This is my Dads race car, the first photo was
taken in 1939 at Fort Smith Arkansas, Flying
Saucer Speedway, one mile round track, no
straights!! He raced 1939/40 and then 1946/47.
The car sat until 1978, then was completely
rebuilt and taken around the country to show
off until 1983 when it was loaned to a museum.
The cost of restoration was $15,000 and the
car is currently worth $70,000.
The second photo was at Thunder Valley Speedway,
Fayetteville Arkansas, in 1982,
The car weighs 1100 pounds Has 268 ci. and has
been clocked at 133 MPH. The engine is a Furguson
Tractor block with all Wenfield racing parts, Making
about 300 HP at 6000RPM. It's a Alki' burner!!
My father was a WW2 pilot and received several
medals from US and Britian, He was killed in a
plane crash Thanksgiving day 1962 south of Witchia
Kansas, He worked for United Airlines, But was not
in a United plane at the time!!
He flew mail from Dallas to Kansas City in 1929/31
He worked for several aircraft companys, as a pilot
and a welder, until the start of the war, He flew
P-51s and P-38s and later was a carrier landing
instructor at Blyeville Air Corp Camp, Blyeville Ark.
I was told he had 30 to 45 "Kills" mostly trains!!
Three confirmed Aircraft!!
I did not know my father very well, but his friends
have made me proud to be his son!! I have been
told "He knew no fear, or wasn't smart enough to
know what it was
"!!
X:
Brad L. Banks
In memory of
Artie Kirby Banks 1910/1962
Captian, USAAC 1940/45
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