_{FONDA  SPEEDWAY}

Golden Era Years

 FONDA STARS IN THE 1960's AND EARLY 70's

      After the successful 1950's seasonsof Fonda, the irregular New York fairgrounds oval proceeded to grow in stature and reputation until the nickname "Track of Champions" was not just a promotional exaggeration.
The track still had all of the greats who had come there and made it what it was [such as Danish, Herbert, Corey, Shoemaker, Wimble, and many more]. Now it was also blending in a new generation of sportsman stars who could compete with those legends on equal footing. The rise of such as Lou Lazarro, Dave Lape, and Jack Johnson would be moving in during the decade of the '60's that saw Stgeve Danish, Jeep Herbert, Jim Luke, Howie Westervelt, Cliff Kotary, and Ollie Palmer leave the scene.

       The Track of Champions label was not wrong. Regular competitors there included NASCAR National Sportsman Champion Bill Wimble. Fellow national champions Rene Charland and Doick Nephew were frequent visitors to Fonda, as was 1965 NASCAR National Modified Champion Ernie Gahan. One night in 1965 both Gahan and the sportsman national champion, Don MacTavish were there simultaneously. Steve Dqanish was a New York state champion, as was jeep Herbert. Pete Corey had won a national championship at Langhorne. The level of competition, particularly in the early to mid 1960's was nothing short of phenomenal.

Source Unknown
Ron Narducci and the first -year driver Andy Romano roll by the announcer's stand and Chet Hames [on track by guard rails] during
slow warmups at Fonda around 1963.

       By the 1970's the Track of Champions was seeing a bit of decline in the level of competition. At one point or another, retirements or defections to Lebanon Valley had reduced the once mighty lineups to
Lazzaro, Johnson, Lape, Peek, and a few other top names. NASCAR would be gone, as eventually would be the original promotion of Ed Feuz and Jim Gage. The track would - form that time on - experience the same
kind of ups and downs as most any other track.

Courtesy of Ed Mudd
From left - Jeep Herbert,. Bill Wimble, Pete Corey, and Ken Shoemaker pose with that season's championship trophy. Add in Steve Danish and you
pretty much had the face of Fonda Speedway in the later 1950's. Add in Lazzaro, and a number of other up and comers and you also had the
face of the Fonda of the '60's.

Ken Johnson Photo
Long-time faithful Fonda runner Ray Sitterly of Amsterdam.

The Golden Era Cars and Stars

Ladabouche Photo Jack DuBrul, Shelburne, VT Drove at Catamount Otter Creek, TRoad Courtesy of Bob Novak	Russ Bergh Photo Howie Westervelt, Ravena, NY A Wright/Zautner car	Russ Bergh Photo Don Wayman, Cobleskill, NY A Wright/Zautner carr	Bill Fifield Photo Robbie Kotary, Rome, NY Ward Petit's 148	John Grady Photo Ron Narducci, E. Haddam, CT Drove at Fairmont and Devil's Bowl	Shaney Lorenzent Photo Courtesy of Andy Fusco Russ Betz, Hartford, CT
Ladabouche Collection Jack Farquhar, Euphrata, NY Teresco & Mancini 685	Ladabouche Collection Bill Wimble, Lisbon, NY Dave McCready's 33 Drove at Otter Creek	Courtesy of Mike Watts Buck Holliday, Waddington, NY Floyd Geary's C38 Drove at Otter Creek	Ladabouche Collection Skip Roots, Gloversville, NY	Shaney Lorenzent Photo Courtesy of Andy Fusco Bob Leach, Stafford Springs, CT	Frank SImek Photo Jerry Townley, Catskill, NY Pop Wilcox 32 Drove at Rutland  Fairgrounds
From Dave Dykes' Site via the HAMB Site George Janoski, Stafford Sprgs, CT Drove at W.Brattleboro in early days.	Courtesy of Bob Novak Doc Blanchard, Gloversille, NY Doc ran this former Ray Vine car at Fonda around 1961. He brought it to Otter Creek around 1962.	Courtesy of Jo Towns via Otto Graham Ken Meahl Lockport, NY Jerry Cook's 38 Drove at Otter Creek	John Grady Photo Gaston Desmarais, Tupper Lake, NY Drove at Airborne and Catamount	Frank Simek Photo Pete Corey, Crescent, NY A. C.  Caprara's and later Tony Villano's 37 Drove at Pico & Fairmont.	Courtesy of Jo Towns via Otto Graham Jerry Townely Catskill, NY Drove and won at Rutland Fair, 1964.
Mike Watts Photo Bob Bruno, Morrisonville, NY Vic Wolfe's 66 Drove at Otter Creek, Catamount, Airborne.	Ladabouche Collection Dick Nephew, Mooers Forks, NY. Allie Swears' 51 The car ran at Fairmont, Airborne, & Otter Creek	John Grady Photo Al Sanders, New Hartford, NY.	Courtesy of Jo Towns via Otto Graham Dutch Reed, Glens Falls, NY. Joe Romano's 97 The car ran at Otter Creek	John Grady Photo Ken Canestrari, Cohoes, NY. John Grady Photo	Ladabouche Photo Jolly Ollie Palmer, Westmere, NY While not his first 27Jr, this was Bill Fowler's first sportsman.
John Grady Photo Chuck Mahoney, Rochester, NY Peter Hollebrand 53	Ladabouche Collection Jack Farquhar, Ephrata, NY. Vince Barbuto's 2	Ladabouche Photo Lou Smith, Munnsville, NY.	Ladabouche Photo Mike Michaels [Suraske], Oriskany, NY. The car ran at Otter Creek	Ladabouche Photo Howie Fassett, Canajoharie, NY.	John Grady Photo Tiger Tom Kotary, Rome, NY. Joe Romano's 97 The car ran at Otter Creek
Courtesy of Steve Judd Ron Quackenbush, Fultonville, NY.	Courtesy of Conde & Parry Website Tom Kotary, Rome, NY. Kotary Family 12 Ran the Romano 97 at Otter Creek	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Charlie Trombley, Mooers Forks, NY The Ross McNaughton 5  7/8 The car ran at Catamount and Thunder Road	Ladabouche Photo Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH. Koszella's 15CT	John GradyPhoto Pepper Eastman, Madison, NY	Gater News Photo Rene Charland, Agawam, MA Czepiel's 888 He ran at Catamount, and Thunder Road.
Frank Simek Photo  Johnny Kollar,  Johnstown, NY. The car ran at D. Bowl	Courtesy of Cho Lee Andre Manny, Laval des Rapides, QC The car ran at Catamount and Thunder Road	Courtesy of Cho Lee Bernie Miller, Canastota, NY Primarily a pavement driver. Did run Catamount.	Courtesy of Otto Graham Bill Rafter, Clarence Center, NY. Gil Bruss''s 22	John Grady Photo Bob Emsminger, Gloversville, NY. Bruce Dostal - built	John Grady Photo Bruce Dostal, Johnstown, NY
NE Vint Mod Site Photo Several Drivers The Godfrey Wentzel 03	Courtesy of Cho Lee Jean-Paul Cabana, Beloeil, QC The car ran at Catamount and Thunder Road	D. Bowl Program Photo Will Cagle, Tampa, FL Occasional only.	John Grady Photo Cam Gagliardi, Lockport, NY Occasional only.	Frank Simek Photo Charlie Peters, Delanson, NY Charlie ran afoul of the turn one wall with his unique coach whick kinda" reminds me of Norm Scarborough's car at Fairmont, 1965. .  Ladabouche Photo	John Grady Photo Charlie Peters, Delanson, NY The Car ended up as Dick Diamond's 8Ball
Russ Bergh Photo via Otto Graham Steve Danish, Cropseyville NY A man of stature deserves more photos but all his cars looked the same. The car ran at Fairmont.	Ladabouche Collection This shot of Rene Charland with the Russ Betz 59 shows the Dick Diamond 8 Ball in the background [white].	Russ Bergh Photo via Otto Graham Ed Pieniazek, Schenectady, NY Tony  Villano 37 The car ran at Fairmont.	Ladabouche Collection Pete Corey Crescent, NY The fabled Falcon The car ran at Fairmont.	Ladabouche Collection Pete Corey Crescent, NY The Studebaker - good for 1/2 a season.	Ladabouche Collection Pete Corey Crescent, NY The post - Studebaker a coupe .
Courtesy of Jo Towns via Otto Graham Bob SItterly, St. Johnsville, NY	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Ed Ortiz, Ransomville, NY	Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman Dick Clark, Munnsville, NY The car ran at Airborne.	John Grady Photo Doc Blanchard, Gloversville, NY Actually this is his pavement car. The driver ran at Otter Creek.	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Ernie Gahan, Dover,  NH One of the former Chris Drellos team cars.	Ladabouche Collection Jack Johnson, Duanesburg, NY The Tony Villano 37 - his 1st ride. The car ran at Fairmont and Devil's Bowl.
Russ Bergh Photo via Otto Graham Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY The Vince Barbuto 2	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Jack Farquhar, Ephrata, NY Vince Barbuto 2 lowered.	John Grady Photo Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY The Hammond & Strong 56 CT The car ran at Fairmont.	Russ Bergh Photo Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY The Drellos backup car - it was a dog. Jeep ran at Pico and Fairmont in the '50's.	Russ Bergh Photo via Otto Graham George Welch, Schenectady, NY George was killed flagging at another track.	Russ Bergh Photo via Bill Fifield Irv Taylor, Rexford, NY I was inducted into Weedsport with Irv.. .  a wonderful man. The team ran at Otter Creek.
John Grady Collection Bob Adams, Utica, NY Once I thought this was a photo of Lefty Quant.	Fifield Collection Bob Adams, Utica, NY An earlier Adams entry from the earlier 1960's.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Bob Adams, Utica, NY The final car at Fonda as far as I know.	David Kilmartin Photo Bob Deming, Cobleskill, NY A Midstate Speedway regular like Bob Adams.	Ladabouche Collection Jerry Cook, Lockport, NY I was inducted into Weedsport with Jerry.. .  we had a good time. The first variation of this car appeared and won at Otter Creek, with Ken Meahl driving, in 1963 [see right] The car ran at Otter Creek	Ladabouche Collection Ken Meahl, Lockport, NY Jerry Cook's 38 The car won at Otter Creek Courtesy of Jo Towns via Otto Graham Ken Meahl, Lockport, NY Jerry Cook's 38 The car won at Otter Creek. Photo is above.
A Xerox of a John Grady Photo Jerry Pennock, Warrensburgh, NY Tony Villano 37 Jerry ran at Devil's Bowl.	Courtesy of Wes Moody Jim Hoyt, Saranac Lake, NY This car was involved in one of the worst wrecks in Fonda history.	Conde & Parry Site Jim Kuke, Utica, NY The Pop Wilcox 32	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Jerry Townley, Catskill, NY Thomas Chewins 108 The car ran at Rutland Fairgrounds.	Cavalcade of Racinge Photo Bob Ziegler, Boonville, NY An occasional invader of Fonda from the Watertown area.	John Grady Photo Bruce Dostal, Johnstown, NY This Falcon ended up in pieces at Fonda Russ Bergh Photo
Rick Parry Collection Andy Romano, Johnstown, NY Andy ran at Devil's Bowl with the Valiant.	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Andy Romano, Johnstown, NY The injected sedan.	Mike Gray Collection Bill Kollar, Johnstown, NY	Mike Anop Photo Bob Ziegler, Boonville, NY	Ed Feuz Collection Bob Zimmerman leads| Danish and the Welch 77 around Harold Betts' 40.	Mike Gray Collection Al Peek, Rexford, NY
Rick Parry Collection Bucky Tesiero, Amsterdam, NY	Walter Mateer Photo Joe Grossetti Collection Carl Fink, Albany, NY This might have been the program in which he wrecked the xcar spectacularly.	John Gallant Collection Rene Charland, Agawam, MA He ran this Russ Betz 59 on dirt and asphalt.	Brad Charland Collection Rene Charland, Agawam, MA One of thre many who drove Bill Fowler's 27Jr cars.	Bergh Photo Mike Ambrosino Coll. Lee Millington, Palatine Bridge, NY	Lou Lazarro Collection Chuck Kress, Schenectady, NY
Richard Charteand Collection Probably Irv Taylor in a Falcon, hit by Jeep as Chartrand gets by.	Ladabouche Photo The Drellos car for Pete Corey arrives at Fonda.   Pete Corey Jr. Collection Another look at the Corey Drellos car.	Russ Bergh Photot Boyd Collection Dave Buanno, Fort Johnson, NY   David Kilmartin Collection Buanno's later tube chassis car.	Mike Budka Jr. Collection Corey spilling the Falcon.	Russ Bergh Photo via Dave Dykes Corey with a less familiar look for the Falcon. He may not have been done with the body  yet.	Rick Parry Collection Corey stayed with  he 37 team when it went from A.C. Caprara to Tony Villano.
Ed Feuz Collection 3 rather significant Fonda figures: Corey Leading Danish and Lazarro.	Rick Parry Collection The 1964 Drellos team: Shoemaker and Corey.	Rick Parry Collection Corey with a rare win driving for Frank Trinhaus. Looks like the former Drellos 111 Frank bought.	Rick Parry Collection Corey and Shoemaker having a discussion. Corey still has the Caprara jacket while SHoe has a Drellos one.	Rick Parry Collection Jack Farquhar, Ephrata, NY The Cross Family 47.	Jim Kelly Collection Steve Danish - around 1963.
Rick Parry Collection Dave Lape, Canajoharie, NY The first car.	Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Dave Lape, Canajoharie, NY The Rosner - built Chevy II	Courtesy of James Howard A 1965 win for Ernie Gahan, with his own 50NH. He would also run Fonda with the Koszella 15 CT	Courtesy of Boyd Collection In 1967 Fonda had the remarkable luck to have both Ernie Gahan [1966 NASCAR National Modified Champion] and Don MacTavish [1966 NASCAR National Sportsman Champion] in the same show. Ironically, both men came from New England towns called Dover.	John Grady Collection Dick Diamond, Sloansville, NY Seen behind Doc Blanchard's 49. The fuller view of this shot also shows the Buick Special.	Otto Graham Collection Another peek at a Dick DIamond car - the white Buick Special in the background behind the Champ.
Otto Graham Collection Skip Roots, Gloversville, NY	Bergh Photo Courtesy of Melissa Jordan Jolly Ollie Palmer, Westmere NY A slightly later 27Jr.	Cavalcade of Racing Photo by Russ Bergh Don Wayman, Cobleskill, NY Godfrey Wenzel's Smith & Son Jewelers 00	Ladabouche Photo A seldom seen Midstate car. The great Joe Donahue sometimes drove this car at Midstate, Morris, NY	Courtesy of Bob Novak Doc Nellis, Little Falls, NY Doc ran this former Trinkhaus car at Fonda when he wasn't helping out Otto and Russ with photos. Credits Unknown	Mike Cranston Collection Dick Clark, Munnsville, NY One of the Hugh Hedger cars.
Ladabouche Photo Lou Lazarro, Utica, NY One of my favorite photos - Louie entering Fonda with Blackie in the car.	Bergh Photo via Lou Lazarro Lou Lazarro, Utica, NY  1960. Said to be Lou's first maroon and white 4.	Bergh Photo David Kilmartin Coll. Lou Lazarro, Utica, NY A Lou variation. I don't know if this is before the photo ar left.	Bergh Photo Shoemaker Book Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY  Shoemaker had a stint in Tony VIllano's Falcon. This is said to be the only win the car had.	Rick Parry Photo Another Millington - driven Bennett car. The team had many drivers.	Ladabouche Photo Guy arrives to find it has rained out. An earlier 901 car.
Ladabouche Photo Jean Guy  Chartrand, Montrreal,QC His most familiar 901 car.	Courtesy of Slot Car Fever,com Gaston Desmarais, Tupper Lake, NY Gaston would run this car in when he wasn't busy  promoting the Plattsburgh track in 1964..	Courtesy of Jack Gornewicz Fred Hurst, Ste. Catherines, ONT	Courtesy of Bill Rowland Fran Kitchen, Waterville, NY Fran occasionally brought this "Texas Flathead" to Fonda.	Courtesy of Ed Feuz George Janoski, Stafford Springs, CT One of my faves - Old School..	Bill Fifield Collection Irv Taylor, in the Caputo 111 later driven by Shoemaker.
Russ Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Irv Taylor, Crescent, NY His own T&M sportsman..	Ed Biitig Collection Irv Taylor, Crescent, NY Irv's Falcon I don't know if the one below is the same car. Apparently now owned by the Cross family. Courtesy of Rick Parry	Courtesy of Bob Novak "Blackjack" DuBrul, Shelburne, VT The car ran at Otter Creek	Bill Fifield Collection Irv Taylor, Crescent, NY The Mike Suraske Studebaker also driven by Ciff Kotary.	Keith Tesiero Sr. Collection Bill Wimble, Lisbon, NY An earlier win with guest flagger, Chet Hames protege Danny Rumpf of Saratoga.	Courtesy of Russell Earl Pete Corey Crescent, NY Right after being declared ready to race again, with a brand new A.C. Caprara 37.
Boyd Collection Irv Taylor, again. The Richard Welch 77 was run by almost evry available Fonda veteran.	Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY The first driver of the beautiful Vince Barbuto car out of Schenectady.	Bergh Photo Ladabouche Collection Jack Farquhar, Ephrata, NY The second driver of the beautiful Vince Barbuto car as the team left for Leb. Valley.	Jim Kelly Collection Jack Johnson, Duanesburg, NY His second ride was this Tom Douglas Falcon.	Bergh Photo Dave Dykes Collection Jack Johnson, Duanesburg, NY The Tony VIllano Falcon was one of  Jack's next rides.	Bergh Photo Otto Graham Collection Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY Jeep was one of the many drivers of the Frank Trinkhaus car out of  Fly Creek.
Ladabouche Photo Ken Meahl, East Amherst, NY When Jerry Cook brought this car in to Fonda, he was not old enough to drive it himself.	Edw. Brown III Collection Jerry Cook, Lockport, NY A year later, old enough now.	Bergh Photo Rick Parry Collection Jerry Pennock, Warrensburgh, NY One of many drivers of the Tony Villano Falcon now owned by contributor Rick Parry.	Bergh Photo Da. Kilmartin Collection Jerry Pennock, Warrensburgh, NY One of the many drivers of this Bill Fowler 27 Jr. sedan.	Ladabouche Photo The Floyd "Pop" Wilcox enters Fonda around 1962. The first driver of this car out of New Berlin was veteran Jim Luke of Utica.	Chuck Ely Photo Jerry Townley, Catskill, NY The second driver of the  car, Townley took over as Wilcox left Fonda for Leb. Valley. But the team didrun Fonda for a while.
Frank Simek Photo Mel Austin, Vails Mills, NY In the background you can see the former 36 of Spence Parkhurst, now driven by George Voekler.	John Kollar Collection Johnny Kollar, Johnstown, NY This is the car he bought from George Voekler and which he turned into the first 10%.	Frank Simek Photo Johnny Kollar, Johnstown, NY The former 36 of Spence Parkhurst,/ the former George Voekler 36. Now, with some body work, it is Johnny's first sportsman.	Mike Cranston Collection Johnny Kollar, Johnstown, NY Although this is Malta, he ran dirt as well.	Bergh Photo Shoemaker Book Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY A lot history befpre this shot. Shoemaker had been very strong with the Drellos 111 before the team disbanded. The Wright/Zautner team produced this, their most advanced car in 1964.	Bergh Photo Shoemaker Book Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY Shoemaker spent some time in the Frank Trinkhaus 62, as did most Fonda drivers at one point or another. I think this is the old 111 he used to drive for Drellos..
Courtesy of Rick Parry Maynard Smith, Clinton, NY The driver du jour with the Cross 47 - before Townley and maybe after Farquhar.	Courtesy of Alan McDonald Jerry Townley, Catskill, NY The driver du jour with the Cross 47. He put it out of its misery later that year.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Junior Villano, Schenectady, NY The team car to Jack Johnson's first ride.	Ladabouche Collection Jack Johnson, Schenectady, NY Pitted next to Steve Danish in the latter's last season.  With that being Johnson's first ride - it was one legend starting and the other leaving.	Russ Bergh Photo Maynard Smith with a car of his own at Fonda.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Allie Swears' modestly funded 51. Glens falls NY Not sure who was driving at this point.
Courtesy of HAMB Site The tempestuous and innovative Pete Corey came up with this Falcon around 1964.....	Courtesy of Mike Russo The Falcon was dispatched at some point late .... and he created a '36 Chevy coupe body that would fit the frame he had under the Falcon....	Russ Bergh or John Grady Photo .... and he created a '36 Chevy coupe body that would fit the frame he had under the Falcon [no small feat, body - wise]. But this also could have been the Studebaker frame.	Russ Bergh or John Grady Photo He apparently sold that unusual - bodied car to Ron Quackenbush.	Courtesy of Bob Simons The first Andy Romano car, one he had taken over from Tom Kotary after he had convinced dad, Joe, that he could drive with less damage than Tiger Tom had wreaked.	Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown Northern NY invader Bob Bruno wins one with the economy - budget Allie Swears 51 out of Glens Falls.
Courtesy of Rick Parry Thanks to Rick Parry, we now have a photo of the hard - to - find Lefty Quant, from Schenectady. The car was Hank LeClaire's.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap According to the Cavalcade of Auto Racing, Charland would have driven this coupe at Fonda occasionally around 1963.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Driver for hire Irv Taylor with the Frank Trinkhaus 62.	Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker The same Trinkhaus team, with a victory with Ken Shoemaker.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston The same Trinkhaus team with Lou Smith and the 1965 version.	Courtesy of A. Ainsworth A popular win for Ray Sitterly in the era just before the cars went to fuel injection.
Courtesy of John Gallant Al "Buck"Peek, Rexford, NY	Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Ed Biitig Coll. Driver Bob SItterly [and father of supermod driver Otto] dispatched his sportsman coupe here.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Delanson's Charlie Peters had this Buick Special for a while before selling it to Dick Diamond.	Courtesy of Andrew McCartney The car 333, likely with Ollie Palmer.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Rene Charland at Fonda qith Russ Betz's  59.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap With the ever present Cigarette, Pete Corey poses with his unnique Stuidebaker early in the season.
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Munnsville's Dick Clark with Hugh Hedger's 16 coupe.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Popular local journeyman driver Edward "Doc" Blanchard.	Courtesy of John Gallant Doc Blanchard wins a qualifier with the Red Knoblauch sportsman out of Johnstown.	Courtesy of Linda J. Staroba via John Gallant Yet another Trinkhaus driver Don Wayman.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Henry Bergen, Fort Plain, NY	Courtesy of Robert Bergen Another, better Henry Bergen shot.
Bill Williams Collection Courtesy of Scott Belknap The great Jim Hurtubise, N. Townawanda, NY	Courtesy of Rockefeller Coll. via Scott Belknap Jerry Pennock with Tony VIllano's Falcon.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit As Mike Valchovic would intone: "Geee Shar -trayund" from Montreal".	Courtesy of John Gallant More Guy, causing a sh&%$ storm with the Fonda lights.	Courtesy of Pat Bartlett Jerry Young, whom we knew as a late model driver at Catamount - then hailing from the Northeast Kingdom town of Barton, VT.	Courtesy of John Danish A familiar sight in the 1960's -  John Danish watching dad. [When not getting into mischief with Kurt Feuz]
Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Scott Belknap Ken Platt wins one with the Well - used Roerig Falcon..	Frank Simek Photo Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker Ken Shoemaker not only won with the Romano backup car, but he was very hard on most any equipment he drove.	Courtesy of John Gallant An all - too familiar sight with Louie.	Courtesy of John Gallant Popular Peppy Peppecelli with a freshly - finished coupe.	Courtesy of Gallant Ray Sitterly posing with Checkers; but he did earn those checkers that year - with that car.	Courtesy of Mike Russo Bob Adams, Utica, NY
Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Bob Simons A nice shot of Louie.	Ladabouche Collection Don Wayman, Cobleskill, NY Cliff Wright's 9A	Ladabouche Collection Ronnie Battaglia, Schenectady, NY	Courtesy of Rick Parry Occasional visitor Fran KItchen, Elnora, NY	Courtesy of Rick Parry Occasional visitor Fran KItchen, Elnora, NY	Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Scott Belknap Paul Marshall with teh Drellos team 111A.
Russ Bergh Photo via Bob Simons Charland at Fonda with the M3, often driven by Messec.	Ken Johnson Photo Charland at Fonda with yet another ride.	Ken Johnson Photo Bob Bruno, Schuyler Falls, NY With this Vic Wolfe sedan, Bruno pulled off a big upset win around 1965.	Russ Bergh Photo Courtesy of Bob Simons Another shot of Bob SItterly.	8MM Footage Courtesy of Dan Ody Don Wayman with the Wright/Zautner 9A.

Danish Family Photo by Russd Bergh
Legendary Steve Danish and son, John.

 
Rick Parry Collection
The page this was on had it as "Ed Lawman", but the Fonda program had him as Eddie Lollman, from Madison.

FONDA HOSTED ONE OF ITS FIRST BIG EXTRA DISTANCE RACES IN 1963
SOME 8MM FOOTAGE FRAMES FROM THE QUALIFYING

8MM Frame Capture
From Scott Belknap
Yup, that's what this is.

8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Harold "Bugs Bunny" Betts' sits in infield awaiting his turn out to qualify. Either he or Wayne Coon drove it.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Pete Corey puts the 2nd  Drellos team car through its paces while qualifying. 24.42 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Pete Corey puts the 2nd Drellos team car through its paces while qualifying.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Steve Danish, out qualifying. 24.59 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Danish flies by under a qualifying run.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Pepper Eastman gets on  the gas during his qualifying run.
8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap A crewman talks to whomever is driving the Habreck 53 as they wait for their turn to qualify.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Lou Lazzaro sets out on his qualifying run. 24.70 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Lou Lazzaro at speed on his qualifying run.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Lou Lazzaro concludes his qualifying run.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Jm Luke sets out in the Pop Wilcox 32..	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Ken Meahl sets out on his qualifying run. This might have been the race in which he had that terrible wreck. 24.99 sec.
8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Ed Ortiz guns his potent B&M motor on his qualifying run. 24.61 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Bill Rafter in the Gil Bruss 22 is another Western NY invader, like Meahl and Ortiz.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Bill Rafter in the Gil Bruss 22 is another Western NY invader, like Meahl and Ortiz.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Ray Sitterly in the C88 qualifies.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Car 1NY under way. It was not noted in Bob's program.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Don Wayman in the Wright/Zautner 9A.
8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Irv Taylor in the RIchard Welch 77 sets out.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Irv Taylor gets the ageless RIchard Welch 77 up to speed.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Irv Taylor in the RIchard Welch 77.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Irv Taylor completes his qualifying run. 24.97 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Bill Wimble begins his qualifying run. He edged Corey by.01 sec. 24.41 sec.	8MM Frame Capture From Scott Belknap Bill Wimble completes his qualifying run.

Russ Bergh Photo via Jim Kelly
Ken Shoemaker had the fast time of 24.11. Unfortunately, the car caught fire during refueling.
The car was actually a newer one than this one, which was built by Henry Caputo in
the late 1950's.

Fonda Program Page Courtesy of Bob Novak
Bob Novak dutifully recorded every time trial and carefully held onto his programs. Thanks Bob.

Russ Bergh Photos Cavalade of Racing
This Cavalade page came right at the end of the Golden Era. Note the late models were there by then.


Phil Beaver Collection via Scott Belknap
This new car meant all the difference to Dave Buanno's racing fortunes.

Gater Racing News
DIck Clark with Hugh Hedger's sedan. Below - The  Hedger Mustang.

Rick Parry Collection

More Golden Era Cars and Stars

Chas Hertica Photo Corey with the brand new Falcon, unfamiliar colors and number.	Russ Bergh Photo Corey fusses around a more familiar - looking Falcon.	Gater News Photo Corey poses with the Falcon early in the year. Looks like it is still #11 here.	Chas Hertica Photo Corey poses with the fenderless version of the Falcon.	A. Ainsworth Photo The Cross 47, unknown year or track.	Jim Kelly Photo Dave Buanno, FT Johnson, NY
Russ Bergh Photo via Rob Davis George Janoski, Stafford Springs, CT	Russ Bergh Photo via Ed Sindon George Baumgardner wins one in the underfinanced Ray Vine 75.	Russ Bergh Photo Don Wayman, Cobleskill, NY. The Godfrey Wenzel 00 sedan that was formerly Charland's 3.	Ken Johnson Photo Ernie Gahan picks up a popular win around 1966.	Ken Johnson Photo Ernie Gahan picks up a popular win around 1966.	Russ Bergh Photo via Rob Davis George Janoski, Stafford Springs, CT
A. Ainsworth Photo Maynard Forrette, Amsterdam, NY The newer Wenzel car.	Gene Stratton Photo via Chas Hertica Lazzaro, late in 1967. Likely he built this for one of the big late season races.	Russ Bergh Photo Jeep Herbert, Rotterdam, NY The dreadfully disappointing Drellos 111A	Wolfgang Hasselbach  Photo Jerry Cook, Lockport, NY Very young here.	A. Ainsworth Photo Lee Millington, Palatine Bridge, NY A 1960's Trinkhaus car.	Russ Bergh Photo via Linda S. Johnson Peppy Peppecelli, Schenectady, NY This car came towards the end of the era covered on this page..
Courtesy of John Gallant Al "Buck" Peek	Russ Bergh Photo via Linda S. Johnson Peppy Peppecelli, Schenectady, NY	Russ Bergh Photo via Linda S. Johnson Peppy Peppecelli, getting spun by what looks to be Russ Blake.	A. Ainsworth Collection Vince Quenneville, Brandon, VT This car/driver team was the 1968 Devil's Bowl champion.	Russ Bergh Photo via Scott Belknap Ron Quackenbush pushes his ex-Corey coupe to sat ahead of Bob Rees' 38.

Courtesy of Mike Gray Collection Another shot of Bill Kollar and his K71.	Courtesy of John Jansen Bob Rees' well -seasoned coupe, at home.	Courtesy of Ralph Caprara Pete Corey with an early photo of the final A.C. Caprara 37 that was eventually sold to Tony Villano. Here, the tail end of the body hasn't been bobbed off yet.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Up from the late model class was Art Bradt with this sharp coupe.	Courtesy of Alan McDOnald A classic Wimble shot.	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Bob Bruno and Vic Wolfe did not run at Fonda much but they left an impression when they did.
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Bob Emsminger	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Bruce Dostal	Courtesy of Rick Parry This is thought to be Lefty Quant of Schenectady.	Ladabouche Photo Hank LeClaire, Schenectady, NY An occasional entry who may have had some connection to Quant.	Courtesy of Johnny LeClaire via Scott Belknap This is what happened to the LeClaire car when it was lent to Guy Chartrand.	Courtesy of Johnny LeClaire via Scott Belknap This is what happened to the LeClaire car when it was lent to Guy Chartrand.
Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Corey with the last A.C. Caprara car.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Charland, with a Godfrey Wenzel coupe during his National Sportsman Championship reign.	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Bob Sitterly	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Charland, in the Roland Belanger 302.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Charland, winning in the overheating Roland Belanger 302.	Courtesy of Three Wide Picture Vault via Flemke.com Corey, in 1964 with the Drellos team.

Courtesy of Dave Peek Ed Pieniazek, with Charles Habreck's 53 - before it was sold to Bucky Tesiero.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Dave Lape with the Rosner built Chevy II.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Dave Buanno, at the end of the Golden Era, with his new tubular chassis coupe.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Corey, with the unique post-Studebaker coupe he also ran at Langhorne.	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Doc Blanchard	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Jack Farquhar with Vince Barbuto's car - before they moved on to the Valley.
Courtesy of Scott Belknap Jerry Pennock did a great job driving for Tony Villano.	Courtesy of Jim Conlon Jerry Cook in Vic Lane.	Courtesy of Duke McSpirit Jack Johnson, during his Stinit with Tom Douglas.	Courtesy of Jim Kelly Looking at Mel Austin's car embedded into the Victoria announcer's stand and it isn't hard to figure where Ton Douglas' 1st car came from.	Ladabouche Photo First Douglas car.	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Jerry Townley grabbed this Fonda win in Pop Wilcox's 32 before the team moved to the Valley.
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker The Shoe with his most familiar car, the Caputo Drellos 111.	Courtesy of G. Bogart The Shoe with a later ride, the Greene Electric 24.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Jim Johnson, Jr. in the Azchet 81a.	Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Jim Johnson, Jr in the familiar 77 sedan.	Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker The Shoe was responsible for many of Trinkhaus' wins.	Courtesy of George Hunt Lou Smith, Munnsville, NY
Courtesy of Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mod SIte Local man Skip Roots takes a qualifier.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Phil Becker lands the Ward Pettit 148 on top of Dick Bennett's 71 [likely Millington].	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Joel Thomas, Sherrill, NY Former Norm Moyer car.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Lou Smith in 1965 with the ill-fated Trinkhaus car.	Courtesy of A. Ainsworth Ray Sitterly's hugely poular Fonda win.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Steve Luse in a coupe at Fonda.

The Golden Era Action Shots
All "Courtesy of Frank Simek" Photos are by Frank.

Courtesy of Frank Simek Rebel Ross [H1] tries to get around Bruce Dostal as Skip Roots follows and Dave Lape closes in. One of my absolute favorite Fonda photos.	Russ Bergh Photo A nice start photo with the Walt Cross 47 on the inside pole and Pepper Eastman outside. Also seen are George Janoski [inside 2nd row] and Louie.	Russ Bergh Photo A dramatic start photo with Romano inside and Bobby Adams on the outside.	Ed Feuz Collection Another start photo with what I consider a  mistake inthe Fonda book. The 36 is George Voekler of Ballston Lake with Spence Parkhurst;s old car. This car would end up as John Kollar's 1st car. The outside pole is Ron Quackenbush.	Bergh Photo Ed Feuz Collection Ken Meahl is a little loopy as he is helped after one of Fonda's worst crashes. Meahl was driving the Red Snediker 28 in a long distance race.	Likely a  Frank Simek Photo via Mike Gray Jeep clobbers Irv, as Chartrand sneaks by.
Courtesy of Lou Lazarro A nice start photo with Lou Lazarro and Wimble on pole.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Corey sits atop Gahan with Pepper Eastman involved.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Shoemaker wads up the Wright/Zautner 24 with an unknown car 10.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Bob Bruno tests the fence with the Vic Wolfe sedan in which he had much success at Fonda.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Corey, at speed with the Studebaker.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Two Glens Falls teams: Corey takes the Drellos 11 around someone in the Allie Swears 51.
Courtesy of Frank Simek Another great shot in which Frank captures less - photographed drivers like Buck Peek [68].	Gater Racing News Photo Courtesy of Black Jack Racing  Gahan is again involved - this time with Mr. Danish and others.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Wimble leads Lape in his first car, along with Ray Sitterly.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Corey chases Wimble in 1964.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Bruce Dostal in the 69 inside what may be a Harry Alexson car. Narducci gives chase.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Corey's earlier Falcon variation battles Shoemaker in the Advanced design Wright / Zautner 24.
Courtesy of Frank Simek Simek captures Otto or Russ shooting this mixup with an early Cheuck Kress car.	Courtesy of Frank Simek It is rumored that Charlie Peters came to Fonda with the first big block. Whatever he had here, it wasn't handling.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Mr. Danish and Irv Taylor in the Falcon that might have become a Cross 47.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Ed Ortiz's potent B&M motor gave Fonda regulars trouble. Here, it may have been too potent. Rare shot of Lee Millington S22 behind.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Nice shot of field out of four. I can't recognize the white car in the foreground.	Courtesy of Frank Simek A white coupe already setting up for turn one.
Courtesy of Frank Simek What looks like Harry Alexson soldiers on as Charlie Peters starts the  sedan wreck.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Irv Taylor with his own #1 Falcon. What's with the plasticked - up driver window ?	Courtesy of Frank Simek A Dick Bennett 71 crewman approaches warily as Guy Chartrand has himself a track wiring predicament. Robbie Kotary is  involved.	Courtesy of Frank Simek  Gahan loses a wheel and causes all kinds of havoc.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Two popular old hands going at it: Jeep in the newly - built Villano Ford and Irv in his Falcon.	Courtesy of Frank Simek A nice color shot captures Jim Luke on it with the Wilcox 32 not long before he was replaced by Townley.

Courtesy of Frank Simek Andy Romano with his first sedan, and Jerry Townley, now having replaced Luke in Wilcox'x 32.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Before leaving for Wilcox, Townley did manage to put John Cross's 47 out of its misery.	Courtesy of Frank Simek Mike Michaels leads either Jeep or Baumie here in 1964.	Russ Bergh Photo Interesting 1963 mixup: From left - Gahan, UNK, Danish, someone in a primered Trinkhaus 62,Willie Chest, and Ronnie Battaglia.	Russ Bergh Photo Bob Bruno leads with the Allie Swears 51 as someone in the Cross 47 chases.	Russ Bergh Photo This is a classic. Luke, UNK, Danish, Gauthier or battaglia 12A, and Corey.
Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker The Shoe on the outside in the very early 80s's.	Courtesy of John Gallant This 1965 shot shows Pete Corey atop the Bob Zimmerman 72 of Pepper Eastman.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap Bucky Peek meets the barrier as the S22 [either Bergen or Millington] looks to get by.	Courtesy of Scott Belknap The one and only Cyclone Forrette wrought havoc here with the Roerig brothers' 99.	Gater Racing News Photo Courtesy of Scott Belknap This Fonda wreck shows  the 27Jr ridden into the wall by Buanno and Cook goes by.

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