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Where The OLD RACERS Still Race!
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The winningest driver in IMCA history was ERNIE DERR, 12 time national late model stock champion. DERR was an acknowledged master mechanic and dirt track demon who also raced with USAC and ARCA. He was one of the three original "Keokuk Komets" along with his brother-in-law DON WHITE and RAMO STOTT.
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The venerable LOUISIANA STATE FAIR SPEEDWAY in Shreveport, Louisiana was an early venue for "big car" racing under the auspices of the I.M.C.A. Originally a flat mile long horse racing facility this grandstand was added in 1924 and the track shortened to a half mile in 1932. Schrader, Collins, Buchanan, Wilburn and Champeau barnstormed the races during the state fair in October each year.(Ernie Roberson Collection)
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Sterling, Illinois-June, 1930- GUS SCHRADER in a 16 valve Frontenac was the winner of all the racing events that day. SCHRADER would become known as "King of the OUTLAW Dirt Tracks" during his storied career. Gus was the IMCA "big car" champ from 1933-1941 except in 1938 when EMORY COLLINS broke the string (Ernie Roberson Collection).
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HERSCHEL BUCHANAN of Shreveport, La. a two time (1950-51) IMCA Stock Car champ shown in the FIRST Thunderbird to race in dirt track competition in 1955. BUCHANAN was a veteran racing legend when this photo was made but he was seriously injured during this race in Shreveport. To see the remains of this Thudnerbird after his horrendous crash go to www.oldshreveport.com.
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Midget racing was highly successful until the early 1950's. Then, television became a stay at home altrenative to the midgets. This unidentified California driver is shown seated in his midget replete with a leather football helmet. It was dangerous and speedy for the drivers while it was exciting for the fans. (Ernie Roberson Collection)
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GUS SCHRADER was an eight time IMCA speedway (sprint car) car champion. He won 8 years out of nine from 1933-1941 (EMORY COLLINS won in 1938). He was killed in 1941 at the Louisiana State Fair Speedway in Shreveport, La. It is estimated that he won 700 features in a 24 year racing career.
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