Art Elsner of Harve de Grace, Maryland has graciously donated two historic and period correct race cars to the Culver Auto Racing Museum! The 1940 Ford was driven by EMPA Hall of Fame driver Ralph Smith. Smith competed on the sands of Daytona and also won on the Syracuse mile. Smith also had a stint driving legendary #49 for car owner Melvin Joseph as well. The #93 pictured here has raced at many east coast tracks included Georgetown Speedway. After receiving that car the Culver Auto Racing Museum had it up and running within a few days. The period correct flathead engine with Isky cam and twin carburetors purrs like a kitten now! The other car Mr. Elsner donated is a 1970 Camaro period correct Street Stock racer.
This car ran many tracks in the mid-Atlantic area including: Lincoln, Delaware International, Georgetown, Harrington Fair, Susquehanna, Dorsey and Trailway. With driver Tim Hopkins the team won the 1984 track championship at Dorsey Speedway and the $1000 to win big race at Bridgeport Speedway in 1986. The top of the car is signed by "The Intimidator", Dale Earnhardt. This car is now being worked on to return it to running status. Art's passion for these cars is obvious and we are honored that he chose the Culver Auto Racing Museum as the caretaker of these fine cars. We look forward to displaying them so that others can enjoy them and learn from our racing history! Many thanks to Art and his lovely family for their donation!!!
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