1963 – Stock Car Title to Peoria Ace

Don Bohlander

Davenport, Iowa (September 13, 1963) – Don Bohlander of Peoria, Ill., drove to an impressive victory in the 50-lap season championship at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Friday night.

Bohlander led all 50 laps although he was chased by Rock Island’s Will Franck in the highly competitive contest. Del Williams of Moline, the high point scorer the entire season finished third and Jim Gerber of Davenport was fourth.

A total of 18 cars started the 50-lapper and only eight were still on the track when the checkers waved.

John Moss of Iowa City raced to victory in the 25-lap Class B with Ernie Speth of Davenport finishing second. Dale Ahrens of Davenport and Lyle Behn of Moline fourth.


Results –


Class A -

Heat #1 – Tuffy Meyer, Big Rock
Heat #2 – Fred Strube, Peoria, Ill.
Heat #3 – Shorty Bennett, Moline, Ill.
Semi-main – Del Williams, Aledo, Ill.
Feature -
1. Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill.
2. Willis Franks, Rock Island, Ill.
3. Del Williams
4. Jim Gerber, Long Grove
5. Charlie Moffitt, Stanwood
6. Fred Strube
7. Ernie Speth, Davenport
8. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
9. Shorty Bennett
10.Bruce Haack, Davenport


Class B –

Feature -
1. John Moss, Iowa City
2. Ernie Speth
3. Dale Ahrens, Davenport
4. Lyle Behn, Moline, Ill.
5. Gary Backett
6. Jim Hammill
7. Ralph Pleasant
8. Slim Prior
9. Bob Kerns