Editor’s Note: In this monthly photo essay feature, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame photographer John Mahoney shares his memories and images from some of the most amazing and historic sprint car and midget races. From 1968 through 1971, Larry Dickson and Gary Bettenhausen dominated the USAC sprint ranks in what became known as “The Larry and Gary Show.”. After winning the first 50 lapper, Beale’s title hopes soared, especially since Dickson and Bettenhausen dropped out with mechanical problems. 33 sprint car, while Bettenhausen took over Ben Leyba’s No. Thus, the stage was set for one of the most spectacular drives in sprint car racing history. Twentieth to first in 50 laps, Bettenhausen clinched the 1971 title in the New Bremen finale, closing out one of the greatest eras in USAC sprint car racing.

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