LARRY DEMAR      
THE BEST FRIEND A FORD EVER HAD

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Bob Doyle Portrait
Courtesy of Melanie Anuken

       With the passing of Larry Demar, of Hardwick, VT in November of 2015, the Vermont racing scene lost one of its truly unique personalities. Larry was loyal to the Ford brand, and he seldom raced on anything but a shoestring budget. Yet, he managed many wins and at least one Flying Tiger championshoip in his years of racing. Like many others from the 1960's era of racing, Larry could walk about the pit area at places like Thunder Road, nearly unnoticed by the busy legion of pit deniszens who were either too young to recall his exploits or might not have even been born when he retired.

      In keeping with his background in Hardwick, Larry fielded two - two blue Fords - no doubt taking the clor scheme from his mentor, George hay who had fielded winning flathead coupe teams at Thunder Road and Northeastern Speedway in the late '50's and early 1960's. For whatever reason, Larry chose the number 1, instead of 58 or 68, as seen on the Hay cars. Scruffy and laid back, Larry did not command the fan support as did the hometown Dragon brothers, the more flamboyant Ingersons, or the clean cut Tom TIller. But his often beat up Fords could be counted upon to contend in any race they were in.

      An amazed Bob Dragon recently told me stories of Demar. In one case, Bob was at full speed during one of Catamount's long practice sessions when Demar pulled beside him, driving with one hand and lighting a cigarette with a common match with the other.  Another time, according to Bob, Demar passed him, eating some sort of sandwich and driving with one hand. Keep in mind, those cars back then did not have power steering.

      Red Mead, a long - time racer from the immediate area near Hardwick, started with a Huirricane division Ford that looked exactly like Demar's. Mead would go on to a long career, always with blue #1 Fords. I only got to have about two decent conversations with Larry before his declinig health. I wish I had gotten to know him better.

Courtesy of Cho Lee Larry, with what is likely his first car. A B class CHEVY of all things	Norman McIver Portait         Courtesy of Cho Lee Larry, with what is likely his first car. A B class CHEVY of all things	Courtesy of Cho Lee Larry, with a still fresh - looking Ford at Catamount. This is said to be 1968.	Courtesy of Cho Lee In the infield at Catamount with Ken Squier and Archie Blackadar after a feature win.	Courtesy of Cho Lee Running the ad for Mr. Hay's business and winning yet another race.
Courtesy of Chris Companion With the latest Catamount trophy.	Courtesy of Cho Lee I would guess this is the 1966 banquet for the 2 tracks. Larry uneasily shares the spotlight with the likes of Bob Dragon, Andre Manny, Marcel Godard, Don MacTavish, and Art Taylor.	Courtesy of Cho Lee Catamount 1966: Larry in Vic Lane with Bob Doyle, Toim Tiller, and a very young Bobby Dragon.	Courtesy of Steve McKnight This is an ugly car, even by Demar standards. But it is the end of the season and the kids don't seem to mind because he is probably the champion at one track or the other.	Courtesy of Cho Lee A weary Larry strikes a contrast to the crisp Tom Tiller and the very young Bobby Dragon at a big race at the end of a season.
Ladabouche Collection Doug Ingerson gets by as  larry and Stub Fadden end up in the infield at Catamount Stadium.	Courtesy of Cho Lee This one looks like a pretty big win.	Courtesy of Steve McKnight Demar shakes hands with an injured Tom Tiller on the track at Catamount.	Courtesy of Cho Lee Trying to make Paul Norton's ornery but powerful Ford Fairlane 500 behave around 1972. It didn't - for anyone. One person told me this isn't Larry, I don't know for sure.	Courtesy of Cho Lee Larry looks on from the podium as car owner Johnny Bourgeois congratulates Bobby Dragon.
Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A familiar Demar pose.	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken And to the victor - go the spoils.	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A Thunder Road trophy presentation to Larry, as well as Norm Cyr, Tiller, and Lennie Stockwell.	Courtesy of Andy Boright Larry is getting a bird's eye view of Dick Southworth wrecking in B Class action.	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken Another podium at Catamount.
Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A Catamount victory lane shot. Do you notice it's almost always the same guys ?	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A different look at Larry that few races fans would ever see.	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A Thunder Road reunion shot in 2003. Larry [sunglasses and moustache] is standing  in the back row, next to Ken Squier, behind Stub Fadden and Clem Despault - two of his main rivals.	Source Unknown Larry is interviewed by Ken Squier as an honored previous winner of the Milk Bowl, prior to his stroke.	Courtesy of Melanie Anuken A very recent photo.

Courtesy of Melanie Anuken
Another night, another trophy.

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