1963 – Ward Cops 100-Mile Race at Springfield

Rodger Ward is presented his trophy by Illinois Governor Otto Kerner after winning the 100-miler at the Illinois State Fair. -Sid Rotz Photo

Springfield, Ill. (August 17, 1963) – Rodger Ward of Speedway, Ind., won the annual 100-mile United States Auto Club national championship race at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday afternoon, edging A.J. Foyt of Houston, Tex., by five seconds.

Ward and Foyt ran one-two for the final 44 laps, with Ward coming to the finish in 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 47 seconds. That was slightly over the record of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 8 seconds set by the late Johnny Thomson in 1958.

A crowd of 30,000 watched the contest, which had an estimated $20,000 purse. Ward will receive 25% of the total purse.

Bobby Marshman of Pottstown, Penn., led the first 51 laps, then dropped out with mechanical difficulties. Foyt took over and led through the 56th circuit before Ward caught up. Ward and Foyt then turned it into a two-car race from there out.

Don Branson of Champaign, Ill., finished third, followed by Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., and Johnny Rutherford of Fort Worth, Tex.


Results –


1. Rodger Ward
2. A.J. Foyt
3. Don Branson
4. Roger McCluskey
5. Johnny Rutherford
6. Jim McElreath
7. Johnny White
8. Parnelli Jones
9. Lloyd Ruby
10.Arnie Knepper