Monday, August 12, 2024

1956 – ‘Flying Frenchman” Wins 100-Miler at Fair

 

Johnny Beauchamp




Davenport, Iowa (August 12, 1956) – Johnny Beauchamp, Iowa’s “Flying Frenchman,” overpowered a field of 20 late model stock cars Sunday afternoon at the Mississippi Valley Fair to win the International Motor Contest Association 100-mile race.

Beauchamp took over the lead on the 61st lap, passing Bob Burdick of Omaha, Neb., who had grabbed the lead at the start.

Beauchamp drove a 1956 Chevrolet while Burdick piloted a 1956 Ford. Burdick hung on to grab runner-up honors with George Miller of Cedar Rapids taking third and Bill Harrison of Topeka, Kan., in fourth. Both Miller and Harrison drove Fords.

Burdick turned in the fastest time trial, turning the half-mile dirt oval in 30.04 seconds, breaking Ernie Derr’s old record of 31.26 seconds. Beauchamp was also under the old record with a time of 30.84 seconds.

About 4,000 spectators were on hand to witness the action.


Results –


1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
2. Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
3. George Miller, Cedar Rapids
4. Bill Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
5. Dick Johnson, St. Paul, Minn.
6. Jim Martin, Richmond, Mo.
7. Les Dykes, Davenport
8. Dick Jepson, Hoxie, Kan.
9. Doc Narber, Cedar Rapids
10.Chris Skadal, Des Moines



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