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| ~GUEST BOOK~ |
| Click here to send us your post: Guestbook@midstateantiquestockcarclub.com Your comments will be added as we update our site Thank you! |
| 6/22/08 I'm saddend to report that Chick Stockwell of Woodbury, Conn. lost nearly everything he owned in a fire at his residence on June 10th. He lost all of his possessions to the fire started by lightning, including his memorabilia, trophies and a nicely restored 1936 Ford Stock car, his first that he raced at the Danbury Arena. Stockwell is the all time Modified winners leader at the now defunct track and amassed 207 career wins on the oval. He won nine track championships as well as six consecutive most popular driver awards from 1976 to 1981. Truly a shame, if I get any info on his new address I'll pass it along. Best wishes to you Chick. - Jeff 6/13/08 AUTO MUSEUM ADDS WILSON’S P-13 TO SYRACUSE EXHIBIT Saratoga Springs, NY The very popular “Syracuse Mile” exhibit in the Racing in New York gallery of the Saratoga Automobile Museum recently lost one noteworthy race car but gained another of great interest. “The very popular Batmobile that Gary Balough used to blow away the entire field at Syracuse had to go back to the DIRT Museum for their Hall of Fame program,” explained exhibit coordinator Ron Hedger. “In looking for a replacement, I found that Dick Ackerman had the P-13 available. It’s almost entirely original and people who have seen it in the gallery can’t believe that Tommy Wilson ran it well over 100 mph on the Syracuse mile.” Built originally by owner Charlie Pierce of Deansboro and mechanic Freddy DeCarr, who would go on to build and maintain the famed S-33 that Bill Wimble drove to a pair of NASCAR National Sportsman championships, the car shows how simple stock cars were in the early 1950’ s. A single roll bar offered Wilson minimal protection but the engine, full of California hot rod parts that most other owners had yet to acquire, made the car the one to beat around central New York. The team claimed the Eastern Mutual Racing Association championship at Brookfield, then the area’s most competitive track, in 1952 and ’53 and won at a half dozen other area tracks as well. Wilson won so often at Lafayette that he had one of short track racing’s most unusual handicaps. He was started in the front row but considered in last position, meaning he had to catch the rear of the field and pass everyone to get the lead. Still, he won more often than not. At Syracuse in 1952, he swapped the lead with nemesis Don Henderburg for a while, then led comfortably until the last lap, when a blown tire dropped him to second. He also ran third and sixth in the twin-feature 1954 Labor Day classic. The P-13 joins Cliff Kotary’s famed State Fair winning #90 and the gleaming Enterprise Machine Shop championship car once driven by New York hero Jim Hurtubise in the “Syracuse Mile” exhibit. More information on the Saratoga Automobile Museum, currently featuring a new GTO exhibit in the main gallery, is available on-line at www.saratogaautomuseum.org. 6/15/08 Thanks once again to Ron for showcasing one of our clubs cars, we're please to have it it the museum. - Jeff 6/13/08 Hello, Just a quick note to say hello and congratulations on the excellent website you have put together. As an avid flathead fan your website has been a great source of information and I love the andecdotal history that goes along with the tech~! After searching for a few hours one day looking for info on how I could identify a Merc 4" crank I came up with an idea that would collate as much of the flathead knowledge as I could in one place. There is so much great information out there but its usually spread out and sometimes hard to find. To this end I'm putting together a website that will focus on the hot rod flathead and would love to showcase your website and your club. The only thing it will cost you is a small amount of your time and hopefully, it will drive more traffic to your website and raise more awareness of what you do. The website is in development at this stage but if you think you may be interested, let me know and I'll send you a link as soon as its up. Kind Regards, Daniel Davis 6/15/08 Daniel - thanks so much for the compliments, glad you like our site and we'll be happy to link once your site is ready. - Jeff 5/26/08 ANN AND EDDIE ROBBINS ATTENDED A MEMORIAL DAY COOKOUT AND EARLY BIRTHDAY PARTY (MAY 28TH) FOR MARVIN PANCH WHO WILL BE 82 AND RAY FOX WHO WILL BE 92, TWO OF THE OLD NASCAR GREATS., WHO ARE STILL VERY ACTIVE IN THE LIVING LEGENDS OF AUTO RACING CLUB. ALSO BUMPED INTO AT THE PARTY, GEORGE GALLUP'S DAUGHTER WHO RACED ALL OVER UPPER NEW YORK STATE IN THE 40'S, 50'S AND EARLY 60'S. GEORGE DROVE 103 AND SOME FOR FRANK TRINKIS IN THE #62. ABOUT 50 PEOPLE ATTENDED AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. ATTACHED IS PICTURE OF THE TWO BIRTHDAY BOYS. MARVIN'S RESTORED SMOKEY YUNICK PONTIAC WHICH HE WON THE 1961 DAYTONA 500. THEY ARE HAVING A BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE LIVING LEGENDS MUSEUM ON SATURDAY, MAY 31 FROM 10-5, 2400 S. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, (SUNSHINE MALL) IN SOUTH DAYTONA, FLORIDA. 6/1/08 Thanks Eddie - hope you all had a great time - Jeff 5/20/08 CUBA LAKE RACEWAY 6th annual 50s and 60s stock car racing luncheon July 30th 2008 This is your invitation to attend the 6th annual CLR luncheon for all those that remember or have a love of stock car racing from those wonderful years of the 50s and 60s. Drivers, car owners, mechanics, track personnel and track owner/builders from tracks of WNY, Ontario and NWPA during that time will be attending. This year a special invitation is being made to drivers, mechanics, car owners and track personnel that ran in the 40s, 50s and 60s from the greater Jamestown area, Penny Royal track at Leon, NY and VFW Raceway at East Towanda, PA to attend along with others that look forward to attending again this year or for the first time. Last year drivers and others that were involved with the racing came from 7 States and Ontario to attend the luncheon. By receiving this invitation you and your family and friends are invited to attend this years event. The past CLR luncheons have become very popular with the whole stock car racing world it seems and I suggest you get your reservations in as soon as possible before it is completely sold out. This is your chance to be with and talk with these greats from that era of racing. A number of the young lyons that are the stock car champions currently also attend to meet the drivers they have only heard about. Moonwinks can handle 200 people max. and still have room for all of us to move around for visiting with friends, old and new, fans and lovers of 50's and 60's stock car racing that will be there for the luncheon. When: July 30th 2008 (Wed) Where: Moonwinks, just north of Cuba, NY ( 3 miles ) on rt. 305 and 1/2 mile from the CLR track. Watch your speed on I-86 and in the Cuba area as tickets are given out for any speeding infraction. Invitation deadline: I must receive your reservation and payment by: July 14th 2008 Time, luncheon info. and Cost: registration starts at 10:30 am with lunch starting at approx.12: 15. As we did last year two lines will be available for registration allowing for more time to visit and talk with all others. We have use of the restaurant until 4:00 pm so there will be plenty of time for our speaker, mc and all of us to visit with friends, new and old, and field those questions from the fans and get driver autographs and pictures. This year I have worked with the Moonwinks management and trimed our operations costs so the luncheon cost will be $1.00 less than past luncheons at $14.00 this year. It has always been my goal from the 2003 banquet forward to have the cost as low as possible so anyone that wants to attend can afford to do so. Our sit down served luncheon will begin with a molded cranberry salad, rolls & butter, beverage( choice of coffee, tea, iced tea or lemonade). Mixed drinks, wine or beer may be ordered, but are at additional cost. This year you and your companions will have the choice of one of the following two entrees: Scampi style Haddock fillet or Chicken "Divan". You must let me know how many of each with your RSVP. The entree you choose will come with potato and vegetable. Our luncheon will then conclude with a very nice dessert. Steve, the Manager of Moonwinks, is also a lover of 50s and 60s stock car racing and those of you that have attended past banquets will remember the great feed he puts on for us. Steve will go out of his way this year also to see that we are treated as Queens and Kings. Our luncheon will be "dutch treat" for all attending and the price of $14.00 per person includes everything food wise, beverage (except noted above), tax and gratuity. Remember I must receive your RSVP and payment by: July 14th 2008 at the latest as no day of the luncheon payments will be allowed. Because of the guarantee required by Moonwinks no refunds can be made. I will not be sending you tickets back. We will have your name and your companions on a master list that will be marked at registration on the 30th. Your only job the day of the luncheon is to register, sit back, visit, eat, enjoy our guest speaker and mc and relax. Program: I am very please to announce that Jim Scott has agreed to be our guest speaker this year. The residents of Garland PA know and regard Jim Scott as one of their most famous citizens. To further show the respect folks have for Jim he was elected into the Warren County Sports Hall of Fame in the Spring of 2008. Scott was a top race car driver throughout the area from 1956 to 1976. He made a name for himself on the local, regional and national racing scene. Over his career Scott has raced all over, including the dirt of Stateline and Eriez, and two international speedways of Daytona and Talledaga. He has raced at Holland, Conneaut, Mercer, Smuckers, Roll-O-Bowl, Pennsboro, West Virginia, Bristol, Tennessee, Perry, Smethport, Bradford, Olean, Skyline and Sulphur Springs. By 1970, Scott was winning many of the longer feature events back home. His luck ran out at Eriez Speedway as he suffered three broken vertebrae and a crushed spine in a racing accident. Hospitalized, he was forced to shut down his auto repair business and many said he would never walk again, let alone race. His determination would not be denied as he used his recuperating time to rebuild his body but also to build a 1969 Torino Talledaga for Daytona. He ran at Talledaga and was near the leaders when he lost the clutch in the final laps. He continued to be sucessful in racing until 1976. He has now left the racing legecy to his children, who are highly successful drivers. Our Master of Ceremonies this year is the well known and never a dull moment when around him Paul Faleski out of Buffalo. Paul also has a racing history behind him winning the 2000 Pro Truck championship at Holland Speedway. He is currently running a John Casey midget at several tracks around the area. Paul has also been President of the FOAR SCORE racing club (oldest club of its type in the Country) and is currently the Vice President. RSVP: Send payment, $14.00 per person, along with your name and the name of any companions attending with you and the entree choice for each of you to: Ford Easton, 5200 28th St. N. # 651, St. Petersburg, FL 33714. Make your check or mo payable to: Ford Easton. Should you need to contact me, phone 727-522-4042 or e-mail fjeaston@aol.com. Remember I must receive your reservation and payment by July 14th 2008. If you or any of your companions were a stock car driver please indicate that to me when you send your reservation and money. Those of you that I know personaly that drove don't need to indicate it. I just don't want a driver to slip by me without me knowing they drove. Ford Easton 5/7/08 To all across the Nation and Canada, In a recent conversation with Emory Mahan who was a great stock car driver in the 50s and 60s out of Warren PA and our guest speaker at the 2005 3rd annual CLR luncheon at Letchworth State Park Glen Iris Inn advised me that his brother Gordon had just been diagnosed with a very painful and terminal form of cancer. Gordon passed Monday 05May08 as advised by a friend in Warren, PA. He has now ended the suffering and pain that he was going through. I had many conversations with Gordon over the last 3 years or so. Gordon was a famous photographer with one of his greatest efforts being with the photos he took as the track photographer at many stock car tracks in PA and NY starting in the 40s. If you would like to send a card to the Mahan family I suggest sending it to the following address: Gordon Mahan family, 1205 East 5th Ave. Ext., Warren PA 16365 Ford Easton 5/1/08 Hi - the link below goes to a vintage race photo site I have been working on for the last year or so. I have it arranged by decades. http://www.kluthmotorsports.com/Photo%20Website/images_enter.htm I started it as a way to preserve & share some of my old photos that were deteriorating. I have 20 or so reels of slides yet to add, going back to the mid 1960's. My dad had a car at Spencer in the late 1950's, and we have been been involved with raceteams or as fans ever since. Enjoy! Terry Lynch Spencerport, NY 5/4/08 - Thanks Terry, great stuff. I've added the link to our 'links' page as well. - Jeff 4/29/08 I am looking for any information pertaining to my Dad’s (Monte Hollertz) old stock cars he raced in the mid 60’s. I don’t have any photos but they were # 22. He had three different ones with this number. Early 30 Chevys. One was last seen in the Columbus Nebraska area 30+ years ago. One (The Widow Maker)supposedly ended up by Valentine Nebraska or even in South Dakota in the late 60’s. The last one (Shantilly Lace) was last seen around Beaver City Nebraska in the late 80’s. Can anyone help? Thanks, Rob Hollertz - Holdrege, Nebraska 5/4/08 Rob can be reached at rhollertz@allmand.com if anyone has any info - Jeff 4/7/08 LOST SPEEDWAYS THREE READY FOR THE GREEN FLAG Saratoga Springs, NY The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Lost Speedways Three program, set for Sunday, April 27th at 1 pm, is ready for the green flag. "The line-up keeps changing but for certain we’ll have a quality field," said Racing in New York coordinator Ron Hedger. "Along with two major speedways, the Empire Raceway in Menands and the Altamont Fairgrounds, racing historian and photographer Les King will also discuss the Warrensburg Fairgrounds, Mettowee Speedway in North Granville, the Corinth Fairgrounds, Schuylerville’s Hudson River Speedway and McGregor Speedway north of Saratoga Springs. And Roger Liller, who is writing a book on racing in Dutchess County, will join us to give everyone a preview." "On the photo side, noted racing photographer Ray Masser of Souderton, PA will bring a collection of photos and articles covering action at the legendary Langhorne Speedway, the Reading Fairgrounds and the Trenton Speedway. He also has photos from Hatfield and Allentown along with shots of American legend Mario Andretti in the Mataka ‘3n1’ midget, with which he once won three features in one day. "For motorcycle lovers, Mark Supley will supplement his talk on gone but not forgotten flat tracks by displaying his restored 1975 Kawasaki 250 cc Champion-framed flattracker, originally owned by Perry Moak of Altamont." The lineup also includes journalist Andy Fusco discussing the Perth Speedway, Bill Ladabouche on the tracks along the Vermont/New York border and Kenny Gypson recalling the many tracks east of Troy. Fusco will be bringing a number of old-timers who were active in the extremely dangerous roadster era at Perth, along with a collection of amazing photos, and Bruce Carman will display his restored Whitbeck roadster, driven to a Perth championship by area hero Pete Corey. National Speed Sport News columnist Gary London, who planned to recall racing at the Polo Grounds, indoors at the Kingsbridge Armory and other New York City venues, may have to scratch from the field due to another commitment at Grandview Speedway but will be on hand if it rains on Saturday. Collector Dan Ody, photographer John Grady and others will display photos, scrapbooks and other memorabilia and attendees are urged to bring their treasures along to share. Tables will be available, with museum volunteers on hand to safeguard the items during the program. Those bringing memorabilia are urged to arrive early so visitors may enjoy the memorabilia beginning at noon. More information is available online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org or by e-mailing Ron Hedger at rjhmedia@juno.com. 4/4/08 I'm looking to buy a vintage car to rebuild and race. I would prefer a Ford 32-46. If you know of any For Sale, please let me know. Thank you, Steven Tourje 570-960-2216 570-785-2216 4/6/08 Let's see if anything shakes out, best of luck Steven. - Jeff 4/2/08 This is the way all clubs should look!! A rolling museum of history and facts of the cars in a club! Tracks and drivers who ran them so fans of all ages can learn and remember where it all started!! Great job, Jeff! Dick, keep on pluggin with the flat heads super nice! Donald V. Hoyt 4/6/08 Thanks Don, we will. - Jeff 4/2/08 Hi Ol' Ron here, I'm sure I mentioned before that I have bad eyesight and it's difficult reading. I recently picked up a text to speech program for my computer and found it interesting to go back to some old web sites. I especially like yours and enjor your writing, wish I could have seen your cars run back then. I had a friend (Bill Barth) that aleasys said they had the best racing there with some of the fastest flatheads. I'm at present helping a fellow build a blown flathead (I won't put it together) using all the knowledge I've gained over the past 75 years of these old bones. Unfortunately this is a street engine, but it's better than nothing. I may get out to your neck of the woods this summer and will stop in if I can. Good luck and have a great life. Ol' Ron (Holleran) 4/6/08 Thanks Ron. For those who don't know, Ron is the author of the book 'Nostalgia' - an excellent resource for flathead builders. Here's a pic of a Hydo engine he did - his work is excellent and he's a well respected member of FordBarn, as well as a former Danbury racer. - Jeff 3/21/08 Jeff, Thanks for your reply. I had a few pictures posted on Otto's site to share with the old-timers. (Like myself). I will miss the site. Bill Farress 3/23/08 I miss the site too Bill, maybe in time I'll be able to add some of Otto's photo's here. - Jeff 3/18/08 Awesome 'site you guys have...especially the Flathead Pages!!!I run www.hotrodcat.com here in Denver and am with the Flatheaders, plus a good friend of Joe Abbin. Want to exchange Links? I'll attach a Logo you can use! --Eric. 3/23/08 Cool site Eric, link created, logo sent, Tell Joe I said 'hi' - take it easy - Jeff 3/18/08 For Immediate Release Contact: Ron Hedger @ 518-885-7481 or Alan Edstrom @ 518-587-1935 LOST SPEEDWAYS THREE LOOKS TO BE THE BEST YET Saratoga Springs, NY With the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Lost Speedways Three program just over a month away, it’s certain that a record number of tracks will be remembered. "We had an all-star line-up already, then we had three notable additions recently to ice the cake," said Racing in New York gallery coordinator Ron Hedger. "Les King had planned on speaking about the Empire Raceway in Menands and the Altamont Fairgrounds but his improving health has led him to tackle a number of other "lost" speedways as well. He’ll also cover the Warrensburg Fairgrounds, Mettowee Speedway in North Granville, the Corinth Fairgrounds, Schuylerville’s Hudson River Speedway and McGregor Speedway north of Saratoga Springs. "On the photo side, noted racing photographer Ray Masser of Souderton, PA will bring a collection of photos and articles covering action at the legendary Langhorne Speedway, the Reading Fairgrounds and the Trenton Speedway. He also has photos from other defunct speedways, including Hatfield and Allentown along with shots from Grandview and Pocono. Among the collection will be shots of American legend Mario Andretti in the Mataka ‘3n1’ midget, with which he once won three features in one day. "And for motorcycle lovers, Mark Supley will supplement his talk on gone but not forgotten flat tracks by displaying his recently restored 1975 Kawasaki 250 cc Champion-framed flattracker, which was originally owned by Perry Moak of Altamont." The lineup also includes journalist Andy Fusco discussing the Perth Speedway, Bill Ladabouche on the tracks along the Vermont/New York border, Kenny Gypson recalling the many tracks east of Troy and National Speed Sport News columnist Gary London remembering racing at the Polo Grounds, indoors at the Kingsbridge Armory and other New York City venues. With late entries sure to surface, the event will easily be the most spectacular yet. A number of others will be on hand with photos, scrapbooks and other memorabilia and attendees are urged to bring their treasures along to share. Tables will be available for displaying memorabilia, with museum volunteers on hand to safeguard the items during the program. The talks will start at 1 pm on Sunday, April 27th in the Racing in New York gallery on the second floor of the museum. Anyone with items to display is urged to arrive by noon to give everyone a chance to enjoy the items, rerun old races and renew friendships. The newest racing exhibit, the Syracuse Mile, will be open as well along with the current Golub Gallery exhibit, Romance of the Roadster. More information is available online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org or by e-mailing Ron Hedger at rjhmedia@juno.com. 3/16/08 I am disappointed that Otto's web site is gone. I enjoyed reading your column and looking at old modified photos. I was thrilled to see photos of Gary Reddick's restored V3, he always was my hero. Bob New 3/11/08 This e-mail was forwarded to me by Dave Conde (from Otto Graham) in reference to Otto's website: 'Racing on the Net' O-graham.com The web site is gone. The current host doesn't have the info to re-register the web domain name, and the party that does won't release the info to re-register. So, I'm out of business, and can't even use my own domain name. It was fun for eight years, and I guess everything has to end sooner or later. Thanks for all your help along the way Dave----otto I remember talking with Otto when he first had the idea of his website and thought it was a great idea, myself, Norm Raasted and many other locals contributed photo's and anything we could of interest. Otto built it and continuously added new features which made the site extremely popular for both racers and Wharton Valley locals as well. His photographic talents were on display weekly during the racing season, as well as local sporting events - things that after 8 years we just take for granted that it'll always be there. The truth of course is that it takes great effort, patience and no lack of time not only to build a site, but even more so to maintain it on a weekly basis. There are trips involved, late nights chopping at a keyboard, self imposed deadlines and of course the toughest act of all - 'how do I top last week when last week was my best?' I'm sure you all know what the pay is to do this stuff - you have to love it or you wouldn't do it. Otto did it week in and week out for 8 years, he's been as dedicated as anyone could be and his site was just fantastic, a wealth of information and enjoyable. I particulalrly looked forward to it because it was a place I could look where I didn't know what was coming next. I'll miss it. I talked with Otto this week and he related he may do another site, more localized so he can cut down on travel and do it at a more relaxed pace. His plans were not set at the time we talked though. Regardless, I'm sorry that the site is gone - I'm going to leave our link up in memory of it - and I want to thank Otto Graham for all the work he's done to help keep the memories of past racers alive, few have done it as well. On Friday evening we talked again and Otto wanted not only to thank everyone who contributed to his site, but also to relate that he was sorry it's now gone, it wasn't planned. He's currently looking into starting a new project though, so we do have something to look forward to. - Jeff 3/7/08 Jeff, Here are some pictures of the J.B.Motors coupe build, If you have any leads to where I might find this car, or possibly the #19 / #29 J.B.Motors pinto, it would be greatly appreciated. my cousin Greg Schoonover sold the pinto in 1973 or 74. Thanks, Doug Benjamin 3/9/08 Doug can be reached at dbenjamin@precind.com if anyone has any info on either car's whereabouts. - Jeff 3/4/08 Jeff, You probably know but here goes, I got my NEAR newsletter and it say's Rene Charland is in a nursing home and wishing people send him cards and letters to: Rene Charland Pine View Commons, Room #24, 201 South Melcher St, Johnstown, NY 12095. Alan Weaver 3/9/08 Rene isn't the only one who needs cheering up, I received a note from Bob Ripley that Lancaster's first feature winner, Jackie Soper would also appreciate cards. He can be reached at: Soperjackie@aol.com - Jeff 3/4/08 Hi fellows, I recently found your web site. It is GREAT!!! I was a Amos Fancuilli fan and last saw him race in 1966 or 1967. Can anyone share with me the long or the short of his life? I remember The Diff driving for Glenn Scott in the #75 which later turned into the first S/360. Joe SR. or Joe JR. drove it also. Please advise on any info that you might have. Edmund P Perez 3/9/08 Amos was a winning driver at Glen Aubrey, 5MP and Shangri-La. He passed away from a heart attack in the late 1960's. Anyone with info can contact Edmund at edmund. perez@Duke.edu - Jeff 3/1/08 Hey guys just a note. Maybe some of you already know? We lost another racing icon this past Thursday. Richard "Dick" Clark of Munnsville, NY passed away at the age of 73. Dick was a long time race car driver and owner for many years. Dick was 1967 NASCAR New York State Champion in the sportsman division. 1968 All-Star Racing League representing Fonda. A member of the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame. And in 1997 was inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association's Hall of Fame. My memories of Dick was when growing up and as a child sitting on the porch steps waiting for the guys to come down route 20 towing a beautiful orange and white #16 coupe, sedan or the mustang on their way to Fonda or Wednesday night to Victoria. God Speed Dick. Richard Parry 3/2/08 Our condolences to the Clark Family on their loss, Dick was known both as a gret racer as well a fine man, he will be missed. - Jeff 2/27/08 WOW! I’m from Michigan , which isn’t exactly hurtin’ as far as racing heritage is concerned, but your incredible website makes me realize just what a rich history of short track racing you lucky folks in the New England area have enjoyed over the years. Thanks for the very entertaining viewing! Mark J. Seiler 3/2/08 Thanks Mark, glad you enjoy the site. - Jeff 2/23/08 Jeff, Can you please pass this note on to the club members...Thank you. Ray Cole would like to thank everyone for all of the cards, phone calls, e-mails, thoughts and prayers for him during his time of recuperation from hip surgery. He appreciates everyone thinking about him. He is doing much better and can't wait to get to the tracks to see everyone. Thanks again. Mike Cole #29 2/24/08 Done, hope Ray is feeling better and to see him at the tracks this summer. - Jeff 2/23/08 Hi Dick, Great website. Now I see what you mean by the "coupe". Looks like a ball racing those old babies. If it's OK with you I'll put a link to your site on our website. Thanks, Jeff Snook 2/15/2008 Dear Jeff, My father past away in November of 07, he left me with alot of photo and memories. My grandfather was "Speed" Besemer. I was looking up info on him and I came across this web site where I see that Lori and Doug Smith was looking for info on Speed Besemer, my grandfather. My dad was raised by Speed at a very young age and grew up on the tracks and as he got older he would transport race cars that Speed would build and sell for other drivers. Just to let them know that I have a lot of info and pictures of old time racing. Speeds number was 79 numbered after RT 79 going into Ithaca. He was from a small town called Besemer just outside of Ithaca. After he lost his hand he was a car owner and his driver was Tinny Benson. I just found some 8mm film that I transfered to DVD of some racing on it. Speed married my grandmother Virginia Lent, my fathers name is Eugene "Little Speed" Lent, and my name is Eugene Marion Lent. Speed also had another son his name is Kenneth Besemer who lives in Hollywood FL. In March, my brother and I are going to put my fathers ashes at the Daytona track. In 1962 Speed was a official at the Daytona 500. Speed and Virginia ran the HUBB race fan club. I would love to talk with Lori and Doug or anyone alse just to keep them alive. Please feel free to email me at genolent@hotmail.com Geno P.S. I still have is prosthetic hand, not the hook 2/17/08 Speed was a very interesting character and an excellent racer by all accounts I've been able to find. Club member Alan Tatich has more info on him than I but we'd both be happy to share what we have. Thank you Geno for the picture and info. - Jeff 2/5/08 The Jack Hedstrom of the 35B was most likely taken at Old Bridge, according to Richie Massing the driver (&owner)-- this was the twin of the 35A driven by Wally Dallenbach (they are cousins). Richie is the brother in law of my nieces boy friend-- he showed him the photo - and he gave info on it. Frank Antonides 2/10/08 Thanks for the info Frank. - Jeff. 2/3/08 In the Steve Bronson update to page 2---the 010 late model is not D. Turner---It's Ron McClure from Troy, Pa--I helped build and crewed on that car---that picture was taken the first night out for the car in July of 1969 at Shangri-la--it was the only appearance for us at Shangri- la with it. During the following week Chemung was paved and the 010 team finished out the '69 season at Chemung with 1 feature win. Bill Fish 2/10/08 Thanks for the correction and info Bill. - Jeff 1/27/08 ERNIE BEESMER RACED AT ONTEORA SPEEDWAY AND AT ACCORD, I KNOW THE SPELLING IS DIFFERENT. ERNIE LIVES IN OLIVEBRIDGE N.Y. WHICH IS IN ULSTER COUNTY. THIS IS A BIG FAMILY, THERE MAY BE A CONNECTION. IN THE MID SIXTIES THERE WAS A MAN WHO RAN A MODIFIED, AND HE HAD A PROSTHETIC HOOK. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT HE DID LOOSE HIS HAND IN A RACING ACCIDENT. HE DROVE DROVE A MODIFIED THAT HAD A "FALCON" BODY, BUT I CAN NOT REMEMBER HIS NAME. HE RAN IN MIDDLETOWN AT "ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY", THERE MAY BE A CONNECTION THERE. LOVE THIS STUFF!!! TODD WILHELM 1/27/08 My cousin make me aware of your web site. We're old fans of Cliff, seeing many of the great races while we were growing up in Upstate NY. Are the cars viewable somewhere? - Julian Larusso 1/27/08 The Kotary Flying 90 is currently on display at the Saratoga Automobile Museum as part of their Syracuse Mile display, thanks - Jeff 1/26/08 I am looking for information/photos on my great uncle Marion "Speed" Besemer. He was a racer back in the 30s, 40s, possibly 50s we don't really know. Originally from Ithaca, NY, we do know he raced in Afton, NY. He had a bad crash in Afton resulting in a serious face injury, but continued to race. We think he lost his hand in another accident after this (guessing it was race-related, not sure). We think he continued to race after that accident as well. The result of this accident was that he had a prosthetic hook for his hand and we heard that the steering wheel on his race car was modified so that he could still race even with that disability. Would love any info. on him, especially car number and any photos that might possibly be available, as no one in the immediate family has been able to locate photos of him in his racing days. Thank you so much, Lori and Doug Smith 1/27/08 Found an article on Speed from a '69 Gater Yearbook which has been forwarded, if anyone has any pictures or info on Speed let us know and I'll send on to Lori and Doug, thanks for the interesting info. - Jeff 1/18/2008 Greetings, Our friend Paul Garrigan, “Rumbleseat” as many know him, told us to check out your Flathead pages. They are very good. Thank you for putting the information out there. We have supported the Flathead Ford engine with machine shop services and parts for years. Red writes a column in the “V8 Times” entitled “Engine Talk”. Currently we are building a website for our new small business, Red’s Vintage Parts. We want to add technical help to the site, and would like your permission to link to your flathead pages. We would reciprocate the link. The Site is www.reds-vintage-parts.com Thanks, Marilyn Boese and Red Hamilton Fort Bragg, CA 1/20/08 Thank you Marilyn and Red, I'm honored to add your link, your valve springs are operating in a few of my race engines, the link is added and I'm glad you like Flat-Tech. - Jeff 1/1/08 Please pass on the info about the Modified reunion being held in Fla. during Speedweeks. More info can be obtained at www.modifiedreunion.homestead.com Thank You!! Mike Budka |
