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Photo ID # f06.09.09_031_CHA_HAG_0064S_1
Car #: #31
Driver (s) : Gerald Chamberlain
Location: Hagerstown Raceway
Date: October 24, 1964
Photographer: Bob Williams
Photo provided by: Larry Jendras Jr.
Comments:

Gerald Chamberlain

Before Gerald Chamberlain headed east to make a name for himself at Reading, Flemington, East Windsor and others, he had quite a career in the supermodifieds (bugs) and sprint cars in Western Pa. and Maryland.

The pictured #31 was the Don Rice 289 Ford powered bug that Gerald won with at Hagerstown, South Penn, Winchester, St. Thomas, Hershey, Port Royal and Bedford. 56 feature wins during his bug and sprint career are accounted for, but there may have been more at Hesston. He was the 1964 and 1965 champ at South Penn, the 1965 at Hesston. At Hagerstown he finished 14th in points in 1964 and 6th in 1965, but did not get a feature win. However in 1966, he got 3 wins and 5th in points and in 1967 grabbing 5 wins, 2 of which were 35 lap specials.

Supermodified cars from 1960-1965 were some of the most creative racers going. For the most part the body styles were cut down 32-34 Fords but each mechanic and owner had there own way of building one. The engine choices were many as Fords, Chevys, Pontiacs, Buicks, Olds and Mopar were all used. Then top it off with carbs, fuel injectors and in one case a blower.

I’d say if Gerald never headed east to pursue the modifieds, he would have been on of the top sprint drivers in Pennsylvania.

Senior Moment by Larry Jendras Jr

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Comment:

06.1.09 RL Is that OTIS OR MERK STINE in the other car?
06.12.09 Charlie Miller I have to agree with Larry , Gerald could have been one of the area's best Sprint car drivers . The 65 version of his Don Rice Ford was the first race car I ever saw with a wing attached , at the time it was something to behold . Looks like track champ Mert Stine on the outside of Gerry , A very talented modified driver in his own right . He won the 67 Hagerstown track championship without winning a feature .
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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