Where’s Waldo?

The Where’s Waldo children’s book designed for the viewer to pick out the missing character comes to mind as this photos Senior Moment begins. This first turn flyer took place during the fifty lap season-closing feature at Vineland Speedway on October 16, 1955.

John Hayes, a Tree Surgeon from Bridgeton, NJ, was at the wheel of his 888. While the car is in mid-air, the fuel tank starts working it was out of the trunk. Now study the picture closely and see if you can count the hidden characters! I believe there are at least a dozen race fans that went out on a limb, to see the races that afternoon!

After a safe landing, the 888 has a flat right front tire and the fuel tank lying on the ground, under the back of the car. I wonder if John had a “premonition” when he lettered the word Pilot on the door rather than driver.

Looking at this car carries me back fifty years to my high school day when our school bus would pass John Hayes garage. Each day it was part of the trip to “check out” the 888 from the bus window. This daily viewing often lead to some type of discussion about the races.

To go back to the “tree dwellers”, most speedways with wooded areas adjacent to their facility have a problem with fans getting in for a “freebie”. I remember Atlantic City Speedway promoter Ken Butler, spraying “Coke Syrup” along his fence by the woods, for attracting bees to discourage “fans” from standing there.

Senior Moment By Russ Dodge
Photo By William Curley
Vineland Speedway
October 16, 1955

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