Wall Stadium's Garden State Classic - July 11, 2015

This year's Classic was originally scheduled for June 20 but was rained out.  On July 11, however, the weather was fine for racing.  Wall Stadium's Krause family and the GSVSCC teamed up to welcome previous Classic winners with a reunion.  Sixteen previous Garden State Classic winners were on hand, as well as family members of deceased winners John Blewett III, Joe Kelly and Joe Severage.  Fans enjoyed the autograph signing session. During intermission, the honorees were given rides around the track in convertibles and were presented with commemorative medallions, which were engraved with their names and the years of their Classic wins.  The following drivers attended:  Trevor Alspach (2014); Jimmy Blewett (2002, 2003, 2013); John Blewett, Jr. (1977); Mike Carpenter (1994); Jerry Cranmer (1992 and 1995); Kevin Flockhart (2007); Gil Hearne (1971, 1978, 1980, and 1990); Tom Mauser (1987, 1997 and 2000); Dan McLaughlin, Jr. (1993); Chas Okerson (2012); Steven Reed (2009); Bob Rossell (1968 and 1976); Robert Schlectweg (2001); Anthony Sesely (2011); and Tony Siscone (1982, 1984, 1989, and 1991).  Family members of three deceased champions were also on hand:  John Blewett, Jr. and Jimmy Blewett accepted the medallion for John Blewett III (2003, 2004, and 2006); Don Haupt and sister Sue Taylor represented their dad Dave Haupt, better known as Joe Kelly (1964); and Dottie Severage attended on behalf of her husband Joe Severage (1975).

Tony Siscone presented club President Ray Shea with a firesuit for the club's museum in memory of recently-deceased local racing artist, fan and historian Bob Kelleher.  Many thanks to Tony!

Of course, our club cars were on display for the night.  Thanks to our members who brought their cars out.  Thanks also to Earl Krause for his contribution to this page. Earl is a club Trustee and Assistant Editor and Columnist for Area Auto Racing News. Photos by Linda Cooper and Jim Smith.