Keokuk, Iowa: Famous Buddy Baker Charger Found Among Keokuk Stock Car Legends

[@Jim-fp3kt]

As an Iowan and enthusiast I’m so glad the KZbin algorithm offered me this video, so cool thanks for sharing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Three cheers for the KZbin algorithm! Thanks for watching...HMM #IowaRocks

[@hawkeyejohnny968]

Back in the late seventies the Derrs raced quite often at a half mile dirt track in Eldon Iowa. The boys were just getting started and they held their own. I remember Lem Blankenship bringing what they called a Dodge kit car. That thing had a sound of its own. For a few laps it would fly but the Chrysler small block usually would go up in smoke before the twenty lap feature was over. Anyone lucky enough to attend races in that era will never forget the sound of the Hemi engine.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting commentary; thanks for sharing it here. Wonder why they couldn't make the Chrysler small-block live longer. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@woodyhampton9661]

Very cool! That was very nice of Bruce Derr to take you on a tour of the old race shops, I love that stuff. Thanks for all you do to bring this to us!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Woody; thanks for taking the time to watch. I agree on Bruce...and he didn't know me either...a complete stranger was I.

[@speedwaystevecronk6680]

Outstanding hidden racing history ! We are All so grateful to Bruce Derr for the guided tour and great stories. Thanks again the the video / edit work.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steve...greatly appreciated. It was a great experience that I stumbled into. HMM

[@cammedslowverado3158]

Great video, nice to see something positive posted about my town. My grandfather was on Ramo's pit crew I've got his old team jacket hanging in the closet, and my dad was good friends with Ramo i spent many sat mornings hanging out at another small shop Ramo owned in Keokuk listening to old race stories they would tell..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Awesome stories; thanks for sharing them here. Ramo's other shop you referenced...was that on 16th Street? HMM

[@cammedslowverado3158]

@@HistoryMysteryMan it was between 16th and 15th on Blondo street, currently that location is occupied by Double A glass company.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@cammedslowverado3158 Got it; thanks for the info!

[@robertayers9424]

What a conversation! Great stories! Thanks for sharing!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Anything for you Robert! Thanks again my friend...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Thank you HMM! Great video. Thank you for sharing. Such great stories. Glad you get these interviews so that there not forgotten.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you Roger. Keokuk was a lot of fun! HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@@HistoryMysteryMan every video with you is fun.

[@callhall-wf3zn]

Great video on Ernie Derr and Ramo Stott and Don White, I raced in IMCA in the 60's and early 70's, got to know Ernie very well, one of the greatest on the dirt tracks in IMCA, Ramo was very good also, miss those days.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...yeah that was a real golden era of stock car racing. People tend to forget about the ole IMCA and USAC stock car tours, but, in their day, they were as tough as could be...competition through the roof.

[@gregorygolden1296]

A lot of Great drivers out of there. I'm from South Florida, and there were so many Great drivers came out of here. Thanks Mystery Man for your Incredible videos.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Gregory; thanks for your support! HMM

[@stevebixler1920]

Great story Don…. You’re the best!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steve...so appreciated. HMM

[@RichRogerson-o4w]

Another salute to the greatest generation to date.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Rich...always appreciated. HMM

[@brcisna]

Thank You much HMM. I have never heard this about Howard Hughes,,,and I was born and raised only one hour from here... If i had not watched HMM,,Still wouldnt have a clue about Howard Hughes... Ernie was the man,,,,Goes to show what good work ethic will do in life . Think Ernie had 35 or 38 feature wins at Shreveport Louisiana alone,,, about 750+ miles from Keokuk Needs to be more people like Ernie in todays world.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I appreciate your feedback. I had no idea that Ernie even raced down in Louisiana, let along win all those races down there. I appreciate your feedback and info. HMM

[@brcisna]

@@HistoryMysteryMan HMM, Request: Want you to put on your radar,, Do a story of Oconeechee Speedway in NC. Don WHite won some very early NASCAR races at this forgotten race track. One of the first race tracks that Bill France started promoting. As a bonus. There are some of the most gorgeous old homes around that area,,you'll ever see. We are like a kid in a candy store driving around all of NC looking at old abandoned homes... all 1800's era. All your videos are great to watch .! Barry

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@brcisna Thanks for your suggestion. Are they any remnants from the ole track that are still there, or is it completely gone?

[@critterscute3642]

Sometimes we stumble into a great story. And you sure did, HMM! What a great drive around with the history attached. Thanks to Bruce Derr for taking the time to share his stories and give us a tour!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...I've always been a stumbler...stumbling my way into situations and then choreographing them into something worthwhile. It's kind of like just jumping in and then begging for forgiveness later...and if I do it well enough, I won't have to beg for forgiveness. Thanks again critterscute3642...always appreciated. HMM

[@critterscute3642]

It seems you always do well enough. Keep falling up lol. Have a great weekend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@critterscute3642 Thanks! ARCA season finale at Toledo Speedway for me.

[@StuartHaas-d3j]

Great video! Brings back memories! I spent a couple of Summers traveling with Ernie and his pit crew going to local races when I was 11 and 12 years old, Des Moines, I-70, Donnelson, etc. My father, Robert Haas was a member of Ernie's pit crew. I remember crazy Deo always stirring up trouble in the pits. I remember that white garage when my Dad would help Ernie out prepping for upcoming races. I remember being curled up in the back window of that Ford cabover going to and from the races. He won everything. Awesome guy and equipment. I remember one race at Des Moines that all the race drivers were trying to boycott the race once they knew Ernie was racing, haha. Always loved stopping at Dickie's Prairie home for breakfast on the way to the race and eating a late dinner there on the way back. Best couple Summers of my life! I've been to Don's shop and Ramos as well. Also recall Ernie's new shop and seeing 2 or 3 brand new Hemi's sitting on pallets, so cool! I remember his sons, Mike, Russ, Steve, Dan, etc. .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Awesome stories...thanks for sharing them here. Reminds me of my youth, traveling to the USAC Sprint Car races in the back of a Ford Pick-Up with a camper/cap over the bed...sprint car in tow. Best times ever! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@StuartHaas-d3j]

@@HistoryMysteryMan In 1971 Me and a friend entered the Chevrolet Soap Box Derby. We both won enough races in Keokuk and qualified for the State Finals in Des Moines. Ernie lent his race car hauler, the Dodge flatbed to my Father, to drive our cars to Des Moines. Man, we thought we were Big Time Charlies puling up to the Soap Box competition with our two Soap Box cars strapped down on Ernie's hauler. We got some looks, evrybody knew Ernie's equipment.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@StuartHaas-d3j Great story! Thanks!

[@jeffkeni]

Fascinating! I had no idea Keokuk has such a storied racing history.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And I only scratched the surface. So many great racing stories start in Keokuk. Thanks Jeff...HMM

[@RichRogerson-o4w]

Very intriguing story. Thanks for sharing

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Rich; thanks for watching. HMM

[@ksliebe]

Great story! I grew up recognizing all those name from IMCA. My Uncle Chub Liebe raced against them all in IMCA. The early 60s.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Three cheers for Uncle Chub! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@coleseip6612]

Fantastic story. Thankyou!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@tomp1612]

That was great. You found the perfect guide with Bruce.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Best ever...thanks!

[@Kevv554]

This is fantastic! I learned so much. Great job!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again! So appreciated. HMM

[@tomrogers5154]

Thanks for sharing this Don! Love the stories. I have a family friend that was born there moved to ohio live all through childhood then moved back to keakuk. Pretty neat. Thanks again.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Tom...good to hear from you. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@curtisehlers5765]

thanks, loved it. i remember in the early 70s, going to the state fairgrounds in des moines and watching Ernie Derr, Lem Blankinship, and others. They had 100 lap races from what i remember, it was awsum

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

What a great era; thanks for sharing your stories here...and thanks for watching Curtis...HMM

[@jeffcoomer8680]

One of the best races I ever saw was white and Foyt trading paint at tri county speedway on dirt Foyt was in a Bowsher Torino white in that yellow 3 car was late 60s.Cincinnati area track later was paved as Queen city now long gone.Thanks for you posting this content and jogging my memory.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jeff. I remember Tri-County Speedway very well...saw several USAC Sprint Car races there in the late 60s and early 70s, when it was dirt and after it was paved. It was way better as a dirt track, I always thought. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@lmoore5264]

Wow I really loved this video. Being an old mopar guy myself I can appreciate the effort you put into this. Thank you for sharing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch...HMM

[@Blrtech77]

HMM, as always I enjoy the ride along with you and the history and amazing people you meet and interview. Your videos are top notch, and Be Safe during your travels My Friend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Birtech77; I always appreciate your feedback! I think I'm traveled out for a bit...till I get the itch to go again! HMM

[@oldschool9746]

Great story and you had a fine tour guide !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great tour guide for sure...thanks! HMM

[@beberle9641]

I so appreciate HMM so much you make all are days better because of your hard work 👍 Brian from Colorado 🤠

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So appreciated Brian; thanks again my friend. HMM

[@beberle9641]

Thanks Don that means so much to me my friend 🏁😎. You should get some sponsorship on here ? Brian

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@beberle9641 Yeah! Let corporate America know I'm hanging around out here! Thanks ole friend...HMM

[@davedocker1195]

I seen Ernie win at the Iowa State fair in 1970.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Now that's a great memory! Thanks Dave...for sharing it here. HMM

[@jamesweirich2266]

I remember, leader for the whole race then a wheel broke off , stuffed it up under the fender and I think Ernie passed him finally on last lap to win. Iowa 300 I believe.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jamesweirich2266 Fantastic story! Thanks for sharing it here James. HMM

[@mariebeasley1269]

It was so cool to hear in your voice the excitement like you were a little boy again 😊 shared

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

A little boy in big boy shoes. My soul comes alive when I get myself in my element. Thanks Marie...HMM

[@Sparky4Life913]

Great story! My family is originally from Montrose. My uncle C.E. Adams was a good friend of Dick Hutcherson, ‘’Keokuk Comet. He also spoke a lot Ernie. Keokuk the Home of Champions. The Keokuk Gang.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I appreciate your support. So was Dick Hutcherson the Keokuk Komet? Or, was the term Komet a reference to all those Keokuk drivers...or just Dick? HMM

[@Sparky4Life913]

Dick was the Comet, the four famous drivers were the “Gang”.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Sparky4Life913 Got it...thanks.

[@darinwinebrenner6908]

Thanks for sharing Don!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Darin...good to hear from you. HMM

[@wideslammer]

I'm sure glad you drove down the street in Keokuk and saw the sign for Derr Motor Company. Of course, your knowledge of racing history led you to know the name Derr could possibly be connected to a well known name from racing days-gone-by. You made a good decision to stop and ask if there was a connection to Ernie Derr. Of course, it was a bonus for his grandson to be available and to take time to show you (and us) some of the racing history in Keokuk. You found some nice pictures to complement the story you told. NIce job! (I'm guessing that we'll see some one-mile dirt track racing before the season is over.)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...the Derr name on the sign really jumped out at me. But I had no idea his grandson would take me (a complete stranger) on a tour of Keokuk...it was amazing! One mile dirt track racing? Are you talking Springfield and/or DuQuoin? Thanks for your support, sir. HMM

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks James...HMM

[@johnm3467]

You failed to discuss Dick Hutcherson, the most famous Keokuk driver. He drove for Holman Moody in NASCAR, had his own NASCAR business and drove a GT 40 at Le Mans!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Said the guy who failed to discuss Dick and Ron Hutcherson, Don White, Ramo Stott and Ernie Derr in the video he never made nor will ever.

[@johnm3467]

Not sure what your comment addresses. It’s not a complete sentence.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@johnm3467 You know exactly what I meant.

[@johnm3467]

Actually, no. I usually watch videos and neglect the comments, which is the best practice.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@johnm3467 Neglect the comments? Not in this case...you jumped right in...again, talking out of both sides of your mouth. Can't wait to watch your video on Dick Hutcherson...

[@waynedavis8980]

Very interesting Don . Benny Parsons used to talk about Ramo Stott a lot when he was broadcasting Nascar races .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Wayne. Ramo was a great guy...I got to know him during my years working for ARCA. HMM

[@bobvalentine8927]

Awesome I love the history

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Bob! HMM

[@chucks6879]

Just one error if I may Dick Hutcherson was IMCA Champion in 63/64 then went to Holman Moody and almost won the championship in NASCAR in 65!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

10-4...thanks.

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍👍👍great interview,town ,and history there... thanks fir sharing with us.... travel safe feller 👍👍👊🇺🇸

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Elroy. I'm all traveled out for awhile. I appreciate you! HMM

[@donolbers]

Somewhere out in internet forum land, a fellow commented that as a youngster, he helped Ernie switch the front clip on his '61 Pontiac, with a somewhat wrecked one from a junkyard, probably selling off the new, undamged one. That would have been done in the little garage you show, trivial bits of history are so interesting. Ah, the days when stock cars were actually built from stock automobiles. One more thing, on my trips from Wyo to Ohio and back, i always stop for fuel at Harlan, Iowa, home to Johnny Beauchamp and Tiny Lund.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super cool stories Don...thanks for sharing them here. If that little garage could talk. I did not know Beauchamp and Lund were from Harlan, Iowa; are there any markers or signs there commemorating them? Thanks...HMM

[@donolbers]

@HistoryMysteryMan There may possibly be something there, but I haven't ventured far enough from the interstate to see. I'll keep that in mind the next time I go through there, and check it out.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@donolbers Thanks Don...appreciated.

[@BrandonSavage-z9g]

Ramo's shop at the house actually burnt down a few years ago, thats the new rendition in the old spot. That was his "party garage" He actually built his cars down on 16th street. Which was torn down and now is a glass place. Lots of history in keokuk.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

10-4...thanks for the info. HMM

[@kurtracer43]

Awesome video thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Kurt! HMM

[@donolbers]

Awesome!

[@coreywhite8205]

Great video of the past

[@WilliamSmith-bj8gt]

Fantastic stories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, William...always appreciated. HMM

[@FastKiwiBoss]

This is super cool Don, you sure get the "behind the scene" tour's and story's, very interesting. PS: I hope you bought a new car before leaving the "Derr" dealership ha ha 😅

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Boss! Ironically, I didn't buy a car at the Derr dealership, but I did buy a brand new car when I got home! HMM

[@donolbers]

Man, his house is great! That era home has always fascinated me, would that be an Edwardian Era home?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Good question; I'll see if I can find out on his home. Thanks Don! HMM

[@donolbers]

Don, Buddy's car was a Daytona Charger.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Really? I thought it was a Ford Pinto. Thanks...

[@williamransbottom2902]

Great video HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks William...always appreciated. HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

Good history lesson HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Ron...HMM

[@robertguy6422]

Bob Guy (I am on his account) can tell you a lot about the history Keokuk racing

[@robertguy6422]

Bob Guy was Don White's crew chief !!!

[@robertguy6422]

He's standing here lol

[@robertguy6422]

You need to Call Bob Guy Don White's crew chief....he can give you a solid history of Keokuk Racing!!!!

[@robertguy6422]

Don's wife was Ernie's sister

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Will the real Bob Guy please stand up!

[@ChrisWilliams-fs1zp]

Keokuk Iowa use to have a place called the Palace… only had to be 19 to get served there in 1993 I was going to school in Quincy IL and we would go to the Palace regularly. We called it the “meat market” if you couldn’t get a woman there you couldn’t get one anywhere.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Cool side story there; thanks for sharing it here, Chris. Let's reopen the Palace!

[@ChrisWilliams-fs1zp]

@@HistoryMysteryMan not nearly as cool as yours 😎but it’s interesting how yours rustled up a mess of good old memories for me. Lol. I was only 18 when we first started going. Still had to get my buddy to buy me beer.

[@kyleolson279]

Man it's too bad the old IMCA and USAC Stock Cars don't get recognized for their impact on stock car racing history.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man you can say that again! Both were super tough in their day...and so competitive. Back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, the USAC and IMCA Stock Car tours were every bit as tough as NASCAR was back in that era. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@kyleolson279]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Ernie Derr, Ramo Stott, and Darrell Dake are in the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame and because of that I fortunate to learn there was a lot more to stock car racing history than NASCAR. Like you said just as competitive if not more so than NASCAR. The southerners did win one war I guess and as the saying goes the winners get to rewrite history. Unfortunate though.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@kyleolson279 All those series back then were pretty equal. Same thing with ARCA. 6-time ARCA champ Iggy Katona used to go to Lakewood Speedway in Atlanta and run with NASCAR all the time...and usually kicked their ass and needed a police escort to get him out of town...thanks.

[@bobvalentine8927]

The good old days

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

For sure...the pioneers of the industry...thanks. HMM

[@Ringo420.]

Hey hmm will captain Daryl walton be featured in the next video😅

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Coming soon...thanks!

[@Ringo420.]

@@HistoryMysteryMan outstanding thanks hmm you are appreciated 🙏

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Ringo420. So many thanks!

[@mariebeasley1269]

Funny now todays drivers success they have to build multi million dollar homes. I just hope they feel like Derr's grandson to feel the pride and joy of their upbringing

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

For sure...you can tell that Bruce Derr was raised right...by good, hard working folks who created their own wealth. Thanks again, Marie...HMM

[@Matthewcook-s7c]

Buddy drove a Daytons Charger not a Superbird

[@TimPanosh]

Cool video Gordy Blankenship two Jesus saves

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

10-4 on Blankenship...thanks! HMM

[@Sabe53]

Yea Gordy and his brother Lem, I think their dad got them racing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Sabe53 Thanks for the info.

[@Sabe53]

@@HistoryMysteryMan My uncle knew all the old drivers, he was a mechanic at the old Tigue's Chrysler, Plymouth dealership. They all went to school together and served in WW2.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Sabe53 Now there's a great story!

[@martinsuter3531]

There was no such thing as a "Dodge Superbird"!!! The one yea only 1970 Superbirds were Plymoths .The subject of this video, the former Buddy Baker car. also a one year only car was 1969 Dodge Daytona!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You win the prize. I'm not all that up-to-speed on the Mopar stuff.