Looking to learn more about Walt Davis, who drove at Oakland Speedway in the late 1930s through at least the 1941 season. He may have lived in the San Mateo area and possibly worked for Burlingame Buick, or was a CHP officer. Although the driver I'm seeking info about is said to have given up racing in 1941, a Walt Davis also shows up in racing records after WWII— a driver by that name competed in two NASCAR races, the October 14, 1951 200-mile race at Oakland Stadium and the Nov. 11, 1951 100 mile event at Carrell Speedway. Even later, a Walt Davis appears to have driven a Porsche in SCCA competition as late as 1963. The Walt Davis I'm looking for info about raced (and crashed) a 1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible stock car at Oakland Speedway during the Memorial Day, 1941 race. The snapshot attached of him at speed in the Buick was presumably taken that day. Any info about Walt or other photos that might exist of him and/or his cars will be much appreciated. Thanks for any and all leads.
I checked Don Radbruch's book Dirt Track Auto Racing 1919- 1941, sure enough Walt Davis found in index. Not much info, but here's the scan of that page, hope it helps
That’s my dad! I have that picture of him walking away from the burning race car. If you’re still here and still interested let me know what you’d like to know about.
Welcome to the Hamb Toni... You could use this Thread to share your father's legacy around Racing and perhaps he may even have been a Hotrodder or a Custom man away from the track... I often say this Racing was a huge influence in the evolution of the Hotrod movement... Please feel free to share any photos related...it's truly a great place to archive the greatness that happened so long ago...
@Toni Davis Klimas the original Poster has not been on since 2018 but again please do share your Fathers story about his life in racing from your perspective and further to that any other related stories around going fast as many here would love to read and see any pictures you may have... By the way Happy Birthday...
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...gone-by-part-2.1154030/page-126#post-13194752 ...This was shared by @Rootie Kazoootie with mention of Walt Davis in the Filename...The Racer is different but it looks like him and the #42 is the same car # albeit it may or may not be despite similarities... https://kansasracinghistory.com/Engines/Engines.htm ...Anther Image of Walt said to be 1940 after the Flaming crash shared earlier... Truly amazing Craftsmanship in these racers and the Graphics were top notch Credit to Photographer, Owner
This is my Grandfather. I see my Aunt Toni commented below. I have lots of my Grandfather’s old photo albums and collectibles. I’ll dig around to see if there are more photos to share. This was a very cool surprise to find this thread.
Thank you Rob. Welcome to the Hamb and we do look forward to you sharing what you know and seeing the imagery. This is exactly what makes this place incredible.
I'd like to see more. I lived & went to college in Oakland in the 60s. There was still a lot of racing in the area then.
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