainting. Lee Adams, also of Fairfield, took over the driving duties for Droz and finished 12th.
The triumph was worth $700 to Beauchamp, who also collected $200 as the leader at the end of 50, 100 and 150 laps plus another $100 for lowering the track qualifying mark. Pash also collected $100 for tying the record.
Results –
1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan
2. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
3. Chub Liebe, Oelwein
4. George Miller, Cedar Rapids
5. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
6. Dick Jepsen, Hoxie, Kan.
7. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
8. Frank Richards, Marion
9. Don Pash, Avoca
10.Marvin Copple, Lincoln, Neb.
11.Les Dykes, Davenport
12.Froggy Droz, Ottumwa
13.Les Turner, Des Moines
14.Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle
15.Jim Love, Des Moines
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