Thursday, November 13, 2003 At 77, Brown Still Feeling Lucky To Race By Claude Lewis He was born before the Great Depression. He was an infantryman for the U.S. Army in World War II. He came to Florida in 1952 and operated an auto junk yard in Sarasota for 30 years. He's now retired, but not from his favorite hobby. At 77 years old, Lucky Brown still drives a race car regularly against guys young enough to be his grandchildren. He can be found Saturday nights at Charlotte County Speedway when the Sportsman division is scheduled. Why in the world would someone his age still be short track racing? "It's better than sitting at home watching TV", shrugged Brown. "I still like it, but I dont get the butterflies any more." The No. 15 black and white zebra-striped Camaro might not be in the class of some of the divisions hotshoes like Kay Jackson or Jerry Bryant, but Brown still has that competitive spirit in him. For example, take a couple of weeks ago. Brown was about to be lapped by race leader James DuBose, but he wasnt about to go down without a fight. Brown held off DuBose for several laps before he was black flagged for disobeying the move over flag. "If you're gonna let people pass you, you might as well not race", Brown said. "Its been a few years since I won a race." Brown began his auto racing career back in 1952 at the old Sara Mana track located off U.S. 41 in Bradenton. It was behind Luke's Trailer Park, Brown recalled. It was a quarter mile. "My first race car was a 1935 Ford. It was painted like the one I drive now. I won some races in that car." Brown didn't race for a number of years when that track closed in the 70s. When DeSoto Speedway opened, Brown got back into short track racing. "I raced Street Stock", he said. "I won three or four points championships." When Charlotte County Speedway first opened in 1991, Brown brought his act south to Punta Gorda. "When this track first opened up, I won seven features out of 10", he said. "This is nice how they repaved it here". His reflexes have slowed, and his eyesight isnt what it used to be, but Brown figures he'll race as long as he can still walk. "It helps keep me young", he said. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!