Unlike the coonskin cap-wearing hero of American folklore, this Davy Crockett became famous (albeit on a more localized level), wheeling machines like this sharp coupe at the West Haven Speedway. He was an extremely popular chauffer that grabbed starter Lou Reed’s checkered flag on a number of occasions during the height of his career. (Shany Photo).

And here’s “Little Dan” Gaudiosi who was certainly one of West Haven’s best-ever. He claimed the 1957, 60, & 64 championships. Along with NEAR Hall of Fame member Billy Greco, he remains the only other driver to have claimed 3 titles during the tracks 17-year history of running modifieds. Dan of-course, went on to still-more success following his run at Savin Rock, and was particularly good at another former Connecticut oval, the much-missed Plainville Stadium. (Shany Photo).        

Another driver that experienced early career success at the West Haven Speedway was this guy, the late Pete Brockett Sr. Spending over three-decades behind the controls of a Modified, his later efforts were centered-on the “New London-Waterford” Speedbowl where he also became a winner. His ride known as “Brockett’s Rocket” Pete was always a crowd-favorite, be it “The Rock” or the ‘Bowl. (Shany Photo).

Captured here in 1965 is legendary Eastern open-wheel racer, the late Len Duncan. Starting his career in 1928, he was an extraordinary talent. He was an AAA Champion, as well as the winner of 8 ARDC midget titles from 1955-67. A multi-time starter in the Indianapolis 500 and a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Duncan retired in the 1980’s after 7-decades behind the wheel of a race car. None other than the great Mario Andretti credits Duncan on having a profound influence on his career. (Photographer Unknown).               

Seen here during the 1950s on the old dirt surface of Mal Barlow’s Stafford Springs Speedway in Connecticut is John Coon in one of NEAR Hall of Fame member Art Barry’s early creations. Typical of the era, it was of the self-built variety and most components were truly-stock. Like his contemporaries, car owners like Barry could construct a coupe like this relying mainly on grassroots mechanical ingenuity rather than the thickness of their wallet. Major changes throughout the coming decades would begin to place a high price tag on the pursuit of competing weekly at your local short track. Special thanks to Mal Phillips for providing all the info. on this shot. (Shany Photo, Mal Phillips Collection).

Here’s one for all you fans of the “New London-Waterford” Speedbowl. It’s the “Dynamite Special” and the guy behind the wheel of this ancient 1950s Shany Lorenzent image is Don Segar. Pretty clean for the era, I’d have to assume that Segar’s creation was one of the prettier rides of the early days at the track fondly known as the “shoreline oval.” (Shany Photo, Mal Phillips Collection).

That's it for this week. Email me at: foreveryounginct@gmail.com