gt350 Shelb,
This is a new one for me, thanks>>>
Did some quick research in my files on tracks Ben sanctioned and hosted SCCA races at.
I am pretty sure this is at the Studebaker Proving grounds. If so, Bosch owns that facility now.
I will check with the Studebaker Museum, real nice ornate & exquisite museum, to see if they know.
If it is, then there is a long story behind the picture. IN PART;
Ben hosted and sanctioned SCCA race events all over the country.
Ben used to take the Speedster to SCCA events as a draw for the public. He often invited his good friends Harley and Zora to take concept cars to draw crowds too. Long story of how the Corvette actually became ties into parts of this.
If I am correct, this is spring of 1952, before the D types etc adapted much of Bens styling from 1935.
As I always say, the size of a AC Cobra or Porsche 911.
Ben innovated 13 firsts, most of which are still in use today, into this exotic.
Imagine the public reaction in seeing this on the road in 1935 ! In a magazine article, Ben said he stopped driving it during the day, as crowds would follow him.
The Studebaker museum sent me Invitation to come to an event reunion, they wanted a large gathering of race cars that ran the track at the proving grounds.
When Ben built the Speedster, there were no classes of racing for his super car. SCCA had not been born.
Even though futuristic & race inspired, he had no idea he was building what was to come.
Ironically with other great racing legends, he was important in designing and funding Road America, SCCA race rule books, seat belts, roll bars and much much more.
They contacted me 3 years ago, and wanted me to bring the Speedster in as is condition, to the event they were planning.
Cunningham's, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar's, MG, Healey's and more were going to attend>>> COVID shut everything down.
They could not believe that it was Ben that sanctioned and Hosted the SCCA event.
Much will be happening with the Life & Times of Ben in the future.
Thanks for the pic gt 350 shelb
John