The Dragon Brothers of Milton, Vermont

      Arguably, no two brothers have had a larger role in the history of Vermont stock car racing than Hall-of-Famer Harmon "Beaver" Dragon" and his younger brother Robert "Bobby" Dragon. Absolutely no one has had more to do do with the history of Catamount Stadium than these two, because of their hometown ties to the track, their longevity, and their myriad accomplishments. I would put Beaver ahead of Bob in the aspect of state history only because he is older and raced at more of the older, formative tracks than did his younger brother. Beaver's career has spanned almost five decades.

Harmon "Beaver" Dragon

Photos of a Long Career

 
Photo Courtesy of the Bourgeois Family
["It takes a village ..."] Beaver with supporting Milton townspeople Arthur Pratt, John Bourgeois, and Keith Lombard. The car was the first of Beaver's rides.


Photo Courtesy of the Bourgeois Family

The first race car, at the John Bourgeois garage.


Photo Courtesy of the Bourgeois Family

A young Beaver Dragon poses with Jackie Bourgeois, daughter of the car owner. This is the 1938 Buick that became his first race car.


Photo Courtesy of Cho Lee

An Otter Creek Speedway heat is green flagged by starter Archie Blackadar. Beaver is the white coupe.

 


Photo Courtesy of Cho Lee

Beaver can be seen moving up to second place in this Otter Creek Speedway heat.


ACT Office Archives Photo
via Cho Lee

Beaver has graduated to a 1955 Ford. This one is probably at T-Road.


ACT Office Archives Photo
via Cho Lee

Beaver scores wins at Northeastern Speedway and T Road in the car as #7a and then as 70 - when NASCAR made him lose the A .


Dragon Family Collection

The 55 Ford, kept at Louie Peltier's house -
just down the hill from Beaver's .

 
Dragon Family Collection

 Beaver's B class win at Thunder Road, before the track was under NASCAR .

 

Dragon Family Collection

The 55 Ford did not
always have a dependable power plant, as evidenced here at T Road and at Catamount in the next shot .

Courtesy of Cho Lee

 Beaver's car shows smoke at Catamount early in the 1965 season,


 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

 Beaver's car, now 70,
takes green behind NY drivers Jim LaFountaine [eventual champion] and Joe Bruno. This was opening day at Catamount Stadium.

 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

 Beaver's car, now 70,
lined behind behind Swanton drivers Ray Many [4] and Maurice [P2} Trahan .

 

 


Dragon Family Collection

The team decided to employ the skills of Ernie Preiss to build a sportsman. This Falcon was their first version. It ran in 1966,and was wrecked at Lebanon Valley. 

 

Dragon Family Photo

 Beaver takes checkers from Bob Quinn in the Falcon.

 

Dragon Family Photo

 Beaver takes checkers from Bob Quinn in the Falcon before a packed house.

 

Dragon Family Photo

 Beaver and Johnny Bourgeois look over the Falcon as it sits, embeddded in the front of a Canadian coupe.

 

Dragon Family Photoe

 With the demise of the Falcon, Beaver and Co. looked at this Norm Cyr sportsman coupe to replace it.

 

Photo Courtesy of Lloyd & Greg Gilbert

The John Bourgeois - owned #7 Coupe, 1967. 

 

Dragon Family Collection

John Bourgeois' job at Catamount allowed for some privatge practice sessions with the new car. One decision made was to lose the snub nose GMC truck hood for more air.

 

Dragon Family Collection

Beaver talks to a photographer with the coupe in the background at Catamount.

Photo Courtesy of the John Bourgeois Family

The Bourgeois Texaco #7 is almost ready to go. Ernie and Beaver, with John in the background. Note the sunb nose hood is gone.

Beaver Coupe.JPG (103965 bytes)


Photo Courtesy of the John Bourgeois Family

The upset Catamount Stadium victory with the #7. The car was only a sportsman among modifieds - and Beaver was the first Vermonter to win in that division at Catamount.  

Dragon Family Collection

Beaver receives a trophy for Sportsman points champion from a smartly-dressed Bob Doyle.

 
 

Photo Courtesy Cho Lee

Beaver and Bob [far left] look on as the Milton Fire dept. arrives to hose down the remains of the Ray Forte sportsman coupe. Their suits are like Beaver's in the photo at left.

ACT Office Archives Photo

Beaver walks away from a crash scene as Russ Ingerson rolls away a tire lost from someone's car. Third driver is unidentified. Same era as shots at left.

 

 

Dragon Family Colllection

One more shot of same car. 

.

Dragon Family Colllection

More shots of the snub - nose verson of the car at Johnny's garage. Beavers' house is visible in the far distance.

 

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Last in that series of shots

Dragon Family Colllection

Beaver went back to the Flying Tiger division after the coupe win. He is seen here with one of his earliest Flying Tigers, the Blake - Devarney Ford from Georgia, VT

  

 

Paul Michaud Photo

Beaver, with the Blake/Devarney car in 1968.


  

Photo Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Same car , another year.

 

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Blake Store advertised on side at Catamount 


 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

Beaver leads a race at Catamount at that time when his win streak seemed unbreakable.

  

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Beaver paces as Howie Beaupre watches the Blake crew fuss over an overheating Ford. 

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Celebrating the Tiger version of the Governor's Cup with the Blake boys and an unidentified crew member. 

 

Bob Frazier Photo
Dragon Family Colllection

During this time Beaver was doing double duty, driving this ex - Russ Shaw car for Ray Richards. 

 
Courtesy of Neal Davis

 
Beaver lines up the former Taggart 43  with Wes Moody, Vince Quenneville and others. This around 1968.


Bob Frazier Photo
Dragon Family Colllection

Ray Richards had  another coupe built - set up similar to the former Taggart 43 coupe. 


Bob Frazier Photo
Dragon Family Collection

Beaver soon landed the Moto Ski sponsorship. 
 
 

Dragon Family Photo

When Devil's Bowl was paved in 1970, Richards converted the coupe for asphalt and they ran at  the Boewl and at Airborne while Beaver and Bob were in self-exile from Catamount.

 
 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

 
Beaver, in front of an unidentified Flying Tiger [not his].
 

Photo Courtesy of Rich Palmer -

At Airborne. 

 

Photo Courtesy of John Grady -

This tremendously significant photo shows the melding of two Vermont Hall-of-Famers: Vince Quenneville, Sr. driving Beaver Dragon's Devil's Bowl coupe. The two shared a bond as truck drivers.

 

Bob Frazier Photo
Dragon Family Colllection

Another shot of the Moto Ski car in the Devil's Bowl pits. Bobby [backlground] is distracting the Ellis brothers.


Bob Frazier Photo
Dragon Family Colllection

Another shot of the Moto Ski car in the Devil's Bowl pits.


Ladabouche Colllection

Featured on the D Bowl program in the same era.


Ladabouche Collection
Burlington Free Press Photo
This comes from that same era. Bob, Jack Dubrul, and Beaver pose in front of Bob's pavement mod at Airborne.


Ladabouche Photo

When he returned from the D Bowl exile, Beaver had few prospects in Catamount's new late model sportsman scene. Beaver ran this Ford out of Hancock, VT


Ladabouche Collection
Beaver's stint with Paul Norton's 04 was not great. The car, while too heavy, did have a Holman Moody power plant.

Courtesy of Chris Companion

A group of Miltonians, including Paul Robar and Herb Everest bought the legendary 51 Chevelle of Russ Ingerson to make Beaver competitive. It didn't.


Dragon Family Colllection

There were a few more flags, but there were far more blown engines and spins off the track.

Ladabouche Photo


Dragon Family Colllection

Beaver expressed amazement at how Russ Ingerson could make the car behave. After the '72 season - it would go [away].

 


Dragon Family Colllection

Paul Robar [B&R Motors] and Herb Everest had a better car built for the 1973 season.

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Beaver wouldn't have to artificially pose with a checkered flag for long - he won the first two races in the 1973 season.

 

Dragon Family Colllection

Showing the wear and tear of the 1973, 5 track season.

Dragon Family Collection

Beaver's newly-built Country Dollar Chevelle on its maiden voyage at Catamount in 1973.  


Dragon Family Collection

Beaver poses with the first Paul Robar / Herb Everest - owned Chevelle at Devil's Bowl. He has picked up a local sponsor in Butch Rogers here. 

 
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
Proudly posing on the track at Catamount with brand new car. He was even prouder after winning.
 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The only thing that remained from the Ingerson purchase was Ed Pelletier's hauler.

 
Courtesy of Rich Palmer
The Country Dollar car Hollar.
 
 
L. A. West Photo
More of same.

Courtesy of Rich Palmer

This is likely after the first feature win at Catamount in 1973. Crewmen John Merrick, Randy Carey, and Doug MacLeod. Doug didn't stop smiling for about three hours.
 


Ladabouche Photos
1974 version of same car. 
 
 
Ladabouche Photo
Win #2 1973 - Devil's Bowl.
 
 
 
 
Courtesy of Jim Watson
Beaver, at speed with the first Chevelle.

 
Ladabouche Photos
1974 version of same car.  



 
Denis LaChance Photo
1974 version coming into pits at T Road.


Ladabouche Photo
   
 
Bob Mackey Photo
via Dave Brown
The well - used '64 Chevelle, at Airborne in 1973.

Bob Mackey Photo
via Dave Brown
 1973 pose at Devil's Bowl. Below - at the 1973 Airborne banquet.



 
 
Dragon Family Photo
Next, they bought a Bobby Allison - built '68 Chevelle. 

Dragon Family Collection -

The Allison-built 1968 Chevelle, bought out of Alabama in 1975.

Dragon Family Collection 

The Allison-built 1968 Chevelle still retained the Country Dollar sponsorship.


Courtesy of Andy Boright
The Country Dollar era. Slight change in lettering.

 

 

 
Courtesy of Jim Watson
The Country Dollar era. Sponsor Charlie Barsalow allowed the 75 team to get in the circuit on a competitive level. 

 

 

Dragon Family Collection -

One of the all - time great things I ever lettered onto a stock car.

 

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The switch over to Vermont Mack sponsorship was significant.

 
 
Dragon Family Collection
The Vermont Mack Chevelle, at Sanair in 1976.
  

Norman Morley Photo -

The Vermont Mack Chevelle, in the Catamount pits,
in the evening.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The Vermont Mack Nova, purchased from Mike Laughlin, put Beaver among drivers with the very best equipment.

 

Bob Doyle Photo -

The Laughlin-built Nova, one of Beaver's best cars.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The Vermont Mack team became the envy of the circuit, with its great equipment and generous sponsor.

 
 

Dragon Family Collection -

A very snazzy Vermont Mack hauler takes on the new car to go to the car show, which they won.

 

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The bad wreck at Oxford in the car's first race.

 
 

Dragon Family Collection -

More of the wreck at Oxford in the car's first race.



 
Ladabouche Photo

Bulldog Country was a very welcome place for Beaver to be during those years.  
 

Dragon Family Collection -

The road wasn't always smooth.

 
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

Another pose with the
Nova.
 
 
Ladabouche Photo

Unloading at the Zayres car show in 1977. They co - won the show with Barcomb [another car I lettered].
 

 
Courtesy of Andy Boright

In the Vermont Mack era. 
 
Courtesy of Andy Boright

A great shot of the Vermont Mack crew. 


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The VT Mack hauler
and the Laughlin car.

  

Dragon Family Collection -

The Vermont Mack Nova had a good run and was later sold to Pete Silva, of Waterville, Maine.

  

Dragon Family Collection -

The next ride was the Chadore 32 from Quebec.

  

Dragon Family Collection -

The Chadore car at Dover Downs, with Richard Petty in the background.

  

Courtesy of Cho Lee -

The Chadore car looked good and the crew worked hard, but it was a dog.

 

Courtesy of Cho Lee -

Quint Boisvert was a former motorcycle racer who bought himself a Venture LMS car.

 

Dragon Family Collection-

After trying to help Boisvert figure out stock cars, he ended up being Quint's driver



Courtesy of Cho Lee -

Quint Boisvert and Beaver would go on a tear for two seasons.



 

 Ladabouche Collection

Over the winter, Quint, his men, and some of the old Vt Mack crew porduced arguably the most famous car in Catamount history - the Black Magic Nova.

. 

Dragon Family Collection

Another
victory ride for Brent and Michelle.

 
 

Denis LaChance Photo

Beaver, lined up between Hector and Phil Gerbode at Autodrome Val-Belaire

 

Dragon Family Collection-

Kids with a very well - done fan poster at Catamount.

 

Dragon Family Collection-

Brent and Michelle with dad's famous car. Boirent is cloise to motorcycle racing age here.

 

Courtesy of Mark Austin

A damaged photo of the  Nova driving through the Catamount pits.
  
 

Dragon Family Collection

Another win for the circuit's latest super team
.
 

Dragon Family Collection-

A Black Magic pit stop.

 

LaChance Photo -

Beaver in Quint Boisvert's Black Magic car that won a championship.

 
 

Norman Morley Photo

The first Black Magic
on track at Catamount.

 
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

Beaver getting instructions by an official.

Beaver_Manosh_Crew_1980.jpg (86827 bytes)

Dragon Family Collection -

New Boisvert Ventura and new H.A. Manosh sponsorship.

 

Dragon Family Photo

The H.A. Manosh team.
  
 

Dragon Family Photo

2nd version of the H.A. Manosh Ventura. [Different graphics].
 

Dragon Family Collection

Manosh promotional photo in 1980.

 

Ladabouche Photo -

After seeing a mural on the trunk of Benny Kerley, down South, Beaver always wanted one.

 

 

Claude Walter Photo

Another Canadian wi
n.
Beaver,Boisvert7.jpg (17615 bytes)

Courtesy of Darrell Rogers -

Beaver tours Catamount in the last version of the Boisvert car he ever raced.

 

Dragon Family Collection

The last version of the Manosh car, at Catamount.

Beaver_DeeringCar_Catamount_1983.jpg (91378 bytes)

Dragon Family Collection -

The Deering Brothers came along in time to restart Beaver's career with a competitive car in 1983.

Beaver_Deering_RossiBuick_CurleyBackground_1984.jpg (89656 bytes)

Dragon Family Collection -

1984: The Deering Brothers join up with Rossi Buick to make one of the most potent teams on the circuit.

Dragon Family Collection -

A win for the Rossi Buick team.


Dragon Family Collection -

The Rossi Buick team attracts the attention of Tom Curley [background] at a car show.


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver and Doug Rossi with Barbara Cochran.


Dragon Family Collection -

The Rossi Buick team six banger at another car show.


Dragon Family Collection -

The Rossi Buick team six banger at Rossi Buick's car show.


Dragon Family Collection -

The Rossi Buick team with the Deerings, Doug Rossi, Beaver, and crewmen.


Dragon Family Collection -

The Rossi Buick team  car at Catamount. Note Farrell and Pepsi are associate sponsors even then.

 


Dragon Family Collection -

NASCAR North was getting big league now, media guides and all.


Dragon Family Collection -

WVMT radio's Ernie Farrar checks out the Rossi car.



Dragon Family Photo
With Maine racing Bob Morris during this era.

Dragon Family Collection -

An even bigger break comes when Bobby Miller [ctr] replaces Bob Randall [rt] with Beaver. The New England Air Systems ride was big time, by most standards.

 



Ladabouche Collection

The NE Air car and the hauler [below] shows what is meant by big time.




Dragon Family Collection -

The N.E. Air Car in Canada

Dragon Family Collection -

The transition over to New England Air. Note brother, Bob, has the Rossi Buick sponsorship here.


Dragon Family Collection -

The N.E. Air Car at speed on Catamount.


Dragon Family Collection -

On the track intro at Catamount in 1984. NE Air car is at left.


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver and the NE Air car at Catamount.


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver and Miller [ctr] with the N.E. Air crew.


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver poses in a questionable helmet. LE "Skip" Farrell and Pepsi have bought the team, keeping the number and basic graphics.

 

Photo Courtesy of Darrell Rogers

The Skip Farrell - owned Pontiac Grand Prix, circa 1985


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver and Dale Shaw, two cars which took advantage of Pontiac and Chevy's aero rear windows in 1985.



Courtesy of Steve McKnight

The Farrell 91 at Sanair.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The Pontiac, at
Catamount.

Dragon Family Collection -

The L. E. Pepsi Farrell team keeps a close eye on the competition during practice laps.

Dragon Family Collection -

Excellent Pepsi era photo of Beaver with the winning smile.

Dragon Family Collection -

After the NASCAR/ACT split, Beaver's team went with ACT. This is typical of the equipment the team had. Future crew chief Rodney Weed is at far right.

 
 

Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver and the team manager, John Casey, enjoy a win in Quebec City. Bob Dragon crewman Gary Desranleau is at right.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The Farrell91/Pepsi braintrust. John Casey is at left, crew chief Steve Pulin is behind Casey, and future crew chief Rodney Weed is at far right.

 

ACT File Photo

After the NASCAR/ACT split, Beaver's team went with ACT. This is typical of the equipment the team had. Future crew chief Rodney Weed is at far right.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The Farrell team cars before the break with NASCAR.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

ACT era photo at a Stock Car Connection race.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

Ed listens as crew chief Steve Poulin talks to  Rodney Weed.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

The whole Farrell team at Catamount. The ladies have just won the womens' pit stop competition.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

ACT era photo at a Stock Car Connection race. Beaver leads Ted Musgrave.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

ACT era podium finish in Maine, with Bob Randall and Dave Dion.

 

Mike Cain Photo-

ACT era photo. Beaver chases Barney McRae driving a car Farrell had sold to Barney., who nearly beat Beaver.

 

 

Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver  and Brent some time in the Pepsi era.

 

Dragon Family Collection -

Steve Poulin's team car that was sold to Barney McRae.

Mike Cain Photo-

"The crash". I don't like dwelling on it.

Mike Cain Photo-
This one could also be a Ron Pittsley Photo

"The crash 2".

Mike Cain Photo-

"The crash 3".



Mike Cain Photo

"The Crash 4"
 

Mike Cain Photo-

"The Crash 5".

Mike Cain Photo-

"The Crash 6".

Mike Cain Photo-

"The Crash 7".

Mike Cain Photo-

"The Crash 8".

Mike Cain Photo-

"The Crash 9".

CLICK HERE to go to the page showing Mike Cain's series of photos on Beaver's crash - and other photos, as well.

Dragon Family Collection -

1987 After the famous Catamount wreck. He did close out Catamount in style.



Dragon Family Collection

Michelle, beside the elaborate Pepsi hauler in the late '80's.

Dragon Family Collection -

Unknown location.


Dragon Family Collection -

The rest of the photos are in no special time order, as I do not know the chronolical time line from after 1987 or before 1968. This is the Dick Nephew car, from Peru, NY.


Dragon Family Collection -

A ride he picked up in Quebec City for one season.


Dragon Family Collection -

Still finishing high in 1992. Here, posing with the dominant Junior Hanley. This is the time of the Harrison Concrete ride.

 

 


Dragon Family Collection -

Still finishing high in 1992. He tried Bob Riley's open wheel car in one race in the 1960's.


Dragon Family Collection -

With dear friends, neighbors, and former car owners Phyllis and Herb Everest.


Dragon Family Collection -

The MGM ride in the 1990's.


Dragon Family Collection -

Another good car, the MacKenzie Meats ride in the 1990's.


Dragon Family Collection -

Watching some action with the MacKenzie Meats crew .


Dragon Family Collection -

Another ride; unknown owner.


Dragon Family Collection -

NEAR Hall of Fame induction with Tom Curley.\



NEAR Site Photo

 


Dragon Family Collection -

Racin's not all glory.


Dragon Family Collection -

One important aspect of the Dragon racing system - wife Loa Jane Dragon.

 


Dragon Family Collection -

Beaver had a turn in Dick Gline's potent car in Canada.



Courtesy of Chris Companion

With Ken Squier


Courtesy of Chris Companion


1973 mooching a Devil's Bowl trophy queen. Not onreof Jane's faves.


Courtesy of Donald Ordway

Action in the race where he had the infamous Catamount wreck.



Courtesy of Donald Ordway

The infamous wreck from the turn 4 stands.


Courtesy of Donald Ordway

After the wreck in the backup car.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

In the pits around 1986
with the Farrell 6 banger.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

A quiet moment between brothers.


Dragon Family Photo

With Governor Richard Snelling after winning the Governor's Cup. This is definitely one of his top moments.


Dragon Family Photo

The Daytona Permatex ride. Owner Dick Bahre is pushing, at right.
 
Dragon Family Photo

The Daytona Permatex Bahre ride, at Charlotte.
 

Dragon Family Photo

On track during the Flying TIger era with friend and neighbor Carroll Towne awarding in place of the governor.
 

Ladabouche Photo

The Dragon trophy cae.
 

Dragon Family Photo

Talking to Cabana at Airborne prior to driving one of Brent's cars around 2006.
 

Dragon Family Photo

Helping out old rival Robn Barcomb, who had arrived without a crew.

Dan St. Pierre sends this link to a You Tube video of Beaver's 1987 Catamount flip. I cannot guarantee if - or for how long - it will remain working., but thanks Dan.
CLICK this   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP08TZ15vlc

 

Return to the Pre-Catamount History Page

Return to the Competitors' Main Page


 

 

The final finishing order of the Permatex race that Beaver participated in. Beaver is in 22nd place, just a few spots behind the great Bobby Allison. Also seen in the finish are Jean-Paul Cabana and the newcomer Francis Affleck [shown below], who would later die driving a Bill Hollar car in a Grand National race.

 


Courtesy of Donald Ordway
Beaver, with Brent [left], Scott [right]  and the sons of Don Ordway, a neighbor.

Robert "Bobby" Dragon


Courtesy of Cho Lee
Bob Dragon, very early in his career, on the Victory Stand at Catamount. Tom Tiller is
 to the left, and Larry Demar is to the right.

 

Photo Courtesy of John Bourgeois Family

What I believe to be Bob's first car, at speed in turns 1 and 2 at Catamount.
 

Photo Courtesy of John Bourgeois Family

The end of Bob's first car, in turns 1 and 2 at Catamount.


Courtesy of the Greg and Lloyd Gilbert

An unexplainable early helmet.

 
 

Dragon Family Photos

Early trophy around 1967.


 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

Johnny Bourgeois congratulates his driver after one of Bob's first big wins.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo via Rich Palmer

An interview after winning the Silver Tower trophy late in 1968.
 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

The '55 Chevy hardtop convertible, in Vic Lane with Bob Quinn.
 

Dragon Family Photo

Another early win around 1968.
 

Courtesy of Steve McKnight

Bob parked next to Norm Cyr's 98 around 1968.
 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

Bob leads Tom Tiller at Catamount.
 

Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Towards the end of a long season.


Courtesy of Bourgeois Family

One of the more familiar shots of Bob.
 
 

Courtesy of Ed Fabian

In impressive company at a Catamount banquet: Bob, Andre Manny, Marcel Godard, Don MacTavish, Art Taylor, and the recently - deceased Larry Demar. 

 

Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Bob's next car was the 1957 Chevy he started with at Catamount and ended up on the dirt with a Devil's Bowl.
 
 

Photo Courtesy of Lloyd & Gregg Gilbert

Same suit; maybe same car.  
 

Courtesy of Ed Fabian

Bob wins a heat at Devil's Bowl, as he begins to get the hang of that dirt racin'. 
 

Courtesy of Ed Fabian

Bob wins a feature Devil's Bowl in 1970, before he went to a modified the following year.
 

Charles Hertica Photo

Bob would buy this dirt modified from Bill Wilson of NJ and try converting it to pavement.  


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Bob, with the converted Wilson car.
 

Ladabouche Collection

Another view of the modified, one of my first lettering jobs in racing.
 

Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock

Bob is in about he third row in this Airborne modified lineup.


Ladabouche Collectionr

The 454 modified, at a special mod show at Catamount. Ron Barcomb and Archie Blackadar check in with Bob.


Burlington Free Press Photo

Bob and Beaver pose with Jack Dubrul behind Bob's hauler at Airborne in 1971.


Courtesy of Steve Pecor

Bob would return to the Northern NASCAR scene in 1972 with this Banjo Matthews chassis and go on a winning tear.


Ladabouche Photo

The hottest car on the circuit would go much of the season without a sponsor.


Ladabouche Photo

Bob and Ken Squier did this a lot in 1972.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

The strain of the of the hectic Northern NASCAR schedule in 1972 and 1973 shows on the car.



Bob Mackey Photo
Courtesy of Dave Brown

 More evidence of the strain of the 1973 schedule. Frankie and another crew member try to get Bob back on the track at Airborne.
 

Mostly Bob Doyle Photos

A 1972 Devil's Bowl program features
the 71 team.
 

Courtesy of Cho Lee

A familiar scene in 1972


 

Courtesy of Andy Boright



Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The 1973 brain trust. Frankie, Billy, Gary, Veronica, John, Steve, and Bobby Clark.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

Tiny Lund's rough driving style did not faze Bob Dragon, who is returning a shove to Lund here in '72.

Photo Courtesy of Lloyd & Gregg Gilbert

Bob had one of the first big sponsorships in Catamount history when he wrested the Howard Bank sponsorship away from Bobby Giroux. The trunk had a replica of a Bank Americard on it with Bob's signature. 

 

Cat Program Photo

Bob and Claire Blanchard discuss, as well. matters in the handicapper's booth at Catamount around 1972.



Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Devil's Bowl, 1973. I love this one because it has Panch's hauler in back. This is pre - Howard Bank.
 


Courtesy of Steve McKnight

Bob wat Martinsville. A young Scott Brown is by the car.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The Cool Bus -
actually painted. The Howard Bank ad is done here.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The Cool Bus -
actually painted II.


Photo from ACT Archives

Some time, around this time period, Bob drove the Severance Furs, Rosner - built 28 modified for a while



Denis LaChance Photo
 

Source Unknown

Bob with the 28 at Martinsville..


Source Unknown

Bob with Billy Tower and possibly Steve Hibbard. 
 

Courtesy of Rich Watson

Bob with the '68 Chevelle. Starting with loyal sponsor Randy Fisher, he would also soon land a good Lum's restaurant deal with this car.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

Bob with Chevelle, being described as a Banjo car. A 2nd one ? The only one ? I am not sure.



Courtesy of Rich Watson

Bob and Dave Dion, at a pit meeting.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

The Chevelle, now bearing the Lum's sponsorship ad.



Source Unknown

Bobby Clark and Frankei Woodardx pushing the Lums car somewhere.

Courtesy of Andy Boright

The Lums's Chevelle, with Aubin bearing down.  


Courtesy of Andy Boright

Victory lap with Blbby Clark, Billy Tower and Steve Hibbard aboard.

Photo from ACT Archives

Bob listens to Beaver during a pre-race meeting in Canada.

 


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The Cool Bus -
actually painted III. Howard ad not quite done.



Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

Beating Beaver by a few feet at Thunder Road in 1973.

Catamount Program Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

Where those great cars came from.


 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

The 71 team looking concerned in 1973.



Catamount Program Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

More Chevelle action.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

1973 Church Street show.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

Bobby slides by as Rene Charland climbs the wall at T Road for the 2nd time in one season.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

Bob gets whacked by Bobby Giroux at Thunder Road in 1972. Maybe it was because he knew Dragon would steal the Howard Bank sponsorship the next year. :)
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

A portrait from right around that time.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

I wonder if Veronica was enjoying it, as well.
 

Burlington Free Press Photo Courtesy of Wayne Bettis

Bob was hard to beat in this era.

Photo from ACT Archives Likely Denis LaChance Photo

Bob entering the Catamount racing surface with his most familiar car. The Nova came with a great Automaster sponsorship.

 

Photo from ACT Archives

Bob spins in front of Claude Aubin and Jean-Paul Cabana at Catamount.



Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The 71 pit setup.


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The same approximate
car as the Automaster
version.


Denis LaChance Photo
Courtesy of Rich Palmer

This shot speaks volumes. You can make out "Sponsor Needed" on the side, and that has been removed. So, the Autmaster deal must have been pending.
 


Ladabouche Photo

Bob and Beaver [left] helping me out at a model show at school in Milton. 


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

On jack stands,
with admirers.


Courtesy of Cho Lee

Bob, with what appears to be Pam Potvin, whose father was Beaver's crew chief for years. 


 Shappy Photo

Posing with the Automaster car on Catamount.
 

Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Probably 1st appearance at track in Spring - no ads yet.
 

Mark Radzminski Photo Courtesy of Andy Boright

On Catamount with starter Dick Willette. This was a Governor's Cup win.
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

On almost exactly the same spot as at left. 
 

Earl Vierling Photo Courtesy of Andy Boright

More awards, with Billy Tower.
 

Denis LaChance Photo
Courtesy of Rich Palmer

This shot speaks volumes. You can make out "Sponsor Needed" on the side, and that has been removed. So, the Automaster deal must have been pending. 

 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

With Rene LaBerge, in
Vic Lane.
 

HGelen Owen Photo
Courtesy of Andy Boright


Ho hum 'nuther win.
 

Courtesy of Aaron Maynard

Now, into the Le Mans era, This is one sharp car ! Fabulous graphics.
 

Courtesy of Aaron Maynard

The team threw everyone into a tizzy with this look, which Rich Palmer calls the "Yarborough paint job".


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

Palmer calls this
"The Yarborough paint job". I dunno.
 


Courtesy of Rich Palmer

I believe this to be the
Moe Brown car. Pretty
threatening skies, Bob!
 

Denis LaChance Photo

Bob at Autodrome
 Val-Belaire
.

Dean Photo 

 
 

Courtesy of Andy Boright

With Dion, in the Odd - colored Le Mans.
Could this scheme have come before the Moe Brown arrangement ?


 

Courtesy of Aaron Maynard

With the still - dependable cool bus.
 

Courtesy of Aaron Maynard
Via Andy Boright


The Monahan & Loughlin Le Mans. Probably some business Moe Brown did work with.
 

Courtesy of Ron Shappy

Coming out at T Road.
Dragons_Unknown_Casey_LakeMorey_Coors.jpg (149235 bytes)

Dragon Family Collection

Bob, Beaver, Glenn Wright, and John Casey at Lake Morey Inn.



Photo from Beaver Dragon Collection

Bob's chance to speak.

Photo from Beaver Dragon Collection

Bob says something at the ACT banquet at the Lake Morey Inn that cracks up his brother.

 

Photo from Beaver Dragon Collection

Bob and Beaver in a pensive moment at the banquet.


Courtesy of
Jackie Root

An early '70's photo
souvenir.

 

Courtesy of Paul Mascitti

Bob got to drive a great combination that included Rossi Buick support.

 

Courtesy of Rich Palmer

The impressive Moe Brown six banger cars - maybe around 1986.



  

Courtesy of Andy Boright

The D.G. Robertson - sponsored  Moe Brown six banger.

 

Courtesy of David Turner Jr.

Doug Rossi, with one of Bob's Regals.

 
  

Courtesy of Andy Boright.

Another Brown Le Mans photo.

 

Courtesy of Andy Boright.

2 photos of NASCAR legal six bangers.

Photo from Kinney Racing Site

Brent Dragon [left], Uncle Bob, Scott Dragon, and his uncle Beaver - all at T-Road.

 



Courtesy of A and A Ward

Running one of Beaver's ACT cars .

 
 

Steve McKnight Photo

Bob Dragon [right], Beaver, and Tuffy Champney.

 



Sheila Somers Photo

Bob, in 2000.

   

Steve McKnight Photo

Bob with old rival Jean - Paul Cabana at one of John Casey's reunion picnics.

 
 
 

Photo by Norman Morley

Bob, Tuffy, Me, and Beaver - at Airborne.

 
 

Courtesy of Elms Family

Bob, at Bear Ridge, trying one of Butch Elms' dirt modifieds.

 
 

Ladabouche Collection

Vermont racing royalty: Bob, riding in with Joey LaQuerre - some time in the 1970's.



   

 
Bob Dragon Family Collection

Bob stands in Victory Lane with flagger Jack Paradee, Ron Barcomb, and Ron Lamell, Sr.

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