53 Cars On Hand For 16th Annual Harry Miller Meet
by Steve Zautke
7/10/2010

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A record 53 cars were on hand for the 16th annual "Millers at Milwaukee" vintage Indy Car event, held at the historic Milwaukee Mile. This year the event was named the David V. Uihlein Sr. Memorial Vintage Indy Car event. Mr. Uihlein who passed away January 29th, 2010 founded the club in 1995 to honor the achievements of the distinguished engine and racecar designer, Harry A, Miller a Wisconsin native. Mr. Uihlein will be remembered for his enthusiasm for vintage racing cars and engines, and his passion for keeping the accomplishments of Harry Miller alive.

Under nearly perfect sunny weather, the event held at the venerable one-mile oval on July 9th and 10th saw many cars ranging from 1910 through 1965 testing their mettle on the track. The meet is known for its ample track time saw many cars that previously raced at tracks such as Indianapolis, the Milwaukee Mile when it was dirt and the memorable board tracks of the 1920's take advantage. Many fans of "old school" open wheel racing took advantage of the numerous opportunities to meet and chat with the friendly car owners who answered questions regarding their historic machines.

It was fitting that the Mr. Uihlein's widow, Margery served as Grand Marshal of the exhibition and spoke kindly of the event at the drivers meeting on Friday morning. Mr. Uihlein's son, David, Jr. also was present and spoke at the drivers meeting and thanked the participants. After the driver's meeting a group photo of the cars was staged on the historic Milwaukee Mile's front straightaway with Margery and David, Jr. in Mr. Uihlein's 1931 Indianapolis 500 winning car, the Bowes Seal Fast Miller alone in the front row.

There were many new cars at the Miller Meet this year and numerous others that are regular supporters of the club. However no matter if you love the beautiful single seat Millers of the 1920's, two man Indy Cars, upright champ cars or the historic Indianapolis roadsters of the 1950's and 1960's, it is always surprising the vast variety at this meet.

Many thanks to the participating entrants, William Akin, Eric Anderson, Mike Bauman, Bill lume of the Collier Collection, Fred Bohlander, William Cammarano, Jr., Bill Castle, Colin Comer, Dano Davis, Ted Davis, Robert Dicks, Dick Dittman, Joe Freeman, Gordon Fuhr, August Grasis, Buz Hahn, Mark Heathman, Bill Hoff, Dennis Holloway, Charles Lawrence, Herb Lederer, Tom Malloy, Sam Mann, Bob McConnell, Dana Mecum, Lou Natenshon, Pat Phinny, Phil Reilly, Carl Schultz, Bud Taylor, Dave Thomas, Steve Truchan, Margery Uihlein, Mark Ulinski, Bill Warner and Randy Kimberly.

Many vendors and nice static display was on hand in the paddock and kept the attention of those who attended. Many nice historic road cars such as a Stutz and Shelby Mustangs were seen. Several historic midget racecars and even a USAC/NASCAR Plymouth Superbird were on hand. Special thanks to Dale Colonna, Ed Dooley, Joe Freeman, Ralph Hibbard, Jr. John Haydon, Greg Kishline, Bob McConnell, Lee Trainor, Ken Walton and Gordon White for their terrific displays.

Many were surprised to see sports car great, Hurley Haywood, driving the famous Junior 8 Miller and sleek black and gold Konstant Hot Special Watson roadster. Haywood was part of the Brumos Historic Racing Division on hand with Dano Davis and was enthused with this year's meet. Former drivers like, Billy Engelhart, Frank Burany, Bob Harkey, Johnny Reimer and others were on hand. Famed mechanics Sonny Meyer and Willie Davis kept their eye on things and many involved in the sport for many years walked the pit area.

The good news is the Harry A. Miller Club Meet will return in 2011. Due to a scheduling conflict, the event which in the past was a week before the Kohler International Challenge vintage event at Road America will follow the KIC. So mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday July 22nd and 23rd, 2011 for the 17th annual Millers at Milwaukee Meet. For more information, go to www.harrymillerclub.com





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