As the old saying goes, “Better Late Than Never”, and unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, that’s precisely what this week’s column is – late.

A rather wicked case of poison ivy on my hands and forearms (I know, wear gloves when doing yard work), and running around doing all the things you have to do when you’re in the midst of (yet another), career change have kind of kept me away from the keyboard. With that said, let’s get on to this week’s column…..

Last weekend a quite unexpected front of showers rolled into the area of the Speedbowl forcing postponement of the majority of the program. Really seasonable earlier in the day, this one took all of us by surprise. Check out the Bowl’ website for the make-up dates.

Sunday, the weather dawned bright & sunny, and it was off to the Brooklyn, Connecticut Fairgrounds to attend their 47th annual car show. Leaving early for my trek up Rt. 395 to the show (more of a requirement than a choice, as the 6-cyl flatty in my 59’ Rambler American likes to move along at it’s own leisurely pace), I was passed by NEAR member Dick Harlow trailering his sharp little # 54 Coupe. Sure enough, after getting there & putting the Rambler though registration and taking my place on the show field, I noticed that the members of NEAR had a nice selection of cars on display, allowing car show attendees a glimpse of what racing used to be like in the “old daze”.

Among the cars on hand and one of a great deal of significance to veteran Speedbowl fans was the restored #110 Coupe formally chauffeured by none other than Bowl’ Legend Bob Potter. Rich Savage, member of a family with deep roots in racing at the shoreline oval, has done a simply stupendous job of bringing the car back to its former glory. Savage purchased the car in an un-restored state from former Waterford Great Jerry Pearl, and wasted little time in doing a ground-up on the little coupe. In talking to Rich, it’s obvious that the car holds a special place in his heart, as he’s admittedly a lifelong Potter fan.


In a recalled conversation with friend and Modified veteran Mark LaJeunesse a number of years ago, yours truly learned a little more about the history of the #110 coupes. Yes, I stated “coupes” as there were two of em’, nearly identical twins. One car was utilized to run the big shows, and was equipped with a big-block, while Savage has the small block car that a lot of old-time Bowl’ fans may remember as being the racer that was last ran on a regular basis at the Bowl’ with Bob Finkleday behind the controls back in the mid 70’s (though Potter among others, also ran the car at times). Ironically, two drivers that logged a lot of laps against the machine were instrumental in bringing it back to life. Jerry Pearl had rescued the car a number of years ago, holding it in storage until Savage came along & convinced him to sell it, and Mark LaJeunesse contributed by recently creating a set of period-perfect headers for the car. Savage is a busy guy, and a dedicated member of NEAR, and his efforts in restoring the #110, and also an early Fred “Fuzzy” Baer Coupe are to be commended. Speaking of the Baer Coupe, Rich is planning on scaling-down his operation a bit, and actually has the car up for sale. See Rich at any NEAR meet to chat with him about possibly becoming the new owner of a piece of Speedbowl history. You’ll be glad you did, as the # 121 was restored with the same level of TLC taken with the Potter Coupe.

In getting back to Bowl’ news, Don Fowler made his first start in many weeks after having missed most of the season due to medical issues. Before the rains came & spoiled the party for everybody, old Donnie looked as good as he ever did, running right up near the front of the pack. A fixture at Waterford since his day as a Grand American Champion back in the 70’s, it was a welcomed site to see the # 26 back out on the track.

And with that, it’ll end another week. Contact me at ddykes@originnet.net