Big Dave Kaut
Car #44

Page 3 of ? Pages

Welcome to Page three of 

The  Racing Years

By David L. Kaut

1971

Note from Dan: many of the articles and pictures from Dave's 1971 scrapbook were loose in the book.  Adhesives in the tape had long ago failed.  As a result, I have had to abandon the orgnization of the material and will leave that to the reader.  

#44 is the same car as last year with the exception of a new body. This is last years 327 engine.  We put $335 more into it other than the initil cost of $200.  We bought a 360 degree hi-riser manifold.  We had the crankshaft balanced.  We had the heads milled .020 and out heavy duty racing valve springs and valve clearance set.

First race- saturday, may 8,1971- Car ran very well and handled perfectly.  All I had to do was learn how to drive it.  I won my heat easily because I drew pole position.  I came in second in the trophy dash and second in the "A" feature.  I just couldn't get around Larry Brown.  Winnings-- $115.

Second race- saturday, may 15,1971- Car ran better than last week.  New tires and wheels.  Came in third in heat and won the "A" Feature.  Winnings $135 and a Cromwell X-3 jacket.

Third race- Saturday, May 29th, 1971-  (Delayed one week due to bad weather).  Car ran excellantly.  It was beyond my expectations.  I ran second in heat, second in the trophy dash and won the "A" Feature.  Won $150.  I have heard many rumors that my engine will be claimed next Saturday.

Memorial Day Race-May 31,1971- Car ran very well.  I got in a wreck the first lap of the "A" Feature.  Bent the bumper back and I rubbed on the tire.  Worked my way up to second spot.  In attempting to take the lead, I got myself in a jam, but luck was with me and the leader got boxed in and I took over with ten laps to go.  I acme in second in my heat and second in the trophy dash and won the "A" feature.  Winnings- $150.  I got a big, beautiful trophy for the "A" feature taht stands about three feet high.

Fifth race- Saturday, June 5th, 1971- Car ran well.  Luck is still with me.  Hope it holds.  I battled with Heiman for several laps to take the lead, but Van Dorn snuck in the inside on the last lap to take second place and I ended up third.

Sixth race- Saturday, June 12,1971- Car ran exceptionally well.  Thought I'd never get through my heat race.  Hit two cars broadside, but still won. Finally, drew poll position in the trophy dash.  Came in second in the "A" feature.  Almost made my first clean sweep for the year, but just couldn't get around #46, Frank Fernald.  Won $120.

Seventh race- Saturday, June 19,1971- I won my heat. Drew 5th in the trophy dash.  Was taking over the lead in the feature when #32 and I danced to the fence on the south end.  I got the car running again and worked my way back to second after being passed by everyone. I really pushed it and it ran excellently.  I couldn't ask for more.  Won $115.

Eighth race- Saturday, June 26,1971- I won my heat and the trophy dash.  Thought I had the "A" feature won, but with 3 laps to go, the cap came off the slick and I had to settle for third.  Won $100. Try again next week.