Received word that my longtime friend Jimmy Winks passed away today. He was a fantastic racer with a great talent and one heck of a great guy. So glad I was able to spend time with Jim and Debbie last year in Florida. Great memories!!! My love, prayers and special thoughts to Debbie and the Winks family.
. . . written by Jim Ferlito
Just got word that racer Jimmy Winks passed away yesterday. Jimmy had a great career up north, winning in everything from dirt LM's, asphalt & dirt Mods, and Supermodifieds at Oswego.
The. He moved south to Edgewater and won a bunch of races at Volusia, NSS, & OSW in both the Fla Mods (the Bob Judkins 2x), and also Limited Lates in a black #17. His career started in 1968 as a 17 year old kid, and raced anything on wheels for over 40 years.
If you never met Jimmy, you missed quite a character. If you did meet him, you'd never forget him.
Great racer, great guy, and he will be missed by thousands, both here and in NY.
RIP Jimmy..... a TRUE RACER for his entire lifetime.
. . . written by Frasson118
Not many people know that after Jimmy "retired" from racing, he moved south, and won a lot of races here in Florida also. What a fun guy to be around too. Sure will miss him at this years Reunion..... He usually came with car owner Bob Judkins, who he drove for in the famous 2x Modifieds. RIP Jimmy.... one of the most versatile racers the Northeast has ever seen.
. . . written by Jerry Binner
1969 |
1970, not sure where |
Jim was very strong on the dirt. This is from around 1970. |
1972 |
1972 Rolling Wheels track champion |
1973 NYSfair Labor Day driver profile |
1970 |
Jim had this Hagan/Howard ride for the first part of the 1971 season. It was a copy of the other Hagan/Howard car driven by Norm Mackereth, which was the former dominant Gibson car in 1968. |
1971... Jim and Jim Shampine were chosen to represent Oswego on the modified All-Star team. |
1973, Jim races Ron Wallace in the Swift 10pins Ray Grela photo |
1973 program cover |
Aug 4th 1973 midsummer champ and Jim's first Oswego win, read the story here. |
Aug 19th '73, in victory lane again |
1973 Battle for Classic lead. Jim Shampine and Winks qualified 1-2 for the race and the two battled early then Winks took command until he lost the lead around lap 180 to winner, Ken Andrews. Winks faded to 8th at the end. |
1974, return of the Purdy Deuce |
1974, Jim edges Johnny Logan for the last Oswego win for Jim and the Deuce |
Oct 5, 1974, final Oswego checkers for the Purdy Deuce The car went out on top as it was the last race ever for the legendary car. |
1977, in the Doug Duncan 07 |
3rd in the 1977 Port City event |
more action from 1977 |
July 1977 |
1978, dicing with Ronnie Wallace |
1980, in the Doug Duncan 07 |
1980, the last Duncan 07 |
1980 |
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