1967: Spring Valley Race Car Driver Earns First Win at Cajon Speedway

According to the Spring Valley Bulletin, here's what was happening this week  in 1967.

– Four bus drivers from the Lemon Grove School District entered the third annual School Bus Rodeo, this week in in 1967. Junis Cregar, Velma Bell, Ray Wilhelmi and Art Taylor each took turns driving the Lemon Grove School District’s 73 passenger bus in the competition. The four drivers competed for trophies and cash prizes in a series of tests including a written test, a uniform check and simulation of daily vehicle operations. The driver with the most points was eligible to enter the statewide contest held later in the spring.

All districts from San Diego and Imperial counties were invited to participate in the rodeo; which could have amounted to 800 drivers! The event was held each year to help improve driver skill and safety and was endorsed by the California Highway Patrol.

– Padres box seats were offered to anyone who donated a pint a blood.

The Hemophilia Society of San Diego and the Padres teamed up to put on the event. Anyone who donated a pint of blood to the Hemophilia Society would receive two box tickets to attend a game of their choosing. Interested parties were instructed to donate blood at the San Diego Blood Bank in the name of the Hemophilia Society. After the donation, donors were given a slip certifying that a pint of blood was donated. All donors had to do was present the donation slip at the West gate park box office to receive their two free box tickets.

– A Spring Valley race car driver was the first time winner of a race at the Cajon Speedway.

Bill Bramley, a resident of Spring Valley, relished his victory in front of 3,112 fans. The action picked up in the third round as Bob Chambers’ car caught fire. Chambers had to race to the infield and jump to safety. And at the eighth lap, Cactus Henyan blew out a tire and slid 100 feet with sending sparks flying.

Bramley started in 12th place at the beginning of the race, but jumped up to fifth place by the fifth lap. He maneuvered into third place by the 11th lap and sailed into first by the 20th lap. Bramley had to fight off Vance Butler for more than seven laps before Bramley’s #3 car pulled ahead and won the race.