1960 – Nelson Captures 150-Mile Race at Milwaukee

 

Norm Nelson and his crew enjoy the moment after Nelson captured the 150-mile stock car race at the Milwaukee Mile – Jerry Nelson Collection

West Allis, Wis. (August 21, 1960) – Norm Nelson of Racine, Wis., driving a 1960 Ford, averaged 86.393 miles per hour Sunday in winning the United States Auto Club 150-mile stock car race at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Nelson pulled into the pits only once – on the 90th lap – for refueling. His winning time was 1 hour, 44 minutes and 10 seconds.

Les Snow of Bloomington, Ill., finished second in a 1960 Pontiac. He crossed the finish line 51 seconds behind Nelson.

Paul Goldsmith of St. Clair Shores, Mich., was third, also in a 1960 Pontiac, and Arnie Gardner of Batavia, Ill., was fourth in a 1960 Ford. Gene Marmor of Chicago was fifth in a 1960 Chevrolet.

Rodger Ward of Indianapolis led for a total of 75 miles until his 1960 Ford developed mechanical trouble and forced the runner-up finisher in the Memorial Day “500” out of the race. Tony Bettenhausen of Tinley Park, Ill., fighting with Ward and Goldsmith for an early lead, dropped out after 107 miles when his 1958 Ford broke down.

A crowd of 19,501 fans watched Nelson turn in his fifth stock car victory on the State Fair oval, putting him one ahead of Bettenhausen and the late Marshall Teague in number of wins. Nelson also boosted his United States Auto Club point total to 840, tops in the nation.

For winning the event, Nelson picked up a check for $3,344. Snow collected $2,236 and Goldsmith earned $1,547.

Actually, Nelson led the pack for only the final 11 circuits. He was sixth after 39 laps, fourth for the next 21 miles, and remained in third-place until Ward retired. Goldsmith finally had to make a second pit stop and that gave Nelson the break that he needed.


Results –


1. Norm Nelson, Racine, Wis.
2. Les Snow, Bloomington, Ill
3. Paul Goldsmith, St. Clair Shore, Mich.
4. Arnie Gardner, Batavia, Ill.
5. Gene Marmor, Chicago
6. Whitey Gerkin, Chicago
7. Gil Michaels, Cicero, Ill.
8. John Rostek, Fort Collins, Colo.
9. Elmer Musgrave, Niles, Ill.
10.Iggy Katona, Willis, Mich.

Norm Nelson waves to the crowd during his victory lap after winning the 150-mile USAC stock car race at Milwaukee. – Jerry Nelson Collection