Former Oswego Speedway Track Champion, Smiling Ed Bellinger Sr., was smiling last Saturday night like he never smiled before. He stood in the infield watching his son, Ed Jr. cop the big Grand Prix 100 Championship here at the Oswego Speedway - in a style that surely re-kindled memories of years gone by when he would outmaster the field. Young Ed looked mighty impressive as he whipped his Gibson built roadster to the $2,500 payoff after a race-long duel with several veterans.
Young Steve Gioia of Oswego piloting the roadster number 9 was off and running at the start of the 100 lapper. Running better than ever, Steve opened up a good lead over the rest of the pack. Moving well from the back of the pack were Bobby Stelter in the 36 and Eddie Bellinger in the 02. They both moved ahead of Gioia on lap 9 and began battling away for the top honors. Stelter managed to hold on for several laps but Ed slipped by on lap 25 to gain the front spot.
Also moving quickly from the back of the pack were Warren Coniam, Johnny Spencer, Ken Andrews, Paul Baumhauer and Norm Mackereth. Norm Was later sidelined when his front left tire came off sending him into the third turn wall. The Flyin 5 suffered considerable damage while Norm received a broken thumb but was otherwise ok.
The last half of the race found Bellinger running a strong groove while clicking off times around the 18.7 second bracket. Stelter stayed right there while Coniam, Spencer and Andrews closed in on the two leaders. With ten laps to go the top five cars were running together. Lap after lap they would chase that checkered flag in superb style - which kept the fans standing and screaming right to the end.
During the final circuits Ed was forced to "nurse" his car 02 as the rear end began vibrating. However, he never lost his cool and guided the yellow roadster home first, winning his first Oswego feature ever. He received a standing ovation from the packed throng. Bob Stelter placed second in the Buckner car 36 with Johnny Spencer nailing down third spot in the Doug Duncan car 07. Warren Coniam drove the Solvay Automotive Special home fourth while Kenny Andrews rounded out the top five with his car 55.
The balance of the field included: Paul Baumhauer 00, Steve Gioia 9, Johnny logan 35, Guy Chartrand 69, Chuck Ciprich 21, Ronnie Wallace 16, Sam Carista 37, Gary Allbritain 75, Mark letcher 29, Norm Mackereth 5, Ray Sand 71, Johnny Casey 88, Joe Paeno 06, Ron Macleod 32, Jim Shampine 44, Baldy Baker 6, Kemp Dates 28, Mike Rizzo 34, and Tommy Leeson 97.
Heats were won by Warren Coniam, Paul Baumhauer and Bob Stelter. The semis were taken by Ed Bellinger and Kemp Dates - with the consi going to Sammy Carista.
