“Salute to the Oswego SuperModifieds” Exhibit Opens at National Sprint Car Museum
Knoxville, IA (May 12, 2008) - The National Sprint Car Museum in Knoxville is pleased to present a “Salute to the
Oswego SuperModifieds” exhibit, featuring Jim Shampine’s famed 8-Ball roadster. The display in the non-profit museum,
which is open to the public seven days a week, year-round, was initiated by Tom Bliss and coordinated by Jim Liccardi.
The 8-Ball roadster supermodified, which won five Oswego Speedway track championships, two International Classic
200’s, and 55 features between 1970 and ‘77, is on loan from restorer and current owner Jim Paternoster.
Knoxville, IA (May 12, 2008) - The National Sprint Car Museum in Knoxville is pleased to present a “Salute to the
Oswego SuperModifieds” exhibit, featuring Jim Shampine’s famed 8-Ball roadster. The display in the non-profit museum,
which is open to the public seven days a week, year-round, was initiated by Tom Bliss and coordinated by Jim Liccardi.
The 8-Ball roadster supermodified, which won five Oswego Speedway track championships, two International Classic
200’s, and 55 features between 1970 and ‘77, is on loan from restorer and current owner Jim Paternoster.
In addition to the supermodified, the exhibit features memorabilia
and photos from the super careers of “Irish” Jack Murphy, Nolan
Swift, “Red” Barnhart, Kempton Dates, Eddie Bellinger Jr., Joe
Gosek, Doug Didero, Steve Gioia (Sr., Jr. and III), Tim Richmond,
Greg Furlong, Jamie Moore, Pat Abold and other Oswego regulars.
One of the highlights is the display of all six International Classic
trophies won by Nolan Swift, driver of the famed “Ten Pins”
supermodified at Oswego.
According to museum executive director Tom Schmeh, “I really
want to thank Tom Bliss, Jim Paternoster, Jim Liccardi, George
Caruso and Jim Ferlito for helping arrange this special exhibition. I
also want to thank the drivers and families who loaned us their
valued memorabilia. This is the first time we’ve ever had an asphalt
supermodified in our museum and there is no better one to display
than the late Jim Shampine’s 8-Ball.”
and photos from the super careers of “Irish” Jack Murphy, Nolan
Swift, “Red” Barnhart, Kempton Dates, Eddie Bellinger Jr., Joe
Gosek, Doug Didero, Steve Gioia (Sr., Jr. and III), Tim Richmond,
Greg Furlong, Jamie Moore, Pat Abold and other Oswego regulars.
One of the highlights is the display of all six International Classic
trophies won by Nolan Swift, driver of the famed “Ten Pins”
supermodified at Oswego.
According to museum executive director Tom Schmeh, “I really
want to thank Tom Bliss, Jim Paternoster, Jim Liccardi, George
Caruso and Jim Ferlito for helping arrange this special exhibition. I
also want to thank the drivers and families who loaned us their
valued memorabilia. This is the first time we’ve ever had an asphalt
supermodified in our museum and there is no better one to display
than the late Jim Shampine’s 8-Ball.”
The museum store is supporting the exhibition by offering an “Evolution of the Oswego SuperModified” print, Andy Fusco’s
authorized Jim Shampine biography entitled “The Pine”, and both George Caruso books, “Oswego Speedway, 1951-2000”
and “Oswego Speedway International Classic, 1957-2006”. Those wishing to make purchases on-line are encouraged to
visit www.sprintcarstuff.com.
