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RaceNewYork Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 09:36:26 PM

Title: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 09:36:26 PM
I know there are a lot of pass drivers out there i have seen race a few come to mind maybe you remember them or now what has come of them..
      1. Doug Hewitt ( i think last name is right )
      2. Gail Barber ( if i'm correct he drove a #20 or #01 mod at the old shangri la )
      3. Jerry Cook ( red #38 mod raced at chemung and shangri la )               
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: raceguy on July 06, 2010, 09:55:30 PM
Jerry Cook served as the Whelen Modified Series' director when it began in 1985, and is currently NASCAR's Administrative Director.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 06, 2010, 09:56:30 PM
Gail passed away. He drove #01.
All three drivers are in the FOAR SCORE Hall of Fame.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 10:08:33 PM
here are a few more
wayne edawards #48 stump jumper special shangri la
Chris Pozzi #01 street stock paint was THE GENERAL LEE
Brothers A.J and J.J Michaels A.J drove mod #10 yellow white and J.J same color but was street stock #01
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 06, 2010, 10:12:53 PM
A.J. Michaels passed away from an Oswego Supermodified accident in May 1990.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Jayman on July 06, 2010, 10:13:38 PM
Racefan61,

A.J. Michaels' modified was the yellow #81 that often made appearances at the old Shangri-La, J.J. Michaels (which I always thought was his nephew or cousin) drove a similar colored #10 Street Stock.  A.J. passed away quite a few years back while racing a #4 Super Modified at Oswego Speedway in an accident.  I always loved the yellow 81 car, it was one of my favorites as a child.  I am unsure about the status of J.J. Michaels.

Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 06, 2010, 10:13:55 PM
These mod greats are still with us=== Dutch Hoag, Maynard Troyer, Don Diffendorf, George Kent, Geoff Bodine...ahh the good ol days of the modified heroes! ;D
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 10:21:43 PM
how could i forget good ole Troyer white mod with alittle bit of orange and silver #6 of course cant for get George "The Duke " Kent all the Bodine brothers
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 10:25:03 PM
thank you for letting me know about A.J  and the correct car #  never knew he drove a Super Mod  did he have any luck in that class before his death
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 06, 2010, 10:30:01 PM
A.J. Michaels did have a #10 Modified before the #81. A.J. won an I.S.M.A. feature at Lancaster and his only Oswego Supermodified feature in 1988.

http://www.jakessite.com/07/notforgot/michaels/michaels.html (http://www.jakessite.com/07/notforgot/michaels/michaels.html)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 06, 2010, 10:33:03 PM
Last I heard Wayne is still living in the LeRaysville PA area. 

Doug Hewitt retired from driving after Richie's death and ended up in NC, where he was a Winston Cup crew chief for a time.

AJ Michaels was killed at Oswego while driving the Mucci Motorsports #98 in an accident in the 1st turn, when he backed in to the wall at speed.   I won't say anything more regarding the accident as I don't like recalling it.  He had won at least a couple of features and was becoming a consistent front runner at the time of his death.  I don't know what happened to his #81 Modified - not sure if that was the same car that Mickey Cahill had or not.

Haven't heard from Chris Pozzi in ages - he used to work with my dad many years ago.

Others from Shangri-La in the 1980s:

Rick Neild, #97/#5 Modifieds (another Gault Chevy guy)

Bob Carlisle, #37 Modified (from out towards Elmira?)

Wade Stewart, #4 Modified (Waverly/Sayre/Athens)?

Rich Rafferty, #K21 Modified (Clarks Summit, PA)

Carl Harvey, #Seventy Six Gremlin-bodied modified (Binghamton?)

Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on July 06, 2010, 10:35:30 PM
   I may be wrong but wasn't AJ driving the Mucci #98 at the time of his passing? One of many tragic hits the super rosters took in a few year span.

 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 10:39:38 PM
thank you for info on AJ sad to hear but right this sec. i feel like a dummy how could i forget one of the best that passed 25 years ago cant believe its been that long but the #61 or the Rapid Romen The King of the Mods RICHIE EVENS
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on July 06, 2010, 10:47:16 PM
   A few from my very early days at Lancaster and/or Cayuga (Canada):

         Jerry Mathis
   
         Tommy Leeson

         Andy Haley
 
         
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 06, 2010, 10:48:30 PM
Reminds me - whatever DID happen to Mickey Cahill?   Or another Oswego-based Modified and Supermodified driver, Jim Crouch?  Both were good guys to hang around and talk racing with after the races back in the day.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 11:02:01 PM
heres one for you Greg Sacks ...... Now i do know if I'm correct I remember him driving a white mod at shangri la #1 .. He did how ever had a brief time in NASCAR cant remember the year or years or even the team he drove for but i do recall him racing
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 06, 2010, 11:10:29 PM
Racefan61, Greg Sacks just raced in the Nationwide race at Daytona for Junior Motorsports.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 06, 2010, 11:11:56 PM
o really he still around and running
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on July 06, 2010, 11:19:56 PM
I'll toss a few out from My mid-seventies LM days at Shangri-La.

Mike Casterline
Duane Ellis
Cecil King
Dick Finnerty

I know ole Jim Zach is still around
Randy Hedger is an official with NASCAR in NC.
Pete Walker passed away an number of years ago.

and Denny McNally ( the guy I used to help) is off to parts unknown.


74' and 75' were good years for me.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 07, 2010, 12:26:52 AM
Pete Walker died due to injuries from a crash while driving the Loden Brothers #29 Vega. I believe it was at Oswego. Pete had replaced Mike Loescher in the car. As far as I know Mike is still running his driving school in Florida.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: boxer06 on July 07, 2010, 06:27:23 AM
Chris Pozzi is alive an well, living in Newark Valley, N.Y.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BMR69 on July 07, 2010, 08:16:42 AM
Wayne Edwards is still in LeRaysville, and still driving truck (last I talked to him, a few months ago).

Dick Finnerty passed away, man, gotta be 10 years ago now.

A few others from the early 80's I know the whereabouts of:

LM Driver Tom Cummings - Still drilling wells in Monroeton, PA

LM/Mod driver John Preston, still in Wyalusing, working a stone quarry last I knew.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on July 07, 2010, 10:45:29 AM
 Duane Ellis passed away. What about his son Bud, Where is he? Bob Carlyle used to live in Spencer back when he raced.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Knight_Train 12 on July 07, 2010, 11:10:16 AM
Duane Ellis passed about 5 yrs ago.

His son Duane {Bud} Ellis Jr. & family live in N.C. -mooresville area.
Still has Duanes old #4 Sport mod.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Turbo01 on July 07, 2010, 11:32:10 AM
Doug Hewitt is currently working for Joe Gibbs in NC. I beleive he heads up their reasearch and development.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Frasson118 on July 07, 2010, 03:41:51 PM
Update on a few of these guys:

Jerry Mathis now lives in Ocala, FL, and is crew chief for his daughter Wendy's Sprint car.
Mike Loescher is indeed still running the Finish Line Driving School, along with wife Krystal. Dutch Hoag spends time with the Loeschers in February, and they each made it to the first 2 Reunions.
Mike Casterline has recently retired, and made it to the 2009 Modified Reunion during Florida Speedweeks
Not sure where Tom Leeson is now (I think he's still in Rochester), and is friends with Dick Emerson, who I spoke with a few months back. Dick currently winters in Arizona.
Greg Sacks, as previously mentioned, was indeed in the field for the Nationwide race the other night. He looked pretty good, and pulled out a top 10 or top 15 finish, after a penalty sent him to the rear (at least it was ANNOUNCED that he would be put back, but I didn't SEE that happen).
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 07, 2010, 07:06:46 PM
i seen the name Randy Hedger mention now i remember him just cant remember car # i know he drove a MOD.. I do believe the color was red ahhhh car number 33 right ???????
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 07, 2010, 07:41:14 PM
Ok Boys and Girls here are a few names for you
1. Herbie Green LM # 88 his last car was all Blue if i remember right .
2. Tommy Gush Mod  purple #55
3. BoB Frisbie LM if i recall all White #2
4. Chub Kennedy was before my time but do have pic of him i what to say year is early maybe late 60's car # was 44 ..
 The first 3 i do remember watching but 1 thing i cant remember either Gush or Frisbie had a nick name what was it or did both have nick names???
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: canadianfan on July 07, 2010, 08:13:47 PM
wondering about late model racers Dick Flaig and Phil Edwards?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 07, 2010, 11:10:08 PM
i seen the name Randy Hedger mention now i remember him just cant remember car # i know he drove a MOD.. I do believe the color was red ahhhh car number 33 right ???????

Randy is living in North Carolina and I believe working with Nascar.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on July 07, 2010, 11:28:15 PM
After Randy moved from the Shang LM division he campaigned a  #86 orange Vega an almost twin to the #16 of Dick Clark. He had a

couple of them. He took a wild ride at Oswego in one of his cars back in ? ( Falcon, String ?) . Yes, he also drove Joe Nortons #33 for

awhile and the Vecchio U-Joint Sales #1 Cavalier. He drove other cars as well I believe. Randy is a great guy.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 08, 2010, 04:00:00 AM
Dick Flaig lives in Florida. Phil Edwards is still in the WNY area.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on July 08, 2010, 09:16:18 AM
Cecil King is still around the southern tier.I see him quite often.He goes mostly to 5 Mile Point. He does go to other tracks.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: gregsy32 on July 08, 2010, 10:13:46 AM
How about a couple of young guns that were supposed to be the next big thing -

L.W. Miller

Travis Grover
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 08, 2010, 11:05:47 AM
L.W. Miller now lives in N.C. as well. His Father owns / operates a car dealership down there as well as a Auto Transport Fleet that hauls autos all over (North & South). (not sure if L.W. works for him or not) ? Anyway he drives Modifides down South and has been very successful as a matter of fact I believe he is at least 1 or 2x champion at a track down there  ! Every once in a while you see where he runs up North as well as I think he ran a race at N.H. or somewhere last year and ran a special test tech motor for Nascar. His Grandmother (who is VERY, VERY proud of him) still lives in Dushore and her and Wayne (his dad) own Miller's Hardware Store and alot of land as well as a car wash, Laundry mat and rent a shop that the Gail Clark Power Plants ALL come out of !

As far as being the next big thing, they had Buddy Baker working with him when he was trying to make it in racing down there and Buddy thought he was a the real deal as well. BUT like anything ONE needs the $$$$ to make it and I think he fell a little short ! Every once in a while he come up to Dushore to visit and such as My Dad and him talk racing at the local coffee shop when he sees him ...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on July 08, 2010, 12:02:40 PM
   Jason Duke?... Jeff Pass?? Where'd all the great ones go!!  ::)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on July 08, 2010, 12:58:00 PM
  Always wondered what ever happened to Gordy Treichler. He disappeared from the local scene and never saw his name appear anywhere else. That little town of Sanborn sure produced some great drivers.

  Also Rick "The Chicken Man" Jeffery. I know he went Busch/ARCA racing for a while and he was from Kentucky. Was quite a character, very entertaining to talk to. I suppose he probably just retired.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 08, 2010, 01:08:03 PM
Gordy Treichler lives in Texas.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Groundpounder on July 08, 2010, 02:35:04 PM
As far as being the next big thing, they had Buddy Baker working with him when he was trying to make it in racing down there and Buddy thought he was a the real deal as well. BUT like anything ONE needs the $$$$ to make it and I think he fell a little short !
Maybe the fact that he's a flaming jackazz behind the wheel had something to do with it?  Buddy must be going senile.  BTW, someone should tell him that when people started calling him "Loose Weapon", it wasn't meant as a compliment.  Apparently that went over his head since he put that on his own t-shirts.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: jamie on July 08, 2010, 02:40:56 PM
its actually LETHAL weapon
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Groundpounder on July 08, 2010, 02:58:50 PM
its actually LETHAL weapon
Either way, he's definitely a weapon!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: gregsy32 on July 08, 2010, 03:09:42 PM
Some loved him some hated him.  I remember him getting boo'd like Dale Sr. or Jeff Gordon when he climbed out of the car in Victory lane.   He did win a lot of races though.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Groundpounder on July 08, 2010, 03:39:01 PM
Some loved him some hated him.  I remember him getting boo'd like Dale Sr. or Jeff Gordon when he climbed out of the car in Victory lane.   He did win a lot of races though.
He's still driving on the nascar southern mod tour and hasn't smartened up any over the years.  He got a ride in the Hillbilly Racing backup car (a fitting teammate for Civali) at Loudon a couple weeks ago and was parked after he intentionally wrecked another car under caution.  The azzhat should have moved to Connecticut.  He'd fit right in with the rest of the sk 'tards there.

Oh ya, he's also dating Kelly Earnhardt (man is she ever slummin' these days!)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Chriszak7 on July 08, 2010, 06:30:18 PM
Randy Hedger works at the Nascar R&D facility in Concorde. Jerry Cook was giving Lancaster Lori and my self A tour of the facility 2 years ago and I saw and spoke to Randy. He looks like he could still jump behind the wheel of a red modified and have at it. Remember when Sterling Marlin was leading the Daytona 500 a few years ago and during a red flag he got out of the car to pull out a fender? It was Randy Hedger that got out of the pace car and told him to stop!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 08, 2010, 11:24:35 PM
The only thing i know about Travis Grover he was married at one time to Brittney Jack .. He drove sport mod # 30 at ole shangri la to me he wasnt that impressive .. He'd rather run over top of you then pass you cleanly ... Must be Brittney Jack learned from him because after seeing her race at Chemung in the Street Stocks last friday she was trying to push people out of the way and run over them by the looks of it....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: dennis on July 08, 2010, 11:28:22 PM
How about Lyle Williams Doug Depew Vince Randesie Ronnie Shepard boy i
remember it like it was yesterday. anyone got any pics of the old street stock
late model class from the late 70s and early 80s. Man i miss that place.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 09, 2010, 12:16:25 AM
Well theres a few names remembered Doug Depew # 22 either street stock or LM i believe he still lives in the area # 75 gold colored if i remember right Vince Randesie street stock and Ron Shepard i do believe he was # 2 white car red number not sure what became of Ron or Vince.. I think i have a pic of Doug at ole SL with checkered flag driving a blue chevel ( i know its spelled wrong )
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Alcoholn on July 09, 2010, 04:29:10 AM
Vince is around and doing just fine. It was a gold/white/black #57 Coors original he use to race. Im positive he would still give em hell at any track on a saturday night
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 09, 2010, 05:20:09 AM
Ron Shephard lives in NC.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 09, 2010, 12:43:44 PM
justmark, YOU ARE CORRECT.  He works for Roush Racing Fab shop. I talked to him a while ago ago. The day I called him he was woirking on a car in the shop that they were getting ready for the #16 Greg B. team. He marrined Fred Quails daughter Kathy. 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ask0329 on July 09, 2010, 02:18:40 PM
Heres a few from the dirt. Any info?

Leroy Hurlbut - drove the green 00 dirt mod
Glen Derby - drove the OV1 street stock and late model
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Larry756 on July 09, 2010, 04:17:57 PM
Doug Depew will and lives in Chemung ;D :o

Herb Green is doing ok and lives in Elmira in the Spring, Summer, and Fall
he hibernates to Florida in the Winter. Also he sends some of the at one of
the Finger Lakes. >:( ;D

Both great racers.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: rach70 on July 09, 2010, 05:06:12 PM
How about Mark Fluery?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rambo on July 09, 2010, 05:30:58 PM
I read the biography, "Richie! The Richie Evans Story" by Bones Bourcier and it stated in the book that Doug Hewitt was at Martinsville when Richie had his fatal crash in practice and Doug had his modified loaded onto the trailer and never raced again.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Goodfellow on July 10, 2010, 11:52:45 AM
We moved away from the southern tier a few years ago but a year or so before moving we hit Tioga on a regular basis.  Loved watching Tin Conley run... I know he ran the tour for 2-3 years then he disappeared. Steve Zacharias is someone else who was emerging as a decent driver.  Last I heard he headed south for the big time.  Heard he landed a job at Petty Enterprise and I believe I saw him run a mod on TV once but that was it.

I grew upon LI and went to Islip speedway 8-10 times a season.  I'm sure these guys have passed but it sure was fun watching the X3 of  Jimmy Hendrickson, The X89 of the Flying Dutchman Freddy Harbach, the 3 of Mousy Kempster, and later the 1 of Charlie Jazarbach go wheel to wheel.  I remember when Richard Petty and the Allison brothers came to Islip for a race..... the locals had their hands full.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 10, 2010, 01:40:22 PM
As far as being the next big thing, they had Buddy Baker working with him when he was trying to make it in racing down there and Buddy thought he was a the real deal as well. BUT like anything ONE needs the $$$$ to make it and I think he fell a little short !
Maybe the fact that he's a flaming jackazz behind the wheel had something to do with it?  Buddy must be going senile.  BTW, someone should tell him that when people started calling him "Loose Weapon", it wasn't meant as a compliment.  Apparently that went over his head since he put that on his own t-shirts.
Some loved him some hated him.  I remember him getting boo'd like Dale Sr. or Jeff Gordon when he climbed out of the car in Victory lane.   He did win a lot of races though.
He's still driving on the nascar southern mod tour and hasn't smartened up any over the years.  He got a ride in the Hillbilly Racing backup car (a fitting teammate for Civali) at Loudon a couple weeks ago and was parked after he intentionally wrecked another car under caution.  The azzhat should have moved to Connecticut.  He'd fit right in with the rest of the sk 'tards there.

Oh ya, he's also dating Kelly Earnhardt (man is she ever slummin' these days!)
its actually LETHAL weapon
Either way, he's definitely a weapon!

"pounder", someone started a great thread here. Its really neat to find out or know where alot of the greats are or ended up at. As well as learning about some old timers and where they raced way back when !! YOU have done NOTHING to keep it POSITIVE. For someone who thinks he is such an AUTHORITY  and knows SO MUCH about racing or for that matter (by reading alot of your post) ABOUT EVERYTHING IN LIFE  you should be real proud of yourself !! A REAL CLASS ACT ! The day I met you and your GF and chatted at the races you sure didn't seem to come across as a person who is like that ! Theres an old saying if you don't have anything nice to say about someone then DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL ! You have managed to bash L.W. , Buddy Baker, Hillbilly racing, Civali,  Kelly Earnhardt & the Connecticut "sk 'tards"  (who ever they are) ALL in this thread !! Seems funny I have been around racing for the better part of 45 years as a FAN  and sometimes helping a few different friends on there cars at several different tracks and have recieved three different racing papers at different times throughout the years (sometimes all three at once, and still have alot of them stored away) and I just can't believe I have NEVER READ YOU NAME IN PRINT ! Maybe you could enlighten us to your vast endevers in racing, as in YOUR number of races you have RUN / DROVE IN, DNQ's, DNF's Different tracks you have raced at, How many RACES YOU HAVE WON, How many Championships you have the hardware to show for, How many Race cars / drivers you crew-chiefed to wins, How many race cars you have owned, (and not some old mod frame that is laying around that might see the track / or some car show SOMEDAY !) Alot of the ones you slam on here are winners or have have had some sucsess in racing and that's GREAT and HAVE HAD THERE NAME IN PRINT, I wonder if any of them know who "pounder" is ?? BET NOT !! I see on alot of your post you have WWRD ? like he was some kind of a friend of yours I'm sure if he was alive you would NOT see him on here running people into the ground like YOU DO ! At least when ever I was within ears reach of him I never heard him say a bad word about ANYONE !! Theres always the  option when you see a post that there may be someone you don't care for just skip over it as it would be much better doing so rather the turning it into something NEGITIVE ! Enough said.... JMO  MR
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: roman61 on July 10, 2010, 05:40:57 PM
How "bout #96 Ike (the big indian) Edminister??  #2 was Big Bad Bob Frisbee. And black and yellow # B13 Pat Judson.
Chemung was fun back then!!
#88 Larry Catlin,,09 Flyin Bryan Osgood
And George Stedge in the 4 bangers
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 10, 2010, 10:26:02 PM
    Down at ole shangri-la i wish i could remember the year ?? This happen in the Mods the body style wasnt like they r today .. But coming out of turn 3 the car broke loose and hit the white poll ( just like a telephone poll but cut in half ) in turn 4 at the start of the wall . I remember the car going about 5 -7 feet in the air and coming back down onto the track .... I may have the driver wrong but was that Wayne Edwards ??? The car was white and blue #20
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 112SMW on July 10, 2010, 11:30:40 PM
You are right about the #20 of Wayne Edwards crashing in turn 4 at SH-LA.About Randy Hedger,it was 1978 when he took the flyer at Oswego.He jumped the wheel of Wes Moody in the #93 as they were just coming on the front stretch.Randy's back was a bit soar for quiet awhile.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 10, 2010, 11:59:41 PM
TY 112smw ... now was the body styles the pinto's back then ...  now i know where he got the name for the car number 48 THE STUMP JUMPER SPECIAL or is that totally diffrent story
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 11, 2010, 12:09:13 AM
    Down at ole shangri-la i wish i could remember the year ?? This happen in the Mods the body style wasnt like they r today .. But coming out of turn 3 the car broke loose and hit the white poll ( just like a telephone poll but cut in half ) in turn 4 at the start of the wall . I remember the car going about 5 -7 feet in the air and coming back down onto the track .... I may have the driver wrong but was that Wayne Edwards ??? The car was white and blue #20
Yep, that was Wayne.   Several years later that same car reappeared at the track, painted white with a green #K21 on it and driven by Rich Raffety.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 11, 2010, 12:11:21 AM
How about Mark Fluery?
Had to laugh that your post was post #52, Mark's old number...

Mark went to law school and became a lawyer.  Don't know if he's still living in the Nassau, NY area or not.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ole bones on July 11, 2010, 07:39:24 AM
The #20 was Wayne's car a Sonny Seamon pinto.  The 48 Stumpjumper  was Bucky's race car and I might add" Lou Lou's kitchen" as she always said.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Chargincharlie on July 11, 2010, 08:18:21 AM
Whats wee willie watson doing and JR Hanley, don hawn, gary yanko,howard maybe,jim jividen, paul beach and ken riemer...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 11, 2010, 08:28:45 AM
    Down at ole shangri-la i wish i could remember the year ?? This happen in the Mods the body style wasnt like they r today .. But coming out of turn 3 the car broke loose and hit the white poll ( just like a telephone poll but cut in half ) in turn 4 at the start of the wall . I remember the car going about 5 -7 feet in the air and coming back down onto the track .... I may have the driver wrong but was that Wayne Edwards ??? The car was white and blue #20



As others have said it was W.E. in the #20 and if I recall right Dave Kotary was involved in the same mis-hap that evening along with Wayne !! I remember as I was sitting in turn four and a whole bunch of kids came running down from the main grandstands towards the wreck as Wayne was passed out in the car for a few minutes before he came to, I later learned after getting to know that "bunch" much better that most of them were Wayne's kids as well as other family members.. (I think that's why they needed the "school bus / race car hauler" to get to the racetrack every week )!! lol   A great bunch of people I might add !! JMO
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 11, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
i forgot he did use a schoolbus/car hauler ... Just remembered a few of the LM drivers Dave Jackson   Glenn Lapollis <--- think name spelled wrong and Chuck Winslow <--- i do remember him driving a green w/black strip i do believe was the color #61 .. I know one night at shang coming down front straight this happen in front of me he was running in top 3 something broke or engine blowed sending him into a spin scattering everyone because of all the fluid he left... I do know these days he devotes his time helping his sons race at Blackrock...  Anyone else remember any LM drivers and don't worry i know what CRAZY GEORGE has been up to... I think he may have been the only one to hold it to the floor and dirt track it through the corners at shang..
           wouldnt want that tire bill after he raced     
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 11, 2010, 11:42:05 PM
How about Tom Schwarz. The 07 car. He has a HUGE collectible store in Endwell and is usually up at SL2 with his trailer.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on July 12, 2010, 08:32:33 AM
 Eddie Doebler, Tiger Smith, Ed Bidlack and what about John Hellmer who drove a yellow #4 car in the modified division?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: geokent26 on July 12, 2010, 08:45:02 AM
Ed Bidlack is still  living in Wyalusing PA, he owns business Heating Equipment!!!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 12, 2010, 08:49:19 AM
yep wasnt it winslow that got his haircut on a bet @ the ole Shangri~La...& who the Heck was always Hollerin Jiiiiiimmy ! lol...man i used to take the Trailways bus down there elmira town & walk to the track - ride home w/Mickey Marollo ~ whew poor Mike...can still smell them spiedies mmmmmm
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 12, 2010, 08:50:13 AM
i forgot he did use a schoolbus/car hauler ... Just remembered a few of the LM drivers Dave Jackson   Glenn Lapollis <--- think name spelled wrong and Chuck Winslow <--- i do remember him driving a green w/black strip i do believe was the color #61 .. I know one night at shang coming down front straight this happen in front of me he was running in top 3 something broke or engine blowed sending him into a spin scattering everyone because of all the fluid he left... I do know these days he devotes his time helping his sons race at Blackrock...  Anyone else remember any LM drivers and don't worry i know what CRAZY GEORGE has been up to... I think he may have been the only one to hold it to the floor and dirt track it through the corners at shang..
           wouldnt want that tire bill after he raced   


Here's a few drivers not sure weather you consider them LM or SS drivers (back then they called them either one / BOTH)!  All depends who you talked to ! With what all that was done to the cars, One really couldn't consider them Street Stocks ? JMO;
RC Wilcox   #37
Tiger Smith  #26
Gordy Smith  #34
Wayne Lent #20
Bill Chandler  #12
Billy Zack  #17
Lyle Williams  #5
Brad Smales  #41
Ricky Zack  #71
Fred Quail  #40
Doug Depew  #22
Ron Mesmer  #75 spl ?
Barry Bowen  #47
Walt Romanik  # ?
Ed McGuire  #51
Eddy Dobler  #25
Chris Pozzi  #8
Mike Letho  #2
Dick Finnerty #3
John Preston  #72
Tommy Zack  #?
I know there are several more, getting old ?? LOL

 


Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 12, 2010, 08:55:03 AM
watched Doug Depew race @ Dunn Hill a bit (hmmmm yep i seen a lill dirt fly)& he used to come hang out @ Twin Tier Tire where i worked back then & Gyp was 1 of his sponsors
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 12, 2010, 09:01:53 AM
watched Doug Depew race @ Dunn Hill a bit (hmmmm yep i seen a lill dirt fly)& he used to come hang out @ Twin Tier Tire where i worked back then & Gyp was 1 of his sponsors



Yea, I understand doug is having a little heart problem. He was just in the Hospital a little while back and had to have a stint put in. Haven't heard anything since ? His wife gets on raceny and post every so often !! She was the best crew-chief there was back then !! LOL  jmo
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 12, 2010, 09:08:24 AM
WOW...bummer about ole Doug hope he recovers well ~ he was a fun guy to be around always had me laffin...yep his wife ran a tite ship 1 heck of a crew chief...man the memories ~ yep gittin old lol
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 12, 2010, 04:52:29 PM
Doesn't Ed McGuire own an SST?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 12, 2010, 05:33:19 PM
Ed owns the ROC mod that Bill Hebing drives.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 12, 2010, 05:44:08 PM
Doesn't Ed McGuire own an SST?


Ed used to own a SST. He sold it to a guy from Owego NY and the new owner has Bryan Sherwood (son of Lee Sherwood, former SL late model /mod champ) maintaining / driving it. I believe he has two wins with it already this year at SL2. As Mt6fan said he now owns a new Mod that Wilber drives / maintains for him. Ed just had quad bypass surjury about a month ago.   
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 13, 2010, 06:50:37 AM
I've been talking to Glenn Lawrence who used to drive the #15 Late Model at Shangri-La, and he's doing well living in Florida.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on July 13, 2010, 11:39:54 AM
I think John Hellmers took his Modified to some road courses for awhile. Maybe some SCCA racing?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: therealdeal on July 13, 2010, 11:48:37 AM
What ever happened to chris caccilli or rroland teed? Frisbie passed away a while back but has sons and rgandsoons still racing. Doug depew ik seen race a pure stock two years back for gene sharpsteen at redline and damn near won it.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mayhem Racing on July 13, 2010, 01:23:32 PM
Merv Treichler?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 13, 2010, 09:44:42 PM
Merv Treichler still lives in Sanborn, NY. He was seen at a racing party over the winter.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Chriszak7 on July 13, 2010, 10:02:51 PM
Caccialli owns a car repair biz a mile down the road from me. He races mud trucks. Teed has a car repair shop as well and has hot rods and stuff.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BOZO6106 on July 14, 2010, 06:12:34 PM
DENNIS DIAK IN THE #06 OUT OF FULTON,NY RACED HIS LATE MODEL WITH THE AFORE MENTIONED BUNCH
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 14, 2010, 09:06:02 PM
68mustangfb    now you just listed names i should of remembered thats a list ... Now here's a question !! I remember Dobler his car was white with some orange i think #25 like you said but didn't he move up to the sports mods when they came out and use the same colors and number or was that another dobler?????
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 15, 2010, 01:15:43 PM
68mustangfb    now you just listed names i should of remembered thats a list ... Now here's a question !! I remember Dobler his car was white with some orange i think #25 like you said but didn't he move up to the sports mods when they came out and use the same colors and number or was that another dobler?????


Can't remember if Eddie had a sport mod or not. Maybe he will answer that as I see him post on her alot. He always had one of the cleanest and nicest looking LM back in the day I can tell you that !! I will say if there was a sport mod that used that number, color combo and that name it most likely was Eddid, as I don't remember any other Dobler back in those days !! He is NOW the back strech flagger at five mile point every week !!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 15, 2010, 01:22:57 PM
Spelled
Doebler.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Frasson118 on July 15, 2010, 01:54:37 PM
From page 2 --- "Dick Flaig lives in Florida. Phil Edwards is still in the WNY area."----

I didn't know that Dick Flaig was down here, but I do know that Phil Edwards winters here in Florida, I believe in the Titusvill area.

Anyone know how I could reach Dick for an invite to the 2011 Reunion???
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 15, 2010, 02:17:52 PM
Yep, hit me up or I'll send it your way.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Frasson118 on July 15, 2010, 02:51:36 PM
If anyone could pull it off, I just knew it would be you Mark!!!

Again, Thanks a million...

jbinner@att.net
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: rach70 on July 15, 2010, 02:56:29 PM
Cal Smales?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 15, 2010, 03:22:36 PM
Cal Smales?

Or his son,Brad?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: geokent26 on July 15, 2010, 04:32:11 PM
Brad Smales helps out Travis Fisher on his Late Model at Shangri-la 2...As far as i know that Cal still lives at Montrose PA
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on July 15, 2010, 05:13:48 PM
 Ed Doebler ran a chevelle #25 painted bright orange and white. I believe it used to be Johnny Prestons old car. I remember an old coupe bodied sport mod painted the same way ran by Tiger Smith if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: blackjackracing on July 15, 2010, 05:31:13 PM
Racefan61, whose name is George Nichols, had me scan a crap load of pictures from Chemung, Shangri-La and Oswego. I'm going to post them on oldies but goodies after the weekend...some VERY cool stuff. I'll post one today to wet your appetite.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on July 16, 2010, 04:24:35 PM
Ed Doebler moved to North Carolina a few years ago.His streetstock and latemodel was always a orange and white combo of some sort and  always ran the #25.He never had any other type of car.His streetstock was a 68 Plymouth Roadrunner,and then he bought John Prestons #72.

I'm his cousin and helped him on his cars back in the Shangri-la days.I still keep in contact with him and his family quite often.Oh, I almost forgot, I'm the one that flags the backstretch at 5 Mile Point.I just got out of the hospital today,I've been in since last saturday morning,that's why I didn't flag last week.The doc won't let me flag this week ,so I'll have to wait until next week to start waving the flags again.I'll try to find something else to do at the track saturday night.

The picture next to my name (thedoebes)on my thread is our uncles stock car in 1960 at 5 MILE POINT.We've been around racing since 1954
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: raceguy on July 16, 2010, 04:31:59 PM
I just got out of the hospital today,I've been in since last saturday morning,that's why I didn't flag last week.The doc won't let me flag this week ,so I'll have to wait until next week to start waving the flags again.I'll try to find something else to do at the track saturday night.

Holy cow Ron, what's going on?
Send me a e-mail or something and let me know what's going on with the hospital stay.
Sure hoping you're feeling better soon no matter what the deal is.... ;)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 17, 2010, 08:12:04 AM
Heres a name i just recalled a Mod. driver #33 blue car Tom Held .... He use to live out in Pine City on Sagetown Rd. gone to his house when i was a kid because i went to school with his kids ... I cant rememeber how many he had but do remember 2 boys Shawn and Shane .. Now funy thing happen on my Hunny Moon down in Orlando i ran into Shane my Uncle and him did soom brake work for me .. I realized it was Shane after walking into his shop and seen 3 race cars with the name Held on them and i asked if he was the same one i knew.. He races Mods also at NEW SYRNEMA <--- spellings wrong i know ....His dad Tom also lives down there ...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Nate Stevens on July 17, 2010, 10:03:50 AM
I'm a little embarrassed about this, but could anyone remind me what and when Chris Caccialli raced.  I've met the man, been to his shop, and seen some of his trophies but I can't remember him racing.  Worse yet I'm almost sure I've seen him race.  Strangely enough, I know exactly who many of these people are and what they raced, even I've never met.

Oh, and the last story of running into people in odd places reminded of one of my own.  I was sitting in line waiting to get into the pits at Thunder Valley Speedway in Lawndale, NC a few years back.  I noticed the gentleman driving the hauler behind me get out and walk up to my window.  He asked me if I was Nate Stevens.  When I said yes, he introduced himself as Mike Muddweiler, who used to race Late Models with my father.  He explained that he had moved down there several years back and he was just getting his son started in racing.  It was an interesting encounter and I believe the first and last time I spoke with the man.  If memory serves me right Mr. Muddweiler was the first Late Model track champion at Thunder Mountain and was known for making innovative racecars.  His son's car was beautiful.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 17, 2010, 10:22:08 AM
How about a guy I think he used to run five mile point years ago Charlie Castle < spl ? I think he used to run a speed shop or race car parts business also in the Binghamton area ? Anyone seen or heard of what he doing now days ?? Does he still race or is he involved in racing at all ??
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BOZO6106 on July 17, 2010, 10:25:56 AM
CHRIS CICCALLI RAN A BEAUTIFUL #51 LATE MODEL AT THE OLD SHANGRI-LA  IN THE LATE 80s AND EARLY 90s.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 17, 2010, 10:31:30 AM
Bozo you beat me 2 it ... You are correct and the car was as you said beuatiful...  He had a fast car at shang. like to see him back behind the wheel again ...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 17, 2010, 11:19:54 AM
Chris Cacialli won the 1996 and 1997 Tioga Late Model titles with his #51.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on July 17, 2010, 11:34:33 AM
Cal Smales is definately still living in Montrose. I was his tire sales rep for his private bus operation. He drove buses for Elk Lake and Montrose School districts. He sold his buses last year and retired. I think he might go south in the winter as he always had an RV and a fifth wheel ready to go in his shop. He's a very nice guy to talk to. Hope him and his family are doing well.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on July 17, 2010, 11:40:03 AM
I've always wondered what happened to Dick Murtaugh who used to drive a coach #33 at five mile point in the early seventies. When big rig truck racing began he became a fairly major player in that league but I have no idea whats happened to him since.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 18, 2010, 10:46:59 AM
1.#74 Roger Treichler   7.#37 Tom Druar           13.#3 Tim Mangus
2.#62 Don Pratt           8.#22 Billy Colton          14.#19 Bob Park
3.#58 Merv Treichler     9.#01 Ray Miller          15.#28 George Brunnhoelzl Jr.
4.#36 Mike Ewanitsko   10.#72 Junior Hanley    16.#15 Wayne Anderson
5.#56 Jamie Tomaino    11.#73 Tony Jankowiak  17.#44 Rick Kluth
6.#77 Sege Fidanza      12.#74 Chris Aman        18.#72 John Preston

20.#75 Carl Pasteryak       24.#69 Brian Ross    28.#9T Kenny Troyer
21.#38 Stan Mieczkowski  25.#14 Tony Siscone  29.#71 Danny Knoll Sr.
22.#42 Larry Fisher          26.#95 Lee Sherwood 30.#43 Larry Havens
23.#2X Jeff Fuller             27.#27 Ed Conoran     

Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: kozmo on July 18, 2010, 10:57:05 AM
Bill woods
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on July 18, 2010, 10:49:54 PM
Bill Woods still lives in Nichols NY and runs a successful garbage-disposal business. When I get lucky I sell him tires and retreads for his packer trucks. Dale
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on July 18, 2010, 10:52:06 PM
Racefan61, Some of your drivers have passed on. My hope is they are in a better place!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 19, 2010, 06:37:53 AM
Tom Druar passed away after a 1989 Lancaster accident. Don Pratt passed away after a 1989 Pocono Race of Champions accident. Tony Jankowiak lost his life in a 1990 Stafford accident. Dan Knoll, Sr. passed away around 2001.

Some of those drivers like Sege Fidanza, Jamie Tomaino, Wayne Anderson (who recently suffered a heart attack), Rick Kluth and Larry Fisher are still racing.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: rach70 on July 19, 2010, 10:15:27 AM
Gary Iulg
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: jpf101065 on July 19, 2010, 06:18:06 PM
How about Forest Huff #96 and Greame Bolia?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: garyt on July 19, 2010, 06:27:03 PM
Forest Huff runs the saw mill in Sodus N.Y.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: WNY-race fan on July 19, 2010, 06:54:37 PM
Steve Scharr
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 19, 2010, 11:41:08 PM
Roger Treichler still lives in Sanborn, NY and has his flower business. Cousin Merv lives in Sanborn also.
Mike Ewanitsko lives on Long Island.
Billy Colton is the man running Troyer's in Rochester.
Junior Hanley still lives in Canada.
When I last talked to Chris Aman, he was living close to Greenville-Pickens Speedway in SC and religion was an important aspect of his life.
Tim Mangus retired from racing after the 2005 season and lives in Webster, NY. He was in the pits last year at the Oswego Race of Champions and has been invited as a former Modified winner (2002 Oswego R.o.C.) for their 60th anniversary show in two months.
Jeff Fuller shows up sometimes in the NASCAR "big three" series.
Brian Ross ('84 Pocono Race of Champions Modified winner) lives close to his son Chris in NY.
Tony Siscone ('94 Flemington Race of Champions Modified winner) lives in NJ. He retired after winning the R.o.C.
Lee Sherwood lives in Binghamton, NY and helps his sons with their racing endeavors.
Ed Conoran is an official on the Race of Champions Modified Tour.
Larry Havens runs a collision shop and car lot near Holland Speedway named Lar's Auto Stop.
Gary Iulg lives in NJ.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 19, 2010, 11:53:25 PM
     JustMark looks like you have done some searches wow keep info coming good job
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 20, 2010, 12:21:20 AM
His first name was Dan. his last name I think was something like Koonsman ?? I seem to think he drove a yellow / white lm / ss #52 at Spencer. Used to like parking next to them when we ventured up that way years ago or when they came to SL !! Can tell you one thing and I wouldn't be lying he had a sister that could fill out a pair of jeans and look mighty fine doing so !! The girlfriend (back then, don't know if they got married or not) was none to shabby either !! A real nice racing family, anyone know If he is still racing ? I haven't seen his name in print or anything in a long time but they don't run the LM/SS class anymore either up there....... just wondering ??
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on July 20, 2010, 12:31:45 AM
   One for each surface.

        Fran Bohne
   
        Don Dipple
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: IB4Racing on July 20, 2010, 05:57:39 AM
Bassman / Shamrock 3x: We are doing well, THANK YOU!  We took the same modified we ran at Tioga, made some changes to it and are running it at Watkins Glen in the SCCA SPO class. (Actually, we are the only car in our class WITHOUT fenders!  Not too hard to miss!) We are having a ball and are very competitive. The people LOVE to see a modified running there again ( we are the ONLY one) and we constantly keep getting told how much they LOVE the modifieds there and how much they miss them from the Featherlite Series days.

As a matter of fact, we have a race up there this weekend. We try to get on here from time to time and provide updates for anyone interested and we'll keep everyone posted on how things go this weekend.

John & JoAnn Hellmers
SCCA SPO Mod #4
jjmod4@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 20, 2010, 07:19:25 AM
I believe that Dan Koonmen still lives in the Rochester area. He hasn't raced in years.
Fran Bohne was in to tractor pulling, but I don't know if he's still doing it.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 20, 2010, 08:08:30 AM
Steve Scharr works for Michael Waltrip racing. Saw him at Canandaigua July 4 th weekend. Daryl Bobzin runs a the fab shop for one of the Cup teams. Both live in NC.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 20, 2010, 08:53:00 AM
what a AWESOME Topic ~ just want to thank ya's...ole memories & new info ~ yep got my gears turning...most all of who i can think of & more...what became of ole Magic Shoes Mike(i mighta missed it-looking back)& Reggie Ruggiero...that Mystic Missle #4 was 1 AWESOME looking ride ~ think i saw Satch on here...man i'll be rereadin this 1 awhile...miss that ole Featherlite tour  8) THANKS AGAIN !
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 20, 2010, 09:44:55 AM
Last I heard Don Dipple still lives in Walworth.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on July 20, 2010, 09:47:10 AM
Bill Cane is into street rods, and still hangs out with Dave Hafner. Both live in Hilton,NY
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mtroyerfan6 on July 20, 2010, 10:34:13 AM
Maynard Troyer lives in Rochester area in the spring,summer,fall and Sarasota, Florida in the winter. Dutch Hoag apparently still resides in Bath, NY and helps his son Dean with running Blackrock Speedway which Dean owns.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 20, 2010, 10:46:55 AM
magic shoes (Mike M.) moved South years ago. He tried to make it in the Busch series BUT it didn't work out. Last I heard he was working for Joe Gibbs Racing helping train NEW YOUNG DRIVERS and also doing some race day spotting for different drivers. Man I used to love watching him race at SL IN ANY TYPE OF CAR !! He sure was smoooooooth.... jmo

the #4 Mistic Missle car still races on the mod tour. YES it was a very nice looking car for just being plain and still is..... that yellow sure catches the ol eye !! jmo

Reggie still drives in that series as well SOMETIMES,  Jamie the JET still runs that series as well. I think/believe he is the only one that still runs full time that ran waaaaaaaay back when. jmo
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: mod68 on July 20, 2010, 11:18:17 AM
Jr Hanley, retired from racing a bunch of years ago now. Around the time Knoll Sr passed away, I heard he struggled with that loss. Sold everything off and down sized his operation.

He works very closely with Larry Jackson and his ASA LM. They have built a couple of car together, Larry's has won a couple of titles, and a ton of races working with JR.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: steveracer on July 20, 2010, 07:14:14 PM
Magic Shoes Mike did pretty well in the busch I mean nationwide series for a few years. If I am correct he won at daytona the day before Dale passed away back in 2001. I believe sponsorship woes hurt him with the ride though.
Last I knew he was still doing testing and development for Gibbs.
He raced at oswego in 2002 or 2003 in Tony Hanburys back up car too, I think it was 2002?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 20, 2010, 11:02:07 PM
McLaughlin drove the Hanbury #46 back-up car in the 2003 R.o.C.; he finished 37th.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 20, 2010, 11:31:07 PM
   I seen someone is very pleased with this topic ... I'm smiling ear to ear just reading everything and it does bring back alot of memories .. Not bragging but I'm trying to reach around and pat myself on the back for starting a topic everyone is enjoying ... You are all welcome and thankyou for all the info on former drivers and drivers still running ... And as Darrel Waltrip say's BOOGIED BOOGIED LETS GO RACIN
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 21, 2010, 09:08:52 AM
 pleased overwhelmed & tickled pink ~ lol...i remember (feelin old now) either Mike McLaughlin or Mike Stefanik i think -late 80's- rode up the pole wire in the infield @ the old Shangri~La flipped the car over & looked like he was still driving upside down...
   hate to change track surface abruptly but...what come of Doug Wolfgang (never heard much after that firey crash-myself)& some of those ole Thur.nite THUNDER Sprint drivers ? i always had a front row seat on thursday nites back then 8)...them guys had some BRASS 1's driving them little Dirt Missles...whew 1500 Lbs 900 HP i believe ~ thats just plain crazy
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 21, 2010, 09:14:07 AM
or was that the old TIOGA SPEEDWAY...kinda the same thing to me  8)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: leadfoot4 on July 21, 2010, 09:41:04 AM
His first name was Dan. his last name I think was something like Koonsman ?? I seem to think he drove a yellow / white lm / ss #52 at Spencer. Used to like parking next to them when we ventured up that way years ago or when they came to SL !! Can tell you one thing and I wouldn't be lying he had a sister that could fill out a pair of jeans and look mighty fine doing so !! The girlfriend (back then, don't know if they got married or not) was none to shabby either !! A real nice racing family, anyone know If he is still racing ? I haven't seen his name in print or anything in a long time but they don't run the LM/SS class anymore either up there....... just wondering ??


I first met Dan Koonmen SR. when I needed some spring work done on one of my street cars a LONG time ago. At the time Dan worked for ThruWay Auto Spring, in Rochester. (Later on, he went with Hawk frame and axle) Several years after I met Dan, I worked in the same department at Kodak that his wife worked. Yes, they were very nice people. Dan JR, the race driver, worked at Ontario Truck Parts at one time, I thought I heard that he "went down south" for a while, trying to work at something involved with racing, but I'm not sure if it worked out or not. I haven't seen any of the Koonmens in a while. I do know that both Dan SR and his wife were several years older that I am, so I'm assuming that they're both retired by now.

Tim Mangus lives around the corner from me, as previously mentioned, in Webster. Here's a shameless plug for him, he still builds dry sump oil pumps, if anybody needs one, and he also builds marine engines...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: canadianfan on July 21, 2010, 11:45:42 AM
Jr Hanley can be found every Saturday at Flamboro Speedway as crew chief for the LM #8 of Paul Howse
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 21, 2010, 01:07:00 PM
"MODRC"
Doug Wolfgang was indeed in a bad crash. He sued the race track and won.
He then had a book wrote about him and his career.  Alot of people got turned OFF by him suing the race track  they all said you know what may happen if you race ?? BUT; There is a long time writer in the AARN named Erine Saxton. He was one of the first to write about Doug suing and he wasn't very happy either as Erine had been around racing since christ was a baby. Later on he got a personal copy from Doug of the book about Doug "LONE WOLF" and after reading it had a completely different oponion about what all took place. He went on to say Doug still builds race cars and if I remember (gettin old !) correctly he still races a little bit out in S. Falls where he is from. He also told about one part of the book where when "Doug" was at his lowest and was feeling really bad about his past racing career after his wreck he TOOK ALL OF HIS TROPHYS and his racing hardware and took it ALL to the dump and got rid of it !! I also seem to remember Dave Despain having Doug on his racing show as a guest one Sunday night and talking about some of the same stories. Also it seems if I remember right Dougs son was getting strated in racing as well so he was spending alot of time getting him going. Man we used to go to either W.grove or S.grove every week to watch him start near the back and work his way to the front. I remember when he drove the #29 car and Bob Wiekert <sp? stood in victory lane at Seilingsgrove and after they had won 50 features that years was asked WHAT'S NEXT ? (as if to say what else is there left for you guys to do next year ?) and Bob said win 51 more !! LOL  I still have not got a copy of "Lone Wolf" but I will one of these days as I am sure it would be a real interesting read as E.S. said.  Maybe I'll put it on my xmas list this coming year ?? I sure wish Doug would have stayed with the #29 as In my mind NEITHER him or the team really set the world on fire after they split up... 
I also remember one night Doug was in victory lane at S.grove and the announcer asked him about something that had been written in one of the racing rags that was non to favorable on Dougs part and his reply went something like  "well that's one of you SON-OF-AB!TCHES THAT TRY TO MAKE A LIVING writing about something you know NOTHING ABOUT"  The crowd ROARED after he said that !! He sure didn't mince his words I can tell you that..... JMO


"leadfoot" as I said before THEY WERE A VERY NICE RACING FAMILY, ALWAYS VERY PLEASENT !! JMO

"racefan61" GREAT THREAD, don't break your arm trying to pat yourself on the back, I will do it for you or better yet buy you a cold one if I see you at the races sometime !! LOL

"steveracer" I didn't mean to inply Magic shoes was not a good race car driver, as I said he sure was smooth, but he did have alot of bad luck in the Busch series ! What I should have said was as usual He didn't have the $$$$ in his back pocket and someone else who did ended up getting the ride !! JMO         
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 21, 2010, 01:52:23 PM
wow Thanks 68Stang Great story...thats sad about his trophies & race things..still involved in racing AWESOME...yepp that is 1 driver i'll never forget...lived a spell when i was a kid in the 60's down near Harrisburg Pa & them Outlaw Sprints was the thing back then ~ went to a few tracks back then wish i could remember more of it...oooh well minds the 1st thing to go...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 21, 2010, 07:19:28 PM
"MODROC"
    Don't know if you remember "Jimmy Nace" he started out in 410 sprint cars and did ok BUT them he got hooked up with the guy who owned the #26 Camel Express 410 sprint car (had nothing to do with Camel cig's as it was a trucking Company that the owner owned/ran and it had a picture of a camel on the side of the wing (I still see there trucks on the highway when I am traveling down that way) !! He was one crazy S.O.B. he used to wear a old funny looking hat with hair down / to past his shoulders.  My son was pretty young back then but he always liked the picture of the camel on the wing. Jimmy used to pull the front end of that 410 off the ground (wheelie) and carry the front end a long ways a real show-men that also caught alot of the kids attention (along with the grown-ups) !! I took him to the pits to meet Jimmy after the races one night after Jimmy had won, He made my son feel like he was a pretty big shot , even let him set in the #26 that night !! Anyhow I hadn't been down to S.grove in a few years (as they nolonger ran the 410's weekly) BUT had heard / read that Jimmy was nolonger driving as he got cancer !! He still owned a sprint car and had a few different drivers wheeling it for him with some success. But for the most part I lost track of what and how Jimmy was doing.
    I went down in 2009 to watch the ROC dirt cars (first race of the year, MODS at that track are AWESOME). As luck would have it, it rained so had to go back. I was sitting in the 1st turn and this YOUNG (older then me but still young. LOL !!) feller came up and sat beside me. We got to shooting the racing breeze and I started asking him about some of the old sprint car drivers that I used to watch there, I asked him if he remembered this carzy S.O.B. named Jimmy Nace AND he got a big smile on his face as luck would have it HE was Jimmy Naces Dad !! Man we shot the bull about the way jimmy used to wheel a sprint car, (he had lots of stories) He told me Jimmy was doing ok but the cancer had knocked the HE!! out of him !! That he was infact there and if I remember right he said Jimmy and his wife ran the hat / tee shirt stand / or one of the stands. I got a quick glance of Jimmy as I was leaving that night and his dad was right, I would have NEVER known who he was if his Dad hadn't told me !! I didn't get a chance to talk to Jimmy then but had planned on getting him to sign a hat of his from the Camel Excpress days the next time I was down.  Well never made it back in 2009 and when I made it there this year for the ROC show (with the hat in tow) I learned that Jimmy had infact passed away (darn it) !! I waited to see if I might happen to see his Dad but never did. If you look at the S.grove web site they have or had a nice tribute to "Mr Camel Express" which I thought was pretty neat.... R.I.P. Jimmy you sure earned it for all the thrills / excitement you gave your fans !!   
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 112SMW on July 22, 2010, 04:32:45 AM
Sorry to tell you this but the man you are talking about is not Jim Nace,it is Barry Camp.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ModRoCmaniac on July 22, 2010, 07:53:05 AM
when we lived down in Pa in the 60's we did go to S.Grove & i do recall a car that had a Camel on the wing(i was very young)& for the longest time i thought it was a horse & i recall being set straight lol ~ our neighbours a few houses down the road when living outside Enola Pa. had a Horse ranch & owned/raced 2 Sprint Outlaw cars...wish i could remember more about those days...but i was very involved in being a kid.....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 22, 2010, 08:43:04 AM
Sorry to tell you this but the man you are talking about is not Jim Nace,it is Barry Camp.

"112SMW"
NO IT IS NOT !! I am WELL aware of Barry Camp and Ed Schafer's story, and used to watch them ALL race way back when as well, AND sure as HE!! KNOW / KNEW THE DIFFERENT IN ALL THOSE MEN !! But I am talking about Jimmy Nace.
Ed Schafer used to drive truck up our way and would stop at the race shop quite a lot ! He was going to attemp to drive a back up car that I used to help on in the LM's on the asphalt at SL just about the time he got real, real sick. Saw him at the Williamsport Hospital just after that as my Mother was dying with cancer as well and it wasn't long after I heard Ed had passed away also. 
WTF, I know I am getting older and can't remember alot of thing BUT, PLEASE Don't tell ME who I sat with, talk to, watched race WEEK AFTER WEEK and went to see in the pits,  THANKYOU VERY MUCH ANYWAY !! MR
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 23, 2010, 11:44:18 AM
How about a guy named "Larry NYE" who used to run Mods at SL is he still around ?
& Dave Kotary ?
& Kirk Abbott ?
& the old welder at SL "Mr. Page"
I have seen the old Tech guy from SL up at SL2 this year "Jim ?" can't remember his last name !! (nice guy)
I remember alot of people B!tching and so on about Dale Canfield (SL promoter) way back when, Well I will say one thing HE kept SL alive for MANY years and ya got to give him credit for that ! (think I saw him at SL2 this year as well ?)
I heard the Electrican for SL (John Stelmack) ran into some health problems a few years ago and has since moved down South for health reasons ! (anyone know for sure ?)
man the good old dayssssssssssssss !!
 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Jayman on July 23, 2010, 12:24:42 PM
i forgot he did use a schoolbus/car hauler ... Just remembered a few of the LM drivers Dave Jackson   Glenn Lapollis <--- think name spelled wrong and Chuck Winslow <--- i do remember him driving a green w/black strip i do believe was the color #61 .. I know one night at shang coming down front straight this happen in front of me he was running in top 3 something broke or engine blowed sending him into a spin scattering everyone because of all the fluid he left... I do know these days he devotes his time helping his sons race at Blackrock...  Anyone else remember any LM drivers and don't worry i know what CRAZY GEORGE has been up to... I think he may have been the only one to hold it to the floor and dirt track it through the corners at shang..
           wouldnt want that tire bill after he raced   


Here's a few drivers not sure weather you consider them LM or SS drivers (back then they called them either one / BOTH)!  All depends who you talked to ! With what all that was done to the cars, One really couldn't consider them Street Stocks ? JMO;
RC Wilcox   #37
Tiger Smith  #26
Gordy Smith  #34
Wayne Lent #20
Bill Chandler  #12
Billy Zack  #17
Lyle Williams  #5
Brad Smales  #41
Ricky Zack  #71
Fred Quail  #40
Doug Depew  #22
Ron Mesmer  #75 spl ?
Barry Bowen  #47
Walt Romanik  # ?
Ed McGuire  #51
Eddy Dobler  #25
Chris Pozzi  #8
Mike Letho  #2
Dick Finnerty #3
John Preston  #72
Tommy Zack  #?
I know there are several more, getting old ?? LOL

 

Mike Lehto in the 2
Mike Sexton #14
Dick Stein #9 (and also #1) - copied Bill Elliot's #'s all the time
Jack Luce #66 or 63
Bob Curren #63
Lee Sherwood ran ss/lm in that era #95 (Lee's old Microd # was 15 but there was already a 15 in action in the ss class so he became 95)
Ron Messemer ran the 75
Diane Messemer ran the 74 (also later drove a sport mod #75 for her father Bruce Burdick)
Tom Zacharias drove a street stock #88 for a while
Tim Connelly also drove ss/lm around then and started as a blue #12 - went to 42 when he got into Modifieds because Larry Nye was the 12)
there was a Steve Cola and a Cola Shay.... can't remember which one, but at one time one of their cars died on the front stretch and the drive got out and ran to the s/f line and then slipped and fell on the line - then announcer John Lawrence took up a collection to get that driver a new body or paint job for his car and the guy never came back after that.
Ron Shephard in the white #2 (also his old Microd number)
Al Chapman was the 15
Frank Chapman ran a black 89
Chris Pozzi also drove a white #1 and the famous General Lee lookalike 01
Marty Messemer (son of Ron and Diane) also drove a ss for a short while - can't recall the #, might have been 4 or 74.
Gary Cleveland ran the 88 car
Jeff Cleveland (who now lives in Ohio) drove a 73 ss (also ran DIRT IMCA mods for years)
Glenn Lippolis ran the 85 and the 8 - now runs a Sport Mod at the new SL2
Dave Jackson also runs a Sport Mod at the new SL2
Bob and or Jeff Frisbee in the white #2 ss/lm
Paul Bernard in the 10
Eric Bodine in a 21
Duane Ellis in the 24 car
who can forget Jan Leaty in the black & grey 52 (changed his number to 25 in mods mostl probably due to Doug Hewitt or Mark Fleury already having a 52)
Stan Mieczkowski in a yellow 38 (or was it 39... he may have run both?)
Ed McGuire in the always fast 51's
Dan Koonmen in the 52
57 Vince Randisi


hmm... that's about the best I can do for now... If someone has already mentioned these in a post between the one I quoted and mine, I apologize - I'm too lazy to weed through them.

-J
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Jayman on July 23, 2010, 12:44:03 PM
How about a guy named "Larry NYE" who used to run Mods at SL is he still around ?
& Dave Kotary ?
& Kirk Abbott ?
& the old welder at SL "Mr. Page"
I have seen the old Tech guy from SL up at SL2 this year "Jim ?" can't remember his last name !! (nice guy)
I remember alot of people B!tching and so on about Dale Canfield (SL promoter) way back when, Well I will say one thing HE kept SL alive for MANY years and ya got to give him credit for that ! (think I saw him at SL2 this year as well ?)
I heard the Electrican for SL (John Stelmack) ran into some health problems a few years ago and has since moved down South for health reasons ! (anyone know for sure ?)
man the good old dayssssssssssssss !!

Dave Kotary ran a mod - I think it was #05 or #06... nice guy - very short if I recall though.

Welder Bob Page passed away a few years ago - Bob was a great guy - he used to own the old #87 couple modifieds from days long past.  His son Gary (a former microd racer) used to also do welding for him at the track, Gary was usually the guy collectin the money at the gate for welding insurance.

Former tech guy could wither be Jim Hickey or Jim Philpott, both were former tech guys - both guys kids ran microds there too.

Kirk Abbott took over Bill Zacharias's transmission shop in Endwell after Bill moved south - he still runs it today.

John Stelmack and a good part of his family moved to North Carolina - his wife Carol was a long time scorer during the years John was the electrician (and yes, all three of their kids raced microds there...)

Dale Campfield and wife Lee split up.  Dale can still be seen bouncing around the area, I have run into him several times... last I knew he was involved with some sort of church group.

While looking at another couple of posts, I noticed some additions to make to the list in my previous post:

'Daffy' Dick Woods in the ss #5
Billy Woods then taking over for dad before going to mods in a #51
Gary Hellmers (the Vestal cop from Apalachin) in the #28 ss (before switching to a sport mod #3 Jeff Kies car modeled after Dale Earnhart)
Kirk Abbott in the #2 (which I believe his first car was Gary;s old car.. or vice versa...)
Rob Laman jr in the 17 lm/ss and also his dad Bob sr in a #77 sport mod that Rob later took over.
Dave Evans in a sport mod #83 that first gave Patti Pruitt (then Hanbury) a ride in a sport mod.
Phil Haner in the 3 car


......ah, memories!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 23, 2010, 12:54:59 PM
AND let's not forget to mention MR. JOE SNELL, I think he ran a blue / white chevelle #47 ? sponsered by Williams Oil Inc. (The Dromes major sponser now) which later on became Ed McGuires first LM/SS  !!
See JOE its your fault Ed has spent so much money on race cars through the years, you got him hooked..... JMO LOL 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ole bones on July 23, 2010, 06:06:10 PM
Mike, good story on Jim Nace, yes he did in fact drive the Camel car. Could really put on a show.  Barry Camp was involved in a very bad crash one night, he hit the cross gate on the frontstretch, destroyed the car, But got in Dave Middlesworth's car and ran the feature, another true racer.  as for Ed's #47  that was the Ralph Beers car.  He bought Joe's car for his next machine. Ps,"remember the schoolbus ride to s-grove"  the fun day's of racing
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ole bones on July 23, 2010, 06:09:33 PM
Mike, forgot to mention the Camel express trl. parked in Wysox on the weekends
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 23, 2010, 07:26:38 PM
Mike, good story on Jim Nace, yes he did in fact drive the Camel car. Could really put on a show.  Barry Camp was involved in a very bad crash one night, he hit the cross gate on the frontstretch, destroyed the car, But got in Dave Middlesworth's car and ran the feature, another true racer.  as for Ed's #47  that was the Ralph Beers car.  He bought Joe's car for his next machine. Ps,"remember the schoolbus ride to s-grove"  the fun day's of racing

Thanks Ray for the info.  I knew if anyone remembered it you would.  Damn MEMORY ain't what it used to be (sure sucks) !! Didn't Barry C. drive a light blue #14 sprinter ? And Ed Schafer a #12 red APPLE HOUSE car ?
Wasn't on the bus ride to S. grove, that was a bit before me....
I remember the bus ride to the SL Banquet in Endicott !! LOL

Mike, forgot to mention the Camel express trl. parked in Wysox on the weekends
KOOL, I will have to mention it to Matt !! Thanks again 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BOZO6106 on July 23, 2010, 08:23:40 PM
WHAT ABOUT DENNIS DIAK IN THE 06 FROM FULTON {2 1/2  HOUR         DRIVE EVERY WEEK} RACED AT SHANGRI-LA WITH NO PIT CREW BUT THE HANERS TO HELP HIM OUT. TALK ABOUT DEDICATION
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on July 23, 2010, 08:35:39 PM
Larry Nye is well and lives in Preble. He makes his annual appearence in the pits for the 200. I work with Larry jr.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ole bones on July 23, 2010, 08:55:53 PM
Yes on the 14, Beavertown Block car,   not sure of Mr. Shaffer's car  BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAd memory
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on July 23, 2010, 11:15:51 PM
Larry Nye is well and lives in Preble. He makes his annual appearence in the pits for the 200. I work with Larry jr.
Glad to hear Larry's doing well - always one of the good guys to talk to in the pits.   I give Larry a lot of credit - he was building his own stuff well into the 1980s after most people went store-bought.   Does he still have one of his old chassis sitting at the house?  He did for a long time IIRC.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 68mustangfb on July 24, 2010, 02:41:13 AM
Larry Nye is well and lives in Preble. He makes his annual appearence in the pits for the 200. I work with Larry jr.
Glad to hear Larry's doing well - always one of the good guys to talk to in the pits.   I give Larry a lot of credit - he was building his own stuff well into the 1980s after most people went store-bought.   Does he still have one of his old chassis sitting at the house?  He did for a long time IIRC.


Yea same here Thanks for the info UM, as "bakes" said Larry always found time to talk to anyone ! I used to wonder when I'd be up talking to him (watching him standing in the pits watching all the cars like the #61 RE, #6 MT,  #26 GK, #24 JS, #1 TH, #04 CC, #52 DH, #41 GS, #38 JC, #33 RH, #48 WE, #7ny TB, #62 DP, #69 BR, #73 AF, #2 RS, #16 DC and all the rest of the "big-dogs" when they were all there for a big race and practicing or running there heats back then) as you could almost see it in his eyes "he may have been thinking" IF ONLY ONE TIME I HAD A CAR / MOTOR EQUAL TO ANY OF THEM GUYS JUST ONCE  I COULD ????????????????????            (at times one almost felt sorry for him!!) but he was there EVERY week trying !
Can't remember "red's" (the guy who used to be his ONLY pit crew members) name BUT he was a HE!! of a nice guy as well !!
UM, if you see his son PLEASE TELL HIM HIS DAD WAS ONE HE!! OF A NICE / NEAT GUY !  JMO  Thanks, MR
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 24, 2010, 11:04:58 PM
I seen a bumper sticker today that i thought was cool that had to do with racing.... This is what it read...    WHEN THE GREEN FLAG DROPS THE BULLSHIT STOPS
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: NoMirrorUsed on July 27, 2010, 01:30:08 PM
Some names that come to mind for me from the old Shangri La days are. Bill Stroshal, Lee Osgood, Dutch, the Bodines of course, Richie, Jim Z, Jan Leaty, Grahm Bolia (spelling?), Bud Bauer, Maynard Troyer, as well as all the Supers that ran there, 8 ball and 10Pins, what unusual car numbers for those days.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thewackyracer on July 27, 2010, 01:57:35 PM
I believe that I bought Larry Nye's last car, parted it out to use on SST mod. Still have a few parts left. When we went to pick up the car, a couple of his old buddies showed up to help load it. And say goodbye. You can tell Larry Jr what happened to his Dads last car.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on July 27, 2010, 11:52:27 PM
Fastback, Thanks and I'll relay that to LN jr. Yes Larry is one hell of a nice guy and true enough might have been a regular top contender if the $$ were there.

He did win back in 60's and is a former NYS Sportman Champion. I know he won both on dirt and asphalt. A couple of big wins at the Fairgrounds.

Wacky, Larry's last car I believe is a former Andy Romano car. I'll have to check with jr on that to confirm.

Here is another old timer still around.....Bernie Miller from Clockville. Won the 71' Dogwood 500 ( Mod half) and finished behind Cookie and RE a few times in

NASCAR National Points.  I always had him and Len Boehler as the two guys who got more out of a racing dollar than anyone ever has. I don't think I ever

saw more than  a couple of guys helping him at the races either. A real throwback, he did it all. His own cars and motors and boy did his motors go.

Like Larry Nye , Bernie too is one hell of a nice guy. Would have been interesting to see what he would have done with Cook/Evans type money.

Sure glad I saw the end of this great era.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Joe11 on July 28, 2010, 06:29:05 AM
Herbie,
Actually Ed McGuire bought Ralph Beers car (Red '70 Chevelle #51) for the first year (1980?)and at the end of the year (1981?) he bought me out.  Ed's car was blue and white, #47 and sponsored by Williams Oil.  I also had a blue and white '72 Chevelle (#69) that we ran for the first year until it was destroyed late in the season in a nasty crash at SL.  We then built a '74 Chevelle (again, a blue and white #69)  that we really never got going.  Ran it for 6-8 races and sold everything to Ed.  Probably the smartest thing I ever did....  back then we weren't smart enough to be terrible!  We had just a little success with the first car but absolutely none with the second.  I'd say we sucked but that'd be in insult to people that actually do suck!  Vowed not to return until we could better afford it, which wasn't until '94.  Right now we're trying to get the new Snell Metalfab - Calaman Radiator - RC Welding Supply shop built and then we'll be back racing... not sure where or in what but we'll be baaaaack!  As I so frequently say, "we're too stoooopid to quit"!!
Joe
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BOZO6106 on July 28, 2010, 09:45:04 AM
I WATCHED BERNIE MILLER AT FULTON WHEN I WAS A KID.HE COULD HOLD HIS OWN WITH THE BIG BOYS IN HIS #41 COUPE.THOSE WERE THE DAYS.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Salukifan on July 28, 2010, 10:16:26 AM
I believe Schafer' #12 was sponsored by Apple Chevrolet, not Apple House Trucking.  Apple House Trucking sponsored many different cars through the years, mostly Modifieds and Late Models, Bob Puckett is the first that comes to mind.  The owner sold the business to another trucking firm a few years ago and to my knowledge no longer exists.  They did a lot for racing during their time in business.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on July 29, 2010, 11:34:58 AM
Uticamike,
Say hi to Larry Jr. for me. Raced with him a couple times in Karts at Cherry Valley...nice guy.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Modfan6 on July 29, 2010, 10:23:26 PM
Billy Rafter?  Stroker McGurk? Charlie Newmann? Dick LaPaglia?  Ron Martin? Ron Williams?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on July 29, 2010, 10:37:11 PM
Uticamike,
Say hi to Larry Jr. for me. Raced with him a couple times in Karts at Cherry Valley...nice guy.

Will do Bill.  8)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 30, 2010, 11:16:31 AM
Billy Rafter splits time between living in NY and FL. Stroker McGurk and Ron Martin live in WNY. Ron Williams still races once in a while in NY with his Evil #1. Charlie Neumann has a Legends #29 that he drives in NY.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: simracer51 on July 31, 2010, 01:28:25 PM
I seen Art Clark yesterday getting an ice cream at the red caboose in West Seneca.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on July 31, 2010, 11:44:19 PM
   Though tragically I know the fate of this driver, but anyone have any history on a driver named Buddy Drewes. I remember him when I was very young and I believe he tragically lost his life behind the wheel. I believe he was a team mate of Cam Gagliardi. Where did wreck happen?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on August 01, 2010, 09:47:10 PM
   Though tragically I know the fate of this driver, but anyone have any history on a driver named Buddy Drewes. I remember him when I was very young and I believe he tragically lost his life behind the wheel. I believe he was a team mate of Cam Gagliardi. Where did wreck happen?
LaVerne "Brudy" Drewes' Modified wrecked in the first turn at Oswego Speedway.  He was partially thrown from the car, and several weeks (?) later died as a result of those injuries or complications thereof.  He may have been teammates with Cam - both cars had similar paint schemes, with Cam's car having a #1 in a white circle and Brudy's a #2.

Don't know a lot more than that.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on August 01, 2010, 10:52:27 PM
LaVern "Bruddy" Drewes passed away less than a month after that October 1969 Oswego Modified accident at age 28. He was a Lancaster Speedway competitor and was survived by a wife and a daughter.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on August 05, 2010, 01:55:38 AM
   Thanks for the info. How aweful. I remember seeing a photo in the gater of the car, but my father wouldn't tell me what happened, a little too much reality for a 7 year old. I remember discussing it a few years later when we started going to ransomville and passed a closed up garage at the corner of Rt 93 and 425 with the Drewes name on it. If i recall it said Drewes brothers on it.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: rannyville_concrete_eater on August 05, 2010, 09:57:13 AM
   Thanks for the info. How aweful. I remember seeing a photo in the gater of the car, but my father wouldn't tell me what happened, a little too much reality for a 7 year old. I remember discussing it a few years later when we started going to ransomville and passed a closed up garage at the corner of Rt 93 and 425 with the Drewes name on it. If i recall it said Drewes brothers on it.

You are correct regarding the garage, to the best of my knowledge it is still owed by the Drewes family.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Half Fast Bob on August 13, 2010, 02:53:15 AM
Back on page 1 of this thread, someone asked about JJ Michaels. This is one of the saddest racing stories I know.

JJ had a heart attack in the year 2005 and had stents installed. His recovery was slow, but he returned to work still feeling under the weather. After a battery of tests,  he was scheduled for stent replacement and possible bypass surgery on November 10th. It was found that his heart was too weak to undergo the surgery and was placed on the transplant waiting list. JJ died 4 days later at the age of 43.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: leadfoot4 on August 14, 2010, 02:42:09 PM
Back on page 1 of this thread, someone asked about JJ Michaels. This is one of the saddest racing stories I know.

JJ had a heart attack in the year 2005 and had stents installed. His recovery was slow, but he returned to work still feeling under the weather. After a battery of tests,  he was scheduled for stent replacement and possible bypass surgery on November 10th. It was found that his heart was too weak to undergo the surgery and was placed on the transplant waiting list. JJ died 4 days later at the age of 43.

That IS really sad. 43 is way too young to die.....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: raceguy on August 14, 2010, 02:46:43 PM
I agree....That is a sad deal.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Tigerpaw333 on August 29, 2010, 05:17:58 PM
Jay Mudra, Jeff Merritt, Greg Orr, Jim Flanigan, Rob Nye, Richie Littfield, Joey Manko, I believe lee Sherwood the number 95 mod at Lancaster
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Tigerpaw333 on August 29, 2010, 05:24:10 PM
Ronnie Martin
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Tigerpaw333 on August 29, 2010, 05:27:29 PM
Frank Booker,Eddie Murray
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on September 06, 2010, 12:28:24 AM
How about Red Graff, Buzzie Barton and Ed Rafferty. Are any of these old Five Mile Point staples still around?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on September 06, 2010, 08:03:07 AM
Crazy Eddie is still around.I talked to himt at old timers night at 5 Mile Point this summer.He lives in Florida during the winter.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: modcrew18 on September 23, 2010, 01:12:23 PM
  One for the super modified crowd. Wondering what ever became of builder Bill Hite. He built some of the most amazing supers ever, my favorite was Fred Graves in the 4WD #39 car.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: #99 Vintage Racer on October 03, 2010, 10:30:16 AM
Here are a couple of pictures of Mr. Art Clark this summer.  He had the oil cooler I've been looking for.   Wow, does he have some history!   His living room is a Museum.  I have a picture of Art in his living room, but it is very dark.    I can try and work with it to post later.   What a great guy.   At 74 years young, he can rattel off the past like it was yesterday.      Rip
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: #99 Vintage Racer on October 03, 2010, 10:31:32 AM
Here is Art with his restored Bug.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: #99 Vintage Racer on October 03, 2010, 10:38:51 AM
That was easy
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: RCRACER on January 09, 2011, 12:27:30 AM
BUZZIE BARTON IS IN AZ. LIVING NOW
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on January 25, 2011, 09:16:16 AM
A friend of mine crewed for Dick Fowler, from New Hartford, NY back in the late 60s - early 70s & was wondering if anyone has any current info on Dick.  He ran the Upstate, NY asphalt circuit back then. Any help?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on January 26, 2011, 07:12:09 AM
anyone??
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: EllisRacing4 on February 08, 2011, 10:00:07 PM
Hi my name is Josh Wilson. I am the grandson of Duane Ellis I saw that yall wrote asking where he and my uncle are. My grandpa passed away it was 7 years ago January 31st after a battle with cancer. Uncle Bud is a co-owner of a Fastener company here in NC and plans on racing when he gets his garage built. He has my grandpas car but has bought another car to race.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: demonseed on April 20, 2011, 03:08:42 PM
How about Goggles Pizzano......  is it true he is commin back to DTRP  racing a Street Stock?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: no74falcon on May 17, 2011, 03:36:43 PM
Anyone remember Ckuck Bruce? I believe he ran a #28 Modified in the late 70's...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Les on May 19, 2011, 12:26:51 AM
A few Street stockers from the 70's  at Fulton,and Spencer
Jack Furman ,Bobby Otto,Tommy Elliott,Tim Dipple,Jerry Knox.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on May 19, 2011, 12:38:37 AM
I don't know what happened to him or where he is now, but it's kind of funny as I posted yesterday the picture of Jerry Knox and his Strictly Stock #55x circa 1976 on the Shangri-La Speedway profile on facebook. I believe he left asphalt racing and went dirt racing in 1977.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Cliff04 on May 19, 2011, 11:24:48 PM
I have seen Chuck Bruce a couple of times over the past few years.  The last time was early last season, He was driving Bobby Wilson's  #18 SST Modified at Wyoming County
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: leadfoot4 on May 20, 2011, 11:31:59 AM
A few Street stockers from the 70's  at Fulton,and Spencer
Jack Furman ,Bobby Otto,Tommy Elliott,Tim Dipple,Jerry Knox.

"Gentleman" Jack Furman was working for Kodak, at least through the mid-late 80s, and I used to talk to him once in a while, in the cafeteria.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on June 04, 2011, 10:16:23 AM
How about Tim Mangus, Wayne Edwards, and Chris Aman. Where are these boys hangin out these days and what are they up to?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on June 04, 2011, 11:38:20 PM
Tim Mangus still lives in Webster, NY and builds engines for drivers like Tony Hanbury and Andy Lewis.
Chris Aman lives in South Carolina and has religion in his life the last time that I spoke with him.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on June 05, 2011, 10:01:58 PM
Last I heard a year or two back, Wayne's still living in LeRaysville PA and still driving trucks.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: ron.m on June 07, 2011, 07:45:28 PM
The" Blink" Don Saunders from Fairport used to love those Cadillac automatic modifeds
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: garyt on June 07, 2011, 09:56:52 PM
Tom Elliott is living in N.C. and working for Jack Roush
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on June 19, 2011, 02:22:05 PM
I don't know what happened to him or where he is now, but it's kind of funny as I posted yesterday the picture of Jerry Knox and his Strictly Stock #55x circa 1976 on the Shangri-La Speedway profile on facebook. I believe he left asphalt racing and went dirt racing in 1977.
He ran Late models at Weedsport for a couple years, then I believe he ran DIRT mods.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: FRIESENFAN on June 21, 2011, 04:27:49 PM
Anybody know where Ray Dalmata is? He was my favorite as a kid in the 643 car. Any photos?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on July 22, 2011, 11:17:49 PM
Anybody know where Ray Dalmata is? He was my favorite as a kid in the 643 car. Any photos?

http://www.raceny.com/smf2/index.php?topic=2600.1675 (http://www.raceny.com/smf2/index.php?topic=2600.1675)
and the page before.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Gertie33 on August 01, 2011, 05:03:58 PM
What ever happen to the guy that use to wear the cowboy hat, had the high boots, tuck his pants into them & drove a sprint car?
Maybe Jan Opperman as a kid (60's) I think I saw him race at Fulton or Mercer Pa ?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: oldguy on August 02, 2011, 02:42:34 AM
That could have been Jan, Gertie33.  He raced about everywhere but cannot remember him running at Fulton.  Sadly, Jan had two vicious wrecks that brought along head injuries.  Jim and June, his parents, cared for him until his demise.

One of the best ever.  The first "long-haired hippy" to run Indianapolis.

 
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 72beep on August 24, 2011, 01:53:52 PM
How about Joey Tones.  #2 mustang ran at Woodhull I believe in the early 70's
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: s1turn43 on September 18, 2011, 04:47:04 PM
Does anyone remember Glenn Frank? I believe his number was 990 He drove at Chemung in the 60s?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bassman on November 11, 2011, 10:45:17 AM
Someone had mentioned Chuck Bruce earlier.... Did he used to drive a car owned and sponsered by Benjamins One Stop in Danby N.Y.? Just curious... The was also a fella named Wayne that drove for them as well I believe. I was just a kid when my dad would get his car serviced there and I thought that car was just the coolest thing!!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: jtstockracer91 on November 15, 2011, 01:57:42 PM
Tigerpaw33, to answer some of your questions. Jay Mudra is currently running superstocks with the cochrane motorsports guys at lancaster wyoming and the roc  at oswego, Craig Orr is currently a Tech Inspector at Holland Speedway, Bob Nye has 2 kids that are racing, son shawn is an up and comer in the caseys tq midget series, and son Tim at last check was running Karts somewhere in Nc. Rich Littlefield if im not mistaken either owns or runs Classic carstar collision here in Buffalo, and Frank Booker owns the Booker Motorsports sst that is driven by Bobby Holmes at lancaster. All others mentioned not too sure of.

Now my question. What about guys i used to watch race when i was a kid that i dont see anymore like Eric Sanders past charger champion at holland, rich pocobello, rodney arndt, who used to drive the old trank 99, leighton graham that used to run the old 39 pontiac coupe in the mods at holland, Gary Scwab, Bill Matuszak, or any of the holland guys that ran in the 90's.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on November 15, 2011, 06:00:02 PM
Gary Schwab passed away in 2007. I don't know what happened to Eric Sanders, but he never won a Holland title.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: rack on December 09, 2011, 03:23:42 PM
billy matuzak is marry and making babys and zak his dad working the family bussness
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: dirttrackrocker on February 16, 2012, 03:55:28 PM
Yes on the 14, Beavertown Block car,   not sure of Mr. Shaffer's car  BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAd memory

Ed Shaffer drove a few different cars. The one I associate him with was the one he ran weekly at Clinton County and Selinsgrove. It was the 7up car. Sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Co. out of Williamsport Pa.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: dirttrackrocker on February 16, 2012, 03:59:39 PM
How about Joey Tones.  #2 mustang ran at Woodhull I believe in the early 70's

Wasn't his name Tombes?? And I think It was a Maverick?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: PEEWEE on February 16, 2012, 07:45:22 PM
http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/vintagesprintphotos2.html (http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/vintagesprintphotos2.html)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: PEEWEE on February 16, 2012, 08:09:15 PM
I BELIVE ED SHAFFER OWENED A SALVAGE YARD IN JERSEY SHORE PA FOR A WHILE REMEMBER THE CAR HAVING ED'S AUTO PARTS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ON IT,DO REMEMBER THE CHERRY7UP CAR AT SELINSGROVE. THINK HE WAS STEP BROTHER TO THE GUY THAT OWNS SPOOK HOLLOW AUTO NOW
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: dirttrackrocker on February 16, 2012, 08:36:47 PM
I BELIVE ED SHAFFER OWENED A SALVAGE YARD IN JERSEY SHORE PA FOR A WHILE REMEMBER THE CAR HAVING ED'S AUTO PARTS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ON IT,DO REMEMBER THE CHERRY7UP CAR AT SELINSGROVE. THINK HE WAS STEP BROTHER TO THE GUY THAT OWNS SPOOK HOLLOW AUTO NOW

It was Ed's Garage that was Ed Schweikert.. Dales dad.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: PEEWEE on February 16, 2012, 10:22:04 PM
shaffer owned spook hollow at one time
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: dirttrackrocker on February 17, 2012, 08:26:43 AM
I think he may have been partners in Spook Hollow at one time. I know the Ed's Garage that sponsored him was Ed Schweikert. At the time Ed had his name on lots of cars at Clinton County.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: pauchfan on March 11, 2012, 08:01:32 PM
Where is Billy Taylor these days?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Tangletongue on March 25, 2012, 07:39:29 AM
How about Joey Tones.  #2 mustang ran at Woodhull I believe in the early 70's

Wasn't his name Tombes?? And I think It was a Maverick?

Little Joe Tomes hauled from Olean to race Woodhull weekly and took home a couple of "Late Model" Championships. You are both right on the cars... His initial Championship was in a '65 Mustang Coupe, and the later Maverick was, I believe, a '71. Both were pale yellow. My memory says the Mustang had a 430 or 460 Lincoln, and the Maverick was powered by a 427. I believe the same chassis was used for both, but I may be wrong. The cars were basically sprint cars... 15" wide Hoosiers inside the body panels with 8.25x15 right front and 7.75x14 left front. I believe the Maverick even ran an in/out box for awhile with no trans, leading to a new line in the next year's rule book requiring working reverse, and all cars having to start on their own. Memory also says that he experimented with individual hand brake levers... The Maverick won 14 or 15 features in one season. Joe later ran a Pinto bodied 320 Modified. The yellow #2H Street Stock (Jeff Helwig) that comes down for some special shows is Joey's grandson.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: oddball5c on March 30, 2012, 02:51:55 PM
  I was just wondering if anyone could give any info on Chuck Ciprich?  I was just doing some wiki searching and noticed he was from sayre, pa (as am I). It kind of struck my interest since i had no idea who he was or that he drove professionally.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Larry756 on March 30, 2012, 08:25:03 PM
Chuck is from Burdett, NY near Watkins Glen.
He may be retired from Conrail.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 112SMW on March 31, 2012, 07:39:40 AM
As Larry stated Chuck is from Burdett.Chuck is a snowbird and lives in Florida during the winter.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: oddball5c on April 02, 2012, 07:30:18 AM
My bad for reading and believing Wiki! lol
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on April 21, 2012, 11:46:11 AM
Does anyone know what became of Dan Cunningham who ran DIRT Modifieds back around 1975 - 76.  Also Larry Radney. I remember Jerry Knox in his Black and Gold 55X dirt Modified at Canadaguia , Rolling Wheels and Weedsport when I was just starting out. His car used GM stock style floating calipers which since I've had experience with on the super stock were probably superior to the racing brakes we had back in 1978. Also if I'm not mistaken Jerry was either partially of completely deaf........I'm following him on that.....Huh?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on April 21, 2012, 11:47:56 AM
Another guy I used to really like was Joe Cunningham. I think he was #22 at Canadaguia. I think he used to be a car salesman somewhere. Steady driver who always struggled for success.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on April 26, 2012, 01:20:38 PM
(https://www.raceny.com/smf2/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg19.imageshack.us%2Fimg19%2F821%2Ffile051.jpg&hash=c2683beb1c235ae2224d85a1df97faa3332d2f4b)
I'm pretty sure this is Brewerton. Either '89 or '90.

(https://www.raceny.com/smf2/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg72.imageshack.us%2Fimg72%2F3984%2Ffile054.jpg&hash=e6acd06b27b547b9ba55d3952a1b227c80213f36)
These are Brewerton's standings for '89 I think. Both Dan Cunningham and Larry Radney are on the list. I'm friends with Mark Weaver who ran Brewerton back then. Next time I see him I'll ask if he knows what happened to those guys.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on May 03, 2012, 10:26:50 PM
Got a pic off Facebook of Joe Cunningham from bck in the day. Sorry no photo credit. Could very well be Don Romeo.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Half Fast Bob on May 03, 2012, 11:39:02 PM
I've got another picture of Cunningham, Dale. This one is older, with his red car. I'll make sure you get to see it. Can't upload it now, as I've got a big file transfer going on.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on May 08, 2012, 10:08:29 PM
I remember the Red car Joe Cunningham had. That chassis was built by the same guy that designed and built the #66 Binner-Peters car that brother Darrell drove for Tom Ewing. A fellow that lived just across from Canadaguia Speedway was building a copy of those cars with a couple improvements and wanted me to drive for him when I was 18 but he only got the car half done and either ran out of interest or money. Here's the #66 in a clipping from the DIRT Program. Pic by Don Romeo.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on May 14, 2012, 08:45:41 PM
Joe Cunningham 1983 (Dave Lukowski Photo)

(https://www.raceny.com/smf2/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg560.imageshack.us%2Fimg560%2F2474%2Fjcunningham83.jpg&hash=3dcac5f426f6012b312cfc81ac916f3e6869b427)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Half Fast Bob on May 15, 2012, 05:18:52 AM
Quote
A fellow that lived just across from Canadaguia Speedway was building a copy of those cars with a couple improvements and wanted me to drive for him when I was 18 but he only got the car half done and either ran out of interest or money.

Tom Esty? Billy Chappell? My last year in Street Stocks was 1983, and I was staying across the road at my girlfriends house at times. I never knew about this project.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on July 15, 2012, 09:51:28 AM
I met Larry Radney for the first time in like 30 years Friday night at Black Rock Speedway. He's an official with the Mini-Sprint Series. Here he is at Waterloo Speedway with his DIRT Modified around 1977. Pic by Me,
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 25, 2012, 09:56:17 PM
I don't know if these names have been mention but how about Al Chapman and Frank Chapman.... I know Al at one time drove street stock == late model == and i do believe a sport mad at the old Shang... And i remember Frank racing at Blackrock just can't recall if he races at Shang or not.....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on July 26, 2012, 10:20:44 PM
Yes they both raced there.Al's son also raced there.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on August 09, 2012, 11:40:59 AM
Tom Held who raced at the old Shangri-La in a blue modifide #33 i know lives in Florida his one boy Shain Held races down there....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racewear on December 09, 2012, 10:21:34 PM
Wondering about a couple of old ASA racers, Dick Trickle, and Butch Miller. Also Jr. Hanley ?.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on December 10, 2012, 12:36:28 AM
Former Shangri-La Modified drivers Bob Carlisle and Wade Stewart; also, Bob "Outlaw" Stevens.  Low buck runners.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: spooker on January 04, 2013, 11:17:48 AM
Looking for any contact info or whereabouts of Pete Hulbert or Louis Warnstorf, driver and owner respectively of the car in my avatar pic.  Building a 1:1 replica and would like some details of its construction.  Anyone on here know of anyone that crewed on or helped build either of Pete's early Gremlins?  TIA!

Brian
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on January 09, 2013, 01:38:55 PM
I'll see what I can do for you.My cousin painted those cars you're talking about.I use to hang around the garage too.The last I knew Pete still lives in the same place which is a mile or so from me in Binghamton.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bmxgitch on January 09, 2013, 04:48:09 PM
I saw Lou before Christmas in Grande Pizza so he still lives around Binghamton.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on May 19, 2013, 08:32:07 PM
I think Billy Chappell was building the car I was speaking of. He pretty much had the bare frame all welded up with taper bearing torsion bars in well casing tubes for the rear suspension which all other cars at the time just had bronse bushings for the torsion. It would have been around 1976 or 77 when he was working on getting the car together. Where's the guy who drove this car? Pic by Smith.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: oldguy on May 19, 2013, 08:44:15 PM
  Dick Murtaugh is retired now, living in the Fulton area near his children and grandchildren.  Dick was indeed a terror on wheels.  In the later stages of his racing career, Dick raced those wild tractor trailer racers all over the east coast.  He won many races with that wild bunch, all of their trucks blaring out a big diesel roar and tons of black smoke.  Those trucks ran on small tracks, paved and dirt, all for big dollars.  They ran at many speedways, including Rolling Wheels and the mile at Syracuse.
  His son, Richard, runs three salvage yards in Central New York, and promotes RMR series of go kart racing.  Check the Gater ads, Rich is putting on a three day $10,000 race this summer at Frozen Ocean Kart track.  Rich did some oval track racing, towing his street stock with his motor home.  He was as wild, if not more, than his dad.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: raceannouncer on October 25, 2013, 09:48:58 AM
I got my new issue of 'Dick Berggren's Speedway Illustrated' magazine in the mail yesterday. I was browsing through some of the columns, and writer Bones Bourcier titled his "Nobody Asked Me, But..."... In the column, he asked several questions, including, "Has anyone seen Maynard Troyer"?


Maybe we can fill him in.....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: raceannouncer on October 25, 2013, 09:50:16 AM
The gentleman who crashed very hard a Spencer Speedway 4th turn a few years back that damaged his eyesight?  Did he make a full recovery?  Thanks.   

Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: no74falcon on November 22, 2013, 03:50:09 PM
I got my new issue of 'Dick Berggren's Speedway Illustrated' magazine in the mail yesterday. I was browsing through some of the columns, and writer Bones Bourcier titled his "Nobody Asked Me, But..."... In the column, he asked several questions, including, "Has anyone seen Maynard Troyer"?


Maybe we can fill him in.....

There was a thread asking where Maynard was not long ago, but it was taken down. Any idea why, Mike?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on January 02, 2014, 10:52:21 AM
This thread needs reviving, so wondering about a few more guys...Billy Taylor?  Bill Cain? Wild Bill Henry?  Dick Reagan?  Dave Kotary? Wes Moody? Dick Nephew? Neil Tooley? Bill Blum?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: no74falcon on January 03, 2014, 02:40:10 PM
Wild Bill Henry is still living in the same house on Glenwood Ave. in Oneida that I use to stay at as a kid when his wife, Janice, would babysit me.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on January 03, 2014, 09:25:58 PM
Last I heard Bill Cane was in Florida, still playing golf with MT on occasion.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 112SMW on January 04, 2014, 10:02:42 AM
Dick Reagan still lives in the Elmira area.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on March 15, 2014, 01:37:27 PM
    When Late Models use to run at the old Shang. I'm having a hard time trying to remember the first name of the a driver that ran that class I do remember the last name being Jackson ... Was his first name Dave ?????    The last car I remember him in back in 2001 was a Orange colored car number 77 I think ....  Then I do believe he tried to run the Sports Modifides with the same number ..... Is he still around running or retired
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: buckshot on March 15, 2014, 07:35:19 PM
Dave Jackson is still around. He owns a body shop/ repair business in Newark Valley. Did race a b-mod a few times a couple of years ago at Shang 2.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on March 16, 2014, 11:57:13 PM
          Here's a name that goes way back maybe mid 50's Rod Turcott lived in Brewerton and raced at Brewerton Speedway
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on March 24, 2014, 11:16:15 AM
Kirk Rutherford who was injured at Spencer Speedway some years ago is around helping others and had Pete Brittain in his #11 Modified last year. He has hung up his own helmet.
Billy Taylor is with a NASCAR Nationwide Series team the last that I knew.
Dick Nephew passed away in 1996.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Openwheels on March 26, 2014, 11:01:02 AM
    When Late Models use to run at the old Shang. I'm having a hard time trying to remember the first name of the a driver that ran that class I do remember the last name being Jackson ... Was his first name Dave ?????    The last car I remember him in back in 2001 was a Orange colored car number 77 I think ....  Then I do believe he tried to run the Sports Modifides with the same number ..... Is he still around running or retired

Dave Jackson ran both late mods and b-mods but was #99 or #1...(usually black cars)....you may be thinking of either Kirk Abbott OR Scott Brady?...they both ran #77 in late mods and b-mods as well.....and I believe Brady's was def. orange color before....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Buddy0424 on March 26, 2014, 10:53:49 PM
Billy Taylor lives in Mooresville, works at Robbie Benton motorsports nationwide #99 team hasn't changed a bit.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on March 30, 2014, 09:09:49 AM
Dave Jackson ran an orange #71 Late Model around 2000.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Chargincharlie on April 11, 2014, 11:55:09 AM
Correct me if im wrong but I thinks the Jacksons are hanging at Raceway5.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Cliff04 on April 12, 2014, 08:22:00 AM
Another Dave Jackson
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: koupeskoaches on April 23, 2014, 11:36:03 AM

    DAVEY DENTON #3 MONROE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WAS A WEEKLY RUNNER THERE.
        HIS CAR REALLY HAD THAT LEAN TO THE LEFT LOOK. I BELIEVE HE WAS A DAIRY FARMER??
    FROM  THE AVON NY AREA.   ANY ONE HAVE PHOTOS ?????

                                             KOUPESKOACHES
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on June 09, 2014, 12:11:05 PM
      I was going through a scrap book I have and came across a picture of Reggie Ruggiero anyone have any ideas of his where abouts
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on June 13, 2014, 11:26:46 AM
Reggie still lives in CT.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: koupeskoaches on June 14, 2014, 05:20:54 PM
CANADIAN RACER-------BRUCE VAN DYKE

    SAW HIM YEARS AGO AT MONROE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS,ONE OF MY FAVORITES, HE WAS
     RUNNING A 49 FORD? BUSINESS MANS COUPE,PAINTED WHITE, WITH RED NUMBER 88. THIS
 CAR HAD A LOT OF  AIR HOLES  IN THE REAR DECK, COOL LOOKING CAR FOR ITS TIME. ANYONE
  HAVE A PHOTO OF IT TO POST??,ALSO IS BRUCE STILL WITH US??
      ANOTHER GREAT LOOKING CAR WAS NEIL TRUESDALE'S YELLOW 50's PLYMOUTH COUPE HE
   RAN AT CANANDAIUGA IN THE EARLY 60's, ANYONE HAVE PHOTOS?????

                                                          KOUPESKOACHES
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on June 15, 2014, 12:34:32 AM
Bruce Van Dyke and Neil Truesdell are both still here.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: koupeskoaches on June 23, 2014, 07:00:02 PM
 DEAN C WRIGHT, GOT YOUR NOTE ABOUT MONROE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS!!!!!!!!!!
   YOU CAN REACH ME----------koupeskoaches@yahoo.com
  I DO HAVE SOME FROM THE 4o'S???, EARLY 50's. I HAVE A LOTS FROM THE RACES DURING THE
   FAIR WEEK ALSO IN THE 60;s AND SOME FROM THE LAST RACE IN 1980, WON BY WILL CAGLE.

                                                            TOM BURNS
                                                        KOUPESKOACHES
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on July 09, 2014, 08:46:57 PM
another name came to me I remember he drove a modified at the old shag . I do believe the car was green number 55 can't remember first name but last name was Silvernail
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Way 2 Lo on July 09, 2014, 08:56:28 PM
another name came to me I remember he drove a modified at the old shag . I do believe the car was green number 55 can't remember first name but last name was Silvernail

Phil?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BOZO6106 on July 10, 2014, 09:17:41 AM
DAVE
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: mod10 on July 10, 2014, 08:46:15 PM
Reggie and "lil" Eddie Flemke have a business in Berlin Ct.
called Race Works--they build race cars .............
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 11, 2014, 05:30:27 PM
Dave Silvernail drove the #84 Modified in the '80s. Bob Silvernail drove the #55 Modified and had his only career Tioga Modified victory in 2002.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: leadfoot4 on July 25, 2014, 07:49:09 AM
What ever happened to Richie Evans Jr.? I remember hearing that he was racing a modified in New Jersey some time ago, and had shown some talent for it. Then the updates stopped, and there hasn't been anything mentioned about him for a long time...
Title: Re: Where Are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 25, 2014, 09:37:37 AM
Richie Jr. runs Sixty One Fabrication in Charlotte, NC. He does the go cart and motorcycle thing now in the way of racing. He had a Late Model stint down south before he appeared with his orange #61 Sportsmodified at Tioga and at Wall around 2002. He's on Facebook.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on August 13, 2014, 10:21:44 AM
      I remember that day at Tioga when that Orange #61 came out onto the track drove by gave me cold chills seeing it and hearing the name Richie Evens Jr. .    Never knew he had a son .
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: racefan61 on August 24, 2014, 03:02:46 PM
      This topic started out really good and now seems to be dying out I can't think of anymore names
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on November 11, 2014, 09:57:37 PM
What ever happened to Phil Youngs, aka Bumper-jack. Is he still among the living? How about Dick Gamlin and another one is Ron Hall. Haven't heard anything about those guys in a long time.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: spooker on November 12, 2014, 07:56:00 AM
Went to Phil's junkyard a couple of times when I was gathering parts for my first late model.  Last I heard he was in Florida somewhere.  I remember his Camaro-bodied modified, pretty rough! 

Brian
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on November 12, 2014, 06:32:29 PM
Yeah, let's rejuvinate this thread. How about Dick Reagan? Blake Carnahan? Jim Hickey? Dave Hafner (although I think he was sitting in front of me at the Lancaster Open this year)? Wimpy Sipple?
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: uticamike on November 12, 2014, 06:57:25 PM
Wow Blake Carnahan..holy sh... I haven't heard his name in eons.  Number 00 if I remember right a Corvair body ( at least the one at U/R I recall.

I remember Blake as being one of the first to use nomex undergarments and gloves...ahead if his time there. I also remember some guys mocking him

behind his back for it....calling him a F1 wannabe.  Blake it seems had the last laugh and I'm sure he didn't consider safety a joke.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on November 13, 2014, 10:53:56 AM
Dave Hafner lives in Hamlin, and owns "a few" hot rods.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: thedoebes on November 13, 2014, 11:49:56 AM
I have a few pictures of Blakes #00 in my programs. .I use to watch him race at The Old Shangri La Speedway.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: oldtimeracer on November 17, 2014, 08:19:43 AM
Blake Carnahan ran a '62 Chev bubble top...was team mate to Jim Thompson #01     Jack Naum #22    Wally Burnett #94x   John "Fireball" Roberts # 513 Don Bushbacher #671 Jack Emerson #17
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Claychamp123 on November 23, 2014, 11:32:44 AM
Jack Emerson is around. he comments on my facebook page from time to time. How about Eddie Thompson..think he ran supers and raced the ex-shampine 8-ball modified coupe on dirt a bit.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on November 24, 2014, 02:03:46 AM
Jack Emerson is around. he comments on my facebook page from time to time. How about Eddie Thompson..think he ran supers and raced the ex-shampine 8-ball modified coupe on dirt a bit.
Eddie was inducted in to the Oswego Speedway HoF in 2012. I hear he still goes up there.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: njracers on March 30, 2015, 09:44:47 PM
I know there are a lot of pass drivers out there i have seen race a few come to mind maybe you remember them or now what has come of them..
      1. Doug Hewitt ( i think last name is right )
      2. Gail Barber ( if i'm correct he drove a #20 or #01 mod at the old shangri la )
      3. Jerry Cook ( red #38 mod raced at chemung and shangri la )               
Dick Emerson  #13 at Lancaster Black and white
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on April 01, 2015, 03:13:54 PM
Dick Emerson passed away in May 2011 at age 80.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=150770964 (http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=150770964)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: knucklesup on June 04, 2015, 12:37:09 AM
I'll toss a few out from My mid-seventies LM days at Shangri-La.

Mike Casterline
Duane Ellis
Cecil King
Dick Finnerty

I know ole Jim Zach is still around
Randy Hedger is an official with NASCAR in NC.
Pete Walker passed away an number of years ago.

and Denny McNally ( the guy I used to help) is off to parts unknown.


74' and 75' were good years for me.
Pete Walker was a mechanic a block from my home and I got to know him as any 15 yr old racing fan would. He was a nice man and politely answered any question I asked. The date escapes me but it was around 79-81. Shangri-la didn't have a retaining wall everywhere and I watched him and another driver crash in turn 2 and Pete left the racing surface. I didn't know until now how tragic that turned out. If my memory is incorrect, please let me know. RIP Pete
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on June 04, 2015, 07:28:57 AM
I believe Pete Walker was killed in a tragic accident at Oswego, not Shangri-La.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 112SMW on June 04, 2015, 08:19:31 AM
Pete Walker died from his injuries from a wreck at Oswego in 1977.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Rocket88 on June 04, 2015, 09:36:03 AM
Pete was dring the Loden Brothers #29, that Mike Loescher had vacated. Mike stated to me the car was a "death trap".
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 8ball on June 30, 2015, 09:39:44 PM
Ok Boys and Girls here are a few names for you
1. Herbie Green LM # 88 his last car was all Blue if i remember right .
2. Tommy Gush Mod  purple #55
3. BoB Frisbie LM if i recall all White #2
4. Chub Kennedy was before my time but do have pic of him i what to say year is early maybe late 60's car # was 44 ..
 The first 3 i do remember watching but 1 thing i cant remember either Gush or Frisbie had a nick name what was it or did both have nick names???

Bob Frisbie is still around.  He's at Shang 2 now and then.  I've talked to him on the phone a couple of times.  He's junking for money these days I believe.

Herbie Green is in Florida, that's what Bob Frisbie told me.

Tommy Gush was turning wrenches on the #21 for Danny K at one point.

Not sure about Chub.

Davy Nichols #34 ran at the Original Shang, Satch Worley,  Chubby Chandler (Passed away)
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: leadfoot4 on July 02, 2015, 07:06:17 AM
Davy Nichols #34 ran at the Original Shang

Last I heard, Dave had "gone south", and is working for Penske Racing.....
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: justmark on July 02, 2015, 03:45:20 PM
"Big Bad" Bob Frisbie for his nickname as it was even lettered on his car
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Openwheels on July 09, 2015, 12:46:00 PM


Tommy Gush, stables/mechanics/ and is crew chief for the Danny K #21 Sportsman and ROC Mod
(at SL2 regularly) or where ever the they are running, both driven currently by Tony Hanbury...
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on June 02, 2016, 09:55:21 AM
I like this thread, so let's hear about a few more from days past....Dave Seils, Tommy Leeson, Bud Schilling, Bobby Hudson, Cam Gagliardi, Danny Mason, Gary Mason, Vic Lewis, Leo Lewandowski, Dick Fowler, Ralph Holmes, Norm Schmidlin, Harry Peek, Jerry Hayes, Graeme Bolia.  FYI, I met Vince Randisi at a car show in Spencerport in 2012 or 2013. He was actually in the middle of a boat trip in the Erie Canal and stopped by my car to look it over and to chat...nice guy, and he won a lot of Super Stock races!  Also, just recently met Ron Martin, who had some success in the #4 Modified at Lancaster in the '70s. He apparently attends most of the current races at Lancaster as a spectator....nice guy too.  Next!
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: bakes on June 02, 2016, 10:56:31 PM
I like this thread, so let's hear about a few more from days past....Dave Seils, Tommy Leeson, Bud Schilling, Bobby Hudson, Cam Gagliardi, Danny Mason, Gary Mason, Vic Lewis, Leo Lewandowski, Dick Fowler, Ralph Holmes, Norm Schmidlin, Harry Peek, Jerry Hayes, Graeme Bolia.  FYI, I met Vince Randisi at a car show in Spencerport in 2012 or 2013. He was actually in the middle of a boat trip in the Erie Canal and stopped by my car to look it over and to chat...nice guy, and he won a lot of Super Stock races!  Also, just recently met Ron Martin, who had some success in the #4 Modified at Lancaster in the '70s. He apparently attends most of the current races at Lancaster as a spectator....nice guy too.  Next!

I believe Tom Leeson passed away a couple of years back, as did Harry Peek and Jerry Hayes if I recall correctly.  Graeme Bolia is still around.  And yes, Vince is a very nice guy.  Still remember when he took out the front stretch pit gate at Shangri-La.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mark on June 02, 2016, 11:42:52 PM
Cam Gagliardi passed away in 2011 at age 82. Vic Lewis has been gone for years too.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: BigFeet13 on June 03, 2016, 07:32:59 PM
Tommy Leeson did pass away a couple years ago.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: no74falcon on September 21, 2017, 12:50:38 PM
I like this thread, so let's hear about a few more from days past....Dave Seils, Tommy Leeson, Bud Schilling, Bobby Hudson, Cam Gagliardi, Danny Mason, Gary Mason, Vic Lewis, Leo Lewandowski, Dick Fowler, Ralph Holmes, Norm Schmidlin, Harry Peek, Jerry Hayes, Graeme Bolia.  FYI, I met Vince Randisi at a car show in Spencerport in 2012 or 2013. He was actually in the middle of a boat trip in the Erie Canal and stopped by my car to look it over and to chat...nice guy, and he won a lot of Super Stock races!  Also, just recently met Ron Martin, who had some success in the #4 Modified at Lancaster in the '70s. He apparently attends most of the current races at Lancaster as a spectator....nice guy too.  Next!

Ralph Holmes still owns and operates "Ralph's Collision" in Oneida. In fact, he just opened a mechanical shop just a little west on Rt.5 too. He's doing well.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on September 21, 2017, 04:01:10 PM
Thanks for the info, Allen.  Only took 1.25 yrs. to get a response to my post!  Anybody else??
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mark on September 25, 2017, 01:17:21 AM
Bobby Hudson is in a long-term care facility, and is not in the best of health.
I believe that Danny Mason, Gary Mason and Dave Seils are still in the Rochester area. I don't know what they're doing though.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Shamrock 3x on September 25, 2017, 02:26:45 PM
I talked to a guy at the US Open yesterday, who said that Kenny Meahl had been behind him in the bleachers during the race (yesterday's). He must be what....late 80's / early 90's? I guess he's relatively healthy, but mostly deaf.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: Mark on September 25, 2017, 04:25:50 PM
Meahl sometimes shows up at Lancaster and Ransomville. He's pushing 90 at age 86, and he is definitely hard of hearing.
Title: Re: Where are They Now
Post by: 80racing on August 29, 2019, 08:21:27 AM
just spent a bit of time here and there over last couple days looking thru this thread. damn theres alot of good info in here