The Yanks(2)

Garry Patterson was born in 1936 in California but was brought up in Oregon. After a stint in the army he drifted a while and during this time he was involved in a bar fight which resulted in him being jailed for two years for assault. After his release he moved to Stockton, California, took a job as a motor mechanic and in 1961 began racing at Stockton Speedway. By 1963 he was racing sprintcars at West Capital Raceway in Sacramento and from then on considered Sacramento his home town. In 1966 he won the West Capital Raceway Supermodified Championship. It was during the 60s that Garry received his mail-order divinity degree (for no serious purpose) resulting in him getting the nickname “the preacher”. Garry raced mainly on the west coast of California throughout the 60s and 70s picking up as many meetings as he could. He concentrated on sprintcar racing and was successful, winning a string of heats and features each year. In 1977 he was voted Northern California Oval Track Driver of the Year by the Motor Sports Press Association for his sprintcar and midget successes. Garry was quite a character and is remembered for his colourful and often unpredictable antics, his long hair, his leather hat, “outlaw” tattooed on his arm and the peace signs that often adorned his race cars. His public speaking was legendary, particularly down-under where he assured the crowd that “Aussie drivers are amateurs and the cars are museum pieces” and “No wonder Australia has so many God dam flies – its just one giant garbage can”! Garry also often stunned the trophy girls in the winners circle with his unsolicited passionate kisses and embraces! He won at least 200 main events during his career including many in Australasia. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1998 and the West Capital Raceway Hall of Fame in 2000. Garry was lost his life in a sprintcar crash on Memorial Day of 1983 at Calistoga Speedway in the final race of the meeting. The sprintcar he was driving performed a sickening series of 20, or so, violent flips coming out of turn four and he died at the scene.

Garry Patterson was a true outlaw driver and disliked clubs and rules immensely. He never had much money, moved from track to track and race to race and he was a hard-racing, hard-living, larger-than-life character. Barry B and Garry got on well together – they were, in many ways, kindred spirits – they both drove very hard, neither had much respect for authority and they enjoyed smoking and drinking together. The persona of the “Great GP” was probably the major factor that influenced Barry B’s outlaw image that he so proudly cultivated during the 80s. Here are some words attributed to Garry Patterson “I sure am a free spirit – Yeah, that’s my deal – be’in a free spirit. I live for racing and practically nothing else – racing is what I know – It’s all I’ve ever been. When will I quit? Hell, I don’t know – probably when I die. I’m a racer, what else could I be?” Yes, Barry B and Garry Patterson sure did have quite a bit in common!

Garry running the Radio i Offy (#7) hard at Western Springs. After a couple of weeks his Sesco-powered midget arrived in Auckland and John Stanley resumed driving #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from a 1971-72 Western Springs Programme)

Bob Cheak (#31) leads from Garry Patterson (in Brian Tracey’s #7), Leo Vercoe (#35), Barry Butterworth (#26) and Nick Carter (#5).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Overseas visitors at Western Springs in 1971-72. Garry Patterson in the Sesco (piece sign) and Offenhuser mounted Australians, George Tatnell (#25) and Ron Wanless (#76). Three of the greatest (and loudest) characters of the sport to race at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Garry Patterson in the Sesco midget runs around the outside of Auckland local, Bob Cheak (#31) at Western Springs in the 1971-72 season. The Sesco was a handful with Garry saying he’d driven better handling semi-trailers!
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=490010301043202&set=pb.157452800965622.
2207520000.1361345303&type=3&theater)

Garry gives the piece sign with both hands to the New Zealand crowd!
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Pattersons first visit to Australia was also in the 1971-72 season. Here he is seen driving the Ron Wanless-owned supermodified. It was Garry Patterson who suggested to Barry B that he should travel to Sacramento and gain more racing experience by racing a supermodified at West Capital Raceway.
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/ )

Garry Rush (R ) and Gary Patterson (L) chat at Liverpool Raceway while “The Preacher” works on the car.
(From https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Sprintcar-Association-of-Australia-1436528673337127/)

The Hostile Hippy at full speed at Liverpool!
(https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=memories%20of%20liverpool%20city%20raceway%201967-1989)
2207520000.1361345303&type=3&theater)

Bob Tunks (#54) leads as Garry Patterson in the Garry Rush-owned supermodified #77 goes for an inside pass.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937/))

Garry being helped from the car after the crash at Tralee. He aggravated an old back injury and returned to the USA immediately for medical attention.
(From Speedway International 1971-72, Autoworld Publications, Spit Junction, NSW)

Garry driving the ex-Wally Baker supermdified (#99) at Liverpool during the 1972-73 season with Garry Rush in the ex-Johnny Anderson sprintcar in hot persuit.
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/moregp.htm)

A spectacular shot of Garry Patterson with supermodified #99 at full nose at Liverpool. As expected, Garry was highly competitive in this car.
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway. The Place of Pace 1967-1989 by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications Glenbrook, Australia)

Mike Andretta wrestles the Sid Neville-owned supermodified #65 through at turn at Liverpool ahead of fast-closing fellow American Garry Patterson (#99).
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/moregp.htm)

Garry (#99) goes down low as he passes a couple of local drivers at Liverpool.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Garry Patterson (known variously as the Hostile Hippy or the Preacher) shaking hands with the then Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam at Liverpool Speedway in 1974. Gough said “Im glad to meet you, Ive heard plenty about you”. To which Garry replied “Ive never heard of you!”
(From Australian Speedway News, number 56, Autoworld Publications, Split Junction, NSW)

Garry (#99) running on the outside of Sydney hotshoe, Garry Rush (#2). Garry had trouble with the handling of the supermodified.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Gary “The Preacher” Patterson preaches piece to the Liverpool crowd!
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/index.htm)

Garry running the Pickering sprintcar on the outside of Aussie sprintcar star Garry Rush at Liverpool in 1974.
(http://www.garypattersonracing.com/gp-photos/)

Gary “The Hostile Hippy” Patterson gets ready to attempt to smack Garry Rush in the mouth as Rush prepares to exit his sprintcar
(From https://www.facebook.com/FullThrottlePublishing/)

The tables are turned as Garry Rush punches Garry Patterson before the Hostile Hippy can exit his car! The clashes between the two were a highlight of the 1973-74 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/28848061383/)

Garry in a spot of bother at the Ekka in the George Tatnell-owned offenhauser speedcar #1 in the 1973-74 season. He drove hard and sometimes crashed hard!
(From Australian Speedway News, Number 57, (ed. P. White and D. Booth), Autoworld Publications Pty, Spit Junction, NSW)

AJ Foyt in the 3K racing VW goes under Gary Patterson in the Bohlander Chevy II during the running of the 1974-75 Australian Speedcar Grand Prix.
(David Cumming photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937?)

Garry Patterson in the Ron Wanless-owned Winfield Sesco (#76) lifting a wheel at Liverpool raceway during the 1974-75 season.
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway 1967-1989. More of the Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, Glenbrook, NSW).

The Preacher (Garry Patterson) (Sesco #56) and the teacher (Larry Rice) (VW #55) on their 1975-76 tour to Australasia.
(From Full Throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009 by Tony Loxley, Renniks Publications, Banksmeadow, NSW)

Garry Patterson in Sesco #56 at full nose at Templeton Speedway. He ran the car very hard and usually stayed with his travelling partner Larry Rice (who had a more modern VW-powered midget).
(Allan Batt collection from https://www.facebook.com/groups/376664865750040/)

Three American midget stars pictured at Te Marua Speedway. From R to L: Garry Patterson, Larry Rice and Mel Kenyon.
(From the Allan Batt collection https://www.facebook.com/allan.batt.9?fref=ufi)

Garry Patterson in Sesco #56 runs on the inside of ChevyII-mounted local Ian Mackay (#68) at Liverpool Raceway.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/28848061383/)t

Garry Patterson at the Ekka ready to race the Bob Kelly super modified in 1977.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/HardcoreHardtops/)

Garry at full speed in the Sid Moore sprintcar in 1978-79 on the paved Liverpool City Raceway on one of his last visits to Australia.
(Warren McDonald photo from Liverpool City Raceway. Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Garry acknowledges the crowd after a feature win at Tralee Speedway.
(http://www.speedwayandroadracehistory.com/canberra-tralee—fraser-park-speedways.html)

Garry Patterson posing with car owner Sid Moore at Tralee Speedway (Canberra).
(http://www.speedwayandroadracehistory.com/canberra-tralee—fraser-park-speedways.html)

Garry Patterson tried his hand in a rear engined GP in a main event at Liverpool.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937/)

The USA sprintcar team for the Australian 1979-80 season pose for the camera. All three cars were owned by Sid Moore. From left to right are Garry Patterson (GP, piece sign!), John Pearson and Jack Hewitt.
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. More of The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2012)

Garry captured at high speed at Liverpool the night he broke the one lap record.
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway. More of the Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW)

Garry Patterson running the low line as he goes past Bruce White in supermodified #4 at Parramatta during 1979-80.
(Bill Meyer photo from Speedway by the Freeway by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW)

Another great shot of Garry Patterson in the sprintcar at Liverpool.
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/moregp.htm)

The great GP as Australians remember him. Undoubtedly, more of a household name in Australasia than in the USA. Probably the most memorable visitor – he certainly could drive fast and forcefully and always put on a great show for the fans!
(David Comming photo from Liverpool City Raceway. Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Early days! Garry suiting up ready for action at in the Fred Ponzini Chevy sprintcar #7 at Santa Maria Speedway, California, in 1964.
(From the Dolan Lannan collection:
http://www.hammerdownusa.com /images11.htm)

Another win and another unsuspecting trophy girl about to get a surprise!
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/)

Garry was a mechanic by trade and quite capable of working on the race motor. He knew how to set a car up.
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/)

Garry at Ascot in 1977 running hard in the Cunningham Chevy sprintcar.
(http://www.garypattersonracing.com/images/GPPhotos1/cunninghamchevy.jpg)

The way Garry would have liked to be remembered – on the gas! Sideways at Calistogo Speedway 1976 in the Walt Ross sprintcar – note the peace sign on the front!
(From http://www.garypattersonracing.com/)

Tribute to the Great GP and car owner Walt Ross
(http://www.hoseheadforums.com/forum.cfm?ThreadID=31947)

Born in Linden Indiana in1946, Larry Rice started racing quarter midgets prior to turning 10 years old. He went on to race modified midgets at the Logansport Indiana track. He attended Ball State University and graduated with a masters degree in marketing. His early years out of college were spent teaching at Crawfordsville school in Indiana while racing modified midgets. He was known as “The Flying School Teacher”. He then moved to Indianapolis and began racing on the USAC midget circuit in 1968. His first big win was the 1970 Hut Hundred, he finished second in the 1972 USAC Midget Championship and won the championship in 1973. In 1972 his highly competitive driving gave the Shannon Brothers their USAC Midget Car Owners Championship. He raced with USAC for 24 seasons and won 15 midget, 3 sprintcar and 5 silver crown feature events and, in total, had 100 finishes in the top three. He won the USAC Silver Crown Championship in 1977 and 1981 and was runner up in the sprintcar standings in 1983. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1993. Larry raced five seasons, on and off, (1974, 1978-79 and 1981) in Champ Cars and was Indy 500 Co-Rookie of the Year with Rick Mears in 1978. Larry’s driving days were over by 1991 and he embarked on a new career in TV. He partnered Garry Lee on ESPNs Saturday and then Thursday Night Thunder programme which covered midget, sprintcar and silver crown races. The show became known as the “Garry and Larry Show”. He also commentated for ABC on IRL races, including the Indianapolis 500. After his stint on TV, he went into the Track Insurance business and also helped his eldest son, Robbie, get into sprintcar racing. Larry was a quiet, unassuming and friendly man with few enemies and on the track he was focussed, gritty but fair and clean. Larry had a tongue cancer scare in 2000, then went into remission but was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. After many bouts of radiation and chemotherapy he died in May 2009.

Some of Larry’s most memorable and enjoyable times were spent racing midgets in New Zealand and Australia. One season he formed a strange travelling duo with Garry Patterson and they were known as “the teacher and the preacher”. Larry won the World 30 lap Midget Championship at Western Springs in 1977. Larry raced for the USA midget team in NZ in the 1975-76, 76-77, and 77-78 seasons. The last two seasons, Barry B was in the Lendich VW and a major challenge for the Americans. Larry described Barry as one of the fiercest competitors he raced against anywhere in the world.

Larry Rice (#1) with the chequered flag after another win at Liverpool Raceway. Barry Pinchbeck in the Morton and May Offy (#72) is on the inside.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937/photos/)

Larry out practicing at the Liverpool circuit.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/?ref=br_rs)

Placegetters in the midget feature at the Ekka. Mel Kenyon (second), AJ Foyt (first) and Larry Rice (third).
(https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ-210442445729543/)

Larry Rice posing for the camera in December 1974 at Rowley Park. Larry was fast and impressive at every track he visited in the Morrison VW
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

An unlikely couple! “The preacher” (Garry Patterson in a Sesco #56) and “the teacher”
(Larry Rice in VW #55) were travelling partners in New Zealand and Australia in 1975-76.
(From: http://www.waspeedway.com/waspeedway/Visiting_Drivers.html)

Larry at speed in 1975-76 at Templeton in VW #55.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Larry Rice (#55) on the inside at Liverpool with Kevin Gormly (#40), Ron Mackay (#76) and Garry Patterson (#56) at Liverpool Raceway.
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway. The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2010)

Larry poses on the Western Springs infield with the LTC Scat (Perfection Meats sponsored) #79 he brought down under in the 1977-78 season. At the time, Barry B was top Kiwi in the Lendich VW.
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/)

A spectacular Bruce Kent photo of Larry Rice in the LTC VW #79 at speed at Western Springs in 1976-77.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/)

Larry Rice at Templeton in 1976-77 running hard in #79.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Action from one of the international nights at Western Springs. Larry Rice(#2) on his side with Kerry Morris (#14) about to roll as Mel Kenyon’s Continental Airlines sponsored car drives up on top of him.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Larry Rice leads Johnny Fenton at the Ekka.
(Gordon Hogarth photo from https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ-210442445729543/?ref=br_rs)

Larry Rice pictured at Archerfield Speedway with his Stanton VW midget #7 in 1979-80. Rich Vogler’s car #2 is next to Larry.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/)

Larry Rice (#7) (with his back to the camera) chats with Rich Vogler (#2) at the Speedbowl in Melbourne.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/)

Larry Rice racing at Western Springs in a VW-powered midget during the 1983-84 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Larry Rice and the crew on the Western Springs infield during the 1984-85 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Larry Rice out in practice at Western Springs in VW-powered midget #1. The Mickey Mouse on the top of the cage is clearly evident.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Larry VW-mounted in 1987-88 on the inside of fellow American visitor Stan Fox in the Pontiac-powered midget #71.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Larry first appeared on the USAC circuit in 1969 wheeling this offenhauser-powered midget #36.
(John Mahoney photo, from Full Tilt, The Motorsports Photography of John Mahoney. Witness Productions, Marshall, Indiana, 2004)

Larry with the Sesco-powered Richard Polnau-owned midget in 1973. He won the USAC Midget Championship that season.
(Dick Wallen Collection, from United States Auto Club, Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallens Racing Classics, Glendale, Arizona)

Larry taking the Gatorade sprintcar out for some shakedown laps during the 1976 USAC season.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=546326722051613&
set=pb.474174772600142.-2207520000.1373597821.&type=3&theatre)

As a rookie in 1978 Larry Rice qualified 30th for the Indianapolis 500 and finished 11th.
(From: http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
/indy500/galleries/show/4356-larry-rice-1946-2009/)

Larry Rice at speed in a George Middleton-owned Pizza-Hut #55. Silver Crown Car (dirt car) at Eldora in 1981. Larry won the 1981 USAC Silver Crown Championships.
(Tom Reel photo, Garry Gasper Collection, from http://www.racestarpublications.com/past2.html)

Larry poses with Bob Higman and the Shannon midget in 1983. Higman looked after, and prepared the Shannon brother’s midgets.
(From http://www.usacracing.com/midget_index/news_m/3309.html)

Larry Rice circulating the Eldora track in the Shannon midget during a 1985 USAC meeting.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1848)

Larry Rice was special guest at the 2008 International Vintage Speedcar Spectacular (September, 2008) at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. He drove the restored Shannon Buick Sesco #22 owned by Phil Christenson.
(From http://www.vsaq.net/gallery.htm)

Tribute to Larry Rice.
(From http://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=20458)

Born in 1953, and raised in Costa Mesa, California, Ron Tripp and his brother raced at a young age in quarter midgets winning numerous trophies along the way. Ron got his nickname as a youth because he would fall asleep between his quarter midget races. The brothers raced motorcycles before turning their hands to full-sized midgets. During Sleepy’s high school years he was a wrestler and an accomplished football player. His first midget race was in a VW-powered car. At first he tore up a lot of equipment and was involved in many shunts. Over time, he settled down and in 1974 he was USRC Midget Rookie of the Year and Champion. In his first season racing on the USAC midget circuit (1975) he surprised many by winning both the USAC Rookie of the Year and the USAC Championship. He successfully defended his midget championship in 1976. After that he received an offer to run down in Australasia. He raced the next 17 seasons in New Zealand/Australia. Sleepy married an Auckland girl, Erin, and they now live in Costa Mesa. Sleepy raced on the USAC circuit until 1982 driving his own car rather than for an owner. However the income he made was low and at the end of 1982 he moved from Indianapolis back to Costa Mesa to work in the family electrical contracting business. He hooked up with the car owners George and Gary Zarounian and dominated the early years of the newly formed USAC Western States Championship. He won it in 1983, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91 and 92. For the last few seasons in the States he raced a car owned by New Zealander Danny Lendich. During the 1988-89 season he had many, still talked-about, clashes with a young P. J. Jones (Parnelli’s son). Sleepy is a straight-to-the-point person and had an aggressive driving style. As well as 2 USAC Championships and 7 Western States Championships, Sleepy scored 59 USAC National midget feature wins, 104 Western States midget wins, and was Bellville Midget Nationals Champion in 1985 and 1987. He was inducted into the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame in 1986. Throughout his racing career, Sleepy concentrated on racing midgets and only drove sprintcars and silver crown cars sporadically. Sleepy retired from driving in 2003 after being injured in a BCRA race at Stockton. Today, he is an electrical contractor working with his older brother in the family business.

In the 1982-83 New Zealand season, Sleepy got the coveted drive in the Lendich LTC Autocraft vacated by Barry B. That began a long-term partnership with Danny Lendich and he drove the Lendich cars until his retirement (including in the USA). Sleepy ran against Barry B all of the years Barry drove for Danny Lendich and also the first year he drove the Chev V4. The two drove hard against one another and were pretty evenly matched. Sleepy’s record in NZ includes five wins in the World 30 lap World Championship and eight wins in the World 50 lap Midget Classic.

Sleepy at speed at Western Springs. He impressed so much on his first visit that he was invited back for many years to come.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Back at Western Springs and Sleepy was the winner of the 1976-77 Ross Goonan Memorial feature race.
(https://www.facebook.com/KR-Racing-434987526549008/)

Sleepy (#1) leads George Tatnell in the Winfield Wedge (#4) and Johnny Rutherford (#1), on the outside, at the Sydney Royale in the 1976-77 season.
(Bill Meyer photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Sleepy Tripp (#1) on the outside of Howard Revell (#98) on the Liverpool pavement during the 1976-77 season.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200553627776537&
set=o.28848061383&type=3&theater)

Sleepy Tripp (#1) running up near the fence at Liverpool, on the outside of Aussie legend Garry Rush (#14).
(From https://www.facebook.com/anthony.loxley)

Sleepy (L) posing with Australian driver Ron Wanless (R) at Western Springs in the evening sun.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Action from the Ekka in 1977-78. Howard Revell (#98) leads with Sleepy (#3) ranging up on the outside and George Tatnell in behind.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/ekkaspeedway/)

Action from Liverpool raceway in 1977-78 as Sleepy Tripp (#3) tries for an inside pass on George Tatnell (#1)
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/508300632573385/)

Sleepy Tripp leads local hero, Barry Butterworth, at Western Springs during the 1978/79 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Sleepy Tripp hiking the inside front wheel high in the air as he leads Barry Butterworth who is trying to get on the inside of Sleepy.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

A great colour photo from 1978-79 of Sleepy characteristically three-wheeling his VW-powered midget around Western Springs during the 1978-79 season. Sleepy often had the inside front wheel way above the track.Sleepy in Auckland ready to be pushed off in the 1981-82 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/bryce.townsend.7)

Sleepy Tripp (#3) goes around the outside of local Auckland driver (and circuit racing star) Steve Millen during the 1979-80 season at Western Springs.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

West Australian Johnny Fenton (#7) leads Sleepy Tripp (#3) at the Sydney Royale during the 1979-80 season.
(Bill Meyer photo from https://www.facebook.com/anthony.loxley)

Sleepy (#3) chasing Howard Revell (#98) at Liverpool Raceway during his 1979-80 Australasian tour
(David Cumming photo from Full throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009 by Tony Loxley, Renniks Publications, 2010)

Sleepy upended his VW-powered car at the Sydney Showground. Here officials help extricate him from the cockpit.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/?fref=nf)

Sleepy Tripp (without a bonnet) on the outside of Mel Kenyon at a practice session at the Royale 1979-80.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Ray Townsend in conversation with Sleepy Tripp on the infield at Western Springs during Sleepy’s 1980-81 tour down-under.
(https://www.facebook.com/NZ-Motor-Racing-and-Dirt-Track-Drivers-579738785538280/)

Sleepy in Auckland ready to be pushed off in the 1981-82 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy Tripp (#3) leads Ted Tracey (#1) and Lonnie Caruthers (#78) out wide in the international midget racing in 1981-82.
(https://www.facebook.com/rpmsurfer)

Local star, Barry Butterworth (#21) leads Sleepy (#3) during the 1981-82 international racing at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy practicing in the Danny Lendich-owned midget, VW #3,at Western Springs before his 1982-83 tour.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy in the Lendich VW (“3M”) at Western Springs chases down Maurice Cowling in the Sanyo VW in 1982-83.
(Photo from Speedway Spectacular by Ian Abrahams and Colin Irwin, Lodestar Press, Auckland, New Zealand, 1983)

Sleepy running hard on three wheels at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/376664865750040/)

John Cardwell interviews Sleepy at Templeton Speedway in 1982-83 as Stan Fox looks on.
(https://www.facebook.com/allan.batt.9)

Sleepy has the Lendich dub #3 fully crossed up at Western Springs in the 1983-84 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/tony.haslam.58)

Sleepy Tripp poses with the Lendich dub at the Claremont speedway pits in WA in 1984.
(Brad Steel photo, from Australian Speedway. An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley, Working Class Productions, Lane Cove, NSW, 2004)

Sleepy with another trophy celebrates the win in 1984-85 with his daughter, Shay.
(From Open Wheel August, 1991)

Sleepy, with the inside front wheel hiking high in the air, holds the pole line while arch rival Ted Tracey has the outside line.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy was a popular driver at Western Springs, NZ. Here he poses with a young Kiwi fan in the pits 1984-85.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=yanks&action=display&thread=977)

Sleepy hard at it in the Lendich dub in 1984-85 season. The inside front wheel is lifting in a characteristic pose for the car.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy lifts a wheel in spectacular fashion while at speed at the Melbourne Speedbowl during the Australian leg of his visit down-under.
(http://members.optusnet.com.au/~speedbowl/Speedcars/Speedcars%20album%204.htm)

Sleepy running on the inside of New Zealander Maurice Cowling at Parramatta, 1984-85.
(Wayne Meyer photo from Speedway by the Freeway.An Illustrated History of Parramatta/Sydney Speedway by Tony Loxley. Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW)

Sleepy interacts with the Western Springs crowd as the Mobil Cosworth is pushed out for a start. Sleepy visited Auckland so many times that he became a “local” and a crowd favourite.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz)

Sleepy stepping out of his car after a flip at Parramatta Speedway in Sydney in 1986-87. At that time they ran winged midgets at Parramatta.
(https://www.facebook.com/FullThrottlePublishing/?ref=br_rs)

Not an unusual site in Auckland over Christmas/New Year. Sleepy displays the checkered flag as a winner.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy in the pits at the Springs in the Danny Lendich LTC Cosworth in the 1991-92 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz)

A fine action shot by Colin Irwin of Sleepy on the gas in 1991-92. Note the smoke coming of the outside rear tyre!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The American team for 1992-93 stop at a local Takeaway for a meal at the end of a racing night at Western Springs. From L to R: Sleepy Tripp, Robby Flock, Tony Elliott and Mark Passerrelli.
(From https://www.facebook.com/erin.tripp3)

The USA midget team parading in 1993-94. Jimmy Sills (#4) , Sleepy Tripp (#3) and Robbie Flock (#1).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz)

Graham Standring and Sleepy run side by side in a thrilling duel in the 1994-95 season. Graham became adept at running high uo on the cushion while Sleepy wsa specacular down on the pole line often wheel standing out of the corners.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy had another successful tour down-under in 1995-96 driving the Lendich car now in white livery.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy attaches the tearoffs to his helmet prior to racing at western Springs in the 1996-97 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sleepy on the gas in the Lendich Cosworth #3.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The USA midget team for the 1997-98 season. Sleepy Tripp (L), Tony Elliott (M) and Jimmy Sills (R).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Two legends together! Sleepy posing with his long-time car owner Danny Lendich.
(From https://www.facebook.com/joanna.lendich/photos)

Sleepy Tripp in the Danny Lendich Q3 Stealth/Gaerte.at Archerfield. Danny Lendich, in blue jeans, is leaning down beside the car.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/)

A very young Sleepy Tripp in his quarter midget ready for action.
(From Open Wheel August, 1991)

Sleepy (R) chatting with Johnny Parsons (L) at DuQuoin at the USAC midget show in 1975.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/215514448811640/)

A young Sleepy Tripp posing with his car – the sensation of 1975 USAC season.

Sleepy running at Salem in 1975. There were 15 different USAC midget feature winners during 1975 but Sleepy dominated the win tally.
(John Mahoney photo from http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/p272155385)

Sleepy looks happy in his first season on the USAC circuit.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/photos/)

Sleepy Tripp accepts the trophy at the final USAC midget promotion at the Speedromein May 1976.
(John Mahoney photo from https://www.facebook.com/mike.saligoe/photos)

At the mile DuQuoin track Sleepy’s luck ran out when he went through the fence. He was, however, unhurt and is seen here standing next to whats left of the fence.
(John Mahoney photo from http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/p272155385)

Sleepy Tripp at speed in the Silver Crown car at the Hulman Classic in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1976.
(https://www.facebook.com/richard.cordsen/photos)

Sleepy at full pace during the 1977 season on the USAC circuit.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/photos/)

Sleepy Tripp in 1977 at Roseville All-American Speedway as defending two-time USAC Midget Champion. He finished third in the1977 USAC Midget Championship behind Mel Kenyon and Johnny Parsons.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacksnell707/3215367251/lightbox/)

Fierce competitors Rich Vogler (#2) and Sleepy Tripp (#26) going at it at Haubstadt in May 1978.
(John Mahoney photo from http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/p272155385)

Sleepy with the hammer down at Terre Haute in 1979. Sleepy won four USAC midget feature wins during 1979 and finished fourth in the Championship behind Steve Lotshaw, Mel Kenyon and Rich Vogler.
(John Mahoney photo from http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/p272155385)

Sleepy running the George Middleton Silver Crown car (#55) in the 1979 Hoosier Hundred.
(John Mahoney photo from http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/p272155385)

Sleepy Tripp has the Middleton Silver Crown car (#55) really crossed up at DuQuoin in 1979.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/215514448811640/)

Sleepy at full pace during the 1980 season on the USAC circuit.
(From https://www.facebook.com/bryce.townsend.7)

Sleepy poses with his trophies after yet another win at Angell Park Speedway (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin) in 1981.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Sleepy in full flight during the 1981 USAC midget season.Over his career Sleepy won 59 USAC National Midget feature events.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Sleepy looks happy here in 1983, now on the USAC Western States Midget circuit. Sleepy kept racing on the USAC National Midget trail through until 1982. But the cost of racing was greater than the returns so he moved back to Costa Mesa and then drove part-time in the USAC Western States Championship (which began in 1982).
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/) )

Sleepy has the Zarounian VW (#1) down low on the track as he passes another competitor during 1984.
(https://www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets/)

Another great shot of Sleepy Tripp at Ascot Park Speedway in 1984.
(https://www.facebook.com/PerrisAutoSpeedway)

Here VW-mounted Sleepy (#67) is running on the inside of Brent Kaeding (#14) during the 1985 Turkey Night title at Ascot Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=420170614689242&set=o.111313448882608&type=3&theater)

Sleepy being interviewed after another win at Imperial Fairgrounds Raceway in 1985.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/354927457857321/)

Sleepy Tripp on the high side and Wally Pankratz down low. They would finish in this order behind winner Robby Flock in the November 1986 Quaker State Classic at Imperial Fairgrounds Raceway.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/310836562296272/)

Sleepy running hard in the Garry Zarounian Cosworth at Ascot Park in 1987.Sleepy won the USAC Western States Midget Championship for the third time in 1987.Over his career, Sleepy won 33 midget features at Ascot Park.
(From http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalezoom/2192800744/)

A neat great straightaway shot of Sleepy Tripp leading P.J. Jones (son of Parnelli Jones)in 1989. These two drivers became fierce rivals on the USAC Western States circuit.
( https://www.facebook.com/groups/354927457857321/)

Sleepy running hard during the 1989 running of the Quaker State Classic.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/310836562296272/)

Sleepy running the Danny Lendich Pontiac midget in the USA in 1991.
(From Open Wheel August, 1991)

Sleepy at speed in the Danny Lendich-owned Quinn and Quinn-sponsored LTC Pontiac. This photo was taken the night he became the winningest USAC Midget driver, with his 132nd victory at the Imperial Fairgrounds, California, May 4, 1991.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/310836562296272/)

A institution at the Belleville Nationals since the first year in 1978. Here’s the great Sleepy Tripp two time winner in a photo taken at Bellville in 1993.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/)

Sleepy on the throttle at the Belleville high banks during 1993.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454541841310445
&set=a.454535821311047.1073741852.100002638995695&type=3&theater)

Ron “Sleepy” Tripp in the Zarounian midget at Bakersfield Speedway, March 19, 1994.
(https://www.facebook.com/koriedad)

Sleepy in the pits chatting with Ronnie Day at Hanford in 1994.
(https://www.facebook.com/koriedad)

Sleepy with the Danny Lendich midget at the 1994 Belleville Nationals.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=464684710296158
&set=a.464634333634529.1073741871.100002638995695&type=1&theater)

Two old hands (and frequent down-under visitors) chat at the Belleville Nationals in 1994. Larry Rice (L) and Sleepy Tripp (R).
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=464641346967161
&set=a.464634333634529.1073741871.100002638995695&type=3&theater)

Sleepy in the pits at Stockton Speedway, California, in 2001.
(http://www.stockton99speedway.com/drivers/Midgets/
Midgets2002/Midget3.htm)

Sleepy Tripp signing photographs at RaceFest 2009 at Chicagoland Speedway. Sleepy is flancked by Donny Belcher (L) and Tom Sneva (R).
(http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.319288381724.148884.270440776724&type=3)

Shay (Sleepy’s daughter) (R) and Erin (L)pose with Sleepy’s photo as a background at Sleepy’s USAC Hall of Fame induction.
(https://www.facebook.com/erin.tripp3?fref=ts)

Born in the Chicago area, Rich was brought up around speedway. His father, Don, a carpenter and builder, was also a well respected midget driver who won the UARA Midget Championship in 1975 and 76. Don died in a midget accident at the Indy Speedrome in 1981. Rich and his sister raced quarter midgets from an early age; Rich began in 1959 when he was only nine years old. Rich began a serious racing career at nineteen in his father’s midget and in between races, like his father, he worked as a carpenter. As he improved, he got rides in other cars and his father reclaimed the seat in his own car. Rich won the NAMAR Midget Championship in 1973 and in 1975 he moved onto the USAC circuit. In 1978 he won the USAC Midget Championship driving for Doug Caruthers. He won the USAC Sprintcar Championship in 1980 driving for Don Seibert and won his second National Midget title the same year. He went on to win the USAC Midget Championship again in 1983, 1986 and 1988. In 1989, Rich teamed up with the Hoffman family and this collaboration resulted in them building a new sprintcar #69 powered by a Buick V6 motor. Rich went on to win his second USAC Sprintcar title in 1989 driving for the Hoffmans. Rich died at the age of 39 in 1990 at the paved half mile Salem Speedway (Illinois). He was leading the race in the Hoffman sprintcar when, coming to the white flag, he hit the outside wall while attempted to lap a car. The car crashed with enormous force and he died of head injuries at the scene. When a USAC race is discontinued, scoring reverts to the last completed lap and Rich was posthumously declared the winner. During his career, he scored 134 USAC feature wins (95 midget, 35 sprintcar and 4 silver crown wins) and won over 200 non-USAC midget races. He was inducted into the National Midget Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Sprintcar Hall of Fame in 1992. Rich was a confident, colourful and charismatic character with an aggressive driving style and was not always popular with his fellow competitors. He was certainly extremely successful, being the holder of the most track records in USAC competition and second on the all-time win list to A J Foyt. He had five starts at Indy from 1985-89 and his best finish was eighth in 1989. After years of frustration, struggling to gain a permanent Indy car drive, he turned his sights to NASCAR and had qualified for a start in a Winston Cup race at Pocono Raceway the same weekend he died in the sprintcar

Rich drove in NZ in the 1978-79, 79-80 87-88 and 80-81 seasons and won the World 30 lap Midget Championship in 1980. He was highly competitive and drove hard starring on some nights while on others the equally aggressive Sleepy Tripp or Barry B starred.

Rich poses with his crew (Ken Mullins to the right) at Western Springs on his 1978-79 visit to New Zealand.
(Photo from the Ken Mullins Collection)

Rich Vogler (#1) and Bobby Olivero (#2) out at practice at Western Springs Stadium 1978-79.
(Dion Mayson photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Rich Vogler (L) shakes hands with Bobby Olivero (R) after another win for Bobby in 1978-79 as well-known American car owner Red Carruthers stands beside Rich.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Rapid Rich Vogler (#2) leads Mike Ryan (#7) at Western Springs in the 1979-80 season.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=461369427209117&set=pb.100000081903272.
-2207520000.1352950322&type=3&theater)

Rich being interviewed for TVNZ by motor racing commentator Tony Palmer at a televised international meeting over Christmas in 1979-80.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21?fref=ts)

Rich Vogler practicing at the Sydney Showground Speedway during the 1979-80 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Larry Rice (#7) (with his back to the camera) chats with Rich Vogler (#2) at the Speedbowl in Melbourne.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/)

Rich Vogler (#2) has the inside front wheel hiking as he goes underneath Howard Revell (#98) at the Royale during the 1979-80 season.
(Bill Meyer photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

A fantastic shot from Bill Forsyth of Rich Vogler (#2) leading Howard Revell (#98) captured during the 1979-80 Speedcar international at the Sydney Royale.
(From https://www.facebook.com/anthony.loxley)

The American midget team in Australia for the 1979-80 season. Larry Rice (L), Sleepy Tripp (M) and Rich Vogler(R).
(Bill Meyer photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Rich Vogler practicing at Western Springs at the beginning of his NZ tour during 1980-81 season.
(From the Max Sefont collection)

The 1980-81 American sprintcar team in their Trostle-built cars at the Royale. JacHaudenschild (L), Rich Vogler(M) and Mike Brooks (R).
(David Cumming photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Rich Vogler (#10) and Aussie hero Garry Rush (#2) duke it out.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Rich posing with his midget at Western Springs on his 1987-88 visit to New Zealand.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Rich Vogler on his 1987-88 visit to New Zealand.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Rich in the pits posing at Western Springs for Alan Clark in 1987-88.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Rich (#2) chasing fellow American Sleepy Tripp (#3) in the 1987-88 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Rich accepts another trophy at the Indianapolis Speedrome during the 1973 season.
(John Mahoney photo from Full Tilt, the Motorsports Photography of John Mahoney. Witness Productions, Marshall, Indiana, 2004)

In the early days things didn’t always go right! Rich with a forlorn look in 1977 after mechanical problems put the family sprintcar out for the night.
(John Mahoney photo, from Full Tilt, The Motorsports Photography of John Mahoney. Witness Productions, Marshall, Indiana, 2004)

Rich in #5 racing with his Dad, Don Vogler, in midget #55, at Kokomo in 1980; both VW-powered.
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?
t=236178&page=59)

Charging on his way to the 1978 USAC Midget Championship in the Doug Caruthers-owned VW.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Rich poses with the Streicher VW in 1983 at Golden Gate Speedway, Florida.
(Steve Marderness photo from http://www.stevehardin.com/marderness.htm)

Rich after another win in the Streicher midget, this time on Memorial Day 1983.
(From https://www.facebook.com/mike.streicher.3?fref=photo)

Rich running in a USAC midget event in the Jonathan Byrd VW at Eldora Speedway, Ohio in 1985.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1848)

Here is Richat the Hut Hundred in 1986. Rich won the USAC Midget Championship in 1986 with Mel Kenyon second.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/photos/)

Rich Voglerin the pits in the fading light at Flemington Speedway during 1986.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/photos/)

Rich Vogler carrying #1in 1987 as current USAC Midget Champion. Here he is at the Springfield Mile. Rich finished second to Kevin Olson in the 1987 USAC Midget Championship.
(Bill Miller photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/)

Rich at speed in the Wilke Cosworth (#11) on the asphalt at the Milwaukee Mile during 1988. Rich won the USAC Midget Championship in 1988 driving the Wilke car.
(From https://www.flickr.com/photos/64200918@N02/5984909538/)

Rich poses with his Pepsi Cosworth-powered midget at the Indy Speedrome in 1988.
(Tom Reel photo from http://racestarpublications.com/past2.html)

Rich demonstrates how he sets up the Byrd midget back in the garage before he goes racing.
(From Open Wheel January, 1990)

Rich Vogleron the hammer at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in 1989.
(Greg Easley photo from https://www.facebook.com/greg.easley.5?fref=photo)

Rich Vogler at Devils Bowl in March 1990.
(Rudy Garcia photo http://www.richvoglerscholarship.org/Rich_Vogler_Scholarship/Pictures.html#29)

Rich Vogler (55) and Tom Bigelow (43) race wheel to wheel during the 1978 USAC event at Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, Pennsylvania.
(Lee Greenawalt Photo from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sprint-Car-Racing-Past-and-Present
/144477295591553?fref=photo)

Rich on his head in the Elder Cadillac sprintcar.
(http://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=27553&page=4)

Rich won the USAC Sprintcar Championship in 1980 driving for Don Siebert. Photographer, John Mahoney, caught this great action shot of Rich at Terre Haute that year.
(John Mahoney photo, from Full Tilt, The Motorsports Photography of John Mahoney. Witness Productions, Marshall, Indiana, 2004)

Rich at Terra Haute during 1980 in the Siebert sprintcar.
(From http://www.ebay.com/bhp/sprint-car-photo)

Rich carrying #1 on the Seibert/Vance sprintcar during the 1981 USAC season. Rich finished second in the 1981 championship.

Rich Vogler making adjustments to the Robert Seymour Silver Crown car (#2) he ran during 1982. The spare car can be seen in the pit area.
(From https://www.flickr.com/photos/56156044@N00/315101999/
in/pool-903022@N20/)

The unusual sight of Rich Vogler running a winged sprintcar at Port Royal in 1984.
(Ted Van Pelt photo from https://www.facebook.com/RacersTributePages?fref=photo)

Rich Vogler running the Damon Fortune-owned Coors Light sprintcar #39 in 1986. He finished fourth in the USAC Sprintcar Championship that year.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Rich working on his sprintcar at Port Royal in 1986.
(Ted Van Pelt photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/bantam10/2739009930/in/pool-903022@N20_)

Rich in action at Terre Haute in 1987. He finished second in the USAC Sprintcar Championship.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Rich with the Hoffman Racing crew at Winchester during 1989. He won the 1989 USAC Sprintcar Championship.
(From http://www.hoffmanracing.com/voglerarchive.htm)

Rich raced successfully in Silver Crown cars throughout his career. Her he is in the 1989 in the Tru Cut sposored car in which he won the Hulman Hundred.
(From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14717517@N05/3040552355)

Rich Vogler in July 1990 at Terre Haute. Not long after, he died in a crash at Salem Speedway in this car.
(From https://www.facebook.com/markmcntr?fref=photo)

Tribute to Rich Vogler.
(http://www.midwestracingarchives.com/2009_07_01_archive.html)

Born in 1952, Stan Fox grew up in Wisconsin. After graduating from with a Bachelors degree in marketing from Arizona State University in 1974 he purchased a midget and spare parts from Don Edmunds and went racing. His first race was an USRC race at Corona, California. He raced mainly in Wisconsin and was Badger Midget Auto Racing Champion in 1979. Since he began racing an Edmunds midget, and it was maintained by Edmunds Autoresearch, Stan negotiated to race an Edmunds-built formula Super Vee single seater as well. This gave him experience so he could try for an Indy Car ride. The motor for the Super Vee was supplied by Steve Lewis. In fact Stan hooked up with Steve in 1979 and won the first race, a USAC feature for the, now famous, #9 Lewis team at Anderson Speedway, Indiana. Over the next 16 years Stan drove midget cars on many occasions for Lewis. He finished fourth in the USAC Midget Championship in 1990 and 1991 but in later years he confined himself to running only major midget events. He won the Belleville Nationals in 1979 and 1980, Turkey Night in 1990 and 1991 and the Copper Classic in 1980, 1990 and 1993. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1995. Fox competed in the Indianapolis 500 eight times between 1987 and 1995 driving for A J Foyt and Ron Hemelgarn. His best finish was seventh place in his rookie year in 1991. Stan also competed in two Winston Cup races at Talladega and Michigan in 1992 driving the Mansion Motorsports Chev. Stan suffered severe head injuries in a near-fatal crash on the first lap of the 1995 Indy 500. While he never raced competitively again, he remained involved with the sport and started the non-profit organization “Friends of the Fox” to support people with head injuries. Each May he would take groups of head injury survivors to the Indianapolis 500, leading them on a tour of the pits and introducing them to drivers and celebrities.
Stan drove a midget in New Zealand in 1982-83, 87-88, 88-89, 89-90, 90-91 and 91-92. His ten tenths driving style made him a crowd favourite. He had nine midget feature wins to his credit at Western Springs. He raced against Barry B as part of the USA midget team in 1982-83 and was also racing in 1990-91 and 1991-92 when Barry returned to race in the midget division at Western Springs. Stan had someone dress up as a fox and cavort around on the infield while he was racing and this endeared himself to the kids and amused the adults. In fact, Stan was much more of a household name in New Zealand than the USA. He made many friends down under and after recovering from his 1995 crash he often visited them over the Christmas/New Year period. On his visit in 2000 he died in a head-on motor accident on the Desert Road, on State Highway One, near Waiouru. He was only 48 years old.

Stan Fox posing with the Steve Lewis VW at Ruapuna Park Speedway in 1982-83.
(From http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=4578826184695&set=o.376664865750040&type=1&theater)

A great action shot by Colin Irwin of Stan on the gas at Western Springs in 1982-83. This photograph won first prize in Class 8 at the 1983 Auckland Easter Show!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

1984-85 action at the Springs from the American visitors. Stan Fox (#9) and Sleepy Tripp (#3) running hard and both lifting their inside front wheels off the ground.
(From http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

Stan Fox in the 1987-88 season in the Wilke-owned Pontiac-powered midget (#71).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan Fox after another win at Western Springs in the 1987-88 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan Fox (R) poses with P J Jones (L) on their 1988-89 visit to Auckland.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan’s companion “the Fox” waves to the crowd as P J Jones in the blue track suit looks happy! Stan is obscured behind his furry friend!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan Fox in the Continental Airlines Beast Pontiac #98 during the 1989-90 international season at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Heres “the Fox” in 1989-90 who accompanied Stan Fox on his racing trips to New Zealand. A number of different people donned the Fox suit including, at one time, double NZ Midget Champion Eddie James.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan raced in the American team again in the 1990-91 season, this time driving the yellow #38. Here he is on the inside of Graham Standring #72.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Local driver John Mills (#11) leads Stan Fox (#5) at the Melbourne Speedbowl during Stan’s visit to Australia in the 1986-87 season.
(http://members.optusnet.com.au/~speedbowl/Speedcars/
Speedcars%20album%201.htm)

“Stompin Stan Fox”, as he became known, poses as the current 1979 BMARA Midget Champion.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Great pals on and off the track pose together in sister cars on the USAC circuit in 1980. Stan Fox (L) and Kevin Olsen (R). Both drivers visited New Zealand during the 1980’s.
(Dick Wallen Collection from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory, by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Stan Fox at Terre Haute in 1980. He was already becoming a star on the USAC circuit.
(Photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Stan Fox at Rocky Mountain Speedway in 1982 running hard in #9.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1374)

Stan in the Steve Lewis #9 leads Larry Rice in the Shannon Buick #9 at Terre Haute in 1983.
(From http://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?
t=27553&page=4)

Stan Fox behind the wheel of the Steve Lewis Beast Gaerte in 1991.
(Mike Arthur photo from Open Wheel, June, 1992)

Stan was equally adept on paved tracks as he was on dirt. For example, he won the Copper Classic at Phoenix International Raceway three times.
(http://www.nineracing.com/media/gallery)

Stan Fox being introduced to the crowd at the 1990 Quaker State Classic at Imperial Speedway, California.
(From https://www.facebook.com/search/1394015483/photos-by)

Here is Stan in full flight in the Lewis car at Imperial Speedway, California, in 1992 shortly after he set the all-time Midget single lap record at the track.
(From https://www.facebook.com/search/1394015483/photos-by)

Bellville 1992 and Stan seems particularly interested in the trophy girl!
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=395170300587541&
set=gm.603503629690471&type=1&theater)

Stan raced in the USAC Silver Crown cars with success. Here he is running hard in the Garry Runyon-owned car (#9) in 1991.
(From http://www.flickr.com/photos/14717517@N05/2802172313/)

After starting ninth in the 1995 Indy 500, Fox went low into the first turn on the first lap of the race and spun. His car connected with that of Eddie Cheever and several other cars were involved in the wreck. The entire front nose cone was ripped from the car leaving the driver’s legs exposed. Fox suffered serious head injuries during the crash and never raced again.

Stan Fox in the pits at Western springs during the 1996-97 season posing with Australian midget driver Craig Brady.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Stan Fox at Belleville in 2000 selling photos of his bad wreck at Indy. All proceeds went to his “Friends of the Fox” – head injury support group.
(From http://www.mmracingphotos.com/tributes.html)

Born in 1971, Jeff was initially raised in Vallejo, California. He was introduced to speedway racing at an early age by his stepfather John Bickford and at five years of age he began racing quarter midgets. At the age of eight he won the National Quarter Midget Championship and at nine he moved on to also race go-karts. In 1980, he won his second quarter midget championship and was racing in the adult class in go-karts. At 13 years of age he had won nearly 500 races and then began racing sprintcars across in Florida. Between 1985 and 1989 Jeff attended high school and during this period his family relocated to the Midwest (Pittsboro, Indiana) where speedway racing flourished. Jeff raced nights and most weekends thus honing his racing skills on the Midwest bullrings while still at school. At the age of 16, Jeff received his USAC racing license. After graduating from school he became a full time race driver. Indeed, in 1989, at about the time of his high school graduation, he ran fourth in a World of Outlaws sprintcar main in Bloomington, Indiana. A few weeks later he won a USAC sprintcar feature at Florence Speedway, Kentucky in the Winterbothan car #6. One week later, he was in Rollie Helmling’s midget and won the prestigous “Night Before the 500” at IRP in front of a live ESPN TV audience. He finished fifth in the 1989 USAC Midget Championship and was Rookie of the Year. At 19, he won the 1990 USAC Midget Championship driving for Rollie Helmling. In 1991 he won the USAC Silver Crown Championship driving Fred Ede’s M&L Plumbing entry #4. In 1990 he also began his stockcar career in the NASCAR Busch series driving for Hugh Connerty in the Outback Steakhouse #67. In 1991, as well as racing Silver Crown cars, he had 30 starts in the Busch Grand National division driving for Bill Davis in a Ford Thunderbird and was named Rookie of the Year. By 1993, Jeff had signed with Rick Hendrick to become a full time Winston Cup NASCAR driver in the rainbow coloured #24 Dupont Chevrolet. 1993 was his first full season in Winston Cup and he won the Rookie of the Year award. He won the Winston Cup Championship in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001 and is now classed as a veteran in the sport as well as a shrewd businessman with a net worth of over $150 million. Jeff was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Jeff raced in Auckland in the 1988-89 season in John Rae’s imported sprintcar. He raced at both Western Springs and on the Meremere highbank track. Jeff was faster than any of the locals. Barry B was in the Alach sprintcar and raced him on both tracks. Although Barry was one of the top locals he couldn’t stay with Jeff who was certainly in a more modern and faster sprintcar. Jeff raced successfully in Australia three times. In 1986-87 he raced in the World Sprintcar championship at Claremont, in 1988-89 he raced a midget at Claremont and in 1989-90 he raced Dennis Farr’s sprintcar at Parramatta.

Jeff runs the John Rae sprintcar around the Western Springs track early in the evening.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Jeff is introduced to the Western Springs crowd on the back of the Mercury Motors push truck.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Jeff Gordon leads local hero Kerry Jones at the Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Jeff at Western Springs racing the Noel Goodwin sprintcar (#77).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

A 15 year old Jeff Gordon holds a Kangaroo as Danny Lasoski looks on prior to practice for the World Sprintcar Championship at Claremont in 1987. It was their first appearances in Australia.
(Peter French photo from Australian Speedway: An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley, Working Class Productions, Lane Cove, NSW, 2004)

The USA speedcar team in 1988 at Claremont Speedway were Kevin Olsen (L) and Jeff Gordon (R ). Promoter, Con Migro is about to introduce then to the crowd.
(Brad Clayton photo from Full Throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009, by Tony Loxley, Renniks Publications, Banksmeadow, NSW, 2009)

George Tatnell (C) winner of the international feature at the Newcastle Motordrome poses with placegetters Jeff Gordon (L) and Danny Smith (R).
(Bill Meyer photo, from Australian Speedway An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley, Working Class Production, Sydney)

Jeff poses with his quarter midget in the early 1980’s as his stepfather John Bickford looks on.
(From http://jeffgordon.com/aboutjeff/)

Jeff`raced on many tracks in Indiana over the period 1986-1989 while he was at secondary school and that is where he honed his skills as a sprintcar driver. Here he is at Haubstadt, Indiana in 1987 as a 16 year old.
(From http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalezoom/2218227164/lightbox/)

In 1989 Jeff also won his first USAC midget feature at Indianapolis Raceway Park in the Rollie Helmling Beast #4 in front of a live ESPN TV audience.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Jeff Gordon running in the McBride Schoff sprintcar at the 1989 Knoxville Nationals on the World of Outlaws circuit. In 1989 Jeff graduated from high school and became a full time professional speedway driver.
(From http://www.hoseheadforums.com/forumDU.cfm?ThreadID=44973)

Jeff receives the winner’s trophy after winning the 1990 Bellville Midget Nationals.
(From http://www.stevehardin.com/highbanksmuseum.htm)

Midget car owner Rollie Helmling (L) stands with Jeff Gordon, trophy girl and ex-driver Bobby Wente after winning the feature at Granite City during 1990.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Jeff also drove Silver Crown cars. In 1990 he drove the #35 and finished fifth in the USAC Championship.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Jeff is ready to go midget racing at the 1990 California Midwinter Fair USAC meeting.
(From https://www.facebook.com/search/1394015483/photos-by)

Jeff celebrates the win in Fred Ede’s M&L Plumbing Silver Crown car #4 at Phoenix International Raceway in 1991. He went on to win the 1991 USAC Silver Crown Championship.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

Jeff is congratulated on his win in the 1991 Hulman Hundred by the legendary A J Foyt.
(John Mahoney photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

In 1991 Jeff was NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year driving for Bill Davis Racing. Jeff also drove for Bill Davis in the Busch series in 1992.
(From http://ritaren.tripod.com/facts.html)

As seen from the cover of Winston Cup Illustrated, Jeff’s first Winston Cup win came at the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte, North Carolina in 1994. That year he also won the inaugural Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(From https://store.scenedaily.com/nascar-illustrated/
single-issues/august-1994-winston-cup-illustrated)

The Dupont “Rainbow Warriors” go to work changing wheels and refuelling in a pit stop.
(From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Gordon)

Still a force to be reckoned with in the Dupont Chevrolet #24 in NASCAR in 2012. Jeff is a veteran of the division at the age of only 41.
(From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jeff_Gordon,_2012_
Kobalt_Tools_400.jpg)

Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr was born January 16, 1935 in Houston, Texas and began driving midgets in the mid 50’s. He graduated from the USAC midget division in 1957 and began driving sprintcars, silver crown cars and Indy roadsters. He still occasionally competed in midgets. He was successful in all USAC divisions and won the Indianapolis 500 in 1961 and 1964 in front-engined, offenhauser-powered roadsters. He quickly adapted to the new rear engined cars and won the Indy 500 again in 1967 and 1977. He, in fact, competed in the Indy 500 each season between 1957 and 1992. AJ raced in the USAC and NASCAR stockcar divisions. He won 7 major NASCAR races including the 1972 Daytona 500. He was 1960 USAC Sprintcar Champion, 1972 USAC Silver Crown Champion, 1968, 78 and 79 USAC Stockcar Champion, USAC National Champion in 1960, 61, 63, 64, 67, 75 and 79 and IROC Champion in 1975-76 and 76-77. He holds the USAC all-time record of winning a total of 138 feature events. Foyt also raced sports cars and had a brief foray into Can-Am racing in 1966. In long-distance events, he won the Daytona 24 hour race in 1983 and 1985, the Sebring 12 hour race in 1985 (all with co-driver Bob Wollek) and the 1967 Le Mans 24 hour race in a Ford GT 40, Mk IV (with co-driver Dan Gurney). Once AJ retired from driving in 1993, he continued his involvement in motor racing as a team owner in CART, IRL and more recently NASCAR. As a team owner, he won the 1996 IRL Championship (Scott Sharp), the 1998 IRL Championship (Kenny Brack) and the 1999 Indy 500 (Kenny Brack). Now in his late 70’s AJ continues to actively run his IRL team. During his racing career, he was involved in many accidents. The two most notable were in a NASCAR stockcar at Riverside in 1965 where he sustained severe chest injuries, a broken back and fractured ankle and in a CART race at Elkhart Lake in 1990 when he suffered serious injuries to his legs and feet. Foyt is considered as the greatest American driver to originate from a speedway heritage although Parnelli Jones, Mario Andretti and Tony Stewart would run him close. He was inducted into the National Midget Hall of Fame in 1988, the National Sprintcar Hall of Fame in 1990, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1989, NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers List in 1998 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000. As a driver, AJ was known as a highly talented, very competitive, confident, tough and irrepressible character.

Foyt drove VW-powered midgets in Australasia in the 1974-75 and 75-76 seasons. In 74-75 he drove for 3-K Racing alongside Mel Kenyon and in 75-76 he drove a car owned by his good friend Ziggy Snider. Barry B raced against him in Auckland in both seasons. In the first season he was still sorting out the Bruin VW (#14) and in the second he drove brother Max’s Mazda-powered #12. Neither car was fully competitive with the imported Autocraft-engined VW midgets so a showdown between SuperTex and Crunchie never really eventuated. Although Foyt was super-fast in the VW midgets, he usually could only just stay with midget specialist, Mel Kenyon. Nevertheless, his presence down-under greatly increased and improved the profile of speedway racing among the general public.

(a) AJ dons his helmet ready to take the 3K VW out for hot laps at Liverpool City Raceway in the 1974-75 season, (b) at speed in the dub during the hot lap session and (c) racing at Liverpool on the inside of offy-mounted Jack Porritt.
(David Cumming photos, from Liverpool City Raceway, Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Thottle Publications, NSW and LRP and photo from Australian Speedway: An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley, Working Class Productions, Lane Cove, NSW, 20)

AJ, sitting on the rear tyre of Larry Rice’s car, poses with Rice at Liverpool City Raceway in 1974-75.
(From Sideways in the Swinging 70s. Speedway Superstars, Chevron Publishing, Lane Cove, NSW)

AJ with his foot to the floor in the Snider VW at Western Springs in 1975-76.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

AJ takes the chequered flag for a lap of honour after another win at Te Marua Speedway.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=398433623597090&
set=pb.210442445729543.-2207520000.1386057856.&type=3&theater)

George Tatnell in the offenhauser-powered “Winfield Wedge” (#4) kept AJ at bay for much of the 1976 Australian Speedcar Grand Prix at Liverpool Raceway before his tyres ran low on rubber. AJ went on to win in the Snider VW.
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. More of The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2012)

AJ made his debut on the USAC midget circuit in 1956 and finished in 21st position in the championship in the 1957 season in his Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser (above). It was an unspectacular beginning to the career of one who many consider to be the best there has ever been.
(Armin Krueger photo, from United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, 2006)

AJ helps push the Bowes Seal Fast offenhauser-powered sprintcar onto the track in 1962.
(Bob Trolone photo from The American dirt Track Racer by Joe Scalzo, MBI Publishing, 2001)

In 1970 while leading the USAC dirt car race at DuQuoin, Illinois, AJ got into the wall while lapping a slower car and rolled – his only flip in a dirt car.
(Jim Chini photo, from Roar of the Sixties. American Championship Racing by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallen Productions, Glendale, Arizona)

(a) AJ runs hard in the 1968 Sacramento 100 mile race in an offenhauser-powered dirt car, (b) AJ at speed again in an offy-powered dirt car and (c) in the Sheraton Thompson ford twin-cam dirt car.
(Bob Trolone photo from The American dirt Track Racer by Joe Scalzo, MBI Publishing, 2001, Bob Trolone photo from The American dirt Track Racer by Joe Scalzo, MBI Publishing, 2001 Al Consoli photo, from www.stevehardin.com/alconsoli.htm)

AJ adapted quickly to the rear-engined revolution and won two more Indy 500 races. (a) AJ sits in the Sheraton Thompson Coyote as winner of the 1967 Indy 500 winner, (b) AJ in the 1977 Indy 500 winning car and (c) AJ waves to the crowd in his last drive in 1993.
(From www.foytracing.com)

AJ Foyt today. Now in his late 70’s as a racecar team owner in the IRL.
(http://indysportsreport.com/2013/04/a-j-foyt-recovering-from-back-surgery/)