He Could If He Wanted

Certain photos that come along are really special. This Senior Moment was fueled by this one of Al Tasnady at Vineland Speedway on July 16th, 1955.

As a member of South Jersey’s “Big Three”, along with Jackie and Budd, he focused only on stock cars, while McLaughlin and Olsen would race sprints whenever a good opportunity presented itself. However on July 16th, at his home track, Vineland Speedway, Tasnady drove a NARA sprint and finished second in the 20 lap feature.

The National Auto Racing Association was a group very similar to its competition in the early 50’s, the United Racing Club. Racing photographer Walter Chernokal was instrumental in the operation of the NARA in that period, booking their shows and running their programs. The NARA had many stock car drivers who would cross-over while URC had the focused sprint car drivers.

For the old timers, this photo is priceless. Check out the hand pump. Should we show our wisdom and point out the tube shock instead of the friction or aircraft type? What roll cage? What fire suite? What shoulder harness?

It’s great to look at these photos and have our Moments. Isn’t cool how Al would advance with the full bore modifieds he drove during his stellar career. How many stories can you tell from looking at this photo?

Senior Moment by Russ Dodge
 

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