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6/15/06
Aurora Grand Nationals - 1963 - The First Winner
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By Henry Harnish

We were fortunate enough to have Henry Harnish scan several pages of material for our feature on the first Aurora Grand Nationals. We will try to give you a feel for some of the promotional material, as well as his personal input. Editor

From Henry Harnish - I raced at Rich's Hobbytowne in Parsippany NJ for the 1962 Ford-Aurora Grand Nationals with - of course vibe cars. When most kids were out enjoying their summertime activities - such as baseball - swimming - picnics - I was in the basement preparing for the ultimate race - a chance at the national title - and not to mention a brand new 1962 Thunderbird.

I am happy to say that my perservance was rewarded as I won the race and was rewarded with the new Thunderbird and huge National trophy. After a 41 year layoff I am racing again -and with the help of all the friends I've met in my racing return - I'm ready to go get it again - do they still make TBirds?? - just kidding - anyone involved in 62 vibe races that want to share their experiences - please do.

Henry Harnish 1962 National Model Motoring Champion

This is a picture (Left) of the eight 1962 semi-finalists taken at Toots Shor's restaurant in NYC. This was a famous watering hole for all the pro athletes in town - like Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford etc. The Aurora gents in back from left are Bill Silverstein - Joe Giammarino - and John Cuomo. The racers from left are Henry Harnish - Phil Schultz - William Buzzell - Larry Patterson - Jeff Davis - Dick Carpenter - Donald O'Donnell - George Abbott. A good description of the day's events are printed on page 28 of Thomas Graham's book "Aurora Slot Cars".