46 years later, my very first race track press card was reunited again with the guy who signed it--Jim Hontz.
As General Manager, Jim took a chance on adding this new kid to the press pass list back in 1975 at Nazareth Speedway, even after promoter, Jerry Fried, complained to him every now and then that the press list was way too long. 
But, Jim mentioned last night at our racing-photographer's gathering, that he had to convince Jerry more than a few times to not cut the press list, as he always believed it was a good thing having lots of photographers there at Nazareth Speedway for better exposure and good coverage in the papers and program. 
Earlier in 1975, after racing photographer, Bob Perran, put in a good word for me with editor, Lenny Sammons, I received my first newspaper press pass from Area Auto Racing News. Having that Area press card, then gave me some clout where I could apply for a racetrack press pass and Nazareth was my first attempt.
Thanks again goes out to Jimmy Hontz for taking a chance on adding me to the already way-too-long Nazareth press list, 46 years ago. (My card has number 79 on it)

Great background story, Jack. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for all the great images throughout the years. 

That would make a nice story in chapter 2.  Thanks Jack!

Haha! That would be in chapter 13 then...like in going bankrupt from making a book. lol

Thanks so much, Greg!

Glad he gave you a shot Jack way back when.... and so is the entire motorsports community!

Thanks, Joe!

Awesome Jack.  A lot of desire and a little luck is what drove us all back then.

Thanks! For sure, Roger!