The Champ Was BOSS

Budd Olsen was a “professional”, that’s how he drove, presented himself and conducted his business. He worked at elevating the image of stock car racing and helped it gain respect as a form of auto racing. This is the first thought that came into mind as my Senior Moment began in remembering the champ. The rest of my remembrances did not follow sequential order.

Budd’s racing career began in open wheel sprints and midgets. One of his competitors was someone who became a lifelong friend, Mike Magill. They both ran URC and NARA sanction events, but in 1951, Mike ran enough stock car races to earn the point championship at Alcyon Speedway, in Pitman, N.J. Budd once said to Mike back then, “Why do you want to run those things?”, referring to stock cars. I think how ironic is was that seven years later Budd would be the 1958 NASCAR nation modified champion and Mike, would be racing the open wheel cars of USAC in the INDY 500!

Budd and Mike both held “regular” jobs as members of the Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators). Mike had an arsenal of stories about going to work on Monday morning after “lady Luck” and turned her back on them over the weekend of racing. Fortunately, when they were both assigned to the same job site, they could help cover for the other guy, until they healed!

Having followed Budd’s career from 1957 on, it was the 1969 Eastern States that has always stuck in my mind as to how much of a professional image Budd presented. Olsen arrived with his hauler carrying the Lightening Zero. You could have “eaten dinner” off of any part of the entire rig. Budd, wearing a white jacket, shirt and pants, looked, for lack of a better term, “immaculate”. How could anyone who saw that team on the way to, or at the races, not associate it as being professional?

It was a fun to converse with Budd, particularly when he had the time to talk. I was fortunate enough to ride with him to Harmony a couple times and talk about racing, which really consisted of me sitting, listening and soaking up every word. I should note here that when Budd had something on his mind, a conversation was out and a nod in passing was good. He had a devilish streak that made him try and get a “rise” out of you. On one trip to Harmony he said “Dodge, I can’t figure you out. I can’t get fired up”. I replied, “I guess you could if I really cared about what you said”. He smiled and liked the comeback.

Budd was a very smooth and clean driver. I won’t dwell on this because I know those of you that had the pleasure of seeing Budd race, could probably tell many interesting stories of your own.

I never did tell him that he was the first driver I ever cheered for. It was 1957 at Alcyon Speedway. I can still see the 1936 blue and white Lucky Jordan 2 with Budd driving, going down the backstretch as I watched from the back of a pick-up truck in the infield. I can see the blue flame from the exhaust when he slowed up, I can here the sound and smell the aroma for the exhausts. Something I will never forget.

Another special event was Budd taking the feature checkered at the then new Bridgeport Speedway driving the Cozze 44. It was great to see him get a win at the track closest to his home, before he hung up his helmet.

I can’t finish without a mention of Budd Olsen Speed Supplies.
I know his name is still carried on as I read the discussions on the message board. Totally amazed how the Olsen, Troyer or whatever chassis can be distinguished in the photos. Budd’s workmanship spoke for the man.

I have made a collage of Budd and some of his rides. I have now completed the “Big Three”, Jackie, Budd and Al. I hope you like them. Thanks for listening to my reflections.


Senior Moment By: Russ Dodge
Photos from Russ Dodge Collection

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