The Atlantic Coast Old Timers held their 19th annual Banquet on Sunday, November 18th, at the Brookside Manor, in Middletown, N.Y.   

I have often thought of joining this fine organization, but for one reason or another, kept putting it off.  For those of you that do not know it, you do not have to own an old or restored racecar to be a member.  I joined up about three months ago, and, boy, am I glad I did!  Such a fine group of people!  Old folks?  Yes, I guess you could say that!  Enjoyable folks?  You bet!  Old "fuddie duddies"?  Nope!  Very energetic.  Alive.  Friendly! 

 I attended the banquet with a friend of mine, Peter Kessler.  I got him to join up also.  We sat at a table with the president of ACOT, Bill St. George, Gene & Marty Erickson, Walter Burtis, Fred Bruckner, who came all the way from Speedway, Indiana for the occassion.  And, seated to my immediate left, believe it or not, was an idol of mine, a true gentleman, Mr. Nick Fornoro Sr.   Friends, you can not imagine the thrill of having someone that you admire so much, to be so close, and so darn friendly!  More about Mr. Fornoro later on.

The master of Ceremonies was none other than Mr. Earl Krause.  Another fine gentleman.  And, someone I met, in person, for the first time.  Earl is one lucky man.  He has a voice that just lends itself to being heard.  And, so very knowledgeable.  Accompanying Earl was his wife, Pam, who has made a nice recovery from a nasty leg fracture.

For those of you that do not know, the officials of ACOT are:  President:  Mr. Bill St. George.  Vice President:  Mr. Bill Goodfellow.  Second Vice President:  Mr. Les King.  Secretary/Treasurer; Mr. Brad Gray.  Antique Race Car Director:  Mr. John Palmer.  Senior Advisor & Honorary Chairman:  Mr. Boyd Hanauer.

The trustees for ACOT are:  Mr. Lou Fray, Mr. Earl Krause, Mrs. Rose Schindler, and  Mr. Henry Smith.   The Secretary of the Board is Mrs. Wanda Goodfellow.  Their flagger is Mr. Don Rouse.  Tech Inspector - Mr. Bill Goodfellow, and the Asst. Tech Inspector, Mr. John Cyr.  The Historian and News Letter Editor for ACOT is Mr. Gordon E. White.  For Public Relations, Mr. Herb LaRosa.

As you are aware of, at banquets, there are usually some awards given out, and this banquet awarded some fine people.  There was a Presidents Award, and that went to Mrs. Wanda Goodfellow.  An award for Service and Dedication went to Mr. Herb LaRosa.  A special award was given to Mr. Earl Krause for all the work and time spent  over the years with ACOT.  Mrs. Rose Schindler.  What can be said of this wonderful woman!  One might think that losing a loved one in this sport would turn you against it, but not Rose.  It has been 49 years since her husband, Bill, passed away.  Yet, she is still involved, thru ACOT, with the sport.  I remember that day.  Better, I remember watching Bill and Paul Russo put on a good show just one week earlier, September 13, 1952, at the speedway in Morristown, N.J.  Well, Rose was given an award for attaining one million points, and for attendance at ACOT functions and events.

Along with the above awards, there were also awards given out to the top ten in points for the past season.  Top ten?  Well, thanks to some ties, nineteen different car owners shared in the top ten prizes.  Topping the list with 2100 points were:  Bruce Carman, Ed Isnardi, Henry Smith, Jean Smith and Bill St. George.  In second place with 1900 points was Ken Goewey.  With 1800 points, Archie Banks came in third.  Fourth was Larry Phaneuf at 1600 points.  1500 points is what Bill Goodfellow earned, placing him fifth.  Lou Fray came in sixth with 1400.  A tie for seventh, with 1000 points:  Bud Hinman and John Palmer.  Allan Wiltse was by himself in eigth place with 900 points.  There was a three-way tie for ninth spot.  John Givens, Bob Hart and Bob Pearson all finished up with 800 points for the season.  And, a three-way tie for tenth spot with 700 points went to:  Fred Heller, Les & Randy King, and Joe Sukup.  Congratulations to all recipients.

I have to guess that there were maybe twelve to fifteen tables, with eight people per table, at the banquet last Sunday.  I happened to mention to Pete, on our way home, how I would have loved to be able to spend time at each table.  Just to listen.  The history, some happy, and some sad.  The kidding.  As I said in a previous article, “Ah yes, I remember it well!”  I guess the only thing missing was having some of the old, restored cars, on display.  My only complaints:  Not enough time to meet and talk to everyone.  Did not even have enough time to check out all the photographs.   

Now, as promised, back to Mr. Nick Fornoro.  What a nice guy!  I was so excited when I saw him come in.  Then, he came over towards our table.  There were about four empty seats, at the time.  He chose the seat next to me.  Pete, at this past Eastern States weekend in Middletown, N.Y. described himself, to me, as “an excited seven year old” when he met Frankie Schneider for the first time.  Now, I know how Pete felt.

Nick Fornoro and Lou Fray

Nick and I had some nice conversations.  His memories of events – right on!  He told of his first race, one which he was the victor, at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J.  I was fortunate to have been there that particular night, so, if needed, I could back up his story.  He told of how, when traveling with “Pappy” Hough from Buffalo to Massachusets he had to wear his helmet, while sleeping in the back seat of Pappy’s car.  Why?  Well, it seems that the shelf between the seat top and rear window was loaded with carburetors.  Whenever the brakes were applied to the car, some of the carbs would fly forward!  Guess his head was a pretty good target!   He spoke of a time at Langhorne, when he was asked to drive Dutch Culp’s sprinter.  Being a little small in stature, Nick could not see over the cowl.  Pillows to the rescue!  Shucks, can’t reach to “go” pedal!  A block of wood to the rescue!  Please keep in mind, I am getting this from just one person in attendance.  You can see why I would have loved to have been at each table.  An un-ending source of stories.

Now, Nick did tell me he did not care if I repeated some of the things we talked about.  And, there is one sad thing.   I can be quite sentimental at times.  Not ashamed to admit it.  There is a very deep ache in the heart of Mr. Nick Fornoro.  Tears came to his eyes, as he spoke to me.  As you know, Nick has two sons, champions both, that followed in his footsteps.  Nick (Nokie) and Drew.  For neither one of these fine drivers not to have made the starting field for the Indianapolis 500, or even getting the chance, is what pains Nick.  A real genuine hurt.  Hopefully, somehow, he will get to see a Fornoro in the field.  Cannot say it is not because we, the fans hear in the east, have not tried.  We all know the rea$on$ why, and it is a downright shame.

As I stated above, you do not have to own an old or restored car to be a member of ACOT.  And, you do not have to be OLD!  So, if you have ever entertained the thought of joining up, but have put it off, like I did, sign up!  I guarantee you will not be sorry!  Oh yes, one more thing:  My friend, and racing buddy, Pete Kessler is attempting to get a field trip to visit the Eastern Museum of Auto Racing early next April.  He was told, if he can get enough on the trip, that they will open the museum up just for those on the trip.  If you are interested, Pete can be reached at his e-mail address:  VictorySpeedway@theraces.com.  Or you can reach me at ygordad@yahoo.com.

- Tom Avenengo

Editor's Note: To learn more about the Atlantic Coast Old Timers, visit their website by clicking here.
-DZ

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