dirt
CHRONICLES
GOLDEN STATE GREATS
By: Bob Mays
Al Gordon was one of the top west coast drivers of the Legion Ascot era, earning the 1935 Pacific Coast title. An extrovert, Gordon at different times was a tire builder, salesman and even owned a bar. He along with his riding mechanic, Spider Matlock, were killed at Legion Ascot in 1936. (Ted Wilson photo)
Inaugural National Sprint Car Hall of Fame class member Jan Opperman won his first sprint car race in this car at Vallejo, California, in 1967. The Rangerpowered car was owned by Hank Hanstead. It wouldn’t be his last win by a long shot. (Bob Mays collection)
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DIRT EMPIRE MAGAZINE | APRIL/MAY 2021
