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Post by openwheelfan01 on Apr 12, 2024 22:36:57 GMT 12
How Cool is this 2 of the winningest USAC Midget car drivers for whom raced down NZ way back 1970s and 80s have doco about there life in Midgets done by Flo Racing. Those that were born they both came NZ will recall how good they was Mel Kenyon 7 times USAC Champion well as USA Team Captain back when it was just Test racing. Rich Vogler who sadly was another lose his life at way too early age. Combined total of wins they had just Midgets 206 career wins. even spent many seasons racing down Western Springs Speedway back in days of Cinder track
Who got to see and remembers these 2 legends of open wheel racing ?
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Post by midway on Apr 12, 2024 23:11:44 GMT 12
I hope i dont look that old now ,but yes i was a young bloke once that enjoyed going to the Springs in those day s on me bike and getting a hamburger and chips on the way home from the white lady
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Post by hienekenno1 on Apr 13, 2024 9:35:42 GMT 12
I remember Mel Kenyon in the 61 Pat Johnson midget with his religious cross on the tail tank in the 86/87 season at the Springs,he had a big tumble as well one night was walking around the pits with a black eye, unfortunately watched the Rich Vogler crash on Thursday night thunder on ESPN when they used to show it on sky,was 1992 and a great driver taken to soon.Was very surprised to see Bryce Kenyon at the Les Nixon memorial at Meremere last month, very cool,was a pretty good peddler in his day as well 🙂
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Post by openwheelfan01 on Apr 13, 2024 13:52:03 GMT 12
I hope i dont look that old now ,but yes i was a young bloke once that enjoyed going to the Springs in those day s on me bike and getting a hamburger and chips on the way home from the white lady same here my parents used to go when i got the bug. back then you had most amazing drivers likes of Mel Kenyon, Rich Vogler, Larry Rice Etc. names are so legend too speedway fans taking on Best Kiwi Drivers like Barry B , Max, Ted Tracey, and Owen Shaw. well as Australians cant forget them lol crowds used flock to the Springs was really staggering |
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Post by openwheelfan01 on Apr 13, 2024 14:00:06 GMT 12
I remember Mel Kenyon in the 61 Pat Johnson midget with his religious cross on the tail tank in the 86/87 season at the Springs,he had a big tumble as well one night was walking around the pits with a black eye, unfortunately watched the Rich Vogler crash on Thursday night thunder on ESPN when they used to show it on sky,was 1992 and a great driver taken to soon.Was very surprised to see Bryce Kenyon at the Les Nixon memorial at Meremere last month, very cool,was a pretty good peddler in his day as well 🙂 Absolutely was real Shiner Mel Kenyon had that night. he had visited Springs many times over the years. i recall first ever 50 lapper even though i wasnt going to the springs was Sleepy Tripp, Rich Vogler and Maybe Bobby Olivero. on that night Ted Tracey very unlucky not to win when he got passed by Tripp and Vogler late into the race. then Ted Managed to win last season 1993/94 season. do recall Rich coming back 1987/88 season racing for Warwick McKenzie running Pipeline hose Midget VW. same season Wayne and Denise Bennett, Jeff Lee and Stan Fox may of been his 2nd season racing NZ. Continental Airlines sponsored Pontiac midget car. when news broke from ESPN Saturday night Thunder crew was just devasting Rich was only 39 years old. making more moves at Midget/Sprintcar Driver. |
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Post by hienekenno1 on Apr 15, 2024 6:42:10 GMT 12
Rich Vogler finished in 4th place in the 87/88 50 lapper which was the golden Jubilee 50 years of midget racing at the Springs at the time,the great Sleepy Tripp started on pole and led all 50 laps for the win,Stan Fox was 2nd,Denise Bennett was 3rd,Ted Traceys last season was the 92/93 season where he pretty much cleaned up winning the 50 lapper,NZ title and the King of the Springs,Ted retired on top which was a good way to go out.
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