Saturday, July 4, 2020

1957 – Burdick Win Topeka Stock ‘200’


Bob Burdick receives his trophy after winning the 200-lapper at Topeka. 



Topeka, Kan. (July 4, 1957) – Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb., 22-year-old who is setting a blistering pace more seasoned drivers find difficult to match, added the July 4th Kansas International 200-lap late model stock and sports car classic to hi growing list of victories, before 7,500 spectator at the Kansas Free Fair.

Burdick flashed his 1957 Ford into the lead on the first lap and refused to give up the position throughout, though hard-pressed by Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa, during the early stages.

Beauchamp, the 1956 IMCA national champion, running a brand new motor, pressed too hard and the motor overheated, forcing an early pit stop, which dropped the “Flying Frenchman” too far back to recover a challenging spot behind Burdick.

As Burdick streaked to two new Kansas Free Fair track records, Beauchamp came from far back to take third place, behind Chub Liebe of Oelwein, Iowa.

Burdick set a new 200-lap record of 1 hour, 42 minutes and 13.68 seconds, and 51 minutes and 22.91 seconds for 100 circuits. His 28.74 second mark was also the fastest time trial effort.

Results –

1. Bob Burdick, Omaha
2. Chub Liebe, Oelwein, Iowa
3. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
4. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
5. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan
6. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
7. Bill Harrison, Topeka
8. Bill Chennault, Kansas City
9. Bob Hardy, Beaumont, Tex.
10.Dick Jepsen, Hoxie, Kan.
11.Bob Dugan, Waukegan, Ill.
12.Johnnie Edwards

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