The Short Chute
PAGE 2 - Newsletter #68 - October-November-December 1999
Racing Fraternity Dearhs
On behalf of the National Indy 500 Collectors club,
we offer sincere condolences to the families of the
following members of the racing fraternity who have
recently passed:
Writer Bob Russo, the respected pioneer of motorsports
journalism, public relations and promotion,
passed away at his home in Covina, California at the
age of 71.
Russo wrote for Speed Age and Hot Rod magazines,
organized the Automobile Racing Writers &
Broadcasters Association and worked for the National
Hot Rod Association.
If you are a lover of '50's Champ Car racing, Bob's
first hand accounts of each race in the monthly publication
Speed Age are a treasure. That he cherished
auto racing is obvious in his writings.
CART FedEx series driver Greg Moore died in an
accident which occurred on lap 10 of the Marlboro
500 in Fontana, CA on October 31. Moore, a native of
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, was 24 years
old.
CART FedEx series driver Gonzalo Rodriguez died
in a crash at Laguna Seca Raceway while practicing
for the Honda Grand Prix of Monterey on September
11. Rodriguez, a native of Montevideo, Uruguay, was
27 years old.
World of Outlaws Sprint Car driver Kevin Gobrecht
was killed in an accident during a 20 lap race at
1-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska on September 24. Gobrecht was 30 years old.
Sprint Car driver Bill Knisley died in an accident
during Hot Laps for the Ali-Star Circuit of Champions
event at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Knis-
ley, who was from Loveland, Ohio, was 37 years old.
On behalf of the entire National Indy 500 Collectors
Club, I offer sincere condolences to our Vice President
John Darlington and the Darlington family on the
recent passing of John's father.
Notes From Members
Member Ray Baser of Grand Ledge, Michigan
sent a note inquiring about the where abouts of the
last car Jimmy Bryan drove at The 500? Just so happens
that question had nice timing as member
Richard Poisson had recently sent Greg Littleton the
latest edition of The Roadster Roster which is a publication
that lists owners of Indy Roadsters as well as
other pertinent information.
The car in question, the 1960 Metal-Cal Spl. #10,
which was the last car raced by Jimmy Bryan at The
500, is listed under the ownership of Bob McConnell
of Urbana, Ohio. Mr. McConnel1 is listed as the owner
of some 23 Roadsters.
Books
If you are a fan of what many consider to be the
most beautiful race cars ever built, you might be
interested in the new book Indianapolis Roadsters
1952-1964. This edition, written by Joe Scalzo, is a
dynamic history of the roadster era. It contains fascinating
and comprehensive coverage of the drivers,
builders, crew chiefs, mechanics, car owners and
tracks.
The hardbound 192 page publication, which con-
tains 150 B & Wand 50 color photos, is available from
Classic Motorbooks. The cost is $39.95 plus shipping.
Classic Motorbooks toll free number is 1-800-826-
6600.
Other books of interest that have recently been
published include:
1999 Indy Review Volume 9. Includes coverage of
the entire 1999 Indy Racing League season as well as
the 1999 Indianapolis 500. 160 pages 200 color and
15 B & W photos. $24.95. Contact The Indianapolis
Motor Speedway at 1-800-955-INDY.
Autocourse CART Official History -The First Twenty
Years by Rick Shaffer. Chronicles the history of
Championship Auto Racing Teams from 1919 to pre-
sent. Hardbound, 224 pages, 260 color photos
$39.95. Call 1-800-458-0454.
Want to Contribute?
Anyone interested in writing a column, story or contributing pictures or other information to The Short Chute, please contact Greg Littleton.
President's Notes
I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
