Twelve Mile 500 History
Use the Drop-Down Menu to jump to any year1963 – First annual 12 Mile 500. Steve Dillman of Twelve Mile held the pole with a speed of 9.972 miles per hour. Two girls, Sharon Grable and Jeanie Cover, both of Twelve Mile, qualified for the race. Jeanie Cover finished fourth, the highest finishing position a girl had attained to date. Phil Eckelbarger of Peru won the race. Jeanie Cover won the Pace car because the rule was the Pace car would be awarded to the highest place finisher among drivers who qualified their mowers on the opening day of qualifications. First thru fifth place finishers: Phil Eckelbarger, Jim Skinner, Dennis Grable, Jeannie Cover, and Jerry Lambert.
1964 - Fred Lesley of Mexico, blowing an engine during the ’63 race came back to take the checkered flag in ’64. The qualifying speeds jumped considerably from 9.972 to 25.714 miles per hour, as miner modifications were allowed to factory built mowers. First thru fifth place finishers: Fred Lesley, Jack Burke, William Polen, Larry Gearhart, and Daryle Prather.
1965 - It was the year for Larrys. Larry Hart of Marion, the pole sitter, missed 30 miles per hour by an eyelash qualifying at 29.315 miles per hour. Larry See of Twelve Mile won the race after qualifying at 21.479 miles per hour on the final day of qualifications. Christy Smith of Twelve Mile qualified at 19.823 miles per hour. The record speed for a girl thus far. First thru fifth place finishers: Larry See, Fred Lesley, Larry Harts, Bob Musselman, and Phil Eckelbarger.
1966 –Phil Eckelbarger of Peru, driving a Wheel Horse, qualified at an unheard of speed of 31.034 miles per hour. This speed was a track record at the old high school track. He also was the first driver to use a tachometer during the race. Mike Skinner of Mexico, running under the Firestone name, won the race even though he lost a front wheel on the final lap. Patty Stair of Logansport, entering the race qualifying just over 12 miles per hour kept her foot to the floor during the race and finished fifth in a field of 21, the largest ever. First thru fifth place finishers: Mike Skinner, Sam Henderson, LeRoy Bowen, Randy Grable, and Patty Stair.
1967 – Randy Grable of Twelve Mile was first to see the checkered flag after a hectic day of action with rain threatening all during the race. Bob Johnson of Twelve Mile demonstrated how to make to easy rolls on a new Allis Chalmers without hurting anything but his pride. He ended up second fastest qualifier and took fourth place in the race. First thru fifth place finishers: Randy Grable, Daryle Prather, Lee Hewitt, Bob Johnson, and Don Callender.
1968 – Chuck Pashen, driving a fine tuned mower from the Twelve Mile Mower Shop, showed how it was done by taking the checkered flag in his first try at mower racing. Lee Hewitt finished second, moving up one position from the previous year with son Bill Hewitt right behind. Mike Skinner, the 1966 race winner, showed up in the top five again and has now convinced his dad, Charles Skinner (Mr. Firestone himself from Peru) that he should try it. Saryle Prather was third fastest qualifier for the second straight year with twin brother Daryle in the field for the fifth consecutive year. First thru fifth place finishers: Charles Paschen, Lee Hewitt, Bill Hewitt, Mike Skinner, and Tim Wilbur.
1969 – Mike Skinner sat on the Pole for the first time with a speed of 30.00 miles per hour. The field was full with several newcomers, two of which showed up in the top five finishers, Kenneth Brount of Camden and Mike Gallahan of Peru. Dennis Winegardner of Twelve Mile out ran the field on a mower that featured and extended wheelbase plus an eave spout exhaust stack. Patty Stair of Logansport drove her mower to a new record high qualifying speed limit for girls, running 20.00 miles per hour. First thru fifth place finishers: Dennis Winegardner, Mike Babb, Earl Grauel, Kenneth Brount, and Mike Gallahan.
1970 – Our new “Grand Prix” style track was completed at its current location in Plank Hill Park and the configuration of the track reduced the average qualifying speed to less than 20 miles per hour. Danny Roth of Wabash captured the Pole Position in a sleek red racer at 18.89 miles per hour, clocking speed over 30 miles per hour on the straightaway. David Zell of Walton, who had raced four previous years, finally came through with a victory. His victory marked the first win by any driver without a penalty. First thru fifth place finishers: David Zell, Danny Roth, Arville Mannus, Charles Skinner, and Ronnie Roth.
1971 – We added a little European flavor with our first Grand Prix start after eight consecutive races starting Indianapolis style. Dick Walker of Denver qualified in second position then drove his mower smoothly through 48 laps of racing to victory in the 9th Annual 12 Mile 500. David Zell, the 1970 winner, drove another fine race finishing second. Danny Roth of Wabash and Ronnie Roth of Peru finished in the top five for the second year in a row. John Ray of Twelve Mile qualified for his eighth straight race. First thru fifth place finishers: Dick Walker, David Zell, Dan Hack, Danny Roth, and Ronnie Roth.
1972 – Lee Hewitt, first entry, Earl Grauel, tenth consecutive race! Donny Vore broke the 21 miles per hour barrier at the new track, grabbing Pole Position. Dick Walker becomes the first 2-time winner, nipping Jerry Wise at the finish line. Patty Stair, the only girl in the race with seven years of experience, finished 30th. Elapsed time for the race was 54 minutes. First thru fifth place finishers: Dick Walker, Jerry Wise, Greg Deeds, Donnie Vore, and Mike Skinner.
1973- Jerry Wise, last year’s runner-up, won Pole Position with 21.48 miles per hour. The race preceded by a hard rain in the morning resulted in a virtual mud bath for several of the drivers. Mike Carey, a high school student at Lewis Cass waited patiently as Allen Paschen & Danny Roth, leaders on the 47th lap got too anxious and felt the sting of the penalty box. Carey breezed by to claim the checkered flag. Two father and son teams competed, Lee and Miles Hewitt and Orville and Wayne Mannies. First thru fifth finishers: Mike Carey, Stan Thompson, Greg Richardson, Danny Roth, and Allen Paschen.
1974 – 54 mowers entered the race making qualifying more competitive and exciting than ever. Bill Black Jr. won the Pole Position in a new record speed of 23.727 miles per hour. Earl Grauel made it 12 straight and finished 11th. Greg Deeds, a North Miami high student, started 15th and finished 1stst. Jerry Wise was runner-up again and led 14 laps. Mike Carey, last year’s winner, finished 28th. What a change in luck! Senator Landgrebe served as Parade Marshall. Times International Magazine featured an article written by Kansas City visitor Helen Hawkins about the now famous 12 Mile 500. First thru fifth place finishers: Greg Deeds, Jerry Wise, Mitchell Brower, Donnie Vore, and Gary Nead.
1975 – Pat Vidan, official starter of the Indy 500 served as Parade Marshall and Flagman. Tony Ellis erased the 1974 track record by capturing Pole Position at 24.862 miles per hour. Fifty-five entries with Earl Grauel making it 13 straight. Earl finished in 15th place. Jeff Hopper of Peru, at 13 years of age, won the 13th race. First thru fifth place finishers: Jeff Hopper, Earl Flora, J.A. Dietz, Don Stair, and Lee Hewitt.
1976 – Dean Owens won the race although he was flagged into the penalty box on the final lap. The fastest race day qualifier, Carl Baker, filled the 33rd position in the starting field. First thru fifth place finishers: Dean Owens, Lee Hewitt, Mike Carey, David Zell, and Donnie Vore.
1977 – Tony Ellis, Pole Position winner in 1975 and 1976, did it again for the third consecutive year at a new record speed of 25.568 miles per hour. Earl Grauel who had raced the previous 14 years with his highest place finish coming in ’69 (3rd place) took the checkered flag on his 15th try. Grauel started 33rd having to earn the last starting position on race day from five other contenders. He again proved the old adage Perseverance Pays Off. First thru fifth place finishers: Earl Grauel, Mark Bonnell, Dean Owens, Mike Clark, and Gary Scott.
1978 – Rick Seehase’s win was as much as a surprise to Seehase as Vore’s eighth place finish was to Vore. For about 20 minutes after the race, Logansport’s Donny Vore thought he was the victor, as he had been waved in with the checkered flag. However, the checkered flag was accidentally waved too soon. Vore was only on his 47th lap instead of his 48th lap and officially placed eighth. First thru fifth place finishers: Rick Seehase, Morris DeMarco, Lee Hewitt, Rod Schram, and Earl Grauel.
1979 – Donald Owens, who qualified for 24th position, had to come from the back of the pack to claim the victory. Owens led only 3 laps, the ninth, tenth and the last. Mike Clark of Peru was close to winning leading the 43rd through the 47th lap. Unfortunately for Clark, the race is 48 laps long. During the last lap Owens surged past Clark for the win. First thru fifth place finishers: Don Owens, Mike Clark, Mike Babb, Mike Scott, and Howard Bonnell.
1980 – Mel Daniels, former Indiana Pacer, served as Parade Marshall. Prior to the race, Karl Smith paid tribute to the late Ned Grable who was instrumental in the organization of the race, which is sponsored by the Twelve Mile Lions Club. Tony Ellis grabbed Pole Position away from Tome Wise at 26.866 miles per hour. Ellis finished in 13th position and Wise in 23rd position at the end of the race. The 33rd qualifying position was earned by 12-year-old Paul Slisher of Rochester, who made a respectable showing, coming in 17th. Roy Rudd of Rochester started the race in 25th position and finished 3rd. That’s progress! Mike Clark led the 26th and 38th through 46th laps, but Jeff Hopper overtook him and led the 47th to take the checkered flag only 3 seconds ahead of Clark. Now that’s close! Hopper became the second person in the 18-year lawn mower race history to win the race a second time (he won in 1975). Dick Walker was our other two-time winner, winning in ’71 and ’72. First thru fifth place finishers: Jeff Hopper, Mike Clark, Tim Wise, Jeff Albright, and Mike Cromer.
1981 – Pole Sitter, Tom Wise of Peru placed third in race standings. Roy Rudd entered the race as the fourth fastest qualifier with a qualifying at 24.910 miles per hour. He led the race for only the final two laps and finished just ahead of runner-up Mike Clark of Peru. The race was run in only 42 minutes despite a muddy track. Track Officials said they believed that was a track record. A 12 lap preliminary race was run for those who failed to make any of the 33 positions in the main race. First thru fifth place finishers: Roy Rudd, Mike Clark, Tom Wise, Jeff Albright, and Mike Cromer.
1982 – Pole sitter, Tom Wise of Peru won the race! A brother/sister team, Dean and Nancy Owens competed in the race. Dean qualified at 24.090 miles per hour and Nancy at 21.256 mph. First thru fifth place finishers: Tom Wise, Mike Clark, Don Lambert, Roy Rudd, and David Zell.
1983 – Cannonball Robbins of Bunker Hill was the Pole Position winner (26.754 miles per hour) but finished in 25th place. Robbins was involved in two wrecks. In front of the grandstand, he ran over his competitor’s foot (Don Lambert), which flipped Robbins’ mower. The second wreck took place on the backstretch, coming out of the unlimited speed zone. Tom Wise of Peru, for the second consecutive year, was the race champion. He completed the race of 48 laps in 38 minutes (leading 11 of 48), which was almost ten minutes faster than the race had ever been run before. The reason for the exceptionally fast race this year was that a section of the track was designated as a passing section with unlimited speed. For most of the track the speed limit remained at 12 miles per hour. Joe Schroeder of Richmond had a bad wreck in the unlimited speed zone, which bent the axle of his mower and put him out of the race. This was also the first time in the race’s 21-year history that a mower was unable to finish the race due to it catching fire. First thru fifth place finishers: Tom Wise, Don Lambert, Don Stair, Todd Miller, and Mike Cromer.
1984 – Don Lambert, 51, the oldest driver in the race, marked up his first victory. He set a record by finishing in 37.37 minutes, a full 23 seconds faster than 1983’s winning time. Lambert has been in the race 16 years and this win marked the third year in a row he finished inside the top five. He finished third in ’82 and second in ’83. The track was the dustiest it has ever been in the 22-year history. Near dust bowl conditions existed with lawn mowers creating a hazy cloud on the bone-dry track. The crowd was down a bit due to holding the race on a weekend and not on the traditional 4th of July. Todd Miller of Twelve Mile lost a wheel as he made a turn at the home plate area, flipping his mower over. Miller abandoned his mower on the track and scaled the 10-foot backstop fence to avoid being hit. First thru fifth place finishers: Don Lambert, Don Owens, Joe Schroeder, Done Vore, and Tom Vore.
1985 – First time winner, Kevin Graf of Logansport, finished with a time of 41.31. This was his fifth year in the race. Pole-sitter Mark Graham of Macy finished third. Two new races were featured this year; an OPEC Special Endurance race and a drag race. Todd Miller of Twelve Mile won the OPEC Special Endurance and Rick York captured first prize in the drag race. First thru fifth place finishers (feature race): Kevin Graf, Dean Owens, Tom Schroeder, Mark Graham, and Todd Miller.
1986 - In only his second year in the race, Steve Herrell of Rochester took the checkered flag to win the race in a time of 38.06. Mark Graham, who sat on the Pole the last two years finished in 18th. Terry Hayes of Logansport, one of four rookies, qualified in second position and finished 11th with fellow rookies Junior Walker of Peru, Gary Troyer of Twelve Mile and Allen Shrotz of Rochester, finishing 20th, 21st, and 28th respectively. Seven drivers were unable to complete the race due to accidents or mechanical difficulties. A 12-lap junior race was held this year for the first time with Bill Robbins of Bunker Hill taking first position, Mike Zell of Kokomo placing second, Beth Lambert of Logansport finished third, and Jason Hewitt of Twelve Mile placed fourth. Dean Owens won the Briggs type division of the drag race and Rick York captured the Modified type division drag race. First thru fifth place finishers (feature race): Steve Herrell, Mark Graf, Don Lambert, Brian Provo, and Mike Crome.
1987 – TWELVE MILE CELEBRATES THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAWN MOWER RACING! First time winner Mark Graf of Logansport finished the race with time of 36.13 after competing for the winning position for eight years. Second place went to the 1984 champion Don Lambert of Logansport. Third place was handed to the ’82-’83 champion Tom Wise of Peru. Gary Troyer of Twelve Mile, who led the most laps (17), finished in fourth place. Brett Brandonburt of Richmond became ill before the race forcing him to withdraw, handing his position to Al Shortz who finished the race in 16th position. First thru fifth place finishers: Mark Graf, Don Lambert, Tom Wise, Gary Troyer, and Mark Graham.
1988 – We have all heard of blazing saddles but in this case it was blazing mowers. David Troyer rode off the track into the yard when all of a sudden it burst into flames. Although the mower was not able to continue, Dave was safe. Tom Wise of Peru won the race. He previously won the race in ’82 and ’83. A bike race was also held for the first time for boys and girls age 9-12. Winner for the boys division was Bill Robbins, age 11 of Bunker Hill and Angie Robbins age 11 of Bunker Hill in the girls division. Each bike race winner received a gift certificate for $169 for a bicycle at Bickles in Logansport. Dean Owens of Mexico came back to Twelve Mile to win the Briggs type division of the drag race two years in a row. Frank Murray won the Modified type drag race division. First thru fifth place finishers: Tom Wise, Dean Owens, Don Lambert, Gary Troyer, and Mark Graham.
1989 – Twelve Mile native, Gary Troyer, wins the 12 Mile 500. Troyer dominated the race, leading 33 of 48 laps. He finished the race in 37 minutes, two laps ahead of second finisher Mark Graham of Macy. Third place finisher was Terry Hayes of Logansport, fourth place went to Todd Miller of Twelve Mile and Frank Murray rounded out the top five.
1990 – Mark Graham of Macy was the 12 Mile 500 winner. He had had problems with his lawn mower on qualification day but fixed them to qualify on race day. He started in 26th position. The previous year he finished second. Second place went to Gary Troyer of Twelve Mile. Third place went to Mark Graf, and fourth to Terry Hase, both from Logansport. Don Lambert rounded out the top five. A drag race was held along the third baseline of the track starting at home base and headed south for 400 feet. It was an interesting race because it turned into a foot race. Ron Burns and Mark Wagoner were using the same mower, so they raced by foot. Ron Burns took first place just beating Mark by a “foot” or so.
1991 – A surprise finish was enjoyed. Everyone thought Gary Troyer of Twelve Mile was sure to win the race, but as he was just a few yards away from the finish line his mower ran out of gas. His pit crew came to the rescue (or so they thought) and helped him push his mower across the finish line. During a meeting between race officials, it was discovered that this was a violation of the rules. Therefore, first place went to Darrell Ulerick and he received the pace car for the win. A drag race was held after the presentation of the prizes. First thru fifth place finishers: Darrell Ulerick, Tim Howard, Don Lambert, Gary Troyer, and Dean Owens.
1992 – Twelve Mile native, Bill Champ, son of Ernie and Mary Champ won with his lucky number and qualification position of 8. Bill had participated in many races before, but this was his first win. Second place was Randy Troyer of Twelve Mile. Rick Rush won the drag race. First thru fifth place finishers: Bill Champ, Randy Troyer, Gary Troyer, Don Lambert, and John Troyer.
1993 – Nearly 1,000 race fans were present for the 32nd annual 12 Mile 500 Race. Don Lambert took home the checkered flag. Lambert a veteran of 23 12 Mile 500 races, led 35 of 60 laps. In the last turn of the 58th lap he almost collided with a back marker and a tree but was able to bounce away from the obstacles for the win. Andy Pickens of Logansport started in 18th position and finished 2nd. First thru fifth place finishers: Don Lambert, Andy Pickens, Brian Tomson, Dean Owens, and Dennis Struck.
1994 – Ron Burns took the checkered flag in his fifth year of racing. Randy Troyer was able to come in second, Bill champ placed third, Greg Scott placed fourth and Jeff Tomsom came in fifth.
1995 – Gary Troyer finished in first place with Jody Boyd coming in second. Randy Troyer followed with third, Brian Tomson with fourth, and Dean Owens finishing in fifth.
1996 – This was the first year for the running of a separate modified engine class and a Briggs engine class for the 12 Mile 500. Each 60-lap race winner received a car as grand prize. Randy Troyer won the Modified division race and Andy Pickens was the winner of the Briggs race. Krista and Jeff Tomson represented our first husband and wife participants in the same year. Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Randy Troyer, Gary Troyer, Brian Tomson, Curt Kline, and Ron Burns. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Andy Pickens, Dean Owens, Don Owens, Jerome Emery, and Daniel Hopper.
1997 – Dave Sarver was the winner in the Modified race, and Allen Calendine won first place in the Briggs race. Krista Tomson was pregnant with Lacy Sue, which makes for the first time two passengers were on the same mower. Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Dave Sarver, Randy Troyer, Scott Leffert, Brent Mennen, and Jim Roller. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Allen Calendine, Ray Sims, Brandon Ulerick, Chris Ulerick, and Dennis Bodary.
1998 – Randy Troyer brought home the top spot in the Modified race and Bill Champ was the winner in the Briggs race. Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Randy Troyer, Skip Singley, Brent Mennen, Gary Troyer, and Ron Burns. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Bill Champ, Dennis Bodary, Mark Graf, Dean Owens, and Steve Hewitt.
1999 – Ron Burns led all qualifiers with a speed of 29.35 miles per hour. The top qualifier for the Briggs race was Randy Troyer with a speed of 27.91 mph. Mark Rudicel who qualified third fastest at 25.80 mph, won the Briggs race and Randy Troyer took the top spot in the Modified event. Mike Anderson and Hendrickson Motor Sales, both of Logansport, provided cars for the winners of each event. Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Randy Troyer, Ron Burns, John Troyer, Cullen Ulerick, and Skip Singley. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Mark Rudicel, Dean Owens, Jerome Emery, Brandon Ulerick, and Randy Troyer.
2000 – John Troyer was the top Briggs qualifier at 28.93 mph, while John Field was the top qualifier for the Modified race. Randy Troyer drove to victory in both feature events taking home both pace cars that were provided for by Mike Anderson and Hendrickson Motor Sales. Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Randy Troyer, Curt Kline, Jerry Field, Marc Beaman, and John Field. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Randy Troyer, Perry Nethercut, Brock Hinderlider, Greg Finks, and Darrell Ulerick.
2001 – Jeremy Walsh won the Briggs race, leading 18 laps in the race. This was his sixth year of racing. The Modified race was delayed about 45 minutes because of a brief storm as the rain was heavy enough to create hazardous track conditions. Defending race champion Randy Troyer thought that he had the Modified race in the bag until he ran out of gas with less than a half a lap to go and was past by his nephew Ryan Clemons. Randy led 41 of the 60-lap race; he ended up finishing in fifth place. This was Ryan’s first time racing, not bad for a rookie! Modified race first thru fifth place finishers: Zachary Troyer, Darrell Ulerick, Jerry Field, David Troyer, and Randy Troyer. Briggs race first thru fifth place finishers: Jeremy Walsh, Bernie Mettica, Brock Hinderlider, Dean Owens, and Bill Champ.
2002 – Cullen Ulerick won The Modified race. Coming in second and third place were Randy Troyer and Zach Troyer respectively. The Briggs race was won by Mark Rudicel, Dennis Bodary finished second, and Bernie Mittica third.
2003 – Dean Owens broke Don Lambert’s record for longest racing career at 33 years and wins the Briggs race for the second time in his racing career. Dean led 46 of 60 laps on his 40-year-old mower. His last victory was in 1976, years before the winner of the modified race Zach Troyer was even born. Adam Offutt was second, Brock Hinderlider, third, followed by Mark Rudicel and Andy Pickens. Zach passed his father, Randy, on lap 32 when his Dad dropped out due to electrical problems. Zach had to leave his first place prize at the park until someone could drive it home for him. He was too young to have a driver’s license. Second place went to Cullen Ulerick, third to another Troyer, Joel, fourth to Chuck Warpenberg and Mike Heckard rounded out the top five in the mod race.
2004 – Dean Owens captured his second race in a row and the third of his career with a win in the Briggs race. Brock Hinderlider moved up one place from the prior year to claim second, Dennis Bodary, our Michigan entry placed third, fourth went to Dean’s son, Kris, and fifth to Greg Finks. Chase Gearhart won his first race in the modified class after several years of racing his powerful Cat Special. Second went to Randy Troyer, third to Zack Troyer, fourth to Jerry Field, and Joe Troyer placed fifth in one of his first races. Both races finished in near record time as well prepared mowers and aggressive drivers circled the track in pursuit of the first place prize. Home plate was the site of many pileups as usual, but luckily no injuries. Cullen Ulerick was in first place until a collision with his old neighbor, Chuck Warpenberg, knocked him out of the race.
2005 – It was a family affair for the 43rd running as Dean Owens made it three in a row with another win in the Briggs race. He broke the record held by Don Lambert for the longest race career with a string of 33 years. He was followed closely by his son Kris, Adam Offutt, and Brock Hinderlider. In the Modified race, Zach Troyer took first place outdueling his Dad, Randy, who had mechanical problems late in the race. Cullen Ulerick followed in second place and Zach’s cousin Joey Troyer finished third. It was a clean race and speeds were down with the LIONS keeping a close watch on the mowers for speeding.
2006 – Adam Offutt won the Briggs race under some of the best track conditions racers had seen for several years. Dean Owens led 23 laps but finished 5th. Andy Pickens took second place and newcomer Todd Martin finished third. The track conditions got worse as there was a huge downpour between the two races and the modified mowers had to deal with a very muddy track at the beginning of the race. These track conditions led to several breakdowns including defending champion Chase Gearhart who led for 10 laps until mechanical problems forced him out of the race. Randy Troyer led 26 laps on his way to first place while Chuck Warpenberg led 20 on his way to second. Longtime racer Darrell Ulerick placed third. It was a clean race and speeds were down with the LIONS keeping a close watch on the mowers for speeding
2007 – Jeremy Walsh won his second Briggs race in a very fast and clean race. Mark Babb was second, followed closely by Jerome Emery in third. Todd Martin and Andy Pickens were fourth ad fifth. Todd is part of a large Wabash county group who participated. Jim Hoover was black flagged in the lead for a safety violation for a front tire that was only half there. There were 36 mowers competing for the 33 spots and several Briggs raced in the mod race. Randy Troyer won the modified race with the first four places going to a Troyer, John, Zack, and Joe in that order, and Darrell Ulerick finishing in 5th.
2008 – Qualification Results