1962 – Ernie Derr Wins 72-Lapper at Fargo

 

Ernie Derr 

Fargo, N.D. (July 20, 1962) – Daring Ernie Derr, flashing the form which carried him to four IMCA national championships, captured the 72-lap late model stock car feature Friday afternoon at the Red River Valley Fair.

The 40-year-old pilot of the 1962 Pontiac turned back the determined challenge of fellow townsman Dick Hutcherson and Chub Liebe of Oelwein, Iowa.

Derr, who hails from Keokuk, Iowa, is the current leader of the International Motor Contest Association season point standings.

The scheduled 100-lap event was shortened to 72 laps by racing officials after four cars were forced out on the track which became extremely rough and dangerous.

Buzz McCann of St. Paul, Minn., rolled his car on the 50th lap while driving in eighth place.

Mert Williams of Rochester, Minn., spun his car on the 63rd circuit and was hit head on by Ernie McMahan of Keokuk, Iowa.

Bob Reynolds of Edmond, Okla., spun out on the back straightaway on the 72nd lap. None were injured.

Hutcherson finished in the runner-up spot followed by Liebe, Reynolds, and Johnny Beauchamp of Atlantic, Iowa. Ramo Stott of Keokuk, Iowa, who won Thursday’s 25-lap feature, finished sixth.

Williams won the first 10-lap preliminary race in 4 minutes and 58.62 seconds. Reynolds took the second prelim in 5 minutes and 9.19 seconds.


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Chub Liebe, Oelwein, Iowa
4. Bob Reynolds, Edmond Okla.
5. Johnny Beauchamp, Atlantic, Iowa
6. Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
7. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
8. Jerry McCredie, Keokuk, Iowa
9. Gary Sheldon, Detroit, Mich.
10.Bob Dugan, Waukegan, Ill.
11.Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
12.Dick Johnson, St. Paul, Minn.