1971 - Stub’s Comeback: USAC Win

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 30, 1971) - The sun is shining for Lee Kunzman, the 26-year-old race driver from Guttenberg. If you know, “Stub”, which his friends call him that should make you happy.

Ten months ago - June 5 to be exact - Stub’s world was dark. More accurately, he was lucky to be alive and, for sure, it appeared his promising career had come to an abrupt halt - forever.

The scene was 1-70 Speedway at Odessa, Mo., where Kunzman was competing in a United States Auto Club sprint car race. During one of the heat events Stub went over the wall, his car bursting into ball of fire.

Emergency personnel rush to Lee Kunzman's burning sprint car  at I-70 Speedway on June 5, 1970. - Racing From the Past Photo

Unconscious, Kunzman was rushed to a Kansas City hospital where his injuries were diagnosed as a broken neck, broken arm and severe burns on his arm, upper body and head.

For a month he lay in the extensive care ward and it was almost another four months before doctors gave him his discharge. Yes, he could finally make it on his own, but nobody saw any chance for him to return to his first love - driving a race car.

Nobody but Kunzman, that is.

Stub couldn’t quit, at least not without giving it one more try. That try came last Sunday in a USAC midget race at Cincinnati and we want to confess we were startled by the results.

Kunzman won the race!

Lee Kunzman - that’s right - marked his return to racing by running off with the 40-lap feature.

Unbelievable? Sure it is and it has to be one of the greatest comebacks in the history of auto racing, a la Jim Hurtubise.

“To me it’s the biggest win of my career up to this point,” Kunzman told us by phone Thursday from his Guttenberg home. “It gave me the confidence that I could once again run hard and fast.”

“It was my first time in a car since the accident, so I’m extremely happy. I had no problems, whatsoever. Everything went just as if I was programmed to win. Yes, it’s almost like a fairy tale.”

Stub said his biggest doubt was if he could run fast enough - if he could react mentally to the situation with the memory of the accident still lingering.

“I had no fear of the track, but I was worried how I’d react in traffic,” he explained. “I promised myself if I couldn’t run fast I would quit.”

“After two or three laps it was like old times and I knew we’d be tough. I felt very comfortable and knew I could drive in traffic.”

The win should have been equally gratifying to Kunzman’s car owner, Howard

Linne of Mendota, Ill. Linne kept the car in reserve for Stub since the accident.

Comebacks such as Kunzman’s don’t happen by chance. Understandably, it’s been a tough road back. Measure it by desire.

“I never lost that desire to get well or race again,” Stub said. “In fact, I’d say my desire to race is much stronger now. The second day I was in the hospital I got very upset because my arm (badly burned) wasn’t in a cast. I told them I had a race in two weeks and I figured I could race with a cast.

“They had me pretty well drugged up and I didn't realize I was in such bad shape.”

Stub said he grew very discouraged when he was told he could never race again. That was in his early recuperation period, before he had an opportunity to talk with a doctor friend from Jacksonville, Ill.

“He told me there was a chance I could race again if I got myself physically fit,” said Kunzman. “I started doing exercises right away for neck development, as they figured that would be my biggest problem.”

“I did a lot of weight-lifting and I think my neck is stronger than ever. I went back three weeks ago for X-rays and the doctor could hardly tell where my neck had been broken.”

The burns have left their scars on Kunzman, a handsome bachelor who plays the role to the hilt, but “I don’t believe my life has been hurt at all,” he said.

“I was pretty self conscious at first, because my appearance was changed quite a bit. But I’ve gotten over it. Some people stare, but I think people in general are a lot nicer to you when you look a little screwed up.”

“I've been back seven or eight times for plastic surgery since I left the hospital in October. There’s still more work to be done, but so far they've built me a nose, eyelids and upper lip. The nose is a little larger and offside.”

That brought a chuckle from Stub and we couldn’t help thinking at the time how good it was to hear him laugh. Then, when he started talking of his future plans, there was no doubt in our mind he was ready to roll again.

“Things have been poppin’ this week since I won last Sunday,” he said. “Right now I’m dickering on a USAC stock car ride. Monday I was down in Spartanburg, S. C., looking at one of Cotton Owens’ cars.”

What about Indianapolis, where he passed his rookie tests last year, but didn’t attempt to qualify?

“I had one pretty decent offer for a back-up car, but I don’t think I'm ready. There’s not enough time to get more experience in the rear engine cars, so I’ll hold off and try to get back to Indy next year."

Know what? We’ll bet he will.

This Week in Racing History

1984 – Steve Butler overtook Jack Hewitt at the midway point and then held off Rick Hood to capture the 30-lap USAC Don Branson/Jud Larson Memorial sprint car race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on April 28. Hewitt dominated the early portion of the event before Butler passed him for the lead on lap 16. Hood would pass Hewitt for the second spot and then mount a furious charge on Butler before falling short at the checkers. Hewitt settled for third, while Randy Kinser finished fourth and Tom Bigelow posted a fifth place finish.

1979 – Mike Eddy of Midland, Mich., continued his domination of American Speed Association events at Salem (Ind.) Speedway winning the Raider 150 on Sunday afternoon, April 29. Eddy took the lead from Rick Knotts of Paw Paw, Mich., on lap 16 then withstood challenges from Mark Martin of Batesville, Ark., and Randy Sweet of Kalamazoo, Mich., to claim the $3,055 first prize. Eddy won by more than a full lap at the finish as the other drivers suffered assorted problems. Sweet was running a strong second when a broken valve sidelined him with 13 laps remaining and Martin was forced to the pits with a punctured tire after running nose to tail with Eddy for 50 laps.

 

1973 – Ramo Stott of Keokuk, Iowa, won his second USAC stock car race of the weekend, winning the Missouri 100 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon, April 29. Stott had scored a 100-lap USAC stock car victory the night before at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, Iowa. Stott passed fellow townsman Ernie Derr with two laps to go on the one-mile dirt oval to claim the $15,000 victory. His winning time was 1 hour, 10 minutes and 44 seconds. The race was dominated by Keokuk drivers as Derr settled for second while Don White placed third. Jack Bowsher of Springfield, Ohio, the fast qualifier of the day (39.17), led the first 57 laps before blowing a head gasket and was unable to return to action. Al Unser of Albuquerque, N.M., completed only two laps before he was forced out with a faulty oil pump.

1968 – Ramo Stott of Keokuk, Iowa, shed his oft-worn bridesmaid role to win the annual Hawkeye 200 on Sunday afternoon, April 28. Eight-time IMCA national champion Ernie Derr, the other half of the “Keokuk Komets”, saw his chances for victory fade when he made a lengthy pit stop for fuel. When both drivers pitted for fuel during a caution on lap 97, Stott trailed Derr by 15 seconds. But as Stott shot out of the pits, Derr’s car would stall. By the time a push truck arrived and put Derr in motion, Stott boasted a one-lap advantage. It was said afterwards that one of Derr’s crew members apparently killed the motor when he doused it with too much water in an attempt to cool the radiator. Stott banked $750 for his victory before an estimated crowd of 8,500. Derr settled for second while Lenny Funk of Otis, Kan., took third. Lewis Taylor of Shawnee, Kan., grabbed fourth and promising rookie Fred Horn of Marion, Iowa, rounded out the top five.

1992 - Erickson gears up for speedway’s debut

Oregon, Wis. (April 26, 1992) - Wayne Erickson figures he’s the right man for the job. His resume offers further proof.

Erickson purchased the former Capital Super Speedway and IMPACT Speedway last October, renamed it Madison International Speedway and, he hopes, made a solid investment in the future of auto racing in the Madison area.

Erickson is revamping all facets of the facility, located halfway between Oregon and Stoughton off Highway 138 on Sunrise Road. It’s a bold move, but one Erickson feels confident will succeed.

“I just think the place is set up unique as a half-mile track,” Erickson said. “The reception I’ve got since I’ve been working there has been great.”

Erickson will repave the half-mile oval as soon as the weather cooperates. Opening day was pushed back to May 15 because of uncertain spring weather and the recent rains have slowed the process.

“I’m still concerned about (the weather),” he said. ‘But if we get 10 days of decent weather between now and the 15th, we’ll make it. I want to live up to the opening date by all means.”

When it comes to racing in Wisconsin, Erickson carries a solid reputation. He worked his way up from racer to promoter and owner, nurturing relationships with top-notch drivers along the way.

In 1973, he leased Slinger Speedway before buying it two years later. Slinger serves as his model for success, but Erickson hopes his new track eclipses his success there.

“I have a vision; It possibly can pass Slinger as far as interest and spectators,” Erickson said. “I never realized there were that many racing fans in the Madison area. I was very surprised.”

Erickson’s expertise in the field is respected among drivers.

“He’s probably one of the best promoters in the country,” said driver John Ziegler of nearby Brooklyn, who plans to be a regular in the Friday night super late model stock car racing program. “He’s gone through his ups and downs and been on both sides of the fence.”

Ziegler, who raced at Capital Super Speedway, had grown tired of the weekly racing grind and was about to retire when Erickson announced his purchase. He's now eager to race and feels many people in the area are anticipating the opener.

“People down here are all excited,” he said. ‘Everybody hoped it would (reopen), but nobody knew.”

The uncertainty can be linked to the track's shaky past. Built by Sam Bartus of Wausau in 1963, the track was originally a quarter-mile. It was extended to a half-mile in 1969.

The track provided a testing ground for many of the Midwest’s top drivers. National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Winston Cup drivers Dick Trickle, Ted Musgrave and Alan Kulwicki were once regulars. Despite locking in top drivers, Bartus had a difficult time turning a profit.

He eventually sold the track in 1980. It went through a number of owners until it was purchased by a Milwaukee investment group in 1987 and renamed IMPACT Speedway.

Besides the name change, the new owners switched from asphalt to a dirt track and from stock cars to sprint cars. Interest in the sprint cars quickly waned and the track closed in 1988.

Bartus, a longtime friend of Erickson's, said he was glad to see the track reopen under Erickson's guidance.

“I didn’t like to see it get dilapidated,” he said.

But Bartus also said Erickson might run into problems. Finding enough drivers to keep a half-mile track going proved difficult for Bartus. He said many local drivers did not have the money to invest.

“Local people, even today, cannot afford the machinery to run on a half-mile track,” Bartus said.

Erickson said he has accounted for that by incorporating a high-banked quarter-mile track within the half-mile course to accommodate the less expensive cars.

Bartus also said area sports fans did not always embrace racing. “I would say it won't be the easiest,” he said.

However, Bartus also feels Erickson is best suited to make the track a winner because he's developed a good rapport with the drivers.

Said Erickson, “A lot of the drivers that started out when I started promoting Slinger are still with me. I have a good relationship with all my drivers.”

Erickson conservatively estimates 60 to 70 drivers for every Friday night. For now, however, Erickson's main concern is completing work at the speedway.

Among the improvements are revamped concession stands and press box. Erickson is also putting in new lighting in the pit area and all new fencing.

His outlook is positive. “Not one person since I've been working down here has walked up and been negative. I think that’s fabulous,” he said.

1968 - Hughes and Connolly test IMCA invaders

John Connolly

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 23, 1968) - The field for the annual Hawkeye 200 next Sunday at Hawkeye Downs has already been set at 41 late models and two of those will be handled by a pair of local favorites.

“Big” Tom Hughes of Monticello and John Connolly of Delhi, both regulars a year ago on The Downs weekly race programs, have cast their lots in a pair of 1964 Fords.

Hughes and Connolly will join some fast company for the International Motor Contest Association event. The best of the national circuit’s drivers, including eight-time champion Ernie Derr, Ramo Stott, Lenny Funk and Ole Brua, will be on hand for the 200-lapper on the high-banked half-mile dirt track.

Add to those the names of local hotshots Verlin Eaker, Darrell Dake, Bill McDonough and Mert Williams and you can see why Sunday’s starting field ranks as one of the all time best for the Hawkeye 200.

Tom Hughes

National competition is nothing new for Hughes, the 6-4, 230-pounder. Tom captured a pair of wins (25 laps and 100 laps) last summer at the North Dakota State Fair in the same machine he has set up for this season.

Connolly, one of the most popular chauffeurs at The Downs the last few years, had his share of problems last season. After demolishing his Ford in an early season wreck, he had three engines blow on him before the season ended.

Ramo Stott will have his 1968 Plymouth ready for the first time this season when the green flag goes out for the Hawkeye 200.

Stott is seeking his first IMCA point championship after trailing Ernie Derr for the last three years. At present after two events, Ramo holds a slim 15-point edge over Derr, 290 to 275.

The rest of the top 10 includes Paul Feldner 165, Billy Jack Casper 155, Ron Larson 150, Ole Brua 115, Roland Wilson 95, Lenny Funk 85, Karl Stoufer 85 and Butch Hall 80.

This Week in Racing History

2001 – After coming close many times during his first two years of late model racing, Steve Moenck finally broke through for his first feature win at Illiana Speedway in Schuererville, Ind., on April 22. Moenck, a resident of Mokena, Ill., took the lead on lap two of the 30-lapper and held off late charge from long-time veteran Eddie Hoffman of Wheaton, Ill. Danny Darnell of Beach Park, Ill., Mike White of Monee, Ill., and Bob Wroblewski of South Bend, Ind., rounded out the top five.

1991 – Defending Hawkeye Downs Speedway late model track champion Brad Loney of Cedar Rapids, kicked off the new season with a 30-lap victory on April 21. Competing against a field of drivers from four states, Loney took the lead from Larry Kelley of Walford, Iowa, on lap 12 and led the remainder of the main event. Ted Smokstad of Minneapolis, Minn., moved up to finish second with initial leader Randy Sargent of Monroe, Wis., taking third. Johnny Spaw of Cedar Rapids, Iowa took fourth and Kevin Nuttleman of Bangor, Wis., grabbed fifth place. A trio of Cedar Rapids drivers, Gary Wallace (modified), Charles “Chopper” Safley (super stock), and Randy Schmidt (hobby stock) earned feature wins in their respective divisions.

 

1985 – Under perfect weather conditions, the ARTGO Challenge Series opened its 1985 season at Grundy County Speedway on Sunday afternoon, April 21, with Al Schill of Franklin, Wis., capturing the Opening Day 100 late model stock car event. A field of 22 cars started the century contest with Minnesota’s Steve Murgic pushing his Firebird into the lead at the start. Murgic’s spot at the top would be short-lived as Schill would grab the lead on lap 10 and survive multiple cautions to take the victory. Mike Van Spaarrentak of Kalamazoo, Mich., would finish three car lengths behind Schill for runner-up honors while Dave Weltmeyer of Harvey, Ill., would take third. Mark Martin of Batesville, Ark., would battle fast qualifier Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on the final lap and move by to finish fourth.

 

1974 – Tom Maier, Midland, Mich., blistered the half-mile high banked asphalt of I-70 Speedway to capture back-to-back victories in the Twin 100 features on Sunday, April 21. Maier was the fourth fastest qualifier in his bright green #61 Camaro and started on the outside of the second row for the first 100-lapper. He trailed top qualifier Jim Bickerstaff of Niles, Ohio, in the early laps but managed to slip by on lap 73 and hold the lead to the finish. Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., would finish second followed by Terry Bivins of Shawnee, Kan. The entire field was started in reverse order for the second feature with Maier starting dead last. This forced Maier to wind his way through the pack and made for some exciting action. Maier would eventually get to the front and win comfortably ahead of Larry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., and Trickle.

April 20, 1979

April 19, 1952