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Actor Mickey Rooney died on April 6, 2014 at the age of 93. Among Mr. Rooney's film credits is a 1949 independent production by Samuel H. Stiefel made for United Artists titled, 'The Big Wheel'. In his first film after leaving MGM, Rooney plays 'Billy Coy', a young man determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a race driver.
The film was a success in theaters across the nation and is valued today for the midget sequences filmed at Carrell Speedway in Gardena, CA. Mickey Rooney was always gracious to racers throughout his life, as the film created a bond with racers he always respected.
Long Islander, Warren Smith, currently owns the Offy midget which appeared as #75, 'Six Bits', in the film. The car has often been on display in the lobby of dinner theater venues on Long Island where Mickey Rooney was appearing and the Smiths were always guests of the actor.
Rooney, in #50 'Four Bits', 'races' outside his teammate in #75, 'Six Bits', in the 1949 MGM film, 'The Big Wheel'. |
The Smith brothers, Ed, Bill, and Warren pose with Warren's Kurtis Kraft Offy which was the #75 in the film, 'The Big Wheel', at Loudon, NH in 2010. |
One young theater patron from Long Island with a burning desire to become a race driver took the name 'Coy' for his on-track name. After years of developing his driving skills, Johnny 'Coy' became the 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1972 ARDC champion. Mickey Rooney has always held a special place with midget racers from the 1950s and beyond.
 Johnny 'Coy' became ARDC champion in 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1972. Shown here in the Ken Brenn Offy at Freeport. |
EARHS Corporate Level Sponsors
Please support our sponsors
Weisel Racing Equipment, Inc. Orefield, PA
Plunkett & Graver, P.C. Allentown, PA
The Gang at Stoner Racing Enola, PA
High Speed Graphics Orefield, PA
Father & Son Spl. #33 Junie & Bing Metz
Reliable Auto Body Allentown, PA
John Schneider Allentown, PA
Leigh Earnshaw Ent. Morgantown, PA
Pocono Raceway Mattioli Foundation Long Pond, PA
Antonini Radiator Pottsville, PA
Midnight Machine Works Eddie Gittens Mountaintop, PA
Jim & Donna Hontz Bethlehem, PA
Freddy Adam - The Kutztown Komet From Freddy's family, friends, and fans
Bob and Carole Wilkey Hollsopple, PA & COLORADO
Your monetary sponsorship in any denomination or donations of historically significant items, photos, documents, etc. toward projects undertaken by the EARHS are welcomed and encouraged. EARHS is recognized as a federally tax exempt charity by the IRS under Section 501c(3).
EARHS "wants and needs"
Wanted: Racing photo collections – share and preserve programs. If you have vintage racing photos, EARHS would like to be able to scan and copy these items. All items will be returned intact and we can provide you with a computer disc of those items from significant collections. We are especially interested in Dorney Park items from the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s and all Allentown Fair items, including indoor racing events, but all items are welcome.
Wanted: Showcases and display cases. Often cases of unusual configuration can be used for displays of trophies and memorabilia. Also, race programs from the '55 & '58 Allentown Fair.
We continue to fill our showroom - all members are invited to visit and check our progress. Please call Pete (610 398-2188) or Paul (610 395-5303) to arrange a time to visit.
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