RENSSELEAR RACEWAY PHOTO SCRAPBOOK #3

Starter Dick Flynn stands his ground with the checkered flag in hand as Morocco’s Dick Potts tries a last lap inside move on ’65 track champion Bob Cronenwett #21.  Luke Gilbert #130 rides on the outside.
(Wayne Bryant Photo/Ted Knorr Collection)

1969—THE LATE MODEL ERA BEGINS—Track promoter Bob Beuerman of Kentland and starter Sanders congratulate Lowell’s Ted Knorr for being the track’s first ever late model feature winner.  Knorr raced under the name of “Ted Wilson” during his career with Knorr being the track’s promoter from 1972 until 1985, producing over 200 late model shows.
(Bob Pochinskas Photo Collection)

Dick Potts began his late model driving career with a feature win in 1971.  Potts would go on to win 75 main events and nine track championship at the Rensselaer Raceway.  He continued to compete in 2005 at selected Midwestern dirt track events.
(Wayne Bryant Photo/Ted Knorr Collection)

Larry Day of Star City, was the track’s 1969 and 1971 modified division champion.  Diminishing car counts and fan interest moving to the late model stocks caused the track to discontinue the class in 1973.  Late model sportsman and six cylinder divisions replaced the winged modifieds.
Wayne Bryant Photo/Ted Knorr Collection)

1971 late model champ Larry Danford moves inside of Bud Stetler as starter Raleigh Hinkle waves the checkered flag.  This type of close racing was always part of the excitement that the tricky one-third mile oval provided.  Hinkle would be part of the promotional team when the track ceased operations in 1987.
(Wayne Bryant Photo/Ted Knorr Collection)