1954 Historical Photos
SCCA Nationals
Bremerton Airport Racetrack – Bremerton, WA
1954 SCCA Nationals move to Bremerton
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After the terrific success of the 1953 SCCA Nationals at Paine Field, the 1954, 1955, and 1956 editions were moved to Bremerton. The airport there could better handle the spectator load.
It was another terrific race weekend drawing from all over the west coast. For more photos, a full account of the SCCA Nationals and other 1964 events, see Martin Rudow’s book, Long Straights and Hairpin Turns.
Famed acrobatic West Coast starter Al Torres, up from California for this one, waves off the Under-1500cc feature production field.
Eventual winner Ralph Wiseman is in Jaguar #18 as the Over-1500cc field takes off.
Big crowd sees MGT-types on the front row of the start of the Under-1500cc practice field.
Portion of the feature field includes TV personality Jack Douglas in the Jaguar XK-210 and Lou Brero in the Kurtis.
Ray Rairdon, an accomplished Seattle-area driver, never liked racing Porsches and he does not look comfortable here as he chases the MGTD of Jay North in his Porsche 356 America. Ray eventually ended up 7th and last Porsche in the race, North was 14th OA and 7th of nine MGs.
Awkward looking Allard J2 with a Chrysler engine driven by John Barneson did not fare well, dropping out of the feature race.
Bodies leaning, three iconic mid-50s sports cars roar around one of the many flat airport turns at the 1954 SCCA Bremerton Nationals. From left, it’s Bruce Kessler (probably about 16 years old at the time, long story) Jag 120-6th overall at finish; Pete Lovely, Austin-Healy 100-3rd, and Bob Byrd, Jag 120-5th.
