Modified stock-car racing’s “salad” days were the 1950s and ’60s. At that time, no other type of racing put on as many races. The state of New Jersey, while one of the smaller in size, had many race tracks in those days.
A lot of great drivers raced during that era. One was Parker Bohn. Two weeks ago, Bohn died at age 90.
He began to race when stock-car racing was becoming very popular in 1950. Bohn was already 32 years old. His career started at Long Branch Speedway, but he raced all over the Garden State. He raced mostly at Old Bridge and Wall Stadium.
The Freehold, N.J., ace was a success when 1963 brought a change in his career. Carl Van Horn had been driving Tom Skinner’s unique coupe with a GMC six-banger under the hood. He gave up the ride when he turned his attention to opening Harmony Speedway. Skinner decided to run the 659 (the origin for the number came from the Gates belt part number that kept breaking) on asphalt.
Bohn got the ride and drove it almost exclusively for the rest of his career. Many drivers have told me it takes a special talent to drive a six-cylinder-powered race car. They torque quickly and peak suddenly. It was a perfect match. Bohn really drove that car.
The car was always part of the show. It had a loud roar. It had a huge exhaust pipe, which many called a “mustache burner.” Some have said that riding several laps close behind Bohn could make one ill. The heat actually burned some rivals’ pony tire.
For years it ran as a sportsman car, which meant it started in front of most modifieds. Bohn knew how to stay in front of the faster V-8s. He won races and championships with the Chevy coupe. Bohn especially enjoyed beating Don House’s XL-1, which often had more than 500 cubic inches for power under the hood.
In 1970, Skinner added fuel injection to the car, making it a modified. Bohn had one of his best years, waltzing away with the championship at Wall.
Known for his feistiness, he was a nice man to talk to. In the mid-60s, I sent questionnaires to several drivers. Bohn sent me the most complete response, and I got a nice column out of it.
He hung up his helmet in the late ’70s, but remained a fixture in the pits, watching his son Eddie become a winning modified driver.
The biggest star of the family turned out to be his grandson, Parker III. PB 3, as he is called, is a hall of fame professional bowler. He ranks fourth in tournaments won and has thrown more perfect 300 games (88) than any pro bowler in history.
It’s always sad to lose someone, but there is little reason to feel sorrowful. Parker Bohn lived a long and fruitful life and had a large close-knit family and friends. He’ll be missed. Happily, ole 659 has been restored which helps maintain many memories we all have of Parker Bohn.
Fielding gripes about griping at 25 Emerson Place Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580. E-mail to Racewri771@AOL.com.