Originally Posted by Pat O'Connor Fan:
One of the few (in fact, darned few) good things about getting to be such an old fart is that I was fortunate enough to have seen everyone in that photo (except Bill Smith 
) drive race cars "back in the day".
Ditto on that. Can't even begin to be thankful enough to have seen these guys on a weekly basis. Also thankful they all survived that era. I remember a few crashes they were in, where I held my breath, just sure they didn't make it. That is one great photo!
David.
---------- Post added at 07:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 PM ----------
Originally Posted by sprinter25:
From Open Wheel Times - Duke's USAC record, including Champ Cars from 1971-1988
Total Races: 129 A Mains: 129 Wins: 1 Top 5: 15 Top 10: 43 Top 15: 71 Top 20: 107
100% 1% 12% 33% 55% 83%
And I wouldn't expect a straight answer from Duke.....
As everyone is aware I'm sure, stats can be interpreted in many different ways. Lots of factors to consider. Back then, as is the case today, the quality of the car you're driving often dictates the success you achieve, or don't achieve.
Having been around most of that time, I rarely (if ever) remember Duke in a first class, state of the art, top dollar ride. I'm sure a lot of the stats above are a reflection of that.
My brothers and I crewed on a car that Duke drove. I can promise you it was not junk, but it was far from the caliber Pancho, Bigelow and most of the others were driving. I thought, considering what he had to work with, that he did a great job.
Not defending Duke, he doesn't need me or anyone else to speak for him. Just an observation from someone who was there, that's all.
David.
can you tell me how many usac sprint main events are in that photo?????? First one wins two free tickets!!!
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