1964 – Pratt Wheels to Alabama Sprint Win

 

Betty Sue Howell, candidate for International Speed Queen, presents the Grand Prix trophy to Bob Pratt following his 20-lap victory at the Alabama State Fair.

Birmingham, Ala. (October 10, 1964) – It was “Bob Pratt Day” at the Alabama State Fair IMCA auto races Saturday as the Union City, Ind., speed ace swept the International Grand Prix trophy race in the 20-lap feature in record time.

Pratt drove the Dale Doty Chevrolet, and Doty received the gold-plated Sturtevant torque wrench as head mechanic.

The one-lap track record of 23.78 seconds for the half-mile flat asphalt track was lowered eight times, with Pratt again posting the fastest time for the pole position with a new record of 22.58 seconds.

Jim McCune of Toledo, Ohio, won the third 8-lap heat and hung up a new record for that distance in the Price-STP Special, with a time of 3 minutes and 6 seconds.

Following Pratt across the finish line in the feature were McCune, Greg Weld of Kansas City, Don Brown of San Fernando, Calif., and Sonny McDaniels of Houston, Tex.

Results –

Heat #1 – Sonny McDaniels, Houston, Tex.
Heat #2 – Bob Pratt, Union City, Ind.
Heat #3 – Jim McCune, Toledo, Ohio
Match race – Jim McCune
Feature –
1. Bob Pratt
2. Jim McCune
3. Greg Weld, Kansas City
4. Don Brown, San Fernando, Calif.
5. Sonny McDaniels
6. Jerry Daniels, St. Paul, Minn.
7. Jim Moughan, Springfield, Ill.
8. Ray Duckworth, Anderson, Ind.
9. Doc Schaefer, Alameda, Calif.
10.Tom Bigelow, Whitewater, Wis.