1965 – Turner Captures First American 500

 

Curtis Turner

Rockingham, N.C. (October 31, 1965) – They said he was through. Over the hill, they said. Too old and his reflexes too slow to make a successful return to modern stock car racing. The speeds had gotten too fast for old timers like him, and he may hurt himself.

That’s what they said, but Curtis Turner, the man they were talking about, proved that he still had the ingredients to be a successful driver, and much of the ability left which once made him NASCAR’s biggest drawing card.

Turner, who was suspended from NASCAR in 1961 for trying to organize drivers into the Teamster’s Union, and finally reinstated a few months ago, drove a factory-backed 1965 Ford across the finish line 11 seconds ahead of Cale Yarborough Sunday to win the inaugural American 500 stock car race.

Overcoming such handicaps such as broke ribs and weakening brakes, the 42-year-old Turner took the lead on the 474th lap and withstood one challenger after another to win his first race since returning to NASCAR.

First-place money was $13,090 and the winner averaged 101.942 miles per hour over the brand-new one-mile asphalt.

Yarborough, and the third and fourth place finishers, Marvin Panch and G.C. Spencer, also drove Fords. Richard Petty finished fifth in Jim Paschal’s hemi-powered Plymouth, which he took over on lap 126 after wrecking his car on a lap 58 three-car pile-up.

Some 40,000 fans filled North Carolina Speedway to watch the 500-mile race in which the lead changed hands 15 times. The event was slowed by eight cautions flags which waved for a total of 53 laps.

Junior Johnson of Ronda, N.C., who started on the outside of the front row, took the lead on the first lap, and held it until lap 46 when he pitted. He regained the lead on lap 49 and led it through lap 89. The Ford driver was battling Bobby Isaac of Catawba, N.C., for the lead and the two were running side-by-side down the backstretch with Johnson on the outside and Isaac on the inside.

Going into the third turn, Turner, who was running third at the time, decided he would get into the thick of things. He pulled inside of Isaac, touched him a little, and Isaac was forced into Johnson who slid into the guardrail.

Johnson pitted, changed tires, and returned to the track but was out of serious contention and then his engine blew on lap 154 and he was finished for the day.

After Johnson hit the wall, Isaac took over the lead and kept it until lap 99. Turner grabbed the top spot on lap 100 and held it for 45 laps. Then Panch led, then Turner again before Petty, now driving Paschal’s car, took over on lap 276 and led through lap 359 when he developed mechanical issues.

After Petty dropped out of contention, it was narrowed down to a race between Yarborough and Turner. Turner led from laps 360 to 364, and Yarborough led for the first time on lap 365. Turner took over again on lap 379, and Yarborough went back into the lead on lap 439 and led until Turner took over for good on lap 474.

The last time Yarborough took the lead was when Turner made his final pit stop, and it was apparent that Yarborough would have to stop once more for fuel. He stopped for 12 seconds on lap 474, but it was long enough to give Turner a half-lap lead or a 17-second margin.

Yarborough was never able to cut Turner’s advantage to less than six seconds.


Results –


1. Curtis Turner, Charlotte, N.C.
2. Cale Yarborough, Timmonsville, S.C.
3. Marvin Panch, Daytona Beach, Fla.
4. G.C. Spencer, Inman, S.C.
5. Jim Paschal (Richard Petty relief driver)
6. J.T. Putney, Arden, N.C.
7. Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
8. Elmo Langley, Landover, Md.
9. Buck Baker, Charlotte, N.C.
10.Paul Lewis, Johnson City, Tenn.

1978- Carson Finds New Ride, Cops Eldora Outlaw Main

 

Shane Carson won the 40-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature at Eldora Speedway. - Jim Carmichael Photo

Rossburg, Ohio (October 29, 1978) – Shane Carson turned a last-minute car shopping expedition into a $10,000 bonanza by winning Sunday afternoon’s 40-lap World of Outlaws sprint car program at Eldora Speedway.

After being informed Friday that his regular car owner, Bob Trostle, decided not to enter Carson’s mount in the program, the Oklahoma pilot hurriedly sought another ride for the final show of the season and found one from Harold and Dick Nickels.

However, it still seemed that Carson was destined to finish no higher than third in Sunday’s headliner when Steve Kinser, the series’ driving king, and Rick Ferkel dominated the early stages of the main event.

Kinser, who claimed the top spot on lap 5, was eliminated when his racer was struck by a tire which came off of early frontrunner Jim Linder’s machine.

Kinser’s departure allowed Ferkel to inherit first place, but “The Ohio Traveler’s” victory hopes ended on lap 25 when his car’s engine gave way.

The turn of events catapulted Carson into first place which he never relinquished. At the finish it was Carson followed by Charlie Swartz, Doug Wolfgang, Dub May, Fred Linder and Bobby Allen.


Results –


1. Shane Carson
2. Charlie Swartz
3. Doug Wolfgang
4. Dub May
5. Fred Linder
6. Bobby Allen
7. Don Mack
8. Norman Martin
9. Smokey Snellbaker
10.Danny Smith

1962 – Foyt Wins Golden State 100

 

A.J. Foyt accepts his trophy from California State Fair president Farrell Wrenn (right) after winning the Golden State 100. Dick Wareing, the trophy sponsor (left) and race promoter A.J. Agajanian (behind Foyt) joins in the post-race festivities. - Bill Piggot Photo

Sacramento, Calif. (October 28, 1962) – A.J. Foyt likes to ride the high road.

And this is the route he traveled to win the Golden State 100 championship dirt car race on the California State Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon before a throng of 12,400.

Foyt was in command of the situation beginning with the seventh lap as he shattered a track record in being clocked for 100 miles in 1 hour, 2 minutes and 59.14 seconds. His time represented a speed of 97.22 miles per hour.

The Houston, Tex., speedster who dominated the 1961 United States Auto Club competition, also set a record for the 50-mile distance as he timed in 31 minutes and 48.05 seconds.

For his afternoon ride over a surface deemed excellent by the contestants, Foyt pocketed $3,970 from the record purse of $19,115 and lap awards and accessory money raised his total earnings to $5,720.

The personable Foyt, whose triumph was a popular one with the big crowd, said he likes to ride high on the track and after the first few laps, began his descent to the outside groove.

“I trailed Jim (Hurtubise) low for the first few laps,” Foyt recounted. “but soon found out I couldn’t get anywhere low, so I moved up to the high side. For me, I can get more speed out of the car riding against the cushion.”

Foyt’s record smashing performance was accomplished despite a slipping clutch which bothered him during the last 20 circuits. He admitted afterwards that he slowed down rather than risk being forced out at such a late stage in the race.

Foyt, who is the third driver in the history of the Golden State 100 to win more than once, his other being in 1960, said he did not push his car and preferred to cling to his lead and “ride it out.”

During his victorious spin, Foyt nearly lapped the field as he had a 24-second bulge on the second-place finisher, Don Branson of Champaign, Ill., who was trailing the winner by three-quarters of a mile.

It didn’t take long for Foyt to catch up to the tail end of the 18 starters as he began overtaking them on lap 19 and continued the process until he was forced to ease up on the throttle due to the slipping clutch.

Hurtubise, the early pace setter for the first six laps, settled for fourth behind Branson and Elmer George of Speedway, Ind., who came with a rush in the final 10 laps to gain third place.

Hurtubise, a former Golden State winner, held onto second for 32 laps before being passed by Jim McElreath of Arlington, Tex. McElreath eventually retired on lap 61 with a brake problem.


Results –


1. A.J. Foyt, Houston, Tex.
2. Don Branson, Champaign, Ill.
3. Elmer George, Speedway, Ind.
4. Jim Hurtubise, Lennox, Calif.
5. Parnelli Jones, Torrance, Calif.
6. Troy Ruttman, Dearborn, Mich.
7. Johnny Rutherford, Fort Worth, Tex.
8. Lloyd Ruby, Houston, Tex.
9. Chuck Booth, Sacramento, Calif.
10.Len Sutton, Portland, Ore.

Jim Hurtubise (56) leads eventual winner A.J. Foyt (14) and Don Branson (7) during the 1962 Golden State 100. - Dave Friedman Photo

1968 – Derr Captures Ninth IMCA Crown

 

Ernie Derr claimed his ninth IMCA national stock car championship with his victory in the 150-lap season finale at State Fair Speedway. Joining Derr in victory lane is Derr’s crew chief Andy Anderson (far left), starter Russ Brown (far right) and former IMCA stock car champion Herschel Buchanan. – Billy Upshaw Photo

Shreveport, La. (October 27, 1968) – Getting a swift job from his pit crew, Ernie Derr put the finishing touches on his ninth national International Motor Contest Association stock car championship by capturing the 150-lap feature at the Louisiana State Fair Speedway on Sunday afternoon before a standing room only crowd.

Derr’s 1968 Dodge flew past the checkered flag a half lap ahead of Lenny Funk, “The Flying Wheat Farmer,” who stayed with Derr all afternoon long.

The winning time of 1 hour, 8 minutes and 35.59 seconds was a “fast time” for Derr since he had to start the race in sixth position. Rules for the feature race state that the six fastest cars in time trials must be inverted. The track record of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 18.17 seconds set last year by Derr did not have these rules.

The other half of the “Keokuk Komets,” Ramo Stott, unfortunately lost valuable time on the 31st lap. Stott was the leader from the ninth lap. Hiss pit stop could have very well been the reason why Derr was the winner and Stott was not. While he came off the track to get his windshield clean and other minor operations, Stott was unable to get his car re-fired.

After having more than a half-dozen men try to push-start and failing, the crew waved a tow truck to give the car the acceleration the car needed to get the motor running. It was during that pit stop that valuable time was lost for Stott.

Stott did make a valiant effort to try and catch both Derr and Funk, but the two and a half lap lead was just too much to overcome.

Lewis Taylor’s 1967 Plymouth set the early pace for the starting field of 25 until Stott charged past on lap 9.

Following the first 10 times around the half-mile dirt, the top five in order were Stott, Taylor, Derr, Funk and Harold Young.

During the early stages of the race, the drivers were required to make a mandatory 30-second pit stop. Some drivers came in as early as lap 12 while others waited until the 50-lap mark. Taylor was one who elected to stop towards the latter and held the lead from lap 32 until lap 51 when his pit stop cost him time.

It was there that Derr jumped into the lead and carried that position to the finish.

Funk piloted his ’66 Ford past Taylor on the 55th go-round for second place and it was apparent that the Otis, Kan., driver was going to have something to say about the finish.

Meanwhile, Stott was gradually making up the time he lost during his long pit stop. Ramo had pulled into the third slot by lap 70 but still trailed Derr and Funk by two laps.

After eight encirclements, Funk was only five car lengths behind Derr while Stott trailed Funk by two laps. Taylor, gradually slipping, was still in the race at that point, but two laps behind Stott.

During the next 30 laps, Derr poured it on as Funk began to slowly slip.

When the 110th lap was completed, Funk was a quarter of a lap behind. By this time, Tony Barcelona’s ’64 Ford had moved into the fifth spot when Taylor came into the pits, finished for the day.

When Funk came in for his final pit stop of the day on lap 122, it looked as though he may be able to catch Derr due to the seemingly fast work of his crew.

But if any crew deserves a Pulitzer Prize for its quickness, it was the pitmen of Derr.

As the red and white Dodge Charge came to a halt, one crewman was already pouring gas needed to finish the tank of the winning car. Ten seconds later, Derr was back on the track and still ahead of Funk who could get no closer than half a lap.

Stott didn’t make it to the pits until lap 138. Although stopping just moments, he couldn’t gain any ground on Derr and Funk to the finish.

As Derr crossed the finish line, Funk was half a lap behind. A bewildered Stott came in third while two Fords nailed down fourth and fifth. Barcelona was five laps ahead of Dale Keeling’s ’64 Ford. Only seconds behind Keeling was Fred Whisler, also in a ’64 Ford.

Pausing for a moment after the race, Derr commented about claiming his ninth national championship, “It feels great to win.”


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
3. Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
4. Tony Barcelona, Houston, Tex.
5. Dale Keeling, Dixon, Mo.
6. Fred Whisler, Independence, Mo.
7. Larry Ball, Independence, Mo.
8. Vic Elson, Ash Grove, Mo.
9. Butch Hall, Russell, Minn.
10.Phil Cronin, Houston, Tex.
11.Bob Perry, Springfield, Mo.
12.Joe McIntyre, Dallas, Tex.
13.Lewis Taylor, Shawnee, Kan.
14.Karl Stouffer, Independence, Mo.
15.Harold Young, Kansas City, Mo.
16.Thurman Lovejoy, Kansas City, Mo.
17.Dick Johnson, St. Paul, Minn.
18.Roger Blomquist, Minneapolis, Minn.
19.Paul Feldner, Colgate, Wis.
20.Sandy Sandstrom, Kansas City, Mo.

1975 – Midwest 300 to Waltrip

 

Darrell Waltrip is on the receiving end of victory kisses from his wife Stevie (right) and Miss Salem Speedway after winning his second Midwest 300 at Salem Speedway. – Photo Courtesy of Steve Stubbs

Salem, Ind. (October 26, 1975) – Darrell Waltrip of Franklin, Tenn., who has never lost in 10 feature races at Salem Speedway, held off a late charge from Randy Sweet and won the last of the three 100-lap contests in the Midwest 300.

Larry Moore led from the opening lap to the 61st circuit before sliding in oil and slamming into a guardrail.

Waltrip had been locked in a duel with John Anderson in the first 100-lapper before both of them got tangled on the main straightaway with Carl Smith and Ron Hayes. Anderson couldn’t continue and Waltrip lost enough time to finish second to Sweet.

Moore won the second 100-lapper as the first two races determined the field of 24 for the third race.

A crowd of 6,191 were in attendance.


Results –

Feature #1 –

1. Randy Sweet, Portage, Mich.
2. Darrell Waltrip, Franklin, Tenn.
3. Rick Knotts, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Feature #2 –

1. Larry Moore, Dayton, Ohio
2. Tom Reffner, Rudolph, Wis.
3. Terry Bivins, Shawnee, Kan.

Feature #3 –

1. Darrell Waltrip
2. Randy Sweet
3. Tom Reffner
4. John Anderson, Warren, Mich.
5. Moose Myers, Fort Wayne
6. Rick Knotts
7. Terry Bivins
8. Mark Lamoreux, Bloomington, Minn.
9. Joe Wallace, Leavenworth, Kan.
10.Larry Schuler, Lockport, Ill.

1962 – Hutcherson Wins at Shreveport

 

Dick Hutcherson 

Shreveport, La. (October 21, 1962) – Smiling Iowan, Dick Hutcherson jumped out front on the first lap and was never headed Sunday afternoon in the 100-lap feature at International Motor Contest Association-sponsored stock car races on the State Fairgrounds half mile.

Hutcherson, one of several IMCA drivers hailing from Keokuk, Iowa, picked up $250 for his winning effort, beating out fellow townsman Ernie Derr for the top spot as the capacity crowd looked on. Derr was the winner last April when the IMCA stock car season opened.

Hutcherson, who piloted a ’62 Ford, said that getting out front early was the major factor in his victory.

The drivers had to peer through mud-splattered windshields on this gray Sunday afternoon after hard rains on Saturday had made the track slippery and treacherous.

Finishing behind Hutcherson and Derr, who won $190, was Bob Reynolds of Edmond, Okla., who pocketed $140 for finishing third.

Fourth went to Lenny Funk of Otis, Kan., while John Mickey of Columbus Junction, Iowa, rounded out the top-five.

While Hutcherson was cruising to an easy victory, the attention of the fans was focused on a red-hot race between Derr and Ramo Stott. Stott, riding herd on a ’62 Pontiac, had managed to stay ahead of Derr, the 1961 IMCA stock car national champion, for 79 laps. But on the 80th round, Derr wheeled his Pontiac even with Stott, and after a bumping session, moved ahead.

Stott never got a chance to come back into contention as his car went out on lap 87 due to engine trouble.

Hutcherson maintained at least a half-lap advantage through the latter stages of the race. His winning time for 50 miles was 45 minutes and 8 seconds.

Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Hutcherson were heat winners. Funk took the win in the 10-lap consolation race.


Results –


1. Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Bob Reynolds, Edmond, Okla.
4. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
5. John Mickey, Columbus Junction, Iowa
6. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
7. Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
8. Paul Jett, San Antonio, Tex.
9. Butch Hall, Russell, Minn.
10.Jerry Douglas, Wichita, Kan.
11.Eddie Harrow, Corpus Christi, Tex.
12.Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1979 – Southern Fall Nationals Finale to Combs

 

Rodney Combs

Jackson, Tenn. (October 20, 1979) – Rodney Combs of Cincinnati, Ohio, took the lead at the outset and withstood a late charge by Larry Moore of Dayton, Ohio, to win the 100-lap National Dirt Racing Association-sanctioned late model feature at Fairgrounds Speedway on Saturday.

A crowd of 2,800 watched the second main event of the two-night Southern Fall Nationals as Combs pocketed $5,000 for the victory.

Combs, who captured the pole position in Friday’s qualifying time trials, never trailed in the race but was seriously challenged by Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, the third fastest qualifier, in the early stages of the race until a broken crankshaft forced him to retire.

Moore, the current NDRA point leader, started 16th, and moved his way through the field. He took over fourth spot on lap 80, third on lap 86, and second place on lap 93. Despite a late charge, he finished two-tenths of a second behind Combs at the checkered.

“If Moore could have gotten a late caution flag, there is no question he would have won the race,” said speedway president Bill Way Jr. Combs average lap time from lap 80 to the end was 16.20 seconds. His lap qualifying time was 17.43 seconds.

Jerry Inmon of Bruce, Miss., who is second in NDRA points, finished fourth behind Ed Sanger of Waterloo, Iowa. Defending NDRA national champion Leon Archer of Griffin, Ga., qualified eighth but dropped out after only 23 circuits.

Archer was trying to avoid a slower car in front of him that had turned sideways when it was pushed behind another car. Archer car crashed into the guardrail, breaking his front wheel axle.

At 6 a.m. Sunday morning, Archer had sold the car, a Howe Camaro, to Inmon for $26,000, reported Bill Way.

Results –


1. Rodney Combs
2. Larry Moore
3. Ed Sanger
4. Jerry Inmon
5. Tom Bartholomew
6. Tom Helfrich
7. Don Hobbs
8. Ken Essary
9. Roger Chism
10.Phil Gregory
11.Gene Chupp
12.Ronnie Johnson
13.Buck Simmons
14.Don Hester
15.Bobby Swayer
16.Jeff Purvis
17.Joe Ross
18.Mike Melius
19.Pete Parker
20.Leon Archer

1975 – Shuman Big Winner at Western

 

Ron Shuman (2A) makes the winning pass on Rick Ferkel (0) to claim the eight annual Western United States Sprint Car Championships.

Phoenix, Ariz. (October 18, 1975) – The Western is back home in the West.

Home track advantage?

Mesa’s Ron Shuman didn’t need it in beating the best 26 sprint cars drivers in the country at jam-packed Manzanita Speedway on Saturday night.

The eighth annual Western United States Sprint Car Championships was won by an Arizona driver for the first time since 1970 when Shuman bested defending champion Rick Ferkel of Tiffin, Ohio.

The eight Western may have been the best of them all. Starting on the outside of the third row in his backup Bill Boat Chevy, Shuman was given only an outside shot of winning the Western especially considering Ferkel was starting in front of him.

But the 22-year-old youngster forgot who was in front and won going away. He took the lead on lap 34 of the 50-lap main event and kept Ferkel behind him all the way to the checkered flag.

Finishing third for the second straight year was Bubby Jones of Danville, Ill., followed by Knoxville point champion Roger Rager of Mound, Minn., and James McElreath of Arlington, Tex., rounding out the top five.

Ferkel started on the outside of second row but had the lead at the end of the first lap. It looked like a carbon copy of last year’s race until lap 33.

Rager managed to slip by Ferkel for one lap (26) but then lost three positions in heavy traffic. Shuman had been running third throughout behind Ferkel and Rager and kept them both within his sights.

Dicing back and forth between inside and outside grooves, Shuman finally made his move. He passed Ferkel on the back straightaway and to the astonishment of many, started leaving his adversary behind.

Shuman had set a track record in qualifying on Wednesday of 20.90 seconds to show what he could do. But his new car blew an engine on the first lap of his heat. He came back on Friday night with his two-year-old backup car to post second fastest qualifying time and won his heat.

Car owner Boat said his crew worked all night Wednesday and all day on Thursday to make the car competitive.

By winning the Western, Shuman collected $6,925 plus lap money for leading the last 16 laps.


Results –


1. Ron Shuman
2. Rick Ferkel
3. Bubby Jones
4. Roger Rager
5. James McElreath
6. Bobby Olivero
7. Smokey Snellbaker
8. Jan Opperman
9. Billy Wilkerson
10.Leonard McCarl

1976 – Georgian Winner in Eldora World 100

 

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.

1978 - Trickle Nips Eddy to Capture World Cup 400

 

Dick Trickle hoists his trophy after winning the ASA-sanctioned World 400 at I-70 Speedway. 

Odessa, Mo. (October 15, 1978) – Dick Trickle took advantage of a Mike Eddy miscue and went on to win Sunday’s third annual World Cup 400 for American Speed Association late models at I-70 Speedway.

Eddy dominated most of the contest, leading 320 of the event’s 400 laps, and was in the lead when he bobbled slightly exiting turn four on the 386th circuit. Trickle, who was close behind, capitalized on the mistake by surging around eddy to take the lead at the outset of lap 387 and led the rest of the way to record the victory. He averaged 79.036 miles per hour despite 85 caution laps.

John Anderson, the only other driver to complete the full 400 lap distance, place third and could well have won the race had he not incurred a one-lap penalty for passing Eddy’s pace-setting Camaro during a caution period on lap 292. Bob Senneker came in fourth, Jerry Makara fifth and defending ASA titlist Dave Watson in sixth.

Even though he was sidelined by a broken piston after 320 laps, Mark Martin was credited with 16th place in the 36-car field to pick up enough points to clinch the 1978 Circuit of Champions driving crown.

“Winning the championship is nice,” Martin said, “But I would have rather won the race. It’s sort of anti-climatic winning a championship while you’re in the pits.”

Bob Sensiba, who set a track record with a 17.17 second tour of the .54-mile paved banked oval, started the 400-lapper on the pole and charged into the lead at the drop of the green.

However, after leading the way for four laps, a dry sump pump problem forced Sensiba to bring his car to the pit area for the first in a series of lengthy stops. The problem eventually forced retirement after 65 laps.

Eddy inherited the top spot and remained in front until lap 193. Martin took over the top spot a lap later and stayed in the lead until yielding to Eddy on the 229th circuit.

Eddy surrendered the lead to Martin for the second time on lap 298 and the 19-year-old Batesville, Ark., pilot remained on top until lap 321 when he was forced to the sidelines, turning first-place over to Trickle.

Eddy passed Trickle to regain command four rounds later but was unable to open a comfortable advantage over the Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., chauffeur.

Then on lap 386, Eddy made his slight mistake which Trickle converted into victory.

“I was starting to lose some of my stagger, but I was running real hard and just lost it,” a dejected Eddy said afterwards. “I lapsed just for an instance.”


Results –


1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
2. Mike Eddy, Kawkawlin, Mich.
3. John Anderson, Massillon, Ohio
4. Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.
5. Jerry Makara, Westland, Mich.
6. Dave Watson, Milton, Wis.
7. Dave Roahrig, Plymouth, Ind.
8. Harold Scott, New Castle, Ind.
9. Terry Bivins, Shawnee, Kan.
10.Jim Back, Vesper, Wis.
11.Ray Young, Dolton, Ill.
12.Pat Schauer, Watertown, Wis.
13.Dave Chase, Council Bluffs, Iowa
14.Jim Campbell
15.Evert DeWitt, Janesville, Wis.
16.Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
17.Bob Strait, Flossmoor, Ill.
18.Lenny Breedlove
19.Larry Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
20.Larry Detjens, Wausau, Wis.

1985 – Dolan Wins Busch All-Star Event at I-70

 

Roger Dolan won the final Busch All-Star Tour race for 1985 at I-70 National Speedway. Flagman Jim McMurray makes the trophy presentation. – Dean Malone Photo

Odessa, Mo. (October 13, 1985) – Dolan vs. Kosiski; Iowa vs. Nebraska; veteran vs. youngster – all three modes of competition came from Roger Dolan and Steve Kosiski as they competed for the final time Sunday afternoon in the NASCAR/Busch All-Star Tour finals at I-70 National Speedway.

To set the background –

Steve led the special NASCAR/Busch series point standings coming into the event by 37 markers over Dolan. Steve turned in fast time during Saturday’s time trials, .13 of a second faster than Dolan.

But to qualify for the big event on Sunday, all cars had to qualify through qualifying heat races.

Dolan won his heat, Steve didn’t. In fact, his engine blew on lap 2 of his heat race and put his machine out of operation. Had he finished in the top-three spots, he would’ve started front row pole, as he set fast time on Saturday, and the main event lined up straight. Front row pole? Roger Dolan. Steve, able to line up a ride from Bill Baldwin, who had already qualified for the feature, had to start dead last – 24th.

At the wave of the green flag, Dolan jumped into the lead with Gene Claxton, the I-70 track champion on his rear bumper. Claxton challenged Dolan and set up a side-by-side battle until lap 4 when Gene used a high groove maneuver and got past Dolan as the pair entered the front straightaway.

Bob Hill, who started on the outside of the third row, moved into third on lap 13. The crowd stayed on their feet for the next 10 laps as the Claxton/Dolan battled see-sawed back and forth.

Showing up from way back in the pack at the start, Bill Martin moved into fourth on lap 19 and on the next lap, moved past Hill to take over the third spot as the race started to wind down.

On lap 22, Dolan made a surprising move to the top and moved past Claxton. Claxton, with just a few laps left, tried low and then went high but neither move could move him back into first place.

Dolan would stay in the top groove for the last lap to take the checkered flag with Claxton a car-length behind.

“I was watching Gene from the low side for quite a few laps,” Dolan said after the race. “Gen knows the best way around the track. I though the high side would be too muddy, but it was really fast up there.”

The biggest charge of the night was put in by who else? Steve Kosiski…

Kosiski drove the unfamiliar car to an impressive eighth place finish. However, after tallying the points, Dolan was declared the first Winston/Busch All-Star Tour champion over Steve Kosiski – by 1 point (960-959).

Winning the feature ($3,000) and the series’ title, the Lisbon, Iowa, ace went home with $5,000 in his pockets. Kosiski took home $1,000 for his Busch All-Star runner-up finish.

Friday’s late model qualifying heat wins went to Dolan, Greg Moyer, Dick Schiltz, Mike Wallace, Keith Acton, and Dave chase. B-mains were captured by Bob Hill and Steve Fraise.


Results –


1. Roger Dolan
2. Gene Claxton
3. Bill Martin
4. Bob Hill
5. Steve Fraise
6. Keith Acton
7. Johnny Saathoff
8. Steve Kosiski
9. Dave Chase
10.Mike Smith
11.Bobby Goulden III
12.Terry Gallaher
13.Jamie Hager
14.John Barnes
15.Ed Kosiski
16.Dale Fischlein
17.Dick Schiltz
18.Greg Webb
19.Donnie Cooper
20.Tom Svoboda

1969 – Pittsburgh ‘200’ Won by Colella

Tom Colella holds the checkered flag after winning the Pittsburgher 200 at Heidelberg. 

Carnegie, Penn. (October 12, 1969) – Tom Colella of Whitehall, won the sixth annual Pittsburgher 200 late model stock car classic at Heidelberg Raceway on Sunday afternoon, beating Joy Fair of Pontiac, Mich., by just two car lengths in a hair-raising, see-saw battle.

Colella, who had just won the Tri-State 150 just two weeks ago, took over the lead on the 100th lap, but lost it twice to Fair before regaining it for the final time with just a few laps to go on the high-banked, half-mile speedway.

Harold Smith of Dayton, Ohio, the defending champion, was forced out of action with motor issues on lap 136. Bud Middaugh of Massillon, Ohio, the 1967 winner, went out on the lap 27 with rear end trouble while running second.

Middaugh had set a track record of 19.85 seconds in qualifying as he turned in the fastest time among 102 entrants who came from all parts of the Midwest and the East Coast vying for the $15,000 purse.

Middaugh was on the pole position, but it was Moose Myers of Detroit who sped out to the lead and held the top spot until lap 45 when Fair moved in front. Then the seesawing began.

Colella passed Fair on lap 100, then Fair passed Colella on lap 135. Colella passed Fair on lap 155, Fair passed Colella on the 172nd lap, and then Colella moved in front to stay on lap 195.


Results –

1. Tom Colella, Whitehall, Penn.
2. Joy Fair, Pontiac, Mich.
3. Donnie Roberts, Auburn, Mich.
4. Bob Senneker, Grand Rapids, Mich.
5. Don Gregory, Columbus, Ohio
6. Gus DeLong, Struthers, Ohio
7. Rich Senneker, Grand Rapids, Mich.
8. Jack Chambers, Northfield, Ohio
9. Ed Howe, Beaverton, Mich.
10.Ed Vanderlaan, Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

1980 – Martin Wins Oktoberfest Crown

Mark Martin was the overall winner of the annual Oktoberfest 200 at La Crosse Interstate Speedway. 

West Salem, Wis. (October 11, 1980) – Most of the action for the Oktoberfest 200 was Sunday, but it took the time trials from two weeks ago to determine that Mark Martin was the overall winner.

Martin, of North Libertyville, Ind., and Joe Shear of South Beloit, Ill., each captured 100-lap features and placed second in the other on Sunday at the La Crosse Interstate Speedway.

In order to determine the overall champion, track officials had to look at the driver’s qualifying times from trials held two weeks ago – the day Oktoberfest was originally scheduled. However, rain had postponed the event until Sunday.

Martin qualified fourth, circling the 5/8-mile track in 19.454 seconds while Shear was seventh fastest, qualifying a tenth of a second slower. As a result, Martin was crowned overall champion.

“We waited too long to qualify, and the track got slippery,” Shear said of the time trials held two weeks ago. “I know the car was faster than that.”

Despite Martin’s overall championship, Shear actually collected more money than Martin. Shear earned $3,882, which included $1,492 in lap money. Martin was awarded $3,6700, which included $1,509 in lap money. The difference was their finishes in heat races two weeks ago.

In the first 100-lapper, the 20-year-old Martin took the lead on lap 4 and controlled it on the next 96. Martin passed Shear on the backstretch of the third go-round to take over second place, then Martin and Shear gained first and second place, respectively, and ran away from the pack.

On the sixth lap, Dick Trickle, who had set an Interstate Speedway record during time trials, blew his engine and had to leave the race.

From then on, it was Martin and Shear. Shear attempted to pass Martin in the corners on a couple of occasions, but Martin held him off and eventually increased his lead to 10 car lengths.

Mike Miller of Wisconsin Rapids drove to a third-place finish while Marv Marzofka of Nekoosa, the Interstate Speedway point champion, placed fourth.

In the second feature, Shear and Martin simply traded places, with Shear taking over the top spot on lap 10 and Martin moving into second place on lap 16. The two spent the remainder of the race in those spots.

On the 70th lap, while going through slower traffic on the frontstretch, Shear had to apply his brakes, causing Martin to swerve. Martin, LaVern Grandall of Portland, and Mel Walen of Minneapolis made contact, causing Martin to lose his front bumper. The caution flag came out, but everyone involved was able to continue.

After that, Shear was able to increase his lead even more.

Jim Sauter of Necedah took third on lap 16 and held it until Miller got by him on lap 75.

By the end of the race, Martin had moved in closer to Shear but couldn’t muster a challenge, settling for runner-up honors, Miller, Sauter, and Dick Trickle, driving his backup car, rounded out the top five.

“He had me beat in the second race,” Martin said afterwards.

Both Shear and Martin were quick to point out that tires made the difference.

“I couldn’t run with him with the set of tires I used in the first race,” Shear said. That set in the second race, however, worked real well. That was the difference.”


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Mark Martin, North Libertyville, Ind.
2. Joe Shear, South Beloit, Ill.
3. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
5. John Ziegler, Madison
6. John Knaus, Rockford, Ill.
7. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh
8. Joel Laufer, Hartford
9. Steve Moll, Wisconsin Rapids
10.Tom Reffner, Rudolph


Feature #2 –

1. Joe Shear
2. Mark Martin
3. Mike Miller
4. Jim Sauter, Necedah
5. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
6. John Knaus
7. Ted Musgrave
8. Joel Laufer
9. Tom Reffner
10.Jim Back, Vesper

1948 – Ted Horn, Auto Race Champion, Fatally Injured

 

The wreckage of Ted Horn's car. 

Du Quoin, Ill. (October 10, 1948) – Ted Horn won’t roar the sleek Maserati, with the #1 emblazoned on the hood, around Indianapolis Motor Speedway anymore.

And he will never realize his burning ambition to win the 500-mile Memorial Day classic.

Horn, 38, a three-time national auto racing champion, was killed Sunday afternoon at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds track.

Johnnie Parsons of Van Nuys, Calif., won the race.

A wheel spindle broke on Horn’s racer on the second lap of the 100-mile AAA race. He was pitched onto the track as his car swerved into another race car driven by Johnny Mantz. Mantz was slightly injured and was treated and released.

The one-mile dirt track was much the same kind of dirt oval that Horn had scored many of his points for the American Auto Association racing titles he won in 1946 and ‘47 and had already clinched for this year.

Horn, from Paterson, N.J., had tried 10 times to win the big Memorial Day race. In his last nine attempts, he had never finished lower than fourth place. Last May, he was fourth behind winner Mauri Rose, Bill holland, and Duke Nalon.

Horn’s first wife, Teresa Weber Horn, whom he had divorced earlier this year, said she had separated from him because he insisted on driving until he won at Indianapolis.

His second wife, Gerry, whom he married only 17 days ago, was among the 5,000 spectators who witnessed Horn’s last ride.

Horn first appeared at Indianapolis in 1934, but his machine failed inspection. In 1935, he started, but was forced out after 145 laps. He was second in 1936, less than two minutes behind winner Louis Meyer. He was third in 1937, fourth in the next three races, third in 1941, and third in the first two post-war races of 1946 and 1947.

Parsons’ winning time was 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 47.7 seconds. Paul Russo of Kenosha, Wis., was second and Bill Sheffler of Los Angeles was third.

Horn’s car was running fifth at the time of the accident.

1977 – Wilkerson Wins Sprint Feature at Fairgrounds

Butch Wilkerson won the 25-lap sprint car feature during Shaheen's Super Weekend at the Springfield Mile. - Terry Young collection

Springfield, Ill. (October 9, 1977) – Butch Wilkerson of Columbus, Ind., led all the way Sunday afternoon in winning the 25-lap sprint car feature at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Wilkerson’s victory ended Shaheen’s Super Weekend of racing, as well as the racing season in Springfield.

Wilkerson also place second in Saturday night’s race at Springfield Speedway. He picked up $1,250 for being runner-up in that race and took home the same amount for winning the Sunday matinee.

Friday’s racing card was rained out.


Results –


Semi-main –

1. Tom Mislich, Odell
2. Rick Scott, Decatur
3. Steve Hainline, Bonaparte, Iowa
4. Ron Fisher, Kokomo, Ind.
5. Cliff Powell, Hannibal, Mo.

B-Main –

1. Mike Blake, Indianapolis
2. Jim Horn, Springfield
3. Dick Standridge, Springfield
4. Paul Van Arsdale, Terre Haute, Ind.
5. Tom Mahoney, Quincy, Ill.
6. Bob Dunne Jr., Springfield

Feature –

1. Butch Wilkerson, Columbus, Ind.
2. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
3. Lee Osborne, Jamestown, Ind.
4. Gary Grissom, Anderson, Ind.
5. Mike Johnson, Martinsville, Ind.
6. Dale Raisinger, Farmington, Mo.

1960 – California Driver Wins at Alabama State Fair

A.J. Shepherd

Birmingham, Ala. (October 8, 1960) – A.J. Shepherd, Gardena, Calif., came from far back in the field to win the 20-lap big car main event at the Alabama State Fair on Saturday afternoon.

Shepherd, driving one of three Offenhausers entered by “Dizz” Wilson, started tenth in the feature event and with a brilliant performance, came through the field to take over first place on the 15th lap.

The program was halted approximately an hour before the main event by a heavy shower and the racing surface was slick and treacherous when the final race got underway.

Arnold Knepper, Belleville, Ill., took an early lead but was forced out after only five laps because of a faulty fuel injector. Hugh Randall, Louisville, Ky., then took command until the 15th circuit when Shepherd, driving with superb skill, passed him coming out of the second turn onto the backstretch and into the lead.

Randall held on to finish second with Bob Mathouser, Omaha, Neb., driving Fritz Tegtmeier’s famous #24 holding off a furious challenge by Walt McWhorter of Wichita, Kan., for third place.

Such a terrific pace was set that Pete Folse, Tampa. Fla., the defending IMCA champion, who was running “knobbies” instead of “slicks” used by the frontrunners, could manage no better than a eight place finish.


Results –


Heat #1 – A.J. Shepherd, Gardena, Calif.
Heat #2 – Froggy Droz, Ottumwa, Iowa
Heat #3 – Speed Funderburk, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Trophy Dash – Hugh Randall, Louisville, Ky.
Semi-Main – Bob Mathouser, Omaha, Neb.
Feature –
1. A.J. Shepherd
2. Hugh Randall
3. Bob Mathouser
4. Walt McWhorter, Wichita, Kan.
5. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
6. Ray Duckworth, Anderson, Ind.
7. Leroy Neumayer, Compton, Calif.
8. Pete Folse, Tampa, Fla.

1972 – Eaker, Eastern Invaders Shine at Sunset

 

Verlin Eaker won the Cornhusker-Hawkeye Challenge at Sunset Speedway. Eaker led from start to finish in a dominating performance. 

Omaha, Neb. (October 7, 1972) – Sunset Speedway’s Cornhusker-Hawkeye Challenge was designed to determine whether Iowa drivers or Nebraska drivers were the better warriors on the dirt oval.

If Saturday night’s races were a good indication, it was a disappointing evening for local drivers and fans as three invaders from eastern Iowa took the top prizes in the $8,000 affair.

Far outclassing the field in every event – including the main event - was Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Eaker, one of the top drivers in the Midwest, sped to victories in his heat race, the trophy dash in which he grabbed the pole position for the finale, and then the big race with $1,500 accompanying the triumph.

Eaker led the entire 100 laps and was never seriously challenged as he finished a half-a-lap ahead of runner-up Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo, Iowa. Coming in third was another Iowan, Dennis Hovinga of Pocohontas. Finishing fourth was Bob Kosiski of Omaha. Kosiski was only one of four drivers (Bill Wrich, Dave Milbourn, and Paul Zdan) to be among the 19 finishers in the race that started with 30 pilots.

And Hovinga and Kosiski can share the award for most determined drivers. Hovinga, the track champion at Alta, Boone, and Webster City, weeded his path from his 27th starting berth, and Kosiski, from his 16th starting position.

Kosiski, who failed to qualify via his heat race but won the 25-lap consolation, zipped to second after only 25 laps and held that position until lap 52 when Zwanziger, driving a 1970 Nova, overtook him.

But nothing could Eaker, already a victor in the World 100 at Eldora, Ohio, and the Tri-State Championships in Davenport, Iowa.

The track conditions forced six restarts but on each occasion, Eaker quickly recovered his commanding lead in his 1970 Chevy Nova.

The affair drew 55 cars, 29 of which were driven by eastern Iowa drivers. Of that total, 28 were racing at Sunset for the first time.


Results –


Heat #1- Paul Zdan, Omaha
Heat #2 – George Barton, Ankeny, Iowa
Heat #3 – Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Heat #4 – Randy Sterner, Blair
Heat #5 – Bob Hilmer, Dysart, Iowa
Consolation #1 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha
Consolation #2 – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo, Iowa
Trophy dash – Verlin Eaker
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker
2. Bill Zwanziger
3. Dennis Hovinga, Pocohontas, Iowa
4. Bob Kosiski

1986 - Capital October Nationals to Reffner

Tom Reffner won the super late model feature that capped off the October Nationals at Capital Speedway. Miss Capital Speedway Lisa Janis makes the trophy presentation. – Russ Lake Photo

 

Oregon, Wis. (October 5, 1986) – Veteran Tom Reffner of Rudolph, got the upper hand in a side-by-side battle duel with Dave Watson on lap 30, then ran away with the 86-lap super late model feature to win the October Nationals at Capital Speedway on Sunday.

Following Reffner across the finish line were Rich Bickle Jr., and Watson, who was overtaken by Bickle with six laps to go. Madison’s John Ziegler came all the way from his 19th starting position to claim fourth, while Steve Holzhausen rounded out the top-five. Holzhausen was fast qualifier among the late model entries on Saturday.

In the Badger midget racing, legendary Mel Kenyon won 25-lap feature over Don Carter Jr. and Rich Corson. Ted Kropf held off Pete Moore to win the 50-lap limited late model feature.


Results –

1. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
2. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
3. Dave Watson, Milton
4. John Ziegler, Madison
5. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor
6. Bobby Gunn, Madison
7. Terry Baldry, Omro
8. Tom Musgrave, Half Day, Ill.
9. Conrad Morgan, Dousman
10.Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh

1969 – Sessions Wins Salem Race

 

Sam Sessions gets ready to be pushed off before the start of the Joe James/Pat O’Conner Memorial at Salem Speedway.

Salem, Ind. (October 5, 1969) – Michigan’s Sam Sessions won the Joe James/Pat O’Conner Memorial Sunday afternoon at Salem Speedway.

Sessions passed Larry Dickson with two laps left in the 30-lap United States Auto Club sprint car feature.

Dickson dropped to fourth after leading 27 laps. Defending champion Rollie Beale finished second and Bill Puterbaugh took third.

Cy Fairchild, who had tied for fast qualifier, was eliminated by an accident on the first lap. He was not injured.


Results –

1. Sam Sessions
2. Rollie Beale
3. Bill Puterbaugh
4. Larry Dickson
5. Bruce Walkup
6. Gary Bettenhausen
7. Chuck Booth
8. Karl Busson
9. Claire Lawicki
10.Lennie Waldo

1981 – Canadian Driver Dominates Oktoberfest 200

Junior Hanley

West Salem, Wis. (October 4, 1981) – Canadian driver Junior Hanley says he has curtailed his racing schedule in recent years to concentrate more on building and selling stock car chassis.

But when he finds time to get behind the wheel of a race car, the results are generally successful. Such was the case on Sunday afternoon at Interstate Speedway, where Hanley drove away from the rest of the field in both 100-lap feature events of the 12th annual Oktoberfest 200.

“I used to race a lot,” Hanley said, after winning his second race which gave him the overall Oktoberfest late model championship. “Lately, I haven’t been able to do as much because I’m spending a lot more time in the shop. We build them and sell them.”

“I was down in the Midwest last week for another race,” remarked, Hanley, who lives in Oakville, Ontario. “I went back to work but left the car here.”

Last week’s race, though, was not successful for the driver who has been nicknamed “Mr. Excitement” on the ARTGO racing circuit. In the Tony Bettenhausen Memorial race at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind., he ran out of gas and finished in 15th place.

It would have taken a similar mishap on Sunday in order for anyone to challenge Hanley’s domination of the event.

Starting on the 12th row of the 30-car field, it took just 12 circuits for Hanley to work his way into the lead. Jim Back of Vesper, who races at Interstate regularly, put pressure on the leader for several laps early in the race, but Hanley held him off in the third and fourth turns several times and was never threatened again.

Hanley, Back, Joe shear of South Beloit, Ill., and track champion Marv Marzofka of Nekoosa ran in the first through fourth positions for the last 53 laps, providing little excitement for the fans.

“I think it would have been better in the second race, but I blew the motor,” said Back, who would pull off on the fifth lap of the second 100-lapper.

It took Hanley 30 laps to get the lead in the second race, but once again, he had little trouble holding thee front position once he got there. Marzofka would challenge him briefly after a yellow flag waved on lap 38 but by the end of the race, Hanley enjoyed a half-lap lead over runner-up Shear and third place Marzofka. There were no challenges on the top three for the final 54 laps.

Shear was overall runner-up and Marzofka was third. The overall standings were determined by the driver’s average finish in both races.

But, both Shear and Marzofka were upset afterwards when they learned that Hanley’s right-side weight had been less than the minimum weight required by the Central Wisconsin Racing Association rules for the event.

“Rules are rules,” commented Marzofka. “I definitely think he was illegal.”

“He seems to get away with it wherever he goes,” Shear said.

Pit steward Clem Droste confirmed that Hanley’s right side was seven pounds under the limit, but his total weight was well over the minimum.

“I’m not going take his money away for seven pounds,” Interstate Speedway owner Larry Wehrs said.

Mark Lamoreaux of Bloomington, Minn., won the 40-lap semi-feature for late models.

Speedway manager Dick Johnson said that 71 late models were timed for the event.

Joe Berthiaume of Osseo, Minn., won the 20-lap hobby stock feature.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Junior Hanley, Oakville, Ont.
2. Jim Back, Vesper
3. Joe shear, South Beloit, Ill.
4. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
5. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
6. Steve Moll, Wisconsin Rapids
7. Kevin Stepan, Mosinee
8. Al Schill, Franklin
9. Steve Murgic, Rosemount, Minn.
10.Mel Whalen, Shakopee, Minn.


Feature #2 –

1. Junior Hanley
2. Joe Shear
3. Marv Marzofka
4. Tom Jones, Northbrook, Ill.
5. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
6. Al Schill
7. John Ziegler, Madison
8. Steve Murgic
9. Kevin Stepan
10.Jerry Eckhardt, Watertown

1964 – Jones Takes Checkered at Wentzville

Rufus "Parnelli" Jones

Wentzville, Mo. (October 4, 1964) – Parnelli Jones captured the $15,000 Mid-America Raceway’s 200-mile late model stock car Sunday afternoon.

The 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner, driving a 1964 Mercury Marauder, was in command throughout the United States Auto Club-sanctioned event. His winning time for the 71 laps over the 2.8-mile road course was 2 hours and 36.8 minutes.

A crowd estimated at 25,000 got perhaps it’s biggest kick out of the fight for second place amongst a couple of drivers, with A.J. Foyt, the reigning king of auto racing, and Norm Nelson were the two key participants.

Foyt would wind up fourth with Nelson finishing just head of Don White.

Bobby Marshman began as though he intended to give Jones a contest but encountered a broken wheel cylinder on the 14th lap and steered off the course. Into a field and coming to a rest on top of rocks.

Marshman solicited some help from nearby spectators and got back on course but was unable to get back into contention.

Jones, who received $5,000 for his victory, said he liked the course, which was the site for stock car racing for the very first time.

“It was handling well,” he said. “I got a lot better run than I thought I would. With 32 stock cars going, I thought it would be a bit narrow.”

“That first turn, you better go into it single-file, or at least have respect for each other.”


Results –


1. Parnelli Jones, Torrance, Calif.
2. Norm Nelson, Racine, Wis.
3. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
4. A.J. Foyt, Houston, Tex.
5. Lloyd Ruby, Wichita Falls, Tex.
6. Whitey Gerken, Melrose Park, Ill.
7. Rodger Ward, Indianapolis
8. Bob Slensby, Pewaukee, Wis.
9. Roger Regeth, Kimberly, Wis.
10.Herb Shannon, Peoria, Ill.

1981 - Swindell Takes High Road to Outlaw I-70 Flag

Sammy Swindell 

Odessa, Mo. (October 3, 1981) — Sammy Swindell took the high road Saturday night at the I-70 National Speedway on his way to victory in the World of Outlaw winged sprint car 40-lap feature race.

“I try to run the same spot on the track every lap and the high groove is always the fastest on this track,” said the Memphis, Tenn., racer. Swindell earned $4,500 for his quarter-lap victory over second place Jon Stevenson of St. Paul, Minn.

Swindell jumped into the lead from his front-row starting position on the first lap. For the next 12 laps, Swindell had to hold off the challenge of his brother Jeff.

On lap 13, Doug Wolfgang, Sioux Falls, S.D., moved into second place to challenge Swindell. Wolfgang, who started in the middle of the 24-car field, was aided by a yellow flag on lap 9 when Jerry Potter, Kansas City, rode the fourth-turn wall.

Wolfgang’s run for the front spot was short-lived when he dropped out of the race on lap 16 with a flat, left rear tire. Wolfgang’s loss was Jeff Swindell’s gain as he moved back into second.

Sammy and Jeff Swindell ran 1-2 until lap 34 when Jeff Swindell pulled into the pits with a flat, right-rear tire. Stevenson moved into second while Jeff Swindell pulled to the rear of the pack, having changed tires.

Sammy Swindell withstood Stevenson’s charge for the next six laps to pick up the win. Stevenson’s car slowed on the last lap and his engine let go after the checkered flag.

Jeff Swindell worked his way up from the rear to finish third, followed by Randy Smith, Norwalk, Iowa, and Rick Weld of Kansas City.

“The car felt comfortable the whole race,” Swindell said. He later learned that the strap holding the fuel tank had broken.

The qualifying heat races were won by Wolfgang, Ken Schrader of Fenton, Mo. and Weld. The 12-lap B-feature went to Scott Ritchart of Lincoln, Ill.


Results –


1. Sammy Swindell
2. John Stevenson
3. Jeff Swindell
4. Randy Smith
5. Rick Weld
6. Cliff Woodward
7. Bobby Marshall
8. Gary Scott
9. Gordy Lamb
10.Tom Corbin
11.T.J. Giddings
12.Jack Ziegler
13.Cliff Blundy
14.Roger Hurst
15.Todd Bishop
16.Ken Schrader
17.Scott Ritchart
18.Doug Wolfgang
19.Terry Smith
20.Bob Thoman
21.Ken Chapman
22.Jerry Potter
23.Ronnie Daniels
24.Bob Williams

1983 - Eddy Dominates Foes, Wins Winchester 400

 

Mike Eddy hoists his trophy after winning the Winchester 400 late model stock car race. Miss Winchester and Jim Scott of Silver Creek make the presentation. – Don Thies Photo

Winchester, Ind. (October 2, 1983) – Ever the master of the high-banked ovals, Mike Eddy won the Winchester 400-lap American Speed Association event at Winchester Speedway on Sunday afternoon, crossing the finish line four seconds ahead of runner-up Butch Miller.

Although the contest feature 11 different lead changes among six different drivers, Eddy dominated the bulk of the chase, leading 297 circuits.

Still, Eddy needed some late-race heroics to score the victory, after his gamble on a pit stop for fresh rubber and fuel during a caution allowed Miller to take the lead with only 22 laps remaining.

“The car was working so perfectly that we were confident we’d get back by Butch,” Eddy said after the race. “But we wanted the insurance of fresh tires and plenty of gas.”

“Staying out was our only shot,” Miller said in explaining why he elected not to pit during the slowdown. “Mike was running super and our only chance was to put as many cars between us as possible and hope for the best.”

After the green returned for the final time on lap 386, Eddy needed only two laps to guide his Firebird past Miller and the defending ASA champion then went on to claim the winner’s $10,000 share of the $58,000-plus purse.

Behind Eddy and Miller at the finish, but two laps down was Jim Sauter. Fourth went to Terry Senneker, who was seven laps off the winner’s pace and fifth was claimed by Tom Jones, who completed 384 laps after starting 25th.

The demanding high banks of Winchester took their toll on some of the top contenders. Mark Martin dropped out on lap 71 with ignition problems. Multi-time winner Bob Senneker suffered an oil leak early on then was knocked out of contention when he hit the backstretch wall on lap 252. Dick Trickle, who shadowed Eddy and Miller early on, overheated with 100 laps remaining. Rusty Wallace, who won last year’s 400, surrendered three circuits after replacing a flat tire on lap 100. He struggled to complete 363 laps and finished 10th.


Results –


1. Mike Eddy
2. Butch Miller
3. Jim Sauter
4. Terry Senneker
5. Tom Jones
6. Bob Strait
7. Tim Fontana
8. Ken Stauffer
9. Bob Sensiba
10.Rusty Wallace
11.Don Collins
12.Terry Cater
13.Dave Jensen
14.Dennis Lampman
15.Bobby Dotter
16.Alan Kulwicki
17.Ken Harrison
18.Dick Trickle
19.Don Moon
20.Muttly Kurkowski

1954 – Harrison Cops Feature at Fair

 

Oklahoma City, Okla. (October 2, 1954) – Bill Harrison of Topeka, Kan., took the lead on the 97th lap, and went on to win the 200-lap International Motor Contest Association stock car feature race at the Oklahoma State Fair on Saturday.

It was only the second feature win of the season for Harrison, who has finished third eight times and has had more hard luck than any other driver on the IMCA stock car circuit.

His winning time was 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 30 seconds, some 10 minutes slower than the world mark for the 100-mile distance. Harrison may have threatened the record had the field not been slowed several times because of accidents.

Don White of Keokuk, Iowa grabbed the lead at the onset and held on until the 50th lap when a piston broke, and his car was forced out of action.

At that point, Ernie Derr of Fort Madison, Iowa, the 1953 national stock car champion, moved into the lead. He stayed out front until lap 79 when he hit some water on the track, spun out and hit the fence.

He spent the next 15 circuits in the pits before getting back into the race. The water on the track resulted in a broke radiator hose from another car.

Harrison took over first place after Derr’s mishap and was never overtaken the rest of the race. Engine difficulty slowed his car six laps from the finish, but the motor finally responded before Harrison could be seriously threatened.

The most spectacular flip of the race occurred on lap 173 when Robert “Doc” Narber of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, blew a tire and flipped high in the air over the fence. The car was completely demolished but Narber escaped without injury.

Derr came back from his long pit stop and turned in some great driving to finish seventh. The starting field included 17 cars with 12 car still on the track at the end.


Results –

1. Bill Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
2. Bob Carpenter, Wabash, Ind.
3. Roxy Dancy, Shreveport, La.
4. Bob Potter, Duluth, Minn.
5. Russell Cross, Quincy, Ill.
6. Ray Vance, Springfield, Mo.
7. Ernie Derr, Fort Madison, Iowa