Hello All
I am brand new just signed up last night and am fascinated by it all. I am a huge USAC fan from the "golden Years" 1946-1964. My dad is Chuck Hulse who was a Hot Rod and sprint car driver from the 50' and 60's. he had a similar situation in 1956. He was racing with CRA when family and job allowed. My dad always put family and job before racing. In 1956 his buddy Hank Blum who had a GMC powered spring/champ car wanted to try running it at Pikes Peak. My dad was willing and my mom needed a vacation from us kids so he got his USAC license and off they went. He got about 1,000 feet up the hill before falling 200 feet over the edge. He landed in a ravine upside down trapped with the engine running. It sounds bad but he laughs about it to this day.
The next week back in So Cal he raced at Carrell or Gardena stadium (can't remember which) and was immediately informed by USAC that he was being fined and suspended for running in a CRA event with a USAC license. He wasn't trying to bend any rules, he just wanted to race. He called Henry Banks and explained what he had done. Anybody that knows my dad knows how likeable and friendly he is/was. He always had a smile on his face (still does). He managed to talk Henry Banks out of both the fine and the suspension, and was allowed to race in a CRA race as long as no similar USAC race was being held the same day. This got him in more trouble. Luige Lesovsky who apparently was the man my dad should have spoken to first (being the local rep) called him and chewed him out for going "over his head" and told him he was going to discuss the matter further with the board. Luige didn't know my dad from "Adam" at the time and was just flexing a little muscle. It all worked out. No fine or suspension.
Thought I would share that, thanks
P.S. I am looking forward to many posts and reply's so long as there is a discussion about the Golden Years of American auto racing
Lee Hulse