This page is devoted to Tributes to our fallen Supermodified heros and includes the Jim Shampine section at the bottom of this page.

Below is the list I have compiled so far of supermodified drivers that have left us. To help fill in the blanks, I encourage contributions in the way of personal stories, original images, and factual information, ie: dates of birth and passing. This (unfortunately) will be an on-going project, and cannot be considered a complete list of drivers that have left us.
I am especially interested in learning more about some of the less high-profile drivers. Much has been written about Jim Shampine, Nolan Swift and others, but I may need your help in posting well-deserved pages for so many of the other drivers on this list.
Most of the names below are now linked to completed or semi-completed pages. All are listed alphbetically by first name.
Please JakesSite.com if you have any corrections or additions regarding this list.

Supermodifieds (modern era)
111 drivers listed here...

Bob Stelter
Bruce Kraft

Brudy Drews

Bryan Osgood

Bud Crotty

Bud Johnson
Carl Bergkvist

Dan Osmeloski

Dave Loucks
Dave Thomas Sr

Eddie Kingsley
Eddie Skofield Sr

Eddie Vander Lann

Ernie Lowe

Fred Brown
Fred Peet
Frank Pressutti

Jack Nichols
Jack Sharpe

Jack Thomas

James Paternoster
Jeff Gibson

Jeff Stevens
Jerry Dolliver

Jim Shampine

John Clapham
John Hopkins

Johnny Logan

John Michaels
John Theodorou

Ken Fisher

Lee Bliss
Leo Caldwell

Sammy Snider
Skip Smith

Smokey Boutwell
Steve Lenhert

Wayne Root

Early Modified coupe era
(1951 - 1961)

Casper "Cap" Gibson

Peppy Cone

Note: many images in the tribute section have
been scanned from Oswego racing programs or
George Caruso Jr's great book,
"Oswego Speedway, The first 50 Years"

Jim Shampine

A very early shot - "The Pine" what a driver, designer, and gentleman. photo courtesy of: Rich Edwards racing photos... Jim built this car new for the '65 season, and went with a Ford big block. In his fourth year of competition at Oswego he was able to garner two top 3's and 5th in points, but had still not won a feature event. That had to wait until the following season.
July 23, 1966, Jim records his first Oswego feature win. He would collect 86 more Oswego wins over his career. Bentley warren stands second on that list with 66 checkers.
Restored Green Machine photos courtesy of Rich Edwards from the 2010 Oldtimers event at Oswego. photo 2, photo 3, photo 4
Jim didn't have much success with this mustang bodied mod, shown here at fulton in April of '67.
He also debuted a new supermodified in '67.
After about five weeks and no success with the new car, Jim came back with the older machine and reeled off six wins on his way to his first track title.
Jim preferred Ford power during the earlier years.
Pine coupe, Rolling Wheels image from around 1970. Jim had good success with this car.
Unfinished painting, then I really got lazy and used Paint Shop Pro to paste in the wheels from my original photo (above)!
In mid 1969, Shampine brought out his new wedge creation. Irish Jack Murphy ran a few shows in the car in this configuration but Jim did not put this car into competition until 1970.
The revamped wedge, as it appeared in 71.
Same day as above, ready to be pushed off.
See and read much more about Jim Shampine's legendary wedge supermodified.
The 8ball unloads to start the 72 Classic day. that's Kempton Dates 28 in the background.
Jim is on the pole for the 72 Classic
Jimmy Shampine talking to Danny Syrell, Gary's brother. In those days when the kids raced their gig cars they were awarded their trophies at the speedway by their favorite drivers. Gary Syrell built this car and believe it or not the car still exists along with many others of the Syrell Family racing stables. (info provided by Jim Liccardi posted on Pinner's message board).
The dominant 8 Ball ready to roll, I think this is early 1973.
A break in the action, possibly early '73. that's Eddie Thompson in the Solvay Automotive jacket.
Standing for the anthems... 1975.
A good weekend for the Pine!
sketch I did of the revolutionary radical offset that Jim introduced in 1976
The Pine powers the 8ball off turn two late in the '77 season.
A rare sight, the 8-ball on the hook. Jimmy was very good at staying out of trouble.
76 offset, another image with additional info.
The Green Machine speeds into the afternoon sun...
76 offset yet again!
comin' at 'ya, Jim barrels into turn 1.
two green machines and the "young one" Doug Heveron's former Pine wedge. (yellow car on trailor)
79 rear engine machine as it appeared in Oswego debut.
the Pine's 1979 "invention", a mean machine!
Newspaper story about Jim from July, 1979.
the last Green Machine and that darned afternoon sun again!
tweaking the rear engined car before the big race. (Coniam #6)
Warren Coniam ready for warmups for the '79 Classic. Warren had an incredible run on this day, coming from a lap down to regain the lead. He clearly demonstrated the superiority of this car before dropping out late in the race.
Jim prepares for the 79 Classic in his offset. The red #36 along side is the eventual winner, Chuck Ciprich.
Jim and Coniam enjoy a laugh after the '79 Classic. Jim had led the race for many laps with Coniam riding politely in second until a scuffle with a lapped car sidelined Shampine.
Pine sprinter at the wheels for a WoO show (1980).
the Lloyd sprinter restored and on display at Weedsport
This Clyde Booth/Shampine creation would have been the 1982 International Classic winner...
Another shot of Jim's last super ride
The hunched forward and lean to the left driving position in the Booth/Pine creation is evident in this shot.
wallpaper for your desktop (1280 x 1024)

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Page last updated Tuesday, May 07, 2013