from the Mexico Independent, July 18, 1963

Dick Jerrett Jr. Has Narrow Escape

Oswego: Special events are scheduled for the Oswego Speedway the last two Saturdays in July and this week's card will also be marked by the return to competition of Nolan Swift of Syracuse and Bud Johnson of Olean. The season's second Demolition Derby, always a particular delight to the younger element, will follow this week's main event and, Saturday, July 27, the track will present it's annual Mid-Summer Championship Race, in which drivers will compete for an added purse and double distribution of points, the latter factor giving all throttlers an opportunity to close in on the leaders. Last Saturday, Dave Paul of Michigan piloted his No. 21 to a fourth straight feature triumph, although he was forced to sit out the Fourth of July fixture because of car difficulties. Irish Jack Murphy of Liverpool guided his No. 6 Shamrock to a second place finish. the loftiest berth claimed by that popular veteran thus far in 1963 and Art Bennett of Michigan, the 1962 Oswego Speedway titlist. finished third in No. 14. A spectacular accident last Saturday idled Dick Jerrett, Jr. of Mexico, for the balance of the campaign. His No. 67 burst into flames on the third lap of the main race and only prompt work on the part of fellow-drivers, especially Art Reynolds and Billy Blum, both of Syracuse, along with the tracks safety crew, miraculously saved that pilot's life. While he suffered severe burns about both arms and legs and is expected to be hospitalized for a lengthy period, Jerrett's condition has been reported by hospital authorities as "comfortable as could be expected".