JIM WORK'S RACING BIO:
Back home in Indiana near Ft. Wayne we had the highest banked paved 5/8th Mi. in the nation. My dad took me there through the late 40's, 50's and I continued to go to the races weekly. Back then we had Hobbies on Tues night, Stocks on Thurs, and Modifieds & Supers on Sat Night. When I got a car I was too young to drive. It was a 52 Studebaker with OD so I had a gear for the 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 Mi tracks I got to drive during test/tune, but too soon the Stude died a horrid death. Visited Jax Raceway on Lennox Ave. during the 60's while stationed on the USS Shangri la CVA-38 All old Mods except for a 55 Chevy. They all slid sideways through the turns and put on a great show. I pulled for the 55 Chevy driven by David Ezelle.
Later on I built an enduro for Palatka in 1987 and won a 100 lap that paid 1000. My stock Nova was worth about $100. Then I moved into Hobby Stock at Jax for a few years then into Grand American Modifieds. We had the whole family in the pits which was the only all female pit crew, wife, Margie and three daughters. At Jax the aggravation level was very high unless you had a Callahan or Oceanway address but we hung in there until a freak accident during warm-ups left me with NO vital signs. The wreck resulted in a ruptured spleen and weeks of recovery following several surgeries. My son in law Jay Hite began driving the car and did very well. Len Freeman, the announcer sent a buyer to me one night and the fellow told me I could pick up his check at the bank tomorrow!
15 years later I saw Tim Blackie changing tires at the Mayport Auto Hobby shop and inquired about his racing activities. I needed something for a "father and son" hobby to help me be a good dad for my 14 yr. old son, Brandon. Soon Tim hooked me up with a car owner and my son Brandon and I began re-habbing a race car. Brandon helped me with the first engine which was a worn out .060 350. Wow did it ever smoke a VCS. Later on he built a new engine that I only installed the pistons. He did all the rest. I ruined that engine by trusting an electric fan at NSR. It gained 10 deg on every lap and when I pulled in I couldn't find the water hose. It went to 300 deg. (lesson learned) well that engine survived through ZH in Feb. 04 then #7 piston failed. Ed Slane really encouraged us and coached Brandon in driving. Clancy Ward knew it was Brandon's first time out at NSR and told him to get on his tail and stay there. Wow, with guys like this and many more complementing a 15 yr old boy I was very pleased with the venture.
The Car is a PARMA Chassis built in NY for the Syracuse Mile but rarely driven. Several club members know the car from the "50's but I've not yet met the original owner who lives in Daytona and is in the Nascar souvenir business. It really drives well and is easy to maintain. So many friends have helped us it would be difficult to mention their names. Ray Thomas encouraged me to get all the best safety equipment. A call from a club member (J. Jacobs) asked me if we were going to NSR? Well I had to admit we would love to but the budget didn't include asphalt tires, well after a moment he said "2,3,4,6 a full set and two spares, come and get them and go racin'". I thought that was the most generous act I can remember. I knew then this is typical of this Club.
Ed Slane wrote exclusive on Brandon in the Jan 04 VOR magazine! WOW that is awesome and our gratitude to Ed is forever very high. We are nearly ready for the next event and sincerely hope for a great turn out, NO RAIN and Safe Exhibition driving! Remember these cars cannot be replaced and it's easy to get hurt! I agree with Ray Thomas, stay together and give the fans a good show. HUB to HUB, Wheel to Wheel and have a good safe time making memories! Maybe Brandon will let me make a few laps sometime!!
These are the days of great change in America but the old cars and those who love them remain the same. Let's continue to encourage each other and continue to make good new friends.
