I just came across your site and must compliment you. Great pictures and wonderful information. I clicked on 1957 statistics and viewed the victory lane picture of Sam Hanks, my childhood idol and later friend. I watched Sam at Gilmore Stadium and all the other tracks in the Southern California area, then followed his climb to the pinnacle of racing, the Indy 500. He gave me his winning uniform in 1992, which is proudly displayed in my office. I also have one of his Cromwell type helmet (Shockshell) that his wife Alice gave me back in the 1960s. I look forward to viewing your future pages.
Regards,
Dan Fleisher
danfleisher1@yahoo.com
12.31.2007
p.s. I forgot to mention one exciting thing, exciting to me especially. One of the pictures on your site shows the #5 (Black Beauty) midget at the LA Coliseum. I had the priviledge of driving the restored car at Ascot Park in Gardena on "Old Timers" night in 1990. In 1946, my dad sat me in the car after Sam won the 250 lap Gold Cup event at the Coliseum. That's when he became my idol. Happy New Year.
Looking for photos of Springfield, Illinois, Championship dirt car race of August, 1952. I saw one here. Do you have more? I was standing with my Grandpa at the outside fence between turns 3 and 4. Hope to see us standing there in a photo. Your photo is in this area.
Thanks for your help.
Larry Pontius
lpontius@insightbb.com
12.12.2007
Hello and thank you for such a great website.
I have a few items of memorabilia from Paul Weirick including the Best Appearing Car trophy/1933 Pacific Coast Championship that is inscribed with his name and Art Sparks’ names.
From the research that I have found, it seems that Sparks & Weirick were running the Gilmore/Sparks/Weirick “Lionhead Special” car driven by Kelly Petillo. Can you confirm this or which car this trophy would relate to? It may be the “Poison ‘Lil” car?
Thanks a ton!!!!
Eric
eric.debord@protential.com
Hello from Switzerland
We are preparing for Swiss television a documentary on Swiss born car racer and car manufacturer Louis Chevrolet (1878- 1941), and also about his brothers Gaston and Arthur Chevrolet.
You might be able to help us a litte further where we can find in the U.S.A. or elsewhere photos, film, memorabila or sound-recordings on Louis Chevrolet or his brothers.
We would appreciate it very much getting an answer from you.
Thank you for helping us with this research request.
Kind regards from Switzerland.
felice zenoni
cshikles@alltel.net
For the interest of race fans of way past. Of those doing any research on Eddie Hearne, he is interred in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri.
Who would have thought the fastest man on earth at one time would be laid to rest in a cemetery out in the middle of nowhere.
Craig Shikles
f.zenoni@meschuggefilm.ch
Your web site is great, particularly for an old open wheel race fan like myself (80 years old). The feature on the Belanger Special really struck a nerve. I saw Tony Bettenhausen win in this car at Springfield, IL on August 18, 1951.
Some years ago I discovered an expert model builder in John Snowberger. John is the son of racing legend Russell Snowberger who won the pole at Indy in 1931 with a car he built himself in his garage. He ran at Indy 14 times and finished in the top ten 4 times. I believe John has restored the 1931 car.
I asked John to build a model of the Belanger Spc. for me and I am attaching some photos of this model. It is the prize of my open wheel model collection. I think, as you have alluded, that this is the most beautiful race car ever.
Thanks for the contribution your web site makes for myself. Keep up the good work.
Respectfully,
John J. Reed
jr0484@sbcglobal.net
9.26.2007
I am restoring a car that ran regularly at the Milwaukee Mile in the 30's and 40's. The photo showing the field in 1938 is of interest to me. How can I get a copy? The car is the Schoof Special that Duke Dinsmore drove at Indy in 47
If you have any photos or info it would be appreciated.
This car, a Wetteroth, was acquired by Bill Schoof around 1935 and ran until 1949 when it was replaced by a Kurtis in 1950. It was rebodied in late 1948, and then driven by Frank Burany in 49. Frank wrecked at the speedway and it was rebuilt by Paul Ottman who wound up owning it as Mrs. Schoof refused to honor the bill. It was run by Ottman with Emil Andres and Chuck Stevenson driving, but Paul didn't want to be an owner so he retired the car in 49.
Lee Duran
duran2@comcast.net
7.14.2007
Hi, my father, Steve Lesick, raced in the mid 1940's through the mid 1950's in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He ran in the Langhorne National Open in 1954. Primarily I believe he raced mostly at Sharon Speedway, PA, and nearby tracks in Ohio. I am looking for any information on my dad from any source. Pictures, track records, track line-ups and finishes, race dates, etc.
Also in addition to this . . . my Uncle Mike Lesick died on the track while racing at one of these local tracks at this time period; another Uncle, Frank Lesick, also raced at these tracks.
Any information on any of these Lesick family members would be so appreciated.
My father: Steve Lesick mostly raced the stock car L3, he ran midgets also. He also built and maintained Lou Blaney's cars in Lou's early years. There were 3 drivers that included Lou, the 3 blind mice, or white mice, I was told my dad built for all 3 of these men for several years and that those cars were virtually unbeatable at the time. And of course, many of those races were run at the now owned by Blaney's "Sharon Speedway".
e-mail me at DHuckel@peacehealth.org or here.
Most sincerely,
Darla Lesick-Huckel
DHuckel@peacehealth.org
7.02.2007
Hello there.
I came across your website and notice that you know a lot about the Indianapolis 500 History. I am looking for information on Al Gordon as I believe I have a sterling and gold ring from 1932's race. I have done a lot of research and still cant find what I am looking for.I am adding some pictures of the ring for you to see.
There are Chevrolet logo's on each side in gold one says Indianapolis and the other says Liontamer there is also the gold lion head on the top, the ring itself is sterling and very large and heavy.
With all my research all I could find out was that Al Gordon drove a car in the 1932 race called the Lion Tamer, would you happen to have any pictures of him and his car. What puzzles me the most is the Chevrolet logos. Did Chevrolet do any sponsoring in 1932 as I know Gordon's car was a Miller/Miller.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Alice
thebuzz2@mts.net
6.29.2007
Hi, I am trying to get information on my father Harry 'Wimpy' Ware. He drove in the Indianapolis area in the 1940's. I think that he also was with Joey Chitwood's Daredevils. I have never seen even a picture of him. My mother saved a box of articles written about him and pictures, but my stepfather destroyed them before I was able to see them. Any information would mean so much to me.
Thanks, Donna Ware
JOINNOW2000@aol.com
5.6.2007
Hi Bob,
I'm looking for an issue of Motor Age magazine that featured Rickenbacker for an award they gave him in either late 1915 or early 1916. I've been checking ebay with no luck. Would you have it or tell me what issue it is. Appreciate your time and attention.
Regards,
Jay Holm
jaylholm@earthlink.net
3.30.2007
Hello,
I've just received over email some pictures taken in 1918. We can't read the back very well, but one of the men sitting in the car is William Kirk (it says something about being the AAA president) and the other man, as near I can read is a Fred Hooray, or possibly Hoovay.
I'm hoping you can shed some light on these for me.
Thanks
Jeff Smith
(Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association)
genesis511@bellsouth.net
3.29.2007
II'm searching for photographs taken by my grandfather, Edward A. Waterman. I was and told that he followed the race circuit and took pictures at the Great Savannah Races in 1908, 1910 and 1911. Im also told that he photographed at the Indianapolis Speedway. He may have taken photos at the Vanderbilt Races on Long Island since he lived in NY. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Steve Waterman
Rockadooo@aol.com
2.11.2007
The 17th Annual Vintage Celebration, (Vic Yerardi Memorial), the largest
Vintage Oval Race Car Event in the US will be held this year from May 15th
until May 17.
Event Entry Forms are scheduled to be mailed out by NHIS in February to
all past participants.
If you have not yet attended this great event and/or would like to get
your entry forms submitted ASAP - please stop by the events official web
site today to download the necessary forms.
http://www.vintagecelebration.com
Car / Driver Form
Garage Rental Form
Thorough review of 07 Safety requirements
Interest in this year's event has been increasing exponentially. Our goal
is 200 cars. And from what we are hearing we will meet or surpass that
goal.
Please pass this registration information along to your car clubs, family
and friends. Please help to make the 2007 event the largest and greatest
Vintage Celebration to date. Thank you.
Brian F. Watson
brianwatson@watsonracingteam.com
1.21.2007
We recently came across a cardboard checkered flag with the "Gilmore Lion" in the center. The white squares and the lion hold the signatures of 161 race car drivers from the 1930's and 1940's. The lower right corner was enscribed with "THE JACK TAYLOR FLAG."
Some of the signatures are Pat Cunningham, Wally Schock, Clarkie Clark, Tex Peterson, Val Lancaster, Earl Mansell, George Robson, Bob Gregg (Midget Racing Hall of Fame), Al Gordon, Spider Matlock, Ernie Triplett, Norman Murphy, Jerry Piper, Jack Taylor, Rex Mays (died in Nov 1949, during a race at Del Mar Race Track), Ted Horn (Motorsports Hall of Fame), Frank Wearne (1940 Indy 500 fourth place finisher) to name a few.
Any information about this "flag" would be appreciated as we are preparing this item for auction!
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Len Daley & Joan Hopper
MoonLtStrl@aol.com
1.15.07
On October 28 we are holding an antique car show and parade to celebrate the opening of the Lakeside Auto Speedway 100 years ago. This track was located in Lakeside, California, East of San Diego. It was claimed to be the first purpose-built auto race track in the United States. The first event in 1907 featured Barney Oldfield and his Green Dragon. If you have anything of interest relating to this track I would be interested in a copy that we can display. Contributions can be tax deductable because the event is for the benefit of the Lakeside Historical Society.
Also we are looking for any photos of the Lakeside Speedway 1907 thru 1920,
particularly those of Barney Oldfield. If people wish to call me my home
phone number in California is (619)475-1155.
.
Yours truly,
Fred Puhn
Entry Chairman
fredpuhn@cox.net
12.31.06
I just stumbled upon your site! I'm trying to locate a photo of race car driver Allen Mulford - here's some information I have on him.
(b. December 23, 1891 Foley Springs, OR; d. July 27, 1924 San Jose, CA. Section 20B #509) Husband of stage and screen actress Lois Scott, Mulford was a famous race car driver of the era. While racing his a car owned by DeWitt Brady of Culver City, California, at the Santa Clara county fair speedway, Mulford lost control and the car leaped an embankment, went through a fence and burst into flames before he could be removed. He died a short time later in an area hospital.
The car was later said to have a broken steering knuckle, which caused the accident.
He's included in my book "The Stars of Hollywood Forever: 1901-2006" and I would like to put a pic of him on my website, but have been unable to locate one - would you by chance have a photo or have any idea where I might get one?
Your help is appreciated!
Thanks!
Tony Scott
vicdru1@yahoo.com
12.13.06
A historical marker, commemorating the Langhorne Speedway, will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct 14th. The ceremony will take place at McCafferty Ford, 1939 East Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA. All are welcome to attend. It will be a great time to find some hidden or forgotten memories.
Here is the official schedule from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Thanks a lot,
Frank Linn
frank.a.linn@verizon.com
10.06.06
Hi, my father, Tee (William) Linn, raced at Langhorne Speedway in PA, and others in NJ, etc., in 1932/34. His car had a Hisso engine (look on the Hisso site). A Bob Foley was his mechanic. How can I find information about Tee? I have some but would like to find more.
Thanks,
Frank Linn
frank.a.linn@verizon.com
9.27.06
I just found your site and can't tell you how great it is as a little boy I used to go to the Southern States Fairgrounds in Charlotte NC every Oct. and watch Ted run, I worshiped that man as far as I am concerned he was the greatest of all time. I used to race tires with my playmates pushing them as fast as we could down the st. always hollering i'm Ted Horn and always winning a little bit of me died when he got killed I was about 11 yrs. old, I finally got his book a few yrs. ago it is in safe keeping, I wonder if Baby is still around? Didn't know he had a daughter or had forgot she can be very proud of her father "THE GREATEST" I went on to win a few races myself running micro midgets, I won 30 main events never got in that car that I didn't think about Ted Horn definitely #1
Frank Williams
ibndn57@aol.com
9.11.06
Does anyone know of a source for individual qualification lap times for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the years '56-'58? Not the 4-lap average but the individual laps.
Mike McCurdy
mike.mccurdy@verizon.net
3.06.06
I'm looking for photos of my dad, Buddy Cagle.
Can you help in midgets and champ cars?
Thank you.
Buddy Jr.
Dcagle2828@aol.com
2.20.06
I found some interesting info about Wilbur Shaw on your website. I was wondering if you know if he has any living relatives. The reason I ask is, my father-in-law, who was Jay Wyatt, rescued a cement bust of Wilbur that was built into a car dealership in Cincinnati Ohio. (It may have been in Indiana or Kentucky, we're not sure.) It sat on his front proch for years and when he passed away in 1987, my husband and I inherited it.We were trying to find a relative or museum or something that might be interested in it.
If you are interested, or know anyone who might be, I can email you a photo of it.
Thanks for any help or info you can give.
Mary Wyatt
hfprnts@verizon.net
1.16.06
Hi. I have a fully engraved custom built rifle that was made for an R. E Maypole. It is fully engraved with gold inlays and fine checkering . I have found that he entered one race and won. He was one for one. Won $2500 and had 600 points but I cannot find the race or any other information on this fellow. Can you please help Thank you for any help
Tony Schwab
1384 Jonquil Lane
White Bear Lake, Mn 55110
651- 429-2000
probe55110@msn.com
12.17.05
Just a note that Dorothy Mays passed away on Turkey Day November 24, 2005. She will be interred at 11 a.m. Dec. 1 at Forest Lawn, Glendale, Calif., to spend eternity with Rex. The Garson family will be in attendance, including Bullet Joe Garson's wife, my mom, Mary.
Sincerely,
Maggie Garson-Ray
3216 1/2 Verdugo Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Margaret_Ray@adp.com
11.29.05
Maggie Garson-Ray
3216 1/2 Verdugo Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Hello, I am in search of photograph of opening day at
the San Carlos Speedway, December 11 1921. I am
restoring the car that came in 8th that day and have
yet to find a photo of it. Do you know of anyone that
might has a collection that far back? Thank you for
your time.
Dave Hentschel
11.25.05
dhentschelauto@sbcglobal.net
I am restoring the famous Ed Winfield 2up 2down t race car. It raced at Legion Ascot in 1925 - 1929. I am trying to determine the original color of the car as all photos are in b&w. Any chance anybody out there has any old Ascot progams or information?.
Thanks again,
Rick Rawlins
9.3.05
rrawlins@rbwire.com
The Ted Horn half mile car referred to in many articles as "baby" was not the Haskell Miller.
The half mile car was built during the winter of 1938-39 by Harry Lewis. Horn campaigned the car from 1939 thru 1948 in what today would be "sprint car" races.
After finishing second at Indy in 1936 Horn purchased the Haskell Miller and became a "deal driver" for Ralph Hankinson. This car ran half-mile and mile events -- some National Point events. In the winter of 1946-47 the car was rebodied and raced only as a National Championship Point car for 1947 and 1948.
There is much confusion regarding the Ted Horn multiple car team. There were five cars not four as described in the Catlin book. They were Haskell, Lewis, Schrader, Morgan and Garnatt. Opinions appreciated.
Joe Heisler
p.s. Anyone who knows rail race car construction can figure out the Horn Cars from 1936 through 1948 from the many great photos available.
8.1.05
JLHautorev@aol.com
Dear Sir,
I'm a Spanish Indy fan and model maker. I'm building a couple of models of the Kurtis-Offy 1/32 scale for slot track as the #1 Wynn's Friction Proofing, winner in Indianapolis in 1950 with Johnnie Parsons in yellow color..
But I need to know the color of the cars pictured in black&white:
Kurtis/Offy #12 Kurtis Kraft Special, driver Johnnie Parsons second place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1949
Kurtis/Offy #83 Jim Robbins Special, driver Mike Nazaruk, second place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1951.
Can you help me?
Thanks you in advance
Diego Ripoll
Spain.
7.15.05
cartrix@cartrix-slot.com
Hello. I recently came across a copy of the Richfield Salesman dated January 26, 1933 which was devoted to the great racing record Richfield had in 1932. It is packed with photos, statistics, stories, etc. on racing history. There were also (2) 8 x 10 photos, Billy Arnold winner of the 200 mile classic June 14th, 1940 Altoona,PA autographed by him and an autorgraphed picture of Harry Hartz standing next to a Chrysler. There is also another photo of a driver unidentified. There is also a tiny cutout photo of Harry Hartz. There are also many cutout articles on these drivers and others as well. Also two pit attendant ribbons for the Legion Speedway in L.A., performance 30 and 32. Do you know of anyone interested in these materials and what their value may be?
Thanks, Jill
6.23.05
goinfshn@gte.net
Would you happen to have any information about the car in this picture???
Anything would be helpful.
Thank you very much.
Tricia Normand
6.21.05
normand.sau54@rochesternh.net
I enjoyed looking through your web site. I was courious about Barney Oldfield because my grandfather, Ray (Raymond) Newsom, grew up in Indianapolis in the early 1900s and according to family lore, he hung out at the speedway while learning to be a mechanic. He supposedly came up with a multi-firing spark plug or something that went into wide use, and he also did some mechanic work for Barney at some point. Dont' know if any of this is accurate or not but wanted to see I you might have any info on a Ray Newsom at Indy. He was born in 1895, so he'd be very young when Mr. Oldfield was around there. My grandad later worked as a driver for the author Zane Grey for a short time.
If you have anything that might be of interest to me, I would appreciate an e-mail.
Thank you,
Allan Newsom
5.31.05
LandANewsom@cs.com
To whom it may concern:
My boyfriend at 43 years YOUNG is following his dream of car racing. He was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. He is racing in White Lake,NY, which in a non-professional track. The paved 1/4 mile track is just for fun and a hobby of my boyfriend.
However, the daughters mother, who is new owner of the race track recognized he is from Paterson NJ and asked if we knew or heard of Ted Horn. She was in Cedar Lawn Cemetery and saw the headstone Ted Horn/Indy 500 winner.
I searched and searched the internet for the whereabouts of birth and where he lays in peace but none found.
However, I did find some interesting tips on Ted Horn. I enjoyed reading this one about Ted Horn and seeing the pictures. They will be shared with fellow racers in Catskill Mountain Speedway, White Lake NY.
Is Cedar Lawn Cemetery where Ted Horn now rests in peace?
Looking forward to some more interesting facts about daring race car driver.
Interesting.............
p.s. I too am from the Totowa Area and remember the Paterson area, loved the shopping in Paterson when I was kid. Thanks to parents for such good memories.
Diane D.
5.16.05
Diane3455@cs.com
Hello!
I am researching my family history, and Dr. Boyd Gardner is one of my ancestors. Your website features a photo of Gar Wood, Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford, Barney Oldfield and Dr. Boyd Gardner (at Indianapolis, 1932).
The Dr. Boyd S. Gardner in my family was the head of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic. Do you have any way of knowing if this is the same person?
Thanks for your help.
Barbara Henry
3.3.05
bhenry@jps.net
great site thanx
this web site means so much to me as i am Ted's grandson. i have seen all the pics in his biography, but there were some here i don't think i've seen before. i also love hearing what people have to say about him that actually knew him. thanx again
brian butler (gayeleen's son)
2.27.05
Bbrianl@wmconnect.com
Rumbledrome,
I have some old Indy tickets, as well as a few rain checks and general admission stubs. I wonder how much they might be worth and whether any collectors would be interested.
Luke
1.4.05
Luke@deezalrecords.com
Dear Sir
Do you know of anywhere that produces reproduction posters of the Indianapolis 500, preferably early ones i.e.1920's.
Many thanks
Kim
1.4.05
Kimmcbride30@aol.com
Very Interesting site. Lots of great history.
My relative was Guy/Glover Ruckstell there is not much to find about him. I only have a few articles about him and a few pictures. Do you have anything different I wonder.
I am researching from Canada...(where Glover's father was born) so it makes it tough.
Sandra Ruckstuhl
12.14.04
dsruckstuhl@sympatico.ca
Gentlemen:
I am looking for any information I can gather on race car drivers that would have driven from the middle twenties to the 40's in New York State. Possibly drivers racing on dirt tracks at county fairs throughout New York State.
Any help or direction would be appreciated.
Thanks. Please e-mail me at firegrunt@prodigy.net
Bob Connell
12.14.04
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex Boras and I am a young racing historian in Beaverton, OR. I have been recently on your site and wanted to send an e-mail to tell you just how amazing it truly is. I am a huge fan of Rex Mays (yesterday being the 55th anniversary of his death at the Del Mar event) and your link for him is just incredible. Thank you for such a fine tribute. I have a passion for racing history from the 1900-1960's in many forms; oval, sports cars, grand prix, etc.
As for the Bluebird/Malcolm Campbell information - exquisite indeed. I personally think the Bluebird LSR vehicles are the most incredible; save for Babs, the Napier -Railton and a few others. I like the fact on one run to 206 mph it occurred on my birthday - February 19th! The Bluebird that was on display at Daytona was the highlight of the entire museum if you ask me.
I have been in contact with several historians such as Gary Doyle, Don Radbruch (a good friend), and am a member on Racing History via Yahoo. I have an ultimate goal of doing a book on racing in the Northwest or a history of racing venues in and around Portland, OR from the inagural AAA event of 1909 (the Wemme Cup) to Portland International Raceway in 1961. We'll see how it works out.
Your collection of items is incredible; I hope someday to accuire such items as to me they reflect a portal through time to a much better era of racing, history and nostalgia. I have included my information below if you ever want to contact me:
Alex Boras
8526 SW Charlotte Drive
Beaverton, OR 97007
503-649-1093
adboras@comcast.com
apbracing@yahoo.com
11.7.04
Just discovered your fantastic website this evening while "Google-ing" for Bud Winfield. Have recommended all of my racing friends to your outstanding site. Many thanks! (especially for the sound fx)
Jerry Castor
Indiana
cstrindy@aol.com
11.7.04
Hi,
I am publishing a book on Langhorne Speedway.
We have found all types of info & photos about the track but we have been unable to locate a photo of Bill Strickler. We feel like he was like Carl Fisher at Indianpolis Motor Speedway. Without this photo I feel the book would be incomplete. Can you help?
Rick Whitt
Pitstop Books
rickwhit@qserve.net
9.22.04
Do you have any info or posters with regard to my grandfather, Les Adair. Please see the attached poster as reference. If so, if not, could you please direct me where I might find further information on him. This would be greatly appreciated.
Pastor Greg Ratliff
boanerges_97@yahoo.com
4.1.03
Hey, how are you? I'm writing to you to tell you that the photo of George Robson was taken at Langhorne Speedway. The info about it was found by me by looking through my father's scrapbook that he gave to me on his death bed. He died in 1994 and I had a really hard time bringing myself to open it and look through it all. I just recently started looking at all the stuff that was in this huge scrapbook. My father was born and grew up in Penndel, PA. That is about one mile south of Langhorne. My father worked at the track with his brother (my uncle) as tow truck operators for the track. In his scrapbook I found a lot of programs from the races. Some of these are signed by all the drivers of the event that day. There was also a lot of newspaper clippings of great events and tragic ones also. He saved the obituary of the drivers that he had known and George Robson was one of these drivers he knew very well. In his scrapbook he penciled in next to it (that this program was photographed at and signed by George only two races before his death ). I was wondering if you would know anyone that would be able to give me a so called value of these items such as all the autographs on the programs. I do not wish to sell them (they mean way too much to me) but it would be nice to know so I could tell my children. I still live in the Langhorne area and when I go past the area that was where the track used to be I tell my kids that a track was there when I was little.They can't believe it because it is now a K-mart, Levitts, and a Sam's Club. I looked at the scrapbook for the first time last night and that was what made me do a search on the internet for any info on the track and that is how I found you.
Thank you for your time,
Wyatt
MODELERB@aol.com
12.20.03
Dear Sirs:
I have a curious question about the origin of a toy and I wondered if you could give me a hand.
The attached picture is of a toy race car that was modeled on a real car, and I have been trying to figure out what car that might have been. So far I have not been able to find a good answer in my searching and was wondering if in your experience you might be able to recognize the car it was modeled after and such.
So far, I don't think it's a 1914 Mercedes, but might be a 1913 Stutz, or an Alco, or Mercer, but I just don't have a clue. I do think that it's not any more recent than 1921 due to the style and straps on the bonnet.
Could you please take a quick look and help end this nagging question?
Sincerely,
Todd Belding
randcon@swbell.net
12.14.03
Your reference that Eddie Hearne won the 200-mile, and John Jenkins the 150-mile races in Cincinnati on Sept. 9, 1911, could be misleading. These victories did not occur on the 2-mile Cincinnati Board Track, as one might assume in reading the season results.
The inaugural race on the Cincinnati boards, a 300-mile Sweepstakes event, was run on Sept. 4, 1916. After holding a 250-mile “500” replacement race on Memorial Day, May 30, 1917 (due to the Indianapolis motor Speedway then being used as a service depot for airplanes during the World War I effort), there was a 100-mile July 4, 1918 Handicap Sprint Race, followed by a 250-mile Cincinnati World Series Automobile Sweepstakes race on Oct. 12, 1919. The final event, a 48-hour endurance race for Essex automobiles, was held in Dec. 1919. Deterioration of the track over the period of the war years spelled its demise.
The Eddie Hearne 200-mile and John Jenkins 150-mile victories you refer to were held simultaneously on a 7.9 mile long triangular configured road course in Fernbank, a western Cincinnati community lying along the Ohio River. They were sanctioned by the AAA, thus a part of the championship, and sponsored by the Fernbank Dam Association.
Thank you for the numerous photos and early championship results postings on your web page. Well done!
Russ Stone
RCStone@fuse.net
11.16.03
Hi, My name is Jason Talmadge. I'm a student at Kutztown University. For my history of Pa class, we're required to do a research paper centering around something in our state. I decided to dedicate my paper to Langhorne Speedway. In my research, I came across a letter on your website. So far I have been turning up a lot of dead ends on my research. If you could be of any help, it would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Jason
KuTalms63@aol.com
10.08.03
Hi,
Have just spent a couple of hours at your website. Really enjoy it and you keep adding stuff. Many of the stories will help with my DePalma book. Thanks.
Gary Doyle
garyd@futureone.com
9.22.03
I want to say that I enjoyed reading and seeing the Belanger Special 99. I have recently found out about it and am trying to get as much information about it as I can because my last name is Belanger also and I am trying to find out if there is any way that I am related . . . since I was young I loved racing and cars in general. I was a tomboy when I was young, getting under the car with my dad to help him work on the family cars. To this day I still love the old cars, 1st generation camaro's are my favorite.. and I love going to Nascar races and to drag races . . . I don't know if the 2 are in any way related, but to see the Belanger Special 99 is just so cool to think I could be related to this . . . anyways . . . thanks for having such great pictures of it and the information that you have is great too. Sincerely,
Mikki Belanger . . .
email me at : camaroluva@yahoo.com or tygermoon@hotmail.com
I just finished looking at this web site and was reduced to tears as I recalled my family and my memories of Rex Mays. I was born in 1944 and would have been 5 years old when Rex Mays died. One of my vivid memories of him was sitting on his lap at my grandpa and grandma's house in Indianapolis telling him that I was going to marry him when I was older. Even at that young age I knew a handsome man when I saw one. For many years after that, I spent almost every summer of my young life with Charlie and Jesse Bowes, I would meet Rex Mays' wife and maybe even Rex Mays Jr. I also have many "Bowes Seal Fast" pictures and quite a few of Rex. Did you know that Charlie Bowes wrote a book called "The Checkered Flag"? I will have to find it and read it again to see if he mentions Rex. Thank you for the web site.
Lynne Hawk (Powell)
Mother....Bette Jane Powell ( Bowes )
Grandpa.....Charles E. Bowes
Grandma....Jesse Elizabeth Bowes
lynnehawk@sbcglobal.net
6.22.03
Gentlemen,
"Rumbledrome" is fantastic! I especially enjoyed the Fortune Magazine article!
I have a website dedicated to the history of Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, NY. I'm charting its history staring from 1919. Our track is unique in that it still exists! We race every Saturday night.
Additionally, I have petitioned the Guinness Book of World Records to have OCFS named as the oldest continuously operating racing surface in the world. Horses began racing there in 1857.
I would appreciate if you'd add "Victory Speedway" to your links page, and I will add "Rumbledrome" to mine using your graphic with your permission.
Here's the "Victory Speedway" URL: http://www.angelfire.com/ct3/victoryspeedway/
Many thanks for your fine efforts!
Sincerely,
Pete Kessler
Sparta, New Jersey
p.w.kessler@worldnet.att.net
5.1.03
Hello
Attached is a photo of a model Indy car that I am trying to find some information about. It is carved out of wood about 30 inches
long from about the 1930's. I believe that it may have been once owned by one of the following Fred Frame, Art Sparks or Paul Weirick. I also think the car was known as Catfish. Any information would be appreciated.
Regards,
Tony
TLee823992@aol.com
Outstanding website . . . Keep up the good work!
Dave Zortman
Webmaster for
The Vintage Racer - www.thevintageracer.com
The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing - www.emmr.org
What a great web site.
I will be putting a link from historic-racing.com to rumbledrome.
I am looking for details of the race car builder/owner 'Skinny' Clemons and drivers Joe Russo, Bryan Saulpaugh and Red Campbell
Ron Dowle
clemons_uk@yahoo.co.uk
3.12.03
Hi,
I need your help and or advice. I'm researching an auto race that took place at the Skowheagan State Fair in August of 1946 between two of the top ranked AAA race car drivers.
Ted Horn, from New Jersey, was the national driving champion. Joe Silvia, from Cohasset, Massachusetts (my father) was the New England driving Champion.
I was only about 5 years old at the time, but I can remember all of the work and preparation that was going into getting my Dad’s older style Miller ready to compete at Indy. He was registered for time trials etc., but due to a delay in receiving some critically needed parts, they were not able to make it to Indy in time. He did however catch up to his friend Ted Horn at the Skowheagan, Maine, State Fair later on. Ted advised Joe that his car was too big for the conditions at the track and thought that Joe might get hurt. Joe said, “it’s the only car I have and it’s going to have to do.”
In a very competitive race on a rough dirt track, caused by the earlier trotting horse races, the cars were taking a beating that they were not designed for. Joe’s Miller class car lost a front wheel when the spindle broke. The car crashed into the fence, tearing up a couple of hundred feet of railing before it violently collided with a telephone pole. Joe, fortunately, did not wear a seat belt. Just as his beautiful car was striking the pole, a length of broken 2x4 fence tore into his shoulder, flipping both him and the 2x4 out of the car and, according to spectators, they flailed at least two stories into the air. Joe crashed to the ground unconscious. The race track ambulance, a hearse, drove up immediately. Because the 2x4 was large, they couldn’t fit Joe into the ambulance. They had to hold him while someone used a hand saw to cut it off.
Joe survived a lengthy stay at the local Redington Memorial Hospital. That was his last race.
Ted Horn visited Joe in the hospital and maintained their friendship over the phone. Ted was killed in that horrific accident in Illinois before they had the opportunity to meet again.
I am hoping that someone might be able to give me some guidance in trying to find information on the race. Are there any auto racing photos available?
Can you give me any advice on where to turn for information?
You put together a very nice site for Ted. I have pictures if you are interested.
Best regards,
Rich Silvia
445 Beechwood Street
Cohasset, MA 02025
harpoon@flathoze.com
781-383-0500
I don't know why I never found this website before. Unfortunately, I knew my father less than most people who have commented on the site. In fact, I didn't really know him at all, since he was killed 4 months before I was born. My memories are made up of things my mother told me, photos and innumerable trips to various speedways . . . Williams Grove, Knoxville and, of course, Indianapolis. Thanks for all of your comments. I always love to hear what others thought of or, better yet, experienced with Ted Horn. Thanks especially to Fred Probst for his personal comments and his correspondence a few years ago.
Gayeleen Horn Simpson
Corning, NY
2.4.03
I am an avid racing fan and a friend of mine asked me why do they race counterclock-wise at all the tracks? I was stumped and started searching the internet for the answer and stumbled on your site and thought I would see if you could help me answer this question.
Thanks for the help.
Jamie
jamie24@foothills.net
What an excellent site you are building up here. My friends and I regularly race pre-1919 race cars and any period info is just magic.
Whilst we can find a lot of European information, those of us who drive American cars have a harder time. Some 12 years ago the Automotive library in Detroit helped me research the history of Abbott_Detroit which is not conclusive, however I just wondered if you know of whether there were films taken of the Vandebilt Cup and Grand Prize races of 1911 in Savannah. As an aside I can tell you exactly what has happened to the car having a wheel off accident in the pre-1919 statistics section, it has broken a stub axle through the stress of cornering because that's exactly what happened to me the other year as I came off the banking at Monthlery onto the straight.
By the way do you know of anyone who has a spare copy of 'The Great Savannah Races' by Quattlebaum. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year.
Dave White
dwhitelephant@hotmail.com
I have a model car produced in Glendale, Calif., in 1949 that is a wind up front wheel drive car patterned after the car he drove, # 5, that is in your pictures on the web site. It was produced by Pagliuso Engineering. Any idea what the value is?
jereal@echoweb.net
12.9.02
Hello,
I am a fan of the United States Auto Club Series. I enjoy USAC racing in its current form more than any other type of racing.
Could you give an opinion on this question? Who was the last "USAC trained" driver to win Indy? A driver who raced in the midgets, sprints and Silver Crown cars and went on to win Indy. I know some of the drivers have some "casual" USAC experience, but who was the last driver that really came up through the USAC ranks. From your stats pages, which are excellent, I determined that it might be Al Unser in 1988. I know Unser raced the USAC Silver Crown cars, but I can find no evidence that he drove sprints or midgets. Any info would be appreciated.
Your web page is a very nice reference for fans like me. Thanks for the good work.
rt
roytalbert@springnet1.com
10.5.02
I found your web site looking for information about Indy winner of 1938 Floyd Roberts. I am looking for any biographical info. Could you direct me where I could find such?
If you can help me, respond to:
lerace@gwtc.net
Thank you
9.19.02
Great Site!
I really
enjoyed your site. Brings back memories.
My dad
was Johnny McDowell and was a very close friend and fellow competitor
of these wonderful men.
Thanks
again,
John McDowell, Jr.
9.2.02
Thank
you again for responding to my earlier email regarding the Langhorne
Speedway. I am continuing to gather information for a state
historical
marker application for the site, however I need your help in
finding a book
that would be very useful for my effort.
It's
entitled "Memories of the 50's" and is a soft bound
book consisting of
126 pages. The book seems to be centered around the 1950's with
a strong
emphasis on the Langhorne International Speedway were most major
racing
organizations held their championship shows. I've heard that
this book was
produced in low numbers about twenty years ago. It seems to
be quite uncommon on the used book market.
Please let me know if you know where I might be able to buy
a copy of this
book. It will eventually will end up at the Spruance Library
of the Bucks
County Historical Society in Doylestown, PA, once my project
is over. Thank
you very much for all your help.
Sincerely,
Dave Long
dblong@princeton.edu
8.9.02
! was
going through your site, which is very, very good, and I thought
of another site that may be of interest to you. It is all on
Altoona.
Go to:
http://pages.prodigy.com/altoonaarchives/tipton.htm.
Once
again a good site.
Steve
Bubb
6.6.02
Very
nice site!
I love the
work that you have done and will be linking you to my racing
news site .
So few understand
where racing started from , And you have done a great job of
getting the story straight . Nascar did not start racing like
so many people think . It was AAA and USAC that brought the
great sport of racing to America .
Joe Martinez
Editor of Western Racing Online
http://calrace.com
6.3.02
Hi:
I'm am looking for a copy (or original) of the panoramic photo
of the 1929 Indy Lineup. Any suggestions and/or leads would
be appreciated. Thanks,
Strategic Performance Consulting
Eric H. Killorin, Director
T 802-545-2831
F 253-390-5977
www.strategic-perform.com
6.3.02
Hello,
I would like
to commend you on this website . . .
I am a distant
relative of Ray Harroun. It has been wonderful reading about
him and his races. I have made every effort to find more literature
and papers regarding his life, his career as an engineer for
some of the automakers of that period, and his attempt to produce
and sell automobiles under his name of Harroun Motorworks. I
would like to buy any car that he may have manufactured before
the World War.
If you can
shed any light on any information I might need, it would be
greatly appreciated.
You have a
wonderful site for the racing enthusiast. Research, and facts,
of
which you have in abundance, is the proof of a good website.
Keep up the good
work.
Dave
Cyfe@aol.com
5.27.02
Hi. Like your
site. I've attended every Indy 500 since 1959, and had the good
fortune to have worked on a Champ car crew through the '70's.
Your site brought back many happy (and some sad) memories.
Jim Harris
Dimondale, Michigan
harrisjm@worldnet.att.net
April 14,
2002
Hello:
As an amateur
local historian, I'm working on the application for an official
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission roadside historical
marker for the site of the old Langhorne Speedway in Middletown
Township, PA.
Do you know
who I might contact that would have archives of old photos,
programs, etc. on the track?
Do you know
the name of the last owners of the track?
Has anyone
written/published a history of the track?
This important
track has been ignored by traditional historical organizations.
I've been able to buy a few Langhorne items off ebay which I
have since given to the Bucks County Historical Society.
Hopefully,
you will be able to help me find a few more sources. Any help
or advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
for your time.
Sincerely,
Dave Long
3 Beechwood Lane
Yardley, PA 19067
Hi Rumbledrome,
Would you
know anything about this car that Jim Clark
raced at Riverside in Nov 67?
I would like
to obtain a model of it and first of all a
picture of Jimmy driving it, it is proving very difficult,
any help would be gratefully received.
Many thanks,
DC
--
Duncan M Campbell, 12 Balmoral Terr. Inverness, IV2 3UU.
Email: duncanc@argonet.co.uk
Tel: 01463 712107
Are there
any ways to communicate with fellow race fans who may have photos
or who were at the DuQuoin championship race in 1948?
It would be greatly appreciated and a pleasure to exchange correspondence
with any fans that have the same interest with auto racing
starting from 1946 to 1970. I have been to many races
at Langhorne, Trenton, Sacramento, Del Mar, Bay Meadows, Indianapolis
and Williams Grove.
I look forward to hearing from interested race fans or would
appreciate any information that could put me in touch with them.
Cordially,
John Conisha
6820 Plantation Manor Loop
Fort Myers, FL 33912-1328
(Ph) 941-561-1195
kenisha1@earthlink.net
March 6, 2002
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