All Roads Lead To Vallejo
My efforts at a race track started in 1962. An A. M. A. Sportsman class flat track rider in Richmond, California.
In 1963 I connected with Ken Gandy and Dave Logan. The three of us worked for the same employer. I started pitting for Gandy in 1964 and became hooked. In 1964/65, Dave Logan, Ken Gandy, Jerry Gandy and myself ran two Destruction Derby’s. The first year we could only field three cars, so a wrecker in Concord actually rented us a “51” Olds for $15.00. The next day we had to return it!!
Pitting for Gandy was pivotal in my abilities at both car building and driving.
In 1968 I fielded my own car, #74, which I progressively improved over the next two years of 1969 & 1970. Engine, carburetion, Championship rear end, etc. The car was totally independent of the body. The shot you have is missing the firewall. The firewall was made of sheet metal, pop riveted to a framework that was welded to the roll cage. The floorboards were also sheet metal, tack welded to the chassis "x" member.
The body was a totally gutted, doors and trunk lid all welded together. 4 guys and 6 bolts later the body was lifted up and walked backwards onto the chassis.
I was scheduled to show case the car @ intermission, (less) the body the week we struck the track. We didn't make it to intermission!
My efforts at a race track started in 1962. An A. M. A. Sportsman class flat track rider in Richmond, California.
In 1963 I connected with Ken Gandy and Dave Logan. The three of us worked for the same employer. I started pitting for Gandy in 1964 and became hooked. In 1964/65, Dave Logan, Ken Gandy, Jerry Gandy and myself ran two Destruction Derby’s. The first year we could only field three cars, so a wrecker in Concord actually rented us a “51” Olds for $15.00. The next day we had to return it!!
Pitting for Gandy was pivotal in my abilities at both car building and driving.
In 1968 I fielded my own car, #74, which I progressively improved over the next two years of 1969 & 1970. Engine, carburetion, Championship rear end, etc. The car was totally independent of the body. The shot you have is missing the firewall. The firewall was made of sheet metal, pop riveted to a framework that was welded to the roll cage. The floorboards were also sheet metal, tack welded to the chassis "x" member.
The body was a totally gutted, doors and trunk lid all welded together. 4 guys and 6 bolts later the body was lifted up and walked backwards onto the chassis.
I was scheduled to show case the car @ intermission, (less) the body the week we struck the track. We didn't make it to intermission!
In 1969, Areta Ellis, wife of the owner/driver Earl Ellis, drove my car in that year’s Powder Puff. She won, hands down, by almost a lap!
In 1971, I brought out the #50 car. It was way ahead of the curve and took a couple of weeks to dial in, but it was worth this effort. The rule committee wasn't sure that all of the changes were legal. We passed.
In 1971, with SF 49ers Alvin Randolf driving, we won the Raiders/49ers race off and became the over all champ in the #50 car.
I contract drove for Steven Nuss in 1971, in a Perry built car. Several weeks later, I went back to my #50 car and promptly lost the engine.
Ken Gandy, was now driving the Mahoney Sprinter in place of the late Dave Logan. Ken owned the Florke built #4 car. He let me drive it for about 3 weeks so I could stay in the points hunt while I rebuilt my engine.
In 1971, I brought out the #50 car. It was way ahead of the curve and took a couple of weeks to dial in, but it was worth this effort. The rule committee wasn't sure that all of the changes were legal. We passed.
In 1971, with SF 49ers Alvin Randolf driving, we won the Raiders/49ers race off and became the over all champ in the #50 car.
I contract drove for Steven Nuss in 1971, in a Perry built car. Several weeks later, I went back to my #50 car and promptly lost the engine.
Ken Gandy, was now driving the Mahoney Sprinter in place of the late Dave Logan. Ken owned the Florke built #4 car. He let me drive it for about 3 weeks so I could stay in the points hunt while I rebuilt my engine.
Late in the 71 season, I was part of the group that boycotted the track, I.e. George Acree. That was the end of my Vallejo career.
Shortly after I changed employers and moved to S. Lake Tahoe, CA.
In 1973/74 I connected with an owner at Carson City Nevada Asphalt, a ¼ mile speedway. I drove for him for 2 years in a super modified with limited carburetor requirements. We also campaigned the car at Hangtown Speedway, Placerville, California ¼ mile dirt. We were never in the points hunt, but, did moderately well financially.
At the end of the 1974 season the owner sold the car. I lost the ride.
Of all of the tracks I've been to or on, as a pitman or driver, nothing comes close to Vallejo Speedway.
The Vallejo group is a finite group of B.A.R.A members, fans and officials . I consider myself to be very fortunate to belong.
I was in the North Bay in 1983 and I had to go look. I was stunned. The track was still there, it was in a state of disrepair and littered with debris. I actually drove the track, dodging “stuff”. I was driving a 1982 Toyota. A Toyota did’t belong there, race cars only! I had a good run, Thanks Vallejo!
Always Sideways,
Lear Minehart
P.S. Muffled cars suck!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shortly after I changed employers and moved to S. Lake Tahoe, CA.
In 1973/74 I connected with an owner at Carson City Nevada Asphalt, a ¼ mile speedway. I drove for him for 2 years in a super modified with limited carburetor requirements. We also campaigned the car at Hangtown Speedway, Placerville, California ¼ mile dirt. We were never in the points hunt, but, did moderately well financially.
At the end of the 1974 season the owner sold the car. I lost the ride.
Of all of the tracks I've been to or on, as a pitman or driver, nothing comes close to Vallejo Speedway.
The Vallejo group is a finite group of B.A.R.A members, fans and officials . I consider myself to be very fortunate to belong.
I was in the North Bay in 1983 and I had to go look. I was stunned. The track was still there, it was in a state of disrepair and littered with debris. I actually drove the track, dodging “stuff”. I was driving a 1982 Toyota. A Toyota did’t belong there, race cars only! I had a good run, Thanks Vallejo!
Always Sideways,
Lear Minehart
P.S. Muffled cars suck!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Lear, great stuff!
