On "Old Timer’s Night" in 1983, Billy Courtwright was the winner in Pete Petraitis’ #40, one of the more successful cars of the time period. Click the photo to see a larger version.
Courtwright, of course, is the smiling young fellow in the driver’s suit, shaking the hand of car owner Petraitis. There is plenty of the event sponsor’s product, Chemlube, being passed around also.
In the background, upper left, is Jack Bellinato, who was Pine Brook’s promoter from the passing of Jack Dowie until the end in 1989. Bellinato is wearing what he considered to be his lucky hat, the hat he counted on to ward off rainouts. We don’t know the story behind Mark Allen’s hat, at the far right.
In addition to Courtwright, numerous drivers enjoyed victories in this car. Nick Fornoro, Jr.’s name is lettered on the cowl in this shot. Courtwright and Fornoro were great friends, but friction did occur as they competed for rides in front-running cars like this one. We can remember Bob Cicconi winning in this car, too.
Also lettered on the car is "One of The Bad Guys," a nickname given to a merry band of racers, including Petraitis, from Long Island. Once, when it seemed that all the racing luck and most of the officiating decisions were going against them, Will Ford lamented, "What are we, the bad guys?" A nickname was born.
Thanks to Billy Courtwright for sending us this photo. Send us your Pine Brook memories!