No Negatives With This Picture!

Every year, starting in 1974, I was involved with organizing some type of racing reunion or get-together. Ending in 2002, Ralph Richards was so gracious to take point lead for the Reunion in Elmer, N.J. so after many years of have the good fortune of meeting many of the "heroes" of my days as a young race fan.

 Finding this photo of number 1 and 2, in one of my reunion albums, put my "Senior Moment" mind in high gear. I then went through some albums from past reunions and selected various friends now gone, who shared their time with us. It ended up being a cross section of wonderful people who were part of the total racing environment.

1. The "Dean" Walter Chernokal. Writer, photographer and GSVSCC Hall Of Fame member, Walter was the best at what he did and always had time for those involved with the sport. Most aren't aware that in his later years when poor eyesight prevented him from keeping up his usual routine, he became involved with the "kid's" in quarter midgets and wrote about them in his weekly columns. He was so proud of them as he watch many develop into quality drivers as they grew up in the sport.

2. Bob Sweeten really broke onto the racing scene in 1957 at Alcyon Speedway. His ambition and drive soon got him the title of track photographer. I remember selecting my favorite photo of the week from a board set up on a easel at the trunk of his car in the infield. Tas in the 44 for 50 cents was my first purchased. Bob was a photographer at Reading and other tracks finally taking things over at Bridgeport when it opened. This photo of the Elmer meeting was the first time these legends had met in decades and was the last. Thanks Walt and Bob for giving us so many fine graphic memories.

3. Bruce Craig looks through photo albums in search of new pictures for his collection. Bruce was one of the "GO TO" people in the COUNTRY for old racing photos. Photos provided by Bruce Craig, appeared in motor sport magazines, racing papers and even on TV. His photo collection went back to the time of glass negatives! Bruce thanks for helping me get started with my photo collection.

4. Norm "Pop" Bay drove big car - sprints in the early 50's. He was friends with Jackie McLaughlin, Budd Olsen and other South Jersey drivers and drove stock cars at Alcyon on a few occasions. Many may remember him as the pace car driver at Bridgeport Speedway for many years. Another great guy and part of our sport.

5. George Heffner fielded some of the best running cars that hit the ovals in the 1950. His drivers, Ralph Smith, Ken Marriott and Ed Lindsay set a standard of excellence that was tough to beat, as they won in his beautiful "flaming" red and white Ford coupes which race out of George's Putty Hill Garage in Maryland. His smile can still be scene and his "How you doing governor?" heard, whenever I see his picture.

6. Bob Wallace, I describe as the "Wizard" of the flathead. In the early 50's using vacuum cleaner motors and empty oil drums be built equipment and "air flowed" the fuel flow in a flat head engine. He discovered traditional methods of grinding chambers was not the secret for performance. At one time in the 50's Bob had over 25 motors in local stock cars for which he received a percentage of what the car earned. A whole Senior Moment could be dedicated to the stories he shared. What an honor to sit and listen, as he relived his part of the "glory years".

7. Al Todd would sit quietly and look at the photo albums. Most of the other "reunioners" wouldn't know who this quiet man was. If you as a kid lived in the Glassboro, N.J. area during the early 50's, a visit to his garage was like visiting the "Holy Lands", I am told. A carburetor specialist in his day. A pioneer car owner at Alcyon Speeedway.

8. Tom Skinner looks out of place with his Hoosier hat removed! A "creative genius" and great guy. Thanks for sharing your life with us Mr. Six Cylinder, you know, we can all hear the thunder and see the flames!

9. Ralph Smith was one of the best. The gentleman from Aberdeen, Maryland, was one of the smoothest drivers ever and could get the most out of any ride. I remember what you use to say, "If you pass just one car each lap in the feature, you'll win the race!"

10. Herby Schoch got his first ride at Alcyon Speedway when he was 15 years old. He never won a race that I know of, but he was around as a player during the later 50's and early 60's. Often discussed in my Senior Moments, he shared with us a lifetime of interesting experiences.

11. "Iron Mike" Magill was one of New Jersey's best. He drove in the Indy 500 when Indy WAS Indy (1957-1959). A NOTARC and GSVSCC Hall of Famer, Mike was all so a URC 3 time champion. A Pearl Harbor survivor, he always had a great sense of humor and a bondless of stories which he was willing to share!

12. Rich Terruso traveled with Tom Skinner's 659 in his early days around racing. Later on he was a car owner and provided the first stock car ride for a young school teacher named Tony Siscone. Rich and his brothers would shut down their Hammonton, N.J. business for a week in February in preparation for an annual Daytona 500 race party. This fantastic gathering actually out grew itself forcing its long run to end several years before Rich left us. Thanks to all the Terruso for your being part racing.

13. Jeannie Magill, wife of Mike, was one "feisty" and delightful lady. Traveling with Mike on the journey of his racing career, Jeannie was a constant supporter of his adventure. When Mike was running USAC in the Mid-West he maintained full time job here in the East. On Fridays he would come home pick up Jeannie, fill up the tank and "take-off". He drove the first tank full gas, she the second allowing his to sleep. They always alternated their driving chores in that pattern. In later years Jeannie dealt with more health issue than anyone should ever have to face, but she never broke stride! What a wonderful smile and human being racing lost when She left.

14. Walt Taitt fielded his 07 stock cars for many years. Starting at Alcyon, then winning several sportsman championships at Vineland, his career carried him on to Bridgeport, Flemington and East Windsor. Working as a Public Service bus mechanic, he manage to field cars that were a solid part of any racing field. A gentleman to the core, he was a "backbone" in our sport.

15. Bill Naabe's picture should appear in the dictionary next to the definition of a race fan. Starting in 1951 and continuing on until his passing 2 years ago, Bill went to the races. A "blue collar" worker he raised a fine family and never retired, still working in the service department of a local Pontiac dealership at the time of his death. Bill will always be remembers by those who attended the Elmer Reunions as the "guy in the kitchen", a position he held with pride. "This way I get to see and talk to everyone", he would often say. What a asset racing lost when Bill left.

16. Earl Krause Sr. was the guy with a smile and a look of pride on his face, as he attended events with his son Earl. He the one responsible for getting his son involved into our sport! If you ever had the opportunity to meet Earl Sr., you would easily understand why AARN's Earl Krause is the respected and professional individual that he is. Thanks Earl for Earl!

This Senior Moment may be a little long but I tried to make it brief. There are so many that are no longer with us we won't forget. The reality is the circle gets smaller each year, let's enjoy what we have and show our appreciation of the great family we have, regardless of their role.

Senior Moment By Russ Dodge

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