60'-70's Vintage Oval Track Modifieds

I believe Jack lecuyer passed away many years ago.

 

A racing pioneer has passed yesterday.

J.P. Rotton (row ton) passed away after a lengthy illness yesterday.
JP was born on a farm in Center Point, Alabama where he worked on the farm and then later started a Wholesale Produce house with partners.
JP got out of the army after wwII and returned to his home in Birmingham, Alabama to resume his interest in the successful Produce wholesale house. Shortly after that, in about 1948, he built a racetrack outside of Birmingham called the Iron Bowl Speedway. It was almost a perfect circle built in a hollow. There he promoted modified races and had midgets come from the midwest.

In the mid fifties, he moved the racing to the Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham. It was a 1/2 to 5/8ths dirt track with a covered stadium. Racing was great there. Southeastern heros such as Nero Stepto, Freddy and Harold Fryar, Fred Thompson, Tommy Wells, Bob Reuther, Sonny Black and many many others raced there every Sunday.

His organization was a member of Nascar and he had one or two Nascar Grand National (equivalent to sprint/nextel cup) races a year. He had Indy cars run there.

JP was quite a promoter, Promoting races in Montgomery, Mobile, and Atlanta. He promoted one of if not the first Demolition Derbies. He promoted Powder Puff races. He had Joey Chitwoods Thrill show perform.

Racing was so popular that he got out of the produce business. His organization built a very large garage where stock cars were built. It also included a first class supper club which included live music and dancing, The Checkered Flag Club. Only members of the Birmingham Racing Association could attend.

He then built Dixie Speedway, outside of Birmingham. It was a high banked 1/4 mile asphalt track.

JP's name was know as a fair and honest promoter and the prize money amounts got the attention of some racers down in Miami. Red Farmer, Bobby and Donnie Allison Brought cars up to Birmingham. The story I heard (can't verify) is that they did not have the money for the entrance fee so JP waived it and gave them hotdogs for lunch. One of them went on to win the main event that day. That was the beginning of the "Alabama Gang".

JP was a member of the Alabama Racing Pioneers Hall of Fame. He was a very giving man, quick to help those needing it. He will be greatly missed by many, many friends and family.

 

Thanks for the comeback!

 

Jack Lecuyer

 

Bob Stefanik

 

Charley Centinaro

 

Ted Tappet

 

Benny Germano

 

Lou Tabone

 

George M, those are great photos. Keep 'em coming.

 

Ok!

 

Lou Toro

 

One of my favorites from the 1960's, car ran at Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam, Ma. If anyone has any other pictures of any of the Triple 8's please post.

 

Charlie Jones

 

Russ McLean

 

"THE CHAMP" Rene Charland

 

Love the Northeast Modifieds. Keep em coming George M.

 

Here's some pic's of some Southern Ontario Canada drivers.
Cliff Warner

Don Turner

Brian Page, My brother currently owns the red 43

Harold and Pat Sonnenberg

Ivan Little

 

clap clap clap clap thank guys for bringing this thread back to life

 

I know, Pete! I couldn't stand to see it die! I'm gonna need some help soon, though! My picture resources are pretty limited, unless I can find time to scan all my old programs and magazines.

 

Bobby Bard

 

Here are a couple of pictures that that have not been on the internet before, I received them from one of the original builders of the car. That is a young Rene Charland with a very early car and check out the the very cool tow rig.
This was a hot setup back in the day.

 

Dad - Bob Holmberg - Dick Holmberg & Gus

 

I am truly digging both the coupe and the pick up but the 53/53 F-100 is sweeeeeeeeeeeet! Thanks for the great shots.

 

Great pics George, now how about some more of those great videos!

 

I know, Rich! I know! I've got a few to do, but not the time to do them right now. It's still racing season. The videos are a good winter project. I could just throw one together fast, but I wouldn't be happy with it. I get a little anal. I will be doing a Thompson 500 video. I had some great music to put on it, but then I said screw it, I'm putting race sounds on it. Nothing like the sound of big block un-muffled Modifieds at Thompson! So have a little patience!

 

Just found this pic of Richie at Nazareth on the 3 wide picture site....

 

That's a good one Rich! I always liked this one too....

 

Dennis Zimmerman