An impressive total of nineteen cars filled out the Group 1 grid at the 19th Annual Blackhawk Vintage Classic. Although the weekend was filled with the usual racing excitement, sportsmanship and camaraderie, the highlight of the meet was something unique.
Jack Heist, who raced with Group One for many years, has hung up his helmet and parked his TF in retirement. In honor of his racing career and support of Group 1, Denny Holloway led a parade lap, with Jack as his co-pilot, before the start of Saturday’s sprint race. With the entire Group 1 field following Denny’s TC around the track, Henry Adamson explained the significance of Jack’s last lap at Blackhawk to the crowd on the PA system. As Jack rounded the track, the crowd gave him an ovation. It was a touching and fitting tribute to a great racer and a good friend.
Saturday’s sprint race saw Matt Primack pilot the MG Lester to a relatively easy win over Augie Grasis’ 1933 Studebaker Indy racer. Rex Barrett, driving Lou Natenshon’s 1933 Ford Indy racer, was in the mix until fading brakes caused him to slacken his pace and finish third. Bill Goulette was first in his class with his 1933 MG J2, followed closely by Bill Lane in his 1947 MG TC. Kermit Wilson was third in class with his 1935 Morgan trike. Saturday’s race was also notable for Scott Forhman’s return to Group 1 after an absence of many years. His MG J2 was hampered by carburetor issues, but with near constant tinkering Scott was able to improve its performance each time out.
Sunday morning the spirit of vintage racing was amply demonstrated by the scene that played out in the Group 1 paddock. Rex Barret and Lou Natenshon were struggling to solve their car’s mysterious brake problems. Soon crews from up and down the pits came and offered expertise and hands-on help. For several hours the volunteers worked to get the braking system up to full function.
In Sunday’s Feature Race, Rex Barrett, with his recently improved braking system, led flag to flag. Augie Grasis gave chase in his thundering Indy racer but was not able to close the gap. Marv Primack in the Lester figured to be in the mix and was, early in the race. An increasingly sour engine note caused him to slow and nurse the car home to a third place finish. Bill Goulette once again won his class. Curtis Liposcak took second place honors in his 1932 J 2/ C Type. Pat Norton took third in his class in his 1930 Ford sprint car. This result had to be particularly gratifying for Pat. In six previous attempts at Blackhawk, his car had broken down and been unable to make the starting grid for the Feature Race. Perseverance finally paid off.
The Blackhawk weekend was notable for the addition of two new members to Group 1. Nick Carso brought out his 1951 MG TD and Robert Ritholz raced his 1953 Morgan Flat Rad. With the guidance of instructors Tom Moore and Scott Fohrman, they were introduced to the joys of vintage racing. They drove well and safely and, by all reports, had a great time.
