The Bandit at Vineland

I have been reading the book "Steady Eddie" by Bones Bouncier. Yes, I do read some, or parts of books, a task I rate up there with a sharp stick in the eye. Having a limited knowledge of background on Flemke's career, other than what I followed in the racing papers or stories I had heard, the book is well worth the read.

A very quick thumbnail sketch of Ed Flemke's career explains he was one of, if not the best, in his day. He did not win championships because he never raced at one track but chose to pick the races he ran, usually the ones that paid the most. Often in the 60's he would leave his Connecticut home on a Wednesday and return on Monday. A mid-week special or New Egypt on a Thursday night, Friday and Saturday night at Virginia tracks, Sunday afternoon at Marlboro, Maryland, and then Sunday night at Old Bridge would be a typical schedule! "Picking and choosing" dropping in where the best money was to be made, earned him the "Eastern Bandit" nickname.

Eddie was a mentor to many other drivers from that time period and would share his knowledge of racing, mechanics and more importantly, life. When Eddie spoke, you listened. He was a natural teacher and his selection of which races to run influenced several others who would travel and follow his selected circuit with him.

I think it would be safe to say if Eddie had a winning car, he usually won. He also knew that racing for a living meant a 2d was sometimes as good as a win. He studied his competition on the track during warm-ups and never revealed his "cards" until the race started. His "Flemke" front end spring set-up and his early knowledge of the role weight played in the car performance were capitalized on, giving him an advantage on his competition.

I only saw Flemke run on a couple occasions and once was on one of his "Bandit" stops at Vineland Speedway. I found his photo in my archives and then hit the original payoff sheets to get some facts together on his visit. The photo was taken on July4, 1961. That would make sense since the 4th fell on a Tuesday that year, which fit into the schedule of an extra mid-week show to run! Eddie didn't "steal" the top prize but he did take 2nd spot in the feature on this "one time" stop at the track. The "Wild Man", Elton Hildreth was the winner driving his 16-J. Eddie drove the John Stygar $ and won $225.00, compared to Elton's $350. that night. Completing the top 10 that night were: 3. Tommie Elliott (4) $175.; 4. Don Stumpf (2) $150.; 5. Jackie Hart (1) $125 + $40. sportsman money; 6. Dick Havens (707) $115.; 7. Bill Wilson (95a) $100.; 8. Parker Bohn (659) $75.; 9. Richie Massing (35B) $50.; 10. Johnny Gouvea (07) $30. Some others there in the show that night: Don Stives (32), Harry Moore (4), Dave Hulse (44), Joe Kelly (B24), Wally Dallenbach (35A), Walter Donald (999), and Pete Frazee (68).

What a race to "pick" and take home 2nd place money! Every driver mentioned was a modified feature winner already in their careers. It has been fun to tie this into a "Senior Moment" directly related to reading the book "Steady Eddie" by giving the results of one of his "Bandit Stops".

I suggest you read this one, it's worth the time. It's available from http://www.coastal181.com / for only $16.95 It's titled simply "Steady Eddie"

Thanks for listening.
Senior Moment by Russ Dodge

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