THE RIDGE RUNNER RACING TEAM The Legacy of Fred Searing

The history of the Ridge Runner Racing Team is synonymous with the history of Lebanon Valley Speedway. Fred Searing was not a particularly large man, but his legacy and effect on the New Lebanon, NY speedway is very significant. Today, there are probably still descendants of his family and of the drivers he helped bring along in the sport.

Fred, during the Valley period when everyone was going to the late model body.

It started out, in Oak Hill, NY, most likely with just Fred, himself. The team made a trademark for itself with the solid white cars with a distinctive style of red numerals on the sides. I first saw Fred [and his first hired driver Johnny Flach] at the Rutland Fairgrounds show of 1`960, staged by the Lebanon Valley organization. I clearly recall Flach because the announcer, Uncle Art Stuart, had made particular reference to the light on a stick, mounted on Flach's roof. Flach was later announced in the Rutland Herald as preapring to attend the first show at Fairmont Speedway in 1962; but, much to my disappointment, he never showed.

Photo Source Unknown
Johnny Flach [center] with Fred's son, Louie [right] and probably a young Stan Wetmore.

Rutland Herald Photo
Johnny Flach poses with fledgling promoter C.J. Richards in 1962.

The Ridge Runner Racing Team did make it to Fairmont - in the persons of Fred's son. Louie Searing and with Stan Wetmore, who had apparently taken over the 77 from Flach. Searing became a semi-regular at the Fair Haven, Vt. track for a couple of years - even making the cover of C. J.'s CVRA calendar in 1964. Searing probably had many more drivers under his tutelage before he bowed out; but I only recall Fred, Louie, Flach, Wetmore, Mert Hulbeert, and Barry Tripp. Harold Montayne had a stint, as well.

Arnie Ainsworth Photo Mert Hulbert, Oak Hill, NY	Arnie Ainsworth Photo Barry Tripp, ?, NY	Arnie Ainsworth Photo Harold Montayne, ?, NY
Arnie Ainsworth Photo Donnie Wetmore, Oak Hill, NY Note the Number	Val Blicarcz Photo Louie Searing, Oak Hill, NY	Ladabouche Photo Stan Wetmore, Oak Hill, NY
Photo Courtesy of Chris Companion Louie Searing, later car - Valley	LadabouchePhoto Mert Hulbert, Fairmont, 1965	Cavalcade Photos Johnny Flach, 1962 Valley Champ

Courtesy of the LaFond Family
Johnny Flach apparently ran at least one CVRA program for C.J. Richards.