First off....Happy Thanksgiving!
I found this while looking for something else (that seems to happen alot!) I found it interesting in that it tied into the last article I posted...disagreements with management. It's nothing new. We see it all the time here on raceny. What is amazing about it is that it wasn't published on the internet. It was published in a mainstream newspaper. Could you imagine this happening in this day and age...I think not. There's too much fear of litigation.
The pictures with it are of Eddie Gallione. The first one accompioned the article. the second one is from the interweb...Enjoy!
from the Binghamton Press Nov. 11, 1948
Driver Attacks Promoter
Gallione Says Owen Caused Disputed Race
by Charley Peet Binghamton Press Sports Editor
Eddie Gallione of Schenectady, leading driver in the Eastern States Racing
Association, wants us to print his version of the disputed race at Oswego's Shangri-La
Speedway Oct. 24.
That was the race, you may recall, in which officials couldn't decide on the winner.
Earl Horn won the event according to Bill Owen of Johnson City, promoter and owner of the
track. According to E.S.R.A. officials, George (Boots) Bouley was the victor.
Here is what Gallione writes in a letter to us:
"I recently read in your Binghamton paper about the controversy between 'Wing'
Bouley (George's brother who said Horn was disqualified and therefore not eligable to be
declared the victor), Earl Horn and Bill Owen.
"I want to say I stand behind 'Wing' Bouley 100 per cent.
"As to Earl Horn, I can only say That I have the highest praise for him in regards as a
driver and a gentleman and a competitor. I like Earl very much and we are very good friends.
"About Bill Owen, he started all the trouble. That statement would probably surprise
a lot of the fans, but it is true. A promoter should never butt in during any race. The starter on
the track is the boss and his decisions are to be followed.
" When Earl Horn and Harry Eckert slid out to the fence on the second lap, the race
should have never been stopped as the track was clear and no one was hurt.
"The race was stopped anyway by a starter who has demonstrated time and again he
is not fit for the job. This Owen came in and tried running the show. His decision was to restart
the race with Earl and Harry in their original positions and that is definitely against the rules of
the club and he knew it.
"The starter who was being paid by Owen, was afraid of losing his job, so he turned
around and sided with him. When the drivers, including myself, saw what they were trying to
pull with the starter himself laying down on the job, we let them know what we thought in no
uncertain terms.
"I know a majority of the fans that day were misled in thinking where the cause of the
trouble was. It stands to reason in a case like that, that we have to look out for ourselves.
"With that resistance, Owen countered with starting them in the rear and whatever
positions they finished he would pay out of his pocket. That was all right with us even though
they were out of the race.
"While waiting for the payoff, George Bouley told me Owen refused to pay him his First
position as he considered Earl won and also first money. Well, that was eventually
straightened out.
"I won the spring championship race and the midseason championship race (both at
Owego) and never received a trophy for either of them. I hold the track record of 22.49 seconds
for one lap and not Horn as Owen claims. That also calls for a trophy but I have yet to see it.
"I won the New York State championship race, and Don Strong, the promoter whom I
enjoy riding for, presented me with a beautiful trophy which I am proud to own.
"Auto racing in that area would be much better off without men of Owen's type.
"Yours Truly,
Eddie Gallione."