1956 – Bryan Wins ‘250’ Race at Milwaukee

 

Jimmy Bryan is joined in victory lane by car owner Bob Wilke after the Phoenix, Ariz., driver won the 250-mile late model stock car race at the Milwaukee Mile.

Milwaukee, Wis. (September 16, 1956) – Jimmy Bryan of Phoenix, Ariz., driving his 1956 Mercury at an average of 85.67 miles per hour over the one-mile paved oval at State Fair Park, Sunday won the 250-mile late model stock car race worth $3,931.

Bryan made only one pit stop during the race and finished in a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 3 seconds. He took the checkered banner three miles ahead of second place Bob Christie of Grants Pass, Ore., also in a Mercury. Christie pocketed $2,709.

A total of 17,796 fans contributed to a total purse of $18,925.

Bryan took the lead at the start and led for all but 9 miles of the race. His one stop was for fuel and tires at the 122-mile point and Christie roared into the lead. Bryan took over the top spot again when Christie pitted at the 131 miles.

Two drivers who failed to finish the race provided Bryan with his closest competition. Sam Hanks of Palisades, Calif., was forced out after 208 miles by a broken connecting rod, and Troy Ruttman of Lynwood, Calif., blew a tire, smashed into the wall, and then skidded into the pit area with a broken axle.

Twenty-eight cars started and 18 finished. Local favorite Norm Nelson of Racine was forced out after 58 miles with trouble in the left front hub of his 1956 Mercury.


Results –

1. Jimmy Bryan, Phoenix
2. Bob Christie, Grants Pass, Ore.
3. Marshall Teague, Daytona Beach, Fla.
4. Johny Mantz, Long Beach, Calif.
5. Don Miller, Milwaukee
6. Chuck Weyant, Springfield, Ill.
7. Johnny Parsons, Van Nuys, Calif.
8. Jack Radtke, Libertyville, Ill.
9. Ray Sellers, Cambridge, Ohio
10.Fred Lorenzen, Elmhurst, Ill.