Iconic Racing Photos

Stockcar races 1966Continuing my holiday reruns: it’s hard to define what make a photo iconic, but I think these photos have that timeless quality.

Arena Park Stock Car Races was a popular topic: it garnered 58 comments from people who remembered the drivers and many an evening spent at Arena Park. The racer above was Lester Harris, who was also the subject of a piece, “Cheating Death to Make Phones Ring.”

Click on the pictures to make them larger; click on the links to see more images and comments.

Stock car scuffles

Stockcar race scuffle 2Not all of the action took place behind the wheel.

The officer on the right was “Dub” Wilson. Someone back at the office said, “Looks like Dub must have gotten down in the dirt.”

Another reporter said, “Nah, that’s the way Dub’s uniform always looks.”

Arena Park Motorcycle racing

Arena Park Motorcycle racing in the 1960sMotorcycle racing never attracted huge crowds Dick McClard commented. See if you recognize anyone in the more than dozen photos.

 

5 Replies to “Iconic Racing Photos”

    1. Jim, I can believe you went to SEMO.

      Icon: (n)a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of something.

      I consider these icons because they capture – to me at least – the look and feel of the mud, dirt and men who raced on dirt tracks for the love of speed and hometown glory.

      I knew some of the “ugly people.” They were decent, hardworking guys. Shoot, Tom Mize was down-right handsome.

      You’re welcome to criticize my photos and judgement, but I am offended that you are judging folks you don’t know.

  1. Back on track with your images. Time stood still for me when you clicked the shutter and then brought it back to life in the present day.

    And you described above the energetic, explosive sort of moments in their life in this venue (including, especially, the fight moments with the cops). Wow. You sure were in the right place at the right time.

    Bueno

  2. Ken

    I wasn’t trying to be judgmental. I am one of those
    ugly,somewhat decent,retired individual. I went to
    SEMO, but didn’t graduate. My icon was Mickey Mantle.

    Jim

    1. Unlike your idol Mickey Mantle, I sometimes take a swing and a miss at interpreting what someone means. Typed words don’t always deliver the nuances of live conversation.

      I, too, had a swing and miss at SEMO. I escaped my Junior year.

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