12th Annual Central
New York Stock Car
Hall of Fame
Reunion and
Induction.
This time I needed a list..Ok,
camera, charge batteries,
print pictures, (make sure you
have enough sharpies, good
ones), notebook, gonna be hot
- better bring a sweat rag, load
the 151, charge the battery,
has it got any gas? Not much.
Get gas. Phone calls, print
more pictures and crop them
out blah blah blah. There is a
lot of this going on behind the
scenes all week long as
members of our club prepare
for what we consider one of
the best events of our
schedule. And we've got it
easy, especially compared to
people like Jim and Kay
Chase who have been at this
for months. And Mike Newell,
who despite feeling under the
weather had the grounds at
the Otsego County Fairground
looking sharp. The set up was
nearly complete when I
arrived with the 151, Dad was
off getting another and I
hustled to join him and get
the Mouseville Monster.
Pulling into the drive I could
see he was already tired but
the '37 was on the trailer
looking good. "I've been up
since 5, I'm already beat."
Apparently the P-13 was
cantankerous this week and
required some distributor
work and now as I climbed
aboard the Monster, it's acting
up too. Fuel pump isn't
working. "Gotta know the
combination" Dad relates and
whacks the rear firewall, fuel
pump takes off and it fires up.
Off we go.
Similar scenes are taking
place in Franklin, Morris,
Gilbertsville, Bridgewater and
Vernon. Mike Newell and
John Mason struggle with
flatheads, dead batteries and
empty gas tanks. Brakes?
You've got to be kidding right?
It's a race car, brakes just slow
you down.. My point in
mentioning all this is that
even though it isn't a race,
many of these cars haven't
been exercised in a while and
can be balky. It takes as much
effort to get cars to an event
(and often more, under duress
no less) such as this as any
race. And was it ever worth
the effort. Once all set up
around 11:00 Am, I counted
nearly 25 nostalgic race cars
ranging from 'B' Class
flatheads to asphalt modifieds,
sprints and late models. An
impressive display put on by
our club members and I want
everyone in the club to know
that it was well appreciated by
all in attendance.
OK, it's a little hot and muggy
but sure beats the weather
coming soon. NO complaints,
wipe my brow and the jaws
are flappin'. Donnie Newell is
always a welcome site and full
of his usual good natured
chatter. I have the pleasure of
meeting Fred Decarr and
small talk flatheads. Fred's
first car he worked on sits
right next to us - the P-13. I
hope to get up and see him
this winter to do an interview.
Marty and Bonnie Ackely stop
by to say hello. Ray Bunzey
shows us a nice valve guide
remover for flatheads, never
seen one like it, learn
something every day. Alan
Weaver stops by "man it's hot
ain't it", Alan brings a towel
too. John Mason has brought
the Don Yeingst #44
Barracuda out, along with a
neat go kart, full springer.
Alan Tatich has set up a
beautiful display alongside his
Latell sprinter, nicely done
and shows clips from a sprint
car race at Morris in 1949.
There is literally eye candy (at
least for car aficionado's)
everywhere. I spot Jerry
Townley talking with his
former car owner, John Cross.
Time to get the helmet, I've
been collecting autographs on
this old Bell for years, time to
get some more. Dick Sweet
shows up and immediately
draws a crowd. Larry Witter is
all smiles and aw shucks,
great guy Larry. John and
Barb Clark have the Turner
#10 looking sharp and Al is
looking good too. It's fair to
say that everyone on hand is
enjoying themselves despite
the heat. The Morris High
School Band starts playing,
the chicken bar-b-que is
delicious, (be eating that all
week) and bench racing is non
stop. I chat with Carl
Carpenter a bit, he's hot
rodding now and enjoying
himself. I think I'll be joining
him soon in that hobby. A
cruise in is also being held
and there's plenty of nice cars
there as well. Plus some
NASCAR entries, a Jeff
Gordon car, a former Curtis
Turner Galaxy (real sharp)
and Brent Cross's ARCA
entry. Nice stuff everywhere
and plenty of memorabilia
inside the hall as well as in
Richard and Sharon Parry's
trailer which is set up like a
miniature museum.
It's getting near 2:00 now, Al
Sanders extends a handshake
and relates he's feeling better
lately but it's nearly time to
get inside. Too late, standing
room only. It's cooler in the
doorway anyways, nice breeze.
At least it isn't raining this
year. A nice benediction and
then the national anthem and
we're ready to start our
engines. Jim Chase
commences the induction
with thanks to the many
sponsors who make this event
possible, most notably
Gates-Cole Insurance
Company who has graciously
sponsored the event for years.
Recognition awards are given
to all car owners of the
MASCC as well all others who
brought cars to the event, a
nice touch as it's always good
to show appreciation. Richard
Parry took over at this point to
present the HOF inductions,
I'm glad he's doing it instead
of me, (so's Jim). Don Pierce is
the first inductee and accepts
his award with dignity and
pride, he's obviously pleased.
Next up is Larry Witter who
has what I would call a
permanent grin from ear to
ear. Larry has truly felt
honored by this award and
already calls it one his
highlights of his career. Lukey
Miller accepts the Phoenix
Award on behalf of the Otsego
County Fair Association, he's
no novice at the mike and
relates his appreciation with
great aplomb. Don Beagell
was honored next but
unfortunately couldn't make it
to the event, a shame, we were
all looking forward to
congratulating him. Jim
Chase accepted the plaque on
his behalf. Al Turner was up
next and shared the stage
with John and Barb Clark,
who restored his #10 late
model to a condition as good
as it ever raced at. Maybe
better. Al again was most
gracious in accepting his
award. Last up was Richard
Sweet. Rick Parry suits up in
a tux and relates he
remembers seeing Dicky start
a race in one once, so turn
around is certainly fair play.
Dicky's induction is popular
as he accepts the Pioneer
Award. Again he's eloquent at
the mike in relating his
feelings as to what this means
to him personally, as with all
inductees, it's important and
there is deserved pride
displayed by all, a good day
for both them and us.
Snapping photo's next to
buddy Otto Graham I can't
help but feel a little
inadequate, his camera is at
least three times the size of
mine.. with the induction
over, I beg off as the door
prizes and raffles taking place.
Bang the rear firewall and
load up the Monster, quick
trip to Dad's and drop it off
then back for the 151. It's
rained in the meantime and
cooled things off, nice. The
rain follows us to the
fairgrounds and is welcomed,
feels great. And it held off just
long enough to get the event
in. Traveling home I go
through things in my mind,
conversations, snapshots of
time in my mind - I can't
think of one negative thing
about today, no scowls, no
arguments, no challenges,
just smiles and happy people.
A great day for sure and one
I'll not soon forget. Many
thanks to Jim and Kay Chase
for heading up the event,
Mike Newell for all his hard
work, to all the car owners
who displayed their wares and
to Gates-Cole and all sponsors
who help make it a reality.
Congratulations to all 2007
inductees, we'll see you all
next year and have another
good time.
And now, we'll let the pictures
do the rest of the talking..
New York Stock Car
Hall of Fame
Reunion and
Induction.
This time I needed a list..Ok,
camera, charge batteries,
print pictures, (make sure you
have enough sharpies, good
ones), notebook, gonna be hot
- better bring a sweat rag, load
the 151, charge the battery,
has it got any gas? Not much.
Get gas. Phone calls, print
more pictures and crop them
out blah blah blah. There is a
lot of this going on behind the
scenes all week long as
members of our club prepare
for what we consider one of
the best events of our
schedule. And we've got it
easy, especially compared to
people like Jim and Kay
Chase who have been at this
for months. And Mike Newell,
who despite feeling under the
weather had the grounds at
the Otsego County Fairground
looking sharp. The set up was
nearly complete when I
arrived with the 151, Dad was
off getting another and I
hustled to join him and get
the Mouseville Monster.
Pulling into the drive I could
see he was already tired but
the '37 was on the trailer
looking good. "I've been up
since 5, I'm already beat."
Apparently the P-13 was
cantankerous this week and
required some distributor
work and now as I climbed
aboard the Monster, it's acting
up too. Fuel pump isn't
working. "Gotta know the
combination" Dad relates and
whacks the rear firewall, fuel
pump takes off and it fires up.
Off we go.
Similar scenes are taking
place in Franklin, Morris,
Gilbertsville, Bridgewater and
Vernon. Mike Newell and
John Mason struggle with
flatheads, dead batteries and
empty gas tanks. Brakes?
You've got to be kidding right?
It's a race car, brakes just slow
you down.. My point in
mentioning all this is that
even though it isn't a race,
many of these cars haven't
been exercised in a while and
can be balky. It takes as much
effort to get cars to an event
(and often more, under duress
no less) such as this as any
race. And was it ever worth
the effort. Once all set up
around 11:00 Am, I counted
nearly 25 nostalgic race cars
ranging from 'B' Class
flatheads to asphalt modifieds,
sprints and late models. An
impressive display put on by
our club members and I want
everyone in the club to know
that it was well appreciated by
all in attendance.
OK, it's a little hot and muggy
but sure beats the weather
coming soon. NO complaints,
wipe my brow and the jaws
are flappin'. Donnie Newell is
always a welcome site and full
of his usual good natured
chatter. I have the pleasure of
meeting Fred Decarr and
small talk flatheads. Fred's
first car he worked on sits
right next to us - the P-13. I
hope to get up and see him
this winter to do an interview.
Marty and Bonnie Ackely stop
by to say hello. Ray Bunzey
shows us a nice valve guide
remover for flatheads, never
seen one like it, learn
something every day. Alan
Weaver stops by "man it's hot
ain't it", Alan brings a towel
too. John Mason has brought
the Don Yeingst #44
Barracuda out, along with a
neat go kart, full springer.
Alan Tatich has set up a
beautiful display alongside his
Latell sprinter, nicely done
and shows clips from a sprint
car race at Morris in 1949.
There is literally eye candy (at
least for car aficionado's)
everywhere. I spot Jerry
Townley talking with his
former car owner, John Cross.
Time to get the helmet, I've
been collecting autographs on
this old Bell for years, time to
get some more. Dick Sweet
shows up and immediately
draws a crowd. Larry Witter is
all smiles and aw shucks,
great guy Larry. John and
Barb Clark have the Turner
#10 looking sharp and Al is
looking good too. It's fair to
say that everyone on hand is
enjoying themselves despite
the heat. The Morris High
School Band starts playing,
the chicken bar-b-que is
delicious, (be eating that all
week) and bench racing is non
stop. I chat with Carl
Carpenter a bit, he's hot
rodding now and enjoying
himself. I think I'll be joining
him soon in that hobby. A
cruise in is also being held
and there's plenty of nice cars
there as well. Plus some
NASCAR entries, a Jeff
Gordon car, a former Curtis
Turner Galaxy (real sharp)
and Brent Cross's ARCA
entry. Nice stuff everywhere
and plenty of memorabilia
inside the hall as well as in
Richard and Sharon Parry's
trailer which is set up like a
miniature museum.
It's getting near 2:00 now, Al
Sanders extends a handshake
and relates he's feeling better
lately but it's nearly time to
get inside. Too late, standing
room only. It's cooler in the
doorway anyways, nice breeze.
At least it isn't raining this
year. A nice benediction and
then the national anthem and
we're ready to start our
engines. Jim Chase
commences the induction
with thanks to the many
sponsors who make this event
possible, most notably
Gates-Cole Insurance
Company who has graciously
sponsored the event for years.
Recognition awards are given
to all car owners of the
MASCC as well all others who
brought cars to the event, a
nice touch as it's always good
to show appreciation. Richard
Parry took over at this point to
present the HOF inductions,
I'm glad he's doing it instead
of me, (so's Jim). Don Pierce is
the first inductee and accepts
his award with dignity and
pride, he's obviously pleased.
Next up is Larry Witter who
has what I would call a
permanent grin from ear to
ear. Larry has truly felt
honored by this award and
already calls it one his
highlights of his career. Lukey
Miller accepts the Phoenix
Award on behalf of the Otsego
County Fair Association, he's
no novice at the mike and
relates his appreciation with
great aplomb. Don Beagell
was honored next but
unfortunately couldn't make it
to the event, a shame, we were
all looking forward to
congratulating him. Jim
Chase accepted the plaque on
his behalf. Al Turner was up
next and shared the stage
with John and Barb Clark,
who restored his #10 late
model to a condition as good
as it ever raced at. Maybe
better. Al again was most
gracious in accepting his
award. Last up was Richard
Sweet. Rick Parry suits up in
a tux and relates he
remembers seeing Dicky start
a race in one once, so turn
around is certainly fair play.
Dicky's induction is popular
as he accepts the Pioneer
Award. Again he's eloquent at
the mike in relating his
feelings as to what this means
to him personally, as with all
inductees, it's important and
there is deserved pride
displayed by all, a good day
for both them and us.
Snapping photo's next to
buddy Otto Graham I can't
help but feel a little
inadequate, his camera is at
least three times the size of
mine.. with the induction
over, I beg off as the door
prizes and raffles taking place.
Bang the rear firewall and
load up the Monster, quick
trip to Dad's and drop it off
then back for the 151. It's
rained in the meantime and
cooled things off, nice. The
rain follows us to the
fairgrounds and is welcomed,
feels great. And it held off just
long enough to get the event
in. Traveling home I go
through things in my mind,
conversations, snapshots of
time in my mind - I can't
think of one negative thing
about today, no scowls, no
arguments, no challenges,
just smiles and happy people.
A great day for sure and one
I'll not soon forget. Many
thanks to Jim and Kay Chase
for heading up the event,
Mike Newell for all his hard
work, to all the car owners
who displayed their wares and
to Gates-Cole and all sponsors
who help make it a reality.
Congratulations to all 2007
inductees, we'll see you all
next year and have another
good time.
And now, we'll let the pictures
do the rest of the talking..
Don Pierce
Larry Witter
Don Beagell
Al Turner
Dick Sweet
Otto Graham Photos
FYI
If any one wants more
Tee-shirts I will be placing
an order this week.
Please let me know what
size you need and send
payment to me ASAP to
-PO Box 533, E.Syracuse,NY
13057
-medium, large or XL
$12.00 (+3.00) shipping or
I'll hold them till I see you
I have a small supply of 2X
& 3X left $14.00 "
" "
Thanks again!
Jim Chase
If any one wants more
Tee-shirts I will be placing
an order this week.
Please let me know what
size you need and send
payment to me ASAP to
-PO Box 533, E.Syracuse,NY
13057
-medium, large or XL
$12.00 (+3.00) shipping or
I'll hold them till I see you
I have a small supply of 2X
& 3X left $14.00 "
" "
Thanks again!
Jim Chase
Thanks to all for a great day.
