Me
bad. I made an error in last week’s column (I know, perfect
auto racing scribes such as me are not supposed to make
mistakes, but……). I listed the Speedbowl Xmas party as
taking place on December 13th, when in reality, it’s Tuesday
December 19th. Good catch on Bill & Keith’s part, and I
thank you both! Anyway, refer to Bowl’ website on the
details relating to this shindig, as it promises to be a
great time!
Not too much going on in this neck of the woods racing-wise,
and with the holidays, I’m sure everyone is staying busy
playing Santa Claus in preparation for the big day. Me? I’ve
been busy digging out stuff from the archives to assist in
various racing-related history projects. One of the deals
I’m hoping to contribute to is a book being penned by none
other than racing author Par Excellence, Bones Bourcier.
It’s been a long time coming, but the life story of one of
New England’s true Modified Greats will be going to print
sometime in the near future, and it promises to be a winner.
The Late Ed Flemke Sr. was not only a winning racer, but
contributed so, so much to the sport of Modified racing in
the way of car construction. The “Flemke front-end” for one,
set the standard of basic chassis set-up for decades. Then
there’s the story of the Eastern Bandits which would in
itself, make for a great book. A New England Auto Racing
Hall of Fame member, his life story is truly a fascinating
affair for those interested in the history of our sport. Lew
Boyd’s Coastal 181 publishing company will be handling the
book.
Those of you that are familiar with some of my various
history-related endeavors over the last decade or so are
probably aware of my presence on the Jeff Pearl website
www.jeff-pearl.com.
The fine folks at the site of the former Speedbowl SK Champ
& second generation driver have for the past decade or so,
allowed me some space to present a little stuff from the
“old days”. I’m please to announce that “Dave Dykes’ Page
From The Past” is once again being updated on a regular
basis, so check the site often for more bits of racing stuff
from the “Golden Era” of our sport.
As stated earlier, it’s been rather quiet lately, but a
couple of tidbits of interest have come to light regarding
at least two of Waterford’s top competitors. It looks as
though Bruce Thomas Jr. and Allen Coates have once again
thrown their hats (or helmets in this case), into the ring
for another season. Reportedly, both teams look to be
reporting to the track opener in newly constructed Late
Model rides for the 2007 season.
In
a little change of pace this week, we’re going to highlight
a driver that may not have won a great deal of races, but
never-the-less was a big part of 70’s action at the Bowl.
Bill Harris, in his
ivory-white # 17 coupes competed weekly against the likes of
the best Waterford had to offer during his tenure as a
Modified shoe. Guys like Dick Dunn, Glynn Shafer, Dick
Watson, Mark LaJeunnesse, Jerry Pearl & “Wild Bill”
Scrivener were just some of what would be considered
“Speedbowl Royalty” at the time, all being very tough
competitors. Scoring several top finishes, his best seasons
at Waterford occurred during the middle of the decade. A
young Mr., Harris is captured here on the first practice
session of the 1974 campaign which took place the week
before the season-opening Hot Wheels 100. The “Coupe Era”
produced some really pretty rides, and the car of Harris was
one of the most attractive cars of it’s time…..
And with that, it’ll close out another one. Contact me at
ddykes@originnet.net
Has anyone seen “Uncle Don” Steiner….?
