superstroke
05-11-2009, 08:25 AM
In the late 60s, Larry DeChant and Rich Perry combined as two very tough competitors in the late model division. Larry drove this '57' Chevy, lovingly known as "Shagnasty" and Rich Perry drove, (I believe it was a '57' Chevy) as well. Rich's car sported a huge tunnel ram air collector box. Together they terrorized Colorados Lakeside, Englewood and Colorado Nat'l Speedways. A picture of Rich's car has not surfaced, but I am on the lookout. By the way, "Shagnasty" was lettered by my good friend Archie Johnston. This picture is from Archies collection.
Does anyone remember when Lakeside Speedway hosted late model races on Friday nights? At one of these Friday night races, in the main event, Larry and "Shagnasty" were making their way to the front of the pack. Larry drove in a little too deep in the south corner. Shagnasty's rear end came around and suddenly the deck lid popped open. A bag of dry concrete came flying out and when it hit the pavement...WHOOOSH...the air was filled with concrete. Of course, Larry had used the concrete for weight transfer. What a mess.
This night was eventful for me as well. I used to walk to Lakeside from my Moms house at 48th and Clay St. On my way home, a car load of teenagers stopped when they spotted me walking by myself. Three or four guys jumped from the car and approached me, demanding that I give them all my money. Now....if I had a few cents in my pocket, that would have been a lot. I did not say a word...I was too scared to say a word! I simply turned my pockets inside out. They looked at my pockets and returned to their car....I thought I was in for a butt kickin. I looked over my shoulder for the rest of the trip.
Ahhhhhh...teenage ambition!!
Does anyone remember when Lakeside Speedway hosted late model races on Friday nights? At one of these Friday night races, in the main event, Larry and "Shagnasty" were making their way to the front of the pack. Larry drove in a little too deep in the south corner. Shagnasty's rear end came around and suddenly the deck lid popped open. A bag of dry concrete came flying out and when it hit the pavement...WHOOOSH...the air was filled with concrete. Of course, Larry had used the concrete for weight transfer. What a mess.
This night was eventful for me as well. I used to walk to Lakeside from my Moms house at 48th and Clay St. On my way home, a car load of teenagers stopped when they spotted me walking by myself. Three or four guys jumped from the car and approached me, demanding that I give them all my money. Now....if I had a few cents in my pocket, that would have been a lot. I did not say a word...I was too scared to say a word! I simply turned my pockets inside out. They looked at my pockets and returned to their car....I thought I was in for a butt kickin. I looked over my shoulder for the rest of the trip.
Ahhhhhh...teenage ambition!!