THE GREAT ICE RACE OF 1958

For the 1960 Ice Race CLICK HERE

     In 1958 someone [probably Maurice Broderick] got the flash of inspiration to stage "The First World Championship Ice Race" at the track. Considering how dirt roads can ice over and freeze up where I live, the idea may not have been that hard to prepare for. Broderick attracted a small field of hardy souls to compete and there is photographic evidence that a few brave fans sat out the spectacle in the stands - no doubt fortified with various hot thermos and alcohol - based refreshment.
    Apparently, from the photos supplied by the Bridges family, the race was won by George Bridges, in his G1 coupe. I could also recognize Dick Nephew's car, and maybe one that used to be driven by Shorty Carmichael. The rest seem kind of difficult to make out. I don't guess it was ever attempted again - at least not according to a couple of the surviving attendees of that most unusual of North Country sporting events.


Courtesy of Bucko Branham

A heat of The Great Ice Race
is flagged off. Note
spectators lining
turns one and two.
Bridges Family Collection

George Bridges is shown
the checkers in The
 Great Ice Race.


Bridges Family Collection

George Bridges in
Victory Lane

Nephew Family Collection

Dick Nephew in action
out of Turn 2. Note the "strange collection of
car types in the race.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts

George Bridges with the G1

  

THE GREAT ICE RACE OF 1960


Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

Dick Nephew pacing the field as Don Hayes begins a
rollover on the main stretch.
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

Nephew gets the win
as Hayes is still on the
track.
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

#37 sits, spun out, in
the turn. Note the tire
chains.
 

Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

Fixing the tire chains
before the race starts.
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

Bob Bruno starts on
the outside pole in an
unfamilar car # 2x4.

 
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

On this restart Bruno
is now on the inside pole.

Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

Nephew spins in front of
Don Hayes, who would late
roll over.
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

On the trophy stand
after the 1960 ice
races.
Bob Mackey Photo, Courtesy of
John Rock and Bobby Castine

On the trophy stand
after the 1960 ice
races II.
 

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