My first Unlimited Sportsman Race.
After racing in the Amateur Division for two years, we decided it was time to move up to the Sportsman class.We scraped enough money to buy a crankshaft assembly that was stroked with pistons that were as large we dare use. We bought a used Cam from Bill Meyers and were ready to go. There was a Grand National at Wilson Fairgrounds that was a Double Header. Back then Big Bill would run a Sportsman and GN race on the same day. Grand Nationals were supposed to be close to Strickly Stock, No engine modifications. were allowed. The great thing was that we got to practice at the same time as the GNs. The Amateur engine that I had been using was a 1948 100 horse Mercury. The new Sportsman Engine more than likely developed 150/160 HP. I felt like I was King of The World. While we were out on the track practicing I was amazed at the acceleration I had until Lee Petty passed me in his 6 cylinder Plymouth. He later went on to finish second behind Herb Thomas in a Hudson Hornet.
Great story Jim !I did a little quick research, and it looks like this must have been September 28th, 1952. In the Grand National race that day only 10 of the 22 starters finished the race with most dropping out with axle, spindle, and steering problems.Do you remember much about the track conditions for your race that day?Jack
It was our (Sportsman)fault we dug up the track in 50 laps. There was about 40 Sportman. Dumb me, I did not change my long Pitman Arm that I used at Bowman Gray. It hit the dirt as I was going through a hole (there were many of them) and it tore off.Later when Joe Weatherly stated promoting Wilson it was kept in much better shape.He was a great promoter, he was a drivers promoter.
Jim,I'm really happy you heard my comments at the TD Club and joined us. I can tellyour stories are and will add much to the understanding of the sport as it was...and in many ways...still should be.Guys like you and Jack Walker bring to life the historical color that make those glorious days and nights live again.If NASCAR could have simply kept the original concepts in place, with the safety modifications they've madated, we'd see something far more entertaining than now. And, I'm not really down on what the shows are like now...they were just more "real" and throroughly enjoyable back then.Mostly, the men who did the engine building, fabrication, pit work and the drivers who were strong enough to wrestle 4,000 pounds of steel, rubber and glass through sometimes torturous track conditions were those we're all applauding again. I doubt the majority of these "young studs" have any real idea of what it was like.Jim