Double Features

[Dwight Clock]

In September of 1964 a rainout set up a program of double modified features for the following week. Both of these features were to be won by visiting New England drivers. Who were they and what cars were they driving?

[LongIslandJam]

Ed Flemke and Bugsy Stevens (random guesses)

[Dwight Clock]

Ed Flemke and Bugsy Stevens (random guesses)

Ed Flemke is right. He was driving his own 21X. Bugsy is not. I don't believe Bugsy ever won a feature at Islip. In 1964 he was running Seekonk weekly.

[310fig8]

My guess, and it's only a guess, is "The Clown Prince Of Auto Racing" Rene Charland along with "Steady" Eddie Flemke.

[Dwight Clock]

My guess, and it's only a guess, is "The Clown Prince Of Auto Racing" Rene Charland along with "Steady" Eddie Flemke.

Not Charland.

[310fig8]

How about a hint Dwight.

[mod fan99]

How about Denny Zimmerman.......????????

[Dwight Clock]

How about a hint Dwight.

OK. The car was a '37 Chevy coupe out of Waterbury, Ct. that had been driven to a win at Islip the previous year (1963) by another driver. The driver who won on the night in question was a well known New England driver who had career wins in modifieds, super modifieds, sprint cars, and midgets.

[W. J.]

Bentley Warren??

[310fig8]

Wow Dwight, I have been agonizing over this one!!!! I can't think of anyone that would have won in all 4 of the divisions that you mentioned. Bentley Warren might have, but I never remember him in a Midget. I also never remember him coming to Islip. What division was this driver most associated with and is he still around? (How well known is he????)

[Dwight Clock]

Wow Dwight, I have been agonizing over this one!!!! I can't think of anyone that would have won in all 4 of the divisions that you mentioned. Bentley Warren might have, but I never remember him in a Midget. I also never remember him coming to Islip. What division was this driver most associated with and is he still around? (How well known is he????)

He is most closely associated with the modifieds. He is long retired but was one of maybe the five best mod drivers in New England during his era along with Bugsy Stevens, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, and Bobby Santos. He won in the mods at Islip, Old Bridge and Wall in addition to the many NE tracks he won on.

[art11758]

Gene Bergin (not sure on the spelling though)

[Dwight Clock]

Gene Burgin (not sure on the spelling though)

You are correct. The spelling is Gene Bergin. Bergin was capable of winning in anything he drove.

[310fig8]

I can't believe I over looked him.

[art11758]

I would love to say I remembered that. It's just not so. I had just turned six in 1964. At the time, I didn't know there was any place other than Freeport Municipal Stadium to see stock cars. However, I spend a lot of time reading online and for that era there aren't too many other "shoes" that fit the bill that I can think of. There is a gentleman who posts on another board I frequent who actually remembers all this stuff and he should really get the credit for the answer. (For those wondering, check out the posts of "Fitchburg Fan" on MSS)