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. In July 1976, Jan Opperman posted a surprising second-place finish to Pancho Carter on New Bremen (Ohio) Speedway’s pavement. The three other heats were topped by Pancho Carter, Larry Patton and Rich Vogler. A few laps later, Opperman regained the lead and held it to the finish. Behind Opperman, a fierce battle for second waged among Patton, Pancho Carter and Vogler. The win was Opperman’s first USAC victory on pavement and his first midget triumph.

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