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Photo ID # H03.13.11_012_UNK_UNK_0060S_1
Car #: #12
Driver (s) :

(see comments below)

Location: Nazareth
Date: 1960's
Photographer: John Reilly
Photo provided by: Bob Pickell Jr and Russ Dodge
Comments: Senior Moment From Russ Dodge:

New Old Faces or Maybe Old New Faces


I was so pleased when Bob Pickell Jr. shared with me the photo above. It is just a great pit shot taken at Nazareth Speedway of a near mid-career Leon Manchester. His red '36 Chevy coupe carried the number 12, a number he used before changing to his signature 7. That's Leon standing on the left at the front of the car holding his soda cup. It's a special shot to me because it just captured the "cowboy" in his stance, with his legs showing the results of many years of rodeo bull and horseback riding!

Now it's your turn. I'm good for 4 out of the six guys shown. If you're old enough to go back to the early sixties, see how many you can pick out before continuing on!

My next pick from the line-up is Lou Hunter. That's him with his hand up waving at the camera. I had never seen Lou much at that time when he owned his red and gray number 95 driven by Spud Murphy, Steve Elias and others. When I did, it was later in the 60's when he started selling racing fuel at Flemington and other speedways, usually wearing a cap which changed his appearance.

I still wasn't positive it was Lou until I saw the guy in the cap on the right side of the car. I thought it was Sam Flood, who along with Bill Fisher, were Lou's "traveling buddies". I thought I hit that one on the head until a few weeks ago when Sam Flood saw the picture and corrected me. It was really Bill Fisher, in the photo.

You "youngsters" out there may recall Lou Hunters' pick-up with a cap used at Bridgeport Speedway for a push truck in the infield, as long as I can remember. Traveling together often were Lou, Bill and Sam. Bill in later years was usually found with the welder at the back gate at Bridgeport. I can't help but mention that Sam, not shown, now in his 10th decade, still drives to the races at Bridgeport and can be found in the pit grandstand weekly. One last memory before moving on, cigars were the order of the day for these three!

Now for my "long shot" guess is the man wearing sun glasses at the front of the car, Bob Gerst. "Gersty" was chief mechanic in Leon's later years in racing and kept "balance" in the Manchester team. Bob could be found at Bridgeport with the "Franz Garage Gang" from Paulsboro, after Leon left racing in 1973.

The two guys remaining I don't recognize and can't even venture a guess. Maybe one of you can help me out or maybe it's a good you thing if you don't or I could go on and on!! Thanks for listening.

Senior Moment By Russ Dodge

Visitor's Comments To add your comments about THIS PHOTO - Click Here
Date: Visitor's  Name:

Comment:

03.14.11 Mike Shaub
Here's a colored photo of the #12 of Leon Manchester that was pictured in the "Senior Moment" page. Roger Kofroth was the photographer.
03.16.11 Jim Misted Hey Russ, the guy standing in front of the guy with his hand up is Steve Colna.  He worked for Leon for years. He was the one in the tank trailer explosion. He also raced at BRIDGEPORT for several years. But what should have given you a clue is, look at his face. He looks just like his famous racing Uncle, Jackie McLaughlin ! He is still in the area and owns Timberlane Welding Inc. Rt 322 Swedesboro, NJ.

You are also right about Bob Gerst. He certainly was a big help and friend to Leon and the Franz family until his passing.
03.17.11 Russ Dodge Leon Jr. identified Bob Jerrell in the welding hat. He was a welder for DeHart by trade. Steve Colna, a real nice guy, is also the nephew of Leon Sr. This car was one of my favorites from the "Funny Farm". I use that term with a smile on my face. I think it was on one of my early visits to the garage, when I recall seeing that painted on a mechanic's tool box there. "Funny Farm Tool Kit" It's crazy the things you remember!

I'm really happy to say that I was able to spend some time with Leon Sr. and Jr. this past weekend and it was the 2nd day for Sr. to be "getting around" with just a cane! He is truly the One and only!
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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