Lot - AAA Trophy, Funks Speedway July 24, 1927;

Description:

AAA Trophy, Funks Speedway July 24, 1927; Inscribed, "Won by Wilbur Shaw, Time 4 min. 20 sec".

Frank Funk
Speedway owner, Auto racing Promoter
Frank Funk was never behind the wheel of a racecar. He never worked in the garages or served as an owner. Yet, Frank was one of the finest sprint track promoters in the history of American auto racing. His impact on the sport will always be remembered.
In 1916, on the family farm near Winchester, Indiana, Frank began to build an amusement park and a half-mile dirt oval speedway. With some help from such racing notables as Robert Roof, Bill Hunt, and Gaston Chevrolet, Frank learned what it took to make the speedway a success. It evolved until it became the world's fastest half-mile oval. In the early races, dust was a primary concern. Frank learned that he could oil the track to minimize the dust impact. Frank invested much back into his facilities. His success in promoting racing was based on offering the best competition to the fans while striving for the best course conditions, and purse sizes for the drivers.

By 1932, the track was paved and the banking had grown to 25 feet high. The grandstands could seat 6,000 spectators, and the grounds could easily accommodate 12,000 to 14,000.
Frank eventually either owned or managed six race tracks throughout the Midwest, including Winchester, Jungle Park, and the Dayton Speedway. These tracks attracted such notable drivers as Wilbur Shaw, Howdy Wilcox, Ralph De Palma, Rex Mays, 'Wild' Bill Cummings, and a host of others. Frank continued to promote auto racing until his death in 1953. He certainly was a winner. 15 1/2" H. Wear and loss to silver plate.

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