I.M.C.A. Old Timers was formed to promote and preserve I.M.C.A. (International Motor Contest Association) history, including the preservation and excellent restoration of former I.M.C.A. race cars; to maintain records and documents of I.M.C.A. history; recognition of former drivers, owners, mechanics and others involved in I.M.C.A. history; and provide an opportunity for the social and technical interchange of members interested in auto racing history.
Zephyrhills Florida 2009 By Jim Heiland
In 2007 Chris and I made the trip to Zephyrhills Florida and had a great time.If you have never been there, you need to go. Daytona antique Auto Racers Assn puts on the Vintage Car Exhibition Racing on a very flat ¼ mile dirt track. According to DAARA President Bill Wendt, this year there were over 100 vintage race cars. Lots of Midgets, Sprints Coupes, Modified’s, Full Body Stock Cars and even 7 Model A Speedsters. The Zephyrhills Festival (February 19-22, 2009) is more than racing.It’s a swap meet, car coral, classic car auction, vendors of all kinds. We got there a little late on Wednesday night because a blown truck tire, grabbed the tail pipe of the motor home and wrapped it around the drive shaft, bending the drive shaft.Thanks to the help of an old friend Roger Enos wintering in Venice FL, found a driveshaft repair place in Sarasota.He met me there and helped remove the driveshaft.Florida Driveshaft Service got me fixed up and on the road in record time.(You need to hear the whole story) Thursday morning was test & tune.The track was really slippery.In the afternoon we had our first race.I drew pole, Cush Revette outside, Cory Lane inside second row and Hank Baker Jr. outside.There were a total of 8 cars in each race.We had one heck of a race. I led a lap, Cush led a lap, went that way for 10 laps.Coming out of turn 4, I manage to get a fender ahead of Cush and won the race.That was exciting.Friday and Saturday we had a morning and afternoon race.I think I ended up with a 2 third and 2 forth places. A lot of guys run with windshields in there cars.I thought I’d give it a try.Well, Thursday is was OK because I was up front.However, Friday morning, I started in the back and guess what.It was dusty and by the 5th lap all the dust was on the inside of the windshield. Made the last 5 laps very interesting.Needles to say, the windshield came out and the screen went in. One thing that was fun, during the lunch break, we could bring our cars to the front stretch and have the spectators come down and look at the cars.Met a lot of neat people.It seems everyone either had or knew someone who raced a 57 Chev. President Bill Wendt kept the drivers meeting informative and to the point.Secretary Jimmy Jeep Knapp had a lot of good information too. Couple rules they had I did like, no passing until you clear turn #2, an maximum of 8 car in a race,if the lead car is running away, he is giving a green/yellow flag to slow up a little and let the field catch up. Friday afternoon in a Midget race 2 cars got together in turn 3 and Dick Yurewitch rolled at least 2 times.He was air lifted to a hospital.Last I heard he had a concussion some broken bones and lots of cuts on his face and was in intensive care. Chris and I was glad to see some of the folks we met two years ago were back. Jim (Jeep) Knapp, Hank Baker Sr and Carol, Cory lane, Gary Lane #78, Hank Baker Jr #8, Clint Hamilton 3x3, Rich from St Louis, Cush Revette #7 and his race team, and many more friendly racers. We left the group Saturday afternoon for the long trip back to Minnesota.People couldn’t believe we came all that way (4000 miles round trip) to race, but then, that’s what we do.It was a great break and a fun trip. Til next time.
Be sure to check out the Daytona Antique Auto Racers web site. Jimmy Jeep Knapp does one heck of a job!