Hermon, Maine
April 27th, 2008
Finally, after a long winter, we are on the track!
" Wicked Good" has made it to the asphalt. The weather forecast was bleak, some cars were being put back together at the last minute, we were ferrying cars back and forth due to a trailer shortage, and gas prices are at a ridiculous all time high.
However--
There were 22 vintage stock cars lined up in the pits, all waiting for the call to take their positions on the already damp track to race. And race they did!
Charlie working out a couple of details on his awesome looking new Plymouth before the race. Did I see this car in a movie last year?? Must be those eyes??
Billy had his early stock on hand and ready to run.
Anticipation was high, as was the chance of rain.
Sure enough, the track started getting wet about the
time the green flag dropped, but a little rain won't stop a bunch of vintage racers who have been waiting for today all winter long.
It did get wetter, and wetter-
---and wetter.
Actually, it got VERY wet, but the race continued.
Visability did decrease a bit, but traction was history.
It sure felt good to get back on the track again.
The lead was always changing,
---but the rain was consistent.
At times the cars got spread out pretty far.
Soon the pack would bunch up again.
If we can do this, maybe we should go ice racin'
in the winter.
The roar of those old engines is wonderful
in any weather.
Another hard charge of the pack.
This was the first public appearence for this
historic and well known race car. Details will be
posted in the near future. It sure did go good!
Don't you agree Kevin?
The fun continues--
Another run for the lead is about to develop.
The turns can be pretty greasy on wet asphalt.
Tom's Chevy is sporting a new paint scheme and
loving the beginning of a new season.
Another great day of vintage racing.
It just don't get no better folks, even if it rains!
Fantastic Update-May 25th 2008
We have been blessed with photo contributions taken at this event by
someone who actually knows something about photography.
The following are "Photos By Kim"
The "Early Stocks take the green flag and begin their heat race. Can you look at a photo like this and not have your pulse quicken and think of racing in the old days?
Alan in the lead with Mark in very close pursuit
Barry was doing great--until a faulty rear spring shackle gave him rear steering. Since he didn't have a control switch for that, an abrupt turn followed very quickly.
The broadside position assumed so quickly by Barry gave Tom (barely visable by Barrys left side) a very closeup view of a #11 on a white door. Suddenly some strange magnetic force collected both cars and they united at the dirt pile. Tom is noted for "showering" his friends with affection !
Barry survives the crash, but radiator damage parks the Plymouth for the day. Tom had his front end tweaked by the incident but was able to resume racing in the feature.
Since Barry's # 11 was out of the running for the last race, Robert realized that there was at least there was enough soil on the car's roof to make it the largest planter in Maine.
Colin powers his V8 flathead Ford coupe thru turn two. Rarely seen without a big friendly smile on his face, Colin started racing Ford flatheads nearly 60 years ago, and is a very active and devoted member of Wicked Good Racing Association.
Once the feature started, Hal and Alan started their chase as they headed thru turn two.
Ken, Haggie, and Rosey in a little friendly competition for a lead position in the feature.