Gasser Reunion 2002

May 31st-June 2nd, 2002

Thompson, OH

Pictures by: Vic Young

Each year, I try to go somewhere where I've never been before. Fortunately, this year the Gasser Reunion 2002 (hosted by the Mid America Willys Club-Ken & Ernest McIntyre) was held at Thompson, OH on May 31st--June 2nd at a track with its humble beginnings in the 50's.  Even more fortunate, I was able to send my car.  A student of mine has a transport business for which he sent my car as a favor.  A friend in Columbus, Ohio (Dave McCauley) helped receive and took care of the car while there.  He even corralled me a tow vehicle and trailer to transport the car to and from the track.

The "Gasser Gods" were smilin' on us as we had great weather all weekend.  Dave told me they had heavy rain for several weeks.  True to his word, the skies let loose on Thursday as we prepared to load.  However, that evening I could see stars so I knew the Gods were smilin'.

Driving through the lush wooded countryside, a thought that crossed my mind was: "What kind of track are we headed for?"  Three hours later, in the middle of no-man's-land was one of the most beautiful, laid-back, quaint tracks I've ever seen.  It was truly a reunion from the onset.  As we parked on the quiet country road waiting for the track to open, I ran into many Gasser Fans that I met at other reunions and gatherings.  This event was particularly special as it focused on Gassers, thereby making it more intimate among attendees.

Racing legends in attendance from the West Coast included: Jr. Thompson- "Big John" Mazmanian; KS Pittman; Jerry Mallicoat and Bob "Bones" Balogh.  From the East, "Ohio George" Montgomery, Chuck Finders,  the S&S Racing Team of Dave Hales, Pork Zartman & Fred Bear, Jim Shores, Barbara Hamilton Avery, Ray Cook & Pete Hill.  Please forgive me if I missed others.  Fans kept these legends occupied all weekend by having them sign autographs and talking about their glory racing days.  All did so with enthusiasm and gusto.  There was something for everyone---vendors, swap meet, racing, bench racing, show-n-shine, laughs, tears, hugs, lies and more lies�.Racing was furious!  Several "survivors" showed up that had not been run in several decades giving it another go.  The "tailgate parties" at the host hotel parking lot was another spectacle.

After supper, most gathered around to rub elbows with each other--some way past midnight.  Sunday afternoon came to soon as we loaded up and said our goodbyes until the next reunion.  Some of us were headed for Indy the following weekend, so we were to meet there again.  It was reported that this was the largest event this track has had in 20 years�..Take it away Vic��..

Ron Malsten, Vic Young
and Jim Wilkins cool cars.

From Left to Right:
Fred Bear, Dave Hales, Pork Zartman, Barbara Hamilton Avery, Pete Hill, KS Pittman, "Ohio George" Montgomery, "Big John" Mazmanian, Jim Shores, J.R. Thompson, Bob "Bones" Balogh and
Chuck Finders
(there are three unkown)

Vic's 40' Bad News Coupe and Mark Levin's Anglia Perfect ...staged at starting line

Beautiful, laid-back 50's track!

Wes Bradburn's Beautiful Black '41' Coupe

Ken Miller's Beautiful 40'
early Hemi in black

This Beautiful Coupe and Polished engine compartment belong to Joe Chuirco

Beautifully restored Candy Apple Red Coupe of Stoltz and Velasquez
from Marion, IN

Paul Bath's Candy Apple Red Coupe
(color choice by: John Mazmanian)

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