DO NOT PRINT, POST OR PUBLISH IMAGES APPEARING IN THE VAULT WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM PHOTOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER'S FAMILY OR PROVIDER
 
Photo ID # G03.16.10_Tas_VAN_UNK_0060S_1
Car #: NA
Driver (s) : Al Tasnady and Carl Van Horn
Location: Pitman
Date: 1958
Photographer: Bob Sweeten
Photo provided by: Russ Dodge (statistics from Bill Skinner)
Comments: Senior Moment From Russ Dodge:

Award Winning Drivers

This photo was taken by track photographer Bob Sweeten following the end of the "twin 20's" show on August 22, 1958. Bill Lewis, making the award presentation for Wynn's Friction Proofing oil additives, was also a driver at the Pitman, N.J. track. As with every old photo many stories could be told, this one is no different.

For Al Tasnady ( left) the feature win was number 6 of what would be a total of 9 for the 1958 season. Surrendering his ride in the Neal Williams 44 during the 1957 season, Al drove for a former car owner of his Lucky Jordan, in 1958. Feature number 7 came behind the wheel of a "loaner" from Charlie Whitehead, the 67 maroon and white Arco Auto Body modified. Lucky's Deuce ran strong with its Chevy motor but had a few DNF's after leading several features.

"Popcorn" Bill Lewis, a nickname given to him because he and his wife ran the popcorn concessions at Alcyon, ran his black and white sportsman stock car numbered 19. As a sportsman and not having won too much purse money, he would usually be on the pole for the first heat of the night. By the time the field was entering the 4th turn, Bill would be about 4th or 5th, if he was lucky. No, "Popcorn" wasn't a feature contender, but he was there every week giving it his best for what he could afford to invest. One heck of a nice guy, with the spirit our sport was built upon.

Notice the shirts Bill is presenting to Al and Carl. Al is already wearing a Wynn's winner's shirt. They were yellow and had various racing cars and boats on them along with the Wynn's logo. I would have given my right arm to have one to wear back then. Even more desirable was the Wynn's jacket which was a satin jacket with red sleeves and trim with gold front and back panels and a large Wynn's circle logo on the back! A side note: on eBay about 3 years ago a shirt like Al's went for well over a hundred dollars, I recall!

On the right, a young Carl VanHorn had just won his first feature event at Alcyon Speedway. Carl was very popular from his first appearance on. His white 71E was a little different from the other coupes in that he was using the 1939 style Chevy while others used the earlier 1955-38 versions. Also, he was announced as having a Pontiac motor which was not common at the time. Carl was a strong competitor with the 71E.

A trivia fact that may be of interest to you is that Carl was the last driver in the 659 at Alcyon. During the 1959 season he ended the season behind the wheel of the "Flaming" 6 Cylinder GMC of Tom Skinner. It's so hard to believe it was over 50 years ago but it seems like yesterday!

Senior Moment By: Russ Dodge
Statistics from William Skinner

Visitor's Comments To add your comments about THIS PHOTO - Click Here
Date: Visitor's  Name:

Comment:

03.17.10 Tom B.
Spokane, Wa
Bill Lewis was a really "great" guy. I went all thru school in Westville with Bill's son ,Bill Jr, and I was even in his wedding.  Mr. Lewis would haul me to a lot of tracks that I probably would never have gotten to without him.  He was also a Scout Master in Westville and put a lot of time and effort into that also.  No, he didn't win much, but he was a true gentleman who represented the sport and his community to the highest degree.
03.18.10 Russ Dodge I should have included this photo of Bill Lewis in his black and white 19. As I mention in the Moment above, Bill ran the best he could with the equipment he could afford. I wasn't there in 1956 when this photo was taken after a heat win but I was in 1957. Every person on the property was cheering for Bill. That's the way it was whenever he had a strong run going! Everyone pulled for him!! His smile in this photo says it all! Thanks, Russ Dodge
03.18.10 Tom B I remember Bill Jr. and I riding to Harrington, Del in this car while being towed by Bill Sr. Bill's wife, daughter and her boyfriend rode in the panel truck he owned. There was no room in the truck for us. I also went to Langhorne the same way and made a lot of trips to Alcyon in that car. Thanks for memories Russ.
03.19.10 Ed Duncan If it was not for drivers like Bill Lewis we would not have had the heroes we have today.  I want to say THANK YOU to all the guys that finished outside the top 10 every week at all the short tracks. You guys are appreciated more than you know.  Thanks for the memories.
04.02.10 Ralph Richards I met Jim Ward a few years ago. The 19 car was kept at his Texaco station at the point in Westville where Delsea Drive and Broadway split. He said Bill and he were having fun and there were always local kids wanting to climb in the car when it was parked at the station. He signed my photo of Wild Bill and I mailed him a copy for his personal collection. I invited him to our reunion but as yet I haven't seen him there. I wish all these owners and drivers could just stop in once to see just how much they meant to us.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Back