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| ~GUEST BOOK~ |
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7/6/2010 Dear Friends
I Am restoring a race car of 50"s that had mounted in a 6 cilinders 261 chevrolet engine
I am interested on buying an complete Cylinder Head Wayne inclusing
- cylinder head complete
- Inlet manifold
- Exaust manifold
- Camshaft
I Know that two years ago this equipment was manufactured by www.waynemfgco.com , but I
can't contact them anymore
IF you can help me, telling me the address of some one I could buy this equipment
Thanks
Gilberto Mlejolaro
B.Gonçalves-RS-BRASIL
7/8/2010 Gilberto - the place to check for that is Inliners International -
http://inliners.org/ - Hopefully they can help you out, best of luck. - Jeff
7/5/2010 Hi Jeff,
I'm catching up on old emails today, I apologize for the delay. Yes the Potvin grind seemed
to do much better than the previous Winfield. The Norden I ran a little was a different firing
order and was definitely the weakest of the three. As to Dick Blaine's question you are
probably right that it is a Winfield. I was visiting with Ed Iskenderian last fall at the
Bakersfield hot rod reunion and he mentioned that after looking at an Offenhauser engine's
radius cam setup he thought it was a pretty good idea and then developed the 404A radius
deal. Your 128 at Syracuse is really impressive to me!! I never did see any flatheads on a big
track like that, would love to see it. I remember going to the Little 500 at Anderson the year
Parnelli Jones came on the scene back here, there was a flathead there that got runner-up if
I remember correctly, the winner was a GMC powered sprinter out of Milwaukee. James
Garner was the Grand Marshall that night. If you've never seen that show it's 33 sprinters
going 500 laps on a very high bank quarter mile asphalt track. My former lady friends uncle
was Tom Cherry, I think he won that race three times. Tom had an aluminum flathead block
in his shop once, I never did know what he did with it or whose it was.
I tried to open that movie you attached but a pop up said I wasn't set up for that. I'm not
very computer savvy so I'll save that until I can get some help to open it.
Later, Phil.
7/8/2010 Going back even a little further... according to the 'Offenhauser' book, when
Fred bought all of the tooling from Miller, he went to Ed Winfield to talk about the
cams. Ed's advice was to 'make everything bigger' - in other words, use a mushroom
tappet. Fred couldn't afford that so they came up with the radius tappet. A little
more... Chuck Potvin's 425 Eliminator, I have been told and read as well, was based
on Winfields' SU-1A cam - both timing out around 280 and 284 duration - big cams!
Just further evidence that Winfield was truly the go to guy when it came to
camshafts... 128 was with a worn out engine too, wonder what a fresh Red Shredder
would have done... 33 Spint cars on 1/4 mile high banked oval sounds like a lot of fun
to watch, no surprise that the GMC beat the flathead, that's the engine. Tom Cherry
was a Speed Shop owner from Muncie, Indiana and a darn good sprint car driver to
boot, winning at Langhorne as well. My flathead guru Bob Hayslett talked of him
often, relating conversing with him about flathead speed secrets... one set of piston I
have came from Tom's shop - and work very well. Thanks for the always interesting e-
mail Phil. - Jeff
6/30/2010 Jeff, Just want to let you and your dad know that what you folks did for my dad
the other night was wonderful Mom, Mike, Pat, and I can not thank you guys enough. Dad
really enjoyed your dads company and I can remember dad saying to me that the club is in
good hands as long as Dick and Jeff are involved in it. Dad always enjoyed the races and he
sure did have a gift to stop and talk with everyone he knew at the races My brother and I still
recall the time that we all went up to Fonda for the big race at the end of the year last fall
Dad said and I remember it just like he was still here he said “ I will be back in a while” well
to make a long story short he never did come back and sit with us so I went and found him
and sure enough he was b.s with somebody I am not even sure if he knew this person.
So in closing Thank you and your dad for what you both have done for my father he
would have been very proud of what you guys are doing.
Thanks, Russ Carpenter
7/8/2010 Russ - It was our pleasure to honor Carl, there will never be another one like
him, take care. - Jeff
6/25/2010 Dear Jeff: Just a brief note to let you know my dad Jack Bentley passed away
on June 24th, 2010.
When I could get him to use the computer he loved showing the pictures to his friends.
His racing career was from the late forties until 1964. I can only remember from 1959 until
1964. He wrenched on a late model in 1970 aand 1971. His racing motto was "be ready to
race at the track....not fix your car there. It's been a blast over the last several years digging
up the history about his cars with the ultimate goal of finding one somewhere but chances
are slim this will happen. Thanks again Jeff. Bill Bentley
7/8/2010 Bill - Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father, I am sorry to
hear this news. I'm pleased to hear he enjoyed looking at the site, and only wish I had
the chance to meet him. Take care Bill. Jeff
6/23/2010 Contact: Ron Hedger at 518-885-7481
“LOST SPEEDWAYS 2010” LINE-UP SET
Saratoga Springs, NY For racers and fans throughout the Northeast, Thanksgiving
means two things: a big meal with the family and that Lost Speedways at the Saratoga
Automobile Museum is only two days away.
The event, which takes a look at speedways and speedway surfaces no longer with us as
well as great racers of the past, always packs both floors of the museum with enthusiasts
sharing their racing memorabilia and enjoying a wide variety of presentations. This year’s
edition, set for Saturday, November 27th, will continue the tradition with talks on
motorcycle racing, road course action and a variety of stock car related topics on tap.
Motorcycle enthusiast Mark Supley will return with photos and stories about old-time
board track racing while highly respected sports car owner Rob Dyson and Greg Rickes, the
voice of Lime Rock Park, will team for “Lost Horizons,” a comprehensive look at the old
Riverside, CA road course and street racing with the Camel GT Series.
The Albany-Saratoga Charger division, from the speedway’s first asphalt period,
produced a number of successful modified drivers and three graduates, Brian Ross, Nick
Ronca and Jack Halloran, will recall those days using photos supplied by ace photographer
John Grady.
“The Early Days of Airborne Park” will be this year’s topic for popular north-country
racing historian Bill Ladabouche while another great story teller, longtime announcer Jim
King, will recall the NASCAR-era heroes of the nearby Fonda Speedway.
The final presentation, “Albany-Saratoga Dirt Track Memories,” will use photos from the
archives of former CVRA photographer Dick Britain to recall the early dirt track years. Event
organizer Ron Hedger will be joined by “color commentator” Kenny Tremont Jr, who stands
third on the A-S win list and leads all racers with 11 track championships at the recently
repaved Malta oval.
Program changes for 2010 include a scheduled intermission halfway through the
presentations and a longer period of memorabilia display before the presentations, which
should allow visitors to enjoy the picture books and other racing memorabilia downstairs as
well as presentations of their choice in the second floor Racing in New York gallery.
Specific times and related details will be announced as the event nears but for now, be
sure to mark the date, November 27, on your calendar.
6/18/2010 Good Friday evening to all across our land and Canada,
As I have said before this is one part of the job that I have taken on myself that is very
unpleasent. As most of you know I am 70 so I go back to the running years at Cuba Lake
Raceway, 54-mid 58. I grew up on the Cuba road just west of Friendship, NY. There was a
gas station and a convenient store right across the road from our home and loving cars and
mechanical things I could be found over there whenever I could. Seeing that 99% of the
stockers that raced back in the early 50s "flat towed", this station was the last good place for
all those coming from the east to race at CLR to be able to pull off for gas and use restrooms
and get some food. I can remember 3 or 4 stockers lined up at the pumps many times. You
can just about envision what all this meant to me. I got to know just about all of them and
anyone that helped or was in their family that was in the tow car or truck. About an hour
after the parade of stocker had left for the track I was out there with my thumb up for a ride
to CLR and never had a problem getting a ride.
One of the "stocker" was the Duane "Curly" Wilson family from Painted Post, NY near
Corning. They stopped every week going and later that Sunday evening. Getting to know
Curly I always cheered for his "4 bits" coupes at CLR. He also had a good looking teenage
daughter that was nice too and the most beautiful 55 Mercury Montclair 4dr. HT that was
green and white and the tow car. I was a real Mercury fan as my Dad had one and Dean
Layfield raced one. Curly won many races at CLR over the years that he raced there and we
all were on a first name basis. Believe it or not but Curly was his own wrench as he was
alone most of the time in the pits with his 4 bits car.
I went my way and they went theirs over time and our paths never crossed again until
about 4 years ago when I set out to try and make contact again. Knowing he was from the
Corning area and ran sponsorship for an Electic Co back in the 50s the search started. Well
the Electric Co. had been out of business for years and all the owners were long gone. I did
the white page search of all the Wilsons in the greater Corning/Elmira without any success.
I then contacted all the drivers, owners, pit folks and fans that I knew in the area without
any luck. I had about given up when one day I got a call telling me to contact the historian
for the Watkins Glen racing museum as he was very good at finding people. I contacted Bill
Green and he said he would give it a try for me as he could tell I was out of gas on it and
down in the dumps. Well about a month later I got a call from Bill that Curly was in
Tennessee. Bill had found a relative of Curlys in Corning that supplied the info.
Well let me tell you I have had some great conversations with Curly over the past few years
and he has sent me items and I have sent him things from those days of racing. He was
always so thankful every time I called him and I was so thankful that he enjoyed talking with
me about those years "the 50s".
Like I said this is the hard part of what I do in the racing world as evidenced when I
received a call from Curly's wife this afternoon that he had passed and she knew Curly
would want me know. Great Driver, family man, and in later years a true friend. Drive on
Curly drive on!!
Ford Easton
6/16/2010 Any update on the #99 car? I have been checking Odds & Ends for any progess.
Ken Paulsen
6/22/10 Ken - the #99 runs good, stops and steers OK. We're not going to paint it at
this time and may have it out at shows later this summer. Thanks for asking - Jeff
6/3/2010 CUBA LAKE RACEWAY 8th annual 40s 50s and 60s stock car racing luncheon
July 28th 2010
This is your invitation to attend the 8th annual CLR luncheon for all those that
remember or have a love of stock car racing from those wonderful years of the 40s 50s and
60s. Drivers, car owners, mechanics, track personnel and track owner/builders from the
tracks of WNY, Ontario and NWPA during that time will be attending.
A large contingent of drivers, track owners, track personnel and fans from the Jamestown,
Buffalo, Rochester and Elmira area attend each year. 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 (bring your wife/husband or companion as they have a great time too). 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 40s
50s and 60s stock car racing that will be there for the luncheon.
When: July 28th 2010 (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 17th 2010
Time, luncheon info. and Cost: registration starts at 10:30 am with lunch starting at approx.
12:15. We have use of the restaurant until 4:00 pm so there will be plenty of time for our
speakers, 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 by working with the great folks at
Moonwinks, the luncheon cost is the same as last year, $14.00. 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 special for us
only "racing salad", rolls & butter, beverage( choice of coffee, tea, iced tea or lemonade).
Mixed drinks, wine or beer may be ordered, but are at an additional cost. This year you and
your companions will have the choice of one of the following two entrees: Scampi style
haddock or Roast Turkey with stuffing & gravy. 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 40s,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 17th 2010 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 28th. Your only
job the day of the luncheon is to register, sit back, visit, eat, enjoy our guest speakers and
mc and relax. Dress code is casual.
Program: This year we will have a double feature, with feature one being an overview of the
new innovative programs that are now available at Alfred State College for the students and
things that will effect all of us in the years to come by Dr. John Anderson the President of
Alfred State College. Alfred State is one of the most innovative and progressive schools in
NYS and highly respected. That respect is further enhanced by Tom Taber, the division
head of the Motorsports Technology program at the school who will give us an overview of the
various courses that make up the program he heads. Many of you know Tom as one of the
very best drivers to have raced modifieds, latemodels and sprints from the late 60s until as
recently as the 2000s in the northeast US and Canada. The Motorsports Technology
program at Alfred is known worldwide as one of the best training centers for obtaining
employees that know the business from the get go. Every major NASCAR team in business
today has Alfred Motorsports grads. on their staff. I am sure you will find this presentation
to be most interesting and educational.
The second half of our double header program is a fellow driver and friend to many that
raced in the 50s in NYand PA. Leon Reed is an alumni of Cuba Lake Raceway and many
other tracks. Leon lived in Sweden Valley, PA during his school years, then was in the U. S.
Army for a couple of years before being employed for 39 years by Blackstone Corp., (now
Valeo Corp.) of Jamestown, NY. He is currently the president, Potter Co. Historical Society
in PA. He raced in the 1950's, Jalopy and Sportsman classes, in NWPA and SWNY. His
home tracks were: Roulette and Smethport, PA. Leon says these were dirt tracks and he
won some trophies, but very few $$$. Much fun, lots of work and won some, lost many, but
enjoyed every minute.
He will share with us stories of his favorite drivers, starters, announcers and historians
along with his comments on the many tracks that he ran on. With Leons love of history, his
talk will enlighten all of us from those great years of racing.
Our Master of Ceremonies this year is the well known and never a dull moment when
around him, Larry Dye. Larry was a driver at CLR in its early years, but learned his real
expertise and interest laid in announcing and he did that for many years at many tracks in
WNY and NWPA, mixed in with college time and his business. Those of you that haven't
heard or been around Larry will really appreciate how good he is at this mc slot when you
hear him and his stories. This year Larry will update all of us on the current things going
on in NASCAR.
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 17th 2010. If you or any of
your companions were or are a race car driver please indicate that to me when you send
your reservation and money. Those of you that I know personally 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
5/26/2010 Hello,
Just as an introduction, I'm a writer with 35 years in motorsports, much of it in the
Northeast. Though I've lived in Indianapolis since 1997, as a Connecticut native I spent 20
years bouncing from track to track in New England and New York, as well as making annual
trips to Daytona, Martinsville, Trenton, Pocono, etc.
I'm currently working with Lew Boyd and his Coastal 181 publishing group on a book
marking the 50th anniversary of the Utica-Rome Speedway, which will be celebrated in
2011. While the track and various area historians have kept excellent records, I am anxious
to back up their facts with colorful memories, eyewitness quotes, and so on. I'd love to speak
with anyone who regularly attended Utica-Rome in the 1960s, especially in any sort of
"working" capacity, meaning driver, car owner, mechanic, journalist, etc.
If there's any way you can help point me in the right direction on this, it would be greatly
appreciated. I can be reached either by email at mbourcier@earthlink.net or by phone at
317-446-6627.
Thanks,
Bones Bourcier
6/22/2010 Must say it's quite flattering that Bones would reach out to us for info, his
books on Eddie Flemke, Richie Evans and Bugs Stevens should be required reading
for aspiring racers. And his articles in Stock Car Racing magazine were always
interesting as well. So here you go fans, your chance to be famous, drop Bones a line
or give him a call and make this book as good as it can be. - Jeff
5/19/2010 What is the best way to submit pictures. I have some pictures of my dad,Joe
Winterstein. He would've loved your website, but passed away in 2006. Julie Dobish
5/23/2010 Julie, the best way is to scan the pictures and then attach the scan to an e-
mail and send to the site, I can then work with them. If you want to do the cuttting,
cropping and saving as a file and then send - that's great too. Either way works. If
you don't have a scanner and want your pictures displayed here, then I can scan
them for you and then return them. You have to understand though, that once they
are on the web, they are available to everyone. People can and will post them on other
sites. I have attempted to protect them but my html language is not foolproof. I've
asked people not to download pictures but they end up on other sites anyway - so
long as they aren't selling them on Ebay I'm Ok with it but I now tell everyone this
beforehand so they know. - Jeff
5/19/2010 Hi Race fans ,
In the 50s I was very close to George Knight. Jack Theobald came to the area from
Spokane Washington where he was in the service . We all became close friends and both
George and Jack were in our wedding . George died two years ago and I would sure like to
see Jack again before its too late. He always called me MALL DIGGER .
If you see him , tell him Gordie wants to contact him. Phone 607-754-2078
Thanks, Gordie Shiner
5/23/2010 If anyone knows of Jack's whereabouts, please let Gordie know. Thanks -
Jeff
5/11/2010 Hi Jeff,
Thanks much for your response, really enjoyed the story about Chesbro and Kotary. Here's
the old story about the old crossfire. Bill Holland was barred from AAA for running an outlaw
show somewhere. I talked to Donald Davidson about this and he verified that part of the
story. He also added some more to the story. Holland was banned for one season, when he
went to the reinstatement hearing Donald said he mouthed off about something so AAA
barred him for an additional year. Anyhow the story goes that he had Walt Straber (Walt was
the engine builder for Ralph Potter Sr. at Ralph's speed shop on Massachucetts Ave. in
Indianapolis) build the 180 engine for him which he ran various tracks with. He sold it to a
guy from Ft. Wayne IN. who ran it in some kind of stock car on a high bank paved half mile
there. It was then acqiured by Jim Riddle in Kokomo IN. He had it in a 47 Ford coupe on the
street, Jim is a friend of mine, was always bragging about making bucks in street races with
it. My dad had a '53 Olds 3 speed stick which would show just shy of 120 on the speedo. I
asked Jim just how fast that coupe was, he said "I'll start behind you, when you're wide
open I'll try to pass you" and he did! Naturally I had to have that engine so I made a deal and
bought it. It had a Winfield radius cam in it, 1 5/8 valves in &out and a single Ford back
draft carb on some kind of open plenum manifold. (probably track rules deal) I went to
Ralphs speed shop and bought an Evans 4 carb and used 4 '48s on it. It had a W&H Ducoil
ignition on it and always missed at high RPM. I found a Barker V-drive with two Wico's on it,
(75 bucks), that solved the problem. I first ran it in a 120 inch wheelbase '24T bucket deal
on methanol. It ran about 120 on the quarter mile. I got runner-up with it at the 1957 NHRA
nationals in Oklahoma City. Raymond Godman's car won it. It developed a miss and when I
opened it up found that it had knocked the bottom out of a lifter. Luckily the sides of the
lifter were riding between the lobes and didn't damage the cam. I had cracked several lifters
in the past so I called Chuck Potvin and asked about putting a 425 profile on it. He agreed, I
had a spare Norden cam so I sent it out, he called and advised the Norden was cast and
probably wouldn't live so I sent the Winfield billet to him. Next car was a homemade dragster
on "T" rails, gas pipe roll cage, '38 Harley front spoker's, flathead 3 speed, 60% in the tank,
ran 145. Lucky it didn't crash!! I sold that car, trailer and all, for $600. That's when I hooked
up with Kenny Hirata and drove until we retired in 1974. I found later that the engine ran
on some dirt tracks here in Indiana and is currently in a narrowed Crosley bodied dirt car
owned by Paul Fergason who lives just south of me. It's been retired and resting in storage
at his place, probably hasn't been run for thirty years or more. I've tried to buy it NO DEAL!!
This is getting too long! Keep in touch,great memories. Later, Phil Hobbs
5/23/2010 Never too long Phil, I can listen to stories like that all day but then I'm
probably not normal.. Sounds like a fast engine - Thanks for sharing the info. - Jeff
5/7/2010 NASCAR IN NEW YORK EXHIBIT OPENS AT AUTO MUSEUM
Saratoga Springs, NY. NASCAR racing is by far the most popular form of motorsports in
the nation. And while many associate NASCAR history with the southeast, New York has an
amazingly rich history with the sanctioning body.
At the same time that NASCAR is opening its new Hall of Fame and Museum in Charlotte,
NC, the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Racing in New York gallery has added a
comprehensive NASCAR IN NEW YORK exhibit that uses numerous text and photo panels
and four vintage race cars to bring this history to life.
Ten NASCAR National Champions – Bill Rexford, Bill Wimble, Dick Nephew, Jim Reed,
Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Mike McLaughlin, Wayne Anderson, Steve Park and Donny Lia –
were residents of the Empire State while New Englanders Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton,
Ernie Gahan, Bugsy Stevens and Freddy DeSarro and Pennsylvania drivers Tony Hirschman
and Jimmy Spencer used New York speedways as the foundation of their championship
runs. These drivers and more are highlighted in the new exhibit.
Short track racers on display include the Bridge midget, used by Capital District owner
Joe Sukup in his NASCAR Midget Division championship season, and three stock cars. The
1937 Ford Sportsman driven by Don Rounds, on loan from Mel Ogden, is a prime example of
the 1960’s, while Bruce Dostal’s Chevy coupe illustrates the technical advances seen on the
big block Modifieds of the 1970’s. The third stock car is Ray Hedger’s Volkswagon bodied
asphalt modified, driven by Dick Clark, that shows the progression in the 1980’s.
The exhibit also features a variety of memorabilia associated with NASCAR’s history in
New York, much of it obtained from the collection of Rene Charland. A rare trophy awarded
to Gahan’s ace mechanic, Jack Blackwood, is also included along with the racing gallery’s
popular “jacket wall.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum, located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga
Spa State Park, is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. More information is available online at
www.saratogaautomuseum.org.
4/20/2010 Hello,
My brother was Eddie Tobin, photographed with his car #105 at the end. As
you may or may not know, Eddie was killed at Shangrila in June of 1964. I
don't have that photograph and it would mean a great deal to me if I could
get a good copy of it. Please let me know if I could purchase a copy and if
there are any more pictures of my brother.
Thank You for your time,
Lee Stephens
710 George Edward Via
Christiansburg, VA. 24073.
lee.stephens@verizon.net
4/24/2010 Lee, photo sent. My friend Joe Buchak related Ed was as nice of a guy as
you could ever want to meet. If I come across any other pictures of him I'll send them
along. - Jeff
4/14/2010 The address of the 1967 Langhorne Youtube video has changed! I thought you
might want to update it on your site.
The new address is...http://www.youtube.com/profile user=Nynay9A79#p/u/2/i8AsawvjHFc
I don't know if you've seen my latest creation...The 1969 Thompson 500...
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Nynay9A79#p/u/0/jPAigYkwsPY
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZn2OqtCotg
George Meade
4/24/2010 Thank you once again George, your video's are amazing. I've added your
Thompson video's to the links page as well. - Jeff
4/14/2010 Jeff, I finally decided to disassemble my crossfire to find out what it had inside.
The attachments with this email cover the cam and lifters. The cam is a very nice steel billet
with 408 to 410 lift. It has no name on it but if you look closely at the front you can see it is
marked OFY4 180o. The lifters are radius but also no name on them. two additional Emails I
am sending will show the crankshaft and pistons. Dick Blaine.
4/24/2010 Dick, that's some wild cam and crankshaft... As we've discussed, the Offy 4
was a Ed Winfield grind, Ed Iskendarians' 404 was based on it according to Harvey
Crane, wouldn't be surprised if that cam is one of Ed's. Thanks for sharing and keep
us updated. Jeff
4/12/2010 Hi. I am looking for 2 Winfield SR-D downdraft carbs, If you happen to know of
anyone who might be able to help me acquire them for my project car, it would be greatly
appreciated. I am also interested in parts to make a pair of carbs, so any parts would be
helpful as well. Thanks alot. Beecher Hickox
4/24/2010 Beecher can be reached at: gotvoodoo@hotmail.com - Best of luck. - Jeff
4/6/2010 Hey Jeff, Steve Post here, hope all is well with you. Love the Midstate Antique site
and all the photos….My hero growing up was Pete Cordes, if you know of anyone who has
photos of him I would love that….I just want some of them as I enjoy trips down memory lane.
Regards, Steve Post
4/24/2010 Here's a couple Steve.. many more on the site. - Jeff
4/6/10 Hello I was wondering if there was any way to contact Larry Witter, who has written
at least one article on converting splash oiled chevys to full pressure. I was wondering if the
early (pre '53 ) 235 cranks had a different arrangement as far as the holes in the rod pins as
compared to the 216. I can't seem to find a crank that can be drilled due to the holes in the
crank pins being in the way...I just have a lot of questions. Also I am currently undertaking a
project that everyone thinks I am absolutely insane for doing, which is fine, I AM rather
nuts. I am trying to convert a 216 to full pressure oiling. Any info would be appreciated.
James Harmon
4/17/2010 Larry responded: James,
Below is a quote from my "Stovebolt" article in the Midstate web site.
The rifle drilling and grooving of the 216 crankshaft is a rather expensive machining
operation and should be done by an experienced machinist. If you have specific
questions about the full pressure conversion feel free to e-mail me and I will answer
them if I can. Larry Witter
If you are building a full race engine and using a pre - 1953 block it is
advised that you make some modifications to the lube system. The first
step is to replace the "splash" system with full pressure to the rods. To
do this the crankshaft must be "rifle" drilled from the main journals to
the rod end journals and the main journals must be grooved. Remove the
dipper plumbing from pan, the dippers from the rods and plug the dipper
holes in the rod caps. Remove the pressure regulator from the left side
of the block and make appropriate connections to bring full oil pump
pressure into the main oil galley. It is recommended that a GMC 228 oil
pump be used for its greater volume and built in 60 lb. regulator.
Replace the pressed in soft plugs at the ends of the main oil galley with
3/8" pipe plugs. (The soft plugs won't stand the pressure).
The best solution to this problem, of course, is to start with a 1953 or
later engine if the rules allow. You get the full pressure lube system,
full insert bearings (rods and mains) and better availability of parts.
With this in mind this writing will be based on these later model
engines.
3/29/2010 Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your quick response. I acquired a Crane R425-2 cam and radius lifters from Dirk
Chesbro. His wife, Melody wrote me a note regarding the cam. She thought it came from an
engine that was built by her father-in-law and won numerous dirt track events back in the
'60s in upstate NY. She's pretty sure that cam won the NY State Fair Championship race in
the early '60s 2 or 3 years in a row. Do you have any info that relates to this? I'm just
curious, it is interesting if possibly factual. I also received a second cam from them which
has had the I.D. ground off except for the word "Track". She thought this also came from
another engine built by Mr. Chesbro.
I would appreciate any info you may have regarding this story. I've thouroughly enjoyed all
the articles and info in your website. I ran a 180 degree flathead in my early drag vehicles in
the fifties, real interesting "rumored" background on that engine. Thanks again, Phil Hobbs.
4/24/2010 This is too good to attempt to cover here in the guestbook - please refer to
FlatTech Camshafts for the answer. - Jeff
3/29/2010 Hello, My name is Tom Herbert - Jeeps nephew, I was recently enjoying your
web site and came across Otto Grahams contributions. I know Otto was good friends with my
Uncle and Father (Clay Herbert). On Otto's page it lists my Father (Clay) as the son of Jeep.
To clear things up they were brothers, Jeep the eldest of 4.
There is no need to apologize I am not offended. I appreciate your site and wish you much
luck in keeping alive the memories of the pioneers who started this sport.
Your Friend, Tom Herbert.
4/24/2010 Thanks for pointing that out Tom, and for the kind words. - Jeff
3/28/2010 Hey Jeff,
I guess since the good days are just around the corner you fellas are prepping the cars and
getting ready to hit the tracks. Wish you guys were still coming across the border as we dont
get south much anymore so before you get really busy wanted to ask you a question. Back
in 1972 Bud Schilling was piloting a great looking coupe, 37 Chevy and I believe it to be the
last coupe to win a race at Spencer. I seem to believe that Jimmy Shampine bought that
coupe and ran it and then sold it to Ronnie Wallace. The question I have is technical in
nature. I believe that Schilling was running an inboard coilover cantilever suspension on it. I
remember seeing the car a couple of times and thought it was a real innovation for that time
frame. So the question to you, I am correct in my memory or I am just a little crazy !! I am
thinking of maybe once I get my Denny Giroux coupe and Falcon done that I would try this
one under the Shampine banner, so I was hoping to get the technical data right. Any help
would be appreciated. Thanks again. Rick Beaubien
4/24/2010 Rick - I looked at pictures tht I have of the Schilling coupe the best I could,
and contacted Benny Stephens as well to see if he could re-call. From our best guess
we concluded you're correct about the in board cantilever suspsension. Take a look at
this photo and see what you think. Best of Luck on your restorations. - Jeff
3/25/2010 I'm sorry to report that former driver and CNY Hall of Famer Bill
Brunschmid passed on 3/16/2010 after a long illness. Bill was Willie Wust's first
driver and a good one, we'd like to extend condolences to his family on their loss. -
Jeff
3/15/2010 Hi guys,
I love your FLAT TECH its a really good read, its the best I have found on the internet.
I wanted to ask in the IGNITION section which type of flathead were you using 8a 1949-53
or 59ab 1942-48. If it was the 59ab how did you use a magneto with the front mounted
ignition? I ask because I would love to install a magneto on my 59ab. Thank for your time
Yours Sincerely James Roper-Caldbeck
3/25/2010 - James, thank you for the nice compliment. Onto your question; I've
usually used an 8BA block but even when I used a 59A, I still used the 8BA ('49-'53)
front timing cover when I ran a magneto - which is a 'side mount' arrangement. You
can accomplish this by using the 8BA timing cover (if you're going to use an
aluminum cover, look for a Mercury with the bottom shaft support boss..) and then
adding an adapter to the front of the cam to drive the side mount mag or distributor.
The adapter is available through Speedway I believe, or you can make one by cutting
off the front of an 8BA cam. If you want a front mount magneto then it'll be more
expensive as you'll need to purchase one of: 1.) A Wico style with either a Barker V-
Drive or similar, 2.) A Harman-Collins/Scheiffer/Cirillo style with correct mount and
Offy lead plate to tune, 3.) A Vertex with right angle drive. None of these options is
cheap. Of course if you're creative, and know a machinist (or are one) you could make
an adapter to mount a Vertex to a plate bolted to the 59A timing cover with an
adapter to the cam (from a stock distributor) and eliminate the drive entirely. It's been
done and would be a inexpensive and effecient means, if you have the room between
the engine and radiator. Best of luck. - Jeff
3/7/2010 Hi Everyone, I just heard more news on Carol and Ally Amell.
I worked for over 25 years with their Daughter in law Lynn's Mom (Donna Jarmac )
Donna and Ed Jarmac just got back from Florida and contacted me, since she knows
Terry and I are friends of Carol and Ally. Terry and I thought it important that the club be
informed of the situation with the Amell's. As a result of the car accident in Daytona on Feb
13th, Carol has 12 broken ribs, shoulder and a broken back. Carol has already had three
surgeries and yesterday (Friday March 5th) they moved her to Brooks Rehabilitation Center.
Lynn( their daughter in law) did not have a room number yet when I get one I will forward to
you. Ally is going to be able to stay at the Rehab Center with Carol... but it looks like they
may be there up to three months. I am sure they would appreciate mail and prayers, this
has been a very difficult journey to be going thru so much, so far from home, family and
friends. Carolann Turcott and Terry Fergerson
The Amells can be reached at:
Mrs. Carol Amell
Brooks Rehab Center
3599 University Blvd
Jacksonville Florida 32216
3/9/2010 Thanks to Carolann Turcott, Terry Fergerson and Mary Casti of the MVSCC
for passing along this information, I'd like to offer our best wishes for complete
recoveries for both Carol and Lynn. - Jeff
2/27/2010 Hi to all again,
I hope you all enjoyed the interview video on Emory Mahan I sent you a week ago. Well here
is another one I did with Leonard(Len) Briggs a few years back before his passing.
Len and several others built Stateline Speedway near Jamestown, NY in 1955 and had the
first race in July of 1956. Len became the leading force in leadership of the track and made
it into a leading track in the 50s and 60s. The track is still in operation today. I can
remember as a teenager hearing about this great track that had great races. We were awed
with the stories we heard. It was all true from what Len shared with me in the interview.
Really a neat man and I talked with him about 5 hr. that day I will always remember. Enjoy
those times of yester years as they always said on the Lone Ranger programs. My friend
Randy Anderson and his friend have done a really good job with this video. Ford Easton
Leonard Briggs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mV4GpwL9o4
2/27/2010 Jeff, about a month ago you suggested I put "Blaster" in the crankcase of my
flathead crossfire race car engine. It had compression readings of 100 to 115 and had been
setting for a long time. I can't believe the results as all cylinders now read close to 150! Talk
about snake oil! I really appreciate your advice. Dick Blaine.
2/28/2010 Blaster 'Trans/Valve Fix' is an excellent product, almost a mix of Mystery
Oil and Bon Ami - that frees up rings and reseats valves. It'll also clear out Mosi-qee-
toes for about a 1/2 mile radius... I'm glad it worked. Jeff
2/20/2010 Hi to all across our land in the US and Canada,
Below are the links to tie into You Tube videos that a friend of mine Randy Anderson from
Jamestown recently did. What a great man Emory was and we became friends over the last
5 years before his passing in the Fall last year. I loaned Randy my interview tapes and what
he has done is really neat. I know you will enjoy listening to the stories in Emory's own
words. I still miss Emory and think of him often. I was so glad that he was able to make it to
the Cuba Lake Raceway luncheon last July and not knowing it would be the last time I got
to shake his hand. These videos are a real tribute to Emory. Enjoy
Here is an overview on Emory and his racing career from the late 40s to into the 80s on the
tracks of the NE and Mid- West. That driver was Emory Mahan out of Warren PA.. Word has
it that when Dean Layfield and Emory Mahan were in the same race it was always a toss up
who was going to win the race providing they both were running at the end. I considered
Dean Layfield one of the greatest race car dri'vers I ever saw race, so that means Emory
Mahan must have been of the same caliber. From 1949 and for many racing seasons the
black 8 ball and Emory Mahan became almost synonomous with automobile racing for race
fans far and wide. In the early years Emory was the terror of Dicky-Ben Speedway in Warren
in the green and black Buick coupe and continued that to other tracks including: Civic
Stadium in Buffalo, Wellsville Fairgrounds, Clarion Park, Shippensville, Meadville,
Sportman's Field in Erie and Butler Fairgrounds.
When Late models became popular Emory switched to a 55 Chevy and was a spectacular
success at Skyline Speedway winning most of the regular events and 50 lap contests. In 57
Emory built a fuel injected 57 Chevy and journeyed to the high banks of Dayton Ohio and
finished 4th in the brand new car against the the finest mid west drivers of the time. He also
traveled to tracks such as Toledo, Monroe County Fairgrounds at Rochester, Syracuse Mile
and Canfield and locally ran events at Stateline and Skyline. In none of these races did he
finish out of the top 10.
During 58 Emory set a qualifying record for late model stock cars at the famed Williams
Grove near Harrisburg. This qualifying record put him on the pole with the likes of Sam
Hanks, Troy Ruttman, Johnny Parsons and Jerry Unser behind him for the race. Some
company in that race wasn't it!! His engine let go on lap 67 while battling with Jerry Unser
and he was forced to exit the race. - Ford Easton
Emory Mahan (part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcGpr7SPqU4
Emory Mahan (part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRZOVNKBrEg
2/17/10 I'm sorry to report that Ally Amell's wife Carol and their grandaughter were
in a car accident while in Daytona. Both are in Halifax Medical Center in Daytona
and will be there a couple of weeks. Carol and Ally are true friends from our racing
days and we wish her and her granddaughter a speedy recovery. Cards can be sent to:
Halifax Medical Center
303 North Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Florida 32015
2/16/10 I had the great pleasure of meeting Wild Bill (Northrup) at this year’s running of
the Daytona 500. He was there with his daughter. My home track growing up was Shangri-
La motor speedway in Owego NY. I think he was as thrilled as we were to meet. Very nice
guy and class act. It’s nice to see you all involved with the stockcar club and wish you well
with it.
Gary Inscho
2/10/10 I'm sorry to report that today we learned that former Midstate member Dave
Yager of Oneonta passed away this previous Sunday the 7th. Dave was a good racer
and very likeable, always friendly around the pits and fast on the track in his pretty
#3 Chevy. We'd like to offer condolences to him family. Godspeed Dave. Calling hours
are this Wednesday from 7 to 9 Pm and the funeral is this Thursday at 2 Pm at the
Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St. Oneonta. - Jeff
2/2/10 OSWEGO SPEEDWAY OLD TIMERS "More than just memories"
Hello Everyone,
It has been a few months since our last newsletter and we apologize for the delay in
updating you with information. This email will serve as a confirmation of our 2010 plans. A
full newsletter will follow in the next few days!!!
The 5th Annual Oswego Speedway Old Timers Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th
from 10am to 4 pm. The speedway will be featuring the King of Wings Championship on
that day. A complete race program will be presented on Friday evening as well. Two big
racing shows in two days - and the always fun and entertaining Reunion as well.
Complete details will be forthcoming. Also information on discount Reunion-Race tickets,
Motel discounts, and so much more!!! Be watching for it!!!
Hope this finds you and your family well. Have a great 2010!!!!
2/6/10 Thanks to Alan Weaver for passing this along, the event has been added to
our schedule. - Jeff
2/1/10 Lee Sherwood (Tioga Motorsports Park), Carl Nagel (Penn Can Speedway), Mike
Buman (Champion Speedway) and Brian Weaver (Penn Can Speedway) are among the all-
star list of track champions and celebrities who have already confirmed their participation in
the 2010 Daytona 500 ACTION & AUCTION benefit for the Broome County Animal Care
Council to be held on Sunday, February 14th at the Mosquito Lounge, 10 Glenwood Avenue,
Binghamton.
The first 250 persons to arrive will receive a tote bag courtesy of CVS Pharmacy. Three giant
screens provided by Aarons will be among the eight televisions showing the WICZ Fox 40
broadcast of The Great American Race plus action from a variety of local speedways.
Budweiser is the unanimous beverage of choice, and local distributor Rocco J Testani Inc is
supporting the benefit with a variety of donations.
Many area V.I.P.s and media personalities have also confirmed their plans to be Celebrity
Auctioneers at the event, including Binghamton Senators V-P Tom Mitchell, WHWK THE
HAWK D,J, Glenn Pitcher, and a special guest appearance by B-Sens mascot MAX.
Details of the event, including a map to the location, are available at www.TheRaceReport.
TV/bcacc. Tickets are available at: 07 Racing Collectibles, 3125 E Main St, Endwell; Doug’s
Speed Shop, 498 Court St, Binghamton; French’s Auto Parts, 472 Court St, Binghamton;
Grant Buck, 607-775-3706; Mosquito Lounge & Grill, Price Chopper Plaza, 10 Glenwood
Ave, Binghamton; Trackside Products, 419 Airport Rd, Endicott.
The Broome County Animal Care Council is a registered non-profit organization which
receives no government funding and does not euthanize animals for population control.
If you have any items you would like to donate to the auction, please contact:
Cyndi French – President – B.C.A.C.C.
cfrench178@yahoo.com
607-343-0508
Dr Gary “A.J.” George
ggeorge@binghamton.edu
607-723-7548
Ron Hills
RonHills@TheRaceReport.TV
1-866-RACE680
Please join us for the “unofficial” start to the 2010 racing season and enjoy a great day of
racing, food, and fun for this worthwhile cause.
2/6/10 Thanks to Ron Hills for passing this along - there will be some original Fred
Smith photos in a grab bag up for auction. See you there - Jeff
1/30/10 To Larry Witter, I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say thank you very
much for taking the time to transfer you knowledge about the 6 cyl inline to these pages.
Send me a note back if you have the time.
Thanks again,
Bill Pogue
1/31/10 Bill - I'll forward the note to Larry - who I believe has escaped the cold cold
North for Florida this winter, thanks for the nice note. - Jeff
1/27/10
Hello: I am in search of this car or the owner of this car. I understand it might be in NY or
NJ. It once raced at Riverside Park in Agawam Ma. in the late 60's and early 70's. If you or
someone in your club can help me please contact me at 1-413-623-5566 or 1-413-862-3382.
Thank you, Brian Janik
1/31/10 - Brian - Buddy Krebs was big in New England, I would try the NEAR and
Garden State Clubs, they may have knowledge of the car's whereabouts. Any one have
a clue for Brian? Best of luck - Jeff
1/22/2010 Mike Van Patten is a business owner in Binghamton, an enthusiastic race fan,
and is suffering from a rare and incurable form of cancer.
And like millions of Americans, Mike does not have health insurance.
Mike is in stage four of myxofibrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Mike's
daughter, Kristy Aiken-Smith is a nurse, and gives
a concise description of Mike's condition in her interview. You can view her interview at http:
//www.theracereport.tv/mike_vanpatten along
with an interview with Mike and a tour of “The Dale Room”, Mike's shrine to Dale Earnhardt
Sr & Jr.
Mike's family and friends have organized two benefits this Sunday, January 24th. The first
is from noon until 5:00 PM at Laurel Bowl,
139 Laurel Ave, Binghamton. It is a bowling party with pizza, soda, raffles, etc.
The second benefit is from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at the American Legion, corner Grace & Clinton
Sts in Binghamton.
More information is available at www.theracereport.tv.
Please help if you can. Thank you,
Ron Hills
Race Report Productions
1/6/2010 NYSSCA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION HIGHLIGHTS AUTO MUSEUM CALENDAR
Saratoga Springs, NY The traditional first event of the year in the Saratoga
Automobile Museum’s extremely popular “Racing in New York” gallery, the New York State
Stock Car Association’s Hall of Fame induction, is always a highlight of the year. And the
2010 edition, honoring car owner Jerry Higbie and famed drivers Mike Romano, Charlie
Rudolph and Jimmy Spencer, promises to burnish the tradition.
Set for 11 am on Sunday, January 24th in front of the permanent NYSSCA display at the
museum, the event will expand upon the induction program at Saturday night’s NYSSCA
awards banquet in Albany.
“At the banquet, we have to present an abbreviated program because of the time constraints
imposed by the scores of special awards to be presented to area racers,” said Hall of Fame
chairman and gallery coordinator Ron Hedger. “But Sunday, both the presenters and the
inductees can speak as long as they want and I can even work in questions from the
audience.
“The event always attracts famous racers and previous Hall of Fame inductees and lets fans
unable to attend the NYSSCA banquet meet and greet the new Hall of Fame members. I
never know where the stories that come out are going to lead us but it is always a marvelous
event. Will Cagle’s captivating tale of cheating with mislabeled tires last year is still bringing
in comments from those who were in attendance.”
Presenters for the event will include famed announcer Jim King, journalist Tom Boggie,
writer and DIRT lawyer Andy Fusco and National Speed Sport News columnist Ron Hedger.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will also mark the formal debut of the racing gallery’s colorful
new “jacket wall” featuring vintage racing jackets that will spark memories of the heroes of
the past. Those with jackets to donate or loan can drop them off prior to the event, ship
them to the museum or bring them to the induction ceremony.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State
Park. Directions and other information can be found online at www.saratogaautomuseum.
org.
12/15/09 FOAR SCORE CLUB 62ND ANNUAL AWARDS PARTY SET FOR JANUARY 30, 2010
by Mark Southcott
Lancaster, NY: The FOAR SCORE Club 62nd Annual Awards Party will be held on Saturday,
January 30, 2010 at the Elks Club on Legion Pkwy. off of Broadway in Lancaster, NY (about
2 miles east of Transit Rd. on the right hand side just before Picasso's Pizza) from 6-11 p.m.
A buffet will be served that includes beverages of pop, beer and wine.
An awards ceremony will be a portion of the evening along with the newest inductees into
the Hall of Fame: the late Indy car owner Norm Demler, Dunn Tire Raceway Park (Lancaster)
multi-time track champion Sege Fidanza, racing pioneer Dick McCrossan, dirt veteran Brian
Stevens and longtime racing supporters Don and Marilyn Toal. This will also officially bring
the FOAR SCORE Club Hall of Fame class to 106 members at this ceremony. The Families in
Racing Award will also induct the Western New York-based Newton and Southern Ontario,
Canada-based Willard families.
Proper dress is required meaning no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts or hats. Admission is $30 per
person and $55 per couple with check, MasterCard and Visa accepted. Space is limited to
235 people and people are encouraged to make reservations early. The deadline date to
order tickets is Monday, January 25, 2010. Contact Barb at (716) 684-2852 for tickets or
information.
Advertising is available for the party program with the following rates: full page
advertisement - $100.00, half page advertisement with business card in the yearly FOAR
SCORE Club newsletter - $75.00, half page advertisement - $50.00, and quarter page
advertisement - $25.00. Contact Barb at the previous number for details.
Door prizes would be greatly appreciated.
Please bring a nonperishable canned good for donation to the local food pantry.
Join us as everyone is welcome to attend on that evening!
I Am restoring a race car of 50"s that had mounted in a 6 cilinders 261 chevrolet engine
I am interested on buying an complete Cylinder Head Wayne inclusing
- cylinder head complete
- Inlet manifold
- Exaust manifold
- Camshaft
I Know that two years ago this equipment was manufactured by www.waynemfgco.com , but I
can't contact them anymore
IF you can help me, telling me the address of some one I could buy this equipment
Thanks
Gilberto Mlejolaro
B.Gonçalves-RS-BRASIL
7/8/2010 Gilberto - the place to check for that is Inliners International -
http://inliners.org/ - Hopefully they can help you out, best of luck. - Jeff
7/5/2010 Hi Jeff,
I'm catching up on old emails today, I apologize for the delay. Yes the Potvin grind seemed
to do much better than the previous Winfield. The Norden I ran a little was a different firing
order and was definitely the weakest of the three. As to Dick Blaine's question you are
probably right that it is a Winfield. I was visiting with Ed Iskenderian last fall at the
Bakersfield hot rod reunion and he mentioned that after looking at an Offenhauser engine's
radius cam setup he thought it was a pretty good idea and then developed the 404A radius
deal. Your 128 at Syracuse is really impressive to me!! I never did see any flatheads on a big
track like that, would love to see it. I remember going to the Little 500 at Anderson the year
Parnelli Jones came on the scene back here, there was a flathead there that got runner-up if
I remember correctly, the winner was a GMC powered sprinter out of Milwaukee. James
Garner was the Grand Marshall that night. If you've never seen that show it's 33 sprinters
going 500 laps on a very high bank quarter mile asphalt track. My former lady friends uncle
was Tom Cherry, I think he won that race three times. Tom had an aluminum flathead block
in his shop once, I never did know what he did with it or whose it was.
I tried to open that movie you attached but a pop up said I wasn't set up for that. I'm not
very computer savvy so I'll save that until I can get some help to open it.
Later, Phil.
7/8/2010 Going back even a little further... according to the 'Offenhauser' book, when
Fred bought all of the tooling from Miller, he went to Ed Winfield to talk about the
cams. Ed's advice was to 'make everything bigger' - in other words, use a mushroom
tappet. Fred couldn't afford that so they came up with the radius tappet. A little
more... Chuck Potvin's 425 Eliminator, I have been told and read as well, was based
on Winfields' SU-1A cam - both timing out around 280 and 284 duration - big cams!
Just further evidence that Winfield was truly the go to guy when it came to
camshafts... 128 was with a worn out engine too, wonder what a fresh Red Shredder
would have done... 33 Spint cars on 1/4 mile high banked oval sounds like a lot of fun
to watch, no surprise that the GMC beat the flathead, that's the engine. Tom Cherry
was a Speed Shop owner from Muncie, Indiana and a darn good sprint car driver to
boot, winning at Langhorne as well. My flathead guru Bob Hayslett talked of him
often, relating conversing with him about flathead speed secrets... one set of piston I
have came from Tom's shop - and work very well. Thanks for the always interesting e-
mail Phil. - Jeff
6/30/2010 Jeff, Just want to let you and your dad know that what you folks did for my dad
the other night was wonderful Mom, Mike, Pat, and I can not thank you guys enough. Dad
really enjoyed your dads company and I can remember dad saying to me that the club is in
good hands as long as Dick and Jeff are involved in it. Dad always enjoyed the races and he
sure did have a gift to stop and talk with everyone he knew at the races My brother and I still
recall the time that we all went up to Fonda for the big race at the end of the year last fall
Dad said and I remember it just like he was still here he said “ I will be back in a while” well
to make a long story short he never did come back and sit with us so I went and found him
and sure enough he was b.s with somebody I am not even sure if he knew this person.
So in closing Thank you and your dad for what you both have done for my father he
would have been very proud of what you guys are doing.
Thanks, Russ Carpenter
7/8/2010 Russ - It was our pleasure to honor Carl, there will never be another one like
him, take care. - Jeff
6/25/2010 Dear Jeff: Just a brief note to let you know my dad Jack Bentley passed away
on June 24th, 2010.
When I could get him to use the computer he loved showing the pictures to his friends.
His racing career was from the late forties until 1964. I can only remember from 1959 until
1964. He wrenched on a late model in 1970 aand 1971. His racing motto was "be ready to
race at the track....not fix your car there. It's been a blast over the last several years digging
up the history about his cars with the ultimate goal of finding one somewhere but chances
are slim this will happen. Thanks again Jeff. Bill Bentley
7/8/2010 Bill - Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father, I am sorry to
hear this news. I'm pleased to hear he enjoyed looking at the site, and only wish I had
the chance to meet him. Take care Bill. Jeff
6/23/2010 Contact: Ron Hedger at 518-885-7481
“LOST SPEEDWAYS 2010” LINE-UP SET
Saratoga Springs, NY For racers and fans throughout the Northeast, Thanksgiving
means two things: a big meal with the family and that Lost Speedways at the Saratoga
Automobile Museum is only two days away.
The event, which takes a look at speedways and speedway surfaces no longer with us as
well as great racers of the past, always packs both floors of the museum with enthusiasts
sharing their racing memorabilia and enjoying a wide variety of presentations. This year’s
edition, set for Saturday, November 27th, will continue the tradition with talks on
motorcycle racing, road course action and a variety of stock car related topics on tap.
Motorcycle enthusiast Mark Supley will return with photos and stories about old-time
board track racing while highly respected sports car owner Rob Dyson and Greg Rickes, the
voice of Lime Rock Park, will team for “Lost Horizons,” a comprehensive look at the old
Riverside, CA road course and street racing with the Camel GT Series.
The Albany-Saratoga Charger division, from the speedway’s first asphalt period,
produced a number of successful modified drivers and three graduates, Brian Ross, Nick
Ronca and Jack Halloran, will recall those days using photos supplied by ace photographer
John Grady.
“The Early Days of Airborne Park” will be this year’s topic for popular north-country
racing historian Bill Ladabouche while another great story teller, longtime announcer Jim
King, will recall the NASCAR-era heroes of the nearby Fonda Speedway.
The final presentation, “Albany-Saratoga Dirt Track Memories,” will use photos from the
archives of former CVRA photographer Dick Britain to recall the early dirt track years. Event
organizer Ron Hedger will be joined by “color commentator” Kenny Tremont Jr, who stands
third on the A-S win list and leads all racers with 11 track championships at the recently
repaved Malta oval.
Program changes for 2010 include a scheduled intermission halfway through the
presentations and a longer period of memorabilia display before the presentations, which
should allow visitors to enjoy the picture books and other racing memorabilia downstairs as
well as presentations of their choice in the second floor Racing in New York gallery.
Specific times and related details will be announced as the event nears but for now, be
sure to mark the date, November 27, on your calendar.
6/18/2010 Good Friday evening to all across our land and Canada,
As I have said before this is one part of the job that I have taken on myself that is very
unpleasent. As most of you know I am 70 so I go back to the running years at Cuba Lake
Raceway, 54-mid 58. I grew up on the Cuba road just west of Friendship, NY. There was a
gas station and a convenient store right across the road from our home and loving cars and
mechanical things I could be found over there whenever I could. Seeing that 99% of the
stockers that raced back in the early 50s "flat towed", this station was the last good place for
all those coming from the east to race at CLR to be able to pull off for gas and use restrooms
and get some food. I can remember 3 or 4 stockers lined up at the pumps many times. You
can just about envision what all this meant to me. I got to know just about all of them and
anyone that helped or was in their family that was in the tow car or truck. About an hour
after the parade of stocker had left for the track I was out there with my thumb up for a ride
to CLR and never had a problem getting a ride.
One of the "stocker" was the Duane "Curly" Wilson family from Painted Post, NY near
Corning. They stopped every week going and later that Sunday evening. Getting to know
Curly I always cheered for his "4 bits" coupes at CLR. He also had a good looking teenage
daughter that was nice too and the most beautiful 55 Mercury Montclair 4dr. HT that was
green and white and the tow car. I was a real Mercury fan as my Dad had one and Dean
Layfield raced one. Curly won many races at CLR over the years that he raced there and we
all were on a first name basis. Believe it or not but Curly was his own wrench as he was
alone most of the time in the pits with his 4 bits car.
I went my way and they went theirs over time and our paths never crossed again until
about 4 years ago when I set out to try and make contact again. Knowing he was from the
Corning area and ran sponsorship for an Electic Co back in the 50s the search started. Well
the Electric Co. had been out of business for years and all the owners were long gone. I did
the white page search of all the Wilsons in the greater Corning/Elmira without any success.
I then contacted all the drivers, owners, pit folks and fans that I knew in the area without
any luck. I had about given up when one day I got a call telling me to contact the historian
for the Watkins Glen racing museum as he was very good at finding people. I contacted Bill
Green and he said he would give it a try for me as he could tell I was out of gas on it and
down in the dumps. Well about a month later I got a call from Bill that Curly was in
Tennessee. Bill had found a relative of Curlys in Corning that supplied the info.
Well let me tell you I have had some great conversations with Curly over the past few years
and he has sent me items and I have sent him things from those days of racing. He was
always so thankful every time I called him and I was so thankful that he enjoyed talking with
me about those years "the 50s".
Like I said this is the hard part of what I do in the racing world as evidenced when I
received a call from Curly's wife this afternoon that he had passed and she knew Curly
would want me know. Great Driver, family man, and in later years a true friend. Drive on
Curly drive on!!
Ford Easton
6/16/2010 Any update on the #99 car? I have been checking Odds & Ends for any progess.
Ken Paulsen
6/22/10 Ken - the #99 runs good, stops and steers OK. We're not going to paint it at
this time and may have it out at shows later this summer. Thanks for asking - Jeff
6/3/2010 CUBA LAKE RACEWAY 8th annual 40s 50s and 60s stock car racing luncheon
July 28th 2010
This is your invitation to attend the 8th annual CLR luncheon for all those that
remember or have a love of stock car racing from those wonderful years of the 40s 50s and
60s. Drivers, car owners, mechanics, track personnel and track owner/builders from the
tracks of WNY, Ontario and NWPA during that time will be attending.
A large contingent of drivers, track owners, track personnel and fans from the Jamestown,
Buffalo, Rochester and Elmira area attend each year. 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 (bring your wife/husband or companion as they have a great time too). 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 40s
50s and 60s stock car racing that will be there for the luncheon.
When: July 28th 2010 (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 17th 2010
Time, luncheon info. and Cost: registration starts at 10:30 am with lunch starting at approx.
12:15. We have use of the restaurant until 4:00 pm so there will be plenty of time for our
speakers, 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 by working with the great folks at
Moonwinks, the luncheon cost is the same as last year, $14.00. 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 special for us
only "racing salad", rolls & butter, beverage( choice of coffee, tea, iced tea or lemonade).
Mixed drinks, wine or beer may be ordered, but are at an additional cost. This year you and
your companions will have the choice of one of the following two entrees: Scampi style
haddock or Roast Turkey with stuffing & gravy. 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 40s,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 17th 2010 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 28th. Your only
job the day of the luncheon is to register, sit back, visit, eat, enjoy our guest speakers and
mc and relax. Dress code is casual.
Program: This year we will have a double feature, with feature one being an overview of the
new innovative programs that are now available at Alfred State College for the students and
things that will effect all of us in the years to come by Dr. John Anderson the President of
Alfred State College. Alfred State is one of the most innovative and progressive schools in
NYS and highly respected. That respect is further enhanced by Tom Taber, the division
head of the Motorsports Technology program at the school who will give us an overview of the
various courses that make up the program he heads. Many of you know Tom as one of the
very best drivers to have raced modifieds, latemodels and sprints from the late 60s until as
recently as the 2000s in the northeast US and Canada. The Motorsports Technology
program at Alfred is known worldwide as one of the best training centers for obtaining
employees that know the business from the get go. Every major NASCAR team in business
today has Alfred Motorsports grads. on their staff. I am sure you will find this presentation
to be most interesting and educational.
The second half of our double header program is a fellow driver and friend to many that
raced in the 50s in NYand PA. Leon Reed is an alumni of Cuba Lake Raceway and many
other tracks. Leon lived in Sweden Valley, PA during his school years, then was in the U. S.
Army for a couple of years before being employed for 39 years by Blackstone Corp., (now
Valeo Corp.) of Jamestown, NY. He is currently the president, Potter Co. Historical Society
in PA. He raced in the 1950's, Jalopy and Sportsman classes, in NWPA and SWNY. His
home tracks were: Roulette and Smethport, PA. Leon says these were dirt tracks and he
won some trophies, but very few $$$. Much fun, lots of work and won some, lost many, but
enjoyed every minute.
He will share with us stories of his favorite drivers, starters, announcers and historians
along with his comments on the many tracks that he ran on. With Leons love of history, his
talk will enlighten all of us from those great years of racing.
Our Master of Ceremonies this year is the well known and never a dull moment when
around him, Larry Dye. Larry was a driver at CLR in its early years, but learned his real
expertise and interest laid in announcing and he did that for many years at many tracks in
WNY and NWPA, mixed in with college time and his business. Those of you that haven't
heard or been around Larry will really appreciate how good he is at this mc slot when you
hear him and his stories. This year Larry will update all of us on the current things going
on in NASCAR.
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 17th 2010. If you or any of
your companions were or are a race car driver please indicate that to me when you send
your reservation and money. Those of you that I know personally 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
5/26/2010 Hello,
Just as an introduction, I'm a writer with 35 years in motorsports, much of it in the
Northeast. Though I've lived in Indianapolis since 1997, as a Connecticut native I spent 20
years bouncing from track to track in New England and New York, as well as making annual
trips to Daytona, Martinsville, Trenton, Pocono, etc.
I'm currently working with Lew Boyd and his Coastal 181 publishing group on a book
marking the 50th anniversary of the Utica-Rome Speedway, which will be celebrated in
2011. While the track and various area historians have kept excellent records, I am anxious
to back up their facts with colorful memories, eyewitness quotes, and so on. I'd love to speak
with anyone who regularly attended Utica-Rome in the 1960s, especially in any sort of
"working" capacity, meaning driver, car owner, mechanic, journalist, etc.
If there's any way you can help point me in the right direction on this, it would be greatly
appreciated. I can be reached either by email at mbourcier@earthlink.net or by phone at
317-446-6627.
Thanks,
Bones Bourcier
6/22/2010 Must say it's quite flattering that Bones would reach out to us for info, his
books on Eddie Flemke, Richie Evans and Bugs Stevens should be required reading
for aspiring racers. And his articles in Stock Car Racing magazine were always
interesting as well. So here you go fans, your chance to be famous, drop Bones a line
or give him a call and make this book as good as it can be. - Jeff
5/19/2010 What is the best way to submit pictures. I have some pictures of my dad,Joe
Winterstein. He would've loved your website, but passed away in 2006. Julie Dobish
5/23/2010 Julie, the best way is to scan the pictures and then attach the scan to an e-
mail and send to the site, I can then work with them. If you want to do the cuttting,
cropping and saving as a file and then send - that's great too. Either way works. If
you don't have a scanner and want your pictures displayed here, then I can scan
them for you and then return them. You have to understand though, that once they
are on the web, they are available to everyone. People can and will post them on other
sites. I have attempted to protect them but my html language is not foolproof. I've
asked people not to download pictures but they end up on other sites anyway - so
long as they aren't selling them on Ebay I'm Ok with it but I now tell everyone this
beforehand so they know. - Jeff
5/19/2010 Hi Race fans ,
In the 50s I was very close to George Knight. Jack Theobald came to the area from
Spokane Washington where he was in the service . We all became close friends and both
George and Jack were in our wedding . George died two years ago and I would sure like to
see Jack again before its too late. He always called me MALL DIGGER .
If you see him , tell him Gordie wants to contact him. Phone 607-754-2078
Thanks, Gordie Shiner
5/23/2010 If anyone knows of Jack's whereabouts, please let Gordie know. Thanks -
Jeff
5/11/2010 Hi Jeff,
Thanks much for your response, really enjoyed the story about Chesbro and Kotary. Here's
the old story about the old crossfire. Bill Holland was barred from AAA for running an outlaw
show somewhere. I talked to Donald Davidson about this and he verified that part of the
story. He also added some more to the story. Holland was banned for one season, when he
went to the reinstatement hearing Donald said he mouthed off about something so AAA
barred him for an additional year. Anyhow the story goes that he had Walt Straber (Walt was
the engine builder for Ralph Potter Sr. at Ralph's speed shop on Massachucetts Ave. in
Indianapolis) build the 180 engine for him which he ran various tracks with. He sold it to a
guy from Ft. Wayne IN. who ran it in some kind of stock car on a high bank paved half mile
there. It was then acqiured by Jim Riddle in Kokomo IN. He had it in a 47 Ford coupe on the
street, Jim is a friend of mine, was always bragging about making bucks in street races with
it. My dad had a '53 Olds 3 speed stick which would show just shy of 120 on the speedo. I
asked Jim just how fast that coupe was, he said "I'll start behind you, when you're wide
open I'll try to pass you" and he did! Naturally I had to have that engine so I made a deal and
bought it. It had a Winfield radius cam in it, 1 5/8 valves in &out and a single Ford back
draft carb on some kind of open plenum manifold. (probably track rules deal) I went to
Ralphs speed shop and bought an Evans 4 carb and used 4 '48s on it. It had a W&H Ducoil
ignition on it and always missed at high RPM. I found a Barker V-drive with two Wico's on it,
(75 bucks), that solved the problem. I first ran it in a 120 inch wheelbase '24T bucket deal
on methanol. It ran about 120 on the quarter mile. I got runner-up with it at the 1957 NHRA
nationals in Oklahoma City. Raymond Godman's car won it. It developed a miss and when I
opened it up found that it had knocked the bottom out of a lifter. Luckily the sides of the
lifter were riding between the lobes and didn't damage the cam. I had cracked several lifters
in the past so I called Chuck Potvin and asked about putting a 425 profile on it. He agreed, I
had a spare Norden cam so I sent it out, he called and advised the Norden was cast and
probably wouldn't live so I sent the Winfield billet to him. Next car was a homemade dragster
on "T" rails, gas pipe roll cage, '38 Harley front spoker's, flathead 3 speed, 60% in the tank,
ran 145. Lucky it didn't crash!! I sold that car, trailer and all, for $600. That's when I hooked
up with Kenny Hirata and drove until we retired in 1974. I found later that the engine ran
on some dirt tracks here in Indiana and is currently in a narrowed Crosley bodied dirt car
owned by Paul Fergason who lives just south of me. It's been retired and resting in storage
at his place, probably hasn't been run for thirty years or more. I've tried to buy it NO DEAL!!
This is getting too long! Keep in touch,great memories. Later, Phil Hobbs
5/23/2010 Never too long Phil, I can listen to stories like that all day but then I'm
probably not normal.. Sounds like a fast engine - Thanks for sharing the info. - Jeff
5/7/2010 NASCAR IN NEW YORK EXHIBIT OPENS AT AUTO MUSEUM
Saratoga Springs, NY. NASCAR racing is by far the most popular form of motorsports in
the nation. And while many associate NASCAR history with the southeast, New York has an
amazingly rich history with the sanctioning body.
At the same time that NASCAR is opening its new Hall of Fame and Museum in Charlotte,
NC, the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Racing in New York gallery has added a
comprehensive NASCAR IN NEW YORK exhibit that uses numerous text and photo panels
and four vintage race cars to bring this history to life.
Ten NASCAR National Champions – Bill Rexford, Bill Wimble, Dick Nephew, Jim Reed,
Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Mike McLaughlin, Wayne Anderson, Steve Park and Donny Lia –
were residents of the Empire State while New Englanders Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton,
Ernie Gahan, Bugsy Stevens and Freddy DeSarro and Pennsylvania drivers Tony Hirschman
and Jimmy Spencer used New York speedways as the foundation of their championship
runs. These drivers and more are highlighted in the new exhibit.
Short track racers on display include the Bridge midget, used by Capital District owner
Joe Sukup in his NASCAR Midget Division championship season, and three stock cars. The
1937 Ford Sportsman driven by Don Rounds, on loan from Mel Ogden, is a prime example of
the 1960’s, while Bruce Dostal’s Chevy coupe illustrates the technical advances seen on the
big block Modifieds of the 1970’s. The third stock car is Ray Hedger’s Volkswagon bodied
asphalt modified, driven by Dick Clark, that shows the progression in the 1980’s.
The exhibit also features a variety of memorabilia associated with NASCAR’s history in
New York, much of it obtained from the collection of Rene Charland. A rare trophy awarded
to Gahan’s ace mechanic, Jack Blackwood, is also included along with the racing gallery’s
popular “jacket wall.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum, located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga
Spa State Park, is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. More information is available online at
www.saratogaautomuseum.org.
4/20/2010 Hello,
My brother was Eddie Tobin, photographed with his car #105 at the end. As
you may or may not know, Eddie was killed at Shangrila in June of 1964. I
don't have that photograph and it would mean a great deal to me if I could
get a good copy of it. Please let me know if I could purchase a copy and if
there are any more pictures of my brother.
Thank You for your time,
Lee Stephens
710 George Edward Via
Christiansburg, VA. 24073.
lee.stephens@verizon.net
4/24/2010 Lee, photo sent. My friend Joe Buchak related Ed was as nice of a guy as
you could ever want to meet. If I come across any other pictures of him I'll send them
along. - Jeff
4/14/2010 The address of the 1967 Langhorne Youtube video has changed! I thought you
might want to update it on your site.
The new address is...http://www.youtube.com/profile user=Nynay9A79#p/u/2/i8AsawvjHFc
I don't know if you've seen my latest creation...The 1969 Thompson 500...
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Nynay9A79#p/u/0/jPAigYkwsPY
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZn2OqtCotg
George Meade
4/24/2010 Thank you once again George, your video's are amazing. I've added your
Thompson video's to the links page as well. - Jeff
4/14/2010 Jeff, I finally decided to disassemble my crossfire to find out what it had inside.
The attachments with this email cover the cam and lifters. The cam is a very nice steel billet
with 408 to 410 lift. It has no name on it but if you look closely at the front you can see it is
marked OFY4 180o. The lifters are radius but also no name on them. two additional Emails I
am sending will show the crankshaft and pistons. Dick Blaine.
4/24/2010 Dick, that's some wild cam and crankshaft... As we've discussed, the Offy 4
was a Ed Winfield grind, Ed Iskendarians' 404 was based on it according to Harvey
Crane, wouldn't be surprised if that cam is one of Ed's. Thanks for sharing and keep
us updated. Jeff
4/12/2010 Hi. I am looking for 2 Winfield SR-D downdraft carbs, If you happen to know of
anyone who might be able to help me acquire them for my project car, it would be greatly
appreciated. I am also interested in parts to make a pair of carbs, so any parts would be
helpful as well. Thanks alot. Beecher Hickox
4/24/2010 Beecher can be reached at: gotvoodoo@hotmail.com - Best of luck. - Jeff
4/6/2010 Hey Jeff, Steve Post here, hope all is well with you. Love the Midstate Antique site
and all the photos….My hero growing up was Pete Cordes, if you know of anyone who has
photos of him I would love that….I just want some of them as I enjoy trips down memory lane.
Regards, Steve Post
4/24/2010 Here's a couple Steve.. many more on the site. - Jeff
4/6/10 Hello I was wondering if there was any way to contact Larry Witter, who has written
at least one article on converting splash oiled chevys to full pressure. I was wondering if the
early (pre '53 ) 235 cranks had a different arrangement as far as the holes in the rod pins as
compared to the 216. I can't seem to find a crank that can be drilled due to the holes in the
crank pins being in the way...I just have a lot of questions. Also I am currently undertaking a
project that everyone thinks I am absolutely insane for doing, which is fine, I AM rather
nuts. I am trying to convert a 216 to full pressure oiling. Any info would be appreciated.
James Harmon
4/17/2010 Larry responded: James,
Below is a quote from my "Stovebolt" article in the Midstate web site.
The rifle drilling and grooving of the 216 crankshaft is a rather expensive machining
operation and should be done by an experienced machinist. If you have specific
questions about the full pressure conversion feel free to e-mail me and I will answer
them if I can. Larry Witter
If you are building a full race engine and using a pre - 1953 block it is
advised that you make some modifications to the lube system. The first
step is to replace the "splash" system with full pressure to the rods. To
do this the crankshaft must be "rifle" drilled from the main journals to
the rod end journals and the main journals must be grooved. Remove the
dipper plumbing from pan, the dippers from the rods and plug the dipper
holes in the rod caps. Remove the pressure regulator from the left side
of the block and make appropriate connections to bring full oil pump
pressure into the main oil galley. It is recommended that a GMC 228 oil
pump be used for its greater volume and built in 60 lb. regulator.
Replace the pressed in soft plugs at the ends of the main oil galley with
3/8" pipe plugs. (The soft plugs won't stand the pressure).
The best solution to this problem, of course, is to start with a 1953 or
later engine if the rules allow. You get the full pressure lube system,
full insert bearings (rods and mains) and better availability of parts.
With this in mind this writing will be based on these later model
engines.
3/29/2010 Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your quick response. I acquired a Crane R425-2 cam and radius lifters from Dirk
Chesbro. His wife, Melody wrote me a note regarding the cam. She thought it came from an
engine that was built by her father-in-law and won numerous dirt track events back in the
'60s in upstate NY. She's pretty sure that cam won the NY State Fair Championship race in
the early '60s 2 or 3 years in a row. Do you have any info that relates to this? I'm just
curious, it is interesting if possibly factual. I also received a second cam from them which
has had the I.D. ground off except for the word "Track". She thought this also came from
another engine built by Mr. Chesbro.
I would appreciate any info you may have regarding this story. I've thouroughly enjoyed all
the articles and info in your website. I ran a 180 degree flathead in my early drag vehicles in
the fifties, real interesting "rumored" background on that engine. Thanks again, Phil Hobbs.
4/24/2010 This is too good to attempt to cover here in the guestbook - please refer to
FlatTech Camshafts for the answer. - Jeff
3/29/2010 Hello, My name is Tom Herbert - Jeeps nephew, I was recently enjoying your
web site and came across Otto Grahams contributions. I know Otto was good friends with my
Uncle and Father (Clay Herbert). On Otto's page it lists my Father (Clay) as the son of Jeep.
To clear things up they were brothers, Jeep the eldest of 4.
There is no need to apologize I am not offended. I appreciate your site and wish you much
luck in keeping alive the memories of the pioneers who started this sport.
Your Friend, Tom Herbert.
4/24/2010 Thanks for pointing that out Tom, and for the kind words. - Jeff
3/28/2010 Hey Jeff,
I guess since the good days are just around the corner you fellas are prepping the cars and
getting ready to hit the tracks. Wish you guys were still coming across the border as we dont
get south much anymore so before you get really busy wanted to ask you a question. Back
in 1972 Bud Schilling was piloting a great looking coupe, 37 Chevy and I believe it to be the
last coupe to win a race at Spencer. I seem to believe that Jimmy Shampine bought that
coupe and ran it and then sold it to Ronnie Wallace. The question I have is technical in
nature. I believe that Schilling was running an inboard coilover cantilever suspension on it. I
remember seeing the car a couple of times and thought it was a real innovation for that time
frame. So the question to you, I am correct in my memory or I am just a little crazy !! I am
thinking of maybe once I get my Denny Giroux coupe and Falcon done that I would try this
one under the Shampine banner, so I was hoping to get the technical data right. Any help
would be appreciated. Thanks again. Rick Beaubien
4/24/2010 Rick - I looked at pictures tht I have of the Schilling coupe the best I could,
and contacted Benny Stephens as well to see if he could re-call. From our best guess
we concluded you're correct about the in board cantilever suspsension. Take a look at
this photo and see what you think. Best of Luck on your restorations. - Jeff
3/25/2010 I'm sorry to report that former driver and CNY Hall of Famer Bill
Brunschmid passed on 3/16/2010 after a long illness. Bill was Willie Wust's first
driver and a good one, we'd like to extend condolences to his family on their loss. -
Jeff
3/15/2010 Hi guys,
I love your FLAT TECH its a really good read, its the best I have found on the internet.
I wanted to ask in the IGNITION section which type of flathead were you using 8a 1949-53
or 59ab 1942-48. If it was the 59ab how did you use a magneto with the front mounted
ignition? I ask because I would love to install a magneto on my 59ab. Thank for your time
Yours Sincerely James Roper-Caldbeck
3/25/2010 - James, thank you for the nice compliment. Onto your question; I've
usually used an 8BA block but even when I used a 59A, I still used the 8BA ('49-'53)
front timing cover when I ran a magneto - which is a 'side mount' arrangement. You
can accomplish this by using the 8BA timing cover (if you're going to use an
aluminum cover, look for a Mercury with the bottom shaft support boss..) and then
adding an adapter to the front of the cam to drive the side mount mag or distributor.
The adapter is available through Speedway I believe, or you can make one by cutting
off the front of an 8BA cam. If you want a front mount magneto then it'll be more
expensive as you'll need to purchase one of: 1.) A Wico style with either a Barker V-
Drive or similar, 2.) A Harman-Collins/Scheiffer/Cirillo style with correct mount and
Offy lead plate to tune, 3.) A Vertex with right angle drive. None of these options is
cheap. Of course if you're creative, and know a machinist (or are one) you could make
an adapter to mount a Vertex to a plate bolted to the 59A timing cover with an
adapter to the cam (from a stock distributor) and eliminate the drive entirely. It's been
done and would be a inexpensive and effecient means, if you have the room between
the engine and radiator. Best of luck. - Jeff
3/7/2010 Hi Everyone, I just heard more news on Carol and Ally Amell.
I worked for over 25 years with their Daughter in law Lynn's Mom (Donna Jarmac )
Donna and Ed Jarmac just got back from Florida and contacted me, since she knows
Terry and I are friends of Carol and Ally. Terry and I thought it important that the club be
informed of the situation with the Amell's. As a result of the car accident in Daytona on Feb
13th, Carol has 12 broken ribs, shoulder and a broken back. Carol has already had three
surgeries and yesterday (Friday March 5th) they moved her to Brooks Rehabilitation Center.
Lynn( their daughter in law) did not have a room number yet when I get one I will forward to
you. Ally is going to be able to stay at the Rehab Center with Carol... but it looks like they
may be there up to three months. I am sure they would appreciate mail and prayers, this
has been a very difficult journey to be going thru so much, so far from home, family and
friends. Carolann Turcott and Terry Fergerson
The Amells can be reached at:
Mrs. Carol Amell
Brooks Rehab Center
3599 University Blvd
Jacksonville Florida 32216
3/9/2010 Thanks to Carolann Turcott, Terry Fergerson and Mary Casti of the MVSCC
for passing along this information, I'd like to offer our best wishes for complete
recoveries for both Carol and Lynn. - Jeff
2/27/2010 Hi to all again,
I hope you all enjoyed the interview video on Emory Mahan I sent you a week ago. Well here
is another one I did with Leonard(Len) Briggs a few years back before his passing.
Len and several others built Stateline Speedway near Jamestown, NY in 1955 and had the
first race in July of 1956. Len became the leading force in leadership of the track and made
it into a leading track in the 50s and 60s. The track is still in operation today. I can
remember as a teenager hearing about this great track that had great races. We were awed
with the stories we heard. It was all true from what Len shared with me in the interview.
Really a neat man and I talked with him about 5 hr. that day I will always remember. Enjoy
those times of yester years as they always said on the Lone Ranger programs. My friend
Randy Anderson and his friend have done a really good job with this video. Ford Easton
Leonard Briggs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mV4GpwL9o4
2/27/2010 Jeff, about a month ago you suggested I put "Blaster" in the crankcase of my
flathead crossfire race car engine. It had compression readings of 100 to 115 and had been
setting for a long time. I can't believe the results as all cylinders now read close to 150! Talk
about snake oil! I really appreciate your advice. Dick Blaine.
2/28/2010 Blaster 'Trans/Valve Fix' is an excellent product, almost a mix of Mystery
Oil and Bon Ami - that frees up rings and reseats valves. It'll also clear out Mosi-qee-
toes for about a 1/2 mile radius... I'm glad it worked. Jeff
2/20/2010 Hi to all across our land in the US and Canada,
Below are the links to tie into You Tube videos that a friend of mine Randy Anderson from
Jamestown recently did. What a great man Emory was and we became friends over the last
5 years before his passing in the Fall last year. I loaned Randy my interview tapes and what
he has done is really neat. I know you will enjoy listening to the stories in Emory's own
words. I still miss Emory and think of him often. I was so glad that he was able to make it to
the Cuba Lake Raceway luncheon last July and not knowing it would be the last time I got
to shake his hand. These videos are a real tribute to Emory. Enjoy
Here is an overview on Emory and his racing career from the late 40s to into the 80s on the
tracks of the NE and Mid- West. That driver was Emory Mahan out of Warren PA.. Word has
it that when Dean Layfield and Emory Mahan were in the same race it was always a toss up
who was going to win the race providing they both were running at the end. I considered
Dean Layfield one of the greatest race car dri'vers I ever saw race, so that means Emory
Mahan must have been of the same caliber. From 1949 and for many racing seasons the
black 8 ball and Emory Mahan became almost synonomous with automobile racing for race
fans far and wide. In the early years Emory was the terror of Dicky-Ben Speedway in Warren
in the green and black Buick coupe and continued that to other tracks including: Civic
Stadium in Buffalo, Wellsville Fairgrounds, Clarion Park, Shippensville, Meadville,
Sportman's Field in Erie and Butler Fairgrounds.
When Late models became popular Emory switched to a 55 Chevy and was a spectacular
success at Skyline Speedway winning most of the regular events and 50 lap contests. In 57
Emory built a fuel injected 57 Chevy and journeyed to the high banks of Dayton Ohio and
finished 4th in the brand new car against the the finest mid west drivers of the time. He also
traveled to tracks such as Toledo, Monroe County Fairgrounds at Rochester, Syracuse Mile
and Canfield and locally ran events at Stateline and Skyline. In none of these races did he
finish out of the top 10.
During 58 Emory set a qualifying record for late model stock cars at the famed Williams
Grove near Harrisburg. This qualifying record put him on the pole with the likes of Sam
Hanks, Troy Ruttman, Johnny Parsons and Jerry Unser behind him for the race. Some
company in that race wasn't it!! His engine let go on lap 67 while battling with Jerry Unser
and he was forced to exit the race. - Ford Easton
Emory Mahan (part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcGpr7SPqU4
Emory Mahan (part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRZOVNKBrEg
2/17/10 I'm sorry to report that Ally Amell's wife Carol and their grandaughter were
in a car accident while in Daytona. Both are in Halifax Medical Center in Daytona
and will be there a couple of weeks. Carol and Ally are true friends from our racing
days and we wish her and her granddaughter a speedy recovery. Cards can be sent to:
Halifax Medical Center
303 North Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Florida 32015
2/16/10 I had the great pleasure of meeting Wild Bill (Northrup) at this year’s running of
the Daytona 500. He was there with his daughter. My home track growing up was Shangri-
La motor speedway in Owego NY. I think he was as thrilled as we were to meet. Very nice
guy and class act. It’s nice to see you all involved with the stockcar club and wish you well
with it.
Gary Inscho
2/10/10 I'm sorry to report that today we learned that former Midstate member Dave
Yager of Oneonta passed away this previous Sunday the 7th. Dave was a good racer
and very likeable, always friendly around the pits and fast on the track in his pretty
#3 Chevy. We'd like to offer condolences to him family. Godspeed Dave. Calling hours
are this Wednesday from 7 to 9 Pm and the funeral is this Thursday at 2 Pm at the
Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St. Oneonta. - Jeff
2/2/10 OSWEGO SPEEDWAY OLD TIMERS "More than just memories"
Hello Everyone,
It has been a few months since our last newsletter and we apologize for the delay in
updating you with information. This email will serve as a confirmation of our 2010 plans. A
full newsletter will follow in the next few days!!!
The 5th Annual Oswego Speedway Old Timers Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th
from 10am to 4 pm. The speedway will be featuring the King of Wings Championship on
that day. A complete race program will be presented on Friday evening as well. Two big
racing shows in two days - and the always fun and entertaining Reunion as well.
Complete details will be forthcoming. Also information on discount Reunion-Race tickets,
Motel discounts, and so much more!!! Be watching for it!!!
Hope this finds you and your family well. Have a great 2010!!!!
2/6/10 Thanks to Alan Weaver for passing this along, the event has been added to
our schedule. - Jeff
2/1/10 Lee Sherwood (Tioga Motorsports Park), Carl Nagel (Penn Can Speedway), Mike
Buman (Champion Speedway) and Brian Weaver (Penn Can Speedway) are among the all-
star list of track champions and celebrities who have already confirmed their participation in
the 2010 Daytona 500 ACTION & AUCTION benefit for the Broome County Animal Care
Council to be held on Sunday, February 14th at the Mosquito Lounge, 10 Glenwood Avenue,
Binghamton.
The first 250 persons to arrive will receive a tote bag courtesy of CVS Pharmacy. Three giant
screens provided by Aarons will be among the eight televisions showing the WICZ Fox 40
broadcast of The Great American Race plus action from a variety of local speedways.
Budweiser is the unanimous beverage of choice, and local distributor Rocco J Testani Inc is
supporting the benefit with a variety of donations.
Many area V.I.P.s and media personalities have also confirmed their plans to be Celebrity
Auctioneers at the event, including Binghamton Senators V-P Tom Mitchell, WHWK THE
HAWK D,J, Glenn Pitcher, and a special guest appearance by B-Sens mascot MAX.
Details of the event, including a map to the location, are available at www.TheRaceReport.
TV/bcacc. Tickets are available at: 07 Racing Collectibles, 3125 E Main St, Endwell; Doug’s
Speed Shop, 498 Court St, Binghamton; French’s Auto Parts, 472 Court St, Binghamton;
Grant Buck, 607-775-3706; Mosquito Lounge & Grill, Price Chopper Plaza, 10 Glenwood
Ave, Binghamton; Trackside Products, 419 Airport Rd, Endicott.
The Broome County Animal Care Council is a registered non-profit organization which
receives no government funding and does not euthanize animals for population control.
If you have any items you would like to donate to the auction, please contact:
Cyndi French – President – B.C.A.C.C.
cfrench178@yahoo.com
607-343-0508
Dr Gary “A.J.” George
ggeorge@binghamton.edu
607-723-7548
Ron Hills
RonHills@TheRaceReport.TV
1-866-RACE680
Please join us for the “unofficial” start to the 2010 racing season and enjoy a great day of
racing, food, and fun for this worthwhile cause.
2/6/10 Thanks to Ron Hills for passing this along - there will be some original Fred
Smith photos in a grab bag up for auction. See you there - Jeff
1/30/10 To Larry Witter, I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say thank you very
much for taking the time to transfer you knowledge about the 6 cyl inline to these pages.
Send me a note back if you have the time.
Thanks again,
Bill Pogue
1/31/10 Bill - I'll forward the note to Larry - who I believe has escaped the cold cold
North for Florida this winter, thanks for the nice note. - Jeff
1/27/10
Hello: I am in search of this car or the owner of this car. I understand it might be in NY or
NJ. It once raced at Riverside Park in Agawam Ma. in the late 60's and early 70's. If you or
someone in your club can help me please contact me at 1-413-623-5566 or 1-413-862-3382.
Thank you, Brian Janik
1/31/10 - Brian - Buddy Krebs was big in New England, I would try the NEAR and
Garden State Clubs, they may have knowledge of the car's whereabouts. Any one have
a clue for Brian? Best of luck - Jeff
1/22/2010 Mike Van Patten is a business owner in Binghamton, an enthusiastic race fan,
and is suffering from a rare and incurable form of cancer.
And like millions of Americans, Mike does not have health insurance.
Mike is in stage four of myxofibrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Mike's
daughter, Kristy Aiken-Smith is a nurse, and gives
a concise description of Mike's condition in her interview. You can view her interview at http:
//www.theracereport.tv/mike_vanpatten along
with an interview with Mike and a tour of “The Dale Room”, Mike's shrine to Dale Earnhardt
Sr & Jr.
Mike's family and friends have organized two benefits this Sunday, January 24th. The first
is from noon until 5:00 PM at Laurel Bowl,
139 Laurel Ave, Binghamton. It is a bowling party with pizza, soda, raffles, etc.
The second benefit is from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at the American Legion, corner Grace & Clinton
Sts in Binghamton.
More information is available at www.theracereport.tv.
Please help if you can. Thank you,
Ron Hills
Race Report Productions
1/6/2010 NYSSCA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION HIGHLIGHTS AUTO MUSEUM CALENDAR
Saratoga Springs, NY The traditional first event of the year in the Saratoga
Automobile Museum’s extremely popular “Racing in New York” gallery, the New York State
Stock Car Association’s Hall of Fame induction, is always a highlight of the year. And the
2010 edition, honoring car owner Jerry Higbie and famed drivers Mike Romano, Charlie
Rudolph and Jimmy Spencer, promises to burnish the tradition.
Set for 11 am on Sunday, January 24th in front of the permanent NYSSCA display at the
museum, the event will expand upon the induction program at Saturday night’s NYSSCA
awards banquet in Albany.
“At the banquet, we have to present an abbreviated program because of the time constraints
imposed by the scores of special awards to be presented to area racers,” said Hall of Fame
chairman and gallery coordinator Ron Hedger. “But Sunday, both the presenters and the
inductees can speak as long as they want and I can even work in questions from the
audience.
“The event always attracts famous racers and previous Hall of Fame inductees and lets fans
unable to attend the NYSSCA banquet meet and greet the new Hall of Fame members. I
never know where the stories that come out are going to lead us but it is always a marvelous
event. Will Cagle’s captivating tale of cheating with mislabeled tires last year is still bringing
in comments from those who were in attendance.”
Presenters for the event will include famed announcer Jim King, journalist Tom Boggie,
writer and DIRT lawyer Andy Fusco and National Speed Sport News columnist Ron Hedger.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will also mark the formal debut of the racing gallery’s colorful
new “jacket wall” featuring vintage racing jackets that will spark memories of the heroes of
the past. Those with jackets to donate or loan can drop them off prior to the event, ship
them to the museum or bring them to the induction ceremony.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State
Park. Directions and other information can be found online at www.saratogaautomuseum.
org.
12/15/09 FOAR SCORE CLUB 62ND ANNUAL AWARDS PARTY SET FOR JANUARY 30, 2010
by Mark Southcott
Lancaster, NY: The FOAR SCORE Club 62nd Annual Awards Party will be held on Saturday,
January 30, 2010 at the Elks Club on Legion Pkwy. off of Broadway in Lancaster, NY (about
2 miles east of Transit Rd. on the right hand side just before Picasso's Pizza) from 6-11 p.m.
A buffet will be served that includes beverages of pop, beer and wine.
An awards ceremony will be a portion of the evening along with the newest inductees into
the Hall of Fame: the late Indy car owner Norm Demler, Dunn Tire Raceway Park (Lancaster)
multi-time track champion Sege Fidanza, racing pioneer Dick McCrossan, dirt veteran Brian
Stevens and longtime racing supporters Don and Marilyn Toal. This will also officially bring
the FOAR SCORE Club Hall of Fame class to 106 members at this ceremony. The Families in
Racing Award will also induct the Western New York-based Newton and Southern Ontario,
Canada-based Willard families.
Proper dress is required meaning no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts or hats. Admission is $30 per
person and $55 per couple with check, MasterCard and Visa accepted. Space is limited to
235 people and people are encouraged to make reservations early. The deadline date to
order tickets is Monday, January 25, 2010. Contact Barb at (716) 684-2852 for tickets or
information.
Advertising is available for the party program with the following rates: full page
advertisement - $100.00, half page advertisement with business card in the yearly FOAR
SCORE Club newsletter - $75.00, half page advertisement - $50.00, and quarter page
advertisement - $25.00. Contact Barb at the previous number for details.
Door prizes would be greatly appreciated.
Please bring a nonperishable canned good for donation to the local food pantry.
Join us as everyone is welcome to attend on that evening!
