Photo ID # e06.04.08_MIS_GRP_LAN_0057S_1
Car #: (many)
Driver (s) : (many)
Location: Langhorne, PA
Date: 1957
Photographer: Walt Mendenhall
Photo provided by: Russ Dodge
Comments: Senior Moment by Russ Dodge:

Every photo has a story to tell. Experience has taught us that in back of the main focus of the picture, often, a variety of information can be revealed. This photo of the 100 Mile Sportsman National Championship at Langhorne Speedway is such a photo.

1. The legendary Al Tasnady, with all his career wins in the Northeast, never won at Langhorne. Perhaps his closest victory was in 1966 while driving the Piscopo 39. He was named the winner for a short period of time but an official scoring check gave the win to Will Cagle. In 1963, while driving a Paul Deasey-owned 707, Lincoln powered Ford sedan called “The Gypsy”, a victory was in his grasp when a spindle steering arm broke. Near the top of this 1957 photo you can see the right rear quarter panel reading James Scarpa Plumbing on the City Iron Works 32 driven by Tas that day. This race was the earliest of the “ones that got away”. Having won over 30 features driving the Armelini/Gelsi/Williams 44 in the previous two and a half seasons, Al finished out 1957 in this car.
The checkered flag was less than ten laps away when a radiator leak forced him out of the race.

2. “The Old Master”, Frankie Schneider, has been recognized as the number 1 modified stock car driver of all times. Everyone recognizes photos of his famous number 2’s, be it “Ole Bess”, the Pinto, Gremlin, whatever. Backed in to the pit wall to the right of the 32 is the 9 car fielded by Salisbury Spring Works from Salisbury, Maryland. This car was driven in 1957, by Frankie, on occasion. The name painted on the roof over the windshield appears to be “Mr. Frankie” Wouldn’t it be great if we could get some input on this car from the “Old Master”?

3. Sitting on the roof of the 118 (numbered 82 for scoring purposes at Langhorne) is the 100 Mile National Sportsman Championship Race winner, Glenn Guthrie. Glenn, who raced at Alcyon and Vineland Speedways on a regular basis in 1957, would earn the NASCAR National Modified title in 1959. This October 1957 race was the last year to carry the term “Sportsman” in its title at Langhorne. In 1958 it became The 100 Lap National Championship Race which years later evolved into the “Race of Champions”

4. Dan Budd, is the “face in the crowd”. Standing to the left of Glenn is Danny. In the late 50’s, when Al Tasnady was driving the William’s 44’s, Dan was always nearby. Some of you Seniors may recall, “Big B” Barry Schenck, filled Dan’s role in the 60’s, before Barry made his mark as a prominent car owner with the “A” cars. Danny had the same body structure as Barry, but was taller. Barry was always with Al, discussing set ups for the car. Getting back to Dan, he was always nearby to Al, and assumed the role as “spotter” for Tasnady at Flemington. During the feature, Dan would position himself near the announcer’s pagoda. Using hand signals, Al could learn from Dan, what position he was running, who was in front of him and how much of a lead he or they, may have!

Senior Moments from Russ Dodge
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Comment:

06/06/08 Larry Jendras Jr. Because I am from Maryland, this is one of my favorite all-time photos. Glenn Guthrie of Temple Hills, Md. and the Allen Mothershead owned #118, had to start the race as the first alternate, starting in 58th position.

Great job by Russ picking out all the details he found in this photo.
11/08/08 Bill Lawson Paul Walker was the regular driver of the 9 car and raced at Georgetown Speedway as did Glen Guthrie.  The 9 car was owned by Micky Budda who also owned Salisbury Spring Works, and his son in law Al Bloodsworth of Salisbury.
02.09.16 Richard Libensperger

I remember that old sand track.  We went there when Flemington was closed for fair week.  Followed our man JACKIE MAC. A few others from Flemington also went there.  

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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