Guys, I'm looking for some help regarding the career of John Ditmar, driver of the Diamond D coupe. I know he was voted Most Popular Limited Sportsman Driver at Harmony in 1966. Did he ever also race in the modified division? What years did he race? I recall seeing him at Harmony, and know he raced at Flemington. Perhaps also Nazareth, Middletown? Also in 1966 at Harmony, a Judy Ditmar won the powder puff race held that year - perhaps his wife? Thanks for any information you can provide, truly appreciated.

John would stop by my shop years ago, if I’m not mistaken I believe he only ran the sportsman division...

     I met with John in Washington, NJ less than a year before he passed away.  I got information to build a model of his sportsman car.  The model has been on the back burner and still in progress.  Here is what he told me.

     His sportsman car was a 37 Dodge coupe on a 1950s Plymouth frame running a 318 Mopar engine.  He said he won the 1968 Flemington sportsman championship in that car.

     He later ran a modified car.  It was a 1940 Ford coupe, mid-fifties frame and ran a 427 Ford engine.  (A picture of it is in the vault.)  When I visited John he showed me this car - in his barn, sitting up on 55 gallon drums and the original engine out but sitting on a skid.  It was a real time capsule.  Last I knew his son took this car to Washington state where he intended to update and repaint it to run in vintage events.  It is a shame that this car couldn't be preserved.

Ray

Engine Guy and Oldtimer, many thanks for sharing this information. Truly appreciated!

More info (from March 29, 2013):

Obituary of John Frederick Ditmars

John Frederick Ditmars, 82, of Washington, NJ passed away March 29, 2013. Born: February 22, 1931 in Newark, NJ to the late John R. Ditmars and Evelyn Longcor Personal: He spent 43 years at his current residence. John worked as a union electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His employer was I.B.E.W Local 164. He retired in 1995. John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. John was a former stockcar driver. He drove the "Diamond D" at Flemington Speedway and also in Nazareth, PA and Watertown, NY. He was a NASCAR fan and loved cars and motorcycles. John and his wife were great garden enthusiasts for many years. He was associated with Weeping Willow Garage in Washington for the past 17 years. John was a friend to all and would help anyone in need. Everyone that knew him called him "Pop". He will be sadly missed by all. Memberships: John was a former Councilman and member of the Board of Education in Allamuchy, NJ. He was a member of the I.B.E.W Local 164 for over 60 years. Survivors: His devoted wife of 39 years Joan V. Ditmars, his loving children, John Frederick Ditmars Jr. of PA, Martin Ditmars of Schenectady, NY, Randolph Ditmars of Snohomish, WA, Deborah Cherneski of Granite Falls, NC, Catherine Shadis of Harmony, NJ, Steven Shadis of Sebastian, FL, Linda Magyar of Washington, NJ; ten grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. John is predeceased by a son, Michael Shadis, who died in January. Services: A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 12 p.m. Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. until time of service. Service at Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington, Ave. Washington, NJ07882. Cremation was private. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O Box 1000Dept. 142, Memphis, TN38148-0142. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234. W. Washington, Ave. Washington, NJ07882.