e06.06.08_R12_HAR_MID_0050S

Photo ID #	e06.06.08_R12_HAR_MID_0050S_1
Car #:	#R-12
Driver (s) :	Otto Harwi
Location:	Middletown
Date:	1950's?
Photographer:	Bob Farlee
Photo provided by:	Russ Dodge
Comments:	The Real R-12 Stock car owners who fielded cars for many years were always faced with changes and up-grades, if they wanted to stay competitive. Because of this fact, their cars were a progression of change and sophistication. Often their cars were the same color combination and carried the same number, but they were still each uniquely different. This beautiful Bob Farlee photo, taken at Middletown when Otto Harwi was the driver, shows what is the ”REAL” R- 12, to me. Just like the psychologist word association game, have someone give you a car number or driver’s name. Then envision the first car that comes to mind and see your choices! In the Senior Moment I am experiencing, I recall my seeing this car for the first time at Allentown with Toby Tobias driving. I remember the day because Joe Racz, had his usually asphalt prepared 41 there that day, racing on dirt. Not like that has anything to do with the R-12. I recall also seeing Sonny Strupp and George Sleight driving the car at Nazareth. Check out the Nash hubcap on the trailer! Maybe someone will clue us in on the Motor set up or even more verification of my wonderful Senior Moment! Thank goodness I was able to see the real Deasey 707 “Big Donkey” in ’63. How about you? How many of the “real cars” have you seen, or better yet, can still see in your senior moments? Your memories are welcome! Senior Moment by Russ Dodge

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Date:	Visitor's Name:	Comment:
Rob Renninger	07/07/08	I believe this picture was taken in the early 1960's in which case Otto Harwi was not the driver, it was most likely George Sleight. Look on page 12a in the Vault 1960's section. There is a picture from 1962 at the Allentown Fairgrounds (I was there that day) and I believe this is the same car. As I remember Pat Ronco's R-12 cars were always sedans until this car made it debut in 1962. George Sleight did not drive it very long. Dick Tobias took over the driving chores and the first thing he did was move the engine WAY BACK and drastically alter the body. I remember Johnny Long the announcer at Nazareth making a big deal at all of the "modifications" Tobias made to the car when it first pulled on the track with the new look. In this picture the motor in basically in a stock position. If I remember correctly Tobias had little success in this car.
07/08/08	Joel	A great shot that brings back so much ... I remember seeing the R-12, a different car than this one I think, every week at Middletown in the early sixties ... it's AMC motor sounding different than the big and small Chevies and Fords. George Sleight behind the wheel as I recall. Those days were wonderful ... the variety of cars and motors was something that is lost today. How I miss those events. Looks like the car is running two four barrel carbs here. I recall the Cope #1 with it's big block Ford with Bob Malzahn up had what looked like some kind of fuel injector rather than a carb and not the traditional individual port injection most common. Maybe these are on the pictured R-12? Great shot ... love this category. Joel
09/22/08	Gary Rush	The R12 in the picture is powered by a NASH 327 cu. in engine. It has 4 two barrel carbs on a homemade log manifold. These log manifolds were made from a kit from speed shops in the fiftes. Up to 6 carbs could be used. This engine was used by AMC until 1966. I saw this car race many times in my youth, and knew one of the mechanics who worked on it.
09.24.11	Bob Roth	The Runcos had the Rambler dealership in either Pen Argyle or Bangor, Pa. Mr Runco also would send the The Runco wrecker that sometimes be the tow vehicle to get the R12 to the track.