Meyer Speedway

[Midget 85]

Meyer Speedway Memories

 

I have moved additional photos from Dead Threads and reactivated them here and put them in correct threads involving Meyer Speedway,

 

 

The Purple modified number 4 is Jackie Woosley's 1968 ride.

 

The Silver modified "Batmobile" was Jackie Woosley's 66-67 ride

 

Walter Ballard's number 5 modified here was taken in 1968

 

Charlie Schild in the number 1 taken in 1966

 

Billy Perrin in the number 3 taken in 1968-69

 

Tony Bettenhausen Jr. with number 99

[RETrott]

No sidelining Randy. Another of my many question marks is regarding a modified '38 Chevy Coupe that was raced in, I believe, '67 and driven by Munson Stodder III. It was #57, orange and white and possibly had black numbers. That car is pictured somewhere, and appears to have been reconstructed somewhat similiar to the blue #31 Modified recently discussed. A different car than the #57 Modified from '66, that was previously the #91 and/or the #93 Modified that was driven by Ronnie Chumley, and owned/sponsored by LS Garner Trucking. And later, I believe it became the Roark Trucking, Jr Norman driven #39 Modified. But, I am puzzeled by the origin of the #57 Modified from '67.

[Midget 85]

Larry,

 

I think everyone agrees that the #93 Ronnie Chumley modified soon became the Munson Stodder #57 modified just based on the photos and design of the car pictured below.

 

I do remember the other modified #57 with Black lettering and it appeared to be another modified all together. I have one photo of it somewhere shot from a distance, so maybe I can find it.

 

If memory hasn't slipped me totally, the Black lettered #57 was formally Jr. Normans old #39 Orange and White Modified that raced in 66-67. The Orange and White Black lettered #57 ( formally #39 ) was raced in 68 by Munson if I recall correctly and the last time I saw it.

 

Junior Norman had moved over to the severely cut down modified that was formally #99 and painted Maroon in 67 that Joe Plowman drove for one race.

 

Jr, Norman had enlarged the back window for an escape and added sorta a flared cowling on the rear exit window and had repainted the mod to orange with white lettered 39. Junior drove this new modified in 1968.

 

I don't remember Jr. Norman driving after the 68 season..

 

Ronnie Chumley 65-66

Munson Stodder 67

 

Don't know what happened to the modified pictured above after 67

 

Perhaps it was re modified or scrapped..

 

The clues are in the rear bumper, modified windows, and the nose section along with the overall stance.

 

 

Below is a very poor quality shot of Jr. Norman on the track in 1968 and shot with my very high quality Kodak 120 camera

 

You can barely see the car as he was probably at about 90 MPH here on the back stretch..It's the little coupe that everyone was talking about and to this date we are not sure who built it..

 

Jr. Norman's Modified - 1968

 

The front end of the car looked like a Spinter that someone added a 38 Chevy roof and severly Bob Tailed trunk section or vice versa.

 

Non the less it certainly caught attention by the small size..

 

[Midget 85]

Another Question..

 

The #52 Modified in the photo below was driven by Lee Cade in 1968..

 

Could this be the same Modified driven by Bill White in 1969?

 

Look at the body in the first photo. I remember later on the door post was removed as seen in the second photo.

 

Can anyone tell us something about this?

[RETrott]

I seem to recall that I thought that was the case when that #52 Modified was racing. But if so, now I wonder what Bill White may have driven, if anything, during that time, before the Winged Super Modified #2, that he drove later.

Edited February 8, 2011 by RETrott

[Midget 85]

I think this is the only coupe Bill drove at Meyer and the following year he drove the winged #2 car before Larry Schild drove it.

[tommyo]

While I wasn't present at Meyer in 1968 or most of 1969, I have to say the cars are similar, but not the same - look at the roofline of the #52 and compare it to the

roofline of the 1st photo of the #2. The roof of the #52 is more level compared to the roofline of the #2 which is definately lower in the back of the cab - of course that

could have been remodified...just a thought...

[byron]

Hi all

The blue #2 of Bill White and the red #52 of Cade are different cars but may have built

by the same person. In about 1975/76 my brother bought a tire changer from some people

in Alvin that were part of the team that John Rezek was driving for and the 52 car was

sitting out in the gravel parking lot minus engine and trans and covered with dust. Also

these two cars raced against each other many times, the #2 was last raced with a flat

roof not attached to the body, a sort of mini wing.

 

One more thing, on page 22 the program cover the #7 Blumrick coupe beside the

Burton #5 you can really see the difference in height of the two cars. Check the relation

of the grilles to the front tires and axles.

 

thanks; Byron

[jakdad]

Thanks Byron,

This is the info that we need to keep these old cars sorted out. People like you get our old minds working again. Please send more...................................

Edited February 10, 2011 by jakdad

[shracey]

My name is Tracey Teer Guerrero, I am Buddy Yantis’ grand daughter. I am pleased to announce, just today I set him up a site, Buddy Yantis Auto Racing

on facebook and would be, gratefully appreciated, if you would post comments, pictures, video or any information you wish to share, with regard to racing in Texas and my Papa, Buddy Yantis Sr! Thanks again for every ones support!! As this site is new, I have yet to publish all the information…So please bare with me while I make the appropriate updates.

 

Thank You,

Tracey Teer Guerrero

[RETrott]

I think this is the only coupe Bill drove at Meyer and the following year he drove the winged #2 car before Larry Schild drove it.

Randy,

From what I recall, Bill White may have made an occasional appearance besides the Liberty Bell 300 Super Modified events, but not on a regular basis in the Modified Stock Cars prior to driving "Big Blue" MSC #2.

I can't seem to recall any specifics regarding Larry Schild driving the Macon-Kelly Super Modified #2, if that's what you are referring to. I recall him driving the Red Upton #44 Super Modified, and at least in the '72 Liberty Bell 300, he drove the LeeRoy Halfen SuperModified that was also #2. During that event, if my memory is correct, something very important broke in the engine near the S/F line. And, there it blowed up. That took some driving to avoid a major crash in turn 1.

Edited February 15, 2011 by RETrott

[Dickie@HiLo9]

If my memory is accurate, Bill White regularly drove the Murray Kelly/Burl Macon modified in the

67-69 era. I remember on one occasion, after he broke his ride,he even drove the modified of Billy Joe Wleczyk. That was the fastest that Billy Joe's car had ever been driven.

Dickie@HiLO9

[Midget 85]

Larry,

 

The winged number 2 modified was driven by Larry either due to Bill retiring, or was not able to attend any longer or possibly for a couple of Saturday night events. Anyway, Larry was chosen to drive the #2 winged modified for whatever reason. However, it was Larry and I can't recall the exact year.

 

Tommy had posted the highly damaged modified sprinter that spilled alky all over the track and up against the backstretch wall. Whatever the date of that night is the same night Larry was driving the #2

 

The only thing I can remember is Larry sitting in the winged #2 modified, ( the same one that was driven by Bill White ) in previous event at the starting line up.

 

When did Bill stop attending Meyer Speedway??

 

Maybe Larry Schild was filling in for Bill or Bill was no longer driving at Meyer.

 

The reason I know it was Larry in the # 2 was the mishap on the backstretch where Larry and Jerry Mann got together. Jerry's winged sprint modified was destroyed or pretty much done in.

 

Larry's right front wheel came off the #2 winged modified and slid into the infield. If I recall, a track crewman was either hit or injured in some way by the winged #2 driven by Larry at that time.

 

Larry, did not drive the #2 if I recall after that night, and to be honest I don't think I saw the winged #2 much after that. If memory serves me somewhat, I think Bill was not attending or driving at Meyer Speedway about that time.

 

Does anyone else remember that night?

 

I have found the photo and posted here..

 

According to Tommy, it was 1971 and that other car he is refering to was Larry Schild, the the winged #2 modified..

 

The photo below was the remains of Jerry Mann's orange #12 winged sprinter along with the before photo of the beautiful sprinter.

 

[RETrott]

Randy,

I remember the described accident, and yes the track worker was hit. And, I remember telling Larry Schild, who was quite upset, that I had seen the individual setting up in the ambulance as it was leaving the pit area and did not appear to be seriously injured. But, I draw a complete blank regarding what car Larry Schild was driving. Aside from it being a Modified or Supermodified Race Car.

[Midget 85]

Larry,

 

I guess we need to ask Larry himself to get the straight answer.

 

I saw the whole thing as I was on the backstretch that night. Larry was driving the #2 winged modified that was once piloted by Bill White by all memory I can recall.

 

Bill's car was certainly familiar and although I am not sure why Bill was no longer driving the fast # 2, Larry was quickly seated for the vacancy.

 

He only drove the car briefly, maybe two or three races as I recall.

 

I know Charlie and I discussed that incident in one of our conversations one time. According to Tommy, the accident was in 1971 which sounds correct.

 

1968 Larry drove the #8 modified that was built in Bill Brashears shop

1969 it was the '38 Chevy sedan picture further back on this thread..

 

My attendance in 1970 was rather limited due to work so I am a little fuzzy with that year..

 

I'm not sure what larry drove in 1970.

 

 

I will give Larry a call and see what he remembers..

 

The #2 modified I am recalling did not have a painted wing if I can remember correctly at all

[tommyo]

OK. The recently re-posted photo of Jerry Mann's burned sprint car was taken 1 May 1971. The later photos I've posted, including those dated ones (of the wreck against the 2nd turn wall) were taken later. It was the yellow car that crashed and burned, and the car was reincarnated as the orange car.

 

I prefered the yellow version myself, and was disappointed when it was destroyed before I could get more photos of it, even though the orange version was really sharp as well!!

[Midget 85]

Sorry Tommy,

 

I remember the accident I'm referring to as an orange car. In this accident the questionable car ended up near the turn 3 entrance after catching fire. I do remember fire all over the track

 

If I am wrong then darn my hide. I just remember how upset I was to see ( what I believe as the Orange Sprinter ) destroyed. It was my favorite sprinter on the track.

 

I don't remember a yellow car..?

 

Again, it's been a while..

[RETrott]

I do believe the "Kelley-Macon" Supermodified #2 was raced in '71, and possibly sooner. And, likely driven by Bill White, and later possibly Larry Schild. But, maybe relative and maybe not, I seem to recall hearing about a Supermodified being stolen along about that time, +/- a year or two. And, for some reason, I thought it was a Fred Furlow owned car, but now I'm not sure. A couple of months back, I asked Tommy "T Tommy Tucker" Smith if he remembered, and he mentioned that he thought the theft occurred at an engine shop in S/E Houston. Any other details would be supposition on my part. I believe beginning in '72, Lee Roy Halfen's Supermodified was number 2, dayglow red. One thing for certain on this forum, each post usually has a reply, and each answer creates another question.

[Midget 85]

Larry,

 

As with most it is very true with your input.

 

Guess we all have questions and answers that either make sence or not..

 

All I can remember is what I thought was to be factual.

 

I have been known to be wrong on some things however.

 

All that really matters is the memories and thoughts we had of Meyer Speedway.

[jakdad]

I do believe the "Kelley-Macon" Supermodified #2 was raced in '71, and possibly sooner. And, likely driven by Bill White, and later possibly Larry Schild. But, maybe relative and maybe not, I seem to recall hearing about a Supermodified being stolen along about that time, +/- a year or two. And, for some reason, I thought it was a Fred Furlow owned car, but now I'm not sure. A couple of months back, I asked Tommy "T Tommy Tucker" Smith if he remembered, and he mentioned that he thought the theft occurred at an engine shop in S/E Houston. Any other details would be supposition on my part. I believe beginning in '72, Lee Roy Halfen's Supermodified was number 2, dayglow red. One thing for certain on this forum, each post usually has a reply, and each answer creates another question.

You are correct. Fred's new race car, trailer and new Suburban were taken from Fred's plumbing shop. That was my understanding. I think his shop was on Long Drive near Griggs. I know we were all PO'D when it happened. I imagine that sooner or later, those boys fell on hard times. My opinion!

[RETrott]

Jim,

Was the stolen car the white #7 that won the '71 Liberty Bell 300, driven in that event by George Nash? And, I have to wonder where it could have been raced without being ID'd. And yes, the Browning-Furlow Plumbing Company was in that area, off Long Drive. But I was told it happened at an "Engine Machine Shop" in the area, although you are most likely correct.

[RETrott]

Larry,

 

As with most it is very true with your input.

 

Guess we all have questions and answers that either make sence or not..

 

All I can remember is what I thought was to be factual.

 

I have been known to be wrong on some things however.

 

All that really matters is the memories and thoughts we had of Meyer Speedway.

The main thing is, thanks to administrators, moderators, and especially other posters, I have been able to relive a very enjoyable time, recall some great events, and remember some fantastic folks. And, some real characters. Hopefully, my memory and posting can return at least a small part of the enjoyment I have received.

Edited February 18, 2011 by RETrott

[jakdad]

Jim,

Was the stolen car the white #7 that won the '71 Liberty Bell 300, driven in that event by George Nash? And, I have to wonder where it could have been raced without being ID'd. And yes, the Browning-Furlow Plumbing Company was in that area, off Long Drive. But I was told it happened at an "Engine Machine Shop" in the area, although you are most likely correct.

Larry, I don't remember the number or color. It was a Super Modified. I think we called them "Down South Cars". Fred bought the car and brought it to Houston. Fred said the car had run 10 races, winning 7 of them and finishing second in the rest. I'm not sure but he may have bought it in Mississippi. Anyway it was well built and very light. Incredibly fast. I imagine the car was parted out.

Jim

Edited February 15, 2011 by jakdad

[tommyo]

Jim,

Was the stolen car the white #7 that won the '71 Liberty Bell 300, driven in that event by George Nash? And, I have to wonder where it could have been raced without being ID'd. And yes, the Browning-Furlow Plumbing Company was in that area, off Long Drive. But I was told it happened at an "Engine Machine Shop" in the area, although you are most likely correct.

Larry, I don't remember the number or color. It was a Super Modified. I think we called them "Down South Cars". Fred bought the car and brought it to Houston. Fred said the car had run 10 races, winning 7 of them and finishing second in the rest. I'm not sure but he may have bought it in Mississippi. Anyway it was well built and very light. Incredibly fast. I imagine the car was parted out.

Jim

 

That is correct - it was the same #7 white supermodified that George Nash won the '71 Liberty Bell with. The next week Fred showed up with the orange #45 super, sister-car to the

identical #44 - I have the information somewhere, but I can't remember just now who built those cars. I spoke with Carol, Fred's daughter, about the incident just a few months ago.

There are photos of that #7 in post #43 in Meyer Speedway Photos 2...

Edited February 15, 2011 by tommyo

[nightmoves 99]

I believe the 44 car was built bt the Harrell bros. not sure where they were from . I saw the 2 cars 44 and 45 on the miss chicken site. Not sure but one of them was destroyed in a shop fire I think. They were sure good lookin cars!