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Area racing lost a founding member Thursday morning. Eddie McCardle passed away at his Beaver Springs home. McCardle was 94.
Who was fast Eddie McCardle? An American Automobile Association open wheel midget racer who survived the non-roll cage era in one piece. He was a local stock car racer who helped start Penn Central Racing Association and became the clubs first President. A three-time Port Royal Speedway track champion in 1950, 51 and 54. A garage owner, used car dealer and master auto electric technician that, along with Bill Raup, rebuilt more starters and alternators than anyone I know from their Logan Blvd., Burnham establishment.
McCardle finally retired from that job at the age of 82, but he was much more. He was a car and racing enthusiast that helped build and promote oval and drag racing. When son Bobby wanted to open a drag strip, McCardle served as project manager and converted an airplane landing strip into a dragway in just 30 days. On the personal side Edward, as some referred to him, was a devoted father and family man. He was colorful, articulate and enjoyed having fun.
I first met McCardle when I wrote a newspaper article about him. I knew of his exploits due to growing up in the area and having family familiar with racing. I was invited into McCardle’s shop for a sit down where I was quickly informed by Raup and McCardle I was going to be told a bunch of lies that would sound good and make a good story. We all laughed and I enjoyed that day. Later I found myself employed at a local business about 100 yards from McCardle’s shop. Discount store alternators weren’t reliable for delivery trucks and I purchased the first of many E & W alternators and starters. Most of the fun visiting that shop was hearing a story. That was all that was good about having vehicle problems. Eddie McCardle never disappointed to entertain.
My first recollection before I met McCardle was when he called into WMRF Radio morning man J. C. Hammond with a daily report on the latest vehicles for sale on his car lot. Beaver Bob hadn’t earned that name yet and was then called “Slow Bobby.” McCardle and Hammond missed their connection and a call back was made live. There were no delays in audio and McCardle gave Hammond a good dose of the King’s English on air for not answering his phone. Hammond attempted to explain they were live but it didn’t do much good. Many of us laughed. My grandmothers prayed for us all.
Eddie McCardle had many achievements. Among them the inaugural Founders Award from Port Royal Speedway in 2011. McCardle may be gone but he will not be forgotten.
Lincoln Speedway opened the season last Sunday afternoon with Greg Hodnett the sprint car winner. Hodnett managed to return home from a trip outside the country in time to race. Hodnett tied Van May for the 10th spot on Lincoln’s all time win list. Niki Young and Tim Glatfelter were feature flip victims.
Port Royal Speedway canceled Saturday’s action. Speedway grounds remain wet. Look for an update early next week about next week’s plans.
Hagerstown Speedway managed to complete their program last Saturday. Kyle Hardy won the 23-car late model feature. PA racers of interest included Andy Haus, ninth, Mike Lupfer, 13th, Dan Stone, 14th, and Colby Frye, 15th. The Hub City oval holds their first points race of the season tomorrow night.
The Winchester, Va. Speedway opens tomorrow with late models the headline class. Look for several western PA drivers to visit that facility early in the season.
Williams Grove Speedway plans to open next Friday night with 410 sprint cars, late models and fireworks on the schedule. Race time is 7:30. Grove management announced this week tickets for all outlaw races will go on sale March 31.
Congratulations to Williams Grove Speedway announcer and long time writer Bruce Ellis and Donnie Kreitz Jr. on their election to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa. Induction ceremonies will be held later this summer.
The World of Outlaws have completed eight programs this season with eight different winners. Four are not full-time outlaw travelers. Terry McCarl, Brian Brown, Tim Kaeding and Rico Abreu have beat the traveling stars.
And then there is bad boy Tyler Walker, who has so much talent. Is he ever going to straighten his life out? Walker was 45 minutes late to court in Utah earlier this week for sentencing on drug charges. A plea deal was prepared that included a suspended jail sentence. The judge didn’t take kindly to Walker’s late arrival. Before that, Walker’s attorney had no answer as to Walker’s absence or location. A bench warrant was issued and Walker walked into the court room late going straight to jail. A new sentencing date was set for March 30. The judge hinted Walker’s plea agreement may be forfeited.
Kurt Busch returned to NASCAR Sprint Cup racing last week performing well. NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve Odonnell addressed reporters and stated Busch was evaluated by a NASCAR selected medical professional who recommended immediate reinstatement. If that’s the case, I suggest the person doing the evaluation didn’t put much stock in Busch’s ex-girlfriend story … just my opinion, folks.
For car enthusiasts of all kinds, Chrysler has announced the Plymouth Barracuda will be reintroduced for the 50th anniversary of the car’s production later this year. The Barracuda will be the only Plymouth nameplate vehicle produced. The pony cars best years were 1964-74. A 1971 convertible with a hemi engine recently sold for $5 million.
Doug Esh does have a part-time sprint car ride lined up to start the season. I attempted to contact Esh this week but didn’t receive a reply. After speaking with another reporter who talked to Esh, I learned my information is correct. Esh requested details remain private at this time and I will honor those wishes.
I also learned Mike Erdley is still in search of a ride. The Middleswarth Racing Team plans remain in the air but look for a limited racing schedule with a late start to the season.
Until next week, please drive safely and hope for good weather.