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.
There are a few drivers listed that were not supermodified drivers, they just meant a lot to me...
Please JakesSite.com if you have any corrections or additions regarding this list.

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

Al Wood

John Cook
John Hopkins

Johnny Logan

John Michaels

John Petty
John Theodorou

Ron Lux

Wayne Root
Early Modified coupe era (1951 - 1961)

Roger Dunsmore

Track personel/car owners
Howard Purdy
John Hill
Mike Kapuscinski
Norm Hagen
Steve Gioia Sr.

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

In May of '62 Jim began his racing career.
In 1962, Oswego's new "open rules" supermodifieds replaced the coupes. Jim simply removed the body from his ex-nolan Swift car.
Jim Shampine's first Oswego Checkers for a semi win in September of 1963. Here is a much nicer version of that photo.
And another beautiful color photo of that car.
Jim gave the same car the "woodshed" look for the 1964 season.
"The Pine" what a driver, designer, and gentleman. photo courtesy of: Rich Edwards racing photos... Jim built this car new for the 1965 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.
Best car and crew in 1965.
A win with his coach at Shangri-La in 1966.
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 1967.
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.
Another look at the '69 wedge.
New Pine coupe, Dominated the 1971 All-STAR event at Oswego.
The revamped wedge, as it appeared in 1971.
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 1972 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.
Jim was a winner in the Ed Cloce Hemi-Cuda modified in 1974.
Standing for the anthems... 1975.
Love this photo
A good weekend for the Pine!
sketch I did of the revolutionary radical offset that Jim introduced in 1976.
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...
The offset yet again!
The Pine powers the 8ball off turn two late in the 1977 season.
comin' at 'ya, Jim barrels into turn 1.
1979 rear engine machine as it appeared in Oswego debut.
Another early incarnation of the re car.
two green machines and the "young one" Doug Heveron's former Pine wedge. (yellow car on trailor)
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 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.
Read more about that legendary rear-engine creation here and here.
A letter from Jim prior to the 1980 season.
Pine sprinter at the wheels for a WoO show (1980).
the Lloyd sprinter restored and on display at Weedsport
Jim prepares for the 1981 Classic in his offset.
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.
Restored offset at the 2016 Classic.
Shampine's passing leaves a void - newspaper article written by Dick O’Brien.
Two Northeast racing greats lost their lives on the same weekend in September of 1982.

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Page last updated Friday, September 20, 2024