Ken Kapper, Ralph Grote, Dan Stortz and I arrives at Ozark Raceway Park after what should have been a 3-1/2 hour trip turned into 7. A smiling face at the gate welcomed us and told us to park in the usual spot next to the staging lanes. Jack Jr. and Sr. Kaylor were already pitted and sitting in lawn chairs admiring their old blue “Nash”.
Friday nite was test and tune so it was time to give the DeRail’d Willys pickup its first shake down run since I bent the fenders on it 4 years ago.
Al Schoenwetter, the track manager, rode up on his scooter and welcomed us back and was happy to see us. “Side note, this is one of the friendliest tracks I have ever been to”. Great people! A special thanks to Al, the tech and starting line crew.
First pass with DeRail’d was an 8 something straight as a string. Took it easy on that one.
Didn’t get Jack’s time, just heard a screaming small block…….
Ken ran a low 6 with “Henry”.
Al closed down the track around 10:00 pm and we told him we offered to keep an eye on the place till morning. The six of us enjoyed a beautiful evening sitting under the stars sipping Kool Aid and iced teas.
Saturday morning Tom and Mike Cray rolled in with his 40 Willys coupe then Mark Campbell and Steve Zeiter with the other “Nash” gasser with Robbie “Biscuits” Rothweiller and his awesome 55 Chevy.
We managed to set up “camp” with Easy-Ups, tables and chairs long before Rod Urich and buddy towing the 48 Anglia showed up. It seems the he got lost on the way; once within 20 miles of his house and twice in Missouri! Must have been them big ‘ol Ozark Mountains that confused him in Missouri. Flatlanders…………… geez!
We got called into lanes around 5:00 and made 4 passes for the fans. 2 before dinner and 2 after. Had to stop for tacos, dips and desserts.
And by the way Mr. Huffman, DeRail’d did run a 6.30 with a real easy launch.
The fans in the stands were yelling and waving when we came back the return lane. Lots and lots came to visit us in the pits. Talking old cars and putting the kids in the racecars for photo ops and signed hero cards. WOW!
ORP was holding a Midnight Madness Saturday evening so we managed to load up and all headed home before 9:00 pm to clear parking for Al.
Al, if you read this; thank you again for the great time. We absolutely love your facility and your personnel!
Bob Mitchell
40 Willys coupe “Barney”
40 Willys pickup “DeRail’d”
