Racing History in the Southern Tier of New York

[blackjackracing]

From the Binghamton Press   July 25, 1967   

Checkered Flag
by Bill Dowd

   Penn-Can Speedway is just about the liveliest track in the area with its constant
promotions of fireworks, car "beauty" contests, novice races, powder puff and roll over derbies
and the like.
   Now the motorcycles will be making regular stops at the Susquehanna, Pa., track
beginning Saturday night when promoter Gordon Nolan plans to unveil his American
Motorcycle Association-sanctioned events at 7:30.
   "The only stock car track that has really shown marked improvement in attendence
this year is Shangri-La," said Nolan, a former professional rider. "I feel that the area is ready for
motorcycle races again."
   "We should have a good show because people know about Penn-Can and the
motorcycle races don't conflict with the Friday night stock car races. Motorcycles used to be
very popular in New York State and we think, with the AMA sanctioning us, that we can revive
the interest."

   The cycles that will be running at Penn-Can are the 250 c.c. variety. George Roder,
one of the top riders in the country, set the world record of 177 m.p.h. on a 250 c.c. at Bonneville
Salt Flats two years ago.
   "I hope to run Saturday night programs until the second Saturday in October and
then switch to afternoon races when the weather gets colder. We have some of our drivers who
ran Afton Fairgrounds last year and did as well as some from several states who are among the
better ones."
   Nolan promoted cycle races at Afton on Saturday nights last year but didn't fare as
well as he had hoped. He has a possible partnership set up which could bolster his finances
and make a larger purse which in turn would attract even better riders.
   
   The Varnes, Ed and Jim, and Tom and Dave Robinson are two brother combos
Nolan thinks will spark up the Penn-Can program as well as Harley-Davidson riders Harry
Williams of Poughkeepsie and Don Elder of Williamsport, Pa.: Ducati rider Dean Alexander of
West Chester, Pa., and Hellertown, Pa., veteran Dick Weiss on a Bultaca.
   "The image of motorcycle riders has been improving more every year now that so
many men and women have been buying cycles for everyday use. The beatnik element is still
there but it is very small and police get rid of them in a hurry at the various motorcycle race
meets. We want ot emphasize that this is a family spectator sport and everyone should enjoy
the races quite a bit."

PIT STOPS:  Penn-Can is holding its annual "Beautiful Car" contest, finals set for Friday night
when spectators will vote for the best looking car among the 10 finalists, trophies going to the
top three... Bill Strosahl has his car repaired after being knocked out of the running at Shangri-
La Speedway last Saturday but Don Diffendorf, whose car has been running to perfection, may
be stubborn about relinquishing his point lead. The Langhorne Qualifier for the annual August
sportsman championship at the Pennsylvannia track will be held at Shangri-La Saturday, Aug.
12... Only one point seperates Fred Harbach of Islip, L.I., and Fonda's Ernie Gahan in the All-Star
Stock Car Racing League point charts, 75-74. Dutch Hoag is tied for 27th with 19... Bill Yuma, the
Melbourne, Fla., ace who cracked up in his debut at Shangri-La last week, plans to repair his No.
79 Chevy sportsman and stay in the area this summer to continue his racing there... Time trials
begin at 12:30 and the race at 2:30 when Langhorne International Speedway holds its 150-mile
portion of the International Challange Trophy race Sunday.

[thedoebes]

I remember that wreck of Billy Yuma,The car was black and it caught on fire.

[argonrcn]

I thought I had a picture of the YUMA car after the fire, but could only find this one before the fire. GEORGE BARR PHOTO



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[blackjackracing]

I ran across this article written by Bernie Foster. Foster was the owner of Bernie's Diner in Elmira Heights, N.Y. which was a popular meeting spot for the area drivers. He also was an officer with the various racing clubs that sprung up in the region ie: the Atlantic Stock Car Racing Assoc. On top of this he owned a stock car at one point and wrote articles for the local sporting news... the Elmira Sportsman-Herald. From what I gather, he was quite the character.  Enjoy!

 from the Elmira Sportsman-Herald   Oct. 8,1956

REFLECTIONS OF A PITMAN
Foster Views Racing Night From Inside The Pit Area
by Bernie Foster

   The most lonely spot in the world, about 6 any Saturday evening during the stock car racing season, is an empty race track without a car in the pits or roaring around the track. The bleachers, empty of fans rooting for their favorites, add to the desolate scene.
   However, in the distance- just rounding  No. 4 turn- you can see the water truck jockeyed by Junior Bodine moving very, very slowly as thousands of gallons of water is poured on the track to insure the fans of a dust-free evening of racing.
   We enter the sign-in booth and start to lay out the many forms, tickets and list of eligible drivers and cars. We hook up the inter-com system with which we keep in contact with the judge's stand during the program.
   We pause every so often and take a quick look at the sky. We know that Old Man Weather can raise cain with our program. He is one of our biggest headaches.
   As the cars arrive at the track, the drivers are signed in and checked to see that they are members of the Atlantic Stock Car Racing Association. The cars are checked by the technical committee to see that they have a firewall in front of the gas tanks, safety belts are fastened securely, no sharp edges to cut tires, that fire extinguishers are in each car and undergo a mandatory brake check.
   After a general safety check by Alan Pulkinen and "Hosey" Knowles, the pitmen and mechanics take over. They unload gas, oil, tires, wheels and other spare parts as well as their tools. The towing wheels are removed and running wheels and tires are put on the cars. The size of the tires is usually dictated by the condition of the track.
   Soon the pit area is full of cars getting ready to roll. The growing volume of motor noises soon make you give up trying to talk and sign language takes over.
   You can feel the tension growing with each minute and soon it sweeps over all in the pit area. Race time is near and the final minutes are just plain hard work and sweat for everyone connected to the show.
   We look around just as Bob Fuller, our flagman, comes through the gate with the colored flags in his hands. It won't be long before a big, shiny ambulance will be parked in the area reserved for it. This is manned by a staff of doctors and internes who are ready for immediate action.
   Most of the cars have now been signed in and it is getting near the time to line up according to their point standings. Freddy Myers, our handicapper, soon gets this done and the cars are listed on a big blackboard.
   The owners, drivers and pitmen jam around the board to see where they will run. Some smile, some cry and most of them put up a beef- some serious and others in jest.
   A flash in the sky tells us that Cliff Georgia, our welder, is fixing one of the boy's car so that he can run. Cliff's job is a toughy as he has to do a whale of a welding job to get some of the cars on the track.
   Race time is getting nearer. The wreckers move into position. Everyone is working together to insure a fast, smooth program of racing. When nine or 10 events are run each evening, cooperation is the keyword.
   The loudspeakers start to drone out the car numbers and drivers in the first event. Fuller whips down the green flag and the first race is underway.   
   From this point on it is a battle with the clock to keep the show moving. We have to find helmets, water pumps, distributors and almost every other part of a car that you can think of to help keep as many cars on the track as possible.
   Two drivers who will battle each other down to the last lap on the track can be seen helping to get each other's cars ready to continue the battle in the next event.
   Standing at the track as the car gets paid, you can look up the road and see the running lights on the on the back of the towed stock car fading away into the night, going home to lick its wounds and come back to do battle the next Saturday night.

[blackjackracing]

I've found some more interesting articles that I'll get on when time permits. I found a few of Bob Fuller's older articles. To refresh your memories, Fuller was a noted flagman in the Elmira area, waving the silks at such tracks as Chemung Speedrome and Glider City. He also did a pretty good job of writting.......

Circling The Oval   Nov. 5, 1956
by Bob Fuller

   During the past season several articles have been written telling of the
running and results of the stock car races at Chemung Speedway. During these
same seasons little, if any, has been written about the before and after activities
around the cars and the people who are then in action.
   To every winner goes the cheers, trophies and pats on the back for a job
well done. But to the people behind the winners goes only the satisfaction of
knowing that without their help the win would not have been possible.
   Seldom is any mention made of these people behind the scenes... the car
owners, the mechanics, the pit men, sponsors, promoters and many others who
work in the rear, doing all they can to help their drivers win.
   And, let us not forget all the wives of these men- for without the
cooperation and understanding of their wives many of them would not be at the
track.
   To insure spectators of good racing and the competitors an equal chance
to win is the task of the promoter and track officials. Club officials draw up the
regulations and rules under which the cars operate at regular meetings. All club
members are allowed to voice their opinions on bettering the club and track at
these meetings.
   There are also many plans being carried out by car owners and
mechanics concerning what is to be run at the track during these off months. It's
during these months that many of next season's races will be won.
   Anyone who has attended the track will have noticed the many safety
devices used to help prevent accidents. For instance, no races or fast warm up laps
are allowed until an ambulance and doctor is in attendance.
   Also noted is the efficiently-equipped fire truck available at a moments
notice. A relay system of lights enabling the starter to stop a race on either side of
the track and assistant flaggers on all four turns during feature races are all
important safety factors.
   Another safety measure is the upkeep of the dirt track. Most drivers take
pride in boasting of Chemung as the best kept and fastest track in the surrounding
area. The promoter and management encourage the speed we all enjoy by keeping
the track well-groomed.
   The concession stand, a department run for spectator pleasure, has a
entirety of it's own.
   So to the unsung heroes of the racing game, the people behind the 
scenes, I offer this small tribute to pay the respects of all and give you thanks foe
contributing so much to make stock car racing the grand sport that it is

[blackjackracing]

Another in a long series of articles about the world in which we live.......

from the Oswego Valley News   Sept. 20, 1979

Shampine Wins at Shangri-La
by Linda Stanley

   More than three dozen supermodifieds were on hand for the 100 lap Southern Tier race at Shangri-La Speedway last weekend. It was the first time in nearly 15 years that supers had raced on the Owego, N.Y. half-mile track, and the show was one of the finest put on at any track this year.
   The priliminary events consisted of three heat races and a consi. The heats were won by Jim Shampine, Chuck Ciprich and Mike Schoeberlein. It was Schoeberlein's first supermodified win, and he turned in some of the fastest lap times of the day in the process. Ron Matteson of Fulton earned the win in the consi.
   The feature race started with Jamie Moore and Doug Heveron in the front row, and Moore took off with the early lead. By the tenth lap Steve Gioia moved by Heveron into second spot, and a lap later he took the lead from Moore.
   One-quarter of the way through the race the running order was Gioia, Heveron, Ciprich, Shampine, Moore, Fillip, Allbritain, and Bellinger. Fillip, running one of his finest supermodified races in the north this summer, began moving up through the pack and just past the mid-point of the race he passed Shampine to take over fourth place.
   On lap 61 the lead belonged to Gioia with Ciprich in second, when the two cars tangled going into the third turn and both spun out. Neither car was able to restart immediately, and both went to the pits, giving the lead to Heveron. Fillip maintained the second spot, with Shampine third, followed by Allbritain and Bellinger.
   When the race was restarted on lap 77, Shampine moved by Fillip and began working on the Heveron machine, passing him on the outside a lap later. Shampine's car had been plagued by a number of problems all night, including an oil leak and a skip in the engine, but late in the race the skip seemed to disappear, and Shampine was able to take the lead and hold it to the end.
   The final order of finish was Shampine, Heveron, Bellinger, Fillip, Allbritain, and Paeno. Fillip, who had been running in the third spot, ran out of fuel with just one lap to go, but only lost one position because of it.

[Jay Mooney]

Another in a long series of articles about the world in which we live.......

from the Oswego Valley News   Sept. 20, 1979

Shampine Wins at Shangri-La
by Linda Stanley

   More than three dozen supermodifieds were on hand for the 100 lap Southern Tier race at Shangri-La Speedway last weekend. It was the first time in nearly 15 years that supers had raced on the Owego, N.Y. half-mile track, and the show was one of the finest put on at any track this year.
   The priliminary events consisted of three heat races and a consi. The heats were won by Jim Shampine, Chuck Ciprich and Mike Schoeberlein. It was Schoeberlein's first supermodified win, and he turned in some of the fastest lap times of the day in the process. Ron Matteson of Fulton earned the win in the consi.
   The feature race started with Jamie Moore and Doug Heveron in the front row, and Moore took off with the early lead. By the tenth lap Steve Gioia moved by Heveron into second spot, and a lap later he took the lead from Moore.
   One-quarter of the way through the race the running order was Gioia, Heveron, Ciprich, Shampine, Moore, Fillip, Allbritain, and Bellinger. Fillip, running one of his finest supermodified races in the north this summer, began moving up through the pack and just past the mid-point of the race he passed Shampine to take over fourth place.
   On lap 61 the lead belonged to Gioia with Ciprich in second, when the two cars tangled going into the third turn and both spun out. Neither car was able to restart immediately, and both went to the pits, giving the lead to Heveron. Fillip maintained the second spot, with Shampine third, followed by Allbritain and Bellinger.
   When the race was restarted on lap 77, Shampine moved by Fillip and began working on the Heveron machine, passing him on the outside a lap later. Shampine's car had been plagued by a number of problems all night, including an oil leak and a skip in the engine, but late in the race the skip seemed to disappear, and Shampine was able to take the lead and hold it to the end.
   The final order of finish was Shampine, Heveron, Bellinger, Fillip, Allbritain, and Paeno. Fillip, who had been running in the third spot, ran out of fuel with just one lap to go, but only lost one position because of it.

The event was the Southern Tier 200.  A 100 lap NASCAR modified feature shared the bill with the supers on this night.  It was probably the most anticipated event of the '79 season (for me anyway).  The track put out a nice program for the show which I still have:

[Jay Mooney]

Below are supermodified pics from the Shangri-la Souther Tier 200 on 9/15/79:

1. A view of the pit area that night
2. Second heat winner Mike Schoberline #14
3. Third heat winner Chuck Ciprich #36

[Jay Mooney]

More pics from the Shangri-la supermodified show on 9/15/79:

1. Heveron, Fillip and Shampine
2. Richie Evans, winner of the modified portion of the Southern Tier 200, congratulates Jim Shampine on his supermodified victory. 
3. Chet Fillip races to the outside of Steve Gioia #9

USELESS TRIVIA: Fourth place finisher Chet Fillip had the only rear-engine supermodified in the field that night.  Fillip, who was from San Angelo TX, would later go on to race in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.  He garnered even more fame in the 1980’s when he became the boyfriend of TV actress Morgan Fairchild.

[argonrcn]

Supers at Shangri-la, "WHAT A CONCEPT". This thread beats RACE Discussion, all over the place. missed the Late 70s and early 80s.

[Jay Mooney]

The ’79 Southern Tier 200 was the supers first time back to Shangri-la Speedway after 15 years. Supers were a staple at the track from ’62-’65.  I’ve spent years trying to find results from those shows.  Below is what I have.  If anyone out there could fill in the blanks, I’d owe you a debt of gratitude:

1962
DATE     FEATURE WINNER
06/24/62: *Nolan Swift
07/01/62: *Nolan Swift
07/08/62: *Bill Vess
09/09/62: Ed Kingsley
09/30/62: Ron Wallace
10/07/62: RESULTS NEEDED
10/14/62: Lee Bliss
10/21/62: RAIN
10/28/62: Peppy Cone
* When Shangri-la re-opened in 1962, the first three shows were “Open Competition”, possibly with supers and stock cars mixed together.  09/09/62 was the first advertised “Supermodified” show

1963
DATE     FEATURE WINNER
05/05/63: Peppy Cone
05/19/63: Ken Fisher
06/09/63: Bud Johnson
06/16/63: Art Bennett
06/23/63: Ron Wallace
06/30/63: Dave Paul (Last Sunday afternoon Super show)
07/26/63: Jack Murphy (Lights installed - First Friday night show)
08/02/63: Nolan Swift
08/09/63: RAIN
08/16/63: Nolan Swift
08/23/63: CANCELLED (Nelson Ward killed)
08/30/63: RESULTS NEEDED
09/06/63: Sam Sessions
09/13/63: Ron Wallace
09/27/63: RESULTS NEEDED

1964
DATE     FEATURE WINNER
05/29/64: Art Bennett
07/03/64: RESULTS NEEDED
07/10/64: RESULTS NEEDED
07/17/64: RESULTS NEEDED
07/31/64: Sam Sessions
08/21/64: RESULTS NEEDED
08/28/64: RESULTS NEEDED
09/11/64: Wayne Landon

1965
06/25/65: RESULTS NEEDED

[blackjackracing]

Wow Jay! It is so cool to see the pictures as they bring that article to life.

[blackjackracing]

I went to the International Motor Sports Research Center today to do some digging and found this.....
URC Champion...Harry Benjamin of Wysox, Pa. posed in the sleek Jim Shaw Chevrolet that he drove to the honored 1972 high point title. Harry battled with Leroy Felty in the point race until August, when Harry took over the point race. The super sprinter also claimed twelve impressive feature wins.   Photo by Arnie DeBrier   Gater 1-19-73

[gregsy32]

some neat stuff here

http://gallery.alleganyhistory.org/album/Racing%20History/Allegany%20County%20Stock%20Car%20Photo%20Gallery/?page=1

http://www.alleganyhistory.org/culture/racing-history/auto-racing-history/the-folks-of-racing/1890-stock-car-race-announcers-and-photographers

[gregsy32]

go to youtube and search for "vintage allendale101"

Lot's of racing videos from southwestern NY from the 1950's.