| Penn Can Speedway - Legends of Penn Can and Syracuse Nationals 7/14/06 |
Hard work pays off. On Friday night the
club traveled to Susquehanna, Pa. to
Penn Can Speedway for the ‘Legends of
Penn Can’ and Pappy Beavan Memorial
events. Promoters Reed Miller and Al
Wilcox have truly turned this track into a
showplace and the packed pits and
crowd reflects their effort. Nice track,
smooth as glass, great lighting, ample pit
space and some of the best side by side
racing to be found in the Southern Tier.
It’s a nice place to spend a Friday
evening and so to start I want to thank
Reed and Al for having us for this special
night in which many former drivers were
in attendance. Roger, Don Jr. and Gary
Beagell made the show which was
sponsored by Gary’s U-Pull-It. Also on
hand were former promoters Stewart
Rice and Harry Marvin, top dog runners
Stubby Stevens, ‘Crazy’ Eddie Rafferty,
Red Harrington, Carl ‘Bub’ Nagel, Gordy
Isham, Bud Cary, Pete Kozak, Jerry
Whitmarsh and a host of others, over 35
in all to meet and greet with the fans for
a reunion which will certainly become an
annul event.
It was so hot that even the mosquitos
were seeking shade and let us be.
Driving down Route 79 from Windsor the
effects of the recent flooding were clearly
evident but neither the sultry heat nor
recent troubles kept fans away. Pulling
up the pit gate and I figured we’d be
early but found that we were 6th in line,
with all ahead of us club members. The
dedication these guys have to our club is
especially encouraging, it’s a one for all
and all for one group that gets along well
and plays well. I want to thank each and
every one of them for their effort. This is
out of pocket for each of us and so it
takes a commitment to put on these
events. The fans and racers appreciate it
though which makes it all worth while,
after all, our racing heritage is worth
preserving which is what the club is all
about and these guys are making it
happen.
Into the pits and stop to talk with welder
Joe Donahue Jr., he’s drag racing this
year and is in the 140’s on the eighth @
Skyline Drags already. ‘It’s quite an
experience getting used to the speed’ he
relates but is shooting for more already
as he plans to ‘uncork’ it and top 150
this weekend. Unload and make the
rounds, sweaty smiling faces greet us as
the show gets organized and mechanics
make last minute adjustments. John
Ross is welding a patch on the 2K’s
headers, Gary Wood is changing tires, I
note that Gary’s not in his fire suit yet, a
rarity. I think sometimes he gets up on
race day and wears it to work. Dad has
small rubber on and I’m glad I brought
my electric wheel wrench, I can see a tire
change a’comin’. Mike Newell and John
Mason have the Pink Panther and Chuck
Corey #15 behind the grandstand. Mike
related they had interesting trip getting
back from Franklin where they picked
up the Corey car from Mel Ogden.
Apparently they were ‘brake challenged’
coming down the road from the Sidney
Dam. To add to that their tow vehicle lost
a bit of tranny fluid on the trip to Pennsy
and warmed their footie toes, twice.
“Wouldn't miss this for the world” was
how Mike put it. Difficulties aside, there
they were with cars on display and a
couple of Chuck Akulis 1972 Penn Can
trophies to boot.
Onto the track for warmups and it’s
gonna be a good night, the track is in
excellent shape and the car is running
good. The B29 isn’t the only one
running good, Rockola’s 99, Howdy
Witter in the #4 looks good as does the
2K of Jim Chase. Back into the pits and
get the lineup worked out. Dad’s
touched the wall in 4, the tire change is
in full swing as it’s pushing like my old
Willy’s in Mid-February. Done with that
and there’s time to relax, the sun is
going down a bit and it’s cooling off.
Everyone welcomes the relief. The call
comes and we’re off for our heat. Gary
takes us to green but Jim Chase jumps
the 2K to the lead. Tom Witter has
brought the Toomey owned Red #9 and
is knocking the rust off while his
nephew Howdy is working towards the
front. Rockola blasts by to challenge and
by lap 4 the order is Chase, Howdy,
Rockola, B29, Tom Witter, Gary and Dad.
Howdy makes the move on lap 5 to the
point with Rockola following into 2nd a
lap later. The 2K is wide and I can’t find
a way around. Rockola challenges Howdy
on several occasions but the Jimmy
proves too stout and Howdy clicks off the
win with Rockola, Chase, B29, Tom
Witter, Gary Wood and Dad rounding out
the field.
“No snap” Dad relates in the pits, “and it’
s still pushing.” The temp. is only 130,
brother, too rich and he changes jets.
We figure the track will dry up and leave
the tires alone. Tom Witter has the same
problem and adds stagger, I tell Dad to
throw it in and try that, we cross our
fingers and then Mike brings the
Panther over to pace the field for the
feature. “I wanted to get Roger Beagell to
drive it but I couldn’t find him” he tells
us, but I think he’s pleased to be able to
clean the pipes himself. We congregate
around the car, Mike’s done an
outstanding job and he draws a crowd,
well deserved. He hops in gleefully and
fires up the small block, we’re off for the
feature.
Dad and Gary lead us to green but Tom
Witter has other plans, the stagger
change has worked the Red #9 is
percolating as he takes it to the front.
So’s Howdy who makes quick work in
getting to second on lap 2 while Chase
waits for an opportunity. Back in the
pack Rockola, Wood, the 43A and B29
dice. This is fun, no dust, the track is
still as smooth as a pool table and my
neckerchief is barely hiding my grin. I
turn up the volume a bit and slip past
Gary and Dad, have to keep Rockola in
sight. Howdy navigates his uncle on lap
4 to take the lead but Tom’s not giving
way easy, Rockola and I get to the 2K
but Jim has the right gear in and is
quick off the corner, just quick enough
to hold us at bay. We swap positions
between us for several laps, it’s great
knowing these guys and how they race,
inches apart and never a touch, then
engines are singing in full throng and
it’s heavenly. This much fun should be
illegal. By lap 10 Howdy’s opening it up
a bit while we thrash for a top 5, Jim’s
not giving way and still trying to run
down Tom Witter as the flag falls over
Howdy’s Jimmy. Final: Howdy Witter
(50’s class winner), Tom Witter (60’s
class winner), Jim Chase, B29, Rockola,
43A and Gary Wood. Gary’s had some
trouble on the last lap and clipped the
Ute tire in turn 1 rearranging a nerf bar.
Those Utes don’t move much as Gary put
it. In victory lane and afterward in the
pits the Witter’s are all smiles and take
their well earned congrats happily.
Howdy’s been working 12 hours shift for
two weeks straight with flood cleanup
and looked tired upon arrival, he doesn’t
look so tired now as he smiles with his
trophy. Hard work does pay off. Tom is
equally pleased and thankful that Tom
Toomey allowed him to borrow the ride.
Toomey may want it back sooner now.
One, Two for the Witter’s, it was a
satisfying night, all cars on the trailer in
one piece which is the best news of all.
Kudos and thanks must go to: Sue Lowe
for keeping score, Nikki for organizing
and taking pictures, Larry Witter for
setting our lineup, John Mason and
Mike Newell for bringing the show cars
and all at Penn Can for making our
evening so enjoyable. Also want to thank
photographer Ted Schmidt for providing
us with his wonderful shots, great job by
everyone.
In other club activities this past week
Sharon Parry proudly copped the Norm
“Moyer the Mover’ award with her #37
Jack Johnson Falcon at the Oneida car
show on July 8th. At the Syracuse
Nationals Hot Rod show this past
weekend, members Alan Weaver and
John McCullough displayed their
Sonney Seamon built #77 and Bernie
Miller #41 asphalt modifieds for the fans
enjoyment. All this involvement from our
members is building our club’s
reputation with positive results as we’re
continuing to get offers to do events
weekly. Thanks to all.
We’re off next week to attend to other
issues in our life then hit the track again
on July 29 at Skyline in Blodgett Mills,
NY. Hope to see you there.
club traveled to Susquehanna, Pa. to
Penn Can Speedway for the ‘Legends of
Penn Can’ and Pappy Beavan Memorial
events. Promoters Reed Miller and Al
Wilcox have truly turned this track into a
showplace and the packed pits and
crowd reflects their effort. Nice track,
smooth as glass, great lighting, ample pit
space and some of the best side by side
racing to be found in the Southern Tier.
It’s a nice place to spend a Friday
evening and so to start I want to thank
Reed and Al for having us for this special
night in which many former drivers were
in attendance. Roger, Don Jr. and Gary
Beagell made the show which was
sponsored by Gary’s U-Pull-It. Also on
hand were former promoters Stewart
Rice and Harry Marvin, top dog runners
Stubby Stevens, ‘Crazy’ Eddie Rafferty,
Red Harrington, Carl ‘Bub’ Nagel, Gordy
Isham, Bud Cary, Pete Kozak, Jerry
Whitmarsh and a host of others, over 35
in all to meet and greet with the fans for
a reunion which will certainly become an
annul event.
It was so hot that even the mosquitos
were seeking shade and let us be.
Driving down Route 79 from Windsor the
effects of the recent flooding were clearly
evident but neither the sultry heat nor
recent troubles kept fans away. Pulling
up the pit gate and I figured we’d be
early but found that we were 6th in line,
with all ahead of us club members. The
dedication these guys have to our club is
especially encouraging, it’s a one for all
and all for one group that gets along well
and plays well. I want to thank each and
every one of them for their effort. This is
out of pocket for each of us and so it
takes a commitment to put on these
events. The fans and racers appreciate it
though which makes it all worth while,
after all, our racing heritage is worth
preserving which is what the club is all
about and these guys are making it
happen.
Into the pits and stop to talk with welder
Joe Donahue Jr., he’s drag racing this
year and is in the 140’s on the eighth @
Skyline Drags already. ‘It’s quite an
experience getting used to the speed’ he
relates but is shooting for more already
as he plans to ‘uncork’ it and top 150
this weekend. Unload and make the
rounds, sweaty smiling faces greet us as
the show gets organized and mechanics
make last minute adjustments. John
Ross is welding a patch on the 2K’s
headers, Gary Wood is changing tires, I
note that Gary’s not in his fire suit yet, a
rarity. I think sometimes he gets up on
race day and wears it to work. Dad has
small rubber on and I’m glad I brought
my electric wheel wrench, I can see a tire
change a’comin’. Mike Newell and John
Mason have the Pink Panther and Chuck
Corey #15 behind the grandstand. Mike
related they had interesting trip getting
back from Franklin where they picked
up the Corey car from Mel Ogden.
Apparently they were ‘brake challenged’
coming down the road from the Sidney
Dam. To add to that their tow vehicle lost
a bit of tranny fluid on the trip to Pennsy
and warmed their footie toes, twice.
“Wouldn't miss this for the world” was
how Mike put it. Difficulties aside, there
they were with cars on display and a
couple of Chuck Akulis 1972 Penn Can
trophies to boot.
Onto the track for warmups and it’s
gonna be a good night, the track is in
excellent shape and the car is running
good. The B29 isn’t the only one
running good, Rockola’s 99, Howdy
Witter in the #4 looks good as does the
2K of Jim Chase. Back into the pits and
get the lineup worked out. Dad’s
touched the wall in 4, the tire change is
in full swing as it’s pushing like my old
Willy’s in Mid-February. Done with that
and there’s time to relax, the sun is
going down a bit and it’s cooling off.
Everyone welcomes the relief. The call
comes and we’re off for our heat. Gary
takes us to green but Jim Chase jumps
the 2K to the lead. Tom Witter has
brought the Toomey owned Red #9 and
is knocking the rust off while his
nephew Howdy is working towards the
front. Rockola blasts by to challenge and
by lap 4 the order is Chase, Howdy,
Rockola, B29, Tom Witter, Gary and Dad.
Howdy makes the move on lap 5 to the
point with Rockola following into 2nd a
lap later. The 2K is wide and I can’t find
a way around. Rockola challenges Howdy
on several occasions but the Jimmy
proves too stout and Howdy clicks off the
win with Rockola, Chase, B29, Tom
Witter, Gary Wood and Dad rounding out
the field.
“No snap” Dad relates in the pits, “and it’
s still pushing.” The temp. is only 130,
brother, too rich and he changes jets.
We figure the track will dry up and leave
the tires alone. Tom Witter has the same
problem and adds stagger, I tell Dad to
throw it in and try that, we cross our
fingers and then Mike brings the
Panther over to pace the field for the
feature. “I wanted to get Roger Beagell to
drive it but I couldn’t find him” he tells
us, but I think he’s pleased to be able to
clean the pipes himself. We congregate
around the car, Mike’s done an
outstanding job and he draws a crowd,
well deserved. He hops in gleefully and
fires up the small block, we’re off for the
feature.
Dad and Gary lead us to green but Tom
Witter has other plans, the stagger
change has worked the Red #9 is
percolating as he takes it to the front.
So’s Howdy who makes quick work in
getting to second on lap 2 while Chase
waits for an opportunity. Back in the
pack Rockola, Wood, the 43A and B29
dice. This is fun, no dust, the track is
still as smooth as a pool table and my
neckerchief is barely hiding my grin. I
turn up the volume a bit and slip past
Gary and Dad, have to keep Rockola in
sight. Howdy navigates his uncle on lap
4 to take the lead but Tom’s not giving
way easy, Rockola and I get to the 2K
but Jim has the right gear in and is
quick off the corner, just quick enough
to hold us at bay. We swap positions
between us for several laps, it’s great
knowing these guys and how they race,
inches apart and never a touch, then
engines are singing in full throng and
it’s heavenly. This much fun should be
illegal. By lap 10 Howdy’s opening it up
a bit while we thrash for a top 5, Jim’s
not giving way and still trying to run
down Tom Witter as the flag falls over
Howdy’s Jimmy. Final: Howdy Witter
(50’s class winner), Tom Witter (60’s
class winner), Jim Chase, B29, Rockola,
43A and Gary Wood. Gary’s had some
trouble on the last lap and clipped the
Ute tire in turn 1 rearranging a nerf bar.
Those Utes don’t move much as Gary put
it. In victory lane and afterward in the
pits the Witter’s are all smiles and take
their well earned congrats happily.
Howdy’s been working 12 hours shift for
two weeks straight with flood cleanup
and looked tired upon arrival, he doesn’t
look so tired now as he smiles with his
trophy. Hard work does pay off. Tom is
equally pleased and thankful that Tom
Toomey allowed him to borrow the ride.
Toomey may want it back sooner now.
One, Two for the Witter’s, it was a
satisfying night, all cars on the trailer in
one piece which is the best news of all.
Kudos and thanks must go to: Sue Lowe
for keeping score, Nikki for organizing
and taking pictures, Larry Witter for
setting our lineup, John Mason and
Mike Newell for bringing the show cars
and all at Penn Can for making our
evening so enjoyable. Also want to thank
photographer Ted Schmidt for providing
us with his wonderful shots, great job by
everyone.
In other club activities this past week
Sharon Parry proudly copped the Norm
“Moyer the Mover’ award with her #37
Jack Johnson Falcon at the Oneida car
show on July 8th. At the Syracuse
Nationals Hot Rod show this past
weekend, members Alan Weaver and
John McCullough displayed their
Sonney Seamon built #77 and Bernie
Miller #41 asphalt modifieds for the fans
enjoyment. All this involvement from our
members is building our club’s
reputation with positive results as we’re
continuing to get offers to do events
weekly. Thanks to all.
We’re off next week to attend to other
issues in our life then hit the track again
on July 29 at Skyline in Blodgett Mills,
NY. Hope to see you there.
LEGENDS OF PENN CAN NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS - By Reed Miller
Susquehanna, PA…The first ever “Legends of Penn Can Night” held
Friday July 14th must be considered a major success as over thirty five
veterans returned to the speedway to be part of the popular event. The large
gathering of former Penn Can stars were introduced to the large crowd and
shared some of their fond memories with Penn Can Speedway announcer Leon
Andrus during intermission. Andrus, a fixture himself at the speedway for
many years, shared many of his many recollections of the drivers present
entertaining all those in attendance. Former drivers making an appearance
included some of the great stars of Penn Can’s past including Don, Roger,
and Gary Beagell, Pete Kozak, Stubby Stevens, Gordy Isham, Eddie Rafferty,
Red Harrington, Carl Nagel, Buzz Gulick, Bud Carey, and many more too
numerous to name. Former promoters Seward Rice and Harry Marvin along
with long-time announce Cal Arthur were also on hand.
The legend theme of the evening was highlighted by two special races. The
MidState Antique Stock Car Club was on hand to present their special brand of
racing on the speedway as well as setting up a fine display behind the
main grandstand with the restored coupe of Penn Can favorite Chuck Akulis
and a car owned by Mel Ogden in original condition waiting to be restored.
Veteran car owner John Mason set up shop answering questions for all those
fans interested in the history of the cars on display and answering more
questions about Penn Can history. The Mid State race was won in the 50’s
division by Howdy Witter and Tom Witter was the 60’s winner.
The second featured race was run for the Penn Can pure stocks. The “Pappy
Beavan Memorial” is run annually in honor of the track founder. It always
features the entry level pure stocks at the speedway. Maylon Shoemaker of
Johnson City, New York held off a strong field to collect the $300 top
prize.
The first ever “Legends Night” was such a success plans will now be
started to make this an annual affair at Penn Can Speedway. Racing will
continue at the speedway every Friday throughout the summer into mid
September.
The speedway is located on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania just a
short drive from the Binghamton and Scranton areas. For more information
call the speedway office at 570-585-9928 or check our web page at
www.penncan.com.
The speedway is sponsored in part for the 2006 season by great corporate
partners including Don’s Automotive Mall, Gary’s U-Pull-It,
Pump-N-Pantry Stores, Trackside Products, Bernheisel Race Components, Pine
Line Auto, Stone Excavating, American Race Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuels.
Susquehanna, PA…The first ever “Legends of Penn Can Night” held
Friday July 14th must be considered a major success as over thirty five
veterans returned to the speedway to be part of the popular event. The large
gathering of former Penn Can stars were introduced to the large crowd and
shared some of their fond memories with Penn Can Speedway announcer Leon
Andrus during intermission. Andrus, a fixture himself at the speedway for
many years, shared many of his many recollections of the drivers present
entertaining all those in attendance. Former drivers making an appearance
included some of the great stars of Penn Can’s past including Don, Roger,
and Gary Beagell, Pete Kozak, Stubby Stevens, Gordy Isham, Eddie Rafferty,
Red Harrington, Carl Nagel, Buzz Gulick, Bud Carey, and many more too
numerous to name. Former promoters Seward Rice and Harry Marvin along
with long-time announce Cal Arthur were also on hand.
The legend theme of the evening was highlighted by two special races. The
MidState Antique Stock Car Club was on hand to present their special brand of
racing on the speedway as well as setting up a fine display behind the
main grandstand with the restored coupe of Penn Can favorite Chuck Akulis
and a car owned by Mel Ogden in original condition waiting to be restored.
Veteran car owner John Mason set up shop answering questions for all those
fans interested in the history of the cars on display and answering more
questions about Penn Can history. The Mid State race was won in the 50’s
division by Howdy Witter and Tom Witter was the 60’s winner.
The second featured race was run for the Penn Can pure stocks. The “Pappy
Beavan Memorial” is run annually in honor of the track founder. It always
features the entry level pure stocks at the speedway. Maylon Shoemaker of
Johnson City, New York held off a strong field to collect the $300 top
prize.
The first ever “Legends Night” was such a success plans will now be
started to make this an annual affair at Penn Can Speedway. Racing will
continue at the speedway every Friday throughout the summer into mid
September.
The speedway is located on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania just a
short drive from the Binghamton and Scranton areas. For more information
call the speedway office at 570-585-9928 or check our web page at
www.penncan.com.
The speedway is sponsored in part for the 2006 season by great corporate
partners including Don’s Automotive Mall, Gary’s U-Pull-It,
Pump-N-Pantry Stores, Trackside Products, Bernheisel Race Components, Pine
Line Auto, Stone Excavating, American Race Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuels.
~ Ted Schmidt Photographs ~
'Legends of Penn Can' 7/14/06
'Legends of Penn Can' 7/14/06
All Photo's below by Ted Schmidt, see our Sources
page for contact if you'd like to purchase any.
page for contact if you'd like to purchase any.
~Thank -you Ted ~
