Class of the Flagman

[TrophyDash]

As many fond memories as I have of Englewood Speedway, everytime I think of the old track I can see Don Styes with a grren flag waving in the air to start a race. He had a unique manner about him and was just fun to watch him line up a main event from the center of the track then make a mad dash for the flag stand to start the race. Don was as big a part of Englewwod as any of the drivers. I would love the see some old stories of Don that other old drivers would like to share

[lakeside #29]

Don Styes was the Dean of flagmen. He flagged at Englewood, Lakeside, and Colorado National. You're right about his style, he really was enteraining to watch. However, he didn't have any patience for some joker that refused to heed his flag commands. I remember many times at Englewood particurily in the figure 8's, I suppose because he was down on the track not up in the flag stand for them, he'd run out and beat on the offenders car with the flag. If the guy that wouldn't line up really fired him up, he'd throw the flag at him. He was the best. Rest In Peace Mr. Styes.

Chris Ertler

[TrophyDash]

You are right Chris, he had no patience for someone lined up in the wrong spot. He took a swipe at my car one night while trying to get me to move up a spot. It was a lot funnier when he did it to someone else but he truly was the best of the best

Dale Mullen

[WesGPS]

Lol, yes he was the Dean! I can remember a few nights at CNS coming out of four on a yellow, peering through a tiny peephole in my mud splattered shield, (because I had run out of tear-offs) and thinking to myself, "I sure wish I could see that" (lineup board - that was sometimes used when things really got out of hand)

[Quick Time]

One more flagman story, as usual I have a few details that I missed or have faded. Lakeside in the early 60's and the A Trophy Dash to start the night's events. Not sure of the flagman's name but he kept having to deny the green, after about four try's at a start he surprised the drivers with a "red" instead of "green". Holly molly everyone standing on it and some seeing the red and locking up the binders, others not sure and everyone going over or into someone else. The result was a pile of junk just past the start finish. Not everyone could restart as some were badly damaged. Well they finally got a start and the night went on with plenty of hard feelings.

I understand after the races quite a few of the guys, including some officials always ended up in a bar rehashing the night of racing. Do not remember who but someone punched out the flagman out of anger over the red instead of green.

True story but just don't know who all was involved!

Chuck

[Jerry Lee]

Not sure of the flagman's name but he kept having to deny the green, after about four try's at a start he surprised the drivers with a "red" instead of "green". Holly molly everyone standing on it and some seeing the red and locking up the binders, others not sure and everyone going over or into someone else. The result was a pile of junk just past the start finish. Not everyone could restart as some were badly damaged.

Man, that's brutal!