FONDA  SPEEDWAY


Golden Era Years

 FONDA STARS IN THE 1960's AND EARLY 70's

      After the successful 1950's seasonsof Fonda, the irregular New York fairgrounds oval proceeded to grow in stature and reputation until the nickname "Track of Champions" was not just a promotional exaggeration.
The track still had all of the greats who had come there and made it what it was [such as Danish, Herbert, Corey, Shoemaker, Wimble, and many more]. Now it was also blending in a new generation of sportsman stars who could compete with those legends on equal footing. The rise of such as Lou Lazarro, Dave Lape, and Jack Johnson would be moving in during the decade of the '60's that saw Stgeve Danish, Jeep Herbert, Jim Luke, Howie Westervelt, Cliff Kotary, and Ollie Palmer leave the scene.

       The Track of Champions label was not wrong. Regular competitors there included NASCAR National Sportsman Champion Bill Wimble. Fellow national champions Rene Charland and Doick Nephew were frequent visitors to Fonda, as was 1965 NASCAR National Modified Champion Ernie Gahan. One night in 1965 both Gahan and the sportsman national champion, Don MacTavish were there simultaneously. Steve Dqanish was a New York state champion, as was jeep Herbert. Pete Corey had won a national championship at Langhorne. The level of competition, particularly in the early to mid 1960's was nothing short of phenomenal.


Source Unknown
Ron Narducci and the first -year driver Andy Romano roll by the announcer's stand and Chet Hames [on track by guard rails] during
slow warmups at Fonda around 1963.

       By the 1970's the Track of Champions was seeing a bit of decline in the level of competition. At one point or another, retirements or defections to Lebanon Valley had reduced the once mighty lineups to
Lazzaro, Johnson, Lape, Peek, and a few other top names. NASCAR would be gone, as eventually would be the original promotion of Ed Feuz and Jim Gage. The track would - form that time on - experience the same
kind of ups and downs as most any other track.


Courtesy of Ed Mudd
From left - Jeep Herbert,. Bill Wimble, Pete Corey, and Ken Shoemaker pose with that season's championship trophy. Add in Steve Danish and you
pretty much had the face of Fonda Speedway in the later 1950's. Add in Lazzaro, and a number of other up and comers and you also had the
face of the Fonda of the '60's.


Ken Johnson Photo
Long-time faithful Fonda runner Ray Sitterly of Amsterdam.


The Golden Era Cars and Stars


Ladabouche Photo
Jack DuBrul,
Shelburne, VT
Drove at Catamount
Otter Creek, TRoad

Courtesy of Bob Novak

 

Russ Bergh Photo
Howie Westervelt,
Ravena, NY

A Wright/Zautner car
 

Russ Bergh Photo
Don Wayman,
Cobleskill, NY

A Wright/Zautner carr

Bill Fifield Photo
Robbie Kotary,
Rome, NY

Ward Petit's 148

John Grady Photo
Ron Narducci,
E. Haddam, CT

Drove at
Fairmont
and Devil's Bowl

Shaney Lorenzent Photo
Courtesy of Andy Fusco
Russ Betz,
Hartford, CT

Ladabouche Collection
Jack Farquhar,
Euphrata, NY

Teresco & Mancini 685

 

Ladabouche Collection
Bill Wimble,
Lisbon, NY

Dave McCready's 33
Drove at Otter Creek
 

Courtesy of Mike Watts
Buck Holliday,
Waddington, NY

Floyd Geary's C38
Drove at Otter Creek

Ladabouche Collection
Skip Roots,
Gloversville, NY

Shaney Lorenzent Photo
Courtesy of Andy Fusco
Bob Leach,
Stafford Springs, CT

Frank SImek Photo
Jerry Townley,
Catskill, NY
Pop Wilcox 32

Drove at Rutland
 Fairgrounds
 

From Dave Dykes' Site
via the HAMB Site

George Janoski,
Stafford Sprgs, CT


Drove at W.Brattleboro
in early days.
 

Courtesy of Bob Novak
Doc Blanchard,
Gloversille, NY

Doc ran this former Ray Vine car
at Fonda around 1961. He brought it to Otter Creek around 1962.
 

Courtesy of Jo Towns
via Otto Graham

Ken Meahl
Lockport, NY

Jerry Cook's 38
Drove at Otter Creek

John Grady Photo
Gaston Desmarais,
Tupper Lake, NY

Drove at Airborne
and Catamount

Frank Simek Photo
Pete Corey,
Crescent, NY

A. C.  Caprara's and later
Tony Villano's 37

Drove at Pico &
Fairmont.

 

Courtesy of Jo Towns
via Otto Graham

Jerry Townely
Catskill, NY

Drove and won at
Rutland Fair, 1964.

 

Mike Watts Photo
Bob Bruno,
Morrisonville, NY

Vic Wolfe's 66
Drove at Otter Creek,
Catamount, Airborne.

Ladabouche Collection
Dick Nephew,
Mooers Forks, NY
.

Allie Swears' 51
The car ran at Fairmont,
Airborne, & Otter Creek
 

John Grady Photo
Al Sanders,
New Hartford, NY
.
 

Courtesy of Jo Towns
via Otto Graham
Dutch Reed,
Glens Falls, NY
.

Joe Romano's 97
The car ran at Otter Creek

John Grady Photo
Ken Canestrari,
Cohoes, NY
.

John Grady Photo


Ladabouche Photo

Jolly Ollie Palmer,
Westmere, NY

While not his first 27Jr, this was
Bill Fowler's first sportsman.
 


John Grady Photo
Chuck Mahoney,
Rochester, NY

Peter Hollebrand 53

Ladabouche Collection
Jack Farquhar,
Ephrata, NY
.

Vince Barbuto's 2

Ladabouche Photo
Lou Smith,
Munnsville, NY
.
 

Ladabouche Photo
Mike Michaels [Suraske],
Oriskany, NY
.

The car ran at Otter Creek
 

Ladabouche Photo
Howie Fassett,
Canajoharie, NY
.

John Grady Photo
Tiger Tom Kotary,
Rome, NY
.
Joe Romano's 97

The car ran at Otter Creek


Courtesy of Steve Judd
Ron Quackenbush,
Fultonville, NY
.
 

Courtesy of Conde &
Parry Website
Tom Kotary,
Rome, NY
.

Kotary Family 12
Ran the Romano 97 at Otter Creek

Bob Mackey Photo
Courtesy of John Rock

Charlie Trombley,
Mooers Forks, NY

The Ross McNaughton 5  7/8
The car ran at Catamount
and Thunder Road

 

Ladabouche Photo
Ernie Gahan,
Dover, NH
.

Koszella's 15CT
 

John GradyPhoto
Pepper Eastman,
Madison, NY


 

Gater News Photo
Rene Charland,
Agawam, MA

Czepiel's 888
He ran at
Catamount,
and Thunder Road.

 

Frank Simek Photo
 
Johnny Kollar,
 Johnstown, NY
.

The car ran at D. Bowl

 


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Andre Manny,
Laval des Rapides, QC

The car ran at Catamount
and Thunder Road


 


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Bernie Miller,
Canastota, NY

Primarily a pavement driver.
Did run Catamount.


 


Courtesy of Otto Graham
Bill Rafter,
Clarence Center, NY
.

Gil Bruss''s 22
 

John Grady Photo
Bob Emsminger,
Gloversville, NY
.

Bruce Dostal - built
 

John Grady Photo
Bruce Dostal,
Johnstown, NY
 

NE Vint Mod Site Photo
Several Drivers

The Godfrey Wentzel 03
 


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Jean-Paul Cabana,
Beloeil, QC

The car ran at Catamount
and Thunder Road

 

D. Bowl Program Photo
Will Cagle,
Tampa, FL

Occasional only.
 

John Grady Photo
Cam Gagliardi,
Lockport, NY

Occasional only.
 
 
Frank Simek Photo
Charlie Peters,
Delanson, NY


Charlie ran afoul of the
turn one wall with his
unique coach whick kinda"
reminds me of Norm Scarborough's
car at Fairmont, 1965.


.
 
Ladabouche Photo 


John Grady Photo
Charlie Peters,
Delanson, NY

The Car ended up as
Dick Diamond's 8Ball
 

Russ Bergh Photo
via Otto Graham
Steve Danish,
Cropseyville NY

A man of stature deserves more
photos but all his cars looked
the same.

The car ran at Fairmont.


 

Ladabouche Collection
This shot of Rene Charland with the Russ Betz 59 shows the Dick Diamond 8 Ball in the background [white].

Russ Bergh Photo
via Otto Graham
Ed Pieniazek,
Schenectady, NY

Tony  Villano 37
The car ran at Fairmont.
 

Ladabouche Collection
Pete Corey
Crescent, NY

The fabled Falcon
The car ran at Fairmont.
 

Ladabouche Collection
Pete Corey
Crescent, NY

The Studebaker - good
for 1/2 a season.

Ladabouche Collection
Pete Corey
Crescent, NY

The post - Studebaker
a coupe .

Courtesy of Jo Towns
via Otto Graham
Bob SItterly,
St. Johnsville, NY
 

Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection
Ed Ortiz,
Ransomville, NY
 

Courtesy of Jeff
Ackerman
Dick Clark,
Munnsville, NY

The car ran at Airborne.

John Grady Photo
Doc Blanchard,
Gloversville, NY
Actually this is his
pavement car.

The driver ran at Otter Creek.

Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection
Ernie Gahan,
Dover,  NH

One of the former Chris Drellos
team cars.

 

Ladabouche Collection
Jack Johnson,
Duanesburg, NY

The Tony Villano 37 -
his 1st ride.

The car ran at Fairmont
and Devil's Bowl.


Russ Bergh Photo
via Otto Graham
Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY

The Vince Barbuto 2

 

Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection
Jack Farquhar,
Ephrata, NY

Vince Barbuto 2
lowered.

 

John Grady Photo
Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY

The Hammond & Strong 56 CT

The car ran at Fairmont.

Russ Bergh Photo
Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY

The Drellos backup car -
it was a dog.
Jeep ran at Pico and
Fairmont in the '50's.

Russ Bergh Photo
via Otto Graham
George Welch,
Schenectady, NY

George was killed flagging
at another track.

 

Russ Bergh Photo
via Bill Fifield
Irv Taylor,
Rexford, NY

I was inducted into Weedsport
with Irv.. .  a wonderful man.

The team ran at Otter Creek.

John Grady Collection
Bob Adams,
Utica, NY


Once I thought this was
a photo of Lefty Quant.
 

Fifield Collection
Bob Adams,
Utica, NY


An earlier Adams entry from
the earlier 1960's.

Courtesy of Rick Parry
Bob Adams,
Utica, NY

The final car at Fonda as
far as I know.
 
 
David Kilmartin Photo
Bob Deming,
Cobleskill, NY

A Midstate Speedway
regular like Bob Adams.

Ladabouche Collection
Jerry Cook,
Lockport, NY

I was inducted into Weedsport
with Jerry.. .  we had a good time. The first variation of this car appeared and won at Otter Creek, with Ken Meahl driving, in 1963 [see right]

The car ran at Otter Creek
 

Ladabouche Collection
Ken Meahl,
Lockport, NY

Jerry
Cook's 38
The car won at Otter Creek


Courtesy of Jo Towns
via Otto Graham

Ken Meahl,
Lockport, NY

Jerry Cook's 38
The car won at Otter Creek.
Photo is above.

 

A Xerox of a
John Grady Photo
Jerry Pennock,
Warrensburgh, NY

Tony Villano 37
Jerry ran at
Devil's Bowl.
 

Courtesy of Wes Moody
Jim Hoyt,
Saranac Lake, NY

This car was involved in one
of the worst wrecks in Fonda
history.

 

Conde & Parry Site
Jim Kuke,
Utica, NY

The Pop Wilcox 32

 

Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection
Jerry Townley,
Catskill, NY

Thomas Chewins 108

The car ran at Rutland
Fairgrounds.
 
Cavalcade of Racinge Photo
Bob Ziegler,
Boonville, NY

An occasional invader of Fonda
from the Watertown area.
 
John Grady Photo
Bruce Dostal,
Johnstown, NY

This Falcon ended up in pieces
at Fonda


Russ Bergh Photo


Rick Parry Collection
Andy Romano,
Johnstown, NY


Andy ran at Devil's Bowl
with the Valiant.
 

Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection

Andy Romano,
Johnstown, NY


The injected sedan.
 


 
Mike Gray Collection
Bill Kollar,
Johnstown, NY


 
Mike Anop Photo
Bob Ziegler,
Boonville, NY


 
Ed Feuz Collection
Bob Zimmerman leads|
Danish and the Welch
77 around Harold Betts' 40.


 
 
Mike Gray Collection
Al Peek,
Rexford, NY


 
Rick Parry Collection
Bucky Tesiero,
Amsterdam, NY


 
Walter Mateer Photo
Joe Grossetti Collection

Carl Fink,
Albany, NY


This might have been the program
in which he wrecked the xcar
spectacularly.


 
John Gallant Collection
Rene Charland,
Agawam, MA


He ran this Russ Betz 59
on dirt and asphalt.
 
 
Brad Charland Collection
Rene Charland,
Agawam, MA


One of thre many who drove
Bill Fowler's 27Jr cars.
 
 
Bergh Photo
Mike Ambrosino Coll.

Lee Millington,
Palatine Bridge, NY

 
Lou Lazarro Collection
Chuck Kress,
Schenectady, NY
 
Richard Charteand Collection
Probably Irv Taylor in a
Falcon, hit by Jeep as
Chartrand gets by.
 
Ladabouche Photo
The Drellos car for Pete
Corey arrives at Fonda.

 
Pete Corey Jr. Collection
Another look at the
Corey Drellos car.


 
Russ Bergh Photot
Boyd Collection

Dave Buanno,
Fort Johnson, NY


 
David Kilmartin Collection
Buanno's later tube
chassis car.


 
Mike Budka Jr. Collection
Corey spilling the
Falcon.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Dave Dykes

Corey with a less familiar
look for the Falcon. He may
not have been done with the body  yet.

 
Rick Parry Collection
Corey stayed with  he 37 team when it went from A.C. Caprara to Tony Villano.
 
Ed Feuz Collection
3 rather significant
Fonda figures: Corey
Leading Danish and
Lazarro.
 
Rick Parry Collection
The 1964 Drellos team:
Shoemaker and Corey.
 
Rick Parry Collection
Corey with a rare
win driving for Frank
Trinhaus. Looks like the
former Drellos 111 Frank
bought.


 
Rick Parry Collection
Corey and Shoemaker
having a discussion. Corey still has the Caprara jacket while SHoe has a Drellos one.
 
Rick Parry Collection
Jack Farquhar,
Ephrata, NY


The Cross Family 47.
 
Jim Kelly Collection
Steve Danish - around
1963.
 
Rick Parry Collection
Dave Lape,
Canajoharie, NY


The first car.

 
Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection

Dave Lape,
Canajoharie, NY

The Rosner - built Chevy II
  
Courtesy of James Howard
A 1965 win for Ernie Gahan,
with his own 50NH.

He would also run Fonda with
the Koszella 15 CT
 
Courtesy of Boyd Collection
In 1967 Fonda had the
remarkable luck to have
both Ernie Gahan [1966 NASCAR National Modified Champion] and
Don MacTavish [1966 NASCAR National Sportsman Champion] in the same show.

Ironically, both men came from New England towns called Dover.

 
John Grady Collection
Dick Diamond,
Sloansville, NY


Seen behind Doc Blanchard's 49.
The fuller view of this shot also shows
the Buick Special.


Otto Graham Collection
Another peek at a Dick
DIamond car - the white Buick Special in the background
behind the Champ.
 
Otto Graham Collection
Skip Roots,
Gloversville, NY
 
Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Melissa Jordan

Jolly Ollie Palmer,
Westmere NY


A slightly later 27Jr.

Cavalcade of Racing Photo
by Russ Bergh

Don Wayman,
Cobleskill, NY

Godfrey Wenzel's Smith
& Son Jewelers 00

Ladabouche Photo
A seldom seen Midstate car.

The great Joe Donahue sometimes drove this car at Midstate, Morris, NY
 
Courtesy of Bob Novak
Doc Nellis,
Little Falls, NY
Doc ran this former Trinkhaus car
at Fonda when he wasn't helping out Otto and Russ with photos.



Credits Unknown


 
Mike Cranston Collection
Dick Clark,
Munnsville, NY


One of the Hugh Hedger cars.
 
Ladabouche Photo
Lou Lazarro,
Utica, NY


One of my favorite photos -
Louie entering Fonda with
Blackie in the car.



 
Bergh Photo
via Lou Lazarro

Lou Lazarro,
Utica, NY


 1960. Said to be Lou's
first maroon and white 4.
 
Bergh Photo
David Kilmartin Coll.

Lou Lazarro,
Utica, NY


A Lou variation. I don't know if
this is before the photo ar left.
 
Bergh Photo
Shoemaker Book

Ken Shoemaker,
Westmere, NY


 Shoemaker had a stint in Tony VIllano's Falcon. This is said
to be the only win the car had.
 
Rick Parry Photo
Another Millington -
driven Bennett car.
The team had many drivers.
 
Ladabouche Photo
Guy arrives to find
it has rained out.


An earlier 901 car. 
 
Ladabouche Photo
Jean Guy  Chartrand,
Montrreal,QC

His most familiar 901 car.

 
Courtesy of Slot Car Fever,com
Gaston Desmarais,
Tupper Lake, NY
Gaston would run this car in
when he wasn't busy  promoting the Plattsburgh track in 1964..

Courtesy of Jack Gornewicz
Fred Hurst,
Ste. Catherines, ONT

Courtesy of Bill Rowland
Fran Kitchen,
Waterville, NY
Fran occasionally brought this
"Texas Flathead" to Fonda.
 
Courtesy of Ed Feuz
George Janoski,
Stafford Springs, CT

One of my faves - Old School..
 
Bill Fifield Collection
Irv Taylor, in the
Caputo 111 later
driven by Shoemaker.


 
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection

Irv Taylor,
Crescent, NY


His own T&M sportsman..
 
Ed Biitig Collection

Irv Taylor,
Crescent, NY

Irv's Falcon I don't know if the one
below is the same car. Apparently now owned by the Cross family.


Courtesy of Rick Parry

Courtesy of Bob Novak
"Blackjack" DuBrul,
Shelburne, VT


The car ran at Otter Creek
 
Bill Fifield Collection
Irv Taylor,
Crescent, NY


The Mike Suraske Studebaker
also driven by Ciff Kotary.

Keith Tesiero Sr. Collection
Bill Wimble,
Lisbon, NY

An earlier win with guest
flagger, Chet Hames protege Danny Rumpf of Saratoga.

 
Courtesy of Russell Earl
Pete Corey
Crescent, NY


Right after being declared ready to race again, with a
brand new A.C. Caprara 37.
 
Boyd Collection
Irv Taylor, again.

The Richard Welch 77 was
run by almost evry available
Fonda veteran.

 
Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection

Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY


The first driver of the beautiful
Vince Barbuto car out of
Schenectady.
 
Bergh Photo
Ladabouche Collection

Jack Farquhar,
Ephrata, NY


The second driver of the beautiful
Vince Barbuto car as the
team left for Leb. Valley.
 
Jim Kelly Collection
Jack Johnson,
Duanesburg, NY


His second ride was this
Tom Douglas Falcon.
 
Bergh Photo
Dave Dykes Collection

Jack Johnson,
Duanesburg, NY


The Tony VIllano
Falcon was one of  Jack's
next rides.
 
Bergh Photo
Otto Graham Collection

Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY


Jeep was one of the many
drivers of the Frank Trinkhaus car out of  Fly Creek.

 
Ladabouche Photo

Ken Meahl,
East Amherst, NY


When Jerry Cook brought this car in to Fonda, he was not old enough to drive it himself.
 
Edw. Brown III Collection
Jerry Cook,
Lockport, NY


A year later, old enough now.
 
Bergh Photo
Rick Parry Collection

Jerry Pennock,
Warrensburgh, NY


One of many drivers of the
Tony Villano Falcon now owned by
contributor Rick Parry.
 
Bergh Photo
Da. Kilmartin Collection

Jerry Pennock,
Warrensburgh, NY


One of the many drivers of
this Bill Fowler 27 Jr. sedan.
 
Ladabouche Photo

The Floyd "Pop" Wilcox
enters Fonda around 1962.


The first driver of this car
out of New Berlin was
veteran Jim Luke of Utica.
 
Chuck Ely Photo
Jerry Townley,
Catskill, NY


The second driver of the  car, Townley took over as Wilcox left Fonda
for Leb. Valley. But the team didrun Fonda for a while.


Frank Simek Photo
Mel Austin,
Vails Mills, NY


In the background you can see the former 36 of Spence Parkhurst, now driven by George Voekler. 
 
John Kollar Collection
Johnny Kollar,
Johnstown, NY


This is the car he bought from
George Voekler and which he turned
into the first 10%.
 


Frank Simek Photo
Johnny Kollar,
Johnstown, NY


The former 36 of Spence Parkhurst,/ the former George Voekler 36. Now, with some body work, it is Johnny's first sportsman.
 
Mike Cranston Collection
Johnny Kollar,
Johnstown, NY


Although this is Malta, he
ran dirt as well.
 
 
Bergh Photo
Shoemaker Book

Ken Shoemaker,
Westmere, NY


A lot history befpre this shot. Shoemaker had been very strong
with the Drellos 111 before the team disbanded. The Wright/Zautner team
produced this, their most advanced car in 1964.
 
Bergh Photo
Shoemaker Book

Ken Shoemaker,
Westmere, NY


Shoemaker spent some time in the Frank Trinkhaus 62, as did most Fonda drivers at one point or another. I
think this is the old 111 he used
to drive for Drellos..
 
 Courtesy of Rick Parry
Maynard Smith,
Clinton, NY


The driver du jour with the
Cross 47 - before Townley
and maybe after Farquhar.
 
 Courtesy of Alan McDonald
Jerry Townley,
Catskill, NY


The driver du jour with the
Cross 47. He put it out of its misery
later that year.
 
 Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Junior Villano,
Schenectady, NY


The
team car to Jack
Johnson's first ride.
 
 Ladabouche Collection
Jack Johnson,
Schenectady, NY

Pitted next to Steve Danish in the latter's last season.  With that being Johnson's first ride - it was one legend starting and the other leaving.

 
Russ Bergh Photo
Maynard Smith with a car
of his own at Fonda.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Allie Swears' modestly funded 51.
Glens falls NY


Not sure who was driving at this point.

Courtesy of HAMB Site
The tempestuous and innovative
Pete Corey came up with this
Falcon around 1964.....

Courtesy of Mike Russo
The
Falcon was dispatched
at some point late .... and he
created a '36 Chevy coupe
body that would fit the frame he
had under the Falcon....

Russ Bergh or John Grady Photo
.... and he created a '36 Chevy coupe body that would fit the frame he had under the Falcon [no small feat, body - wise].

But this also could have been the Studebaker frame.
 
Russ Bergh or John Grady Photo
He apparently sold that
unusual - bodied car to
Ron Quackenbush.
 
Courtesy of Bob Simons
The
first Andy Romano car,
one he had taken over from
Tom Kotary after he had
convinced dad, Joe, that he
could drive with less damage
than Tiger Tom had wreaked.

 
Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown
Northern NY invader Bob Bruno wins one with the economy - budget Allie
Swears 51 out of Glens Falls.

Courtesy of Rick Parry
Thanks to Rick Parry, we now
have a photo of the hard - to -
find Lefty Quant, from Schenectady.
The car was Hank LeClaire's.

Courtesy of Scott Belknap
According to the Cavalcade of Auto Racing, Charland would
have driven this coupe at
Fonda occasionally around
1963.

Courtesy of Rick Parry
Driver for hire Irv Taylor
with the Frank Trinkhaus
62.
 
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker
The same Trinkhaus team,
with a victory with Ken
Shoemaker.
 
Courtesy of Mike Cranston
The same Trinkhaus team with
Lou Smith and the 1965
version.
 
Courtesy of A. Ainsworth
A popular win for Ray
Sitterly in the era just before the cars
went to fuel injection.

 
Courtesy of John Gallant
Al "Buck"Peek,
Rexford, NY
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Ed Biitig Coll.
Driver Bob SItterly [and father of supermod driver Otto] dispatched
his sportsman coupe here.
 
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Delanson's Charlie Peters
had this Buick Special for
a while before selling it
to Dick Diamond.

Courtesy of Andrew McCartney
The car 333, likely with
Ollie Palmer.

Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Rene Charland at Fonda
qith Russ Betz's  59.
 
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
With the ever present
Cigarette, Pete Corey
poses with his unnique
Stuidebaker early in the season.

 
 
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Munnsville's Dick Clark
with Hugh Hedger's 16
coupe.
 
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Popular local journeyman
driver Edward "Doc"
Blanchard.
 
Courtesy of John Gallant
Doc Blanchard wins a
qualifier with the Red Knoblauch
sportsman out of Johnstown.
 
Courtesy of Linda J. Staroba
via John Gallant
Yet another Trinkhaus driver
Don Wayman.

Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Henry Bergen,
Fort Plain, NY

Courtesy of Robert Bergen
Another, better Henry Bergen shot.


Bill Williams Collection
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
The great Jim Hurtubise,
N. Townawanda, NY
 
Courtesy of Rockefeller Coll.
via Scott Belknap
Jerry Pennock with Tony
VIllano's Falcon.

Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
As Mike Valchovic would
intone: "Geee Shar -trayund"
from Montreal".
 
Courtesy of John Gallant
More Guy, causing a sh&%$
storm with the Fonda lights.
 
Courtesy of Pat Bartlett
Jerry Young, whom we knew
as a late model driver at Catamount - then hailing
from the Northeast Kingdom town of Barton, VT.



Courtesy of John Danish
A familiar sight in the 1960's -  John Danish
watching dad. [When not getting into mischief with Kurt Feuz]
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Ken Platt wins one with the
Well - used Roerig Falcon..
 
Frank Simek Photo
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker
Ken Shoemaker not only won
with the Romano backup
car, but he was very hard on
most any equipment he drove.


 
Courtesy of John Gallant
An all - too familiar
sight with Louie.
 
Courtesy of John Gallant
Popular Peppy Peppecelli
with a freshly - finished
coupe.
 
Courtesy of Gallant
Ray Sitterly posing with
Checkers; but he did earn those
checkers that year - with
that car.

Courtesy of Mike Russo
Bob Adams,
Utica, NY
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Bob Simons
A nice shot of Louie.

Ladabouche Collection
Don Wayman,
Cobleskill, NY

Cliff Wright's 9A

Ladabouche Collection
Ronnie Battaglia,
Schenectady, NY

 
Courtesy of Rick Parry
Occasional visitor
Fran KItchen,
Elnora, NY
 
Courtesy of Rick Parry
Occasional visitor
Fran KItchen,
Elnora, NY
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Paul Marshall with teh Drellos team 111A.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Bob Simons

Charland at Fonda
with the M3, often driven
by Messec.
 
Ken Johnson Photo
Charland at Fonda
with yet another ride.
 
Ken Johnson Photo
Bob Bruno,
Schuyler Falls, NY

With this Vic Wolfe sedan, Bruno
pulled off a big upset win around
1965.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Courtesy of Bob Simons
Another shot of Bob SItterly.
 
8MM Footage
Courtesy of Dan Ody

Don Wayman with
the Wright/Zautner 9A.
 


Danish Family Photo by Russd Bergh
Legendary Steve Danish and son, John.

 
Rick Parry Collection
The page this was on had it as "Ed Lawman", but the Fonda program had him as Eddie Lollman, from Madison.

FONDA HOSTED ONE OF ITS FIRST BIG EXTRA DISTANCE RACES IN 1963
SOME 8MM FOOTAGE FRAMES FROM THE QUALIFYING


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Yup, that's what this is.

 


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Harold "Bugs Bunny" Betts'
sits in infield awaiting his turn out to qualify. Either he or Wayne Coon drove it.

 

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Pete Corey puts the 2nd
 Drellos team car through its paces while qualifying.
24.42 sec.
 

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Pete Corey puts the 2nd
Drellos team car through its paces while qualifying.

 

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Steve Danish, out qualifying.
24.59 sec.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Danish flies by
under a qualifying
run.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Pepper Eastman gets on
 the gas during his qualifying run.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap
A crewman talks to whomever
is driving the Habreck 53 as they wait for their turn to qualify.


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Lou Lazzaro sets out on
his qualifying run.
24.70 sec.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Lou Lazzaro at speed on
his qualifying run.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Lou Lazzaro concludes
his qualifying run.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Jm Luke sets out
in the Pop Wilcox 32..

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Ken Meahl sets out on
his qualifying run. This might have been the race in which he had that terrible wreck.
24.99 sec.


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Ed Ortiz guns his potent B&M motor on his qualifying run.
24.61 sec.


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Bill Rafter in the Gil Bruss 22 is another Western NY invader,
like Meahl and Ortiz.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Bill Rafter in the Gil Bruss 22 is another Western NY invader,
like Meahl and Ortiz.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Ray Sitterly in the C88
qualifies.


8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Car 1NY under way. It was not noted in Bob's program.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Don Wayman in the
Wright/Zautner 9A.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Irv Taylor in the RIchard
Welch 77 sets out.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Irv Taylor gets the ageless RIchard
Welch 77 up to speed.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Irv Taylor in the RIchard
Welch 77.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Irv Taylor completes
his qualifying run.
24.97 sec.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Bill Wimble begins
his qualifying run.
He edged Corey by.01 sec.
24.41 sec.

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap

Bill Wimble completes
his qualifying run.


Russ Bergh Photo via Jim Kelly
Ken Shoemaker had the fast time of 24.11. Unfortunately, the car caught fire during refueling.
The car was actually a newer one than this one, which was built by Henry Caputo in
the late 1950's.


Fonda Program Page Courtesy of Bob Novak
Bob Novak dutifully recorded every time trial and carefully held onto his programs. Thanks Bob.


Russ Bergh Photos Cavalade of Racing
This Cavalade page came right at the end of the Golden Era. Note the late models were there by then.


Phil Beaver Collection via Scott Belknap
This new car meant all the difference to Dave Buanno's racing fortunes.


Gater Racing News
DIck Clark with Hugh Hedger's sedan. Below - The  Hedger Mustang.


Rick Parry Collection


More Golden Era Cars and Stars


Chas Hertica Photo
Corey with the brand new
Falcon, unfamiliar colors
and number.



 

Russ Bergh Photo
Corey fusses around a
more familiar - looking
Falcon.


 

Gater News Photo
Corey poses with the
Falcon early in the year.


Looks like it is still #11 here.

Chas Hertica Photo
Corey poses with the
fenderless version of
the Falcon.

A. Ainsworth Photo
The Cross 47, unknown
year or track.

Jim Kelly Photo
Dave Buanno,
FT Johnson, NY
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Rob Davis
George Janoski,
Stafford Springs, CT
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Ed Sindon
George Baumgardner wins one
in the underfinanced Ray Vine
75.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Don Wayman,
Cobleskill, NY.

The Godfrey Wenzel 00 sedan
that was formerly Charland's 3
.

 
Ken Johnson Photo
Ernie Gahan picks up a
popular win around 1966.
 
Ken Johnson Photo
Ernie Gahan picks up a
popular win around 1966.

 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Rob Davis
George Janoski,
Stafford Springs, CT

A. Ainsworth Photo
Maynard Forrette,
Amsterdam, NY

The newer Wenzel car.
 
Gene Stratton Photo
via Chas Hertica
Lazzaro, late in 1967.
Likely he built this for one of the
big late season races.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Jeep Herbert,
Rotterdam, NY


The dreadfully disappointing
Drellos 111A
 
Wolfgang Hasselbach  Photo

Jerry Cook,
Lockport, NY

Very young here.

 
A. Ainsworth Photo
Lee Millington,
Palatine Bridge, NY

A 1960's Trinkhaus car.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Linda S. Johnson
Peppy Peppecelli,
Schenectady, NY

This car came towards the end of the era covered on this page..

Courtesy of John Gallant
Al "Buck" Peek
 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Linda S. Johnson
Peppy Peppecelli,
Schenectady, NY
  
  
Russ Bergh Photo
via Linda S. Johnson
Peppy Peppecelli,
getting spun by what
looks to be Russ Blake.
 
  
A. Ainsworth Collection
Vince Quenneville,
Brandon, VT

This car/driver team was the 1968 Devil's Bowl champion.
 

 
Russ Bergh Photo
via Scott Belknap
Ron Quackenbush pushes
his ex-Corey coupe to
sat ahead of Bob Rees' 38.
 
 
  
Courtesy of Mike Gray Collection
Another shot of Bill Kollar
and his K71.
  
Courtesy of John Jansen
Bob Rees' well -seasoned
coupe, at home.
  
Courtesy of Ralph Caprara
Pete Corey with an early
photo of the final A.C.
Caprara 37 that was eventually sold to Tony Villano. Here, the
tail end of the body hasn't been bobbed off yet.


  
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Up from the late model class
was Art Bradt with this
sharp coupe.
  
Courtesy of Alan McDOnald
A classic Wimble shot.

Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Bob Bruno and Vic Wolfe did not run at Fonda much
but they left an impression when they did.
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Bob Emsminger
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
B
ruce Dostal
 
Courtesy of Rick Parry
This is thought to be
Lefty Quant of Schenectady.
 
Ladabouche Photo
Hank LeClaire,
Schenectady, NY

An occasional entry who may have had some connection to
Quant.
 

 
Courtesy of Johnny LeClaire
via Scott Belknap

This is what happened to the LeClaire car when it was
lent to Guy Chartrand.
 
Courtesy of Johnny LeClaire
via Scott Belknap

This is what happened to the LeClaire car when it was
lent to Guy Chartrand.
 
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
C
orey with the
last A.C. Caprara
car.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Charland, with a Godfrey
Wenzel coupe during his
National Sportsman
Championship reign.


 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Bob
Sitterly
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Charland, in the Roland Belanger 302.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Charland, winning in the overheating Roland Belanger 302.
 
Courtesy of Three Wide
Picture Vault via
Flemke.com
Corey, in 1964 with the Drellos team.
 
Courtesy of Dave Peek
Ed Pieniazek, with Charles Habreck's 53 - before it was sold to Bucky Tesiero.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Dave Lape with the Rosner
built Chevy II.
 
Courtesy of Rick Parry
Dave Buanno, at the
end of the Golden Era, with
his new tubular chassis
coupe.


 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
C
orey, with the unique
post-Studebaker coupe
he also ran at Langhorne.
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Doc Blanchard
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Jack Farquhar with
Vince Barbuto's car - before
they moved on to the Valley
.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Jerry
Pennock did a great
job driving for Tony Villano.

Courtesy of Jim Conlon
J
erry Cook in Vic Lane.
 
 
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit
Jack Johnson, during his
Stinit with Tom Douglas.
 
Courtesy of Jim Kelly
Looking at Mel Austin's
car embedded into the
Victoria announcer's stand and it isn't hard to figure where Ton Douglas' 1st car came from.

 
Ladabouche Photo
First Douglas car.

 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Jerry Townley grabbed
this Fonda win in Pop
Wilcox's 32 before the
team moved to the Valley.
 
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker
The Shoe with
h
is most
familiar car, the Caputo
Drellos 111.
 
Courtesy of G. Bogart
The Shoe with a later
ride, the Greene
Electric 24.


 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
J
im Johnson, Jr. in
the Azchet 81a.
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
J
im Johnson, Jr in the
familiar 77 sedan.
 
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker
The Shoe
was responsible
for many of Trinkhaus' wins.

Courtesy of George Hunt
Lou Smith,
Munnsville, NY
 
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley
Vintage Dirt Mod SIte
Local man Skip Roots
takes a qualifier.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Phil Becker lands the Ward
Pettit 148 on top of Dick Bennett's
71 [likely Millington].
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Joel Thomas,
Sherrill, NY

Former Norm Moyer car.
 
Courtesy of Mike Cranston
Lou Smith in 1965 with
the ill-fated Trinkhaus
car.

 
Courtesy of A. Ainsworth
Ray Sitterly's hugely poular Fonda win.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Steve Luse in a
coupe at Fonda.
           

The Golden Era Action Shots
All "Courtesy of Frank Simek" Photos are by Frank.


Courtesy of Frank Simek
Rebel Ross [H1] tries to get around Bruce Dostal as Skip Roots follows and Dave Lape closes in.

One of my absolute favorite Fonda photos.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
A nice start photo with the Walt Cross 47 on the inside pole and Pepper Eastman outside. Also seen are George Janoski [inside 2nd row] and Louie.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
A dramatic start photo with Romano inside and Bobby Adams on the outside.
 
Ed Feuz Collection
Another start photo with what I consider a  mistake inthe Fonda book. The 36 is George Voekler of Ballston Lake with Spence Parkhurst;s old car. This car would end up as John Kollar's 1st car. The outside pole is Ron Quackenbush.


Bergh Photo
Ed Feuz Collection

Ken Meahl is a little loopy
as he is helped after one
of Fonda's worst crashes.


Meahl was driving the Red Snediker 28 in a long distance race. 
 
Likely a  Frank Simek Photo
via Mike Gray
Jeep clobbers Irv,
as Chartrand sneaks by.


 
Courtesy of Lou Lazarro
A nice start photo with Lou Lazarro and Wimble on pole.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Corey sits atop Gahan with
Pepper Eastman involved.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Shoemaker wads up the
Wright/Zautner 24 with
an unknown car 10.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Bob Bruno tests the fence with
the Vic Wolfe sedan in which he
had much success at Fonda.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Corey, at speed with the
Studebaker.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Two Glens Falls teams:
Corey takes the Drellos 11
around someone in the
Allie Swears 51.


 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Another great shot in which Frank captures
less - photographed drivers like Buck Peek [68].


 
Gater Racing News Photo
Courtesy of Black Jack Racing

 Gahan is again involved - this time with Mr. Danish and others.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Wimble leads Lape in his first car, along with Ray Sitterly.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Corey chases Wimble in 1964.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Bruce Dostal in the 69 inside
what may be a Harry Alexson car. Narducci gives chase.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Corey's earlier Falcon variation battles Shoemaker in the
Advanced design Wright /
Zautner 24.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Simek captures Otto or Russ shooting this mixup with an early Cheuck Kress car.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
It is rumored that Charlie
Peters came to Fonda with the
first big block. Whatever he had here, it wasn't handling.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Mr. Danish and Irv Taylor
in the Falcon that might have become a Cross 47.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Ed Ortiz's potent B&M motor gave Fonda regulars trouble. Here, it may have been too potent. Rare shot of Lee Millington S22 behind.

 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Nice shot of field out of four. I can't recognize the white car in the foreground.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
A white coupe already setting up for turn one.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
What looks like Harry Alexson soldiers on as Charlie Peters starts the  sedan wreck.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Irv Taylor with his own #1
Falcon. What's with the plasticked - up driver window ?
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
A Dick Bennett 71 crewman approaches warily as Guy Chartrand has himself a track wiring predicament. Robbie Kotary is  involved.

 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
 Gahan loses a wheel and causes all kinds of havoc.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Two popular old hands going at it: Jeep in the newly - built Villano Ford and Irv in his Falcon.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
A nice color shot captures Jim Luke on it with the Wilcox 32 not long before he was replaced by Townley.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Andy Romano with his first sedan, and Jerry Townley, now having replaced Luke in
Wilcox'x 32.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Before leaving for Wilcox, Townley did manage to put John Cross's 47 out of its misery.
 
Courtesy of Frank Simek
Mike Michaels leads either Jeep or Baumie here in 1964.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
Interesting 1963 mixup: From left - Gahan, UNK, Danish, someone in a primered Trinkhaus 62,Willie Chest, and Ronnie Battaglia.

 
Russ Bergh Photo
Bob Bruno leads with the Allie Swears 51 as someone in the Cross 47 chases.
 
Russ Bergh Photo
This is a classic. Luke, UNK, Danish, Gauthier or battaglia 12A, and Corey.
 
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker
The Shoe
on the outside in the very early 80s's.

Courtesy of John Gallant
This 1965 shot shows Pete
Corey atop the Bob Zimmerman
72 of Pepper Eastman.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
Bucky Peek meets the
barrier as the S22 [either
Bergen or Millington] looks
to get by.
 
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
The one and only Cyclone
Forrette wrought havoc here
with the Roerig brothers' 99.
 
Gater Racing News Photo
Courtesy of Scott Belknap
This Fonda wreck shows
 the 27Jr ridden into the wall by Buanno and Cook goes by.
 

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