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Richard Parks |
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Gone Racin� |
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Gone Racin��Legends of Ascot Reunion |
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October 4, 2003, was a day that Don Weaver thought would never come. Through sheer will and unfathomed energy, he put on the Legends of Ascot Reunion, honoring the men and women who raced at the venerable old track that J.C. Agajanian Sr made famous throughout the racing world, and where the best and brightest race car drivers clashed. Don spared no expense in bringing together more than 600 racers, mechanics, car owners, sponsors, and fans, who remembered the racing thrills from the time the track opened in 1957, until its closure in 1990. The reunion was held at Perris Auto Speedway, located just below the dam, and the schedule called for plenty of bench racing, great food, raffles, auctions, speeches from the honored guests, and an evening of sprint car racing on the dirt track. Don provided a guest bag for the attendees, with a classy program, enameled pin and decals. Ginnie Moorhouse, Nancy Alcaraz and Fran Herdrich worked the pit pass and will call booth, where we picked up our pit passes, and entered the convention center at the track. Original plans called for a tent to house 300 guests, but that was quickly exceeded, and Don rented a second tent. When the numbers began to approach 500, the track management told Don to use the convention center and it barely held the crowd. |
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Special honorees included Harry Schooler, J.C. Agajanian Sr, Parnelli Jones, Allen Heath, and Ray Scheetz. �Promoter� Harry Schooler built Gardena Stadium in 1954. He became involved in Ascot Park in 1957 and was the operator for most of the following 20 years. His efforts helped to make racing strong and vital for both tracks. Jay Agajanian accepted the plaque on behalf of his father and brothers. It is hard to single out any of the Agajanian family, for they all worked to make this track one of the best racing sites in the country. J.C. Sr was a force in the racing world, whether it was at his track, the Indy 500, or as sponsor and supporter for so many eager young drivers and mechanics. Parnelli Jones spoke to the enthused crowd and related his stories at Ascot Park. Winner of the 1963 Indy 500, and with a daring and smooth driving style, he dazzled audiences from coast to coast. Allen Heath passed away in 1981, but the crowd hushed as his widow, Gladys, took the mike away from Jay Agajanian, no small task, and spoke of her husband�s commitment to racing. Nicknamed �knothead,� and driving with one good arm, and a hook on the other hand, Heath would not let accidents, bad starts or other drivers keep him from dominating the field. Ray Scheetz started out as a driver, but recognized his full potential as a crew chief, putting together teams and race cars that allowed drivers like Billy Wilkerson, Bobby Olivero, Rick Goudy, Bubby Jones and Ron Shuman, go on to win races and championships. |
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The list of names that attended the reunion is too large to print, and certainly would be incomplete, but special recognition should go to Rodger Ward and Danny Oakes, who were inundated by requests for their autographs. Danny, age 92, and Rodger, ten years his junior, spoke of their exploits to everyone who came to their table. Those who brought their cars and helped with the vehicle display, included; Lloyd Hendrickson, Steve Logan, Duncan Emmons, Jack Helgren, Donny Melton, Ken Hillberg, and Ed Justice. Everywhere we looked in this mammoth hall were nostalgic photographs, and some of the photographers included Jim Chini, Dave Ward, Darleen Dils, Terry Wagner, Hal Lane, Stan Hansen, Dan Mahony, Owen Richards and U.S. Photographics. Buzz Rose was autographing his book, which was on sale. Dave Ondo, Norm Bogan, and Robert Mayson wrote articles in the Program. Don Weaver�s right hand woman and second in command, was Belita Michnowicz, who never stopped working for four months in keeping the reunion on schedule. Hila Sweet, and Ray and Nancy Alcaraz, gave valuable information to Don, from their vast experience in running their own reunions. The Agajanian and Kazarian families provided vital support and background. Others who contributed their time and efforts were; Bobby and Wendy Michnowicz, Jimmy Oskie, Alex and Jennifer Rutherford, Ken and Terri Wagner, Dean Estrada, Bob and Sally Hogle, Leanne Scheetz, Dave and Lois Ward, Chris Holt, Jim and Sandra Bartosh, Jerry Hudson, Marci Lloyd, Lance Jennings and many others who just pitched in to help. |
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The one drawback to a reunion like this is that it ends too quickly to see all of your friends and to be able to see those dirt track wonders who fought so hard for victory on the legendary Ascot Park oval. Weaver put together a first class event, with pins and programs to match. Don is working toward making this an annual event. It was easy to reach the Perris Auto Speedway from just about anywhere in Southern California, and the track had a nostalgic feel to it, though it is a modern facility. |
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Gone Racin� is at www.oilstick.com |
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Copyright 1999 - 2006 Hot Rod Hot Line All Rights Reserved |
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