This week I thought I'd give Jimmy Horton single billing. Comments welcome.

1980 Syracuse












JIM HORTON SR. JR, JIMMY MAGUIRE

FRANK COZZE AND JIMMY HORTON JR,

SMOKEY SNELLBAKER AND JIMMY HORTON

 

Lenny- Thnaks for posting these great shots of one of the greats!  I first saw Jimmy compete with the Nazareth sportsman class in the early 70s as he was too young to run the NJ tracks.  Followed his entire career.  BUT, I never knew his nickname was "The Sensational One" until I hear it at the Danny Serrano 50 at Bridgeport! Have I been living under a rock or is this nickname relatively new.  Either way, I like it.  Scott Ely

Most don't know that in 1976 when we ended our deal with Bobby Bottcher and we were getting our first King car ready Jimmy Horton was probably one or possibly two days away from being hired to drive it. Gary Balough was not happy at Statewide and was trying to come back to 73. Jimmy was around the shop a lot and it was pretty obvious he could drive a race car. Long story short my father and Gary make up and Jimmy heads down the Turnpike to the Statewide team to start an amazing career. 

ANTHONY I'd say it worked out pretty good for both the "73" and "3" teams.  Scott Ely

It worked out for all parties. I've said it before but Jimmy had some nice rides but none that gave him the equipment that George Smith gave him.

"Pygmy II" on the quarter panel.

From what I understand, Jimmy (when young) was short, had lots of hair, and was often covered in grease from working on racecars. 

We cant repeat that nickname here??  ah s**T...

Yay!!!  Whats the white Statewide #3 with the swooping hood in  the photo just above the 3n1 Silver Crown car?  I've seen photos of it but daon't remember ever seeing it.

Asphalt Mod is the former Soucie Bandit owned by Marty VanDrueten.  That car is still the nicest asphalt mod ever built in my opinion. Strange thing it never won a feature event. 

Wanted to add Jimmy was always a favorite to win Syracuse but not a lot of luck.  Was there the year he won, wreck early 2 laps down.  Mythodicaly driving the wheels of the 85 to make up 2 laps passing everyone twice.

That second pic - sprint car- is the car that launched sprint car career of Frankie Kerr - Frank and I saw it at Les Katona's flea market- and bought it- put in his big block from his modified and the rest is history !