I have an article on Jackie Soper and his involvement with Jack Markos' sprint car in the early 60's. (not sure of the exact date). There is one bit of the article that got loped off. Thanks to Jim Brink for sharing this...
Elmirans Build Sprint Racer
by Ed Collins (circa 1960)
The culmination of $8000 and 14 months of effort will take to the southeastern racing circuit in April with the area's leading stock car driver, Jackie Soper, at the wheel.
The vehicle is a Kurtis Kraft sprint car which develops 360 horsepower on alcohol-nitro methane fuel and is capable of speeds up to 180 miles per hour. It sports a chassis used on a car which finished seventh in the 1958 Indianapolis 500-mile classic.
For it's owner, Jack Markos, it represents a return to the sprint tracks on which he raced for 11 years- the turning the circuits in such fast competition that he set track records on more than one track. he retired from racing in 1956, after some near-misses including having a tire off a following car run over the top of his car inches from his head. He now manages the General Tire Co. in Elmira.
For its driver, Jackie Soper, the car represents a giant step upward in a racing career that has spanned 11 years. Soper, who's 26 and lives at 313 Soper St. (just coincidence on that street name, he says), is a native of Troy (PA) and moved to Elmira four years ago.
He's become increasingly successful in stock cars, his best year being 1958 when he was high point driver at five tracks- Chemung, Southport (Glider City Sports Arena), Hunt (NY), Smethport (PA) and Angelica (NY), which is a lot of driving, both to and on the circuits.
Jackie, who became interested in racing when the late Hal Hoose [ missing text] components made of chrome steel. Special aircraft fittings are incorporated for speed and weight purposes.
After a complete prelimanary shakedown run at Watkins Glen's Grand Prix circuit during March or early April, the car will be taken south to either Raleigh or Martinsville, N.C., for it's first competition. Markos, Soper and the car's mechanic and No. 1 protector, Doug Burgard of 209 Marshall St., Horseheads, will compose the weekly junket to the various race sites, operating under either United Racing Club or U.S. Auto Club authorization.
None of the three expects more than a chance to learn the car's capabilities this first season and Markos is quick to take Soper off anybody's griddle with the remark:
"My instructions to Jackie are to spend the most part of the season feeling out the car and getting accustomed to the competition."
