1985 Membership Card
2nd Year As Hobby Club President
This was my 14th season with the Hobby club and my 2nd as club President. 1984 was a good year for the Hobby’s, turning things around by staying close together, and bringing more awareness to our club. We started the Hobby Hall Of Fame in 1984 and would continue it again in 85 with Don Cockburn and Al Bowman the inductees. Off season events were busy with Larry Westwood and I going to the Canadian Promoters Work Shop where three institutions received achievement awards. The Hobby Club, OARC were one of the recipients getting recognition for promoting our sport. This was another historic season, as was 84 with our first ever East Coast Tour. The Maritime tracks wanted us back in 85’ but most members didn’t want to go east again. The first trip was quite hectic, and though I wanted to go, I knew it was a stretch to get the members to say yes, then consider booking holidays, making sure vehicles were fit and all that goes with a two thousand mile two week tour . So, looking for a getaway, I was able to negotiate races in Michigan, Kalamazoo Speedway and Mount Clemens. We also made our first visit the MIS NASCAR race as guests for the pre race parade. The Michigan International Speedway deal was good as teams with blown engines were able to go on the track towing their cars on their trailers. The club grew in 1985, becoming stronger and closer. Our committee worked hard together. The schedule also include first time shows at Perry New York and Check Flag Speedway. Our club sponsors were Dave Franks, B&B Decals, Westward Tools and Quaker State. We presented money to the Easter Seal club, a $2000 cheque, monies we collected from going through the stands at Flamboro. 1985 was a great year for the Hobby club, not so much for our team. My devotion was 100% on being President and a lot less on my race program. My crew and I spent just enough time making sure our car was ready for opening day and every night after. Steffon, John, Paul, Doug and David worked hard, but found it frustrating with me not focused on our race team. We blew a few engines in 85, had some bad crashes. Financially it was a tough season. Nonie and I closed our restaurant, the government chased me again, trying to make sure we didn’t park our car in the garage. It had been almost 7 years since the last episode with the township. The by law enforcement police were relentless so I worked on my car outside on our restaurant property, it was zoned commercial, so we were okay, and survived that hassle. As tough as it was for my family and I personally, the Hobby Club did very well, showing us their appreciation and giving me a sense of accomplishment. Once the dust settled I was able to take a deep sigh and consider 1985 a decent year….We want to extend a special thanks to our own sponsors, Quaker State, 12th year, Reclaim Enterprises (John Saucier), Canadian Collision Supply, Rent A Wreck and M&T Truck Center, Lil’ Al’s Custom and Coors (yes Coors sent me hats and a sports bag)….we hope you enjoy the pictures and stories from 1985.
1985 Stats
Raced 24 Nights..Had 5 Rain Outs
This was a crazy season with 5 rain outs. Two of those came at U.S. tracks on different week ends. Perry Speedway on May 26th, Mount Clemens August 10th during our Michigan Tour in August. There were three lost race nights at Flamboro Speedway due to weather. We never did return to Perry or Mount Clemens. Perry cancelled our 2nd show because the track was covered with clay, they became a dirt track, and Mount Clemens closed the doors the following season. We did get to play at both tracks. Ray Hughes took my car out once the rain stopped at Perry and the engine blew. At Mount Clemens, with the race cancelled and the sun out, we ran mock races at low speed. It was depressingly fun. We also lost the Barrie Speedway feature on September 8th, got the heats in but the feature rained out. That night was crazy. Prior to the race the Hobby members were waiting until I got some money that was owed us from 1984. I had faith we’d get the money, but the members wanted the cash before we raced. We got it and were good to go. I would crash hard in that race, removing the right front wheel after slamming the turn one wall. The club agreed to take tow money instead of waiting to see if the weather cleared up. We got $1100 and headed home. We had good car on most nights as the club was growing. Our team struggled with only one win, a consi. We had 13 top 10 feature finishes, but 9 DNF’s, including three engines. Overall, 1985 was a tremendous success for the Hobby club, and another challenge for our team.text]
1985 Hobby Line Up
Hobby Roster
I got myself concerned when I first looked at the line up. I didn’t understand why there was nothing under #36. Did I forget to buy my membership? No, but I did forget that I changed my number for the first time in 16 years from #36 to #9. The story behind the change, the reason and the headache it created for me and a few others will be explained later, at the car show pictures.
1985 Schedule
We Booked 30 Shows
What’s missing here is the Kalamazoo race Friday August 9th. That gave us potentially 30 race nights. We lost 5 to rain and had the 2nd Perry Speedway race cancelled because they changed their track to dirt. We were invited to run if we wanted to race on the dirt but the membership declined….me to on that one.
Club President 1985
Welcome Letter
We put together our first souvenir program to celebrate 20 years as an organized club. Many members helped make this happen. It was a great effort by all and helped promote our club throughout 1985.
Quaker State Agreement
12th Year With Quaker State
This year we put the name on the side of the car and on the roof above the windshield to give maximum exposure.
Reclaim Enterprises
John Saucier…Great Race Fan…Great Sponsor
Rent A Wreck
Associate Sponsor
Canadian Collision Supply
Dan & Cyril Sponsor
I had a clean up shop business in 85′ and bought supplies from CCS. They sponsored me and asked me to try to sell paint for them at various car dealers. Great people.
Coors
Me & Bill…Same Number Same Sponsor
During the off season a few of us in the Hobby club thought it would be neat to paint our cars like NASCAR teams. I had Bill Elliott`s paint n 1984 but this year made it more official by getting the number 9 and then Coors as a sponsor. It took me a while to get to the marketting person but when I did we got another sports bag and some hats, not a lot, but enough to make the car look as close to the Ford T-Bird as possible.
Hobby Write Up
Pre Season Write Up
More Write Up
Write Up Continued
Dave Franks
Dave Franks Returned As An Associate Sponsor
Dave and Judy helped the Hobby club with pictures, buttons etc for the Hobby Fan Club. He also provided the pictures for our first ever souvenir program, our 20th Anniversary Program. Dave did alot to promote the Hobby`s, and many Ontario race tracks with his photos. He was an official photo supplier for many news papers in Canada and the U.S.
B&B Decals
Dedicated Hobby Family Sponsors Club In 1985
The Barton Family had an important impact on the Hobby club by not only racing and working on the committee but also sponsoring. Their efforts were much appreciated.
Rawlinson Moving & Storage
Established Business Sponsors Hobby Club
History Story Of Rawlinson
Hobby Club Sponsor
Don Crosley liked what we did and sponsored the Hobby club for just this season. Here is a story of the 100 years of their business…Don took over 6 years prior to this story.
Westward Tools
Hobby Club Sponsor
Westward sponsored the Hobby club with tools for their weekly draws,as well as door prizes for various events we had. They also donated a set of gold wrenches to the winner of the Best Appearing Car.
85 Rebuild Begins
John Sauciers Shop
John`s sponsorship included helping us with a new engine and the use of his shop to rebuild our car. There was little heat and lighting, but it was better than working outside in the winter, in fact we did nothing much over the winter. We were able to do all the welding and hard work here.[/
Hey This Car Isn’t Scrap…Well
Salvage Business
John’s business included tearing down big abandoned wharehouses, storing, sorting and selling the scrap. Lucky no one loaded our car into the bin when it came time to get rid of some metal.
Welding The Frame
John Saucier Prepares The Frame
John was welding the rear cross member and adding some support bars. Paul Cornwall was there as well to lend a hand.
Happy Birthday Annie
Annie Celebrates Her Birthday
I was fortunate to be close to the Saucier family in 85. Here I join her Sisters April and Melissa wishing her a great birthday.
Birthday Girl
Annie With Her Family & Friends
Well Wishes From Annie
My #1 Fan In 85 Was Annie
Mellisa’s Blessings
Melissa Gives Her Encouragement
Apirl Saucier
No 1 Dirver? Nice, Thank You April
Well, we may not have finished #1, but for April, Annie and Melissa, giving me a good pre season send off with these cards was very warming and a blessing to me and Nonie.
Promoters Work Shop
Hooby Reps For The Promoters Work Shop
There was a decision by the club to send Larry and I to this work shop to see what was new in the racing industry and learn something we could bring back to the Hobby club. We were presented with an acheivement award for the Hobby club, quite an honor considering only three were given out in Ontario.
Work Shop Clipping
We Win Award For Promoting Our Sport
Award Presentation
Receiving The Award
Stew Reamer
Editor & Publisher Of Racing Promotion Monthly Stew Reamer
John Casale & Bruce Bennett
Sauble & Flamboro Speedway Promoters
Nonie provided supper for a few of us after the Work Shop. Larry and I more than likely had fun with these two track promoters. Bruce on the right ran Sauble Speedway, and John was the promoter of Flamboro Speedway. These owners had to run at least 25 nights a year to make their budget. They appreciated that not only were we willing to race 25 to 30 times a season, but bring with us a full field of cars every night.
Motion Car Show
Motion Car Show March 1985
There were six of us in this car show. Mike DeLeeuw’s awesome sign hangs from the ceiling. Mike won an award for best sign in the show. Some of us decided to paint our cars like NASCAR stars. My car was this color in 1984 but to make it look more like Bill Elliott’s car I wanted to run the #9, that hadn’t been run for a few seasons. That deal caused some grief. Bill Lyons thought the number was retired, but we never retired any number, I explained I only wanted to use it for one season. Some other OARC members thought I shouldn’t take #9, but what they didn’t know was that #9 was my other favourite number. Andy Bathgate, the New York Ranger captain when I was a kid was #9, so was Bobby Hull, so was Vic Parson’s my favourite Late Model driver. I took the heat and ran #9 but only for 1985…that’s all I wanted.
Stewart Pitchford #47
Stewart Earnhardt
Stewart was one who decided to paint his car using a NASCAR theme. He copied the Wrangler #3 of Dale Earnhardt. Stewart loved to paint model cars and took a lot of pride in the look of his cars. He was also a big fan of Dale Earnhardt. The other five cars in the show were #2 Ron Goodison, 12 Jim Collison, #21 Larry Westwood, defending club champion #53 Rich Farraway and me.
Ron Goodison #2
Second Year Member Ron Goodison #2
Ron’s rookie season was 1984. Ray, his dad and Ron supported the club whenever they could.
Kids Contest
Hobby Kids Car Contest
The kids from the Hobby club got involved with our display by having a model car contest of their own. That was one thing the Hobby club did well was keep it a family club.
Larry Westwood #21
Valvoline NASCAR Scheme
Larry painted his car like the Ron Bouchard’s Valvoline car from 1985.
Rich Farraway #53…Jim Collison #12
Farraway Collison Enter Show
The 1984 Hobby club Champion Rich Farraway and one of the clubs hardest working members Jim Collison #12 completed the Hobby club entries in the 1985 Motion Car Show. Every entrant got one these plaques for participating.
Season Begins
Let The Season Begin
Hobby Story
Pre Season Press
Annie & The Coupe
Season Starts Soon
Annie is all smiles knowing we’ll be racing soon. Unfortunately we rained out on May 4th, we didn’t rain out the next week..it was worse.
Pre Race Parade Lap
Parade Lap May 11th
After the Hobby meeting, Dave Franks asked Bruce Manson and I if we wanted to drive his two Petty go-karts in the parade lap…we said yes…I don’t think we hesitated.
Enjoying The Parade
Dave Franks Karts
While we were playing on the track the Hobby club were lining up the heats. It was no problem, Steffon, Paul and John had it covered…so I thought. When I came in after the parade lap my car was not lined up and the reason was because the car would not start. We switched carbs with Ray Hughes but still no go. We missed the heat, but finally got the car ready for the consi.
Engine Lets Go On Opening Night
Engine Woe’s Already
We had our problems with engines, blowing up tons. We never expected this to happen, we did all the right stuff, sent it to Jim Lindsay, one of the best builders of inlines. On lap three of the consi the engine grenaded, putting us out for the night. No way to start a championship chase.
Engine Lift…On Steroids
Monday Morning
There’s no way we figured on this deal, it was a heart breaker right off the bat. we had no extra money to spend because we spent everything we had just to get ready for opening day, that was depressing for our team. John was upset and said he would deal with it. He called Jim Lindsay because paying for the engine was his main sponsorship for us. Jim made it right and that made things a lot better.
Getting It Out
Inline No Problem For This Crane
John and I worked on Monday to get this engine out and then get it immediately to Jim Lindsay. John and his family were very supportive towards us, not so much financially, but in every way. He cared about me and that mattered a lot, whether he was doing it because he knew I was Annie’s favourite driver, I don’t know, I thought maybe he was my best adult fan. Being with the Saucier family taught me a lot, they were more laid back but yet still never wanting to give up. They did want to slow me down a bit, to take a breath, but never to get me to park the car..no one ever could get me to do that.
Thank You Rich
Rich Farraway Lends Us An Engine
Our engine didn’t get repaired in time. Rich Farraway was good enough to loan one of his engines until ours was finished. On the Saturday prior to the race we were at John’s having a bar-b-que and someone mentioned Murphy’s Law and how it may continue to affect our racing with the comment “Imagine if we blow Rich Farraway’s engine”. David said almost immeditately, “what if Rich blows up his own and wants this one back”? It was a fun time considering the possibilities of things that could go wrong, knowing something would, but as it turned out we would return to Flamboro on May 18th and take 3rd in both our heat and feature.
Hobby Cars From 1985
Page From The Flamboro Program
There is a mistake on this program page. The #72 is not Bruce Manson, it’s Murry Luckhart. Bruce was #74.
Points Standings
We Are Not In Top 15 After Opening Night DNF
Hobby Cars Out West
Could We Race Together?
When I saw this article in the racing magazine I went nuts wanting to do some kind of special with them. It would happen, but not for 5 more years…oh ya that’s in the future, no one should know. Check out 1990 when it’s finished.
We’re Not Alone
The Old Timers Race Association…Just Like Us…Almost
This club though very similar were about 10 years behind us. The difference between their fast and slow cars was night and day, but they looked awesome and my goal was to somehow have a match race with them.
Flamboro Heat Race
Bentley Leads
Dave Bentley #29 followed by #21 Larry Westwood and our #9 Dodge.
Ron Shaw Leads Off Four
Sideways And Flying
Ron Shaw #81 Leads Bruce Manson #74 and I off turn four. Both these cars were on it hard getting their cars side ways.
John Saucier
John Rests On The Car
John was our friend, crew member and sponsor. Here he is pictured with Mr. Ding DeLeeuw Sr. in the Flamboro pits. Mr. DeLeeuw worked with the Hobby club as line up person.
Racing Off Four
The Boys Get It Going In The Feature
Ken Jorgenson #96 and Don Shaw #84 race with this pack off turn four in the Flamboro feature.
Back Chute One To Go
Getting Ready To Go Green
Flamboro Heat May 18th
Heat 3rd..Feature 3rd…Farraways Engine
Opening night we blew our engine. Then we joked “what if we blew up Rich’s engine, and David said, what if he blew up and wanted his engine back”. When we got to the track on the 18th we unloaded but did not make the first set of warm ups. That was no surprise to us, but what turned out to be an omen, or esp, the thing that made us think we were fortune tellers was when Rich blew his engine in those first warm ups. I offered him his engine back but he said no, went home and borrowed one from Dan Gastonguay. That was an amazing night, we also got 3rd in the feature…thanks Rich.
My Number One Fan
Story On How I Got John Saucier To Sponsor Us
The Man To Beat Most Nights
Bruce Manson #74
Bruce helped me a lot in 1985. We were being chased again by the township for parking our car in our garage so Bruce and Carmen let me keep my car at their place until the dust settled down. Dwight and Bruce helped me with setting up my car and we became very close, doing things together. Bruce appreciated my work with the Hobby club and in return helped me because he knew I didn’t know a lot about making the car go faster, and he sure did.
Racing With Bruce
Racing Off Turn Four
Bruce and I race close with Lorne Stewart #27, Don Shaw #84 and Larry Gibson #88 not far behind.
Check Flag Speedway
Charlie Becks Wins At Windsor
On May 19th we headed to Checker Flag Speedway in Windsor. This was the worse race for us in 1985. We had 4 complete restarts. The track was terrible. There were pot holes everywhere, water seeping out of turn four onto the track, that never dried up, similar in turn one. Here’s the best, on the back straight, they didn’t have a guard rail or cememt wall, they had parked cars…no kidding. Charlie Beck won the feature that had 12 cautions in 25 laps. We were running 2nd tangled and went scratch. Bruce Manson got into me, spinning me out early in the race and later he hit Rick Koebel #42 who was leading, spinning him out and doing some damage. That got Bruce the black flag. That changed things for Bruce, me and the Hobby club. He was very upset with the various calls and how things were going. Bruce was the fastest car in the club and wanted badly to win the points, getting black flagged hurt him, but the season was still early. This was a double race week end and our only visit to Checker Flag.
On Our Way To Perry Speedway
Heading To New York
On May 26th we headed to New York state for our first of two scheduled races at Perry Speedway. Unfortunately both were cancelled. One to rain, this one on, and one to dirt, the track covered the track making it a dirt track before our next race. We were invited to come but voted not to go.
May 26th Perry Speedway
Rain, Ray & Rod Bolt
The owner called off the races early, and rightly so, it was a miserable damp wet day. The rain did stop long enough for a few of the guys to take their cars out. Ray Hughes took our car out and not long into the only set of hot laps allowed, the engine let go, very bad mess. This would be the 2nd Lindsay engine lost in 1985. It was also the last time Ray would take anyones car out for practice. Steffon makes sure the car is on right and John heads to the back to tie it down. That was our first blown inline in the U.S., but it wouldn’t be my last…later for the next one…two years later.
Homeward Bound
Highway Speed Photo..Going Home In The Rain
Farraway Wins Both Features
Double Feature Night June 1st
Our feature rained out on May 25th, but we did get our heats and consi in. John booked the rain out feature the next Saturday, June 1st. We finished 8th in the heat and 2nd in the consi on the 25th, then 6th in the rain out feature a week later. June 1st races were good for us picking up a 4th in the heat and 6th again in the feature. This article says we finished 3rd, but Bruce Manson, Ray Hughes and Jeff Bedell all got by. we won $160 for both features. We put Rich Farraway’s engine back in after blowing our 2nd Lindsay engine. Rick said we could buy it for $400. We had to use the Farraway engine because Lindsay hadn’t finsihed ours yet, although it was promnised for June 8th.
Steffon Fixing …What Else
Engine Woes…Really?
There was no slowing down our bad luck with engines. This time wasn’t a serious deal, but it seemed we were constantly fighting with our engines. We did a lot of work during the week preparing for June 8th. We removed the trans, bell housing, clutch assembly and oil pan. I was worried because my engine luck was no good when someone who knew what they were doing built or worked on it. Now we were into some heavy surgery, for me. We replaced the rear main seal and oil pan gasket and reassembled everything and incredibly…our oil leak was gone, and the engine didn’t blow up.
Consi Race June 8th
Consi Race Flamboro Speedway June 8th…Brad Collison #1
Dave Lewis & Annie Saucier
Win Gets Kids In The Action
David Lewis would come with us most every week end. He lived across the street from us in Toronto and was David’s best friend. Here he gets in the picture with Annie Saucier. Most drivers would let kids come down and get their picture taken with them. I remember as a young fan getting to talk to one of the stock car drivers at the CNE. He soon became my hero and favourite driver. As a racer I never want to take that opportunity away from a fan, of any age.
First Win 1985
A Win Always Brings A Smile
Winning wasn’t plentiful in 85′, so getting to hold the checker flag was a great feeling. This consi win on June 8th was sandwiched between a wreck in the heat and later in the feature.
Consi Win June 8th
Bill Elliott Autographed Our Picture
Driver Of The Week
One Win Will Do It
Looks Good Now
June 8th Feature Insane
This picture dosen’t tell the story. We started 15th in the main because we qualified through the consi on June 8th. Early in the race I got mixed up when Castonguay got turned by Bruce and cars went everywhere. I got hit by avoided the wall, but the contact flattened the left rear tire. Ron Shaw loaned us a tire and we got back out. The notes from this night say we’d been better off to stay in the pits. About 8 laps later, Jim English and Larry Gibson got together, I checked up and got slammed hard by Dan Gastonguay #54. Dan’s car was mounted on the side of mine, burried into the door, huge damage. The car wasn’t hurt bad enough to continue but wouldn’t restart because of a broken wire on the kill switch. Believe it or not, I had time to twist the ends together and get the car started. Believe it or not I didn’t go a lap and heard something banging in the front end, I drove to the infield and found the rad came back and was hitting the fan. I ran to the pit wall and asked my crew to get something to tie it in place. The heart was pounding to get back out in the race, and it was still under yellow. I got a bungy chord from Mike DeLeeuw and managed to secure the rad, keeping it away from the fan. Man that was crazy, but at least I was going to get back in the race. However, as soon as I got on the track and drove one lap I was black flagged…”infield rule”. There was lots of rain the past few weeks and no one was allowed to go to the infield, well, you could, but you had to stay there. It wasn’t a good night, but we did win the consi.
Week End Of Grand Valley Tornado
Varney June 9th
It was another double header week end. Nonie and I stopped at Grand Valley, to see Ron and Helen Shaw on our way to Varney Speedway. Their little city was hit by a very severe tornado. We coudn’t believe the incredible damage done to homes from the tornadoes that hit that town. Some homes were demolished completely. I had never seen great big three foot thick trees with all the bark stripped off the outside of the tree. That same spawn of tornados also hit Barrie and many people were killed from this terrible storm. Helen gave us a tour of the Grand Valley. After we headed to Varney with Don Shaw and Ron Goodison….Nonie and I went with the kids. None of our crew could make it, but with all the help from other Hobby teams, we were in good shape and we needed help. Our rad was damaged from the night before at Flamboro. We got that fixed but missed warm ups. We ended up 4th in this heat and 7th in the feature. The feature had some issues, this time Bruce Manson and Tim Martin. That wreck, though not serious involved both Charlie Beck and Ray Hughes. At the end of the race we had a 9 car train going and the fans loved it. Mr. Martin and Bruce got into in the pits, but things settled down and no one carried it on. Being President and racing is very tough because after the race is over you have to settle any problems with the rest of the committee and sometimes it can take away from a fun night.
Bruce Manson #74
Bruce Making His Presence Known At Varney
Ron Shaw…Bruce Manson At Varney
Tornado’s Couldn’t Keep Ron Away
Ron and Bruce run side by side down the back chute at Varney. Bruce with out a hood is side ways on the outside. Ron was side ways plently of times but not this one as he battles Bruce. Drivers got in free on this day and that was a good deal for us.
Varney Speedway
“Trivia”…What Is Ray Hughes Favourite Track?
Not Varney!! I can’t remember ever disliking a track. That wasn’t the case for Ray Hughes. Over the winter, while considering the schedule at a general meeting, I asked the drivers what tracks they wanted to race. Ray yelled out “anywhere but Varney”. Even though he would sooner go somewhere else, Ray still showed up to the smallest track in Ontario. I guess you can’t keep a real racer away.
Parade Lap
Getting Some Exposure In The Parade Lap
Going out in the parade lap is good for our sponsors and the fans. It also gives the announcer an opportunity to promote the division your in as well. Any promo like this is a good thing.
Rick Koebel #42
Rick Koebel’s #42, Painted The Same As Ray Hughes Black & Yellow
Stewart Pitchford #47
Stewart Loved Racing & Playing Hockey…He Was A Very Good Goalie
Early Season Points Standings
Bruce Manson #74 On Top
It was no surprise to see Bruce Manson leading the points. Ron Shaw #81 keeping pace with Bruce was a great indicator the fun loving Shaw was having a great season, his best in the Hobby club.
Bruce Manson Leading Points
Manson Wants Points Title…Bad
There was no one in 1985 more determined to win the points than Bruce Manson. No doubt Ron Shaw, Ray Hughes and Charlie Beck and a few others wanted top honors, as did our team. But Bruce was almost obsessed with not only the desire but need to grab the title. We wanted to take a run at it, but 2 blown engines in our first six nights eliminated our chances. We were 11th at this point in the season.
Back In The Day
Early American Stock Cars
Jim English #55
Souvenir Program Page
Jim wore many hats. He helped the club by running on the committee, gave advice when any issues arrised that needed a mature voice, was friendly and helpful to all the Hobby members, and one of the toughest dudes to race against when he was on his game. A great loving and humble man.
Charlie Beck #79
Smiling Charlie
It was “Smilin’ Ray Hughes”, but the title could have went to Charlie Beck who was smiling even when he didn’t win a race…here he’s all smiles.
Brad Collison
2nd Generaion Collison
Brad was the son of racing great Jim Collison. Brad wasn’t the luckiest racer but enjoyed racing with and against his dad.
Wayne Stevens #99
Coach Runner
Wayne brought out a beautiful lookijng coach to compete with the Hobby dirvers. He was another racer that would soon start helping mold the clubs success. Wayne raced hard and was clean and fair, showing and giving respect all the time.
Jim Collison #12
Jim Collison The Organizer
Jim was awesome on the committee. In my 2nd year as president, all the committee members worked hard. Jim worked hard as well, but sometimes worried with all the things I wanted to do. He was disappointed when I stepped down from the committee in 1986, but he knew I had to concentrate on my race program, because it suffered because of the time I spent in the off season trying to get things done for the Hobby club. It was my job as President, and all the other members of the 85′ committee were very good at the things they were doing and I never regretted spending the extra time to make things work. It’s easy when I had people like Jim and a club membership body that cared about their future.
It Won’t Work Larry!!!!
Chaos At Flamboro
Ken Frost #22 gets low followed by Jim Collison #12. Ron Shaw #81 checks up as #21 Larry Westwood is making things exciting in the turn. Maybe it wasn’t Larry’s fault, he could have been hit causing him to spin, regardless for those heading into the turn fast and two wide it becomes a code red situation.
One To Go
Brian Pratt Drives Gallinger Ford Mustang In Pace Lap
Jeff Bedell #65 and I lead this pack on the white flag lap of a 10 car heat.
Bruce Manson Remains On Top
Manson On Top, We Get In Top 10
Ron Goodison #2 & Team
Concerned Crew Looks On
Driver Ron Goodison inspects his fan while Ed Hennesey in the back ground looks on as does his dad Ray Goodison. The car next to Ron is our car, Steffon can be seen working under the hood of our car. We had a hood that tipped forward.
Crash In Turn One
Tim Martin #33 & Lorne Stewart #27
Wild Sequence
Brad Collison #1
Autographed Picture
Dave Franks Got This Picture Autographed For Me..Thanks Dave & Thanks Bill
Mike Witter #19
Awesome Person & Just As Awesome On The Track
Ron Shaw #81
Keeping Pace With Bruce Manson
In his 5th season with the Hobby club Ron was showing his stuff by keeping pace with the hard charging Bruce Manson. Ron’s having a great season and winning this race was one of many in 85′.
Feature Wreck June 8
Feature Crash Features Lots Of Damage
Another View
Major Repairs On The Horizon
David`s New Look Idea
David`s Amazing Design
Our goal was to win a Championship of course, we always tried for it and wanted so bad to be the top runner in the Hobby Club. A feature win was another desire, and that was almost as tough for me, as winning a title, but a title was way above winning a feature. We went 167 nights without a win spanning 6 season from 1978’s dramatic feature win to finally taking another feature at Barrie in 1984. Third on the list, but always having it just as important as the other two was how our car looked. We tried every season to have our car looking excellent, but got beat most times by Harry Nicholson who won Best Appearing Car 11 years in a row with the exact same (but gorgeous)looking car. David told me in mid May if we wanted a shot at best appearing car in 1985 we needed to have side curtins. The number on the car was too far forward and needed side curtins to make the car look more proportionate. Now was the time so we did it after our serious wreck when Dan Castonguay t-boned us the night we won our heat on June 8th. With two rain outs after Varney, June 15th and 22nd we had time to take this drawing and give our car a new look. The next 3 pictures show progress and the final result of our work, all taken from this picture, from a 13 year olds drawing.
June 15th Warm Ups
Under Construction
We didn`t quite have enough time to fix all the damage, redesign the body and have it painted and lettered. As it turned out, this night rained out.
Runs Okay…Now To Paint
Make Over Incomplete
The 15th of June and the 22nd both rained out giving us another week to get the car ready with paint and lettering.
Home Run
From The Drawing To The Real Thing
We were very happy with how the car turned out. David`s idea was a just what this car needed.
New Look A Winner
Dizzy Dean Presents Award June 29th
On June 29th, Dizzy Dean, the founder and owner of Motion Car Show, came to our race and picked his choice of the Best Appearing car award. This was the first time we ever won an award for appearance. It would be a good year for that because we also won the award at the banquet for the Best Appearing Car award for 1985. David made a good call on this paint scheme revision, and we were awarded the very next race out.
Fred Poets #58
Practicing With Fred Poets
Trouble For Dan
Dan Castonguay #54 Breaks A Wheel
Jim English #55
Nice Looking Model A Coupe
Mike Witter Working In The Pits
Mike Witter #19
This was Mikes first year in the Hobby Club. He wanted to run the #19 like his dad Gary Witter. Larry Westwood gave Mike the number and took #21 for 1985. Mike was a very graceful person, he and Paul Fisher, the owner of the car were a great duo.
Black & Yellow On The Pole
Rick Koebel & Ray Hughes
Larry Gibson #88
Corvette Club Member
This was Larry’s second season with the Hobby club driving this nice looking coupe.
Ron Easton’s Rookie Season
Hobby Rookie #00 Ron Easton
Nonie and I were close to George and Sandy McLeod. Ron married George’s daughter Cathy (I think), we usually
get it wrong, it could be Susan. Nonie and I knew both girls, Ron got to know one better than we did, but do you think I can remember which one. I’m hoping they don’t read this, well at least Cathy or Susan, not assuming both would be upset, not assuming the other one wouldn’t like Ron…wow, this gets worse as it goes on. Anyway, it wouldn’t take Ron long to get his racing career heading in the right direction. He would learn fast and even stir up the tech committee a little, (lot’s of guys did that) but I think his controversial seasson start was next year.
Smilin’ Ray & Not So Happy Bruce
Ray Holds Off Bruce
These two usually ran up front. Bruce was the man to beat and most times if anyone was going to beat him it was Ray. Smilin’ Ray was his nick name, no one had one for Bruce, but he usually was anyting but smiling. Bruce was so determined to win the title that he was obsessed and no one was going to get in his way. Here, Ray is in his way, but Ray was good enough on some nights to beat the rocket man.
Hot Laps At Flamboro
Practice Makes Perfect
It made perfect sense to try everything we could to keep up with the top runners. We struggled with the stupid inline blowing up frequently, and those DNFs killed our points hopes. We never gave up trying to win every week.
Starter Gives Sign…2 To GO
Double File Start
Kansas City Paul
Everyone Would Have Loved This Man On Their Team
Paul Cornwall, from Kansas City Missouri, was a great friend and dedicated pit member. He and Steffon had been with me since 1981, and Paul since 1980. Paul always had something funny to say, but he never said anything against another race team no matter how bad or crazy they acted on the track. He usually found the best from everyone, a great way to be and an attitude that kept peace and calmness in our pits. Paul would be in our Pit Crew Hall Of Fame, if we had one, we remember and love him for all he brought to our team.
Stewart Pitchford Helping Out
Stewart & OJ
On July 6th we finally got our engine back from Jim Lindsay, that’s the one that blew up at Perry Speedway with Ray behind the wheel. Jim didn’t charge us for this one, but it took over a month to get done. Meanwhile we bought a used engine from Rich Farraway and that is the one that’s coming out. It was ok and did the job, but was no match for the top running cars. Here Stewart Pitchford, my long time school friend and racing buddy helps me get the engine out of the car. Jim Granger used his truck to pull the engine out. OJ, I gave him that name because he always raved about the races at Oswego Speedway. He was a close neighbour, OJ stood for Oswego John. John was a great friend and good friends with the Witter family.
Pulling Out The Used Engine
The Church Got A Baptism
We put in our new Jim Lindsay engine, after pulling this one out. We had a few different ways tok set the valves. They were set from Jim so the engine was ready to go. A few weeks after this picture I was in the driveway of our restaurant, we had no garage, and I decided to start up the engine and check the valve setting. David started the car and with the rocker cover off I was shocked to have the oil shoot right up over my head, almost hitting me. We shut the car off. I turned to David and said “that was close”. He pointed to the beige siding on behind me and said “the church didn’t make out so good”. It’s okay, the church won the battle, I would eventually, a few years down the road, be attending church on a regualar basis, just not this one.
Fast Car Heat
New Engine Give Us A Great Night On July 6th…Ray Wins Feature
We had one of our best nights of the year on July 6th. We finshed third in this heat but 2nd in the feature. When Jim Lindsay finished our engine we installed a button clutch. On lap 13 we were running 6th. Going into turn one I got made a move on the inside and went from 6th to second. The car was awesome (so said the diary). Larry Westwood was leading but spun out a lap later in turns 3 & 4 giving me the lead. I was incredibly excited at the thought we could possilby win this race. On lap 17 the unimagineable happened, our new clutch started slipping and smoking. The car was losing power and I was falling back. Coming off four with three to go Ray edged by me and the yellow came out. I thought it was for me, but it was from water on the track when Larry spun. John Casale called the race even though it was only the second caution of the feature. The checker came out and Ray motioned me by him, but he was ahead of me before the yellow came out giving us second. The win would have been synonomous with the big move on lap 13, but racing with Murphy’s Law as your reason for finishing any race, second (though excellent) was synonomous with the baffled clutch.
Fred Poets Leads Under Caution
Fred Poets, Murray Luckhart, Don Shaw and Larry Westwood
Ron Shaw #81
Smilin’ Ron Shaw
Twin 25′ Warm Ups
Testing At Flamboro
Actually what we were testing was the spark plug readings. In the first set of warm ups I spun and hit the wall bending the spring purchase and busting a tire. We got it back out and did shut the car off to test the plugs, the verdict was they were okay. Losing power that night, already losing 3 engines so far in 85′ was becoming discouraging. In the first 25 lap race we ended up 17th. While getting the car ready for the 2nd feature the water pump broke and went through the rad, and that we could not fix in time. The Twin 25’s were one of my favourite races but this one, like many ended in disappointment. In spite of some bad finishes we were 7th overall after this night only 6 points out of 5th. Bruce was leading with Ray 40 points behind and Ron Shaw only one behind Ray.
Fred Poets #58
Fred Poets Grabs Heat Win
Trevor Boys Canadian NASCAR Star
B&B Decals Sponsored Trevor Boys In 1985 For A Few NASCAR Races
Ken Frost #22
Ken Frost On The Pole…Don Shaw #84 Indicates One To Go
Rich & Leonard
Rich Farraway #53 & Leonard Farraway…Mini #53
Mike Witter Wins Twin 25’s
Twin 25 Champion Mike Witter Gets Press
First Ever Michigan Tour
Kalamazoo Speedway Advertises…”OARC Sportsman Modifieds”
Our first ever trip to Michigan would go down in history for the CVM as one of it’s best efforts in promoting the club. Not only were we loved by the fans, the race promoters began to fight for us in the years to come. Race giants, Randy Sweet and the Benson familly raved about the Hobby cars, not so much about the appearance, but more on how hard they raced with the beautiful bodies. They were amazed we actually wrecked, making our class a legitamate race division to them. Of course we already knew that, we wrecked every week at our home track. We were called everything in Michigan. One track referred to us as the “Canadian Coupes & Coaches”. Mount Clemens Speedway called us “Pre War Coupes”. It was an exciting time for us, heading south to meet new friends, some that would last for a long time.
This Was Worth The Trip
Like A Kid Meeting Santa Claus
We left home on Thursday, heading for Kalamazoo Michigan. It was a three event deal. Kalamazoo on Friday, Mount Clemens on Saturday and then M.I.S. on Sunday to be part of the NASCAR pre race day events by going on the track to be in the parade. The whole week end was very exciting for all of us. Early evening Thursday night we were still having trouble finding a room, more than likely because of the NASCAR race. Most of the other Hobby members booked rooms ahead of time. We ended up getting two rooms in Jackson. On our way to check in we drove around the building to park and saw the Coors #9 show trailer. I almost fainted. We found the driver and spent some time with him. He gave us hats and other stuff. No hero cards back then, so I had nothing to give him back. He went out to see our car and loved it. The next day he was on display at Melling Pumps so we went to see the car and Bill Elliott’s main sponsor.
Like Heaven For This Race Fan & Family
New Race Team
What a day for us. We got to meet the staff from Mellings, got some good pictures. It was like Heaven for me, it would be at least two and half years before I knew what the real Heaven was.
Looking Good…New Wheels…Shined Up
If Bill Elliott Was There…I Would Have Been Hospitalized…Too Much Excitement
Fastest 3/8 Paved On Earth
Fast It Was
Kalamazoo Speedway
Greetings From Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Sign
“And The Sign Says…”
Pit Road
Bruce & I On Pit Road
Kalamazoo Coupes From The Past
The Track Promoted Us With Their Own History
Hobby’s In The Pits
Full Field Makes Trip
Crammed Pits
Kalamazoo Pits Were Jammed
Ron Shaw Practicing
Huge Crowd Every Week
Fast Man On Fast Track
Bruce Manson Hot Lapping…He Loved This Track…The Fans Loved Him
Tim Martin #33
The Martins Loved To Travel
Ken Frost #22
Nice Coupe By Trashed Late Model…Our Cars Went Over Great
Jim English #55…Ron Shaw #81
Two Vets Prepare For The Heat Race
Gerald Ton #56 Wins Heat Race
Gerald Ton, Racing With Jim English, Wins First Heat Race
Me & Ray On The Front Row
Huge Crowd Made This Day Even More Exciting
We decided not to go to the East Coast in 1985, but no one said anything about going to Michigan, plus it was only 6 hours away. Being President meant a lot of work putting this together, but our committee was very enthusiastic about this tour. It’s hard to explain, but we were treated awesome by the promoters and the fans absolutely loved the Hobby cars. Ray and I started side by side in this heat race.
Pace Car Leads Into Turn One
Green Flag Next Lap
Green Green Green
Green Flag…Ray Takes The Lead…Bruce Follows…We End Up 3rd
Ray Hughes #24 Wins 2nd Heat
Ray Won The Heat…He Wasn’t So Fortunate In The Feature
Dave Bentley #29
Hard Charger Dave Bentley
Larry Westwood #21
Larry Takes NASCAR Paint Scheme
Jim English #55
Jim Was Sponsored By Bowes…He Waits For The Feature
Preparing For Feature
All The Races In All The Classes Were Very Good
Fred Poets #58….Ken Jorgenson #96
Ken Jorgenson #96…Track Takes Driver Out.
This track, though fast and banked very good, was exhausting from the g-force in the corners. After our feature Ken Jorgenson passed out. We took him to the hospital and he was released.
Kalamazoo Feature
On August 9th 1985, We Had Our First Feature Race At Kalamazoo
Early Wreck On Lap Four
Kalamazoo Krash
The fans were standing and waving at the beginning of our feature. It was quite a feeling, we rarely saw that kind of response in our racing careers. In this picture, running 6th I got mixed up with #88 Larry Gibson. I spun and Rich Farraway was unable to stop, that is until he t-boned me. Here, both of us are out of our cars checking the damage. My door was beat in, the fans were shaking their heads saying “man, these guys race these cars hard”. Jim Collison spun out, Wayne Stevens blew his engine, so did Charlie Beck, most likely from the wrong gearing. This track carried a lot of speed in to the turns and we had to be careful not to be over geared. I continued on finishing 10th. Ray got wrecked in this feature. In spite of the trouble we had, the track officials and fans loved our club and booked us again for the next year.
Kalamazoo King
Bruce Manson #74 Wins First Ever Kalamazoo Feature
Mount Clemens Ad
Mount Clemens Annouces Our Arrival
This ad appeared in the Mount Clemens area. They had it all figured out except for one thing….rain!
Pre War Coupes
Hopefully Ken Maritn Didn’t See This Ad…Didn’t Mention Coaches
Mount Clemens….Rained Out!!!!!
We Can Still Have Fun
We drove from Kalamazoo to Mount Clemens in the rain, but it stopped, and then the sun came out. There were puddles on the ground but the asphault was dry. We were shocked and terribly disappointed to hear the track called the show early in the afternoon. They felt very bad, and offered to let us play on the track as long as we didn’t race against each other. It was better than nothing and let us at least get on the track. Little did we know this would be the last season for Mount Clemens and though poor quality, these pictures show the kind of day we had in spite of the losing to the rain. Some drivers went home, some went back to the M.I.S. area for the parade on Sunday. Here Ron and Don Shaw, as well as Jim Collison, unload to have some fun on the track.
Steffon Teases Baby
Future Racing Stars
Here Jeff and Phil Shaw gather around this child, watching Steffon play, and no doubt tease the baby. Steffon loved to play. Soon Jeff and Phil would race as well…but that’s “Back To The Future” part 4.
Mount Clemens Pits
Ken Jorgenson #96…Beside The Ramp Truck He Sold Me In 1977
Wayne Varley #7
August 10th…No Race But We Unloaded To Practice & Get Pictures
Lined Up For Mock Heat
It Rained, But!…’Circle Track’ Magazine Does Story On Our Club
Bruce Blazes The Track
Bruce Gets In Circle Track Story
Me & Bruce Manson #74
Drag Race???..No Chance, He’d Win That To
Mike Witter #19
Mike Gets In The Act
Larry Westwood #21
Larry Dodges Rain Puddles?…On Second Thought I Don’t See How He Can
Ron Shaw #81
Ron Would Be Here For Certain
Mock Heat Race
No Ray Hughes
Ray was one driver who headed back home after this disappointing venture. I’m sure when he heard we were doing mock races he must have shook his head. Here Ron Goodison #2 (on the right) Wayne Varley, Larry Westwood #21, Me, Ken Jorgenson #96 and Bruce Manson at the back prepare for some photo shots by the man from Circle Track.
Playing For The photographer
We Staged All Kinds Of Racing For The Photographer
Dirty Dozen..Ah, Eleven
Eleven Of Us Stayed For Practive And Photos.
Don Shaw, Jim Collison row 1, Mike Witter, Fred Poets row two, look out Mike, Fred is turning into you…it’s okay we’re stopped. Row 3 the Ron’s..Goodison and Shaw, Row 4 Milton reps Larry Westwood and Wayne Varley, in row 5 are me and Ken Jorgenson and Bruce Manson at the back.
Action Shot
Move Over Ken, Bruce Is Making It Three Wide…Dust Off The Wall
Well,as sad as it was that we didn’t get to race, the boys and girls of the Hobby club had a great time. The Cirlce Track photographer very much appreciated us doing most of this for him. He did interviews with Jim Collison, Wayne Varley and Bruce Manson. The issue would be out in December of this year…when all was said and done, this group showed what the Hobby club truly is, “fun, family and friends”.
Michigan Pre Race Pass
Pre Race Pass For Michigan Parade
Michigan International Speedway
Doubled Up…First Time Ever At M.I.S.
Larry Westwood #21 is inside pole with Wayne Varley #7 outside. Jim Collison #12 and Bruce Manson #74 can been seen on the inside lane. This was a fun day and great exposure for our club. We all got 2 passes per car to watch the NASCAR race and see Bill Elliott smoke the field.
Happy Day At M.I.S.
Don Shaw #84, Leads Pack Down Front Chute
Don Shaw looks like he’s about to be drafted by Jim English #55. It was an awesome day with lots of sunshine, a huge crowd and a thrill for the boys.
Gerald Ton #56
Gerald Ton #56 At Michigan
High Bank…Low Speed
Parade Lap At 11:am
Gerald Ton #56, Mike Witter #19, Ron Shaw #81, Ken Jorgenson #96, Me, Charlie Beck on trailer followed by Wayne Stevens. It was great to see Charlie and Wayne in the parade even if it was on their trailers. Two more inlines bit the dust at the Zoo on Friday night, but our hosts allowed them to come out.
Goodison On The Front Chute
Ron Goodison #2 Drives M.I.S.
Bill Elliott ??……Not Really
A Winter Plan That Came To Be
Parade Lap With The Injured
Everone Who Came Was In The Parade
Wayne Stevens #99 and Charlie Beck #79 rode the track on their trailers. There were 16 cars at M.I.S.
Mike Witter #19
Racing Back
The track staff asked us not to get our cars going to quick. So once we passed the start finish line we raced al little into turn one. I almost stuffed Mike into the wall. I didn’t know he was there. That would have been good for him, the only Hobby driver to get stuffed into the wall at a Super Speedway. This was a great event for our club.
All Smiles
The Smile Tells It All
I R O C Cars
I.R.O.C. Cars Loaded For Next Race
Daytona At Michigan
Paul & Steffon Get Some Shade In A Dayona Wing
Crew Having A Blast
Hot Sunny & Fun
Terry Coates is at the front on the passenger side of the Coupe. Paul Cornwall is behind him, not sure who is beside Paul, I should know. Steffon and Scott stand beside me. It was our first time at Michigan International Speedway. As President of the Hobby Club I was thankful this day went good because we lost the race at Mount Clemens. It was also great to see many Hobby drivers come with their families.
Hobbies Line Up For Parade Lap
Helping Promote Our Club
Brian Prat in the Gallinger Ford pace car leads Larry Westwood, Don and Ron Shaw, our car and Jim Sweers throughout the parade lap at Cayuga. We didn’t race but had a chance to show case our club for one of the big races. Bill Elliott and some other NASCAR stars were here and we got free passes for doing the parade lap.
John Saucier At The Wheel
John Saucier Enjoys A Trip Around Cayuag
Rick & Kenny
Rick Payne #87….Kenny Frost #22 Win With Assistant Starter Mike Deleeuw
Jim Sweers #75….
Jim Sweers & I Battle At Flamboro
Practising At Flamboro
Tough Season, But Pracitce Makes Better…..Sometimes
Incredilbe Sad News
The Tragic News About Richie Evans
Richie Evans #61
Richie Evans #61…God Bless You
Jim English #55
Jim English Gets Flamboro Win
1985 Champion #24 Ray Hughes
“Smilin’ Ray Hughes”
Champ Not Doing So Good
“Not Smilin” Ray Huhges”
Having Some Fun With Smilin Ray
Ray Could Take A Joke…He Laughed When He Seen It
This little gaff was on the spurr of the moment. I saw the picture (next one below) and had to write this.
Ray, His Fans & Nurse
A Picture Has A Thousand Words…Well A Few Anyway
Top Of The Charts
Always The Man To Beat….A Great Example Of A True Competitor
Gene Karley Memorial September 2nd
Mrs. Karley With Matt, Me & Future Racer John
On Monday Spetember 2nd we ran not only the Gene Karley memorial but also the rained out feature from August 24th. I met Mrs. Karley, Matt and John, in the pits prior to the races and told her how proud we were to do this memorial race for her husband Gene, a 25 year racer who had recently passed away. She said she hoped I would win the race, and she had no idea, that our crew and I were in a 7 year drought from winning a feature and this would be the night to do it, plus our car was finally running fairly good and we were confident for a change that we could maybe get a win. The next four pictures tell the story.
Jim Collison Leads In The Heat
Jim Collison #12 Leads Us And Ken Jorgenson #96 In The Heat
No Feature Win Tonight
Hopes Dashed Running For Lead In Rain Out Feature
We were so pumped up at the possibility of winning a feature this night. The first feature out was the rained out race from August 24th. we battled our way up to 2nd in the feature behind #99 Wayne Stevens. I tried going outside of Wayne but he came up a little and as we exited turn 2 I could see a date with the cement was soon if I didn’t back out of it. Unfortunately the right rear wheel caught the wall and sucked us into the back straight. We bounced off the wall trying hard not to get into the pack of cars coming. Worse than that, at the middle of the back chute was the pit entrance and I hit the entrance so hard it tore off the right front wheel. We were out of this race, and still had the second feature to run, the Gene Karley Memorial. Our crew worked on the car steady, because we had a little time with a 50 lap Late Model race going out. We managed to get the car back out, not missing the feature, but had no right front brake working so I pulled off on lap 12. Tough night, but the crew were the stars helping me get back out.
Jim Collison Wins Gene Karley Memorial
Karley Family Surrounds Jim Collison For Victory Lane Photo
Barrie Speedway
Barrie Speedway Gets Rained Out
We did get our heat races in, but it rained before the feature and didn’t clear up so we took half our purse and called it a night. For our team it was a disaster. Before the races even started the Hobby members wanted me to make sure we got paid for a check that bounced the year before. Al Blight was running the track and promised me we would be the money. I went to him and sure enough he gave us the cash they owed us. Once that was handled the Hobby boys were good to go. I hardly needed the stress, but being President, it was my duty to get it straightened out and I knew Al was going to make it good and he did…..in this picture Fred Poets #58 leads cars off turn four. Tim Martin is a little loose in the #33 and back aways is Mike Koster #20. I’m going to guess that’s Ron Goodison #2 beside Tim and Kenny Frost #22 coming into the corner at the top.
Heat Race Sept 18th Barrie
Wayne Varley #7 Battles Ron Shaw #81 and #22 Ken Frost
Two Vets..Two Friends
Ron Shaw #81
We had a very bad season up until this point only winning one race…a consi….and blowing three engines. When it’s not your year, there’s nothing you can do about it. Ray Hughes gave me a steering box before the race started, Bruce Manson helped with my suspension. Larry Westwood commented that my car looked pretty good in hot laps, but I said to him “I’ll probably wreck in the heat”. We both laughed, he said “no you’ll be good”. Sure enough it happened, and shortly after this picture. I went into the corner and tried to stay low, pinch Ron down a bit, I ended up going over Charlie Becks right rear wheel (that’s the car in front of us) and went flying into the wall. The impact tore off the right front wheel and busted the rotor, amoung other things. It was a mess. Lucky for me it rained and the boys voted to not wait for it to clear up and we agreed on a $1,000 pay out. We got the cash, everyone was happy, well not my only crew guy for that race, Paul Cornwall. We headed home with three races to go to end this terrible season from our point of view…from the Hobby clubs point, it was terrific, lots of races, good shows, and no headaches for most of them. We needed this year to end and start to rebuild.
Hall Of Fame Don Cockburn
Don Cockburn Inducted Into Hobby Hall Of Fame
Don Cockburn and Al Bowman were the 1985 inductees into the HHOF. Don was a hard worker every year he was with the Hobby’s weather he was on the committee or driving. He lead the club as President in the early 70’s, held many positions on the committee thoughout the years and raced some great looking race cars. Don was a very easy going likeable man who did so much to promote and keep the Hobby club focused. He was truly deserving of this honor.
Al Bowman Inducted
Al Bowman Gets Inducted Into Hobby Hall Of Fame
In this picture Mrs. Bowman and her husband Al Bowman are receiving their plaque for Al’s induction into the 1985 HHOF. Al was one of the orginial founders of the OARC, Ontario, Amateur Racing Club, helping structure the future of the Hobby club with his vision and care. He was a hard racer and always helped other members weekly. When he retired he joined up with Jim Collison. Al retired from racing and the club duties but was always there to help give advice on how things should have be run. He was a friend to racing and a great pillar in the early growth of the Hobby Club giving him the right to be in the Hobby Hall Of Fame.
Shirley’s Art Work
Shirley Draws Her Dad’s Car…..Selp Explanatory
Best Appearing Car
We Finally Win….Best Appearing Car…First Time Ever…Not With #36
Wow, we won Best Appearing Car for the first time in our long history with the Hobby Club. It was the first and would be the only year I ran #9 in a Hobby car. We were very proud of the win and have to give credit to our young son David for coming up with the idea of the nose cone and side curtains. We also won Most Popular Driver as well, our 2nd time for that award. Thanks to all my sponsor and crew for working hard and getting us out every week.
Crew Celebrates
One Of Our Bright Moments
Our crew met at John Sauciers along with sponsors and Mike DeLeeuw, who lettered our 1985 trophy winner. Thanks to all our sponsors and crew for making 1985, one of our most disasterous years, better through their support and freindship, certainly a million miles better than what we got on paper in the stats column and on the track. 1986 has to be better….dosent’ it?
Quaker State Letter
A Word From John Allison Quaker State Director Of Racing For Canada
Points Standing
Flamboro Speedway & Gold Cup Points
Congratulations to Ray Hughes for winning both the Flamboro and Gold Cup titles. If you’re looking for our car, remember in 1985 we were #9………….You will also notice that Bruce Manson #74 is not on the points standing list. Bruce was disqualied the last night of racing at Flamboro after he got frustrated and threw a rock at Don Shaw from the pits while the cars were still on the track. What Bruce did was wrong, I wanted a penalty for him that would reflect what he did, I felt the committee were being too harsh. Bruce didn’t have many friends on the committee or in the club for that matter, at least none that would go to bat for him, I tried to get his penalty reduced to a month off, but the club wanted him gone for the entire season, and so it was. I still felt it was over-kill, and this whole ordeal made the end of my two year term as President, regardless of how successful it was, a very sad time, taking away a lot from the things we accomplished throuhgout 1985.
Gold Cup Finishes
Bruce Manson #74
The top 5 in every Gold Cup race are listed here. Bruce Manson’s number is circled showing the races that were changed after his disqualitfication.
Hobby Banquet
John Saucier and Paul Cornwall Join Nonie & I At The 1985 Banquet
Awards Night
My Best Friend & Our Hardware…Best Appearing Car…Most Popular Driver…Gold Cup Top 5’s
Our first and only season to run #9 in the Hobby club, and we get Best Appearing Car. Kind of weird considering we had already ran the previous 13 seasons as #36. It was still a blessing for us to win these awards. I think I had best appearing wife to….no disrespect to anyone!!
1985 Recap
This Was A Bad Year On Track, Stats Don’t Lie…Only One Win In 1985…A Consi…We’ll Take It
Hobby Schedule….31 Races
Hobby Schedule Features Ray Hughes On Cover
The 1986 season was typical with over 30 races booked. The club members always knew we’d lose a few to rain, but that would still give us 25 to 28 nights….we hoped. I just wonder how easier these schdules would have been with a little co-operation with our engine program. In spite of blowing so many inlines in my first 14 season (3 in 85) we still managed to make 95% if not all of the shows. That was the plan, make every race, because winning a Championship was our goal and that could not be attained without 100% attendance. There were no such things as drop nights, so being at every show was paramount. We wanted to be there, so did the fans, promoters and sponsors want us at every event.