Editor’s Note: In this monthly photo essay feature, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame photographer John Mahoney shares his memories and images from some of the most amazing and historic sprint car and midget races.
USAC Sprint Cars, Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, Aug. 16, 1959
Of all of my memories, this is one of the most vivid. I was a “fan in the stands” when my buddy Fred and I visited the Terre Haute Action Track on Aug. 16, 1959.
As usual, we arrived before any of the race teams and settled into our box seats. I had my trusty Argus box camera to catch whatever action I could.
We spotted a station wagon towing the No. 33 sprint car wheeling in, almost directly in front of our seats. A.J. Watson exited the car and his passenger was Ed Elisian, my favorite driver at the time. Elisian started to walk toward the stands and I jumped at the chance to get a shot of my hero.
I hustled through the opening under the flag stand and asked if I could get a shot. My day was made and everything else was a bonus.
During that 1959 USAC sprint car season, Don Branson was the man to beat. When he unloaded that day, he was seeking his eighth victory in nine starts. His day started out well as he posted quick time in qualifications, which were delayed by nearly three hours due to rain.
Branson followed with a win in the first eight-lap heat. Eastern legend Tommy Hinnershitz was first in the second heat and young Jim Packard won the third heat.
Skies had earlier cleared somewhat, but by this time it was evident that wet weather was moving in again.
USAC officials skipped the semi feature, planning to run it following the 30-lap feature.
Indiana’s Jim McWithey in the No. 25 Cheesman Offy was the early leader, but he had to deal with challenges from Branson, Jud Larson, Hinnershitz and Elisian. The field was also racing the weather, and an 18th-lap downpour checkered the event.
McWithey was credited with his first USAC victory, while Hinnershitz, Elisian, Branson, Eddie Sachs, Lee Caldwell, Packard, Ronnie Duman, Leon Clum and Bud Tingelstad followed.
Elisian died in a terrible crash at The Milwaukee Mile two weeks later.