Here’s one I’m excited about. For the first time, the “Canadian Blast”, Davey Moore will be here. Davey was THE guy to beat at Ransomville NY, Merittville ONT, and very respectable anywhere he chose to haul to. Another Hall of Fame member in our group…!
This is the other car that Tobi Smith is bringing. It’s an exact replication of the famous Bob Judkins / Eddie Flemke 2x… the very first Pinto bodied Modified. Started what was known as the ‘Pinto Revolution’.
I grew up watching Mike Loescher race in NY. Years ago, he moved to Fla, won a bunch of Fla Mod races, and has run a very successful Driving School for many years now. Finish Line Racing School in Edgewater. Mike usually brings Dutch Hoag with him.
When I tried to quit hosting this event after 5 years, this guy JT Dunn (and wife Karen), along with Geoff Yoder & Ron Hess, wouldn’t LET me quit. They all jumped in last year and got me pumped up for this year. Thanks a bunch JT…!
Here’s Ron Hess with his old Dutch Hoag tribute car, which has since been sold. He now has a beautiful #34 Coach that I’ve seen, but can’t find a picture of.
Ron is part of the TEAM that stepped up to make sure the Reunion tradition kept going. Thanks a million Ron.
As a kid, I had heard of Bill Wimble, but never saw him race. He may have even retired the year before I became a fan.
But since this Reunion has started, Bill has been an excellent supporter, a great sounding board (he’s also put himself in charge of organizing large groups, and what can and DOES go wrong), and more of a pure gentleman than most people I’ve met in my life. One of the top 10 all-time racers up there, and one of the top-10 people you’d ever hope to meet.
His Coupes were more famous, but I love a good looking Coach.
Lew Boyd is now know as the publisher at Coastal 181, that puts out biographies of some the most interesting characters in racing. But long before that, he was a racer himself. He and a good friend are both supposed to be there.
This is Lew’s good friend who should be making his first appearance.
From ‘Stock Car Racing’ magazine, to Speedway Illustrated, and probably 20 years on TV, Dr Dick Berggren has been a friend to Short track racing across the country.
Now, since his retirement, he doesn’t have to be at Daytona all day like he used to.
You can tell by the photos that Dick & Lew go waaaay back together.
Dutch Hoag, one of the all-time most successful and wildly popular guys in Mod history, is almost always there. He’s had some recent health problems and not sure if he’ll make it down this year. If he can get here from NY, I’m sure he can make it the extra couple miles to the track.
Ronnie Dunstan could getter done in anything Open Wheeled. From Legends to Champ Cars, Ronnie was a top runner. The kind of guy that car owners would call to say “I want you driving MY car”.
Very slick promo!!! OSW and Ellisville are in dire need of your services. While I am strictly a dirt guy I wish you all the luck in your annual get together.
Ronnie is supposed to bring this guy with him. Paul ‘Sandy’ Rochelle was another driver just at home in a sprint car as he was in a Modified. Won several URC Sprint shows and plenty in a Modified.
This will also be Sandy’s first visit.
Thanks EG… it’s not hard to do at all. In fact it’s a bunch of fun. Effort doesn’t cost a dime…!
Another Florida Legend that seems real interested. I never knew that John “Sugar Bear” Berg was racing Mods in NY back in the 60’s, before he was a bad-ass at East Bay in the 70’s.
he didn’t commit yet, but don’t be surprised to see him there.
Another Buffalo area racer, Bob Riffel has confirmed he’ll be there on Feb. 21st.
He came last year for the first time, unsure if he’d know anybody. Within 5 minutes, he ran into an old friend from 30 years ago.
Couldn’t wipe the smile off his face the rest of the day. THAT’S what this is all about…!
Bob had a real cool Barracuda bodied Mod, but I couldn’t find a good pic. Still, his Plymouth Late Model is still bad to the bone.
While it doesn’t sound like much the interest rate on the dime is tremendous in this case.
Cars
How many display cars are you anticipating?
Thanks Rick M
Rick… each year we average about 20-24 Vintage cars, and over 100 former Modified racers. The cars are on display all afternoon, then they get on-track interviews and a 10 lap exhibition where they go as fast or slow as they are comfortable with. Some of these STAND on it too…!
Come on out… $0.00 dollars to join in.
Thanks I would like my son to see the older cars.
Rick… there is a full show that night also. 100 lap Richie Evans Memorial for Tour Mods, Super Lates, Pro Lates and Mini Stocks.
You ought to bring the hot rod with you & race that night yourself too…!
