Features VINTAGE SPRINT CAR PIC THREAD, 1965 and older only please.

I just realized a constant change in sprint cars. The real old ones had the wind screen (if any) over to the left side of the hood - as if the driver would lean to the left in the turns. The next few decades had wind screens centered on the hood. Then, in the 60's, you started to see more cover towards the right side of the car - like Jerry Richert's high side #63 and even the "closed" cockpits of today. I wonder what the main reason is for the change. Is it the physical position of the driver? Is it how sideways the cars get in the turns?

 

Leo "Tut" Moore raced from 1935 to 1950 minimum, his hometown was mostly listed as Lansdale (PA), but sometimes also Hatfield or Philadelphia. Raced AMRA (Atlantic Motor Racing Assoc.) in 1935, Central Pennsy in '36 & '37, also GSRA (Garden State) in '37, then AAA except for 1945 (CSRA). Was 27th and 28th in points during his two years with Central Pennsy. Best AAA main event result that I have is a 4th place at Spartanburg (SC) Oct 14 in 1939, driving an Ambler Special. Had one of the first Hillegass tube frame Sprinters, with a McDowell engine in 1950.

 

The Gillette sprint car was the former Leitenberger sprinter.

 

No, not that one. Gillette drove the Leitenberger in 1962, I'm thinking of his '63/'64 ride.

 

Michael,
I am quite certain that the #51, Pontiac powered, sprint car, that Don Gillette ran in URC in 1964-1965 was the former Leitenberger #45 sprinter.
He lost his life in the Manwarren sprint car at Trenton on Sept,9,1965.

 

He ran a Chevy in '63/'64, and the Manwarren car in '65.

 

1977 URC from Weedsport Speedway NY, Harry Benjamin with the cast, Will Cagle got the win in the #8 car. Looks like there having fun. enjoy!

 

I couldn't remember if I posted these before... WGOT from 1977 convention. enjoy!

 

Looks like Bruce Craig and the former Ronnie Householder Offy.

 

Anyone know the builder of this car and the engine?

 

monkaz you would be correct. Who's the guy in victory lane with the Williams Grove shirt?

 

Fiore.....

 

From Racing History Site
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af233/carl44s/preww2motorsports/?action=view&current=026.jpg

 

agreed.

 

Post # 16344 & 16345 is Bruce Craig and Holly Bunn. Don't know who the short fellow on the left is. Denny Z

 

How much do you think it will go for Carl?

 

I'm just guessing in today's market and with the truck/hauler 125

If it went to auction a lot more

 

Big Block!!!! Friggin awesome!!!

 

Mr. Fiore's car?

 

Josh, thanks for thinking of us during this very difficult time and my apologies to all of you on this cool thread. TOUGH day yesterday to say the least and while Townsend got collected in the #22 (he is okay), Davey and Bia were able to get through. As I told you, you are now a part of our team and I know you feel the same way that we all do....Godspeed to Dan...what a great person he was, and our sincere condolences are with his family, fans and friends. While I still get behind the wheel once in awhile, I am often reminded of "what could happen" as most of us on this thread do.

It is a tough day, but we will get through it. Thanks, JS, you are a great friend.

Best,
E

 

I think part of it is how sideways the cars get in the corners and trying to protect the driver from dirt comming off the right front. Some drivers from your father's era used to put padding in the right sleeve of their uniforms to take some of the sting out of the dirt hitting them. Or wrap their right forearm in cardboard.

In this day and age I think the sideboards on the cockpit are to act in a manner similar to the sideboards on a wing to get the car to roll over some to load the leftrear.

 

Post # 16340 yup the guy in the Williams Grove Tshirt is Joe Fiore. Hey Joe nice job at Thompson Sunday. Denny Z

 

I echo the sentiments expressed so far. I feel the same grief and sadness as the night we lost Don Branson & Dick Atkins in an equally horrific accident. Thank God the losses don't occur as frequently nowadays.
I pray that Dan's family, the other drivers and their families and the racing community as a whole can find the strength to move forward together in this sport we all love.
Godspeed to everyone.

 

Who did the car? Looks like a standard Hilligas to me.

 

yes Joe's car....