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Comments: |
Comment from Russ:
An Audience with the BOSS
Some photos really capture
the essence of the Days-Gone-By, for us seniors! This one taken at Alcyon
Speedway on June 22, 1957 is one that starts great trips into the past, for
me.
Budd Olsen was driving the Lucky Jordan 2 that year and as you can see the
car was substantial enough to support the weight of Budd and some young
followers. In 1958, Budd would earn the NASCAR national modified
championship and a little over a decade later would become a top notch
builder with his Budd Olsen Speed Supplies operation.
How much more casual than this could it be for fans to interact with their
favorite drivers. Think how “Big” that little guy feels sitting on the roof
over the windshield! Another face in the crowd, standing by the left front
wheel facing the camera, is Warren “Jeep” Frye. He would field some strong
running limited Sportsman cars at Vineland and Pleasantville Speedways.
Wimpy Frye, his son who is hidden in the crowd, would grow up and become the
driver of hid dad’s number 26, years later.
This “fan friendly” time existed because most speedways only ran two
divisions and programs ended early enough for a lengthily pit visitation. As
a side note, I’m so glad tracks are trying to promote driver access with
autograph periods and winner circle presentations.
One other reason why this photo engages my memory is that I’m in that crowd,
absorbing like a sponge, all that is being said!
Senior Moment by Russ Dodge |
