The “Hurryin’’ Hoosier” Bobby Grim captured the 30-lap IMCA big car
finale at the Iowa State Fair. – Des Moines Register Photo
Des Moines, Iowa (September 6, 1954) – Finding the slick track to his liking, Bobby Grim breezed to an easy triumph in the closing 30-lap feature of the Iowa State Fair’s auto racing program before 8,500 fans here Monday night.
Bob Slater, currently the ranking #1 dirt track driver in the nation, finished third, nearly a lap behind the 29-year-old Indianapolis speedster, who clocked the 15 miles in 13 minutes and 27.32 seconds.
Grim, the quick qualifier in time trials, powered the famous “Black Deuce” into the lead on the opening turn, then drew away from the field of 16 starters, all of whom had troubles in the curves.
Slater, who won two previous features here, never was able to find a “satisfactory groove.” He vainly fought off the challenges of Jud Larson, a Kansas City newcomer who moved securely into second place on lap 8 and for a time appeared to be closing in on Grim.
Fourth place money went to Andy Anderson of Hastings, Neb., driving an Offenhauser formerly handled by Don Branson of Champaign, Ill. Branson, along with Jimmy Campbell of Batesville, Mo., (and a rival of Slater) were noticeably absent.
Herschel Wagner of Hickman Hills, Mo., driving Phil Mocca’s Offenhauser, burned out a rod on lap 17 after running in fourth at that point.
Larson, Slater, and young Bob Cleburg of Rio, Wis., driving in his first pro meet, were heat winners while Ken Rubright, the mechanic from Lyndon, Ill., won the match race and pursuit handicap race.
It wasn’t officially a sanctioned contest, but Harry White of Altoona, driving a 1903 Sears, nosed out a 1906 Brush, driven by John Ruyder of Corydon, in a 2-lap feature.
Results –
Cedar Rapids Dash – Jud Larson, Kansas City
Mason City Dash – Bob Slater, Redfield, Kan.
Fairfield Dash – Bob Cleburg, Rio, Wis.
Antique Race – Harry White, Altoona
Match Race – Ken Rubright, Lyndon, Ill.
Pursuit Handicap – Ken Rubright
Feature –
1. Bobby Grim, Indianapolis
2. Jud Larson
3. Bob Slater
4. Andy Anderson, Hastings, Neb.
5. Bob Cleburg
6. Al Sherman, Van Nuys, Calif.
7. Charlie Lutkie, Wichita, Kan.
8. Curt Lehman, St. Louis
9. Walt McWhorter, Wichita, Kan.
10.Chuck Horn, Des Moines
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