Johnny White
By Dave DeLong
Allentown, Penn. (September 21, 1963) – A heavy-footed Midwesterner stole the show at the Greater Allentown Fair on Saturday afternoon when he ran away from all competition in both his qualifying heat and the 30-lap feature on the final day of automobile racing at this year’s exposition.
His name is John White of Warren, Mich., and he was definitely the class of the field.
A comparative newcomer to the East, White gained the pole position by turning in a time o 25.96 seconds, which was tied by Jim McElreath of Arlington, Tex. However, McElreath never got into the feature as his engine conked out in his heat race and had to be scratched.
In the first qualifying heat, which was witnessed by 8,000 spectators, White and A.J. Foyt, an Indianapolis entry several times and a former star here in Fair races, finished 1-2. White was being pressed by McElreath until the latter’s motor failed on the last lap, enabling Foyt to slip in for second place.
Chuck Arnold of Stamford, Conn., won the second qualifying heat with Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., second and Don Branson of Champaign, Ill., was the winner in the third qualifying heat with Milt Brown of Danville, Ill., taking second.
Bob Mathouser of Omaha, Neb., started on the pole of the 10-lap consolation and led the entire way. Arnold was second and Bobby Marshman of Pottstown was third.
In the 30-lap feature, White started on the pole and took full advantage of his favorable position, staying out front throughout. Only one challenger appeared, in the person of Foyt, who chased White all the way but was never able to get within three-car-lengths.
The race did not run the full 30 laps, ending at 29 laps because Steve Stapp’s car, which had spun earlier, did it again and compelled the caution flag to be used.
McCluskey finished third and Bob Harkey of Charlotte, N.C., was fourth. Chuck Arnold rounded out the top five finishers.
Results –
1. Johnny White, Warren, Mich.
2. A.J. Foyt, Houston, Tex.
3. Roger McCluskey, Tucson, Ariz.
4. Bob Harkey, Charlotte, N.C.
5. Chuck Arnold, Stamford, Conn.
6. Jim Maguire, Dunellen, N.J.
7. Jiggs Peters, Atlantic Station, N.J.
8. Don Branson, Champaign, Ill.
9. Jim Hurtubise, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
10.Bob Mathouser, Omaha, Neb.
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