| Jerry sent this story
about driving Ol' Yaller II:
"I bought the car off
John Brophy. I met Max Balchowsky and asked him to help me run it
at the upcoming race at Santa Barbara. Max said I would get accustomed
to driving the car if I drove it up to Santa Barbara from my home.
My brother Dennis and I climbed in and away we went. This was 1963. The
car ran great and we went up along the ocean and had a great time.
Max was there and told
me to take it easy and get accustomed to the course. A friend of
mine named Buzz Naylor introduced me to Vasek Polak who was running a car
for him there. Jay Hills was also driving for Vasek. I also met Bruce
Kessler who was driving a Cooper Monaco. I went to school with Bruce's
sister Mimi and he was very nice.
Jay Hills told me to follow
him around the course and he would show me how to go through the turns.
He was in a Porsche RSK. I turned the second fastest time to Bruce's Cooper.
Jay said when the race started I should stay behind him and Bruce Kessler
and just follow them and learn how to race and have a good time.
Max said the same, only he said stay behind for a few laps and if you feel
OK pass them.
This was my first race.
I had drag raced for years and knew how to start good but I hadn't really
driven road racing. At the start Bruce seemed like he was way too
slow so I passed him easily. I made it to the first turn and
shot off the course. I had to wait until everyone went by and then
get back on course. I believe I only finished 8th. I was young
and wouldn't listen to my elders and paid the price.
The Cal Club group in
the early 60's were a great bunch of guys and racing was a lot of fun."
Next: Joe
Playan's Photos -- 1
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Thuesen's Amazing "Solitary Wasp"
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