John Rostek
Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame
10/15/2021
Introduction to the audience --
John Rostek drove his way to a remarkable stock car racing career, beginning on the short tracks of northern Colorado and before moving on to national level events sanctioned by USAC and NASCAR.
Born and raised in Fort Collins, John returned to his home town after military service in 1947, and began looking for old cars to rebuild and race. In 1949, he and Lou Wentzel were part of creating the Interstate Racing Association, which sanctioned Stock Car races at tracks in Cheyenne, Greeley, Longmont, and eventually, Fort Collins. John began competing in races nearly every night of the week through this association, and when Speedway Park opened in Fort Collins in May of 1950, he had a home track. The races in these early days of Colorado racing often saw entry lists of well over 50 cars, and John thrived in events were the racing was close and the driving was often rough. He drove his way to five championships with the Interstate Racing Association, and began traveling to other tracks in Denver and Colorado Springs. At each track, his bold driving style and winning ways made him a fan favorite. He won championships at Pike Peak Speedway, and not only fit six USAC races into his busy schedule in 1958, but drove a race-prepared Mercury in the Pike Peak Hill Climb as well. He competed in two division at the Hill Climb the next year, finishing fourth in the Stock Car division and winning the sports car division in a 1957 Mercedes Gull-wing Coupe.
The 1960’s saw John competing in a steady schedule of USAC and NASCAR Grand National races across the country. He entered the 1960 Daytona 500 with a car sponsored by Ghent Motor Company of Fort Collins, and his team was the first to use short-wave radios for communication between driver and crew. While a crash in a preliminary event prevented him from racing in the 500, he won his first NASCAR race two months later at the Phoenix Fairgrounds, taking the lead from Parnelli Jones on the 34th lap and winning the race in a convincing manner—he lapped everyone but the 2nd and 3rd place cars. He finished second in the USAC Late Model National standings for the 1961 season, and was a strong contender in many races over the next few years against the best drivers in the country in the premiere divisions of stock car racing.
John began his career
as a race promotor in 1963, organizing a 200-mile stock car race at
Continental Divide Raceway in Castle Rock, Colorado. He won the
race, and was headed for further success as a promotor when, sadly,
he perished in a plane crash in 1969. A brilliant career and richly
led life was over at age 44. His career statistics are impressive,
with seven track championships in Colorado, as well as one win, one
pole, and 3 top ten finishes in six NASCAR races, a USAC National
Championship, and one win in five starts in the ARCA West series.
Has career
accomplishments now include his 2021 induction into the Colorado
Motorsports Hall of Fame.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
John Rostek, known to his family, friends and racing community as "Johnny" was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. He loved and lived life to the fullest with an overwhelming passion for cars and airplanes. At 13 he worked hard to purchase his first car. A few years later he began flying lessons at Crisman Field in Fort Collins.
In 1943 he and his wife Shirley set out for Seattle, Washington to work at Boeing Aircraft. John as an Aeronautical Draftsman drawing plans for B-17 type aircraft. Shirley worked as a Riveter. He then joined the Army as an Engineer and was stationed in Fort Belvoir in Alexandria Virginia.
In1947after military service John and Shirley returned to Fort Collins and he began the search for old cars to re-build and race.
Two years later in 1949 John and Lou Wentzel were instrumental in creating the Inter-State Racing Association. From then on it was full speed ahead and he started racing every night of the week. The Inter-State Racing Association included tracks in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Greeley, Fort Collins (being built), Longmont, Colorado and Utah.
Ready to Race!
John and Shirley's first house...
John's Mother Ruby lived next door to the right.
May 23, 1950 marked the opening of Speedway Park, also known as "The Park" in Fort Collins, Colorado. Speedway Park was the first stock car track in the tri-state area where admission was charged for spectators. It was a 1/5 mile paved oval with slightly banked turns and was built specifically for stock car racing.
On opening night spectators saw numerous roll over crashes and spins which was exemplified in the first main event that involved a crashing stack up of 22 cars on the first lap of the race.
 |
Speedway Park - John in #77 managed to win the Main Event! |
Soon John began to expand his area of competition to tracks that were not part of the Inter-State Racing Association and began competing at Pikes Peak, Lakewood, Englewood, Colorado Springs and Pueblo Speedways. The Denver Post wrote "John Rostek will again wear the favorite's mantle but should have competition from the local drivers."
June 12, 1950 brought tragedy to Speedway Park. A local family returning from a day in the mountains parked on the Highway just on the other side of the race track fence (Highway 14). The gatekeeper and the track policeman warned the family to move and go to the grandstands in the protected area with free admission. While more than 200 spectators watched, two Greeley racers went into a skid on the Southeast turn and burst through the wooden fence and railing, jumping over the ditch and hurtling into the family as they were walking up to the fence. Two of the families children were killed. *Note from author: As a very young girl I will remember that night forever. My Uncle Virgil rushed over and picked up one of the children.
Sunday October 15 - 32 top stock car drivers competed in the season ending race day at Speedway Park. Drivers participated from Longmont, Wellington, Greeley, Gill, Fort Collins and Laramie Wyoming in an effort to determine which driver would stand the long 40-lap Main Event. John won the race and also received the High Point Driver Trophy from the Interstate Racing Association.
John receiving the High Point Driver trophy from the
President of the Interstate Racing Association
1951 Racing was always a Rostek family affair. John's wife Shirley was big supporter of his racing. In the summer months she and the girls would dress in John's racing colors (red and white), pack up the Station Wagon with kids, fried chicken, blankets, extra parts, empty laundry baskets and join the caravan of cars, mechanics and relatives to the race track. After the final event, someone would regularly protest John and his car would be torn down. Long after midnight she would head home with sleeping kids and the laundry baskets full of motor parts from the tear down.... only to do it all over again the next evening.
 |
| John, Al Troudt (Good friend and Mechanic from Ghent Motor Company) and Don Buckley (Brother-in-Law) 
After only one year, Speedway Park was becoming the hub of the Inter-State Racing Association. The 1951 season opened with nearly 50 cars from 12 towns including Sidney and Pinebluff, Nebraska. On opening night John was second fastest time at 18.31 seconds around the 1/5 mile track, 1st in the Main Event by default. The winner was protested and found to be illegal with a "Hopped-up" car and was disqualified making John the winner.
Throughout 1951 he continued to dominate at Speedway Park setting a track record one week and then breaking his own record the next. One Sunday evening his time was 17.59 seconds and the next Monday night it was 17.54. He also consistently captured the trophy dash and main events. He was now labeled the Record Setter in the Fort Collins Coloradoan with this caption. "Rostek's car was exceptionally fast, especially in the fourth race and the main. Workmen thoroughly check Rostek's car after the faces and found nothing illegal."
|
.jpg)
The season at Speedway Park ended with John taking top honors in all the Class A events. And it was on to Pueblo and Colorado Springs where they continued racing until late fall. However, it was not accident free. John Rostek, of Fort Collins, and champion driver of the northern circuit, escaped injury when his car flipped end-over-end three times in the final" - The Denver Post.
The final race at Pikes Peak Speedway brought 30 Englewood Speedway drivers to compete in the biggest race of the season, a 100 lap main event.
The drivers had both an advantage and a disadvantage. Under the Englewood Speedway rules, the engines could be altered to any degree as long as the alterations were not visible from the outside. But, the drivers were used to running on a 1/3 mile dirt track while the Pikes Peak Speedway was a 1/4 mile asphalt track.
Before a capacity audience John came through in #77 for the black and white flag in three events including breaking the lap record of 17:71 seconds.
 |
| Class A Trophy Dash |
The 1952 season opened on May 25th at Speedway Park with a field of 70 cars. It was Spring in Colorado and many fans showed up...so did the rain.
June 8 - The races were postponed for the evening and rescheduled for June 8. John still driving #77 won two events on that Sunday night, the Trophy Dash and Class A Special. Fast time was held that week by Don Morris at 17.13 seconds. John was clocked at 17:29, the 4th fastest time.
"John and J. Trigone each won two events in which was probably the closest and best race of the season. Rostek piloted car No. 77 to victory in the trophy dash and the Class A special." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
June 20 - Colorado's best drivers were added to the field of drivers at Speedway Park. John and the other Fort Collins drivers held them off not allowing a single win in any event.
June 22 - Don Morris set the track record that night with a lap record of 16.97. "John won the 25-lap main event. He drove especially well, winning easily, and lapped all but three cars." - Fort Collins Colorado.
June 27 - John traveled to Longmont Speedway. He finished the night with top honors after his #77 took three first places, the Class A Trophy dash, the Fast A and the 25-lap Main Event.
June 28 - The Longmont drivers were back at Speedway Park. But, once again John took first place in the trophy dash and main event.
July 13 - John took top honors this night by battling with several local drivers for the Main event crown.
July 19 - "Stock car fans were treated to an evening of excitement, filled with thrills, spills and several anxious moments. More than 50 cars were entered in the evenings races including top drivers from Denver's Lakeside trace. A dispute over the rules involving a Denver driver during the main event was ended with nothing more than a little shoving on the part of the drivers, although the flagman almost was made an innocent victim in the fracas." - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
John won the Fast A and the Main Event.
|
Speedway Park ... #77 mixing it up with the Denver drivers |
July 21 - "While John was seeking another Main Event victory, he blew a tire as he came out of the North turn and crashed into the fence in front of the grandstands. He was taken to Larimer County Hospital with a leg injury. After treatment he was released but was not able to return to racing that evening." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
July 27 - "After his spectacular crash the week before he came back driving a friends car. He found the new car to his liking and sped off with a triple triumph winning fast time, Trophy Dash and Class A heat 4." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
August 31 - "One of the finest jobs of driving was done by John Rostek in the 25-lap Main Event. He drove #77 over the finish line to first place on a wet track for his third straight main event win" - Fort Collins Coloradoan
September 5 - "John set a new 1/2 mile track record Cheyenne, Wyoming track
(36.41) and won both the main event and the sixth race." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
September 21 - Championship drivers from northern Colorado, Wyoming and cars from Pueblo Speedway showed up and competed in the first afternoon races held at Speedway Park that year. John has the 4th fastest time and placed 4th in the Main event.
September 24 - Rostek, after wrecking his #77 car earlier, borrowed a car from a friend and drove it across the finish line for first place in the semi-finals." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
August 8 - Greeley and Denver drivers came to Speedway Park. "A total of 53 cars, headed by John Rostek were entered for that nights races. Injuries were miraculously avoided in the ninth race of the evening when a wheel flew off of a Fort Collins car and bounced into the stands. It grazed a spectator and his two-year old daughter. No one was seriously hurt." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
August 31 - John won two events. "One of the finest jobs of driving was done by John Rostek in the 25-lap main event. He drove car 77 over the finish line first on a wet track. He also won the 4 event." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
The Powder Puff Derby was introduced in 1953. Admission to Speedway Park was $1.20 for adults and .65 cents for kids. As the competition heated up, racing fans were treated to many nights of thrills and spills throughout the year. John continued to battle with local drivers. "John Rostek continues to monopolize the Class A events at Speedway Park, winning all the events except for two... the two he didn't enter" - Fort Collins Coloradoan (a little sports writer humor).
May 8 - The first race of the season at the Greeley speedway. It snowed so the drivers packed up and headed to Longmont Speedway. After taking three first places at the Longmont Speedway John headed back to Fort Collins. He placed first in the class A trophy dash, the Fast A event and the 25 lap Main event.
The rivalry between Longmont Speedway and Speedway Park drivers was festering. On May 10th the Longmont racers came to the first race at Speedway Park trying to recover some pride and prestige. John again took a triple victory, winning the trophy dash, Class A heat and after starting 10th in the main event he shortly made his way to the head of the group, winning the main and sending the Longmont drivers back home without a single victory.
May 17 - Fort Collins and Greeley speedsters motored off with all the first places Sunday at the running of the stock car races at Speedway Park. Twenty-nine cars competed from Greeley. John was second in Main event.
May 18 - "Don Morris' winning streak had snapped and John took over again winning his first home main event of the season in front of a good sized crowd. Rostek got away to a head start on the field in the main, after opening in 10th position. The feature 25-lap race had to be started twice." - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
John also won the Class A 6th event.
May 24 - John continued to battle it out with Don Morris. Morris won the main event.
June 6 - A newcomer to Lakeside Speedway, John placed 2nd in the Fast A event.
June 7 - Drivers from Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont and Cheyenne gathered at Speedway Park. He took double honors when he captured the 25-lap Main event, coming in ahead of a Greeley driver and also won the 6th event.
June 14 - "John swept the field at the Intermountain Speedway. He set a new track record in his 1934 Ford, chalking up 18.63 seconds for the one-fifth mile track. Rostek again took the trophy dash and the main event." Fort Collins, Coloradoan
June 21 - Placed 3rd in Main event at the Greeley Speedway.
June 28 - After racing in Greeley the local boys were back at Speedway Park. John was seeking to repeat his win of the main event of two weeks ago. He had 4th fastest time and placed 4th in the Trophy Dash.
July 5 - Morris, Nelson and Rostek, once again battling it out. John placed 3rd in the time trials, Trophy dash and Main event.
July 26 - Rain halted the main event at Speedway Park. John had placed 2nd in the time trials and then the rain delayed the main event. When the main finally ran John placed 2nd.
August 2 - The winners of the Class A race wasn't decided. John, another Fort Collins Driver and a Greeley driver finished one-two-three in the trophy dash, but an official ruled that all three were off the track as the race ended and therefore couldn't be award any prizes. The outcome of the race remained undetermined. John went on the place 3rd in the main event.
August 3 - John placed 3rd in the time trials, 3rd in the trophy dash, 3rd in event 6 and 2nd in the Main event.
August 9 - John came through with three wins to highlight the nights racing at Speedway Park. He had fast time, he narrowly squeaked out another Fort Collins driver for the first place in the 7th event and won the main event.
August 17 - John was 3rd in the time trials but captured first place in the Class A trophy dash and lst in event 6.
August 28 - "John Rostek, veteran Fort Collins speedster, swept to a new track record in the Sunday time trials at Speedway Park. His time was 16.24 seconds for the one-lap distance tumbling the old record of 16.25, set just the week before" - Fort Collins Coloradoan
He also captured lst in the Class A trophy dash, his car was again protested and examined by the officials. They found it to be stock and legal.
August 30 - John took 2nd place in the main event at Speedway Park.
September 1 - "The program for the evening at Speedway Park included 25 men and a new "Powder Puff Derby" which included 6 women. John's first triumph came when he nosed out a Loveland driver in one of summer's closest and speediest trophy dashes. Rostek also won the Class A fourth race" - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
Note from Daughter..Shirley Rostek "Mom" drove John's car in the Powder Puff Derby. One day she was practicing with Dad and getting driving advice from him. He was sitting beside her on a make shift seat (bucket) when she suddenly jerked the wheel and he flew off the bucket blooding his nose on the dashboard. He wanted her to continue but that was the end of that!
"John found a new car to his liking and sped off with three victories. The seasoned Fort Collins driver who for years had piloted Car No. 77, tried No. 116 Sunday night and won the night's time trials, the Class A trophy dash and the fourth event." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
September 2 - John raced at the Laramie Speedway in Laramie, Wyoming.
The first race at the new track was held on Labor Day and drew a good crowd even though thirteen of the out-of-town racers didn't show up. One of the biggest problems with the race was the dusty surface of the track. It was discouraging to spectators and created discomfort for the drivers.
The dirt and dust didn't bother John...he won the main event with no trouble.
September 13 - "Fort Collins driver, John Rostek won the slide and spin-out marked main event. Rostek came in ahead of three other Fort Collins contestants in the 25-lap main event."
September 17 - "Johnny Rostek proved Sunday night at Speedway Park that it isn't the car that makes the champion. He followed last weeks victory with four victories in this old car, No. 77. Fort Collins Coloradoan
Rostek, who dominated the races so far this year, won the night's time trials, the Class A trophy dash, the sixth event event and the combined semi-final and main event. The feature race was one of the most exciting seen at the speedway this season. Rostek started last and fought his way to the lead to edge out several Fort Collins Drivers." - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
September 20 - John won two events.. He picked up his honors driving #84. John's mechanic, Chuck Drager owned the car. He won the fast time with 16:51, Class A trophy dash and came in second in the Main Event.
September 27 - John had second in the time trials and second in the Main Event.
The traveling trophy is awarded to the driver who wins the most Main Events during the season. This year was John's third time to receive it.. In the years to follow he would receive it another two times. He also received the High Point Driver Trophy from the Inter-Mountain Speedway Association many times.
The stock cars rolled that evening with 50 cars entered. The events had shifted from afternoon to evening and the Association rules had been changed. The changes included motor modification rules and one rule that could keep Rostek off the track. Drivers could not own the car that they were driving. Oliver Ray, John's mechanic, following the new rules, modified John's car for more speed and purchased the car for a few dollars avoiding any anticipated future disqualifications.
A crowd of 1617 fans watched John begin his season with main event, trophy dash wins and fast track time. John was the only driver to crack his own 14.55 seconds time trial. The main event found John with fast time and starting in the last position. By the ninth lap he was battling with two other drivers and the chase was on. In the 19th lap he finally caught the first car. From then until the finish the two men raced side by side with John on the outside and the other car on the inside. His competition had "the chute" but John would make up the difference in the corners. On the final lap, John went into the last turn about a wheel length behind. With a sudden burst of speed he finished a foot ahead of the other car to win the event.
John continued to race stockers the rest of the season. Anxious to make his mark in late model big cars, he criss-crossed the county and squeezed in six USAC races.
USAC RACES
Pamona Speedway, CA - (Feb 23) USAC 100 Mile Stock Car Race
The race was held at the Pamona Fairgrounds. J.C. Agajinian guaranteed a $5000 purse. Johnny Mantz won the feature event. John spun out in the third turn.
April 6 - Clovis Speedway - USAC Stock Car Race
John finished 12th.
Pikes Peak Hill Climb "Race to the Clouds" (July 3&4)
John, in a new #19 finished 5th, only .3 seconds behind the winner. It was also John's first write up in Hot Rod Magazine. The picture below on the left is from the 1958 September Special Edition of Hot Rod Magazine. Picture on the right is race day. The drivers are lined up in the pit area for inspection. John is the second car on the outside (left lane) standing behind Nick Sanborn (in the dark jacket front row.)
Milwaukee Mile (August 21) - 200 Mile USAC Stock Car Race
Fred Lorensen won the 220 Mile USAC stock car race driving his County Line Pizza sponsored 1958 Ford. He defeated that years Indy winner, Jimmy Bryan in a Mercury and Chuck Daigh in a Holman-Moody '58 Ford. Behind the top three were Les Snow, Marshal Teague, Whitey Gerkin, Norm Nelson, John Rostek, Bill Lutz and Red Duvall. Lorenzen's purse was $3500.00, his average speed if 81.177 mph over the 70 laps.
August 8 - "53 cars battled for fast time at the Greeley Speedway. John Rostek of Fort Collins headed the group" - Fort Collins Coloradoan
(36.41) and won both the main event and the sixth race." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
September 21 - Championship drivers from northern Colorado, Wyoming and cars from Pueblo Speedway showed up and competed in the first afternoon races held at Speedway Park that year. John has the 4th fastest time and placed 4th in the Main event.
September 24 - Rostek, after wrecking his #77 car earlier, borrowed a car from a friend and drove it across the finish line for first place in the semi-finals." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
August 8 - Greeley and Denver drivers came to Speedway Park. "A total of 53 cars, headed by John Rostek were entered for that nights races. Injuries were miraculously avoided in the ninth race of the evening when a wheel flew off of a Fort Collins car and bounced into the stands. It grazed a spectator and his two-year old daughter. No one was seriously hurt." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
August 31 - John won two events. "One of the finest jobs of driving was done by John Rostek in the 25-lap main event. He drove car 77 over the finish line first on a wet track. He also won the 4 event." - Fort Collins, Coloradoan
The Powder Puff Derby was introduced in 1953. Admission to Speedway Park was $1.20 for adults and .65 cents for kids. As the competition heated up, racing fans were treated to many nights of thrills and spills throughout the year. John continued to battle with local drivers. "John Rostek continues to monopolize the Class A events at Speedway Park, winning all the events except for two... the two he didn't enter" - Fort Collins Coloradoan (a little sports writer humor).
May 8 - The first race of the season at the Greeley speedway. It snowed so the drivers packed up and headed to Longmont Speedway. After taking three first places at the Longmont Speedway John headed back to Fort Collins. He placed first in the class A trophy dash, the Fast A event and the 25 lap Main event.
The rivalry between Longmont Speedway and Speedway Park drivers was festering. On May 10th the Longmont racers came to the first race at Speedway Park trying to recover some pride and prestige. John again took a triple victory, winning the trophy dash, Class A heat and after starting 10th in the main event he shortly made his way to the head of the group, winning the main and sending the Longmont drivers back home without a single victory.
May 17 - Fort Collins and Greeley speedsters motored off with all the first places Sunday at the running of the stock car races at Speedway Park. Twenty-nine cars competed from Greeley. John was second in Main event.
May 18 - "Don Morris' winning streak had snapped and John took over again winning his first home main event of the season in front of a good sized crowd. Rostek got away to a head start on the field in the main, after opening in 10th position. The feature 25-lap race had to be started twice." - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
John also won the Class A 6th event.
May 24 - John continued to battle it out with Don Morris. Morris won the main event.
June 6 - A newcomer to Lakeside Speedway, John placed 2nd in the Fast A event.
June 7 - Drivers from Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont and Cheyenne gathered at Speedway Park. He took double honors when he captured the 25-lap Main event, coming in ahead of a Greeley driver and also won the 6th event.
June 14 - "John swept the field at the Intermountain Speedway. He set a new track record in his 1934 Ford, chalking up 18.63 seconds for the one-fifth mile track. Rostek again took the trophy dash and the main event." Fort Collins, Coloradoan
June 21 - Placed 3rd in Main event at the Greeley Speedway.
June 28 - After racing in Greeley the local boys were back at Speedway Park. John was seeking to repeat his win of the main event of two weeks ago. He had 4th fastest time and placed 4th in the Trophy Dash.
July 5 - Morris, Nelson and Rostek, once again battling it out. John placed 3rd in the time trials, Trophy dash and Main event.
July 26 - Rain halted the main event at Speedway Park. John had placed 2nd in the time trials and then the rain delayed the main event. When the main finally ran John placed 2nd.
August 2 - The winners of the Class A race wasn't decided. John, another Fort Collins Driver and a Greeley driver finished one-two-three in the trophy dash, but an official ruled that all three were off the track as the race ended and therefore couldn't be award any prizes. The outcome of the race remained undetermined. John went on the place 3rd in the main event.
August 3 - John placed 3rd in the time trials, 3rd in the trophy dash, 3rd in event 6 and 2nd in the Main event.
August 9 - John came through with three wins to highlight the nights racing at Speedway Park. He had fast time, he narrowly squeaked out another Fort Collins driver for the first place in the 7th event and won the main event.
August 17 - John was 3rd in the time trials but captured first place in the Class A trophy dash and lst in event 6.
August 28 - "John Rostek, veteran Fort Collins speedster, swept to a new track record in the Sunday time trials at Speedway Park. His time was 16.24 seconds for the one-lap distance tumbling the old record of 16.25, set just the week before" - Fort Collins Coloradoan
He also captured lst in the Class A trophy dash, his car was again protested and examined by the officials. They found it to be stock and legal.
August 30 - John took 2nd place in the main event at Speedway Park.
September 1 - "The program for the evening at Speedway Park included 25 men and a new "Powder Puff Derby" which included 6 women. John's first triumph came when he nosed out a Loveland driver in one of summer's closest and speediest trophy dashes. Rostek also won the Class A fourth race" - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
Note from Daughter..Shirley Rostek "Mom" drove John's car in the Powder Puff Derby. One day she was practicing with Dad and getting driving advice from him. He was sitting beside her on a make shift seat (bucket) when she suddenly jerked the wheel and he flew off the bucket blooding his nose on the dashboard. He wanted her to continue but that was the end of that!
"John found a new car to his liking and sped off with three victories. The seasoned Fort Collins driver who for years had piloted Car No. 77, tried No. 116 Sunday night and won the night's time trials, the Class A trophy dash and the fourth event." - Fort Collins Coloradoan
September 2 - John raced at the Laramie Speedway in Laramie, Wyoming.
The first race at the new track was held on Labor Day and drew a good crowd even though thirteen of the out-of-town racers didn't show up. One of the biggest problems with the race was the dusty surface of the track. It was discouraging to spectators and created discomfort for the drivers.
The dirt and dust didn't bother John...he won the main event with no trouble.
September 7 - John Rostek monopolized Class A competition Sunday night in the stock car races at Speedway Park, winning all but two of the A division events. He didn't enter the other two. The experienced Fort Collins veteran of regional racing copped top laurels in the time trials, the Class A trophy dash, the fourth event, and the feature, combined main and semi-final contests. His time in the trials was 16.36 seconds." Fort Collins Coloradoan
September 13 - "Fort Collins driver, John Rostek won the slide and spin-out marked main event. Rostek came in ahead of three other Fort Collins contestants in the 25-lap main event."
September 17 - "Johnny Rostek proved Sunday night at Speedway Park that it isn't the car that makes the champion. He followed last weeks victory with four victories in this old car, No. 77. Fort Collins Coloradoan
Rostek, who dominated the races so far this year, won the night's time trials, the Class A trophy dash, the sixth event event and the combined semi-final and main event. The feature race was one of the most exciting seen at the speedway this season. Rostek started last and fought his way to the lead to edge out several Fort Collins Drivers." - Fort Collins Coloradoan.
September 20 - John won two events.. He picked up his honors driving #84. John's mechanic, Chuck Drager owned the car. He won the fast time with 16:51, Class A trophy dash and came in second in the Main Event.
Chuck Drager, Bob Finley and John
The traveling trophy is awarded to the driver who wins the most Main Events during the season. This year was John's third time to receive it.. In the years to follow he would receive it another two times. He also received the High Point Driver Trophy from the Inter-Mountain Speedway Association many times.
.
John started the racing season 1954 with a new car, #109 and front page headlines. The Fort Collins Coloradoan printed - Again Stock Cars rolled at Speedway Park. John Rostek, the man to beat! John, didn't disappoint his fans.  
GET READY TO ROLL! Bud Wentzel--the Flagman this evening!
Pikes Peak Speedway in Colorado Springs was his favorite track in 1955. The officials had a big racing card planned for Sunday's opening races. They included two main events and two semi-finals. The program was full and 2336 racing fans turned out. But, rain cut it short. Only five races were run and again it was John Rostek of Fort Collins who set the pace, without much trouble.
Rostek, who was running under protest, copped the trophy dash in 2:67.5. The next weekend 2471 fans saw the most exciting night of the season. Rostek won his first main event of the season in a great battle with Ben Evans. Rostek pulled to the lead on the fifteenth lap. In weeks to follow he broke two track records (his own) and sped to victories in the trophy dash and main events. The Championship was on tap with 90 racing cars expected. Cars were expected from Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo, Englewood, Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. A total purse of $1000.00 was awarded on the 10-race program with prizes and trophies given for every race. John was the pre-race favorite. He had taken home most of the seasons trophies and main even prizes throughout the summer and held the local track record. From May 1 to September 14 John continued to win more trophy dashes than any other driver and was awarded the Pikes Peak Speedway Traveling Trophy for 1955.    I wonder what Mom was thinking?
Again in 1956 Pikes Peak Speedway was John's track of choice, but the competition was growing. He fought it out week after week to defend his point leader status. Sometimes only beating the challengers by a half car length. He continued to have the fastest track time and win the main event and trophy dash.
Rostek cracks record again. The Fort Collins driver broke his own stock car record at the Pikes Peak Speedway for the second week in a row last night with a timing of 15:11. The long sought after 15:00 second lap is now thought possible and at the rate Rostek is going it might be next week.
The same news article stated that Rostek may have to wait for several days to see if he has won the main event purse. After the race an official protest was lodged against his sleek No. 109. Making the protest was Car No. 9, which was also protested and both cars are now being examined by the technical committee. This marks the eight time in the past two years that Rostek has been "torn down."
The next Saturday night a crowd of over 2000 watched John sweep the boards at the Speedway. He gave evidence of what was to come on the first lap of the trophy dash. He started at the back of the bunch and in just one lap he was in front by two lengths. He made it two in a row in the featured 30-lapper, added wins in the Class A Trophy Dash, and the fast car in the heat race along with being the fastest in time trials.
May 26 - Week after week John continued to strive to break his own track record (and he did). This evening he set a new record of 14.98.
The next Sunday night he again broke his own record by fast time of 14:73 and raced to victory in a wreck strewn main event.
The 4th of July brought a week of action packed racing with the drivers seeing over 300 laps in three nights.
July 10 - Tempers reached the boiling point at Pikes Peak Speedway as John was flagged out of the main event and fans swarmed into the pit area.
The conflict began in the fourth lap of the main even when John found himself trapped between #16 and #39. Rostek, according to #16 continually bumped #39 who felt he was going to lose control and slammed on his brakes. This caused Rostek, who was right on his back bumper to slide into another car and send him to the rail.
John left the race and went to the pits. Soon after, the wife of one of the drivers involved in the incident, came from the grandstands and climbed through the photographers booth and ran to the pits swinging a whiskey bottle. She connected with one of John's pit crew and hit him over the head causing a severe laceration.
John left the track immediately to take his crew member to the hospital and didn't know that another driver had protested his car. Because he was not there for the "tear down" he was suspended and fined and told that he had also run two wheels in the dirt during the conflict.
These events immediately caused his loyal fans to send an open letter to the Colorado Springs Gazette and other local newspapers and to the Pikes Peak Stock Car Association President. They also sent a copy to John and the Fort Collins Coloradoan. This letter was signed by more than 50 fans (letter below).
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our opinion of the stock car races held on the night of July 10th. In our opinion it was the greatest demonstration of poor sportsmanship that we have had the misfortune to witness. We think that it's a bad day when an out of town sportsman can't participate in a sport as big as stock car racing without having the local members pull underhanded tricks such as was observed the night of July 10th.
John Rostek, of Fort Collins, Colorado has been coming to Pike's Peak Speedway since the first of last race season and in our opinion has always played fair with the local competition. The only thing unfair that we can think of that Rostek does is to win most of the main events and to out drive all the local boys. If that can be claimed as unfair.
John Rostek was disqualified in the main event for running two wheels in the dirt or off the track. We have seen this happen time and time again by local drivers and nothing was done about it. Then there was quite a rumble about bumping the car in front, which we have also seen local drivers do numerous times and nothing was done. We were under the impression that the Pike's Peak Stock Car Association was operated on an impartial basis, but it seems that we have been badly fooled. It seems that a chosen few of local drivers can do no wrong.
After an open discussion we have all reached in unanimous agreement that you grown men are acting like a bunch of small children and are of the opinion that you are treating John like "if you don't let us win, you can't race with us".
We have also agreed that when a sport fails to be a sport, there is nothing left for us to do but to withdraw our support."
He was back to racing the next weekend before a crowd of 2,471. Starting in the next to the last row and worked for 15 laps to take the lead for the win.
The newspaper reported that the wife of the President of the Pikes Peak Stock Car Association drove John's #109 in two previous Powder Puff Derby's and was favored to win it again in the same car that week.
John Rostek, speed demon from Fort Collins, did it again Sunday night at the Pikes Peak Speedway. Rostek gunned his stock car to victories in the Class "A" Trophy dash and also took first place in the 30-lap main event. Colorado Springs Gazette.
September 3 - Local drivers were out to defeat John who had been winning the majority of the trophies and main events during the summer racing season at the Speedway and also held the stock car track record.
The Englewood Speedway drivers had joined the competition at the Pikes Peak Speedway. They had both a disadvantage and advantage. Under the rules of Englewood Speedway the engines could be altered to any degree as long as it was not visible from the outside. Thus making their cars better and faster, but they were used to running on a third-mile dirt track and Pikes Peak Speedway was a quarter mile asphalt track.
October 7 - The last racing event at Pikes Peak Speedway. The Championship would include a 75 lap Main Event and 50 lap Semi Final.
John sped to a first place victory in the main event to open the 1957 season at Pikes Peak Speedway. The fans were treated to some terrific driving by Rostek in the final event. He started at the very back of the pack, came all the way through the seventeen car field to take over the race on the 18th lap and secure the win by over a quarter of a lap.
John needed a new challenge. It was the "Race to the Clouds" the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Early in June of 1957 he signed an agreement with William A. Grover of Grover Garage to drive a Grover Special in the 1957 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The Colorado Springs Gazette wrote that "stock car fans will be interested to know that John Rostek of Fort Collins, who for the past few years has been the favorite of the local stock car drivers, has signed to drive Bill Grovers potent special in this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Knowing Bill's ability to recognize and select the best young drivers and having seen Rostek's performance in stock cars. It would not at all surprising if this car and driver combination were among the fastest on this 4th of July."   Note from the Author: It's apparent from the picture the cars are lined up in the Pikes Peak pit area, hoods up...awaiting inspections before the race. I have a contract that he signed to race for Grover Garage but I can find no further information from Dad's records, newspaper articles, historical Hill Climb records regarding Grover Garage and that he participated in that year's final race. Lou Sipolt Sr., Crew Chief recalls one of the three years that John raced in the Hill Climb, he put a car in the tree tops during a practice run. We suspect that is what happened to car 45, but I don't have any record of that incident. September 1 - Labor Day Weekend and back at Pikes Peak Speedway the drivers got ready for the biggest racing weekend ever of the '57 season. Sunday night would be the regular 10-event program with a 30-lap event and a 20-lap semi-final at Pikes Peak Speedway. On Monday night, the card would be highlighted by a 50-lap main event and a 35-lap semi-final.
The first evening Rostek jumped to the lead in the 15th lap when he swept past another car. After that, he was never in trouble as he picked up his fifth feature (main event) win of the season.
"Rostek took the spotlight with a record smashing victory in the Class A trophy dash and the fastest time trial time. His clocking at 2:01.80 was the fastest time ever recorded at the Speedway for an eight lap race."
September 23 - "John has a perfect day at the Speedway" He sped to victory in the Class A trophy dash, the fast car heat race and the 30 lap main event. The "Fort Collins Flash" just had too much car for the rest of the field and won all three races with amazing ease.
September 30 - I observed from the clippings that the Sports writer of the Colorado Springs Gazette was getting more clever as the weeks went on. "John Comes Marching Home Again". It was the very same song on Sunday night at Pikes Peak Speedway. The tune when John Rostek marched (rolled) home first for the eighth time this season in the 30 lap main event. Rostek pulled to the lead on the west straightaway on the 14th lap of the race and won easily. Earlier he had copped the class A trophy dash to complete a big night in his sleek #09."
When John raced at Pikes Peak Speedway in Colorado Springs he had to use the Number 09
This evening John added another Class A Trophy to his growing collection.
He finished the season at Pikes Peak Speedway as the High Point Driver of the Year.
 |
In 1958 John would pickup where he left off at last year at Pikes Peak Speedway with a tthrilling win in the feature event. John who has won the track championship the year before with 13 main event victories was out to capture a third straight track championship.
The stock cars rolled that evening with 50 cars entered. The events had shifted from afternoon to evening and the Association rules had been changed. The changes included motor modification rules and one rule that could keep Rostek off the track. Drivers could not own the car that they were driving. Oliver Ray, John's mechanic, following the new rules, modified John's car for more speed and purchased the car for a few dollars avoiding any anticipated future disqualifications.
A crowd of 1617 fans watched John begin his season with main event, trophy dash wins and fast track time. John was the only driver to crack his own 14.55 seconds time trial. The main event found John with fast time and starting in the last position. By the ninth lap he was battling with two other drivers and the chase was on. In the 19th lap he finally caught the first car. From then until the finish the two men raced side by side with John on the outside and the other car on the inside. His competition had "the chute" but John would make up the difference in the corners. On the final lap, John went into the last turn about a wheel length behind. With a sudden burst of speed he finished a foot ahead of the other car to win the event.
John continued to race stockers the rest of the season. Anxious to make his mark in late model big cars, he criss-crossed the county and squeezed in six USAC races.
USAC RACES
- February 23 - Pamona, USAC
- April 6, Clovis Speedway, USAC, Finished 12
- July 4, Pikes Peak, USAC, Stock Car, Finished 5, Purse $385.00
- August 17, Milwaukee Mile, USAC, Finished 11, Purse $459.00
- August 21, Milwaukee Mile, USAC, Finished 5, Purse $606.00
- October 19, Meadowdale Inter. Raceway, USAC/ARCA, Finished 8
The race was held at the Pamona Fairgrounds. J.C. Agajinian guaranteed a $5000 purse. Johnny Mantz won the feature event. John spun out in the third turn.
April 6 - Clovis Speedway - USAC Stock Car Race
John finished 12th.
Pikes Peak Hill Climb "Race to the Clouds" (July 3&4)
John, in a new #19 finished 5th, only .3 seconds behind the winner. It was also John's first write up in Hot Rod Magazine. The picture below on the left is from the 1958 September Special Edition of Hot Rod Magazine. Picture on the right is race day. The drivers are lined up in the pit area for inspection. John is the second car on the outside (left lane) standing behind Nick Sanborn (in the dark jacket front row.)
1959
USAC/ARCA and NASCAR
Williams Grove Speedway (May 24)
In 1959 Williams Grove Speedway is a half-mile semi-banked oval dirt track known as "The Grove" and the "Ascot of the East." The grove was part of the rich history of motor sports throughout the nation and the world since the gares first opened in 1939.
This 100 miles race was a USAC sponsored championship and had a field of 24 cars. John placed third when he was unable to avoid Walley Dallenbach's spinning car and was forced out of the race when the left side of the car was entirely caved in.
Even though he didn't finish the race it brought him up to 9th position in the 1959 National Stock Car Championship Point Standing with 390 points.
Pikes Peak Hill Climb (July 4-5)
John, the favorite in both stock car and sports car classes ran his 1959 Ghent Motor Company sponsored Mercury, with a 430-inch Lincoln engine under the hood, up the hill and broke previous record by Louis Unser.
On race day John was the first up the hill (he had the fastest time). He battled low visability, muddy roads, and high winds. He placed 4th in the final.
John had also entered the "Climb to the Clouds" in the Sports car division running his 1957 300SL Gull Wing Mercedes Coupe.
John in the Sports car Division entering the race course W's -- family and friends are the little people sitting on the mountain just above the race course.
.jpg)
John was written up in the 1959 Special Edition of Hot Rod Magazine for his accomplishments at the Peak that year.
Milwaukee Mile July 19
John started the race on the inside, second row in a 1958 Mercury. He finished 9th.
1960
Daytona International Raceway, Feb. 12-14 NASCAR Grand National
Early in 1960 John was gearing up to race at Daytona, the 3rd of 44 Grand National Races held in 1960. John, now piloting his own plane, left for Charlotte, North Carolina on January 28 to prepare for the 500-mile race to be held on Valentine's Day. His car would be sponsored by Ghent Motor Company of Fort Collins and would be the first car to use a short wave radio in the car to communicate with the pit crew while in the race.
He purchased a new 1960 Ford Starliner Race Car from Holman and Moody for $5396.93. John, Art Lamey, a former chief engine performance engineer for Ford Motor Company, and Don Buchanan worked for two weeks at the Holman and Moody garage in Charlotte, NC helping to prepare the two engines to be used in the race.
Engine 1 was designed to give 6,000 rpm and 486 hp and would be the engine used in the actual race car. Engine 2 was a 500 hp engine and would be used for qualifying heats only. The engine that came with the car and would be used for spare parts.
Dick Jones of Champion Spark Plugs, Racing Division, John and Art Lamey
John was involved in an accident and was unable to finished the race. He placed 39th in the field of 99 cars.
On February 14 he was unable to start the race.
While at Daytona John met and became very good friends with Lou Siplot, Sr. Lou was associated, at the time with Ford Motor Company Racing Division and a rep for Andy Granatelli's STP. Lou was also working weekends for Holman and Moody of Charlotte, NC. It was the policy of Holman and Moody to send a mechanic with their engines and they sent Lou to Daytona to mechanic on John's car. This was beginning of a long friendship. Lou soon became the Crew Chief and Head Mechanic for John and worked and traveled with him on weekends. John soon became Godfather to Lou Sipolt Jr.
Martinsville Speedway, built in 1947 is a paperclip shaped short track which was originally a dirt track for stockers only. The track was paved in 1960.
John had mechanical problems (right front hub) and completed 284 out of the 500 miles. He finished 25th and took home $85.00.
Langhorne Speedway, May 15, ARCA Stock Car Race
Langhorne built in 1925 and first used in 1926. Built on a marshland the underground springs kept part of the track permanently moist and soft. Cars would dig ruts into the 1/4 mile dirt oval then the summer sun would bake them hard. Thus, giving the track the nickname of "Langhorne! No Man's Land." The track was finally paved in the early 60's.
Marchbanks Speedway/Hanford Motor Speedway, Hanford, CA (June 12) NASCAR Grand National
That summer the events on the Hill were well documented and followed closely by the local news media and John's many loyal fans from the Colorado Spring community. He received much support from the fans and news media over this issue.
This was the issue: Two months before filing his entry for the race, John asked USAC officials to examine his car and determine if it qualified under the new rules (specifically put into place to try and keep him off the hill). In addition, he was fined $400 by USAC for racing at Daytona Beach (a NASCAR race). He agreed to pay the fine with one provision, that he would be allowed to run in the Hill Climb. That was agreed upon by the Officials and he paid the fine.
However, after each day of practice running the officials decided to examine his car. After the second day of qualifying, and after he broke the qualifying record again, they claimed the anti-sway bar on the front of the car was not stock equipment even though every car entered had the same bar and he had passed inspection that morning before running. John's head mechanic Oliver Ray, removed the sway bar without issue.
They continued examinations each day on his car. The next day they targeted the gear ratio. Also, every stock car entered in the race had the same gear ratio. "They had changed the gear ratio as part of the new rulings just to keep John off the Hill and you can quote me" as said by Oliver Ray and published in the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Even though the news media continued to report on these examinations, the officials were determined. Finally on the third day of examinations John told them, in not so many words, to take a hike. Family and friends were at the Silver Saddle Motel when he and his crew showed up. They packed us up and we were off to New York for the Empire "200".
A reporter for the Gazette reported that a head USAC Official was quoted as saying "he would do everything he could to keep Rostek out of USAC".
*Note from daughter--In the years to follow, John went on to race in 39 USAC sponsored races, received the "Most Improved Driver in 1963" Award from USAC Stock Car Division and was a sanctioned USAC Promotor for 2 more races held in Colorado and entered the USAC sanctioned Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1961 and 1962.
Empire State "200" held at Montgomery Air Force Base (July 17)
John, not one to look back or take threats seriously continued to race. He sent Don Buchanan and #19 to New York for the Empire 200. He was the fastest qualifier and had the pole position. He led the first lap and made the front page of the newspaper only to have trouble and complete only 94 laps, placing him 7th in the final race. His purse was $425.00.
Milwaukee "200" July 24
Another USAC race. There were many protests in this race also, but none involved John. Roger Ward was protested and found that one of his tires was not the same size as the other three and he was disqualified. Tony Bettenhausen won the race and John finished 8th.
The track first opened in 1952. The 1/2 mile dirt oval was initially used for horse racing. The first race of the season would always be held two weeks after the Indy 500 allowing the drivers to stay in the area, switch to their stock cars and participate in the "Tony Holman Classic."
The Indy drivers always drew a big crowd and droves of people would turn out for the only 2$ ticket price.
Milwaukee "150" August 21
DuQuain Speedway "100" Mile - (Sept. 3), USAC
DuQuain Speedway, known as the "Magic Mile" was a one-mile semi-banked clay and dirt track. Racing began in late August and continued until Labor Day with the running of the 100 Mile Stock Car Championship.
Norm Nelson driving a 1960 Ford won the 100 mile USAC championship event. He was followed by Tony Bettenhausen, Rodger Ward and John. John's 4th place purse was $688.00.
Milwaukee Mile (Sep. 25) USAC Stock Car Race
John placed 18 because of a problem with a grease seal. Took home $281.
Salem Speedway, (Oct. 9) USAC/ARCA Stock Car
In 1961 the only modification that USAC would allow in the modified stock car division was a high performance cam and in-suspension.
USAC and NASCAR
Trenton Speedway, (Oct. 22) 150-Mile Grand National
The original speedway was a 1 mile dirt track. In 1957 it was paved in and expanded into a 1.5 "kidney bean" shape.
The 150-Mile USAC National Championship race was held on October 22. It was the last race of year and would determine the final point standing for the drivers.
1962 was a busy year for John. He started his season in February racing 15 times favoring the Milwaukee Mile which was close to Lou's home in Chicago.
USAC and NASCAR
ASCOT PARK "100" Mile
Back to the West Coast.....John made an emergency landing at the Ontario International Airport because of landing gear trouble and then drove a spectacular race at Ascot Park. He started in 17th position and spun on the back stretch during the race... he regained control of his car and continued on his way.
He stuck his foot into it and knocked the field off one by one as he smashed his way up to 5th position on the 97th lap. The race was won by A. J. Foyt.
Milwaukee Mile - September 16
.jpg)
.JPG)
1963
USAC and NASCAR
The race was the 4th in a series of 55 Winston Cup NASCAR races for 1963 consisting of 185 laps (500 Miles) on a 2.700 mile course. The total time of the race was 5:53:20. Average speed was 84.965mph and the pole speed was 99.59mph. The margin of victory was 35 seconds with 6 caution flags during and race of 52,5000 in attendance.
Dan Gurney won, followed by A.J. Foyt, Troy Rutman, Fireball Roberts and Bobby Johns.
John started 27th in a field of 44 cards. He crashed on lap 172 however he had enough laps completed to register a finish of 16th receiving $500 purse.
.jpg)
1964
From the Author--Please feel free to contact Sharonaross1@aol.com if you have any additional questions, comments or pictures you would like to share. Also you can contact me on Facebook by searching Sharon Rostek.
- May 24 - Williams Grove Speedway, USAC/ARCA, Accident
- June 14 - Salem Speedway, USAC/ARCA, Started 5th finished 20
- July 4 - Pikes Peak Hill Climb, USAC Stock Car Division, Finished 4, Purse $563.00
- July 5 - Pikes Peak Hill Climb, USAC Sports Car, Finished 1st, Purse $1,100.00
- July 19 - Milwaukee Mile, USAC/ARCA, Finished 9
- August 23 - Milwaukee Mile, USAC/ARCA, Finished 17, Purse $173.00
- August 29 - Williams Grove Speedway, USAC/ARCA, Finished 7
- August 30 - Dayton Speedway, ARCA, Finished 7
- November 15 - Ascot Park, USAC/ARCA, Finished 6
- November 22 - Clovis Speedway, USAC/ARCA, Results not recorded
Williams Grove Speedway (May 24)
In 1959 Williams Grove Speedway is a half-mile semi-banked oval dirt track known as "The Grove" and the "Ascot of the East." The grove was part of the rich history of motor sports throughout the nation and the world since the gares first opened in 1939.
This 100 miles race was a USAC sponsored championship and had a field of 24 cars. John placed third when he was unable to avoid Walley Dallenbach's spinning car and was forced out of the race when the left side of the car was entirely caved in.
Even though he didn't finish the race it brought him up to 9th position in the 1959 National Stock Car Championship Point Standing with 390 points.
Pikes Peak Hill Climb (July 4-5)
John, the favorite in both stock car and sports car classes ran his 1959 Ghent Motor Company sponsored Mercury, with a 430-inch Lincoln engine under the hood, up the hill and broke previous record by Louis Unser.
On race day John was the first up the hill (he had the fastest time). He battled low visability, muddy roads, and high winds. He placed 4th in the final.
John had also entered the "Climb to the Clouds" in the Sports car division running his 1957 300SL Gull Wing Mercedes Coupe.
In March of 1959 he told the family he had a big surprise...We were going to Disneyland. Looking back, I'm sure Dad had this planned for sometime, but thought he needed to bribe us because there was one stop he had to make before we could go to Disneyland. Our trip included a quick stop at the Roy "The Singing Cowboy" Rogers Mercedes-Benz dealership in Apple Valley, California. When we arrived Roy was driving the car as a demo and had taken it to his Encino dealership. We quickly drove to Encino. He introduced us to Roy Rogers, we just wanted to get to Disneyland.
That year John had two cars entered in the Hill Climb. The first to start the course on Saturday in the Stock Car Division and first to start on Sunday in the Sports Car Division. He had quick time in both categories easily winning the Sports Car Division with a record breaking time of 16:27:2 minutes.
Having the quick time he started up first in the Stock Car Division and fought muddy and icy roads.
John in the Sports car Division entering the race course W's -- family and friends are the little people sitting on the mountain just above the race course.
.jpg)
After winning the race, John was at the summit of Pikes Peak. Family and friends were at Devil's playground where we watched the race. No traffic was allowed either up or down. He drove back down to Devil's Playground, stuffed us into the Mercedes and brought us back to the summit to the Winners Circle for the trophy presentation. I'm sitting the car, .jpg)
Mom was leaning again the post
.jpg)
Mom was leaning again the post
in the background.
In the Winners Circle: Oliver Ray (John's mechanic) John and Harold Schmer (pit crew and family friend)
John was written up in the 1959 Special Edition of Hot Rod Magazine for his accomplishments at the Peak that year.
Click on this link to view the race course back then: http://www.ppihc.com/
Milwaukee Mile July 19
John started the race on the inside, second row in a 1958 Mercury. He finished 9th.
.
 |
Milwaukee pit area -- Dad's hauler & Mom's Red & White Station Wagon in the background.
1960
USAC, NASCAR Grand Nationals and Winston Cup
- Daytona International Speedway, (Feb. 13) NASCAR Grand National, finished 17 (accident)
- Daytona International Speedway, (Feb. 14) NASCAR Grand National, entered but did not start
- Arizona State Fairgrounds, (Apr. 3) NASCAR Grand National, 1st place 3,735 purse
- Daytona International Speedway, (Feb. 12) NASCAR Grand National, finished 39 (accident.)
- 3) NASCAR Grand National/Pacific Coast, Finished in 1958 Ford, $800 purse
- Martinsville Speedway, (Apr. 10) NASCAR Grand National, Finished 25, 1958 Ford, hub problem purce $80
- Langhorne Speedway (May 15), ARCA Stock Car, Finished 3
- Marchbanks Stadium aka Hanford Motor Speedway, (June 12), NASCAR Grand National/Pacific Coast, Finished 3, 1960 Ford, $750 purse
- Empire State 200 Montgomery Air Base (July 17) NASCAR Grand National, Had the pole Finished 7, 1960 Ford $425 purse
- Milwaukee Mile (July 24) USAC/ARCA Stock Car, Finished 11, 1960 Ford, $509 purse
- Terre Haute Action Track (Aug. 14) USAC Stock Car, Finished 5
- Milwaukee Mile, (Aug. 21) USAC, Finished 8, $484 purse
- Milwaukee Mile, (Aug. 25) USAC, Finished 24, $64 purse
- DeQuoin State Fairgrounds (Sep. 3) USAC, Finished 4
- Milwaukee Mile (Sept. 25), USAC, Finished 18, grease seal, $281 purse
- Dayton Speedway (Oct 2), USAC
- Salem Speedway (Oct. 9), USAC
Early in 1960 John was gearing up to race at Daytona, the 3rd of 44 Grand National Races held in 1960. John, now piloting his own plane, left for Charlotte, North Carolina on January 28 to prepare for the 500-mile race to be held on Valentine's Day. His car would be sponsored by Ghent Motor Company of Fort Collins and would be the first car to use a short wave radio in the car to communicate with the pit crew while in the race.
He purchased a new 1960 Ford Starliner Race Car from Holman and Moody for $5396.93. John, Art Lamey, a former chief engine performance engineer for Ford Motor Company, and Don Buchanan worked for two weeks at the Holman and Moody garage in Charlotte, NC helping to prepare the two engines to be used in the race.
Engine 1 was designed to give 6,000 rpm and 486 hp and would be the engine used in the actual race car. Engine 2 was a 500 hp engine and would be used for qualifying heats only. The engine that came with the car and would be used for spare parts.
John lead the other qualifiers with a two-lap average speed of 143.66 mph.
Champion Spark Plugs asked John to allow their representative Dick Jones, of their racing division, to ride in the passenger seat (there was no passenger seat so the crew quickly made one) and he took readings during a practice run.
Champion Spark Plugs asked John to allow their representative Dick Jones, of their racing division, to ride in the passenger seat (there was no passenger seat so the crew quickly made one) and he took readings during a practice run.
Article and pictures were published in Hot Rod Magazine
Dick Jones of Champion Spark Plugs, Racing Division, John and Art Lamey John was involved in an accident and was unable to finished the race. He placed 39th in the field of 99 cars.
Again on February 13 he was involved in an accident and placed 17.
On February 14 he was unable to start the race.
While at Daytona John met and became very good friends with Lou Siplot, Sr. Lou was associated, at the time with Ford Motor Company Racing Division and a rep for Andy Granatelli's STP. Lou was also working weekends for Holman and Moody of Charlotte, NC. It was the policy of Holman and Moody to send a mechanic with their engines and they sent Lou to Daytona to mechanic on John's car. This was beginning of a long friendship. Lou soon became the Crew Chief and Head Mechanic for John and worked and traveled with him on weekends. John soon became Godfather to Lou Sipolt Jr.
Copper Cup Arizona State Fairgrounds (April 3) NASCAR Grand National
John at 34 years old outlasted 12 other finishers on a rough and dusty track to win the first ever 100-Mile Grand National late model stock car event in 1:23:27. He took the lead from Parnelli Jones on the 34th lap then hid from the rest of the field for the rest of the race. After assuming the lead he lapped every car but the second and third runners by the 61st lap.
Several cars made a valiant effort to catch the high-flying driver, but to no avail. It was Rostek's day and his car was purring like a kitten. The Phoenix Gazette.
John collect $1000 purse and a 4 foot Copper Cup trophy presented by television star Peter Breck.
From Jayski's Review -- September 7, 2015
Only the fifth win ever for car #19: Carl Edwards win at Darlington on September 6, 2015 was the 2nd win for Edwards in the car #19. Edwards won the Coca-Cola 600 in May at Charlotte for the #19's 4th overall win. The #19 had only three other race wins in the history of the Sprint Cup Series (1949). In 1960 John Rostek won at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. And twice with Jeremy Mayfied in 2004 at Richmond and 2005 in Michigan. For more stats and notes about car number wins, see Jayki.com's Wins by Car Number page. (9-7-2015. Or click on the link below.
http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#20150907b
John at 34 years old outlasted 12 other finishers on a rough and dusty track to win the first ever 100-Mile Grand National late model stock car event in 1:23:27. He took the lead from Parnelli Jones on the 34th lap then hid from the rest of the field for the rest of the race. After assuming the lead he lapped every car but the second and third runners by the 61st lap.
Several cars made a valiant effort to catch the high-flying driver, but to no avail. It was Rostek's day and his car was purring like a kitten. The Phoenix Gazette.
John collect $1000 purse and a 4 foot Copper Cup trophy presented by television star Peter Breck.
From Jayski's Review -- September 7, 2015
Only the fifth win ever for car #19: Carl Edwards win at Darlington on September 6, 2015 was the 2nd win for Edwards in the car #19. Edwards won the Coca-Cola 600 in May at Charlotte for the #19's 4th overall win. The #19 had only three other race wins in the history of the Sprint Cup Series (1949). In 1960 John Rostek won at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. And twice with Jeremy Mayfied in 2004 at Richmond and 2005 in Michigan. For more stats and notes about car number wins, see Jayki.com's Wins by Car Number page. (9-7-2015. Or click on the link below.
http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#20150907b
Photo from the Phoenix Gazette
Martinsville Speedway (April 10) NASCAR Grand National
Martinsville Speedway, built in 1947 is a paperclip shaped short track which was originally a dirt track for stockers only. The track was paved in 1960.
Langhorne Speedway, May 15, ARCA Stock Car Race
John, in #19, entered and qualified for the 250-mile race. The photo finds John moving thru on the inside to pass #7. John had lapped everyone once but when his car overheated he had to make a costly pit stop and ended up finishing 3rd. Langhorne was not a sanctioned NASCAR race and an Official reported to NASCAR that John had run the race. After he returned home, he received a Penalty Notice in the mail advising him of his loss of points and a $300.00 fine for running an unsanctioned event.
 |
| Don Buchanan at 18 years old spent his summer hauling #19 from one coast to the other. He tells me he enjoyed every minute. |
John had the pole position and he nosed out Fritz Wilson of Denver for the third place. Marvin Porter of Lakewood, California won the race with a 46 second lead over the second place car, Joe Weatherly of Norfolk, VA. Porter protested, saying he was kept in the pits one lap too long by officials during a caution condition, but the protest was overruled.
Pikes Peak Hill Climb, July 3-5
After his win in the Sports Car Division the year before, he again entered the 1960 race. Politics and biased officials influenced by the most popular and well known race family who had dominated the Hill Climb for many years entered into the picture. They didn't want another challenge or more records broke from John Rostek.That summer the events on the Hill were well documented and followed closely by the local news media and John's many loyal fans from the Colorado Spring community. He received much support from the fans and news media over this issue.
This was the issue: Two months before filing his entry for the race, John asked USAC officials to examine his car and determine if it qualified under the new rules (specifically put into place to try and keep him off the hill). In addition, he was fined $400 by USAC for racing at Daytona Beach (a NASCAR race). He agreed to pay the fine with one provision, that he would be allowed to run in the Hill Climb. That was agreed upon by the Officials and he paid the fine.
However, after each day of practice running the officials decided to examine his car. After the second day of qualifying, and after he broke the qualifying record again, they claimed the anti-sway bar on the front of the car was not stock equipment even though every car entered had the same bar and he had passed inspection that morning before running. John's head mechanic Oliver Ray, removed the sway bar without issue.
They continued examinations each day on his car. The next day they targeted the gear ratio. Also, every stock car entered in the race had the same gear ratio. "They had changed the gear ratio as part of the new rulings just to keep John off the Hill and you can quote me" as said by Oliver Ray and published in the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Even though the news media continued to report on these examinations, the officials were determined. Finally on the third day of examinations John told them, in not so many words, to take a hike. Family and friends were at the Silver Saddle Motel when he and his crew showed up. They packed us up and we were off to New York for the Empire "200".
A reporter for the Gazette reported that a head USAC Official was quoted as saying "he would do everything he could to keep Rostek out of USAC".
*Note from daughter--In the years to follow, John went on to race in 39 USAC sponsored races, received the "Most Improved Driver in 1963" Award from USAC Stock Car Division and was a sanctioned USAC Promotor for 2 more races held in Colorado and entered the USAC sanctioned Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1961 and 1962.
Empire State "200" held at Montgomery Air Force Base (July 17)
John, not one to look back or take threats seriously continued to race. He sent Don Buchanan and #19 to New York for the Empire 200. He was the fastest qualifier and had the pole position. He led the first lap and made the front page of the newspaper only to have trouble and complete only 94 laps, placing him 7th in the final race. His purse was $425.00.
Terre Haute Action Track, (Aug 14), USAC Stock Car
The track first opened in 1952. The 1/2 mile dirt oval was initially used for horse racing. The first race of the season would always be held two weeks after the Indy 500 allowing the drivers to stay in the area, switch to their stock cars and participate in the "Tony Holman Classic."
The Indy drivers always drew a big crowd and droves of people would turn out for the only 2$ ticket price.
John competition was again A.J. Foyt. John placed 5th.
Late in practice John Rostek lost control of his car and looped around and tried to go over the wall resulting in a badly bent trunk lid and left rear fender. John drove the car back to pits, straightened out the car as best he could, checked to make sure there were no gas tank leaks and went on to qualify for the race. He finished 8th in the race.
 |
"Mountain Man Turns Wall Climber" |
Norm Nelson driving a 1960 Ford won the 100 mile USAC championship event. He was followed by Tony Bettenhausen, Rodger Ward and John. John's 4th place purse was $688.00.
Milwaukee Mile (Sep. 25) USAC Stock Car Race
John placed 18 because of a problem with a grease seal. Took home $281.
Salem Speedway, (Oct. 9) USAC/ARCA Stock Car
John waiting for a thumbs up from mechanic Lou Sipolt
In 1961 the only modification that USAC would allow in the modified stock car division was a high performance cam and in-suspension.
USAC and NASCAR
- Arizona State Fair, (Feb. 5) USAC Stock Car, Finished 2nd
- Ascot Park Speedway, (Feb, 19) USAC Stock Car, Finished 4
- Concord Speedway, (April 2) USAC Stock Car, Finished 4, Purse $150
- Pikes Peak, (July 4) USAC Stock Car, Did not finish
- Milwaukee Mile, (July 16) USAC Stock Car, Placed 28, Did not finish
- Milwaukee Mile, (Aug. 13) USAC Stock Car, Started 13, Placed 38, Blew head gasket, Purse $50
- Milwaukee Mile, (Aug. 17) USAC Stock Car, Started 12, Finished 30, Connecting Rod, Purse $54
- Milwaukee Mile, (Sep. 17) USAC Stock Car, Started 12, Finished 3, Purse $2,152
- Trenton International Speedway (Oct. 22), USAC National Championship, Finished 2
 |
| 1961 Ford sponsored by Elmwood Ford of Chicago The picture was taken in Chicago in the alley behind the Sipolt home. |
Trenton Speedway, (Oct. 22) 150-Mile Grand National
The original speedway was a 1 mile dirt track. In 1957 it was paved in and expanded into a 1.5 "kidney bean" shape.
The 150-Mile USAC National Championship race was held on October 22. It was the last race of year and would determine the final point standing for the drivers.
Paul Goldsmith won the race, John placed 2nd, Troy Ruttman 3rd and Norm Nelson 4th. John secured 2nd place in the National point standing for the USAC late model championship for 1961.
1962 was a busy year for John. He started his season in February racing 15 times favoring the Milwaukee Mile which was close to Lou's home in Chicago.
USAC and NASCAR
- Ascot Park (Feb. 25) Finished 5, 1961 Ford.
- Clovis Speedway (March 4) Finished 7, 1961 Ford, $132 purse
- Pikes Peak Hill Climb (July 4)
- Milwaukee Mile (July 15) Finished 33 blew engine 1962 Ford, $25 purse
- Milwaukee Mile (July 16), Finished 28, 1961 Ford, engine trouble
- Milwaukee Mile (August 12) Finished 12, 1962 Ford, $383 purse
- Milwaukee Mile (August 13) Finished 38, 1961 Ford, engine trouble
- Milwaukee Mile (August 16) Finished 34, accident, 1962 Ford, $25 purse
- Milwaukee Mile (August 17) Finished 30, 1961 Ford, blew head gasket
- DeQuoin State Fairgounds (Sept. 2)
- Indiana State Fairgrounds (Sept. 5) Finished 3, 1962 Ford
- Riverside
- Milwaukee Mile (Sept. 16) Finished 10, 1962 Ford $775 purse
- Milwaukee Mile (Sept. 17) Finished 3, 1962 Ford, purse $2,152
- Trenton International Speedway
ASCOT PARK "100" Mile
Back to the West Coast.....John made an emergency landing at the Ontario International Airport because of landing gear trouble and then drove a spectacular race at Ascot Park. He started in 17th position and spun on the back stretch during the race... he regained control of his car and continued on his way.
He stuck his foot into it and knocked the field off one by one as he smashed his way up to 5th position on the 97th lap. The race was won by A. J. Foyt.
Milwaukee Mile - September 16
.jpg)
 |
| Milwaukee 1962 |
Milwaukee Mile - September 17
Waiting for the start of the race. John leaning on the fender and Lou to the right.
.JPG)
Waiting for the start of the race. John sitting on the fender and Lou to the right.
RIVERSIDE
John always made an effort to include family and friends every time he race. His Aunt Helen, who loved racing and lived in Riverside never missed the chance to see her Nephew race.
John and his crew , Lou, Chuck, Marty, Jimmy and John's Aunt Helen
 |
1963
USAC and NASCAR
- Riverside International Raceway, (Jan 19) Finished 7, NASCAR Grand National/Pacific Coast, 1962 Ford
- Riverside International Raceway, (Jan. 20) completed 172 laps before accident, Started 27, finished 16, Purse $00
- Continental Raceways CDR (June 3) 1st Place, Purse $1000
- Milwaukee Mile (July 14) Started 5th finished 34, head gasket purse $30
- Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 11) Finished 5th Purse $724.00
- Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 15) Finished 10th Purse $397
- Dequoin State Fairgrounds (Sept. 1) Finished 8
- Indiana State Fairgrounds (Sept. 4) Accident, Completed 88 laps
- Langhorne Speedway (Sept 8) Accident
- Milwaukee Mile (Sept. 15) Finished 5 Purse $1055
- Illinois Speedway (Oct. 6)
The race was the 4th in a series of 55 Winston Cup NASCAR races for 1963 consisting of 185 laps (500 Miles) on a 2.700 mile course. The total time of the race was 5:53:20. Average speed was 84.965mph and the pole speed was 99.59mph. The margin of victory was 35 seconds with 6 caution flags during and race of 52,5000 in attendance.
Dan Gurney won, followed by A.J. Foyt, Troy Rutman, Fireball Roberts and Bobby Johns.
John started 27th in a field of 44 cards. He crashed on lap 172 however he had enough laps completed to register a finish of 16th receiving $500 purse.
August 12, Milwaukee, WI
Indianapolis Pole winner Parnelli Johns started in Pole Position. By this time Holman & Moody had reassigned John's Mechanic Lou Sipolt, Sr. to Parnelli Jones and Mario Andratti. Lou continued to Mechanic for John when he was available.
Parnelli won the race followed by Norm Nelson, Jim Hurtubise, Whitey Gerken and John Rostek. John took home $724.00.
Milwaukee
John's good friend A.J. Foyt on the pole, John on the outside
September 5, Indianapolis Fair Grounds
John took 2nd place in the USAC 100-Mile National Championship race at Indianapolis State Fair Grounds. His 1963 Ford was an experimental 427 cubic inch engine. He started the race in the 17th position and worked his way into the lead by the 19th lap. He held the lead at an average speed of 89.70 mph until the he was forced to the pits when another car's bumper dropped off and he couldn't avoid it. His purse was $3400.98.
June 3, Continental Divide Raceways
In 1963 John also started his promoting career. First race was in his home State of Colorado at Continental Divide Raceways in Castle Rock on June 30th. Many of his Colorado racing buddies came and participated as well as Shirley and Sharon selling tickets and shuttling drivers back and forth in the pits. Jim Atnip distributing programs.
John participated in the race driving a brand new 63 1/2 Ford sedan. The crowd of about 3800 watched John score an almost wire-to-wire triumph. The only time he lost the lead was when he stopped for gas (pit crew forgot to put the gas cap on). He completed the torturous 200-Mile race in two hours and 58 minutes and had a two-lap edge over Joe Lehman of Englewood Speedway.
His average speed was 66.93 mph. Fastest lap was 71.79.
Protest came from Lehman and Trowbridge. They put up $150.00 for the privilege of checking the cubic inch displacement under the car's hood. After an hour and a half of tear down and no displacement was found, John's win was verified.
The victory was worth $1000 for John and Lehman took home $500 (minus the protest fee).
.jpg)
John and his mechanic Lou Sipolt
Continenal Raceways - 1st Place
Bill Sapp, Bob Todd, Lou Sipolt, Trophy Girl, John and Trophy Girl
1964
USAC/NASCAR
- Indianapolis Raceway Park, (May 3), finished 9th, purse $489
- Continental Divide Raceways, 7th finish
- Milwaukee Mile (July 12), Finished 21 (engine problem) purse $226
- Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 16), Finished 8 Purse $611
- Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 21), Finished 3 Purse $1335
- Milwaukee Mile (Sept. 20), Finished 32 (accident) purse
June Continental Divide Raceways
John promoted another USAC Sanctioned National Championship Race at 250-Mile Race at CDR (Continental Divide Raceway). This year Parnelli Jones, Troy Rutman, Herb Shannon, Norm Nelson, Don White and John himself would be running in the race. Again family and friends sold tickets and shuffled drivers around the pit area in Farland-Buell Chrysler-Plymouth sponsored cars. Local tickets could be purchased at the Lamplighter Office on Highway 14 or at Ghent Motor Company in Fort Collins or at the Gate.
Because there was light rain there was a caution flag for 10 laps of the 89 laps with a small rain delay.
Parnelli easily won the race. He earned a purse of $3925.00 for his 3:38 minute effort before a crowd of 11,000. John finished 7th.
Preceding the opening ceremonies an antique car race and "dragster" event held. The Air Force Academy Band and color guard were on hand for the opening ceremonies.
August 21, Milwaukee
John placed 3rd behind Parnelli Jones and Roger Ward in a 200-Mile race at the Milwaukee Fair Grounds. But he actually was in 2nd. Here's what happened. Jones and Ward joined efforts for victory. Jones took over with 105 miles left and was driving at the finish. The car Jones had qualified and started in blew it's engine on the 88th lap.
It was decided that the victory would be shared equally buy Jones and Ward. Politics existed even in 1964.
 |
| John's Trophy Room...all four walls were full of trophies! |
Dad promoted both races at CDR and was heading his successful race promoting career when he tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 44.
John Edward Rostek
November 12, 1925-December 29, 1969
From the Author--Please feel free to contact Sharonaross1@aol.com if you have any additional questions, comments or pictures you would like to share. Also you can contact me on Facebook by searching Sharon Rostek.