ENGLEWOOD SPEEDWAY – The Figure 8 Revolution

[Jerry Lee]

When the Codner family paved an “X” through the infield at Englewood Speedway in the Spring of 1964, some speculated that it was the first track of it’s kind West of the Mississippi River to run the division. Others claim that Ascot Park in Gardena, CA. had one around the same time as well.

Either way, the crazy sport of racing in an 8 had finally made it West after becoming popular since the late ‘40’s at some race tracks in the Eastern United States.

The Figure 8’s of the ‘60’s did for local racing what the Jalopies of the ‘50’s did at local tracks by providing an easy and affordable way for just about anyone to get into racing. Hundreds built them over the years and thousands more filled the stands to watch the carnage.

Here’s just a few snapshots from Colorado’s Figure 8 Revolution of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s…..



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1438
(J.L. McGuire collection) Many makes and models became Figure Eighters through the 60’s
and ‘70’s like David Sigrist’s ’56 Mercury from 1972. Dig Dave’s custom made hood scoop to
help keep the motor cool.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1437
(J.L. McGuire collection) Ray Raichart #1 skirts the inside of this 1968 Figure 8 pile up at
Englewood involving Jack Voorhis #32, Don Dilly #47, Lee Stogsdill #18 and more. Hopefully
Harlan Cherne #69 was on the brakes at this point as he’s about to get a face full of Stogsdill’s fin.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1436
(J.L. McGuire collection) Typical Figure 8 action from a 1968 Speed Wheels paper.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1435
(J.L. McGuire collection) Greg Higgins #1 battles Bennie ‘Skunkie’ Garcia for the lead and are
about to take the lapped car of Tex Daniels #53 three-wide through the X at Englewood in 1972.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1434
(J.L. McGuire collection) One man who made Figure 8 racing an art was Bobby Jackson. Jackson
came closer than any other local to win the World Figure 8 Championships in New York in 1970,
but was X’ed out just a few feet from the finish line in this car built by Darrell Smith. Love
the “Jet X Jackson” he’s got painted on the door.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1433
(J.L. McGuire collection) Nothing like being caught spinning on your top during 1967 Figure 8 action.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1432
(J.L. McGuire collection) Known as “The One Armed Bandit”, Poot Webb (left) stiff armed
this ’55 Chevy around the Englewood 8 in 1965.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1431
(J.L. McGuire collection) This 1965 local racing article shows how hard it was to score
some of those early Figure 8 races. It’s also funny to see the influence The Beatles had
made at the time, even at Englewood Speedway. Note “Ringo Starr” as placing third in the
Modified main. “Beatlemania” was at it’s peak in 1965 and someone was having fun with it.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1430
(Pete Brandenburg collection) This is known as a “Brandenburger”, as Pete Brandenburg gets
sandwiched between Butch Chase #20 and Lee Stogsdill #18 during 1968 action at Englewood.
If you look close, Pete is either trying to crawl out or has been knocked into a very odd position.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1429
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) A big Figure 8 favorite during the 1977 season was the NASTY 40
’54 Ford driven by Dale Ward. The car itself wasn’t much to look at (it always looked like it
was made up of 3 or 4 other cars snapped together as one), but when it rolled on to the track
the crowd would start chanting “NAS-TEE - FOUR-TEE!”.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1428
(Unique Photo) Gary Disher didn’t get much of a “welcome” after this 1976 smack at the X at Englewood.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1427
(Track Shack Photo) Dale Ward in the NASTY 40 sits trapped and still dazed after trying to
climb the pit fence at Englewood with help from Mel Navarez #111 in 1977.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1426
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) This autographed snapshot I took has caught driver Dick Gastineau
in an ironic situation. Dick, who was in the radiator business himself, has just sprung a major leak in
HIS as they were lining up for a 1977 main event at Englewood. Flagman Don Styes (right) has just
instructed Dick to “Get it off the track!” as he angrily walks around the car.

For more pics of Dick Gastineau’s Figure Eighters, CLICK HERE (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/album.php?albumid=202)

[lakeside #29]

Jerry Lee, Man those were fun days. I'm glad I got a chance to hang out with a lot of those guys. I forget how old I am when I look at pictures like these. What's that old Cher song? "If I could Turn back time." I can still remember you and James Holmes and a couple of other kids selling programs in the pit before the races.
Thanks buddy I needed this!

[webby]

Fantastic thread! Thanks Jerry Lee for all the effort in that one.

[madmaxgastineau11]

the number 13 dick gastineau is my father im joe gastineau the youngest. ive thought ive seen all my dads racing pictures but never seen that one thanks jerry great job

[webby]

the number 13 dick gastineau is my father im joe gastineau the youngest. ive thought ive seen all my dads racing pictures but never seen that one thanks jerry great jobThat's what's so cool about this website. There are all sorts of racing pictures and videos out there but if we don't share them they simply get lost in time.

ARM can be the repository for racing memories so that we get to see stuff we have never seen before that other members might have in their possession.

I have seen so much stuff on here already that I had never seen before.

[parrot]

Really nice piece JL. You're startin' to swing my interest in that direction. It must be all the really cool mid fifties iron that I like. And that '56 Merc!? Too cool! Just like the '32-34 Fords that were used up and are desirable by the street rod set today, that Merc would really get the custom car crowd salivating. Must have looked pretty good out there on the track.

[Bobbyjr]

Awesome pictures and story by Jerry Lee !

[ALVIS]

what can you say,figure 8's the best of the best--Bobby Jackson,Greg Higgins,Benny Garcia"the skunk"--all of my idols,this why i race today..nice job on the storys Scabbie you always do a fantastic job

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1858
(Photo by Dynamic Photos) Typical Englewood Figure 8 action at the X featuring Ron Warthen #10,
Chuck Kacin #98, Terry Martinez #110, Terry Boyle #42, and Rick Roe #12 in 1976.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1857
(Photo by Unique) Stopping for traffic at the X could prove hazardous as Don Forsyth found out in 1976.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1856
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jack Voorhis #29 and David Sigrist in a ’56 Mercury battle it out during
1972 action at Englewood Speedway.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1855
(J.L. McGuire collection) Larry Rankine required medical attention after this plunge into the Englewood X in 1968.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1854
(Kent Moore collection) Three top contenders on the 8 for 1970 were Greg Higgins #29,
Bill Van Gundy #128, and Bobby Jackson #2.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1853
(Photo by Mel Keller/Irwin Fogel coll.) Big Jim Coffey (right) was another colorful character in
Colorado’s Figure 8 folklore. This is Jim’s gold #37 from 1970.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1852
(Photo by Dynamic) Dave Smith #81 locks horns with John Cleveland #01 during a 1976 heat race.





http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=1851
(J.L. McGuire collection) Infamous Englewood flagman Don Styes waves Tommy Darrow #1
to this trophy dash win in 1975 with Jack Voorhis #32 in hot pursuit.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2120
(J.L. McGuire collection) Future Figure 8 star Herb Fish is on his way over during 1965 action
at Englewood.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2119
(Pete Brandenburg collection) Pete Brandenburg wheeled this Vern Coyle/Joe Lehman owned
Eighter to a win in 1965. This ’55 Chevy was painted up metallic blue and lettered to
match Lehman’s #6 Modified that year. Also note this was before Figure Eighters used
negative camber on the front wheels.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2118
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jersey Pierce was nicknamed “Fearless” during ‘60’s Figure 8 folklore
for his wild and ‘all out’ style of racing. Not to be confused with “Fearless” Freddie Harding
of the ‘70’s.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2117
(J.L. McGuire collection) Don Tram flips the #32E during 1966 Figure 8 action while Al Beeson
#286, Pete Brandenburg #80, Tommy Darrow #67, and Bobby Jackson #116 speed by.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2116
(J.L. McGuire collection) Ray Raichart was another Englewood Figure 8 pioneer. This 1965
photo also shows the eventual Figure 8 champion for that year in the background,
Arnie Kautz’s white #18 Ford. Next to that is Lee Stogsdill’s twin #118 car. Lee went on to
become the 1966 champion.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2115
(Jay Newton collection) Jay Newton #0 takes this Figure 8 main event from Tommy Darrow
#67 in 1969 at Englewood.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2114
(Jay Newton collection) Remember Jay Newton’s “Donut car” from 1969? This ’56 Buick was
a crowd favorite and tough to beat.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2113
(Kent Moore collection) A 1969 trophy dash pile up featuring Darrell Smith #3, Greg Higgins
#29, and Jack Voorhis #32.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2112
(J.L. McGuire collection) Ivan Chambers in a fiery barrel-roll during 1972 action.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2111
(J.L. McGuire collection) Looks like Bobby Cole lost an engine after this nasty smack into
the Englewood concrete in 1975.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2110
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Darrell Smith #1 hits the dirt while Ed Hall #5, Terry
Martinez #42, and Dave Smith #81 roar by during 1977 action at Englewood.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2109
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Dale Ward in the NASTY 40 timing in on a hot Englewood
afternoon during the 1977 season.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2545
(Pete Brandenburg collection) Pete Brandenburg picks up this 1964 Figure 8 main at
Englewood during the first year the division ran at the track. Pete was another
pioneer of the sport who always ended up top ten in points throughout the ‘60’s. Note
the old concrete flag barrier in the background is still just a guardrail at this point.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2544
(J.L. McGuire collection) Another pioneer in Figure 8’s was Jack Voorhis. Pretty slick
lettering job for that division in 1968. Dig the funky front roll bars on both the #32 and
Eddie Baldwin’s #87 in the background.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2543
(J.L. McGuire collection) For a short time in the mid-‘60’s, women had a Powder Puff
division that ran the 8, as this unknown lady driver is greeted by a clown and “Lil’ Prince”
for her win. Many early Eighters used just about anything for roll bars. Looks like a drive
shaft or something welded to this two post set. For added protection, there’s a hunk
of foam taped to the middle of the steering wheel.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2542
(J.L. McGuire collection) Cindy Ballard was another “hot foot” on the 8 in the Powder Puffs.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2541
(J.L. McGuire collection/Track Shack Photo) Multi-champion Greg Higgins’ last Figure 8 ride
was this bright yellow, Dusty Hopkins owned Ford in 1975.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2724
(J.L. McGuire collection) Typical Sunday night action at Englewood in 1965.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2723
(Roger Avants collection) Multi Late Model champion Roger Avants in his first full season
driving a Figure 8 in 1971.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2722
(George Harper collection) Here’s what was left of George Harper’s Eighter after it’s first
time out in 1965.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2721
(J.L. McGuire collection) This cartoon appeared on the cover of Englewood’s programs for
the 1965 season. It’s likely the artist had never seen a Figure 8 race before as one of the
cars in the “X” is going the wrong way with the traffic flow. Had it missed the car at the
“X” it would be running head-on into the oncoming cars!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2720
(Jim Bedore collection) Jim Bedore #22 battles Dusty Hopkins #106 during 1972 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2719
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Richard Burton in the red #36 leads the pack around during
hot laps in 1977. Richard picked up his first championship at Englewood that season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2718
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Sandy Hicks’ Figure Eighter in 1977.

[Mitch G.]

Jerry Lee, this is a remarkable thread, great photo's and stories. Can anyone of you figure 8 experts verify a old rumor I heard. I was told in the late 1970's that there were no real engine rules for the F8 class at Englewood, and that some of the top F8 guys were spending more on their engines than some of the top Late Model and SuperMod guys were spending on their engines!! Just curious, as I know little to nothing about F8 stuff.

[lakeside #29]

I can't speak to the engine rules post 1976, but prior to this they heavily restricted. I remember 312 Ford couldn't be bored more than .040" over, Chevy 283 about the same, I'm pretty sure a Mopar 318 was in the same limit. You coulld mill heads but you weren't allowed pop-up pistons. I don't think you could use aluminum flywheels either. The rule changed a couple of times regarding headers, at one time you could run headers. That was changed when noise restrictions came in. At first they had to run stock exhaust manifolds, but that changed to either stock or headers wirh mufflers. I think valve train was optional any flat tappet cam and push rods with no roller rockers on Chevys. The cams were a mixed bag Crower and Isky ground some good cams for Y-blocks, but Mac at Spitfire used to regrind some pretty hot ones that he sold for $40.00. I don't remember ignition rules, but I think most guys ran a stock distributor. My old buddy Chuck Kacin found an old WH DuCoil set-up that he ran for a while iin his Ford and nobody said anyhting. The cylinder heads could be match ported to 1/4".
The rules were different for the Saturday night ARA show and the Sunday night ERA show. You could run a 302 in a Ford and I think you could put a 302 in a Chevy as well but they were still really restricted.
Most of the drivers were on 7" recapped tires so you really couldn't much more power to the ground. Ed Brunner had one nastiest 312's I ever saw, it produced about 250 hp at the rear wheels on a dyno.
You could cheat the rules if you didn't run upfront too often, but if you ran upfront regularlly you were fair game for protests. Terry Boyle who made sure his car was legal, got jammed one time because his front track was something like 3/8" too wide. That particular year he had used Chevy 3/4 ton floaters on the front and didn't realize they would bring the wheels out over Ford floaters. He was pissed that they busted him on something so minor that he didn't even know was wrong. The front splindles and floaters got junked immediately in favor of Ford pieces. I think that was about the only time he was protested and lost.

[VintageBuzz]

WOW! I always thought that the engine-rules were wide open too. Mainly because of what seemed like some very high RPMs from the top drivers who punished their engines during the entire race. Yet another testament to the very talented engine builders of that era. This is an awesome thread because of all the memories that it brings back for me when I was just a young-kid / teenager and was spectating with my Dad at Englewood Speedway whenever we could! ~VB

[DaveTansey]

Lakeside #29 is pretty much right on with most of the rules . I drove for Darryl Smith for six years during this time . We ran 312 Ford motors that was built by Mack at spitfire engines . All our motors were 312 bored 40 over. Cams were wide open , but no roller cams . The rules were the same for Saturday & Sunday night so we could run both nights with the same car . Since we were Ford guys , I didn't know alot about the chevy engine rules . I was thinking 283 motors was the one everyone ran . Don't remember 302 being a choice . Darryl would be the one to ask about that , all I did was drive the car , and want to win . Did not drive a Chevy intill 1989 when Darryl put a car together for the first year for figure eights at Colorado National Speedway

[lakeside #29]

Hi Dave, Thanks for posting on here it's a fun place to remember. I have to say, you're right about the Chevy engine rules. I was trying to recall and what I said about the Sunday night rules being different, I think somebody told I me and I didn't read it in a rule book. You're spot on about Mac's engines, he was really able to make a motor scream. The man knew what he was doing.
Dave in case you wonder who the heck I am, I used to hang around with Terry Boyle, Mike Colitti, Chuck Kacin, and Ed Brunner. When I hung around with Terry I was the big stocky guy with dark hair and long sideburns and black horned rim glasses.
Glad to have on here, I know you have some great stories.
I should add that you were one best in figure 8's. When you drove Darrell's pink #2 were really the good times.

[DaveTansey]

Lakeside #29
You were hanging out With some great friends of mine on and off the track Terry,Mike,Chuck and Ed Brunner were all good friends of mine . I'm sorry I can't put a face to you , I'm sure if I saw you I would remember you. That was a long time ago .
Englewood Speedway was the best times of my life . I wish I could go back in time .
Thank you for saying that I was a great driver in the F-8's That means alot to me. Thank's again

[Mitch G.]

Chris Ertler's brain is obviously very well preserved, with little damage from wrecks, and booze, I can't even remember the rules to ping pong. That's why we call him Professor!! I remember watching Dave Tansey race at Englewood, even though I was mostly a midget guy, I took in many Late Model, and Supermod show's and watched those crazy F8 guys, I always rooted for that pink 58 or 59 Plymouth, #18 I think?? Forgive my poor memory.

[Jerry Lee]

Did not drive a Chevy intill 1989 when Darryl put a car together for the first year for figure eights at Colorado National Speedway

And you won the championship that year!!!

Great to have you on here Dave!

[Jerry Lee]

with damage from wrecks, and booze, I can't even remember the rules to ping pong.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[Evad347]

Those were the very best of times... Even though I was very young.
But did move on into some of the other classes and pitted for and raced with some
of the best.......

Thanks Jerry for the pictures of the past

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2960
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Jim Stevens hot lapping in 1977.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2959
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Terry Bevis times in his '57 Chevy during the '77 season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2958
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) The Hall brothers, Carl #11 and Ed #5 during
Figure 8 trophy dash action at Englewood in 1977.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2957
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Here's the ever popular "Fearless" Freddie
Harding during main event action in '77.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2956
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Dave Tansey #23 and Jim Stevens #26 shoot
through the Englewood X.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2955
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) 1977 pit action at Englewood featuring Don
Bedore's #122 and some of the Martinez clan at right.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2954
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Don Forsyth warms up his Figure Eighter in a
early hot lap session. Great shot of Englewood's famous "Track Shack" in the
background which had yet to open that day. The door just to the right of it
was Englewood's main office.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2953
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Roger Reynolds #55 battles with Darrell Smith
#1 at Englewood in 1977.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2952
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) The crowd had just started to arrive during this
1977 hot lap session featuring Jim Stevens #26 and Ed Hall #5.

[Bobbyjr]

I keep bringing myself back to this thread... The memories of this time are amazing. Notice in that Trophy dash shot that Tommy Darrow is in a white T-shirt winning!!! Those were some fun times

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3466
(J.L. McGuire collection) Bob Stearns, Jr. #63 slides it sideways in front of
Earl Hardy #93 during 1972 Figure 8 action. Earl's car was hilariously sponsored
by Port-A-Do, the portable toilet company.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3471
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Looks like Charley Lawley's Eighter needs some
major work here in 1977. Warren 'Tut' Tutchton drove this car.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=3459
(J.L. McGuire collection) Dennis Wilson takes a hard smack at the "X" during 1969 action.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3473
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Jack Voorhis #90 leads Terry Martinez #42
through the East turn at Englewood in 1977.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3467
(Darrell Smith collection) One of racing legend Bobby Jackson's many wins on
the Englewood 8. This one in 1968. Note the stock grill still in this '57 Ford.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3469
(Pete Brandenburg collection) A rare color photo of Kent Moore's beautiful
Figure Eighter from 1970, piloted by Pete Brandenburg and later that season
by John 'Crash' Mullins.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=3460
(J.L. McGuire collection) Bobby Jackson #2 is up in the wall and smoking while
Don Denning #57, Harlan Cherne #69, Eddie Baldwin #87, and John Beers
#11 skate by during 1967 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3465
(J.L. McGuire collection) Cliff Hudson #7 in his rare glass-top Ford battles
with Jack Voorhis #29 in 1972.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3472
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Anyone remember who piloted this Figure Eighter in 1977?



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3470
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Carl Hall's nice looking #11 in the pits at Englewood
in 1977. That's Jim Brown's famous yellow Late Model in the slot next door.

[Bobbyjr]

Nice additions Jerry Lee, keep'em coming

[estrada169]

These pics just made my day! My uncle helped build & pit Bill Vangundy's #128 (not sure correct spelling of last name) Years later he helped me build a car to race at CNS. But would have much rather raced in 60's/70's. Any pics of the #128?

[Jerry Lee]

Hey Flip!
I remember Bill Van Gundy's light green #128 well, always sponsored by Van Gundy & Sons Masonry. If you scroll through the photos on page 1 of this thread, you'll find the only pic of the #128 I've been able to find over the years. It's an on track shot with Greg Higgins and Bobby Jackson.

[estrada169]

Thanks Jerry! I cant get enough of these old pics. I will look at them for hours. Whishing I was there!!! Would love to view your collection of pics....

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3666
(Irwin Fogel collection) Three wide racing through the "X" in 1966! Dig the Studebaker
between the Fords.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3660
(J.L. McGuire collection) Don 'The Red Baron' Shutts takes a tumble in 1968.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3667
(Irwin Fogel collection) It was always fun to see Figure 8 coverage in the local
racing papers.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3693
(Irwin Fogel collection) The only man of color I remember racing out at Englewood was
Jack Cornelius who ran Figure 8's during the late '60's and early '70's.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3657
(J.L. McGuire collection) Greg Higgins' cool ride in '74.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3694
(J.L. McGuire collection) Benny 'Skunkie' Garcia was a fan favorite in the division for years.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3692
(Irwin Fogel collection) Jerry Ranom and crew.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3656
(J.L. McGuire collection) Worth another look is Junior Reeder's '57 Chevy and the mighty
flip it took in 1972, tearing off Junior's helmet.
http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3655
(J.L. McGuire collection)

[Racefan 777]

Love the old pics. If I remember right didn't the announcer call Lee Stogsdill's #18 the purple people eater after a large crash that involved several cars? Also One of my favorites was the Crown 7 car. The exhaust came up thru the fenders and had flappers that opened up when he gassed the car.

[Jerry Lee]

Love the old pics. If I remember right didn't the announcer call Lee Stogsdill's #18 the purple people eater after a large crash that involved several cars? Also One of my favorites was the Crown 7 car. The exhaust came up thru the fenders and had flappers that opened up when he gassed the car.

:D The 'flappers' on the ol' Crown 7 car are SO Cliff Hudson! He really was an innovator in the sport of Figure 8 racing in Colorado. He always had to be different. He was the first to use negative camber in the front wheels, first to use a window net in the division, first to run hi-octane airplane fuel in his car (which was quickly outlawed), and he always had the track officials rewriting the Figure 8 rule book because of something he tried.

Cliff was also the first to run a rare glass-top '54 Ford as a Figure Eighter. Believe it or not, there were others that ran this rare car in the 8's as well.

One time Cliff even took some black paint and made it look like his rear wheel wells were cut out way over regulation when officials gave him some hassle about how many inches it should have been.

There is a cool interview with Cliff Hudson and another story about him buried in the Drivers Forum of this excellent web site.

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3702
(J.L. McGuire collection) Here's one of my favorite pics of Cliff Hudson from 1972. He's got
"PHORD" lettered on the front of the hood.

[lakeside #29]

Jerry Lee or any other Englewood figure 8 guys, do you remember a guy named George Gourlink? He ran a white over dark blue or black '54 Ford #72. He hauled the car on a big flatbed truck that had a crane on it like you'd use to deliver roofing materials. He had a loop sticking out of the cars roof that he would hook to the crane to load and unload the car. It was quite a sight. This was in '73 or '74. I really don't recall how the car ran, I just used like watching him load and unload.

[Jerry Lee]

Jerry Lee or any other Englewood figure 8 guys, do you remember a guy named George Gourlink? He ran a white over dark blue or black '54 Ford #72. He hauled the car on a big flatbed truck that had a crane on it like you'd use to deliver roofing materials. He had a loop sticking out of the cars roof that he would hook to the crane to load and unload the car. It was quite a sight. This was in '73 or '74. I really don't recall how the car ran, I just used like watching him load and unload.

Hi Chris! I remember the name but don't recall the car or the crane. Seems like that would be a good idea if the car ended up too wrecked to haul home. I often wondered how some of those guys in the early days got their cars home after tearing them to shreads when all they had was a tow bar or chain to get the car to and from the track. Neat story, that would have been fun to watch. I wonder if they used the same type of crane to clear the track after some of those 75 car Demo Derbies in the '60's? Maybe Mr. Tansey remembers?

[DaveTansey]

Hi Chris! I remember the name but don't recall the car or the crane. Seems like that would be a good idea if the car ended up too wrecked to haul home. I often wondered how some of those guys in the early days got their cars home after tearing them to shreads when all they had was a tow bar or chain to get the car to and from the track. Neat story, that would have been fun to watch. I wonder if they used the same type of crane to clear the track after some of those 75 car Demo Derbies in the '60's? Maybe Mr. Tansey remembers?

Hi Chris and Jerry
I do remember the truck and how he unloaded the car Chris . I don't remember the car being a front runner , but he got everyone's attention when he got to the track and unloaded . Jerry , we use to tow the car's to and from the races with a tow chain . We sometimes after the races towed the car's up Federal to Dartsmouth , take the chains off, start the cars and race back thru the side streets to Baltic Auto at 1 or 2 O'clock in the morning .( this was also after many beers ) We could not do this every weekend or the police would be waiting for us . It is a wonder Bobby Jackson and I did not spend a night or two in jail . If we wrecked the car bad , we would have to hire a tow truck to get the car back to Baltic Auto . A few years later Darryl got a tow truck , because he no longer owned Baltic Auto , but owned Aravada Auto Wrecking . It was a lot farther to get the car to the track .

[Bobbyjr]

Hmmm, Every time I think I might have heard all of the stories another ones comes out. I think I need to go meet Tansey and Smith for a beer and get a few more details of the fast times my dad lived. At Dale Deter's funeral I was lucky enough to hear a few more that I never have heard before. WOW those must of been the days

[Jerry Lee]

Hmmm, Every time I think I might have heard all of the stories another ones comes out. I think I need to go meet Tansey and Smith for a beer and get a few more details of the fast times my dad lived. WOW those must of been the days
Oh man, would I like to be at that session! I could listen to those guys for hours!


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3709
(Bobby Jackson, Jr. collection) Racing legend Bobby Jackson picks up another win
during the "Baltic Auto days" in 1966.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3708
(J.L. McGuire collection) Dave Tansey autographed this pic for a gangly teenage fan
during the "Arvada Auto days" in 1975.

[thpracing]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=91&pictureid=1365&thumb=1 ('http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=91&pictureid=1365') Here is a picture I took at the very first practice in spring 1989 at the newly paved CNS---this is the #55 nova driven by Roger "the X" Reynolds---who raced first at Englewood,and later, Lakeside---I'll post some more pics from this session as I find them---kt

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3852
(J.L. McGuire collection) Rocky Mtn. News, April 30, 1964. The revolution begins!
Lakeside Speedway also tried holding Figure 8 races for a short time the same year.


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3853
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jack Spears avoids a rolling Figure Eighter in his '57 Mercury during 1967 action.


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3851
(Gastineau collection) In one of his many purple #13's over the years, it's Dick Gastineau from 1974.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3844
(J.L. McGuire collection) This hungry pack of Figure 8's from 1972 features Larry Woodhead,
Cliff Hudson, Skunkie Garcia, Tony Ratliff, and others. Dusty Hopkins #106 looks to be headed for
the concrete.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3843
(J.L. McGuire collection) It took all of 30 laps for Greg Higgins to work his way up to the front
and steal this 1972 main event win by the nose of his car from Dan Healy #95.



.http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3847
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Jerry Martinez #110 and Darrell Smith #1 battle it out
in front of a packed Englewood house in 1977.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3841
(J.L. McGuire collection) Multi-champion Tommy Darrow times in his gold and white
topped #67 in 1972.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3840
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1977 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3654
(Kent Moore collection) Greg Higgins bent this car up on the corner of the pit wall
during hot lap day in 1969.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3695
(Roger Avants collection) Chuck Jarman was tough to beat in the early '70's.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=3842
(J.L. McGuire collection) The legendary Herb Fish looks over his Eighter in 1973. Herb
was known as "The Hippie" at the time for growing out his bushy hair.

[Jerry Lee]

In 1968 the Figure 8 division at Englewood went on strike. Claiming they weren't getting much of the purse ($30 to win a main!) from the Englewood Racing Association, yet still filling the stands every weekend, the owners and drivers made a stand.

At first they all ran signs on their cars proclaiming ERA UNFAIR TO F-8's and then one night they all towed out to the track, but left their cars on the trailers in the parking lot. Once the word spread, a lot of the arriving fans decided not to go through the gate.

While the Figure 8 crowd mingled and drank beers in the parking lot, there was one guy who broke the strike line and ran that night. All alone and in front of a sparse Englewood crowd, Fred Tryon went out to win the trophy dash, heat race, and main event that night.

You see, Fred had to break the strike line and run because he was a member of the ERA tech. committee. The Figure Eighters had made their point and were out in full swing the next week, yet still only warranted a small increase in the gate.

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4199
(J.L. McGuire collection) Fred Tryon has a clean sweep being the only Eighter to run one night.

Ironically, Fred Tryon brought out a new #49 later in 1968 only to flip it through the turn. (next 2 photos)
http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4190
http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4200
(J.L. McGuire Collection) Bert Brasz #68 helped Tryon skid rubber-side-up through
the turn.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4196
(John Mullins collection) This Tom Crump owned Figure 8 would never look this good
again once Crash Mullins started driving it for the 1966 season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4194
(Darrell Smith collection) Bobby Jackson gets all the girls in 1967.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4193
(Clay Shores collection) A wild Junior Reeder (lower left) and crew in 1971.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4206
(J.L. McGuire collection) It's a battle of the '57 Chevys with Steve Hartman #27
and Larry Woodhead #144 in 1973.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4202
(J.L. McGuire collection) Tom Yates #65 and Jerry Martinez #110 in 1976 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4201
(J.L. McGuire collection) Harlan Cherne picks up a win in 1967.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4227
(J.L. McGuire collection) A Tommy Darrow t-bone in 1967.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4226
(J.L. McGuire collection) Ready for the green flag for this 1970 semi main event at Englewood.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4191
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1966 Figure 8 action. A good shot of Englewood's old neon sign on
Oxford can be seen in the background.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4192
(J.L. McGuire collection) Cliff Hudson (right) and friend pay a visit to the old concrete
flag stand during late '60's action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4195
(J.L. McGuire collection) Bob Olson's twin '57 Fords during 1968 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4053
(J.L. McGuire collection) Clay Shores wheeled one of the "Reeder Green" triplets owned by
Butch Orzulak in 1974.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4054
(J.L. McGuire collection) Larry Woodhead also drove one of the triplets in 1974. The third
green '57 Chevy, Junior Reeder's #141 can be seen in the background.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4198
(Pete Brandenburg collection) 1968 action with Pete Brandenburg #80, Bert Brasz #68, Bob
Robertson #33, and Lee Stogsdill #18.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4377
(J.L. McGuire collection) Harold Farrier and his Eighter from 1965.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4148
(Roger Avants collection) This is the result of Durwin Cody #174 running the X on Roger
Avants one night in 1974. Unfortunately for Cody, this happened to be Roger Avants back up
car. Roger then had to use the front half of the #174 and the back half of his totalled #74 to
make one car to finish the season with.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4295
(Photo by Jerry Lee McGuire) Figure Eighters hot lap during the 1977 season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4146
(J.L. McGuire collection/Photo by Al Duran) Tommy Darrow was the last Englewood
Figure Eight champion in 1979, copping his 8th career crown.

[ALVIS]

ummm Scabby that pic with Tommy Darrow in the chevelle is my pic i took that.....just letting you knoe:cheers:

[Jerry Lee]

My bad, brotha! I changed the credit. Not sure where I got the wrong credit for that one, I've had it for so many years.

BTW Al, didn't you have an uncle or relative that used to run the 8's in the mid-'60's??

[ALVIS]

THANKS SCABBY,MY UNCLES EDDIE GARCIA#89 YOU HAVE A PIC OF HIS 57 FORD,AND STEVE GARCIA FIG 8# 67 THANKS WE'LL TALK TO YA SOON...:checker:

[ALVIS]

THIS IS THE PIC WITH MY UNCLE EDDIE THE WHITE 57 FORD# 89 LOOK CLOSE WE LEFT THE GRILL,SIGNAL LIGHTS AND DOOR HANDLES ON,HMMM I WONDER IF WE COULD GET AWAY WITH THAT TODAY...:p

[Jerry Lee]

Here's the pic Big Al is talking about, his uncle Eddie Garcia in the #89 dives under the carnage happening during 1965 Figure 8 action at Englewood.
http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=2724



If you've ever seen other ARM member Craig "The Assassin" Moore's beautifully painted and lettered cars over the years, then you know it just runs in the family. Here's one of his Uncle Kent's awesome looking Eighters from 1971, driven by Greg Higgins and lettered by Pete Brandenburg.
http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=127&pictureid=4180
(Kent Moore collection) Looks like Pete forgot the extra "E" in "Guaranteed Alignment"!!!

[parrot]

I'm enjoying all this figure 8 stuff, Jerry Lee, keep it going. Looks like there was an auto dare devil show going on that same evening. Wonder what the "longest head on crash" was?

[Jerry Lee]

I'm enjoying all this figure 8 stuff, Jerry Lee, keep it going. Looks like there was an auto dare devil show going on that same evening. Wonder what the "longest head on crash" was?

Just a guess Bill, but the 'ramp truck' looks similar to the one that Orval the Daredevil Clown drove around the country at that time. Orval Kisselburg once held the Guinness Book of World Record for "Longest Head-on Crash" into some junk cars in the '70's and had made a few appearances at the track in that time frame.

.....and I never get tired of looking at old Figure 8 photos.....

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4579
(J.L. McGuire collection) Chuck Kacin (right) and crew with one of his trademark pink
#98's, I believe from 1973. Check it out, our own "Professor Coupe" Chris Ertler is the guy
on the far left!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4590
(J.L. McGuire collection) Bob Maldonado #64 and Crash Mullins #84 tangle near the
edge of Lake Codner during late '60's action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4577
(J.L. McGuire collection) Art Richards wheeled 'The Widow Maker' to a top ten finish
in the point standings for 1967.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4586
(Mel Keller photo) Bill Dinkle's big ol' #96 survived a plowing at the X in 1970
and came back for more.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4594
(Eddie Biondi collection) Jay Newton owned this Eighter that took a tumble in 1965,
but I'm unsure who was driving it.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4576
(J.L. McGuire collection) Arnie Kautz, the 1965 ERA Figure Eight champion only got to
enjoy the crown for a few months as Arnie, his wife, and some track personel were killed in
a plane crash on 2-24-66. Dig how stock these cars were with the emblems, chrome trim,
door handles and keyhole cover still attatched to this 4 door Ford.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4593
(Mel Keller photo) Bert Brasz was always a top ten contender when he hit the 8
throughout the '60's.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4583
(J.L. McGuire collection) If this were a color photo you would probably need sunglasses to
dig this beautiful bright orange Tom Eller owned #3 driven by Roger Burnett during the 1975 season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4580
(J.L. McGuire collection) What happened to this driver?? A frustrated Don Forsyth threw a
tantrum after being rear-ended for stopping at the X during a 1978 semi main.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4588
(Mel Keller photo) Calvin Hutchings and his Texaco Racing Team seem disappointed they didn't
get the 'Best Looking Car Award' for 1970.

[lakeside #29]

Jerry Lee, you are correct regarding the year of the Chuck Kacin Ford Victoria photo. It was 1973.

The third man in the pic is Bill Roebuck. Bill lived across the alley from Chuck and I lived nextdoor. Bill and Chuck were both from Pittsburgh, Pa. But they hadn't known each other until they were in Denver. Bill was a cousin of big league pitcher Ed Roebuck who pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Chuck found this car while on a family trip while visiting then wife Katy's family in Otis, Co. It was a '54 Ford and spotless when Chuck brought it home. I don't remember any rust and no body damage. Can you imagine what it would be worth today? At the time this was under construction I was invoved in building my #93 Lakeside coupe, when I had time I helped Chuck in the garage. He hauled the car up to Jim Moore's garage when it was time to weld in the roll cage. Chuck had gotten a square tube cage from "Porky" Swan. Jim welded it in and I think welded the top back on. I was there the night Chuck painted it. Remember this was before Home Depot or the other big box stores. He had gotten the paint a Benjamin Moore, color #614 i believe. But he hadn't picked up thinner, he thought he had some in the garage. So being resourseful he thinned it with gasoline. It worked pretty good everywhere but the roof. It refused to stick. Finally after a couple of attempts we got in car and went King Soopers and picked some flat black spray paint. I stood on one side Chuck on the other and the car was two toned. I don't think anybody ever caught on that the black was covering a mess up. It looked good. Mike Young came over and did the lettering, one of his trademarks were the little swirls around the numbers. The front wheels came from Larry Dechant's shop. He didn't have Hoosier 7" wheels in stock so he pulled a couple off his pickup. Chuck did pretty well with this car and toward the end of the season sold it to Darrell Smith.

The sponser Sir Richard's was a pretty cool place, Peggy and I went there when we were dating.

Those days were a great time to be racing, you could work in a little one car garage. You didn't need an enclosed trailer. I remember guys pulling their cars to track on the end of a chain. Chuck did. We pulled my modified to Lakeside one time on a chain. Guys used wreckers, ramp trucks, anything to get to the track. Like i said it was a great time to be there.

Does anybody remember a guy named "Chief"? I think he hung around with Benny Garcia. And his cool old black Dodge wrecker?

[Jerry Lee]

Hey Chris, I remember someone named 'Chief', see if it sounds like the same guy....When I raced at RMNS in '93, I kept both of my cars at the Mr. Badwrench lot where a guy named Chief was staying in a trailer there, keeping an eye on the place I guess. Real nice, big ol' American Indian guy who always towed out one of Darrell Smith's Figure 8's to CNS in the early '90's. I rode around the CNS track with Chief in an old red truck in '91 a couple of times, trying to dry the track off after a rain. Maybe he worked with Skunkie in the '70's.

....and one more question if I may Professor.....what exactly was Sir Richard's, Ltd.?? Seeing it on the car and in the program all these years, I always assumed that it was a place that sold antique furniture. :chuckle:

[lakeside #29]

Jerry Lee, I think we're thinking of the same guy named "Chief". To be honest with you I don't recall who he hung out with. He seemed like a nice guy and I got a kick out of his wrecker. It was a '49 or '50 Dodge with what Dodge called a "Pilot House" cab. Those had a really big split windshield. The truck was black with a home made tow truck body. It sounded cool with its flathead 6.

Sir Richards Ltd. was a restaurant and lounge on south Broadway in Littleton. It was in a strip mall around Arapahoe Road. I don't remember the exact cross street. It was a neat place with a dance floor. We went there because there weren't a lot of rowdies there. I think Chuck's sister-in-law tended bar there.
Peggy and I went there when we were dating. Peggy was a good dancer but you haven't lived until you saw "Twinlke Toes Chris" on the dance floor.

[TheAssassin]

Jerry Lee, I think we're thinking of the same guy named "Chief". To be honest with you I don't recall who he hung out with. He seemed like a nice guy and I got a kick out of his wrecker. It was a '49 or '50 Dodge with what Dodge called a "Pilot House" cab. Those had a really big split windshield. The truck was black with a home made tow truck body. It sounded cool with its flathead 6.

Sir Richards Ltd. was a restaurant and lounge on south Broadway in Littleton. It was in a strip mall around Arapahoe Road. I don't remember the exact cross street. It was a neat place with a dance floor. We went there because there weren't a lot of rowdies there. I think Chuck's sister-in-law tended bar there.
Peggy and I went there when we were dating. Peggy was a good dancer but you haven't lived until you saw "Twinlke Toes Chris" on the dance floor.

I'm pretty sure you've got the "Twinkle Toes" part right. :wave:

[lakeside #29]

Yeah, I was real graceful. About like a bull moose trying to walk on ice.

[TheAssassin]

I'd pay good money to see that one. :8x

[Jerry Lee]

Oh boy! More Figure 8 fun......

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4591
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jim Coffey won enough races with the 5X in the early part of the
1971 season to earn his pic on the cover of the program.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4741
(J.L. McGuire collection) Dusty Hopkins #14 and Roger Burnett #3 in 1973 action.


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4589
(Mel Keller photo) James Aldrich and crew lookin' good in 1970!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4581
(Unique Photo) John Cleveland looks as though he's done a lot of work underneath
his '54 Ford during the 1976 season.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4739
(J.L. McGuire collection) Larry Phillips in 1973 action.




http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4379
(J.L. McGuire collection) Gil Dunn and his '57 Plymouth in the summer of '69.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4760
(J.L. McGuire collection) Mickey Mouse gets whapped at the X.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4608
(J.L. McGuire collection) From the Applewood area just West of Denver comes
Frank Wolfe and crew in 1965.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4740
(J.L. McGuire collection) Ed Brunner #131 in 1972 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4597
(Kent Moore collection) 1973 Englewood Figure 8 champion Jack Voorhis (lower right) and crew.
This beautiful car was owned by Kent Moore (standing right). His brother Alan Moore (lower middle)
was the track welder at the time.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4582
(Unique Photo) Mike Craig brought this car out as a Claimer in 1976. When someone wanted
to claim it, he turned it into a Figure 8 car the next week. Then this pile up coming out of
the East turn took it's toll right after.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4325
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1976 ARA Figure 8 rule book.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=240&pictureid=4955
(Unique Photo) Ray Keele #14 and Eddie Floyd #07 battle for the lead of this 1976
heat race.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4948
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jay Newton's big ol' Buick from 1968.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4950
(Roger Avants collection) Roger Avants slides across the finish line rubber-side-up to
finish second behind Junior Reeder #141 in this spectacular 1974 Figure 8 main event.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4952
(J.L. McGuire collection) Tony Ratliff's '57 Ford from 1969.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4954
(J.L. McGuire collection) Tony Ratliff #11 leads this 1973 Figure 8 heat with Bob Craig #185
in hot persuit.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4651
(J.L. McGuire collection) Herb Fish was hard to beat during the 1973 season in
Bob Warner's #1 Figure Eighter.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4596
(J.L. McGuire collection) More 1973 action with "Fearless" Freddie Harding #83 and
Ed Brunner #131.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=4959
(Kent Moore collection) This still from one of Kent Moore's Super 8 movies from 1971
features Dale Deter #4, Greg Higgins #29, and Butch Chase #20.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4951
(J.L. McGuire collection) Chuck Tuffield and crew from 1968. Tuffield (lower right) was
the 1966 Saturday night Englewood Figure 8 champion.

[Olen McGuire]

I'm always amazed at the number of old pics of race cars that Jerry has. Even when he was a kid, he was a little pack rat. He told me that he has hundreds more stashed away somewhere. Keep bringing them out Jerry. Good job.

[Jerry Lee]

I'm always amazed at the number of old pics of race cars that Jerry has. Even when he was a kid, he was a little pack rat. He told me that he has hundreds more stashed away somewhere. Keep bringing them out Jerry. Good job.

Well, I guess I have you and Mom to blame for this Dad! I'm blessed that you two were big stock car racing fans. Thank goodness you two weren't into say.......figure skating or something. I would feel kind of weird having saved boxes and boxes of that stuff! Thanks!

Here's some more Figure 8 pics I had buried...........

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4946
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1974 Figure 8 action featuring Dave Mompher #150,
Tony Ratliff #11, Carl Hall #185, and others.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4953
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jim Beckner #110x battles Larry Joe #04 in 1975.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4610
(Jay Newton collection) Another one of Jay Newton's Buicks from the mid-'60's.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4587
(George Oaks collection) A veteran of Englewood's dirt Stockers of the '50's, George Oaks
(left) ran the 8 in the mid-'60's.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4584
(Unique Photo) Bill Hickcock #141 was actually launched from behind by a car out of
camera range at left, and thrown into the oncoming Ken Brewster #90 during 1976 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4378
(J.L. McGuire collection) Floyd Fouts wheeled this Ed Funderburk owned Eighter during the
1965 season at Englewood.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4949
(J.L. McGuire collection) Gil Dunn and his '57 Plymouth picked up this semi main event
win in 1969.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4578
(Pete Brandenburg collection) Pete Brandenburg (far left) piloted this '57 Ford for Bob Olson
(second from right) in 1968. Pete had hilariously lettered the name "Bobby Ulser" on the driver's door.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4956
(Unique Photo) Jimmy Disher (right) drove brother Gary Disher's Figure Eighter in 1976.

[JThur01]

When the Codner family paved an “X” through the infield at Englewood Speedway in the Spring of 1964, some speculated that it was the first track of it’s kind West of the Mississippi River to run the division. Others claim that Ascot Park in Gardena, CA. had one around the same time as well.
Ascot Park held its first Figure 8 race on July 7, 1962. The '8' track was originally scheduled to open in June, but the layout wasn't finished in time.

Thanks for posting the photos :cool: :up:

[lakeside #29]

Hi Jerry Lee, Seeing Ray Keele's photo brought back a memory that I had forgotten. Joe Voice drove Keele's #444. It was a black '55 Ford. It had a string of little orange dots all the way around the car at the belt line. Unless you got up close you couldn't see what the were. They were stickers they use to identify packages in a meat case in a supermarket. All the way around the car it said "breasts..breasts..breasts".

[Jerry Lee]

Ascot Park held its first Figure 8 race on July 7, 1962. The '8' track was originally scheduled to open in June, but the layout wasn't finished in time.

Thank you, JThur! I've been hoping for years that someone could set the record straight on this. That's why I wrote my original intro to be open to this fact. Nice job.

Professor, great story about the meat stickers! :rotfl: Do you know if this was the same car that Kelly Layne was fatally injured in? 1972, I think. I also remember an orange #444 that Ray Keele had as well as a twin #344.

[lakeside #29]

Sorry Jerry Lee, I don't know if that was the same as Kelly Layne drove. It was in about the same time frame. I think the Joe Voice car was a little earlier. I seem to remember seeing the #444 breast car in 1972.

[Jerry Lee]

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=245&pictureid=4430
(J.L. McGuire collection) The Englewood Figure 8's celebrate their
10th anniversary in 1974.


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=207&pictureid=4751
(J.L. McGuire collection) Benny 'Skunkie' Garcia #75 takes a wild ride during 1972 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4947
(Candy Codner photo) Bob Craig's cool blue & white '54 Ford from 1975.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=94&pictureid=4772
(J.L. McGuire collection) Figure 8 legend Lee Stogsdill in 1974. Man, the ol' Plymouth
really had some lumps in it at that time!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4203
(J.L. McGuire collection) Fred Tryon tries on a new Figure Eighter for 1968 complete
with all the chrome trimmings.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=1886
(J.L. McGuire collection) Dave McLain #16, Jim Egli #19, Herb Fish #1, and others wheel
the 8 in 1973 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=4960
(Kent Moore collection) A still from the many Super 8 films that Kent Moore shot back
in 1971 features Tom Bray #17 and Cliff Hudson #7.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=222&pictureid=4575
(Unique Photo) "Hot Rod Dave" Smith #81 battles with Ray Keele #14 in 1976.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=135&pictureid=4910
(J.L. McGuire collection) One of the many spectacular flips Bobby Jackson took in his
career that kept the fans on their feet and coming back each week for more. Bobby
destroyed this car during 1967 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=207&pictureid=4750
(J.L. McGuire collection) Jack Voorhis #29 and Skunkie Garcia #75 in 1973.

[lakeside #29]

Jerry Lee, in the photo of Bennie Garcia on his top, that was in a borrowed car. Chuck Kacin loaned Bennie his car that night. Chuck was driving my modified at Lakeside that Sunday. Bennie had engine trouble or some other mechnical problem and knowing that Chuck was racing across town he asked if he could borrow the car. We got home from Lakeside early enough that we cruised out to Englewoood to catch the last main event. As we walked through the pits people kept comiing up to Chuck asking about his car. Of course he had no idea what they talking about until he got to Bennie's pit. One of Bennie's guys was inside laying on the floorboard kicking the roof to knock it back out. Bennie made repairs to the car before Chuck got it back.

Chuck had bought the #2 from Darrell Smith that Bobby Jackson won the 1971 championship with.The first or second night he rolled the car. Chuck got the black car from a junkyard. It had been one of Joe Deal's old Cardinal Racing teams cars, possibly #114. It was flat black , that's why Bennie painted out the #98 and put his number on it. Schatz Texaco is where Chuck worked.
After this Chuck put the Smith/Jackson #2 back together. It was eventially sold to Terry Boyle and then to Terry Martinez or his Dad Ben.

[Racefan 777]

Are there many of the old F8 cars still around? I'm sure most were used up!

[Jerry Lee]

Jerry Lee, in the photo of Bennie Garcia on his top, that was in a borrowed car. Chuck Kacin loaned Bennie his car that night.

Hey, thanks Chris! I wondered about the photo of this car for years. It's the only B.G. Figure Eighter I've seen that didn't have "Skunkie" painted on the side.

On a side note, there was 'another' #75 car in 1970 that wasn't Skunkie's. Tony Balzano drove a Figure 8 that year at Englewood, and for some reason Skunkie forgot to renew his number for the year. Balzano bought it and ran the #75 for awhile that season forcing the Skunk to reluctantly run the #75x.
Officials gave the Skunk some grief because the "X" he had to put next to the number was really small. In his mind (and ours), there was only one #75 Figure Eighter out at Englewood.....Skunkie's!

[ALVIS]

hey Scabby, we are going to paint the car like Bennies last car at englewood half black and white---it should look pretty cool....me:checker:

[Jerry Lee]

Whoo-hoo! Time for some more of the "Wildest Show on Wheels"!....


http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5225
(J.L. McGuire collection) James Eagan in the 'Wild Thang' #54 takes a wrong turn at
the X into oncoming traffic during 1971 action. That's Skip Dragon's #28 headed in the
right direction.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5333
(J.L. McGuire collection) Not only did the great Cliff Hudson have fun on the track, but he
liked to have fun with the officials as well. One stipulation in the F8 rule book was the amount
of wheel clearance you could cut out of the rear quarter panel. It had to be a certain number
of inches from the hub of the wheel to the edge of the fender. If you look close, Cliff has
added some extra black paint around the back wheel well to only appear that he was in violation
of this rule. Classic! For more of Cliff Hudson's Figure 8 antics with the officials CLICK HERE (http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462)!!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5230
(J.L. McGuire collection) Dennis Wilson picks up this win in 1969.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5231
(J.L. McGuire collection) Another one of the 'Crown Racing Team' was Gary Wilson in 1969.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5336
(Roger Avants collection) Durwin Cody in the Roger Avants owned Eighter from 1974.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5335
(J.L. McGuire collection) 1967 Figure 8 action with Tommy Darrow #67 and Bobby Jackson #2.
Not sure who's flipping the Baltic Auto #116 as Jackson was driving it the year before.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5330
(J.L. McGuire collection) Gary Ball proves that fins were still "in" for 1975 by wheeling this
'57 Pontiac around the 8.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5248
(J.L. McGuire collection) With a sponsor like this, Steve Miller should have been driving
a convertable!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5250
(J.L. McGuire collection) Gary Hanna takes the checkered in his maroon colored 'Colt 45'
in 1975. I believe this is a '60 Ford.

[Jerry Lee]

Some of you have recently PM'ed me to ask....."Will you ever run out of Englewood F8 pics to post??".....and the answer is....."Naaaah!"

Here's a few more from the "Wildest Show on Wheels"!!!....

http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5213
(J.L. McGuire collection) This Figure Eighter takes a tumble in front of Larry Woodhead #144
and Chuck Tuffield #43 during 1973 action at Englewood.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5331
(J.L. McGuire collection) This is Calvin Hutchings in the #292 during 1971 action, but
I'm unsure who's wheeling this orange and white striped #2 finned Figure Eighter. Not
a usual Darrell Smith owned Figure 8 that Bobby Jackson had piloted at that time.
Must be from another track. Anyone remember this car??



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5332
(J.L.McGuire collection) Bob Oldfield picks up this win from 1969. Strange that the
back roll bar post behind the driver's seat doesn't seem to be connected.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=198&pictureid=1256
(Jim Bedore collection) Jim Bedore won some big hardware with this win in 1974, but I'm sure
it didn't compare with smooching this big pussycat!



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5329
(J.L. McGuire collection) Anthony Martinez #71 battles with Jim Beckner #110x (also known
as "The Bear") during 1975 Englewood Figure 8 action.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=173&pictureid=1067
(J.L.McGuire photo) Tom Alexander #2, Darrell Smith #1, Richard Burton #36, Dave Tansey #23,
and Jack Voorhis #90 during 1977 hot lap action. Some great Englewood legends all in one pic.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=112&pictureid=777
(J.L. McGuire collecton) Al Montoya draggin' some pipe in one of Ivan Chambers' last Eighters
from 1975. Mr. Chambers, who fielded and sponsored many Figure 8's over the years since
the late '60's, passed on from heart failure in 1975.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5226
(J.L. McGuire collection) A super rare shot of Butch Orzulak's lime green '57 Chevys
from 1974 featuring the late, great Junior Reeder #141, Clay Shores #142, and Larry
Woodhead #144 in 1974.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5224
(J.L. McGuire collection) The 1966 Saturday night Englewood Speedway Figure 8 champ
Chuck Tuffield often featured the cartoon character Charlie Brown painted on his car.
This photo is from 1971.



http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=5223
(J.L. McGuire collection) Don "Jersey" Pierce was a '60's Figure Eight legend they nicknamed
"Fearless". This pic is Jersey collecting a win in "Big Jim" Coffey's #36 Eighter sometime in the
mid-'60's. Another local legend Lou Paiz, who had lettered many race cars during the time, has
his name on the side as well.

[Bobbyjr]

I hope you never run out Jerry Lee!!!! Keep'em coming