1966 - Hartman Captures Stock Car Race at Salem

Butch Hartman

Salem, Ind. (June 5, 1966) – Butch Hartman, Zanesville, Ohio set a one-lap record in qualifying at the Greater Salem Speedway Sunday, then went on to win the 100-lap stock car feature of an American Racing Car Association (ARCA) program.

In his first time at the half-mile, high-banked paved track, Hartman turned the qualifying lap in his 1965 Dodge in 20.35 seconds to shatter the previous mark of 20.73.

He led from start to finish in the 50-mile feature, finishing 15 car lengths in front of Andy Hampton, Louisville, Ky., who also drove a 1965 Dodge. Jerry North, Louisville, was third in a 1965 Ford; Iggy Katona, Willis, Mich., fourth in a 1965 Plymouth, and Roy Wathen, Louisville, Chevrolet.

Behind them in order were Ralph Latham, Cincinnati, 1965 Plymouth; Dick Freeman, Dayton, Ohio, 1964 Ford; Paul Wensink, Deshler, Ohio, 1964 Ford, Shad Wheeler, Frederickstown, Ohio, 1964 Ford, and Namon Martin, Cleveland, Ohio, 1964 Chevrolet.

Hampton won the trophy dash and Wensink, Latham and Jack Shanklin, Indianapolis, captured the heat races.

Only one wreck marred the program. Jesse Griffith, New Albany, Ind., driving a 1965 Plymouth, lost control on a turn on the 12th lap, and his car tore down some double guard rails. It slid down the banked turn crossways and was struck by a 1965 Plymouth driven by Jack Purcell, Louisville.

Neither driver was injured but both cars were badly damaged. Purcell was running in second place at the time.

 

Results -

 

1. Butch Hartman

2. Andy Hampton

3. Jerry North

4. Iggy Katona

5. Roy Wathen

6. Ralph Latham

7. Dick Freeman

8. Paul Wensink

9. Shad Wheeler

10. Namon Martin