1969
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Illustrated Speedway News from the 60's
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Another strange looking Midget
We ran against this driver on the 1968 USAC Midget tour.
The Midget looks more like a mini Indy 500 entry.
Maybe that is because the driver also drove Indy cars for years.
This Offy Midget did win on the dirt track in Sante Fe that year after a great battle with Bob Tattersall.
Anyone know who this driver was?
cemar
The Midget looks more like a mini Indy 500 entry.
Maybe that is because the driver also drove Indy cars for years.
This Offy Midget did win on the dirt track in Sante Fe that year after a great battle with Bob Tattersall.
Anyone know who this driver was?
cemar
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Colorado National Speedway - Dacono, CO.
I'm starting this thread in hopes of learning more about the history of one of my favorite tracks, Colorado National Speedway. Any photos, memories, corrections, or facts you can add would be great.
As I understand it, C.N.S. started out in 1965 as little more than a smoothed dirt oval carved out of a large cornfield near the town of Erie, CO. In fact, many of the old timers always referred to the track as just "Erie" instead of it's given name. George Butland had a lot to do with C.N.S.'s early dirt years, but I don't know all the details.
Larry Dechant was president of the Rocky Mountain Stock Car Racing Association in 1965 and moved the club from Englewood Speedway to C.N.S. to start racing Late Model stock cars. At the time, C.N.S. was the only track in the area running these type of cars on the oval.
In it's first 23 years as a dirt track, the oval took on many different configurations until 1989 when Jim Opperman bought the facility and reconstructed it into a 3/8 mile paved oval. He also added an "X" through the infield to host Figure 8 racing. Colorado National has since grown into one of the premier racing facilities in the country.
Although C.N.S. originally started running Late Models, over the last 47 years the track has hosted numerous divisions for race fans to enjoy. Just about anything with wheels has made it's way around the C.N.S. oval at one time or another. Unfortunately, a few drivers have lost their lives on the track as well, notably Sam Sauer in 1978 and Tony Balzano in 1983.
No longer just known as "Erie", the track now sits in the town of Dacono. For many years there was nothing for miles around the race track, but recently, it's like you never leave the city when driving out to the facility as urban sprawl has swallowed up the vacant land. You can now see housing within eyeshot of the grandstands, and I hope and pray that Colorado National Speedway doesn't someday soon have the same fate that so many other great Colorado race tracks have met.
Let's take a look back at some great moments in C.N.S. history.....
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(Irwin Fogel collection)
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(J.L. McGuire collection) 1968 C.N.S. ad from the Tri-State Auto Show program.
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(Irwin Fogel collection)
![]()
(credit unknown) The legendary Jim Malloy wheels this #19 Edsel around C.N.S.'s dirt
oval in the mid-'60's.
![]()
(Beans Alexander collection) Leo Tucker #154 leads Beans Alexander #254 around the turn
in 1967 action.
![]()
(J.L. McGuire collection) A July 4, 1987 aerial of Colorado National Speedway.
As I understand it, C.N.S. started out in 1965 as little more than a smoothed dirt oval carved out of a large cornfield near the town of Erie, CO. In fact, many of the old timers always referred to the track as just "Erie" instead of it's given name. George Butland had a lot to do with C.N.S.'s early dirt years, but I don't know all the details.
Larry Dechant was president of the Rocky Mountain Stock Car Racing Association in 1965 and moved the club from Englewood Speedway to C.N.S. to start racing Late Model stock cars. At the time, C.N.S. was the only track in the area running these type of cars on the oval.
In it's first 23 years as a dirt track, the oval took on many different configurations until 1989 when Jim Opperman bought the facility and reconstructed it into a 3/8 mile paved oval. He also added an "X" through the infield to host Figure 8 racing. Colorado National has since grown into one of the premier racing facilities in the country.
Although C.N.S. originally started running Late Models, over the last 47 years the track has hosted numerous divisions for race fans to enjoy. Just about anything with wheels has made it's way around the C.N.S. oval at one time or another. Unfortunately, a few drivers have lost their lives on the track as well, notably Sam Sauer in 1978 and Tony Balzano in 1983.
No longer just known as "Erie", the track now sits in the town of Dacono. For many years there was nothing for miles around the race track, but recently, it's like you never leave the city when driving out to the facility as urban sprawl has swallowed up the vacant land. You can now see housing within eyeshot of the grandstands, and I hope and pray that Colorado National Speedway doesn't someday soon have the same fate that so many other great Colorado race tracks have met.
Let's take a look back at some great moments in C.N.S. history.....
(Irwin Fogel collection)
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1968 C.N.S. ad from the Tri-State Auto Show program.
(Irwin Fogel collection)
(credit unknown) The legendary Jim Malloy wheels this #19 Edsel around C.N.S.'s dirt
oval in the mid-'60's.
(Beans Alexander collection) Leo Tucker #154 leads Beans Alexander #254 around the turn
in 1967 action.
(J.L. McGuire collection) A July 4, 1987 aerial of Colorado National Speedway.
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New Member
Hi All...my name is Karl Mondschein, Lansdale, PA. Been involved in motorsports since...I was born! Love the site.
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ATQMRA ROAST
BERKELEY TWP., NJ -- In the continuing effort to preserve the great eastern racing heritage of the TQ-Midgets, the Vintage Division of the ATQMRA, in association with Lenny and Donna Boyd, will once again present the annual Celebrity Roast and Celebration.
This years roast, on Saturday evening, March 17, will address the respected career of long-time announcer and media figure Bob Marlow. It will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of N.J.s Pine Brook Stadium.
The event takes place in the beautiful and spacious Ocean Air Hanger at the RJ Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township, N.J. beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be a snow date, if needed, of Sunday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Admission to the gathering will be $20 (tickets will be available at the door, or in advance), which includes home cooked food (donated to the event) and drinks.
For ticket sales or information please contact event coordinator Gary Mondschein at (570)-656-5962.
Gary's brother Karl Mondschein has produced a commemorative video that salutes Bob Marlows career in the sport, while also highlighting the history of Pine Brook. That video, to be shown for the first time at the roast, will continue Karls tradition of showcasing the event honoree with a special highlight film.
Roast honoree Bob Marlow has been an integral part of the history of TQ-Midget racing. Currently chief announcer for the Indoor Auto Racing Series each winter at Atlantic City, N.J. and Providence, R.I., for well over 40 years, he has announced, documented and assisted generations of racing personalities, Importantly, he is today widely known as a true racing historian.
The Marlow family, led by Bobs late dad, patriarch Dick Marlow, built the tiny paved oval at the corner of Rt. 46 and Bloomfield Ave. in North Jersey that would become the legendary Pine Brook Stadium and Speedway from 1962 through its final race in 1989. It was the Home of the TQ-Midgets and also presented Micro-Stock racing.
The saying If you can run Pine Brook, you can run anywhere, was so true, as the tracks TQ-Midget alumni included racing greats such as Andretti, Duncan, Romit, Coy, Craig and Maguire from the early days; and Cicconi, Boyd, Osite, Payne, Tidaback and Adams who competed there in the later years.
Even today, over 20 years after its last race, the memories of Pine Brook are as strong as ever. On March 17, those stories about Bob Marlow and Pine Brook will be told again.
A noted panel of roasters has been assembled, and that group is ready to tell tales about special guest Bob Marlow on March 17. They will also recall special times at Pine Brook.
Fellow racing announcer Earl Krause, also an Area Auto Racing News editor/columnist, will be Master of Ceremonies.
He will introduce a roaster group that includes noted TQ car owner and past official Sonny Cooke (who campaigned the always fast No. 68 Triumph); second-generation driver and fabricator Billy Courtwright; current car owner Colin Martin (also a past driver and president of the ATQMRA); former official ATQMRA scorer Terry Mollot (the wife of Mr. TQ Alan Mollot, a past recipient of a roast); racing personality Ken Brenn Sr. (whose construction company paved Pine Brook Stadium, has fielded entries from Midgets, to Modifieds to Indy Cars and is a past ARDC president); Midget and Sprint Car driving great Jimmy Magoo Maguire, who will no doubt have much to say and be pressed to stay within his time limit; Mike Osite, a past roastee, long time driver and personality; and Area Auto Racing News publisher/chief editor and race and show promoter Lenny Sammons.
Other guest roasters may also be added to the panel.
Honoring Bob Marlow, and Pine Brook Speedway, will make our roast on March 17 one to remember, in so many ways, reflected Gary Mondschein. Bob has literally lived the history of the TQs, and saw so much of it right there at Pine Brook. I personally cant wait to hear all of the stories myself!
This years roast, on Saturday evening, March 17, will address the respected career of long-time announcer and media figure Bob Marlow. It will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of N.J.s Pine Brook Stadium.
The event takes place in the beautiful and spacious Ocean Air Hanger at the RJ Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township, N.J. beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be a snow date, if needed, of Sunday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Admission to the gathering will be $20 (tickets will be available at the door, or in advance), which includes home cooked food (donated to the event) and drinks.
For ticket sales or information please contact event coordinator Gary Mondschein at (570)-656-5962.
Gary's brother Karl Mondschein has produced a commemorative video that salutes Bob Marlows career in the sport, while also highlighting the history of Pine Brook. That video, to be shown for the first time at the roast, will continue Karls tradition of showcasing the event honoree with a special highlight film.
Roast honoree Bob Marlow has been an integral part of the history of TQ-Midget racing. Currently chief announcer for the Indoor Auto Racing Series each winter at Atlantic City, N.J. and Providence, R.I., for well over 40 years, he has announced, documented and assisted generations of racing personalities, Importantly, he is today widely known as a true racing historian.
The Marlow family, led by Bobs late dad, patriarch Dick Marlow, built the tiny paved oval at the corner of Rt. 46 and Bloomfield Ave. in North Jersey that would become the legendary Pine Brook Stadium and Speedway from 1962 through its final race in 1989. It was the Home of the TQ-Midgets and also presented Micro-Stock racing.
The saying If you can run Pine Brook, you can run anywhere, was so true, as the tracks TQ-Midget alumni included racing greats such as Andretti, Duncan, Romit, Coy, Craig and Maguire from the early days; and Cicconi, Boyd, Osite, Payne, Tidaback and Adams who competed there in the later years.
Even today, over 20 years after its last race, the memories of Pine Brook are as strong as ever. On March 17, those stories about Bob Marlow and Pine Brook will be told again.
A noted panel of roasters has been assembled, and that group is ready to tell tales about special guest Bob Marlow on March 17. They will also recall special times at Pine Brook.
Fellow racing announcer Earl Krause, also an Area Auto Racing News editor/columnist, will be Master of Ceremonies.
He will introduce a roaster group that includes noted TQ car owner and past official Sonny Cooke (who campaigned the always fast No. 68 Triumph); second-generation driver and fabricator Billy Courtwright; current car owner Colin Martin (also a past driver and president of the ATQMRA); former official ATQMRA scorer Terry Mollot (the wife of Mr. TQ Alan Mollot, a past recipient of a roast); racing personality Ken Brenn Sr. (whose construction company paved Pine Brook Stadium, has fielded entries from Midgets, to Modifieds to Indy Cars and is a past ARDC president); Midget and Sprint Car driving great Jimmy Magoo Maguire, who will no doubt have much to say and be pressed to stay within his time limit; Mike Osite, a past roastee, long time driver and personality; and Area Auto Racing News publisher/chief editor and race and show promoter Lenny Sammons.
Other guest roasters may also be added to the panel.
Honoring Bob Marlow, and Pine Brook Speedway, will make our roast on March 17 one to remember, in so many ways, reflected Gary Mondschein. Bob has literally lived the history of the TQs, and saw so much of it right there at Pine Brook. I personally cant wait to hear all of the stories myself!
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Vintage/Classic Movies
Hello all,
New here to "Auto Racing Memories". Been involved in motorsports since I was born. (3rd generation driver/owner). We go back to the 1920's with Henry Mondschein racing motorcycles, Mel Mondschein, sports cars/TQ Midgets/Full Midgets, Karl (myself) TQ's, Full Midgets. And Gary Mondschein, Micro Sprints, TQ Midgets, Full Midgets, Sprint Cars, and now, involved with vintage race cars. In the collection we've got a 1966 Indy car, early 80's USAC Silver Crown Car, 8 TQ Midgets, and my pride and joy, 1963 Ford F100.
The link below is my youtube site, chock full of neat movies from our past. It's only a sampling of 1,000's of hrs of family movies, as well as other videos from years gone by. Enjoy,
Karl
http://www.youtube.com/user/moonracer1
New here to "Auto Racing Memories". Been involved in motorsports since I was born. (3rd generation driver/owner). We go back to the 1920's with Henry Mondschein racing motorcycles, Mel Mondschein, sports cars/TQ Midgets/Full Midgets, Karl (myself) TQ's, Full Midgets. And Gary Mondschein, Micro Sprints, TQ Midgets, Full Midgets, Sprint Cars, and now, involved with vintage race cars. In the collection we've got a 1966 Indy car, early 80's USAC Silver Crown Car, 8 TQ Midgets, and my pride and joy, 1963 Ford F100.
The link below is my youtube site, chock full of neat movies from our past. It's only a sampling of 1,000's of hrs of family movies, as well as other videos from years gone by. Enjoy,
Karl
http://www.youtube.com/user/moonracer1
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New Member
Hello Everyone;
I am a new member, living in upstate New York. I grew up on the East side of Cleveland during the 50's and 60's. I had an uncle that was very much into cars, and built his own in the mid-late 50's. His name was Karl Sestak, and he was the President of the Throttle-Jammers Club in Cleveland in 1955.
Recently, another uncle has asked me to try to track the car down since it had been sold sometime during the 60's, I believe, in Euclid, Ohio. I don't hold out much hope of finding anyone that might remember, but thought I'd give it a shot.
The car had a homebuilt frame, with a Ford front end. The body was fiberglass and, from what I recall looked something like a Cobra. It was painted bronze. Someone in Euclid purchased the car and we saw it on the streets once or twice, but we're curious as to what might have happened to it.
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks
I am a new member, living in upstate New York. I grew up on the East side of Cleveland during the 50's and 60's. I had an uncle that was very much into cars, and built his own in the mid-late 50's. His name was Karl Sestak, and he was the President of the Throttle-Jammers Club in Cleveland in 1955.
Recently, another uncle has asked me to try to track the car down since it had been sold sometime during the 60's, I believe, in Euclid, Ohio. I don't hold out much hope of finding anyone that might remember, but thought I'd give it a shot.
The car had a homebuilt frame, with a Ford front end. The body was fiberglass and, from what I recall looked something like a Cobra. It was painted bronze. Someone in Euclid purchased the car and we saw it on the streets once or twice, but we're curious as to what might have happened to it.
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks
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Sorry, I've been a slacker!!
Hey gang, just to let ya'll know, I'm still checking in every day, sorry for not posting a lot of new stuff, here's the reason. We are moving back to Florida, wife got a killer job offer, going back to Ponte Vedra Beach, 28 miles south and east of Jacksonville. My 12 year old son, and 16 year old daughter can't wait to get back, my wife is already back there starting her new gig. Buying a house within a 5 minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean, and beautiful north east Florida beaches. Plus, Webby talked me into a state of the art new Mac, and I'm too cheap to pay for Photoshop, just yet, so I'm behind on scanning photos, and creating new posts. However, he did set it all up for me while he was on vacation down here, works great, just need time to learn how the damn thing works! Love Texas, best state in the union, Florida just has better beaches, and beach style living, it's all good!
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Can you name these 1970 Midget power plants?
Here is a cool pic of 8 power plants used in the early 70's.
Can you match the engines with the pictures?
Random list of the 8.
Chevy II (4 cyl).
Chevy (with Ford head).
Miller.
Ford Falcon.
Sesco (1/2 V-8 Chevy).
Ford Jigger V8-60.
Offenhauser.
Ford V8-60.
Have fun.
cemar
Can you match the engines with the pictures?
Random list of the 8.
Chevy II (4 cyl).
Chevy (with Ford head).
Miller.
Ford Falcon.
Sesco (1/2 V-8 Chevy).
Ford Jigger V8-60.
Offenhauser.
Ford V8-60.
Have fun.
cemar
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Joe Yeaman 1931 Model A - Lowery AFB
In this photo from Joe Yeaman's collection, "Turbo" Joe Yeaman poses for this shot taken in 1958 at his parents residence in Lakewood, CO. Joe drag raced his '31' roadster flathead powered Ford at the old Lowery Air Force Base in Aurora, CO. Joe says he was "stylin" wearing his Cromwell leather covered helmet but admits that the roll-bar would have been pretty ineffective should he be involved in a roll-over crash. Joe's roadster was painted a deep maroon, and featured a Columbia rear-end and the "Flattie" was bored and stroked. Joe was 21 when this photo was shot and nine years later, Joe was hired on as a "Fireman" with the Denver Fire Dept. where he spent the next 25 years. Although the term "Fireman" is what Joe was hired on as, he is quick to insist that term is wrong and Joe would prefer to be called a "Firefighter". Today, Joe still has a need for speed and his car of preference is a 2011 Porsche "Turbo" 997.2. He also has in his collection a 1934 Ford "Victoria" which he enjoys tinkering with. The next three photos show Joe's pride and joy, his Porsche 997.2.
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Were we a little crazy back then?
Safety for everyone was not of much concern back in the days.
Not for officials, fans, crewman or drivers.
Look how close to the action "everyone" is in this photo.
What were we thinking?
cemar
Not for officials, fans, crewman or drivers.
Look how close to the action "everyone" is in this photo.
What were we thinking?
cemar
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1/8 scale Dirt Late model
Here's a dirt late model in 1/8 scale I just finished. It's a huge car sitting next to some others I've built↧
Happy Birthday Bob Jefferson
:cheers::cheers:Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday down under....Happy Birthday to you.....Lets have a Fosters and warm up the 1/4 scalers!!!!:cheers::cheers::cowboy:
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hpm
1/8 th scale of my #6 rick carelli coupe,is looking pretty good so far,will be on display with the real coupe at next show.........hpm..vp.
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When you had to "drive" the cars
Dirt track, full windshield, open helmet, goggles, full floors and firewalls, rear window, no ventalation, dust so thick you could not see 50 feet.
Photo says it all and this USAC driver won the event.
cemar
Photo says it all and this USAC driver won the event.
cemar
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From Eddie Rickenbacker till now!
:green: I was born on Nov.8,1949, in Columbus,Ohio my Great Grand Father was a close friend of,World War One Ace Fighter Pilot and, previous Race Car Driver,"Eddie Rickenbacher". After surviving his time as a pilot he was the second owner of the Indiannapolsi Speedway. He was a common man who fell in love with the earliest Automobiles. He was also the first person to have solved the problem of overheating on most of those cars.
When I was born,as a little child,I would visit racing shops,and one of my Dads good friends was a builder by the name of,"Ray Leo".he produced many,"Two rail Flex frame midgets",in the thirties,and Forties. But, my Dads closet friend was,Two Time American Automobile association National Midget Champion,"Al Schaffer". who operated his own repair shop called the,"Streamline Garage", on Cleveland Avenue,on the North side of Columbus,Ohio. Al was offered to drive the winning race car of the 1950 Indiannapolis 500 but refused. I can remember when I was about three years old we had a Midget that sat in a pile in our basement. My Dad was interested in owning and racing it,but, lost his interest after having four kids. I sat in the cockpit and dreamed of driving.:white::
I have driven race cars, and produced my own racing series in the midwest in the 1980's and also produced directed, and hosted the first talk radio show of it's type in 1990's in southwest Florida. That show preceeded the television program known as,"Windtunnel" but that show has my original format. My guest were people like Dr. Dick Bergrenn,Bob Jenkins, Ken Schrader and some of the Allison family as well as Kenny Bernstien,and Dave Schultz, and many others from many different types of motorsports.
I grew up idolizing Eddie Sachs, Elmer George(father of Tony George of the Hulman family) and others like A.J.Foyt,Parnelli Jones,and,Jim Hurtibises. and was around U.S.A.C. Sprints and Midgets my first thirty years. Till I crossed over, while promoting and racing what I deemed,"Super Compact",Stock cars.:checker:
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Famous Australian midget
Last shake down run of the Kydd Offy #75 @ a very hard slick Goulburn Speedway 'Oct '89 prior to being air freighted to Houston Texas USA. Car was built by George Shilala from LA Calf. in kit form for Eric Kydd who did final assembly and body fabrication at Qantas Airlines Jet Base in Sydney Australia commencing in the early 1960s.
Offy engine was from Jack London.
Fuel injection was set up by Phil and Chris McGee of McGee Racing Cams.
This car was being built for Australia's premier midget racer Jeff Freeman. Freeman was killed at Westmead Speedway, Sydney on the 9th May 1965.
Building of the car ceased that day. Was not resumed for many years.
Sadly local politics by the Vintage Clubs in Australia, over the livery on the car, saw the car leave Australia in 1989 and it now resides in the USA.
Offy engine was from Jack London.
Fuel injection was set up by Phil and Chris McGee of McGee Racing Cams.
This car was being built for Australia's premier midget racer Jeff Freeman. Freeman was killed at Westmead Speedway, Sydney on the 9th May 1965.
Building of the car ceased that day. Was not resumed for many years.
Sadly local politics by the Vintage Clubs in Australia, over the livery on the car, saw the car leave Australia in 1989 and it now resides in the USA.
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Can you name these 1950's drivers
The #3 USAC Champ Car driver was running the last race of 1959 season at Sacramento. He had not seen victory circle yet in his young career but this would turn out to be his first of many wins.
Can you name this driver?
Next is another race at Sacramento but in 1958. The #5 driver had a cool nickname, "The Tinley Park Express".
Can you name this USAC Champ Car driver?
cemar
Can you name this driver?
Next is another race at Sacramento but in 1958. The #5 driver had a cool nickname, "The Tinley Park Express".
Can you name this USAC Champ Car driver?
cemar
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Dan Day - In Your Mirror
From the Dan Day collection, which was comprised by the late Rick Wasilko, here is a mother-load of photos that you guys can help to identify cars, drivers and crew members. These photos are on a CD and information is limited. I am going to load them (all) so it may take some time.
Dan Day has raced or had some connection with race cars in the Denver area for almost 6 generations and recently purchased a sprint car which he intends to include in the CVOR (Colorado Vintage Oval Racers) 2012 season.
I do not think that Dan had ever won a championship but was always in the top ten during his racing career at Colorado's Lakeside Speedway. Although I never raced against him, I was entertained by his driving skills as I sat in the stands. He raced against Colorado's best and one thing you better have learned when racing against Dan was when you looked in your mirror, Dan was standing on it and it would'nt be long before you were in his mirror.
OK...Here we go.........
Dan Day has raced or had some connection with race cars in the Denver area for almost 6 generations and recently purchased a sprint car which he intends to include in the CVOR (Colorado Vintage Oval Racers) 2012 season.
I do not think that Dan had ever won a championship but was always in the top ten during his racing career at Colorado's Lakeside Speedway. Although I never raced against him, I was entertained by his driving skills as I sat in the stands. He raced against Colorado's best and one thing you better have learned when racing against Dan was when you looked in your mirror, Dan was standing on it and it would'nt be long before you were in his mirror.
OK...Here we go.........
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Tim Smith #81 - CNS Bomber 1981
In this photo, Tim Smith poses with his car and crew. I do not know if this photo shoot was from the same night, but Tim won the second bomber feature at Colorado National Speedway in Erie, CO. in 1981. From left to right are (kneeling) Tim Smith, Rusty Hartley, Henry Winkle and Wayne Swanson. Wayne Swanson won the bomber feature a week earlier driving his car. Rusty and Henry worked on both cars and Henry and Tim had just graduated high school in May of the same year.
Tims sister Terrell, is married to Jim Sherwood, whose father drove at Englewood. Tim and Terrells father Dave, owned North Side Auto which sponsored this car.
Wow...it really is a small world!
Tims sister Terrell, is married to Jim Sherwood, whose father drove at Englewood. Tim and Terrells father Dave, owned North Side Auto which sponsored this car.
Wow...it really is a small world!
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