Monday, September 20, 2021

1959 – Lorenzen wins Milwaukee 250-Miler


Fred Lorenzen snuggles with his trophy after winning the 250-miler at Milwaukee. 



West Allis, Wis. (September 20, 1959) - Fred Lorenzen, 24-year-old driver from Elmhurst, Ill., set a record in winning the 250-mile late model stock car race at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds on Sunday.

Lorenzen, driving a 1958 Ford, averaged 87.123 miles per hour and was timed at 2 hours, 52 minutes. 8.38. seconds. Jimmy Bryan of Phoenix set the old mark of 85.684 miles per hour in 1956.

Bryan finished third in the race in a 1957 Mercury, coming in behind Rodger Ward of Indianapolis, winner of the 500-mile race for big cars at Indianapolis last Memorial Day.

Ward, who drove a 1953 Ford, was nearly a lap behind Lorenzen on the paved, one-mile track. Ward won the other late model stock car race here earlier in the year.

Lorenzen, in addition to pocketing about $3,250, took over the lead in the United States Auto Club stock car standings. He is the defending champion.

There were no serious accidents in the race which drew 16,472 spectators who paid a total purse of $16,500.


Results –


1. Fred Lorenzen, Elmhurst, Ill.
2. Rodger Ward, Indianapolis
3. Jimmy Bryan, Phoenix
4. Johnny Allen, Atlanta, Ga.
5. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
6. Bill Cheesbourg, Tucson, Ariz.
7. Mike Klapak, Warren, Ohio
8. Dick Rathmann, San Gabriel, Calif.
9. Les Scott, Pacoima, Calif.
10.Darel Dieringer, Indianapolis

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