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Photo ID # I07.17.12_DON_STU_LON_2000S_1
Car #: #NA
Driver (s) : Don Stumpf
Location: Long Branch, NJ
Date: (Car photo - 1956)  (Motorcycle photo 1991)
Photographer: (Car photo William Curley)  (Car photo Ace Lane Jr.
Photo provided by: Russ Dodge
Comments: Senior Moment From Russ Dodge:

Stumpy?

The name is all that is necessary to set the memories of us "older" guys into motion.  My memories of Stumpy, began when I became "stricken" with the racing bug in 1957.  Don Stumpf, a.k.a." Stumpy "was driving the red and white number 2 sportsman and chasing the NASCAR points title.  Coming from South Jersey and attending the races on a regular bases at Alcyon and Flemington, it was only natural that I had to initially be a fan of one of the "Big Three", Jackie, Budd or Al!  However after a "little maturity" set in I was able to allow "Stumpy" a position on my "short list" of favorites!  By the way, a guy named Ned Jarrett beat Stumpy out for the 1957 Sportsman title, I believe. 

I wasn't at the races very often Don ran in 1958, but I remember him coming to Vineland on the asphalt in 1959.  At this point I want to interject that Stumpy, could race equally well on dirt or asphalt.  I always enjoyed seeing his "circus wagon" I called it, when it arrived at the speedway.  It was an older Ford truck with a run on body with fairly high sides on it.  The car, almost hidden, looked cool particularly because the hauler and car were painted the same white with bright red trim.  What really was "the bomb" was when he brought a second car on the trailer attached!  Don concentrated more on asphalt racing from that point in his career.  During the decade of following his career, I had never approached or met him.  It wasn't until 30 years later, when I started concentrating of expanding my memorabilia collection, did I have that opportunity.

Conversing on the phone with Earl Krause about the William Curley  Collection of Vineland Speedway  photos I had printed, we ended up talking about Stumpy.  Earl suggested that maybe I could drive up and meet him and then take the short ride to Stumpy's Cycle shop in Neptune.  Carrying out the plan resulted into a nice hour plus visit with Stumpy.

Sitting at a table in his showroom, he went through both albums carefully digesting each photo.  What a nice gentleman he was, impressing me with the time he took looking at each album. Yes, "Stumpy Stories" were plentiful but he would inquire about the photos of cars and drivers he didn't recognize or recall!   That really impressed me because he was truly interested in what I had and not just looking at photos of himself.  Of course I had to get his autograph on and 8" x 10" copy of the inset photo above, which I cherish in my collection.

I know I could have included stories or statistics with this Senior Moment and maybe I should have done that.  But you know what?  It's not necessary when you're enjoying an "over all" great memory.  A visit with a good friend and a chance to meet one of my favorites, that's priceless.  How about sharing one of your "visit" moments with us?

Thanks for listening.

Senior Moment by Russ Dodge

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Comment:

07.17.12

Hank Winecker

Just had to add, I've heard of Don Stumpf, knew he was good, and had quite a racing career, mostly before my spectator years. But here's the rub, I'm a thirty three year Yamaha mechanic, and it's rare that my racing spectator life and my professional career collide.

I knew Don owned a dealership, and must have worked very hard to make it succeed.  Some of our favorite drivers worked very hard to own their own business, I can think of many.

Here's to those hard working men.

07.17.12 Jack Burroughs

We all need to read more stories like that, the history of those yrs. is best told by those that did it, before they're all gone.

07.18.12

Tom Berry

Don was also an accomplished 3/4 midget driver, remember him running at Teaneck armory in the John Wherle blue #45 roadster.

07.18.12 Gary LaFetra

It was probably in the twilight of his great driving career that he drove the 2JR for Les Sculthorpe out of Farmingdale. I recall he had some good runs with that car.

07.18.12 Ray Shea

Had the pleasure of sitting down with Don shortly before his passing at his house in Neptune. Told many stories Only wish I had a recorder. One of the all time greats, stock cars, TQ"s, motorcycles he did it all. Great driver, great person.It was an honor to know him.

07.19.12 Jack Burroughs

I knew John Wherle from boat racing, and another of our buddies knew Don.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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