Mid America Raceway - 1971

By Roger Riekenberg

Scan 3 is Gene Forsthofel from 1971 coming up the hill from the last turn in the LeGrand Formula B.Gene was Midwest Formula B Champion in 1968 or 69 and Rick Riekenberg turned wrenches for him for years until he got involved in racing himself. Scan 4 Gene coming down the main straight Scan 5 Gene just about to turn into Turn 1. Notice the treaded intermediate tires.

This was an era when the wedge had become popular. It was powered by a Twin Cam by Brittish engine builder David Piper. Gene later converted this car to a F/A(5000) car with the first Wankel. It was never very successful in that configuration. There were two of these LeGrands made, both were monocoque and the other was briefly used by James King from Southern Illinois. We took this car and its twin on the Pro F/B series to two races in Mexico at Monterey and Mexico City before the wings were ready in 1971, just after these pictures were taken, competing against world class drivers in factory equipment. Red LeGrand and his son were there to help.

Scan 6 is the Lola340 F/F belonging to Rick Riekenberg and the Lola360 F/Atl belonging to Gene Forsthofel. Both cars were involved heavily with supporting United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas City and were raced in the Midwest from 1979 to 1982.

Gene Forsthofel in LeGrand Formula B Gene Forsthofel on main straight Gene Forsthofel entering Turn 1
Lola 340 F/F and Lola 360 F/Atl    
     
     
     

 


Photo Credits this page to Roger Riekenberg.  About Roger:

I have completed something like 450 laps at MAR. My last race in a Formula Atlantic was August of 1981 in my March 742. It ended after starting from the pole in the Regional race. Coming out of turn 9 the oil pressure dropped and before I could shut down the $3000 crankshaft had broken in two. Spent the last half of the race sitting with the Leaping Lizards at the last turn. It was a bad day!

If you can identify any of these people, please with their names.  Thanks.

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