Charlie Hughes displays his World 100 trophy after winning the sixth annual event.
Rossburg, Ohio (October 17, 1976) – The sixth annual World 100 for late model stock cars at Eldora Speedway became a battle of the states – more precisely, a re-creation of the Civil War, with Charlie Hughes of Dalton, Ga., bringing victory to the Southland and breaking the Iowa-Ohio stranglehold on the “World” title.
Hughes, who started 10th in the 24-car field, commandeered the lead on lap 20 and then withstood three caution flags to claim his victory over fellow statesman Doug Kenimer of Dahlonega, Tom Helfrich of Haubstadt, Ind., Floyd Gilbert of Lockland, Ohio, and 1974 champion Ed Sanger of Waterloo, Iowa.
His victory kept alive the World 100 tradition of the winner emerging from the back of the field, and no repeat winners.
Sanger led from his pole position after the first two cautions at the very start of the race involving some of the quick qualifiers. The first accident involved 1973 winner Floyd Gilbert and fast qualifier Delmas Conley of Wheelersburg, Ohio, who skirmished on the front stretch, but neither driver was eliminated.
The 24-car field set a brisk pace on the equally brisk afternoon. Roger Regeth of Kimberly, Wis., was the first to challenge Sanger’s hold on the lead but he failed in his effort and spun in turn four. By the fifth tour, it was Sanger, Gilbert, and Helfrich with Hughes already in fourth place.
Diving low into the fourth turn, Hughes got by Helfrich on lap 12 after a side-by-side duel. Gilbert was next on his list, and the very same move put Hughes past on lap 16. Three laps later, Helfrich would get by Gilbert as well.
A lap later, Hughes would get by Sanger for the lead, a spot he wouldn’t relinquish for the remainder of the race.
Heat winners were Dick DeBolt, Russ Petro, Bob Cannon, Ron Dolen, Hughes and H.E. Vineyard.
Nine states were represented in the World 100, featuring 24 drivers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Results –
1. Charlie Hughes, Dalton, Ga.
2. Doug Kenimer, Dahlonega, Ga.
3. Tom Helfrich, Haubstadt, Ind.
4. Floyd Gilbert, Lockwood
5. Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
6. Billy Teegarden, Covington, Ky.
7. Gene Petro, Deland, Fla.
8. John Meegavin, Batavia, Ohio
9. H.E. Vineyard, Powell, Tenn.
10.Delmas Conley, Wheelersburg, Ohio
11.Pat Patrick, Saylor Park, Ohio
12.Rodney Combs, Mason, Ohio
13.Buddy Roger, Knoxville, Tenn.
14.Ron Dolen, Zanesville, Ohio
15.Finn Watson, Campbellsville, Ind.
16.Skip Evans, Fowler, Ohio
17.Russ Petro, Columbus, Ohio
18.Bubby Jones, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
19.Billy Childers, Lexington, Ky.
20.Earl Smith, Anniston, Ala.
21.Dick DeBolt, Union, Ind.
22.Dan Dickey, Packwood, Iowa
23.Roger Regeth, Kimberly, Wis.
24.Chuck McWilliams, Union, Ky.
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