The Short Chute
PAGE 2 - Newsletter #72 - Fall 2000
Racing Fraternity Deaths
On behalf of the Indy 500 Collectors Club we offer sincere condolences to the families of the following members of the racing fraternity:
Former driver Bob Wente recently passed away after a lengthy battle with Heart problems. He was 67 years old. In his 28 year career in racing, Bob amassed 79 USAC Feature victories (which ranks him sixth in all-time USAC wins) of which 78 were in the National Midget series. In 1963 he won the USAC National Midget Driving Championship. Bob was the Midget series runner-up in points in 1960, 61, 62 and 64. He competed in the 1964 Indianapolis 500, starting 32nd and finishing in 9th place. Bob retired from racing in 1982 and was among the Inaugural 10 inductees into the USAC National Midget Hall of Fame in 1984.
Former driver Bob Hurt died in his sleep on September 23 in Toronto, Canada. He was 61 years old. A native of Champaign, Illinois, Bob's death ended a 32 year battle against paralysis that was caused when his neck was broken in a crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while attempting to qualify for the 1968 500.
New Championship Car Book
For those of us that can't get enough of the front engine Champ Cars that ran at Indianapolis and the AAA/USAC championship division, a new release, written by Gordon Eliot White, is now available. The title is, “Indianapolis Racing Cars of Frank Kurtis, 1941-1963”. Photos archive this definitive work on Kurtis championship cars, showcases all 111 full size Champ Cars built by Kurtis between 1941 and 1963. This softbound volume is 128 pages and contains 120 B&W photos. The price is $29.95. The book is available from Classic Motorbooks toll free 1-800-826-6600. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Gift Shops at the Museum and in Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, also carry the publication.
I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.
Larry
Short Chute News
The deadline for ads to appear in the Winter 2001 issue of THE SHORT CHUTE is February 15.
Please note that a “sign-up” sheet is included in this issue. If you are not sure of the expiration date of your dues, it should appear in the right hand corner of your mailing label.
The annual club Roster will be included in the next issue.
Bits & Pieces
Member Ken Berg sent a note with news about The Motorsports Education Foundation and their website. The non-profit society has a site to fund research, development and implementation of safety, medical and other technologies of benefit to the motoring public and the automotive/motorsports world. You may visit the website at: www.racerken.com. For more information you can contact Ken at bergk@racerken.com
Jerry Butak sent us a note with an update on the pit badges he monitors. He said:
As of August 5 we have 119 known pit badges for the years of 1938 thru 1946. I am always looking for numbers to add to the list. Are there any members out there that can help add to the list? Are there any members that have bought or sold any badges for the years 1938-1946? Please let me know so I can keep the registry up to date.
You may contact Jerry at: 985 E. Mingus Ave., Apt. 614, Cottonwood, AZ 86326-6715. Phone 520-634-6461 before 9:00 PM Cottonwood time. E-mail to: race2collect@aol.com Corresponding note from John Darlington: A 1939 Pit Badge sold on eBay along with a 1939 Season Track Pass for $2,224. The badge no. is 171
Raymond Baser sent a note with his dues: “I would be interested in knowing what members think of what Tony George is doing with The Speedway, i.e., NASCAR, F1 races, many changes. Like it or not?” You can contact Raymond at 11152 Stoney Brook Drive, Grand Ledge, MI 48837-9185 or e-mail to: raybaser@email.com If you want to respond to The Short Chute I may include comments in future editions.
