Here's a nice shot of Ralph Rau
| Ken Zeisse sent me these photo's from his personal collection. Ken raced sportsman cars from 1968-1981. IRA sanctioned the sportsman div. for a number of years and IRA Competition Approved stickers can be seen on some of Ken's cars! |
| Here's Ken's Story: My passion for racing started back in the mid 60's when I hung around my uncle Jerry Gresk's garge. Jerry is Joe Gresk's older brother who built cars such as Al Schill's first 55 chevy. Jerry built my cousin a 57 Ford, I bought his old 55 Ford and away I went. I tried Hales Corners, Waukegan and wound up at Wilmot because I was barley 18. So 1968 I raced Wilmot, 1970&71 I worked for Uncle Sam in Kentucky and Vietnam. In 1971&72 I raced old fords at Wilmot. In 1973&74 I ran my brother-in-laws 56 chevy at Wilmot, and wrecked it. I then met a guy named Gary Smith from Kenosha drove and drove his 67 Chevelle. In 76 I won the Sportsman Championship, finished 5th in dismal 77, quit in 78, only drove two weeks in place of Ralph Rau who took my spot. Smith built two new Camaros for me and Ralph in 79. Ralph moved away and we raced one car in 1980&81never finishing lower than fifth in points. Hung up my helmet at the end of 81 to enjoy my wife and kids. Thats my story and I'm stick'in to it! Ken |