Stock Car Races, by Marie Templeton and the Rimrocker Historical Society

Remember the stock car races on High Mesa in the late 60s and early 70s. Oh what a thrill it was to go and see the Westenders compete with their hopped up cars, with the funny names. It was breathtaking when one of them rolled their car right in front of the bandstand.

Ann Estes wrote a column called “Pit Chatter” about the stock car races for the FORUM. The FORUM was owned and operated at that time by Marvin Hearnsberger. Ann made a scrapbook of all the “Pit Chatter” articles complete with pictures. She really treasured this memento of those exciting times.

By Ann

The weather was warm and sunny and an estimated 1000 people turned out Sunday for the second session of Stock Car racing.

Jack Smith in car #30 thrilled the crowd when he turned over on #2 turn. He was uninjured but returned to the pit. It is rumored that some of the engines may be challenged in the near future. This may prove interesting. Hope the cars are on the up and up.

#99 car has Chevy Eater written on it. There are several Chevys on the track and more being built. Wonder who #99 is hungry for?

Gerald Condit in #27, the youngest driver in Sunday’s race, took a lot of bangs, bumps and spins, but he sure put a lot of effort into driving. He is a fine guy and a good sport. We wish him a lot of luck.

Lee Sutherland in #19 did a real fine job driving opening day and was chosen, by the Association, as “Driver of the Week.” He will be back this Sunday so watch for #19.

David Cressler of Dove Creek drives #17, a 1953 Ford with a Flathead V-8 engine and he did a splendid job driving in Sunday’s race. Dave won first place in the Semi-Main event and third place in the Slow Heat. Congratulations David, we hope to see more of #17.

Many car owners are still burning the midnight oil getting ready to race. Watch for Bill Been, #12, Bill Sutherland, #15, Del Cather #55 and Willie High, #97 this Sunday.

The track and general area shows many improvements since the first race, but there is still a lot to do.

Results of last weeks race are TROPHY DASH: 1st Bob Alderman #41, 2nd John Weaver #98, 3rd Harry Hutchins #13. SLOW HEAT: 1st Alfred Story #38, 2nd David Hightower #20, 3rd David Cressler #17. FAST HEAT: 1st Bob Alderman #41, 2nd Bob Kodat #99, 3rd Enos Ferrier#40. SEMI-MAIN EVENT: 1st David Cressler #17, 2nd Alfred Story #38, 3rd David Hightower #20. MAIN EVENT: 1st John Weaver #98, 2nd Earl Kelly #50, 3rd Harry Hutchins #13.

Pictures and Pit Chatter from the FORUM; April 18 and 24, and May 1, 1969.