Part of the starting lineup of vintage racecars Saturday morning. They would all look much different after a full weekend of racing in conditions that would run from the extremely dusty to very muddy.
The Ford's Frankland quick change had been set up for running on asphalt all summer, so a speedy swapping of gears was in order for the dirt. They really do work. "Run 'em if you got 'em "
Rosey brought his 1933 Dodge out to formally christen the track with the first run of the weekend.
Now keeping in mind that since it was a 1933 Dodge that officially opened the track, it didn't take two very quick minded young ladies, both 15 years old, very long to figure out what really needed to happen right away. Erica Clark fired up the 1933 Ford (# 33), and Samantha Kennedy fired up the 1933 Chevy (#22), and the two of them went out to get things rolling with some exciting vintage racing.
A dirt track needs water applied to keep the dust down. When freshly wet down, the track is extremely slippery. Nobody is immune to a slide from time to time. Both girls had their turns at it, just like everyone else.
By now the rest of the more "mature" WGVRA members realize the kids are not going to get away with having all the fun. Another Ford/Chevy head to head race quickly develops with Mark Collins in the 1936 Ford (#99), and Tom Clark in the 1936 Chevy (#36). It needs to be noted that all these old vintage cars are not just out on the tracks driving around in circles for display. They are being raced as they were in the 50's and pushed toward their limits. However, keeping it safe, not just winning, is always the number one concern. Mishaps can and do happen with racing. At one point some very slippery wet clay sent Tom and his #36 for a quick "up on two wheels" ride along the side of a high embankment. He was able to guide it back to the track without a mishap, but it is a reminder that will get your attention very quickly.
Robert Hills (left) and Ed Kennedy (right) coming out of turn four and making a run on the front stretch.
Rosey Gerry, Mark Collins, and Robert Hills leadfooting it around the dirt track and laying down some pretty serious lap times.
Of course you can't say "serious lap times" without Jim Sprague's newest track tested car, the 1932 Ford (#2), coming to mind. This new car will fly! In this particular photo, Jim was kind enough to take some time out of a really high speed pass down the home stretch, to throw the Ford into a broadside slide, just long enough for a VERY short photo session. We think we heard him say
"You do see me here, don't you Sam? I'll be gone in just one second."
Haggie Pratt taking the #22 Chevy out for his first vintage racecar laps. Like so many people before him, it was clear, that the vicious little racing bug, had inflicted him with it's bite. There is no mistaking the non-removable grin, when a person returns to the pit and climbs out of the car. You can count on seeing Haggie on the track next summer in the replica of his dad's old racecar.
Racecars create huge amounts of dust and tear up the surface of a dirt track. It takes a great deal of water to keep the dust under control, and leveling with a huge grader to provide a good racing surface. Our deepest thanks to the Picards for all the tine and labor they provided all weekend, to give us the best possible track conditions. It is greatly appreciated.
Billy Boyle exiting Colin Shield's flathead powered A-1 after going for a test ride. I wonder if he was trying to check out his competition before meeting Colin on the track? It didn't matter, they smiled at each other and a race was about to happen. Veterans like these boys are always up for a good run.
A few moments later, the race was on !!!
Colin Shields (left) and Billy Boyle (right) in a full fledged duel for the lead. These two vintage cars are the real deal and are both real movers. There's nothing like a good race between two old friends.
Erica Clark (right) and Mark Collins (left) giving both of the old Ford racecars a good workout.
Turns 1 & 2, and the backstretch
Turns 3 & 4, with an old coupe peeking up over the dirt bank as it heads on down the front stretch
Sign designed, prepared and donated by Alan Gassett & crew