Help I.D this old jalopy?

This is one of the old racers back in my home town. I think the picture was taken back in the late 40's. I'm thinking Dodge or Plymouth. He was a local hero "Speed Mead" He was killed in an off track car accident. Thanks for any help.
Tom

 

Try again no picture came up.

 

I'll try again.

 

Nope, won't work. Sorry.
Tom

 

Somebody help him out?

 

Use Photo Bucket!!!

 

Thanks povertyflats!

 

here you go

 

Thanks Povertyflats.
Tom

 

Looks like a Desoto grille shell.

 

I suggest '38 DeSoto

 

It's a '38 DeSoto for sure...

 

I think you're right. It sure looks the same. Did they have a straight eight back then? This guy was the one to beat, back in the day.
Tom

 

I can answer my own question after doing some checking. No straight eight in '38.
Tom

 

You guys are close. It's a Chrysler Royal. Look real close at the top of the grill shell. Chrysler put out a flathead straight eight.

 

You guys are great! I'll p*** the information on to Speed's sister, who gave me the picture.
Tom

 

Tom, where are you located? From the looks of the picture, it looks like the photo was taken at the North LaCrosse Speedway. That would put it in the early 50's. Do you have more photos from the era?

 

I live in New Lisbon. We think that the picture was taken at Wisconsin Rapids but I'm not sure. Could have been at North Lacrosse I suppose. I went there many times when I went to school in Lacrosse. Check out Adams Friendship Speedway on Facebook and do a search for lost Speedways on the net. It has Black River Falls and Tomah. Nice site. If you can't find it, let me know and I will hunt up the link. I have some pictures of my old cars and some other stock cars from New Lisbon. Where are you from?
Tom

 

I live in Bangor, Just east of LaCrosse. I am friends with Matt at the A-F site and the guys at Lost Speedways. I have actually done a lot of research on racing in LaCrosse and came across Speed Mead in the results often.

 

Tom, This pic is why I think it is from LaCrosse. Notice the little building in the background. I think that there were a few guys from your area that made the trip to LaCrosse.

 

North LaCrosse was one of my favorite tracks. It was set in a natural bowl that was open at one end where the pits were. Benches were set in the hill surrounding track. I remember those stairs going up the hill. I left LaCrosse in 69.

 

There is nothing there now. Even the hill is gone.
Tom

 

That's a great picture. 39 Chevy? I agree, the picture was probably taken in North Lacrosse. I have a similar 40 Chevy jalopy that was raced in Minnesota. Message me with your e-mail and I'll send you a picture.
Tom

 

Did anyone notice that the door on the coupe was held shut with a piece of rope? Speed Mead was a legend here when I was a kid. He was killed when his car hit a tree, a non racing accident. He had a reputation as a fast driver.
Tom