Photo ID # e07.13.08_659_BOH_BEL_0068_1
Car #: #659
Driver (s) : Parker Bohn
Location: Beltsville Speedway (Maryland)
Date: Oct. 20, 1968
Photographer: Bob Williams
Photo provided by: Larry Jendras Jr.
Comments: Comments from Larry Jendras Jr: 

Parker Bohn and the "Indian Summer Twin Classic"

Maryland race fans got a treat in October as Beltsville Speedway would present the "Indian Summer Twin Classic" from 1967 to 1970. 

Much like Martinsville's Dogwood and Cardinal 500's, Beltsville held a 100 lap Modified and a 100 lap Late Model Sportsman feature. There was a nice mix of Northern and Southern cars with most of the point chasers in attendance. But without a doubt the most popular Modified was New Jersey's Parker Bohn and the #659 GMC powered coupe. Not only did it have a classic full bodied look, but the part that the fans loved was when Parker backed off the throttle and out of the exhaust came a ball of flame. You knew he was underpowered on the straights, but he could out handle many of the other Modified in Beltsville's sweeping banked turns.

You expected Hendrick, Hutchins, Cook, Flemke or Stevens to run up front, but it was sure fun watching #659 and the ball of flame.

Senior Moment from Larry Jendras Jr.
Photo by Bob Williams
Beltsville Speedway (Md.)
Oct. 20, 1968
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Comment:

07/1308 Ned Stites III Sorry to hear about the passing of Parker Bohn. I'll never forget the first time I saw him at Vineland (1961). He came out for warmups and I never before heard such a roar from an engine! That flame shot out the back on the first turn. That was one really beautiful car.

Parker's talent always made up for the GMC running against the bigger V8 powered cars. When I ride by the track I imagine I can still hear those cars and Parker is always in the mix.

May God bless him and his family.
Ned
07/14/08 Gary LaFetra *I started going to Wall Stadium in 1965 and Parker and the "659" were one of the first cars that I liked to watch from that first night. Many years later I was doing survey work in Marlboro and he was foreman of a logging crew. Well when I realized who it was I struck up a conversation with him and we talked racing for a good half hour.

It was wonderful hearing his stories, one in particular was about them going to Trenton for the race of champions. It seems that everyone laughed at them bringing a 6 cyl powered car to go up against the 8 cyl powered cars. 84 cars took time that day and when all was said and done the 659 had set the third fastest time of the day. He said when they left that day no one was laughing and most were scratching their heads.

It was wonderful talking to him that day. In later years I remember him and Tom Skinner being fixtures in the pits with the tire truck. I'm sorry for being so long winded but he's a link to a by gone era in short track modified/sportsman racing and his memory will live for many generations to enjoy.

Gary LaFetra
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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