Another Bob Fuller article from the September 21, 1958 edition of the Elmira Star-Gazette.
With The Stock Cars by Bob Fuller
Area's Oldest Active Driver
Pete Merrone is the oldest stock car driver racing in competition in this area and perhaps many other areas also. He is 45 years of age and is still very capable of holding his own with the best of the boys. Pete hasn't won a large number of feature races but he is the most consistent driver who finishes in the money.
Pete is the type of driver and owner that every club needs because of his faithfulness. A good example of this was the nice trophy which was awarded to Pete two years ago, by Eli Bodine at Chemung Speedrome, for a five year perfect attendence record.
Pete started racing in 1952 and has raced at Bath Speedway, Chemung Speedrome, Airport, Ovid, Towanda, Glen Aubrey, Elmira and Addison Hill. He has never been hurt and intends to race again next year. He drives car no. 38, a 1937 Ford coupe with a 1953 Mercury motor. He is also one of the few owner-drivers.
Pete and his wife, the former Ruth Burr, are formerly from Brooklyn. Ruth has appeared on stage and in two short movies doing specialty acts on roller skates. Pete and Ruth came to Elmira in 1940 and Pete became employed at the Ward LaFrance. He's been employed as an electrician for 18 years.
Pete lives on Snake Hil Road in the town of Horseheads. He is a friend of all drivers and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. He served 2 1/2 years overseas with the Navy Seabees during World War II.
VERY HAPPY to report that after expenses, the Glider City Sports Arena contributed $780.62 to the late Hal Hoose's family. Many thanks to the fans and drivers.
The Chemung Speedrome is to be thanked for offering advance tickets to the Retarded Children's Assn. for the September 27 race. Here is an association that is desperately in need of funds. All advance ticket sales for this race will go to this worthy cause. This will also be a championship race date. Tickets may be purchased now by phoning Roy Struwing (7945) in Elmira or Al Warren (9-1726) in Horseheads.
ART CHANDLER lost his clutch last Saturday night at Chemung Speedrome causing him to lose several points. It is now impossible for him to catch Jack Soper for high point man at Chemung. However, at the Elmira track Jack and Art are so close that either one will be ahead by taking one more feature race....Bucky Dew reports that Waterloo is through racing for this year. He ended up as third highest in point standings.
Lucky Cornish says a race track in Etna N.Y., northeast of Ithaca, has been under construction all summer and there will be stock car racing there next year...Motorcycle races, scheduled at Glider City Arena today have been postponed to Sept. 28, next Sunday. That same day, a 100-lap "duability race" will be held for the modern car class.
