[DonMoore10]

Where is the Solon Springs "pop bottle" Offy midget? This is the car that was owned by Tubby Kirchner of Solon, Ohio back in the late 50's thru the early 70's. Tubby died unexpectedly around 1971 and the car was sold, possibly to someone in Michigan. It was painted yellow and had two pop bottle pics on the tail tank which represented the number "11". In it's last form it had a chrome cage that could be removed and the new owner possibly could have replaced the Offy with a Chevy II.

I first saw this car at the USAC 100 lap event in 1959 at the Canfield, Ohio fairgrounds on the quarter mile. In 1968, this car finished 36th in USAC points. The two pop bottle likeness on the tail tank made this car unique and a tourist attraction where ever it raced. The Kirchners owned the Solon Springs beverage business. Sons Kent and Kris Kirchner went on to become world class swimmers and swimming coaches. Kent now lives in the Woodlands, Texas and Kris is currently working for a USAC sprint car team.

So where is this car today? I talked to Kent Kirchner and we both would like to track this car down. Somebody surely must know the trail to find this car. It possibly could have gone to Australia or New Zealand. I don't know. If it wasn't dismantled, it's got to be somewhere. If you have a pic of the car, please post it. I only have one pic of it from an old Ed Watson midget yearbook. The pic is Bob McClean at Terre Haute in 1968. He is on the outside of Danny Frye in the Pizza Hut number 15.