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Topic: Card shower for Racing Legend Al Weiland. Time Is Running Out To Reply
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June 14, 2011 at
12:51:12 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
11:24:38 PM by Racing From The Past
I came across this website while trying to find information on some drivers from many years ago....I hope it's appropriate to post a request like this here. Anyway, here goes: Some of you may remember Al Weiland....I know some do as I've read his name on some of the posts here. Uncle Al is turning 99 on July 7th. He still lives on his own, however, he doesn't get around very well and rarely leaves the house. He is still in Iola, KS and my parents go by and see him on Sunday's. While he may not get around very well, he's still sharp as a tack. He can talk racing all day long and remembers details about people and races that you can't imagine. I'd like to ask any of you who might remember him, or perhaps you have friends or family who do, to send him a card for his 99th birthday and maybe enclose a note with a memory or just a good wish. Or if you'd like to give him a call, I have his phone # and would be happy to give it to you. Here is his contact info.: Al Weiland - 401 S. Colborn - Iola, KS 66749 Al's wife, Gladys, passed away several years ago. Uncle Al had a girlfriend but unfortunately Hazel passed away about 2 years ago. He gets real lonely and bored and I know he would be tickled to hear from anyone from the good old days. My Mom has been writing down a list of names of drivers he's mentioned recently....I know some of these have passed on but I thought I'd list everyone anyway....I've located some through Google but others I can't find: Jackie Howerton (Prescott, AZ), Chick Shaddox (Anderson, MO), Junior Taft (deceased); Emmet Hahn (Tulsa), Grady Wade, Ron Fowler (Chanute), Herb Copeland, Frankie Lies, Walt McWhorter (deceased), Dale Reed, Thod Doser, Aaron Madden, Jerry Everhard (deceased), Angelo Howerton (Owasso, OK), Buddy Cagle, Al Lemons, Jerry Reed. He's mentioned countless others who we didn't get written down also. Thank you in advance to anyone who might take the time to send him a card or give him a call. My family and I certainly appreciate it and I know Al will also.
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June 14, 2011 at
08:47:39 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:36:13 PM by Racing From The Past
Al Lemmons, Frankie Lies, Aaron Madden, Jerry Everhart and Dale Reed are also deceased. The ones you had deceased behind is also right.
Cards are great and are a surprise when someone gets mail.
Another way you could do it is viewers could wish Al a happy birthday here also on this thread. You could copy it down and make a booklet with all of them. Many might have photos they would like to include. We have done that for Frankie Lies and LaVern Nance before they passed away. I think they both turned out to be a pretty big scrapbooks.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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June 15, 2011 at
08:57:16 AM
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That's a great idea. If anyone would like to post on this thread, I promise to make sure he gets a copy of it. Thanks again!!
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June 15, 2011 at
01:24:22 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:36:54 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: lisabaseball on June 14 2011 at 12:51:12 PM
I came across this website while trying to find information on some drivers from many years ago....I hope it's appropriate to post a request like this here. Anyway, here goes: Some of you may remember Al Weiland....I know some do as I've read his name on some of the posts here. Uncle Al is turning 99 on July 7th. He still lives on his own, however, he doesn't get around very well and rarely leaves the house. He is still in Iola, KS and my parents go by and see him on Sunday's. While he may not get around very well, he's still sharp as a tack. He can talk racing all day long and remembers details about people and races that you can't imagine. I'd like to ask any of you who might remember him, or perhaps you have friends or family who do, to send him a card for his 99th birthday and maybe enclose a note with a memory or just a good wish. Or if you'd like to give him a call, I have his phone # and would be happy to give it to you. Here is his contact info.: Al Weiland - 401 S. Colborn - Iola, KS 66749 Al's wife, Gladys, passed away several years ago. Uncle Al had a girlfriend but unfortunately Hazel passed away about 2 years ago. He gets real lonely and bored and I know he would be tickled to hear from anyone from the good old days. My Mom has been writing down a list of names of drivers he's mentioned recently....I know some of these have passed on but I thought I'd list everyone anyway....I've located some through Google but others I can't find: Jackie Howerton (Prescott, AZ), Chick Shaddox (Anderson, MO), Junior Taft (deceased); Emmet Hahn (Tulsa), Grady Wade, Ron Fowler (Chanute), Herb Copeland, Frankie Lies, Walt McWhorter (deceased), Dale Reed, Thod Doser, Aaron Madden, Jerry Everhard (deceased), Angelo Howerton (Owasso, OK), Buddy Cagle, Al Lemons, Jerry Reed. He's mentioned countless others who we didn't get written down also. Thank you in advance to anyone who might take the time to send him a card or give him a call. My family and I certainly appreciate it and I know Al will also.
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I remember my first Oklahoma City Nationals in 1970, your car with Tiger Bob at the wheel set quick time and won the feature. Nobody had anything on you that day and from then on, anytime I saw that red and black #37 come in the gate, it was gonna be a good show! Happy 99th Birthday, Mr. Weiland and thank you for the memories!
Sidney Long
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June 15, 2011 at
08:05:52 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:38:46 PM by Racing From The Past
More History On Al Weiland
Al Weiland ran he first race at Gas city Kansas at Lapland Speedway,,in 1952 with a driver named Frank Orneslus,also a driver by the name of John Eckles drove for Al in the early 50s years.
1955 Wee Willy Crane From Springfield Mo drove for him in Joplin Mo at Ozark Speedway.,they were a top 5 team that year with a bug with the old Crosly Bodys.Wee Crane won some races that year with Al and Willie Crane went on to win lots of Races in Late Models and Modifieds in Springfield Mo. and Joplin Mo and is a Legend in that area.He raced from early in the 50s to early 80s
Al Weiland bounced around Eastern Kansas and SW MO in the late 50s winning lots of races.He picked his drivers from the ones that beat him.
Jack Belk drove for Al Weiland in 1959,1960 1961 1962 1963,1964 then again in 1969,Jack Belk drove more of Al Weilands cars then Anybody else.
Weiland Traveled with Belk driving in 1959 to win races at Joplin MO ,Coffeyville KS , Clinton MO ,Osawatamie KS,and other tracks in that area.Going where the money was....Jack Belk driving a Al Weiland car in Clinton Mo in 1959 starting deep in the field with Jud Larson Starting up front..Belk caught Jud Larson with 2 laps to go and got the win.The flag man thinking Belk was trying to unlap himself and gave him the Black flag for the Checkered.The track owner quickly got things right.Belk got the win.
This team Weiland nad Belk won the Tulsa Fairgrounds Championship in 1960.California Style Modified
This team was also named by the Tulsa World News Paper in 1961 in a full page add again as the Tulsa Speedway Champion,A full page add says Belk 1960 and 1961 Speedway Champion.But things didnt turn out that way in 1961. The track gave it to AL LEMMONS, SO WE WILL SAY SECOND PLACE ..Belk and Weiland won 23 A Mains in 28 trips to Tulsa in 1960 and 1961,The 5 races they didint win he was winning and broke axles in 3,,Belk ran second to Harvey Shane once and Second to Bill Dillard Once.Bill Dillard was killed in a Racing accident during Hot laps in 1961.Belk and Weiland won several other races that year accoss Eastern Kansas and Missouri..They went were the money was.California Style Mod.As Tulsa called them.
1962 Belk and Weiland won the Belleville Nationals 2 day fair date in August on the High Banks,in 1962 they were second to Don Elliot in points at Topeka Ks.They won several other races all over small tracks in Kansas and Missouri.They went were the money was .They missed several nights at Topeka winning 7 in a row at one point in Topeka and Kansas city .OPEN SUPER MODIFIED.Belk suffered from a hand Injury in the middle of that year one of many hand injurys from Rocks in his years of racing.
1963 They won the Belleville Nationals 2 day fair date in August again on the High banks over Jerry Weld and Art Dishinger ,.They ran second in points again to Don Elliot with Greg Weld third in Topeka Kansas...Belk having a sizable point leed,, Belk Broke his hand from a big ROCK in Late August on a Tuesday night weekly Race in Joplin Missouri driving Modifieds,,Belk had to set out the last four weeks with the brokin hand ,,Don Elliot won the last 4 Races to edge Belk out by a few points with.Belk watching from the stands with his hand in a cast..OPEN SUPER MODIFIED
Also i think its was 1963 Belk in a Al Weiland car was second in points in Kansas City,, Greg Weld was first and Don Elliot was Third.There is a great picture of them showing all three off them on the Podium together at Kansas City.
Also in 1963 Belk and Weiland won a big Race in Sedalia Mo at the fair grounds.OPEN SUPERMODIFIED...Belk set a 5 lap record at Sedilia in 1963 that was not beat untill the World of Out laws took a shot at it in 1978 there 3rd year..Belk in a Weiland car would have still been second place .There was a right up about it in Speed and Sport News in 1978.
1964 Belk IN A WEILANDcar again ran second to Don Elliott,,Al Weilands son was in a life threatining car accident and Al parked the car with 6 to 8 weeks to go because he had to travel accross many states to be with his son ..Belk had the point leed.Again Don Elliott did well enough to edge Belk by 10 points..Belk did jump into the #97 owned by Luther Brewer after missing a few weeks to try to save the point title this time, but Elliot was able to pull it out again. Giving Elliot 3 in a row.OPEN SUPER MODIFIED
Not taking anything away from Don Elliot he won when he needed to both years ..Belk and Elliot were the best of friends..Belk said after getting second again ..He said i would rather run second here with these guys then first anywhere else he had ever raced.Belk said these guys love to race. Belk was talking about Don Elliott ,Greg Weld,,Kenny Weld ,Ray Lee Goodwin,Bob Williams ,Ken Williams,Dick Sutcliff,Jay Woodside,Luther Brewer,Pappy Weld, Jerry Weld,Gordon Wooley,,Farren and Covert and others,,Truly a National Championship group.........OPEN SUPERMODIFIEDS,, THIS WAS 12 YEARS BEFORE THE WORLD OF OUTLAWS.
In 1965 Jack Belk got the Sportsmanship award at Topeka while driving for Luther Brewer.But Luther and i talked about this and it had alot to do with the repect everyone had for the Al Weiland and Belk team and the respect and friendships that had built between many of the racers over a 4 years run..
Belk and Weiland won as many Amains at Topeka and Kansas City accorss 1962, 1963 and 1964 then any car or Driver.OPEN SUPER MODIFIEDS
Al Weiland again won the Tulsa Championship with RON Scooter FOWLER.I beleive it was 1966.In the MODIFIEDS..I think he was top 5 with Ron Fowler in Tulsa in 1965,or Close to it.
In 1968 Al Weiland helped Bud Hatch from Yates center Kansas ,,Close to Iola build a Supermod..Bud Hatch won a few AMain at Topeka in early 1969 with that car..Bud Hatch told me he had to sell the car mid season.That car went to the Joplin area as #151 driven by Rex Hill ,,it did finish 6th place in the Muskogge Nationals in 1969.And it ran alot in Joplin the 1969 year.
Belk and Weiland teamed up again in 1969 winning the Muskogge Championship and the Muskogge Nationals that same year,Chick Shaddox ran second in points at Muskogge in 1969 that car green #17 was also built by Al Weiland for Chick Shaddox.both Belk and Shaddox were top 10 in Tulsa that year also.305 CUB INCH SUPERMODIFIED.
1970 Tigar Bob Wiiliams in a Al Weiland car won the OK City Nationals.he also had other top 5s in that car in other NCRA Races at Hutchinson and maybe other tracks.
In 1975 Roy Bryant driver and car owner H Sparks from Chanute Kansas teamed up with Al Weiland crew chief in a Blue #37 to win the 81 Speedway Championship in Wichitia.Kansas..There has been some question to Al Weilands involment in this car,,It was #37 for Al Weiland and the Blue came from Bryant and Sparks.That is what a great team does they compromised.I was told this by Roy Bryant and Al Weiland.They both said Sparks was a great car owner.
To this day you may still see Al Weiland at Humbolt Speedway helping Rodney Sigg or the 2 Folk boys getting there motors just right for another win.And they are as fast as any in the IMCA Modifieds of today.Al Weiland has had alot of input to there success.That area still produces some very good race teams and drivers and Al has had alot of to do with that legacy.
Very few car owners can say they won Tulsa ,Wichita ,Belleville and Joplin, For different areas and all very tuff..
Al Weiland was a mentor for Luther Brewer as Luther told me many times ..
I have alot more on Al Weiland,this was done from the top of my head because i was at almost all these races..My records are unreachable now because of the Tornado in Joplin..They ard safe and OK.We had to move things quickly so we didint lose them.
To ALWEILAND Happy 99 ,as you call yourself just another shade tree car tuner..As Jack Belk said about Al Weiland car one of the first times he ever drove for Al...Belk said i Just drove a CADIALIAC
Win as if you are use to it.And lose as if you enjoyed
it for a change.Its hard to get to the top and alot
harder to stay there.
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June 15, 2011 at
08:29:37 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:49:35 PM by Racing From The Past
I don't think I have ever been clear on this? Was Al in with Harold Sparks and that #37 That Roy Bryant and a guy named Jack Hewitt from Ohio drove twice?
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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June 15, 2011 at
09:53:39 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:39:51 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: Racing From The Past on June 15 2011 at 08:29:37 PM
I don't think I have ever been clear on this? Was Al in with Harold Sparks and that #37 That Roy Bryant and a guy named Jack Hewitt from Ohio drove twice?
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Roy Bryant and Sparks from Chanute went and got a new Nance car and took it to Al Weilands in Iola Kansas very close to Chanute Ks...Bryant wanted Al Weiland put it together so he did..AndThey were a great 3 person team ...
Al was all fired up becuase it had all the light weight stuff and lots of Chrome.Al said they brought it to his garage in pieces..They all went to work Al made his signture changes and Roy Bryant won the 81 Speedway title in 1975..Sparks ,Bryant and Weiland all 3 of them is what it took to win 81 Speedway,,it wasnt easy to do and few ever did it like they did.a first year team.Al Weiland said Sparks gave them everything they needed and they were a great team.
That car is in SW MO waiting to be restored ,,i talk several times with Rot Bryant about that year a few years back before he had to leave use.And i have talked to Al many time about it i.I was at the Garage a few times when they had it there.The next year year i am not sure if anybody else drove it or not or wjho all did drive the next year or to....
Win as if you are use to it.And lose as if you enjoyed
it for a change.Its hard to get to the top and alot
harder to stay there.
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June 15, 2011 at
10:35:01 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:40:34 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: redbandana on June 15 2011 at 09:53:39 PM
Roy Bryant and Sparks from Chanute went and got a new Nance car and took it to Al Weilands in Iola Kansas very close to Chanute Ks...Bryant wanted Al Weiland put it together so he did..AndThey were a great 3 person team ...
Al was all fired up becuase it had all the light weight stuff and lots of Chrome.Al said they brought it to his garage in pieces..They all went to work Al made his signture changes and Roy Bryant won the 81 Speedway title in 1975..Sparks ,Bryant and Weiland all 3 of them is what it took to win 81 Speedway,,it wasnt easy to do and few ever did it like they did.a first year team.Al Weiland said Sparks gave them everything they needed and they were a great team.
That car is in SW MO waiting to be restored ,,i talk several times with Rot Bryant about that year a few years back before he had to leave use.And i have talked to Al many time about it i.I was at the Garage a few times when they had it there.The next year year i am not sure if anybody else drove it or not or wjho all did drive the next year or to....
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Jack Hewitt from Troy OH drove it the following year during the 76 state fair races. You can find the results on Bob Lawrence's site. Roy went to the Jim Kennedy #7 from Western Kansas. that year. I'm thinking Roy might have wrecked the car bad at the open night races in Tulsa?
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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June 16, 2011 at
01:08:20 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:42:23 PM by Racing From The Past
Anybody that knew Al Weiland very well knows that he was very quite and always had this great grinn on his face alot.He didnt talk much..
Chick Shaddox 1971 Tulsa Speedway Champ was Known as the Joker he liked playing tricks and stuff....Well one night Chick went got some Invisable Ink that will go away a few minutes after you put it on something...Well Al Weiland alway wore Clean White coveralls and he very seldom ever got them dirty....Chick ran up and dumped the invisable ink all over Al Weilands white coveralls..,,,Al getting all flusterd. Chick Shaddox realized he had made a bad BO Bo doing this to Al after Al had built him cars and stuff,,,Chick said dont worry Al it will go away its invisable ink,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Al looked at Chick and said if it dont you better.
Win as if you are use to it.And lose as if you enjoyed
it for a change.Its hard to get to the top and alot
harder to stay there.
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June 28, 2011 at
10:15:43 AM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:43:43 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: redbandana on June 16 2011 at 01:08:20 PM
Anybody that knew Al Weiland very well knows that he was very quite and always had this great grinn on his face alot.He didnt talk much..
Chick Shaddox 1971 Tulsa Speedway Champ was Known as the Joker he liked playing tricks and stuff....Well one night Chick went got some Invisable Ink that will go away a few minutes after you put it on something...Well Al Weiland alway wore Clean White coveralls and he very seldom ever got them dirty....Chick ran up and dumped the invisable ink all over Al Weilands white coveralls..,,,Al getting all flusterd. Chick Shaddox realized he had made a bad BO Bo doing this to Al after Al had built him cars and stuff,,,Chick said dont worry Al it will go away its invisable ink,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Al looked at Chick and said if it dont you better.
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Tim in 1969 when Al raced at Muskogee on Friday and Tulsa on Saturday, did Al stay at a motel? Did your father drive back to Joplin then back to Tulsa on Saturday?
Ray
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June 29, 2011 at
06:38:36 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:45:22 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: Bkcr on June 28 2011 at 10:15:43 AM
Tim in 1969 when Al raced at Muskogee on Friday and Tulsa on Saturday, did Al stay at a motel? Did your father drive back to Joplin then back to Tulsa on Saturday?
Ray
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In 1969 Al and Gladis and Mom, Dad and myself,, stayed at i believe it was the Sooner Motel on 69 Hwy by the bridge on the North end of town they sponsered the car.There was always several Race Cars parked out from of it on Saturday morning the next day...I remember a few times for bigger races the Motel would be full and races cars were everywhere.Also Don Hugert Auto Sales sponsered the car and we would take the car to the car lot and display it,and they would work on tires and stuff. ..And the Hickory Chef also Sponsered the car and we would eat there sometimes.
Most times we would stay but it was only 120 miles to Joplin so we did drive back a few times times.And the go on to Tulsa for Saturday..And then go Race sunday sometimes wherever.
But in the mid to early 60s we did drive back alot of the nights from up North at KC and Topeka.That is when all 3 of use kids Randy Cathy and myself were all living at home,,sometimes we had things on the weekend we were doing so we came back and the kids did there thing during the day. ..We all had great childhoods.We never did without because of racing.As a Driver Dad made money racing.But still worked 50 to 60 hours a week as the Dock Forman at Jones Trucklines and was a Teamster.
Win as if you are use to it.And lose as if you enjoyed
it for a change.Its hard to get to the top and alot
harder to stay there.
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June 29, 2011 at
11:11:58 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:45:56 PM by Racing From The Past
Dale Reed was a Jones Truck Line employee also.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 01, 2011 at
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:46:31 PM by Racing From The Past
I want to thank Al for all the help and encouragement he gave us on and off the track. Had many great battles racing against his cars , but he would always help us out if needed . I guess maybe our best year was 1976 when we won the Hutch Nationals and finished 4th in the NCRA points in our #17 super built and driven by Dave Moore. A lot of ideas for that car came from Al and we wish him the best on his 99th birthday .
Curt Mahon
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July 03, 2011 at
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Al your legendary status has keep us younger fans (I'm 57) wanting more stories form those of us who remember. Many of stories have been told of the days of Al Weiland. I'm sure we will hear more. The bench racing that goes on at some of the ole timers get togethers, your name and #37 comes up at the top of the list.
HAPPY 99th BIRTHDAY AL WEILAND and we will send you another one on your 100TH. You have led a great life some of us only dreamed about as a kid when you and your #37 were entertaining us. You were a hero to thousands of us.
Warren Vincent
107 Quail Run
McPherson, KS 67460
Born and raised in the era at Hutchinson, KS. Home of The Hutchinson Nationals. Where Tiger Bob Williams finished 2nd to Dale Reed Isaac #6.
Photos of that day with the 6 and 37 side by side in a heat race. http://winfield.50megs.com/Hutch_Nationals/Fair/26Jul1970.htm
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 03, 2011 at
10:35:11 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:47:40 PM by Racing From The Past
This is the #37 Weiland car that I restored some 16 years ago. My friend, Jon Cummins bought this car from Al in the fall of 1973 and had every intention of racing in 1974 at the new Tulsa Speedway. Jon was very tall and the car did not fit him well. He cut the cage off of the car and it sat outside in his backyard (on the trailer) for 20 years until I begged him to let me restore it. I have a few stories of that trip in 1973 to Iola when we bought the car. Just remember the Nance frame kit against the wall that Al said some guy named 'Sparky', who worked for the railroad, had talked him into working on....great memories. When I was restoring the car I called Al and asked him..."what color of red did you use to paint your cars?"...without hesitation he said...we just "went down to the Massey Ferguson store and bought red enamel"...I also naively asked about the color of black ..."bought that there too" he said! When Chief Eaton and I put on the 1st Muskogeee Nostalgia Night Al came over and was able to look at the car and was quite surprised it still existed...along with his old trailer he had used for many years.
Unfortunately, my son is playing American Legion baseball and we will be out of town on 7-July so I'll be unable to bring the car to Iola for Al's 99th birthday. Hope he has a terrific day. Perhaps we can run the car by sometime later. The attached photo was taken at Hutch in 1973. Jerry ran 3rd in that NCRA Feature. He also qualified 4th. From all I gathered could this be the last hooray for the #37. Jerry ran at the state fair in September but it is not clear if it was in Al's #37.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 04, 2011 at
02:16:32 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:44:40 PM by Racing From The Past
Reply to:
Posted By: redbandana on June 15 2011 at 08:05:52 PM
More History On Al Weiland
Al Weiland ran he first race at Gas city Kansas at Lapland Speedway,,in 1952 with a driver named Frank Orneslus,also a driver by the name of John Eckles drove for Al in the early 50s years.
1955 Wee Willy Crane From Springfield Mo drove for him in Joplin Mo at Ozark Speedway.,they were a top 5 team that year with a bug with the old Crosly Bodys.Wee Crane won some races that year with Al and Willie Crane went on to win lots of Races in Late Models and Modifieds in Springfield Mo. and Joplin Mo and is a Legend in that area.He raced from early in the 50s to early 80s
Al Weiland bounced around Eastern Kansas and SW MO in the late 50s winning lots of races.He picked his drivers from the ones that beat him.
Jack Belk drove for Al Weiland in 1959,1960 1961 1962 1963,1964 then again in 1969,Jack Belk drove more of Al Weilands cars then Anybody else.
Weiland Traveled with Belk driving in 1959 to win races at Joplin MO ,Coffeyville KS , Clinton MO ,Osawatamie KS,and other tracks in that area.Going where the money was....Jack Belk driving a Al Weiland car in Clinton Mo in 1959 starting deep in the field with Jud Larson Starting up front..Belk caught Jud Larson with 2 laps to go and got the win.The flag man thinking Belk was trying to unlap himself and gave him the Black flag for the Checkered.The track owner quickly got things right.Belk got the win.
This team Weiland nad Belk won the Tulsa Fairgrounds Championship in 1960.California Style Modified
This team was also named by the Tulsa World News Paper in 1961 in a full page add again as the Tulsa Speedway Champion,A full page add says Belk 1960 and 1961 Speedway Champion.But things didnt turn out that way in 1961. The track gave it to AL LEMMONS, SO WE WILL SAY SECOND PLACE ..Belk and Weiland won 23 A Mains in 28 trips to Tulsa in 1960 and 1961,The 5 races they didint win he was winning and broke axles in 3,,Belk ran second to Harvey Shane once and Second to Bill Dillard Once.Bill Dillard was killed in a Racing accident during Hot laps in 1961.Belk and Weiland won several other races that year accoss Eastern Kansas and Missouri..They went were the money was.California Style Mod.As Tulsa called them.
1962 Belk and Weiland won the Belleville Nationals 2 day fair date in August on the High Banks,in 1962 they were second to Don Elliot in points at Topeka Ks.They won several other races all over small tracks in Kansas and Missouri.They went were the money was .They missed several nights at Topeka winning 7 in a row at one point in Topeka and Kansas city .OPEN SUPER MODIFIED.Belk suffered from a hand Injury in the middle of that year one of many hand injurys from Rocks in his years of racing.
1963 They won the Belleville Nationals 2 day fair date in August again on the High banks over Jerry Weld and Art Dishinger ,.They ran second in points again to Don Elliot with Greg Weld third in Topeka Kansas...Belk having a sizable point leed,, Belk Broke his hand from a big ROCK in Late August on a Tuesday night weekly Race in Joplin Missouri driving Modifieds,,Belk had to set out the last four weeks with the brokin hand ,,Don Elliot won the last 4 Races to edge Belk out by a few points with.Belk watching from the stands with his hand in a cast..OPEN SUPER MODIFIED
Also i think its was 1963 Belk in a Al Weiland car was second in points in Kansas City,, Greg Weld was first and Don Elliot was Third.There is a great picture of them showing all three off them on the Podium together at Kansas City.
Also in 1963 Belk and Weiland won a big Race in Sedalia Mo at the fair grounds.OPEN SUPERMODIFIED...Belk set a 5 lap record at Sedilia in 1963 that was not beat untill the World of Out laws took a shot at it in 1978 there 3rd year..Belk in a Weiland car would have still been second place .There was a right up about it in Speed and Sport News in 1978.
1964 Belk IN A WEILANDcar again ran second to Don Elliott,,Al Weilands son was in a life threatining car accident and Al parked the car with 6 to 8 weeks to go because he had to travel accross many states to be with his son ..Belk had the point leed.Again Don Elliott did well enough to edge Belk by 10 points..Belk did jump into the #97 owned by Luther Brewer after missing a few weeks to try to save the point title this time, but Elliot was able to pull it out again. Giving Elliot 3 in a row.OPEN SUPER MODIFIED
Not taking anything away from Don Elliot he won when he needed to both years ..Belk and Elliot were the best of friends..Belk said after getting second again ..He said i would rather run second here with these guys then first anywhere else he had ever raced.Belk said these guys love to race. Belk was talking about Don Elliott ,Greg Weld,,Kenny Weld ,Ray Lee Goodwin,Bob Williams ,Ken Williams,Dick Sutcliff,Jay Woodside,Luther Brewer,Pappy Weld, Jerry Weld,Gordon Wooley,,Farren and Covert and others,,Truly a National Championship group.........OPEN SUPERMODIFIEDS,, THIS WAS 12 YEARS BEFORE THE WORLD OF OUTLAWS.
In 1965 Jack Belk got the Sportsmanship award at Topeka while driving for Luther Brewer.But Luther and i talked about this and it had alot to do with the repect everyone had for the Al Weiland and Belk team and the respect and friendships that had built between many of the racers over a 4 years run..
Belk and Weiland won as many Amains at Topeka and Kansas City accorss 1962, 1963 and 1964 then any car or Driver.OPEN SUPER MODIFIEDS
Al Weiland again won the Tulsa Championship with RON Scooter FOWLER.I beleive it was 1966.In the MODIFIEDS..I think he was top 5 with Ron Fowler in Tulsa in 1965,or Close to it.
In 1968 Al Weiland helped Bud Hatch from Yates center Kansas ,,Close to Iola build a Supermod..Bud Hatch won a few AMain at Topeka in early 1969 with that car..Bud Hatch told me he had to sell the car mid season.That car went to the Joplin area as #151 driven by Rex Hill ,,it did finish 6th place in the Muskogge Nationals in 1969.And it ran alot in Joplin the 1969 year.
Belk and Weiland teamed up again in 1969 winning the Muskogge Championship and the Muskogge Nationals that same year,Chick Shaddox ran second in points at Muskogge in 1969 that car green #17 was also built by Al Weiland for Chick Shaddox.both Belk and Shaddox were top 10 in Tulsa that year also.305 CUB INCH SUPERMODIFIED.
1970 Tigar Bob Wiiliams in a Al Weiland car won the OK City Nationals.he also had other top 5s in that car in other NCRA Races at Hutchinson and maybe other tracks.
In 1975 Roy Bryant driver and car owner H Sparks from Chanute Kansas teamed up with Al Weiland crew chief in a Blue #37 to win the 81 Speedway Championship in Wichitia.Kansas..There has been some question to Al Weilands involment in this car,,It was #37 for Al Weiland and the Blue came from Bryant and Sparks.That is what a great team does they compromised.I was told this by Roy Bryant and Al Weiland.They both said Sparks was a great car owner.
To this day you may still see Al Weiland at Humbolt Speedway helping Rodney Sigg or the 2 Folk boys getting there motors just right for another win.And they are as fast as any in the IMCA Modifieds of today.Al Weiland has had alot of input to there success.That area still produces some very good race teams and drivers and Al has had alot of to do with that legacy.
Very few car owners can say they won Tulsa ,Wichita ,Belleville and Joplin, For different areas and all very tuff..
Al Weiland was a mentor for Luther Brewer as Luther told me many times ..
I have alot more on Al Weiland,this was done from the top of my head because i was at almost all these races..My records are unreachable now because of the Tornado in Joplin..They ard safe and OK.We had to move things quickly so we didint lose them.
To ALWEILAND Happy 99 ,as you call yourself just another shade tree car tuner..As Jack Belk said about Al Weiland car one of the first times he ever drove for Al...Belk said i Just drove a CADIALIAC
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I first met Al at lapland speedway (gas ks) about 1951.I was just a snotnosed kid wanting to drive one of those fast cars. 1953 I finaly did, and there was a lot more to it than i thought. Al told me just hang in there,you will learn.After about 3 or 4 years, i gave up on this kid, started racing karts and building cars with Al Wieland. Spent several years with Al,building a new car all winter or rebuilding last years so that it was just perfect. Because good enough wouldn't get it , make it right or make it again.i learned a lot from Al, not just about racing, but also how to meet the world and the people in it.I and my wife spent several seasons chasing Al and the cars to tracks all over tri state area. Al was the type of person that didn't want to work at the track, have it ready to go when it left the shop. He taught me many things about the racing game that i cherish very much. I am very proud tto be one of his friends HAPPY 99th
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July 04, 2011 at
09:54:33 PM
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The last race of the Weiland #37 (the car I later restored) was at Muskogee in late 1973. I know this because it was the first night I ever ran a super at Muskogee. Mike Kaufmann and I owned super #54. Our car was a spring front, parallel torsion rear car with a 292 (.060) 283 with all TRW internals...even ran the old 1.94 FI heads and a flat tappet cam. Ron Fowler was driving the Weiland #37 that night (sort of a reunion between Ron & Al). To summarize, Ron went by me so fast on the back stretch that I thought I was tied to a tree (I was slow but not quite that slow)....a few laps later and the red light came out. Ron had blown the motor in the #37 and came to a stop up against the wall...thus, when we bought the car in the fall of 1973, it was minus engine (we did get the headers, flywheel, clutch & pressure plate). BTW, the Nance frame kit that Al had in this (single car) garage was the Spark's #37 to be driven by Roy Bryant. Mike Pogue Current owner of the #37
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 04, 2011 at
10:07:04 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:47:02 PM by Racing From The Past
The Line-up for the 1973 Hutchinson Nationals. Pole Terry Doss #73 Outside Jim Harkness #11 Inside 2nd row Terry Uehling #27 Outside Jerry Everhart #37. Behind Jerry is Ron Fowler #4 (Former driver for Al), behind Ron is Frankie Lies #56.
Mike Pogue Collection
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 04, 2011 at
10:26:29 PM
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This message was edited on
July 04, 2011 at
10:48:24 PM by Racing From The Past
Jerry Everhart at speed at Hutchinson July 28 or 29 1973.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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July 04, 2011 at
10:51:55 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Racing From The Past on June 15 2011 at 08:29:37 PM
I don't think I have ever been clear on this? Was Al in with Harold Sparks and that #37 That Roy Bryant and a guy named Jack Hewitt from Ohio drove twice?
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I have always wonder how a racer from Ohio (Jack Hewitt) got a ride in Kansas. Was he here visiting.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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