Johnny Beauchamp
Shreveport, La. (May 5, 1957) – The Louisiana State Fair was given additional prestige in ratings of the nation’s speedways as two world records fell by the boards while Johnny Beauchamp churned his way to victory in the annual Gulf States 100-mile championship.
Don White, Keokuk, Iowa, grabbed one of the world marks by finishing the first 25 laps in 12 minutes and 4.74 seconds. Then Beauchamp cracked the other standard, streaking across the starting line in 48 minutes and 40.36 seconds for the first 100 circuits.
Beauchamp, the defending IMCA stock car king, was the winner in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 74.36 seconds, taking his title in only less than two-tenths of a second off the all-time 100-mile record.
White, holder of the one-lap qualifying mark, led Sunday’s time trials with a clocking of 29.03 seconds.
Driving a fuel-injected 1957 Chevrolet, Beauchamp’s latest triumph was posted before a crowd of 8,364, as he fought off constant challenged by White, who was driving a 1957 Ford.
Beauchamp waged terrific competition with White through the first 100 laps, grabbing the lead twice, although momentarily. White fell behind on the 99th trek of the oval after a shock absorber broke. White pulled into the pits for fuel and engine inspection which consumed only 36 seconds.
The big difference occurred when Beauchamp’s pit stop only took 15 seconds.
On only one occasion was a caution flag necessary, when Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, ran out of gas and came to a halt on the backstretch.
Results –
1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
2. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
4. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
5. Red Dowdy, Dallas, Tex.
6. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
7. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
8. Doc Narber, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
9. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
10.Al Warrender, Harlan, Iowa
11.Bob Hardy, Beaumont, Tex.
12.Jerry Draper, Moline, Ill.
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