Thread: Nostalgia

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I was looking for info on "The Greek's" 204 mph run at Alton in April, 1960 (I was there!) and I found this photo of Stan Lomelino from my hometown, Virden, IL. Stan was a blacksmith by trade, and a local hero to the car guys. He won Indy several times in the F Dragster class (flatheds).

This is an experimental twin he built. It was too heavy and too complicated, but an interesting experiment. The rear end was set up with two pinions running one ring gear, and used floating truck axles.

Stan was one of the reasons I started working on hot rods - hanging around his dirt-floored shop watching him work. He was always receptive to young folks, and helped a lot of us out. He was one of the unknown, unrecognized pioneers.

I remember a unique use he had for a flathead. He ran it on four cylinders, and used the other four as an air compressor.

Stan still has a listed phone number in my home town. If I ever get back, I need to look him up.