Top Photo: Bob Simpson
Second Photo: Chalmitty B
Third Photo: Mitch Lester
Fourth Photo: John Gallant Jr.
Fifth Photo: Michael John Pierce Photos
Top Photo: Bob Simpson
Second Photo: Unknown
Third Photo: Unknown
Fourth Photo: John Gallant Jr.
Fifth Photo: Michael John Pierce Photos
Top
Photo:
Racer turned lawyer Mark Fluery had himself quite a
career at Lebanon Valley, in many aspects.
The son of Arnold Fluery, the inventor of the color television tube
(again, probably wrong, but not too far off), and brother to Jeff, Mark was a
standout out sportsman runner in the 70’s and gradually moved up to the
competitive Modified division in 1978.
Mark scored his first big block win in June 1979, and later went on to
become Modified high point champion in 1987.
Mark then took on the thankless job of pit steward at the valley,
following Marty Beberwyk’s depature be chief steward at Fonda speedway.
Second
Photo: Mark Fluery
and his widely popular Tobias Chassis “Wild Thing” #52, made popular with
Rick Fieden’s excellent bright graphics. Everybody’s
preparing to do battle in what was either the
Third Photo: Possibly one of the first “Tweety Bird” specials Mark drove, at an age when He wasn’t too far removed from watching the Looney Tunes cartoons on a Saturday morning.
Fourth Photo: Mark Fluery ready for the Mile track, here’s how his week went:
Mark Fluery #52, Time Trialed @ 34.935 (54th of 145)
Started 10th in Modified Semi Finals Race 1 (15 Laps)
Did not qualify in the first six positions. (Held on
October 11,1980). Started 19th in Modified Non-Qualifiers Race (20 Laps).
Finished in 4th place, first alternate, (Finished in 3rd for The Racing Press
Vote.) (Held on October 12,1980), Did not qualify for Schaefer 200.*
*John Gallant notes
Fifth Photo: Frank Harper created this Mark Fluery memorial replica for a Mark Fluery Memorial Race at the Valley in July 2021. A real work of art by both Frank Harper and Michael John Pierce who graciously submitted the close up of Mark and the car.
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