His given name was originally:

Johann Anton Mais

 

But he anglicized it when he immigrated to America to:

John Anthony Mais

 

However, thousands of auto racing fans knew him simply as:

Johnny Mais

1888 – 1961

 

Johnny and Elfrieda Mais

Bob Lawrence collection

Johnny Mais was born on June 11, 1888 on the banks of the Rhine River at Coblence (now “Koblenz”) in the Prussian state of Germany and his 1st regular employment was in the Mercedes automobile factory in Germany.  He emigrated from Bremen, in northwest Germany, to America aboard the “S. S. Kaiser Whilhelm Der Grosse” arriving in New York City on January 26, 1909.  From there, he traveled directly to Indianapolis, Indiana as it was then the center of the American automobile industry.  He found work with the Hudson Motor Car Company while he designed trucks and, with the help of some investors, formed the Mais Motor Truck Company in Rochester, Indiana late in 1909.  The early models were 1 ton and 1˝ ton sizes with a choice of 119 in. and 132 in. wheelbases.  Customers were even given their choice of engines as they came in 24˝ h.p. and 34˝ h.p. sizes.  The 1911 models sold for $2,600 each regardless of size.  They were well built and reliable trucks but that did not translate into profit so the courts soon ordered the Mais Motor Truck Co. to place its assets into receivership to satisfy creditors.  Ultimately, Mais trucks were built in sizes ranging from ˝ ton to 5 tons and sold for up to $3,750 but the company was dissolved in 1913.

 

Mais was married in Indianapolis on July 26, 1911 to Elfrieda Hellmann (1892-1934).  She had been born in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of German immigrants Peter L. Hellmann (1856-1927) and Margaret (Hoffman) Hellmann (1864-1918).  After their marriage, Elfrieda taught Johnny how to speak more than just the broken English he had been getting by with.  She started working as an airplane stunt woman and wing walker in 1910 but changed to driving racing cars in 1912.

 

In the spring of 1914, Johnny Mais and a partner, Harry Bannister, became the dealers for Imp and Mercury brand cyclecars.  They formed and operated the John A. Mais & Company on North Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis where, in his spare time, Mais designed and built a new 108-inch wheelbase Indy car chassis to house his modified 299 cubic inch overhead valve Mercer engine.  The Maises were still residing in Indianapolis when Johnny entered his Mercer in the 1915 Indianapolis “500”.  He was the 10th driver to get his car into the starting field, doing so on the final day.  He qualified at 81.97 m.p.h. but, he gradually got bumped backward to the 20th starting position by the time qualifying ended.  He started the race on the outside of the 5th row in that 20th position in the then 4-abreast, 24-car lineup.  There are two completely different accounts, both written soon after the race, telling about what happened next.  Both are presented below:

 

 

 

The Mais Motor Truck Co. provided this vehicle to serve as the official press car for the 1913 running of the Indianapolis “500”.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

According a story on the front page of both the May 31, 1915 issues of the “The Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel” and the “Fort Wayne Sentinel” newspapers, Mais’ Mercer was the 1st to stop in the pits after the race got underway, as he had a “weak” (low) tire on the 4th lap.  After the repair, he rejoined the race but lagged far behind the field until he quit after having run only 19 more laps.  That caused the judges to officially rule that he was disqualified.  Mais had qualified nearly 17 m.p.h. slower than the pole speed turned in by DePalma.  Since he had started the race near the back of the field and then had a problem early in the going that had undoubtedly cost him at least a lap (and probably more) in the pits as well as any chance of finishing in the money; it is not much of a stretch to believe that the businessman in Mais saw that it would be very expensive to soldier on for nothing so he decided to cut his losses and withdraw from the race when he did.

 

According to a 1915 issue of “Motor Age” magazine, “the Mais Special was troubled with a flooding carburetor and stopped for adjustment after covering only 3 laps.  Pulling up again for the same cause after the 25th lap, (Mais) overshot the pit.  Instead of backing to it as he should have done, (he) ran around the road behind the pits to return to his proper place.  This leaving the course automatically disqualified the car.”

 

Whatever the true story might be, Mais was credited with the 22nd finishing position in the race which only paid prize money to the 10 best finishers.  11 cars went the full distance and Ralph DePalma got the victory.

 

Johnny and Elfrieda moved from Indianapolis to Salina, Kansas at the end of May, 1917.  They then moved on to Amarillo, Texas by the first of July, 1917.  The couple moved next to Dodge City, Kansas before moving on to Phoenix, Arizona sometime before 1920.  After Phoenix, they moved to San Antonio, Texas where Johnny became the state-wide dealer for Winfield carburetors.  Johnny Mais was also becoming known as a good race car builder and an expert on Dodge engines.  Never a family to stay in one place very long, it was not long before the Maises moved back to Salina, Kansas.  In all of those places, Johnny worked as a mechanic or machinist when he was not racing his own Mercer special #24 and later, Dodge special #24 automobiles.

 

Elfrieda had performed aerial acts while hanging from a biplane before she turned her attention to racing automobiles but women were not normally allowed to complete against the men in auto races at that time so Elfrieda often made solo exhibition runs in the family race car during intermissions at races they attended.  The first races that she drove exhibition laps at were at Saginaw, Michigan on July 4, 1915.  Throughout her professional career in auto racing, Elfrieda appeared as “Miss Elfrieda Mais” although it was no secret that she and Johnny were married “in private life” as she explained it to reporters.

 

The Maises were divorced c1923 and she returned to Indianapolis where she found work as a stenographer.  Elfrieda married her 2nd husband in 1924.  He was the newly widowed William Pond Chapin (1886-1979) from a conservative New England family.  That marriage lasted until May, 1926 when it ending in divorce.  Elfrieda then married Robert Emmett Wallace (1903-1965) as her 3rd husband on December 19, 1928 in Bartholomew County, Indiana.  They were divorced sometime after 1930 and Elfrieda was married to Ray LaPlante (another race car driver) from Newark, New Jersey as her 4th husband by 1932.  They made their home in Tampa, Florida where Ray found work at the Roller Spring & Brake Company owned by former race car driver, Harold Roller.  By then, Elfrieda had expanded her public performances to included stunt demonstrations such as crashing automobiles through specially constructed wooden walls that were often rigged with dynamite and set ablaze.  It was while performing one of those stunts that she was fatally injured at the Alabama State Fair in Birmingham on September 27, 1934.  She is buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

The following is an incomplete listing of the races that Johnny Mais is known to have participated in:

 

This photo of Johnny Mais behind the wheel of his new hand-built, modified O.H.V. Mercer powered Indy car was taken at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the race in May of 1915.  The man seated beside Mais in the 2-man chassis is John Jackes who was Mais’ riding mechanic.  None of the other men in the photo have been identified to date.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 

  

May 31, 1915 – 2 ˝ mile brick oval – Indianapolis Motor Speedway  in Indianapolis, Indiana – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Car:  Mais’ entered his own new Mais special Mercer #24 that was built in Indianapolis.  Mais crashed this car into the outside retaining wall in the southwest turn during practice laps on May 24, 1915.  The car spun around nearly a half-dozen times before hitting the outside wall again and became airborne before landing still upright at the bottom of the racetrack.  Mais was not injured in the accident and the car was quickly repaired.

Qualifying:  Mais was the 10th driver to attempt a qualifying lap.  He qualified for the race in 1:49.4 at an average speed originally announced at 82 m.p.h. (adjusted years later to 81.97 m.p.h.) on Saturday afternoon, May 22, 1915, that being the third and final day of qualifying.

Finish:  55,000 spectators witnessed Mais and his riding mechanic, John Jackes, start the race in the 20th position but then to drop out of the 200-lap Indianapolis “500” after completing just 23 laps.  He was credited with finishing in 22nd position although he was officially disqualified for leaving the racetrack and he received no prize money.

Feature race winner:  Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California

  

June 9, 1915 – 1-mile dirt oval – Galesburg District Fairgrounds at Galesburg, Illinois – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais qualified last in the 11-car field for this 100-lap race and dropped out early being awarded 10th place in the finishing order behind winner Eddie O’Donnell in a Duesenberg, Tom Alley in a Duesenberg, Billy Chandler in a Duesenberg, Joe Cooper in a Sebring, W. W. Brown of Kansas City, Missouri in a DuChesnea; Andy Burt in a Stutz, Jack Doughty in a Crown, Tom Ball in a Buick and Jim Hill in a Falcar.

            Feature race winner:  Eddie O’Donnell in a Duesenberg

 

June 26, 1915 – 2-mile wood oval – Speedway Park in Maywood, Illinois – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Car:  Mais’ entered his own Mais special Mercer #15

Finish:  80,000 spectators watched a field of 25 cars race for 250 laps but Mais’ Mercer was one of 5 cars that judges ruled had run too slow in time trials and heat races to complete start the 500-mile event.  Two other cars were withdrawn without running a single lap.  The minimum average speed required to start the race was 85 m.p.h.

Feature race winner:  Dario “Dolly” Resta  from England in a Peugeot

  

July 5, 1915 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Saginaw Fairgrounds at Saginaw, Michigan

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located

 

August 28, 1915 – 1-mile dirt oval – Richland County Fairgrounds at Mansfield, Ohio

Car:  Mais’ entered his own Mais special Mercer #15

Finish:  A very small crowd saw Mais run a mile in 74.0 seconds which was the 2nd fastest lap behind quick timer Harry McNay who was driving a Cino special.

            Mais finished 2nd in a 3-car, 5-mile match race won by Harry McNay.

Mais started last in the 3-car, 10-mile Australian Pursuit and all the cars held their positions for the entire race making the finish a 3-way tie for 1st place among Mais, Morris Britt driving a Stutz, and Norris Kraft who was driving the Purcell special.  The time for the race was 13 minutes, 9.4 seconds.

Feature race winner:  No feature race was run.

 

September 11, 1915 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special #6

Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

Feature race winner:  Louis Disbrow of Indianapolis, Indiana

 

September 25, 1915 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Butte Fairgrounds in Butte, Montana – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

October 14-15, 1915 – 1˝ mile dirt circle – Speedway Park in Wichita, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special #15

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Lee Gunning of Los Angeles, California

 

            At their November 11, 1915 meeting in New York City, New York, the 3-member A.A.A. contest board “disqualified and suspended” John A. Mais, a registered driver, from all events sanctioned by the A.A.A. until January 1, 1917 “for failure to appear for start at Sioux City (Iowa) on July 3 last, and for subsequently participating in various unsanctioned meetings in various unsanctioned meetings in violation of the” association’s regulations.

 

May 17, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt circle – Muskingum County Fairgrounds at Zanesville, Ohio – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special

Attendance: “perhaps 400”

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 20-lap Australian Pursuit Handicap race behind Johnny Raimey and his Simplex and Cliff Woodbury who was driving a Duesenberg.

              Mais finished 4th in a 6-lap race behind Fred Horey of St. Paul, Minnesota, who was driving a Fiat; Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick of New York, City, New York, who was driving a Briscoe, and Cliff Woodbury, who was driving a Duesenberg.

            Feature race winner:  Bill Endicott of Kansas City, Missouri who was driving a Maxwell

    

May 20, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Silver Lake Park in Akron, Ohio – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special

Finish:  Mais won a 4-car, 3-mile race in 4 minutes flat.

Feature race winner:  Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick of New York City, New York in a Briscoe

 

May 28, 1916 – 1-mile dirt circle – Michigan State Fairgrounds at Detroit, Michigan – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special

Finish:  Mais finished 4th in the 5-mile race for division 3 cars behind winner Joe Cleary of Boston, Massachusetts in a Case; Irwin “Putty” Hoffman of Racine, Wisconsin in a Mercer and Dwight Kessler of New Castle, Indiana in a Bullet.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 10-mile Michigan Railway Sweepstakes “Free-for-All” behind winner George Clark in a Case; Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois in a Briscoe and Irwin “Putty” Hoffman.

            Mais finished 5th in the 10-mile International Railway Sweepstakes “Free-for-All” behind winner Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick; Bill Endicott of Kansas City, Missouri in the Sweeney Special; Johnnie Raimey in a Darracq and Joe Cleary.

            Feature race winner:  Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick of New York City, New York in a Briscoe

Indianapolis Star

May 25, 1915 – Page 10

 

  

June 17, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Illinois State Fairgrounds at Springfield, Illinois – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

Feature race winner:  Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa

   

June 18, 1916 – 1 mile dirt oval – Scott County Fairgrounds at Davenport, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 in the “Fort Armstrong Centennial 100-mile Auto Derby.”

Finish:  2,000 racing fans saw Mais finish 9th in the 1-mile race behind George Clark in a Case, Louis LeCocq in a Briscoe, Johnny Raimey in a Maxwell, Fred Horey in a Fiat, Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick in a Briscoe, Eddie Hearne in a Briscoe, Irwin “Putty” Hoffman in a Case, and Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg.

            Mais finished 6th in the feature derby race behind George Clark, Eddie Hearne, H. J. “JuddyKirpatrick, Louis LeCocq and “Puddy” Hoffman.

            Feature Derby race winner:  George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas who was driving the #5 Case Flyer.  This race was shortened to 50-miles due to the poor condition of the racetrack.

   

June 23, 1916 – 1 mile dirt oval – Scott County Fairgrounds at Davenport, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 in final event of the “Fort Armstrong Centennial 100-mile Auto Derby.”

Finish:  Mais started 5th and finished 6th in the 75-mile final race behind George Clark, Eddie Hearne, H. J. “JuddyKirpatrick, Louis LeCocq and Johnny Raimey.  All were driving Briscoes except for Raimey, who was driving a Maxwell, and Mais.

            Feature race winner:  George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas

 

July 1, 1916 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas Free Fairgrounds in Topeka, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the scant race results that have been located to date.

Feature race winner:  Bill Endicott of Kansas City, Missouri in a Maxwell

 

July 4, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – West Side Racetrack in Wichita, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  7,000 spectators saw Mais run the 5th fastest time in time trials behind quick timer George Clark in a Case, Eddie Hearne in a Briscoe, Fred Horey in a Fiat and Bill Endicott in a Maxwell when Mais turned in a time of 38.0 seconds.

            Mais won $100 for his 3rd place finish behind winner Bill Endicott in a Maxwell and Fred Horey in a Fiat in the 5-mile race for automobiles with 450 cu.in. engines or less.

            Mais won $250 for his 3rd place finish behind winner George Clark in a Case and Bill Endicott in a Maxwell in the 25-mile race.

            Feature race winner:  George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas

The fifth row of cars lined up

for the start of the

1915 Indianapolis “500”.

Left to right:  #24 Johnny Mais,

#23 Eddie Rickenbacker,

#22 Ralph Mulford, and

#21 Tom Orr.  Cars were

assigned one number for

qualifying and then another

number specifically for the

race.  Mais, however, decided

to use his assigned race number,

from his only start in the

Indianapolis “500”, on his

race cars for most of the

rest of his racing career.

Wheaton collection

 

 

July 8, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  2,500 spectators watched as Mais was 1 of 5 entries in the 30-lap “Free-for-All” but he did not place in any of the top 3 positions.

Feature race winner:  Bill Endicott of Kansas City, Missouri who was driving a Maxwell

 

July 15, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Crookston Fairgrounds at Crookston, Minnesota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Attendance:  6,000

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  2,500 spectators watched as Mais was 3rd in the 1-mile time trials behind Fred Horey and Cliff Woodbury.

4th in the 3-mile heat race behind Eddie Hearne in a Briscoe, Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg and Ivan “Putty” Hoffman.

2nd in a 4-lap special race behind Jules Ellingboe of Crookston, Minnesota in a Ford.  Later, Ellingboe would say that it was this victory over Mais that convinced him that he should turn professional.

Feature race winner:  Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick of New York, City, New York who was driving a Briscoe

 

July 29, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Greater Grand Forks Fairgrounds at Grand Forks, North Dakota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais was one of five starters in a 5-mile race but he did not finish in the top two finishing places

            Mais dropped out of a 3-mile race.

Feature race winner:  Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois

 

August 15, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Cerro Gordo County Fairgrounds in Mason City, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

August 19, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Cerro Gordo County Fairgrounds in Mason City, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

August 26, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Iowa State Fairgrounds at Des Moines, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  17th in the in the feature race behind Fred Horey driving a Fiat, Bill Endicott driving the Sweeney special, George Clark driving a Case, Dave Koetzla driving a Case, Hugh Judson “Juddy” Kilpatrick driving a Briscoe Louis LeCocq driving a Briscoe, Al Striegel driving a Stafford, Cliff Woodbury driving a Duesenberg, Ivan “Putty” Hoffman driving a Comet, Howard “Zip” Kizer driving a Case, Dwight Kessler driving a Bullet, Johnny Raimey driving a Maxwell, Eddie Hearne driving a Briscoe, Harry Pullum driving a Mercer, Ben Giroux driving a Russian special and Art Klein driving a Klein special.

Feature race winner:  Fred Horey of St. Paul, Minnesota

 

September 1, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Iowa State Fairgrounds at Des Moines, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

            Feature race winner:  George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas

 

Johnny Mais

 in 1917

September 4, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Lincoln, Nebraska – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais qualified 6th fastest in time trials with 39.5 seconds and behind quick timer Eddie Hearne, Louis LeCocq, Phil “Red” Shafer, Cliff Woodbury and George Clark.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 25-mile “Free-for-All” race behind Bill Endicott and Eddie Hearne.

 Feature race winner:  Bill Endicott of Kansas City, Missouri in a Maxwell

 

 September 6, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais entered the 1st 25-mile heat race but the results of all of these races have yet to be located.

 

September 9, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais entered the 2nd 50-mile heat race but the results of all of these races have yet to be located.

 

September 11, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, South Dakota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Attendance:  10,909

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races

Feature race winner:  The 25-lap feature race was won by Eddie Hearne.

 

September 17, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Interstate Fairgrounds at Sioux City, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          The advertised purse for these races was $2,000 for each day.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 3-mile heat race behind Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa.

            Feature race winner:  The 10-mile feature race was won by Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois.

 

September 18, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Interstate Fairgrounds at Sioux City, Iowa – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          The advertised purse for these races was $2,000 for each day.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  The 10-mile feature race was won by Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois.

 

September 21-22, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Colorado State Fairgrounds at Pueblo, Colorado – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

          Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

September 23, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  9,500 spectators watched Mais finish last in the 1st 4-car, 6-lap heat race behind Eddie Hearne in a Briscoe; Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg and Sig Haugdahl in a Mercer

            .Mais finished last in the 6-car, 10-lap preliminary heat for the Interstate Fair Sweepstakes behind Phil “Red” Shafer in a Maxwell; Cliff Woodbury, Dave Koetzla in a Case 47; Eddie Hearne and Sig Haugdahl.

            Mais finished 2nd behind Cliff Woodbury in the 7-car, 50-lap Interstate Fair Sweepstakes.  Only Woodbury and Mais completed the full 50 laps.

            Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois in a #16 Duesenberg

 

September 27, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Colcord Speedway at the Old Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on the east side of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

A New either 1910 or

1911 Model Mais Truck

The Commercial Vehicle

December, 1910

 

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Attendance:  17,985

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois in a #16 Duesenberg

 

September 30, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Colcord Speedway at the Old Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on the east side of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Attendance:  6,000

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in a 6-lap heat race after having led at the start.  This race was won by Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois in a Briscoe with Cliff Woodbury finishing 2nd in his #16 Duesenberg.

 Mais finished 5th in the 10-lap 2nd heat race of the State Fair Sweepstakes behind Dave Koetzla in a Case, Louis LeCocq of Des Moines, Iowa in a Briscoe, Eddie Hearne of Chicago, Illinois in a Briscoe and Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois in his #16 Duesenberg.

Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois in his #16 Duesenberg

 

October 3, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Memphis, Tennessee – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais won the 25-mile feature race.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais in his own Mais special Mercer #24

 

October 29, 1916 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Texas State Fairgrounds in Dallas, Texas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais finished 4th in the 26-mile feature race.

Feature race winner:  George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas

 

July 28, 1917 – 2-mile oiled dirt oval – Dodge City Speedway northeast of Dodge City, Kansas

            Mais was the promoter of these races and posted a purse of $1,500 for the event.

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 100-mile “Free-for-All” behind winner Glenn Breed in a Hudson Super 6 and John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma in a Mercer.

            Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Salina, Kansas in a Hudson Super 6

 

August 20, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Central Kansas Fairgrounds in Abilene, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Race promoter:  Besides competing in these races, Johnny Mais was also the race promoter.

Finish:  These races were postponed until August 21, 1917

 

August 21, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Central Kansas Fairgrounds in Abilene, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Race promoter:  Besides competing in these races, Johnny Mais was also the race promoter.

Finish:  Mais was 2nd fastest in time trials behind Glenn Breed of Salina, Kansas in his Hudson Super 6.  Mais’ time was 1 minute, 14.4 seconds for one mile.  The total purse for these races was $690.

                        Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 5-mile heat behind Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in his 16-valve Roof Ford special and Rex Kent of Concordia, Kansas.

                        Mais finished in 4th place in the 2nd 5-mile heat behind winner Glenn Breed, Harold Roller and Rex Kent.

            Feature race winner:  The final 5-mile race was 1st stopped and then canceled after a last-lap crash involving Breed and Roller.

 

August 25, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Ottawa County Fairgrounds at Minneapolis, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Finish:  Mais tied with Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas for the fastest 2-lap time in time trials of 1:14.8.

                          Mais won the 1st 3-mile heat race in the 1st division of heat races over Rex Kent of Concordia, Kansas in a Studebaker “Six”.

                          Mais finished 2nd in the 2nd 3-mile heat race in the 1st division of heat races behind Willis Young of Concordia, Kansas in his Young special 4-cylinder Ford.

                          Mais finished 2nd in the 3rd 3-mile heat race in the 1st division of heat races behind Willis Young of Concordia, Kansas in his Young special 4-cylinder Ford.

                          Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile “Free-for-All” race behind Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in his 16-valve Roof Ford special.

            Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in his 16-valve Roof Ford special

 

 

Johnny Mais

Bob Lawrence collection

 

August 28, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Rex Kent in each of the “best two out of three” heat races.

Feature race winner:  Rex Kent of Concordia, Kansas

 

October 2, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special #24

Finish:  Mais did compete in these races but only the winner’s name was published

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas

 

October 5, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Clay County Fairgrounds in Clay Center, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the “Free-for-All” behind Harold Roller in his 16-valve Roof Ford special.

            Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas

 

October 8, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – West Side Racetrack in Wichita, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  10,000 spectators saw Mais run the 3rd fastest time in time trials behind quick timer Jerry Wunderlich in a Sunbeam and Joe Allen in a Marquette Buick when he turned in a time of 35.0 seconds.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 4-car, 5-mile, 2nd heat race behind winner Louis Disbrow of Indianapolis, Indiana in the Disbrow special and Jerry Wunderlich in a Sunbeam.

            Mais finished last in the 5-car, 5-mile handicap race behind winner Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma in a Hudson Super 6; Joe Allen in a Marquette Buick; Jerry Wunderlich in a Sunbeam and Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg.

            Mais finished 5th in the 6-car, 25-lap International Wheat Show Sweepstakes race behind winner Jerry Wunderlich, Joe Allen, Cliff Woodbury and Jake Strickler.  Mais had made a pit stop on that 9th lap and stayed in his pits for 2 laps before rejoining the fray.  By the 16th lap, Mais had lost another lap and spent the remainder of the race running hopelessly behind the field with no chance of winning

            Feature race winner:  Jerry Wunderlich of San Francisco, California

 

October 10, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval West Side Racetrack in Wichita, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Attendance:  10,909

Finish:  Mais ran the 5th fastest time in time trials behind quick timer Jerry Wunderlich in a Sunbeam; Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg; Joe Allen in a Marquette Buick and Jake Strickler in a Hudson when he turned in a time of 36.0 seconds.

            Mais finished 2nd behind Jake Strickler in a Hudson in 3 minutes, 42.4 seconds in the 5-car, 6-lap, 1st heat race.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 4-car, 10-lap handicap race behind Jake Strickler and Joe Allen.

            Mais finished 4th in the 6-car, 25-lap feature race behind winner Cliff Woodbury, Jake Strickler and Jerry Wunderlich.

            Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois

 

October 12, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – West Side Racetrack in Wichita, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  9,000 spectators Mais ran the 3rd fastest time in time trials behind quick timer Jerry Wunderlich in a Sunbeam and Cliff Woodbury in a Duesenberg when he turned in a time of 34.8 seconds.

            Mais finished 3nd behind Joe Allen in a Marquette Buick and Jake Strickler in a Hudson in the 4-car, 6-lap, 1st heat race.

            Mais won the 4-car, 10-lap handicap race over Jake Strickler in 6 minutes, 2 seconds.

            Mais finished 5th in the 5-car, 20-lap Wichita Sweepstakes race behind winner Cliff Woodbury, Joe Allen, Jake Strickler and King Kelly in a Mercer.

            Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois

 

October 27, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Mississippi State Fairgrounds at Jackson, Mississippi – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais ran the 4th fastest lap in time trials of 35.2.  That was only slower than the lap times turned in by Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois who was driving a 90 h.p. Duesenberg; Les “Bugs” Allen of Chicago, Illinois who was driving a Marquette Buick and Jerry Wunderlich of San Francisco, California who was driving a Sunbeam special.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 6-lap heat race behind Jerry Wunderlich of San Francisco, California who was driving a Sunbeam special.

              Mais finished 4th in the 6-car, 20-lap feature race behind Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois who was driving a 90 h.p. Duesenberg; Louis Disbrow of Indianapolis, Indiana and Jerry Wunderlich of San Francisco, California who was driving a Sunbeam special.

Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois who was driving a 90 h.p. Duesenberg.

 

November 5, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval Cotton Palace in Waco, Texas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais won the 5-mile handicap race.

            Feature race winner:  Cliff Woodbury of Chicago, Illinois who was driving a 90 h.p. Duesenberg.

  

November 8, 1917 – ˝ mile dirt oval Cotton Palace in Waco, Texas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais won the 3-mile race for cars with engines of 300 cu.in. or less.

            Feature race winner:  Louis Disbrow of Indianapolis, Indiana

 

January 1, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Arizona State Fairgrounds at Phoenix, Arizona

          Car:  Miller special

            For some currently undetermined reason, Mais used the alias “Johnnie Hoffman” in these races.  That fact was acknowledged in newspaper reports then they went on to use his real name in the remainder of their story.

            Attendance:  3,000

Finish:  Mais had the fastest time in time trials over Jim Thomas in an Overland, with 53.6 seconds for 1-lap.

             Mais finished 4th in the 5-car Australian Pursuit won by Jim Thomas in an Overland.

 In the 50-mile final race, Mais “took a spill on the south turn which hurled him into the fence and drove a splinter of wood 10 inches long into his thigh.  There were no bones broken and Mais was rushed” to the hospital where doctors said he would recover from his injuries “inside of two weeks”.

            Feature race winner:  Jim Thomas in an Overland special

 

February 24, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Arizona State Fairgrounds at Phoenix, Arizona

          Finish:  Mais won the 50-mile feature race.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais

 

March 17, 1918 – 5/8 mile oiled dirt oval – Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Finish:  Mais ran several practice laps on this afternoon but he did not compete in the scheduled races.

Feature race winner:  Tommy Milton who was driving a Duesenberg

 

April 7, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Kern County Fairgrounds at Bakersfield, California – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Finish:  Mais had the 3rd fastest 1-lap time in time trials of 54.0 seconds which was only slower that the times run by Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa who was driving a Roamer; and Roscoe Sarles of New Albany, Indiana who was driving a Hudson.

                         Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 10-mile heat race behind Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa who was driving a Roamer.

                        Mais finished 3rd in the 2nd 10-mile heat race behind Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa who was driving a Roamer; and Roscoe Sarles of New Albany, Indiana who was driving a Hudson.

                        Mais finished 3rd in the 3rd 10-mile heat race behind Roscoe Sarles of New Albany, Indiana who was driving a Hudson; and Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa who was driving a Roamer.

Feature race winner:  No feature race was run but Louis LeCocq of Pella, Iowa who was driving a Roamer was declared the overall winner after setting the fastest time in time trials and then winning 2 of the 3, 10-lap heat races.

 

June 9, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Traction Park at Albuquerque, New, Mexico

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Finish:  Mais won all three, 3-mile, 2-car heat races that made up the 9-mile feature race.  His best time for 3-miles was 4:06.0.  Jimmy Allen, of Albuquerque, finished 2nd in all three races in his Paige.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas who was driving his own Mercer #24.

 

June 26, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Oakdale Park at Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

            Finish:  2nd behind Ray Burr Lampkin in a Sun Ray Roamer #8 in first day time trials with a time of 1 minute, 17.0 seconds.

                          4th place in a 4-mile heat race behind John Boyd in a Hudson #1, Ray Burr Lampkin in a Sun Ray Roamer #8 and Roy Davidson in a Dans L’Argent #4

Feature race winner:  John Boyd of Tulsa, Oklahoma driving a Hudson “Super-Six” #1 owned by Glenn M. Breed

 

June 27, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Oakdale Park at Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  4th place behind Ray Burr Lampkin in a Sun Ray Roamer #8, John Boyd in a Hudson #1 and E. Epperson in a Mercer #11 with a time of 1 minute, 20.4 seconds in time trials.

  Either 3rd or 4th in the 4-car, 4-mile “Free-for-All” behind Ray Lampkin, John Boyd, and the published results are unclear but, maybe, Roy Davisson.

Feature race winner:  Ray Burr Lampkin of Kansas City, Missouri in his own Sun Ray Roamer

 

July 4, 1918 – 1-mile dirt oval – Albuquerque Fairgrounds at Albuquerque, New Mexico

This ad appeared on page 8 of the July 19, 1918 issue of the ”Belleville Telescope and Freeman” newspaper.  The picture was probably staged and taken at the Republic County Fairgrounds.  The driver of car #3 is Rex Kent of Concordia, Kansas who both promoted these races and competed in them in his Studebaker “Six.”  The driver of #24 is Johnny Mais in his Mais special.

 

 

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais won the 1st 5-mile match race over Jimmy Allen of Albuquerque, New Mexico who was driving an Apperson.

  Mais finished 2nd to Jimmy Allen in the 2nd 5-mile match race.  It is unclear why only 2 match races were run leaving no decision as to who won the “championship”.

 

July 20, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Republic County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Although there was a shortage of entries, these races did take place but no results of these races have been located to date.  We did locate the following on the front page of the July 24, 1918 issue of The Republic County Democrat at Belleville, “There is no occasion to say who won the races – there wasn’t race enough about any one of the events that we saw to honor it by calling it a race.”

 

July 25, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Central Kansas Fairgrounds in Abilene, Kansas

Race promoter:  Besides competing in these races, Johnny Mais was also the race promoter.

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais was 4th fastest in time trials behind Glenn Breed of Salina, Kansas; Rex Kent of Concordia, Kansas and Harold Roller of Lincoln, Kansas.

              All of the races were won by either Harold Roller in 16-valve Roof Ford #4 or Glenn Breed in a Hudson “Super-Six” #1.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Lincoln, Kansas

 

August 17, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Minneapolis Fairgrounds in Minneapolis, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Lincoln, Kansas in his 16-valve Ford special

 

August 23, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Republic County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd overall in these races behind Harold Roller in his 16-valve Ford special and Rex Kent in his Studebaker.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Lincoln, Kansas in his 16-valve Ford special

 

August 29, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Brown County Fairgrounds at Hiawatha, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais was involved in a wreck with Harold Roller but the actual results of these races have yet to be located.

 

September 2, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Moberly Fairgrounds at Moberly, Missouri

            Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  These races were postponed until September 3, 1918 due to rain.          

 

September 3, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Moberly Fairgrounds at Moberly, Missouri

            Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  These races were postponed until September 8, 1918 due to rain.          

 

September 8, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Moberly Fairgrounds at Moberly, Missouri

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais won the 100-mile feature race finishing 4 laps in front of 2nd place finisher Frank McDonald in an Overland.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas who was driving his own Mercer #24.

 

October 2, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Barton County Fairgrounds at Great Bend, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  Won the 4-car, 30-lap race in 20:10.0.  Leonard Kerbs finished in 2nd place, 10 seconds behind.

Feature Race Winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas who was driving his own Mercer #24.

 

November 28, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Paris Fairgrounds at Paris, Texas

            Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24

                       These races were postponed until December 6-7, 1918 due to “bad weather”.

 

December 6, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Paris Fairgrounds at Paris, Texas

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

                        7 cars were entered in these races.

Finish:  Mais had the fastest time in time trials running 1 mile in 1 minute, 11.4 seconds          

             Mais won the 3-cornered match race over Albert “Dutch” Striegel of Kansas City, Missouri.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas who was driving his own Mercer #24.

 

December 7, 1918 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Paris Fairgrounds at Paris, Texas

            Car:  Mais’ own Mais special Mercer #24

Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

April 5, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 that he had named “the Texan”.

Attendance:  4,000

Finish:  Mais ran the 4th fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:24.0.  That was only slower than the time trial laps run by Jack Strickler of Enid who was driving a Reo 6; Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hutson “Super-Six” #1 and Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special.

  Mais won the 5-car, 10-lap race for “light cars” in 7:01.0 to collect $50 from the purse.  Max Wilson of Wichita, Kansas finished in 2nd place in a Chevrolet.

  Mais finished in 2nd place in the 4-car, 11-lap, Australian Pursuit behind Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hutson “Super-Six” #1.  Mais collected $25 from the purse for this 2nd place finish.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hutson “Super-Six” #1.

 

April 6, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 that he had named “the Texan”.

Finish:  Mais ran the 4th fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:30.0.  That was only slower than the time trial laps run by Jack Strickler of Enid who was driving a Reo 6; Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hutson “Super-Six” #1 and Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special.

  Mais DNF the 20-lap handicap race after he forgot to fill his gas tank before the race.  He was credited with 4th place behind Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six” #1; Jack Strickler of Enid who was driving Reo 6 and Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special.

  Mais finished in 2nd place in the 3-car, 10-lap race for “light cars” and collected $25 from the purse which was the only prize money he won all day.  This race was won by Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special.

  Mais DNF the 5-car, 30-lap “Southwest Sweepstakes” race but he was credited with 5th place behind Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special; Jack Strickler of Enid who was driving s Reo 6; Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hutson “Super-Six” #1 and _____ Moore who was driving a Ford special.

Feature race winner:  Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma driving a Dodge special.

       

April 23-24, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Total purse:  $2,000

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 that he had named “the Texan”.

            Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

May 9 - 10, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter County Fairgrounds at Ardmore, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Ray L. Beede

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24.

Finish:  These races were postponed until May 11-12, 1919 due to rain.

  

May 11 - 12, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter County Fairgrounds at Ardmore, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Ray L. Beede

          Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24.

Finish:  These races were postponed until May 23-24, 1919 due to rain.

       

May 20, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Old Fairgrounds at Durant, Oklahoma

          Car:  Mais entered his own Duesenberg in these races of which he was the promoter.  Elfrieda Mais was entered as the driver of his Mercer #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile heat for light non-stock cars behind Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma in a Dodge who finished 6.0 seconds ahead of Mais.

            Mais finished 2nd, 6 seconds behind Ray Rice in a Chalmers who won the 2-car, 3-mile match race in 4 minutes, 10.0 seconds.  [Note:  One source states that this was Johnny Mais in a Duesenberg while another states that it was Elfrieda Mais driving a Mercer.]

Mais finished 3rd, in the 6-car, 5-mile “Free-for-All” race for non-stock cars behind Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who won the race in his Hudson Super 6 in 6 minutes, 43.0 seconds.  Ray Rice finished in 2nd place in a Chalmers, 24.0 seconds behind Breed.  Since her husband was the race promoter, Elfrieda Mais was allowed to compete in this race but she crashed into the fence on the 1st lap and her Mercer was damaged to severely to continue.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 5-mile “Free-for-All” in 6 minutes, 44.0 seconds and behind winner Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving a Hudson Super 6 in 6 minutes, 18.0 seconds.  Leo Rice finished 2nd in his Dodge, 3.0 seconds behind Breed.

            Mais’ Duesenberg suffered a broken steering knuckle forcing him to drop out of the 10-mile “Free-for-All” race for non-stock vehicles.  That race was won by Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas

 

May 23, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter County Fairgrounds at Ardmore, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Ray L. Beede

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais “hit the car on a high place and burst the transmission” on the way to these races from the races in Durant, Oklahoma and could not get the car repaired in time to compete.

Feature race winner:  Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma driving a Dodge special.

 

May 24, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter County Fairgrounds at Ardmore, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Ray L. Beede

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  These races were canceled due to rain.

 

May 30 - 31, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Woodward Fairgrounds at Woodward, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Walker & Rice

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  These races were postponed until June 6 – 7, 1919 due to inclement weather.

 

June 6 - 7, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Woodward Fairgrounds at Woodward, Oklahoma

            These races were promoted by Walker & Rice

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

June 17, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:   Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.  [Note:  Race “caller” (or announcer) Fred Roberts of Okmulgee, was fatally injured when he stepped out on the racetrack and in front of a Buick driven by Harry Milburn of Ft. Worth, Texas on the final lap of this race.]

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own black & white 1916 Hudson “Super-Six” #1.

 

July 12 – 13, 1919 – 1-mile dirt oval – Fair Park Speedway at Dallas, Texas

            Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

 

Hutchinson News

August 19, 1919 – Page 8

 

August 27, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the Free-for-All race over Harold Roller in his Ford.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

 

August 28, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Charley Blosser in the 1st heat race for stock cars.

              Mais won the 2nd heat race for stock cars over the Buick being driven by Charley Blosser of Belleville, Kansas.

              Mais finished 2nd to Charley Blosser in the 3rd heat race for stock cars.

              Mais apparently did not start the feature race for stock cars due to a “loose tappet.”

  Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile Free-for-All race in his #24 Essex hi-bred behind Harold Roller in his Ford.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in his Ford

 

August 30, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

            These races were organized by, and promoted by, Jake Strickler of Enid.

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais ran the fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:12.75 while Jake Strickler of Enid ran the 2nd fastest time trial in his Hudson “Super-Six”..  Mais won $25 from the purse for his fastest time trial.

              Mais won the 6-lap heat race in 3:46.0 to collect $50 from the purse.  Paul Clem of Enid finished in 2nd place in a Ford.

              Mais won the 10-lap for cars with 231 cubic inch displacement engines and under to collect another $50 from the purse.  Paul Clem of Enid finished in 2nd place in a Ford.

              Mais won 10-lap handicap race in 6:32.75 to collect $75 from the purse.  Jack Tipton of Oklahoma City finished in 2nd place in a Hudson “Super-Six”.

              Mais finished in 2nd place in the 40-lap feature race behind Jake Strickler of Enid to collect $100 from the purse.

Feature race winner:  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

 

August 31, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

            These races were organized by, and promoted by, Jake Strickler of Enid.

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais ran the fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:11.8 for which he won $25 from the day’s purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid ran the 2nd fastest time trial in his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

              Mais won a 20-lap race in 12:30.5 to collect another $100 from the purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid finished in 2nd place in that race as well.

              Mais won the 20-lap Australian Pursuit in 13:03.8.  He was followed closely in 2nd place by Paul Clem of Enid who was driving a Ford.

              Mais finished in 2nd place in the 50-lap feature race behind Jack Tipton of Oklahoma City who was driving a Hudson “Super-Six”.

Feature race winner:  Jack Tipton of Oklahoma City who was driving a Hudson “Super-Six”.

 

September 1, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

            These races were organized by, and promoted by, Jake Strickler of Enid.

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished in 2nd place in the 3-car, 6-lap “Free-for-All” race behind Jake Strickler of Enid who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

              Mais finished in 3rd place in the 4-car, 10-lap handicap race behind Paul Clem of Enid who was driving a Ford and Jake Strickler of Enid who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

              Mais finished in 2nd place in the 10-lap “Free-for-All” race behind Jake Strickler of Enid who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

              Mais won the 4-car, 24-lap “Free-for-Lap” race in 12:33.0.  Paul Clem of Enid, finished in 2nd place in a Ford.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Dallas, Texas who was driving his own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

 

September 3, 1919 – 1-mile dirt oval – Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais tied with George Clark for third place behind Harold Roller and Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas in time trials with a lap of 1 minute, 2.2 seconds.  Mais then placed third in the 25-mile Victory Sweepstakes “Free-for-All” race behind Harold Roller and Canadian Harry Demster.  Mais had been running in second place until he was passed by Dempster on the 21st lap of the Victory Sweepstakes “Free-for-All.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas

 

 

September 3, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the Free-for-All race over Harold Roller in his Ford.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais

 

September 4, 1919 – 1-mile dirt oval – Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 4th in the 25-lap Victory Sweepstakes “Free-for-All” race behind Harold Roller, George Clark and Harry Demster.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas

 

September 4, 1919 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Cloud County Fairgrounds at Concordia, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd behind Charley Blosser of Belleville, Kansas in the stock car race.

            Mais finished 2nd behind Harold Roller in the Free-for-All race.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas

 

September 11, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter County Fairgrounds at Ardmore, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais “blew up” and was unable to finish the 10-mile final race “in any kind of shape.”

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas

 

September 19, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Logan County Fairgrounds at Guthrie, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the 5-mile “light car” race over R. J. “Jack” Wallace of Oklahoma City who was driving his Wallace special and collected $110 from the posted purse.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas

 

September, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt ovalJackson County Fairgrounds at Medford, Oregon

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais turned in the fastest time in time trials with 1:09.0 for two laps which was a new track record.

            Mais won every race he was entered in bringing his personal total to 9 victories and 1 second place in the last 11 races he had competed in.  He had blown a tire in that one race and still finished in 2nd place.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 27, 1919 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Lincoln County Fairgrounds at North Platte, Nebraska

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the 2nd Lincoln County race in 5 minutes, 46.0 seconds.

            Feature race winner:  Noel Bullock of Madrid, Nebraska

 

October, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval - Maywood Fairgrounds at Maywood, Nebraska

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the 2nd 5-mile race.

            Mais finished 3rd in the feature race behind Noel Bullock and Glenn Breed.

            Feature race winner:  Noel Bullock of Madrid, Nebraska

 

October 10, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – City Park Racetrack in Council Grove, Kansas           

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

            Finish:  Mais won every race that he participated in at these races.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

  

October 14, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval - Barton County Fairgrounds at Great Bend, Kansas

            Mais and Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas co-promoted these races and offered a guaranteed total purse of $1,000.

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

            Finish:  Mais had the 3rd fastest time in time trials of 1:08.0 which was slower than the times turned in by Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas and Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas.

                         Mais won the 1st 5-mile heat race in 6:04.0 over Art Hutchins of Great Bend, Kansas.

                         Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed, of Fredonia, Kansas in the 3-mile, “3- corner race”.

 Mais finished 4th in the 2nd 5-mile heat race behind Glenn Breed, Art Hutchins and Leonard Kerbs.  Mais had neglected to refill his gas tank and fell 2-laps behind in this race when he was forced to stop in his pit for gasoline.

             Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed in the 10-mile “free-for-all” race.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas

 

October 17, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Ellis County Fairgrounds at Ellis, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

            Finish:  No results of these races have been located to date.

 

October 18, 1919 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway located 1-mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mercer

            Finish:  Mais’s name does not appear in the published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Bill McNeeley of Alva, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special

 

October 19, 1919 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway located 1-mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mercer

            Finish:  Mais won the Australian Pursuit race and $200 from the purse for the victory.  Nate Small of Cherokee, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge, finished this race in 2nd place.

                          Mais won the 75-mile, 8-car Northwestern Sweepstakes and #600 from the purse for the victory.  Earl Mooney of Woodward, Oklahoma who was driving a Ford, finished in 2nd place.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Dallas, Texas who was driving a Mercer.

  

October 28, 1919 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Pratt County Fairgrounds at Pratt, Kansas

            Mais was the promoter of these races.

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan” and a stock but stripped Buick roadster owned by Lloyd Irven Lambert (1899-1967) of Pratt

Finish:  There were seven race cars on hand.  Mais finished second in every race run, following Glenn Breed across the finish line in each.  Arthur Hutchins, in a 16-valve Ford, finished in third place in each of those races.  Mais then switched to the Buick roadster and ran a one-lap time trial against Elmer Negy of Hutchinson, Kansas in an Essex.  Negy ran the fastest time in the time trial which he felt should give him the inside starting position on the racetrack.  Mais complained that no time trial had been advertised and that the inside position in the race should be determined by the toss of a coin.  Negy won the coin toss and started on the pole position of the 5-mile match race from a standing start, in his stock and not stripped, Essex.  Mais led the first three miles of the race by about 100 yards but then Negy began to gain on the Buick beating Mais to the finish by half a lap.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Salina, Kansas

 

April 23, 1920 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ entered his own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.

Attendance:  1,000

Finish:  Mais ran the 5th fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:12.5 which was slower than the time trials run by Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six” #1; Jack Strickler of Enid who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”; Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special and Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas who was driving his own Ford special.

  Mais finished in 3rd place in the 6-lap “Free-for-All” behind Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who set a new track record while driving a Dodge special and Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas who was driving his own Ford special.

  Mais won the 10-lap handicap race in 6:12.5.  Roy Meacham of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, who was driving a Hudson “Super-Six”, finished in 2nd place.

  Mais finished in 3rd place in the 6-lap “light car” race behind Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas who was driving his own Ford special and Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special.

  Mais finished in 3rd place in the 40-lap “Free-for-All” behind Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special and Glenn Breed of Fredonia, Kansas who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six” #1.  Mais won a total of $150 from the purse for the day’s racing.

Feature race winner:  Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma driving a Dodge special.

 

April 24, 1920 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 that he had named “the Texan”.

Finish:  These races were postponed until April 27, 1920 due to rain.

 

April 27, 1920 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais entered his own Mais special Mercer #24 that he had named “the Texan”.

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

April 30, 1920 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

            Finish:  Mais won the 5-mile handicap race over Roy Meacham

 Mais won the 15-mile “free-for-race” over Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving a Hudson “Super-Six” to collect $500 from the purse

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Dallas, Texas who was driving his own Essex hi-bred #24

 

May 1, 1920 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

            Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 3-mile “light car” race behind Leo Rice and Harold Roller.

Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile “free-for-all” race behind Leo Rice

            Feature race winner:  Leo Rice of Ardmore, Oklahoma in a Dodge to collect $700 from the purse

 

May 8-9, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kay County Fairgrounds northeast of Newkirk, Oklahoma

            Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

  

May 15-16, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Colcord Speedway at the Old Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on the east side of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  There was a $2,000 purse posted for these races but they were canceled due to flooding in the area.

 

May 21, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Pittsburg County Fairgrounds at McAlester, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the 8-mile feature race over Harold Roller in 10 minutes, 55.0 seconds.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Dallas, Texas

 

May 26, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval Pawnee Fairgrounds at Pawnee, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Dick Jones of Pawnee under the auspices of the local post of the American Legion

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile “Free for All” race behind Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas.

              Mais won a 5-mile race finishing ahead of Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas.

              Mais won the 5-car, 15-mile “Free for All” race finishing in front of Curt Hatfield of Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas who was driving his own Essex special #24.

 

May 28-29, 1920 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway one mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  These races were postponed until June 2-3, 1920.

 

June 2, 1920 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway one mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  These races were canceled due to rain.

 

June 3, 1920 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway one mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 3-lap “light car” race behind winner Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas to win $25 from the purse.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 5-lap “Free-for-All” race to win $35 from the purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving a Hudson “Super-Six” won that race.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 25-lap Southwestern Sweepstakes race to win $150 from the purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma won that race while driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

Feature race winner:  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”.

 

June 15, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Barton County Fairgrounds at Great Bend, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 10-mile “Free-for-all” race behind the Ford specials of Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas and Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas.

            Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in a 16-valve Roof Ford special

 

June 19, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter Speedway southwest of Pawhuska, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Frank Thomas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  These races were postponed until June 21, 1920 due to a wet racetrack caused by recent heavy rain.

 

June 20, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter Speedway southwest of Pawhuska, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Frank Thomas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais ran the fastest 2-lap time trial of the day.

  Mais won the 4-car, 5-mile “Free for All” race in 6:40.0.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

June 21, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter Speedway southwest of Pawhuska, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Frank Thomas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the 10-mile “Free for All” race in a little over 12 minutes.  John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma finished in 2nd place in the Richards special, a 300 cubic-inch Hudson “Super-Six” owned by C. L. Richards of Kansas City, Missouri.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

June, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Collinsville Fairgrounds at Collinsville, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

July 5, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  10,000 spectators saw Mais run 2nd fastest to quick timer Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas in a Ford in time trials having run 2 laps in 1 minute, 10.6 seconds in the field of 10 cars.

              Mais won the 5-car, 10-lap heat race for the fastest half of the cars from time trials.  His time for the 5-miles was 6 minutes, 9.6 seconds over Fred Lentz of Hutchinson, Kansas in a Hudson.

              Mais won the 5-car, 30-lap “Free-for-All” race in 19 minutes, 20.2 seconds over Elmer J. Negy of Hutchinson, Kansas in a Haynes.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

July 27, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:   Mais ran the fastest 2-lap time trial of 1:17.8 to win $25 from the purse.  Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma drove his Willard special to the 2nd fastest time of 1:18.8.

               Mais won the 3-car, 10-lap race in 5:31.8 to win another $75 from the purse.  Fred Lentz of Hutchinson, Kansas who was driving a Hudson, finished in 2nd place.

               Mais won the 3-car, 3-cornered race in 3:50.75 to pick up another $50 from the purse.  R. J. “Jack” Wallace of Oklahoma City, who was driving a Buick, finished in 2nd place, 13.4 seconds behind Mais.

               Mais won the “Free-for-All” race in 6:30.0 seconds to win $75 from the purse.  Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma drove his Willard special finished in 2nd place, 5 seconds behind Mais.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

Russell Record

August 12, 1920 – Page 2

 

August 8, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kay County Fairgrounds northeast of Newkirk, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Attendance:  Johnny Mais was the promoter of these races and he had 3,500 paying spectators.

Finish:  Mais finished in 2nd place behind Dick Jones of Pawnee, Oklahoma who was driving an Essex in the 10-lap “Free for All” race for cars with engines of 230 cubic inches or less.  Mais collected $30 from the purse for his 2nd place finish.

Feature race winner:  Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma who was driving a Hudson collected $160 from the purse.

 

August 18, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Pawnee Fairgrounds at Pawnee, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Dick Jones of Pawnee under the auspices of the local post of the American Legion

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas,

            Finish:  Mais finished in 2nd place in the 30-lap “Free for All” behind Burt Howe of Pawnee who was driving a Dodge.

            Feature race winner:  Burt Howe of Pawnee, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge.

 

August 20-21, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Russell County Fairgrounds at Russell, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis)

            Finish:  The total posted purse was $600 but no results of these races have been located to date.

 

September 6, 1920 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway located 1-mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis)

            Finish:  These races were postponed until September 14, 1920 due to rain.

 

September 12, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Carter Speedway southwest of Pawhuska, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Frank Thomas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais won the feature race.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

September 14, 1920 – 1 mile dirt oval – Alva Motor Speedway located 1-mile northwest of Alva, Oklahoma

These races were promoted by Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis)

Finish:  Mais ran the 3rd fastest 1-lap time trial of 61.0 seconds.  That was only slower than the time trials run by Johnny Lee of Oklahoma City who was driving his own Dodge and Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma who was driving a Hudson special.

                          Mais won the 3-lap “light car” race in 3:21.0 and collected #50 from the purse.  Johnny Lee of Oklahoma City who was driving his own Dodge, finished in 2nd place.

                          Mais finished in 2nd place in the 5-lap “Free-for-All” race behind Johnny Lee of Oklahoma City who was driving his own Dodge.  Mais won $35 from the purse for his 2nd place finish.

                          Mais won the 3-lap cornered race in 3:18.0 to collect $50 from the purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”, finished in 2nd place.

  Mais won the 25-lap Sweepstakes race in 28:25.0 to collect $300 from the purse.  Jake Strickler of Enid, Oklahoma who was driving his own Hudson “Super-Six”, finished in 2nd place.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas

 

October 1, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Central Kansas Fairgrounds in Abilene, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 1st 5-mile heat race behind Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas and Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 2nd 5-mile heat race behind Leonard Kerbs

              Mais won the 10-mile feature race in 11:52.0 over Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas in his own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine with a specially built chassis)

 

October 8, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in a 16-valve Roof Ford special

 

October 9, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais set the fastest time in time trials running 2-laps against the clock in 1 minute, 9.4 seconds.

            Mais pursued leader Harold Roller closely in the 30-lap Sweepstakes race until Mais dropped out of the race with a flat tire.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in a 16-valve Roof Ford special

 

October 12, 1920 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Ellsworth County Fairgrounds at Ellsworth, Kansas

These non-sanctioned races were some of the very few races that Elfrieda Mais was allowed to enter and the only known races that she competed in that were not promoted by John Mais.

Promoters:  Speck Warner, R. B. Hill, Jimmie D. Johnson, Leonard Nelson and James McCoole all of Ellsworth, Kansas.

Attendance:  1,400

Car:  Hudson owed by Johnny and Elfrieda Mais of Salina, Kansas.  Johnny Mais challenged all comers to race his car with an Essex engine in a specially built chassis but there were no takers.

Finish:  Elfrieda Mais finished 4th in the 2-mile professional race behind Harold Roller, Al Koepke and James “Toots” Higgins.

              Elfrieda Mais finished 5th in the 3-mile professional race behind Harold Roller, Johnny Lee, Al Koepke and James “Toots” Higgins.

              Elfrieda Mais finished 5th in the 5-mile professional race behind Harold Roller, Johnny Lee, Al Koepke and James “Toots” Higgins.

Feature race winner:  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas in a 16-valve Roof Ford special

 

October 14, 1920 – 1-mile oiled dirt oval – Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas

Attendance:  The promoter of these races was Elfrieda Mais who was assisted by the Saline County Motor Association.  The total paid admission was 1,384 spectators and the City of Salina charged Elfrieda $138.40 for the use of the facility.

            Purse:  The total posted purse was $2,000 of which half was paid to the first three finishers in the 50-mile “Free-for-All” race.

Car:  Mais’ own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine in a specially built chassis) that he called a “Texan”.  He had recently paid $400 for the stock Essex that became this car after it had been through a fire in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Finish:  Mais ran 1-lap in time trials of 1:02.0 which was 3rd quickest behind Harold Roller who was driving 16-valve Roof Ford and Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard who was driving a Hudson.  Ten cars participated in time trials.  Elfrieda Mais then drove her husband’s #24 Essex on an exhibition lap of the track in time trials and turned in a lap of 59.0 seconds which was the second fastest lap run all day behind the 58.0 lap run in time trials by Harold Roller.

            Johnny Mais drove one of ten cars entered in the 5-mile “Free-for-All” race for stock automobiles.  There were two Essexes in that race and one of them won the event and the $50 first place prize.  It is currently unknown which Essex driver won the race.  The other Essex driver in the race was Merle Warren.

            Eight cars started the 50-lap feature race which was won by Mais.  He collected $500 from the purse for the victory.  Harold Roller placed 2nd to win $300 from the purse and Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas placed 3rd which paid him $200.

 

Salina Daily Union

October 13, 1920 – Page 6

 

Elfrieda Mais, with the assistance of the Saline County Motor Association, promoted this racing program.  The day following the races, an article on the front page of this newspaper espoused how the City of Salina, Kansas had enjoyed working with such a professional promoter and they did not encounter a single problem with the way she ran her operation.

 

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas in his own Essex hi-bred #24 (Essex engine with a specially built chassis)

 

October 27, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Bell County Fairgrounds at Temple, Texas

          Attendance:  5,000

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 4-car, 5-mile first heat race behind Glenn Breed in a Hudson.

             Mais finished 2nd in the 4-car, 2nd 5-mile heat race behind Glenn Breed.

             Mais finished 2nd in the 4-car, 10-mile feature race behind Glenn Breed.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed

 

October 28, 1920 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Bell County Fairgrounds at Temple, Texas

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 1st 5-mile heat race behind Glenn Breed in a Hudson.

              Due to a shortage of entries, Elfrieda Mais was allowed to enter the 2nd 5-mile final race.  Glenn Breed won that race too followed by Elfrieda Mais in 2nd place in an Essex and Johnny Mais in 3rd place in his Dodge special.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed

 

January 1, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Central Carolina Fairgrounds at Greensboro, North Carolina

            Car:   Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Total Purse:  Race promoter I. F. Calkins posted a purse of $2,000

Finish:  Mais won the 3-car, 10-lap heat in 7 minutes, 38,4 seconds in a close race over I. F. Calkins of Kinston, North Carolina in a 16-valve Ford.

            Mais won the 5-car, 20-lap “Free-for-All” in 12 minutes, 44.0 seconds.

Feature race winner:   Johnny Mais

 

January 17, 1921 – ˛/3-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Fairgrounds at San Antonio, Texas

            Car:   Mais’ own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais won the 20-mile race for light cars in 18 minutes, 15.0 seconds.  2nd place went to Bill Meaun in a Gillett who was 2 minutes, 5.4 seconds behind Mais.

            Mais won the 20-mile race for heavy cars in 19 minutes, 12.6 seconds.  Glenn Breed finished 2nd in his Hudson Super 6 just .10 of a second behind Mais.

            Mais finished 2nd behind Glenn Breed in the 20-mile “Free-for-All” race, 4 minutes, 21.0 seconds behind Breed.

Feature race winner:   Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas

 

February 22. 1921 – 1⅛-mile dirt oval – Juarez Speedway in Juarez, Mexico

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd, 7.8 seconds behind Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in the 7-car, 5-lap “Free-for-All” race.

                        Mais finished 2nd; 7.2 seconds behind Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in the 7-car, 10-lap race.

                        Mais finished 2n to Glenn Breed in the 8-car, 15 lap Sweepstakes.

            Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas

 

February 23. 1921 – 1⅛-mile dirt oval – Juarez Speedway in Juarez, Mexico

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in the 10-lap “Free-for-All” race, Mais being 14.4 seconds behind Breed at the finish.

            Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in the 5-car, 5-lap final race.  This time, Mais was only .2 seconds behind Breed at the finish.

            Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas

 

March 12. 1921 – 1⅛-mile dirt oval – Juarez Speedway in Juarez, Mexico

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais won the 10-lap handicap race over Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas

  Mais finished 2nd well in behind winner Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas in the 5-lap “free-for-all” race.

                          Mais tied with Glenn Breed of Dallas, Texas for 1st place in the Australian Pursuit race.

Feature race winner:  No feature race was run.

 

March 13. 1921 – 1⅛-mile dirt oval – Juarez Speedway in Juarez, Mexico

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in the 5-lap heat race.  Mais was 1 second behind Breed at the finish.

                        Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in a 2-car, 3-lap match race.  This time, Mais was one second behind Breed at the finish.

                        Mais won the 10-lap handicap race over Glenn Breed in his Hudson Super 6

Feature race winner:  No feature race was run.

 

April 17, 1921 – 2-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 10-mile race behind winner Ira Vail in a Duesenberg and George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas.

                        Mais finished 3rd in the 30-mile feature race behind winner George Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas and Ira Vail.

            Feature race winner:  George Clark in the Blocker special

 

April 20, 1921 – 2-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais suffered a blown engine in his heat race.

            Feature race winner:  Ira Vail in a Duesenberg

 

 

Victory Celebration

That is winning driver as well as the race promoter, Johnny Mais, in the light-colored cap and coat, seated on the right side of the seat in a car at Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas.  Also identified in this photo is William Wigley, the black boy at left, waving his cap above his head.  Others have been tentatively identified.  The photo was taken in October of 1920.  If you can identify anyone else in this photo, please contact Bob Lawrence at: sprintguy @ cox.net

Smoky Hill Museum, Salina, Kansas

 

April 24, 1921 – 2-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais won the 10-mile handicap race over John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma who was driving the C. L. Richards special in 8 minutes, 5.4 seconds.

                        Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed driving a Hudson Super 6 in a 2-car, 3-lap match race.  This time, Mais was 1 seconds behind Breed at the finish.

                        Mais won the 10-lap handicap race over Glenn Breed in his Hudson Super 6.

                        Mais and Glenn Breed in his Hudson Super 6 tied for 1st place in the Australian Pursuit.

                        Mais dropped out of the 30-mile feature race that was won by Ira Vail in a Duesenberg.

                        6,000 spectators saw the drivers compete for $7,000 in prize money.

            Feature race winner:  Ira Vail in a Duesenberg

 

May 24, 1921 - ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Stock Pavilion 1-mile east of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma

Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Purse:  $1,000

Finish:  Mais won the 6-lap “Free-for-All” race after the race had to be restarted due to a 1st lap, 3-car crash that destroyed the Fords driven by Curt Hatfield of Pawnee, Oklahoma and owned by Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas; and John Hopkins, as well as a National driven by John Marcum.

              Mais won the 16-lap Australian Pursuit race.

              Mais won the 24-lap feature race.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of San Antonio, Texas who was driving his own Dodge special #24.

 

June 7, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:   These races were postponed until June 10, 1921 due to rain.

 

June 10, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:   Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was driving a Ford special.

 

June 14, 1921 – 1-mile dirt oval – Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas

          Attendance:  Johnny Mais was the promoter of these races and he had 2,000 paying spectators.

Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  11 cars took time trials.  Mais ran the fastest time in time trials turning 1 lap in 55.2 seconds.  Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma finished 2nd in a Hudson with a time of 57.8.

              Mais won the 10-mile “Free-for-All” in 10:23.0.  Raymond Fry of Newkirk, Oklahoma finished in 2nd place.

              Mais won the 6-car, 10-mile race for cars which engines of 230-cubic-inches or less, in 10:13.0.  One of the Merle-Warren-owned Essex finished in 2nd place.*

             Mais won the 50-mile feature race in 51:13.25.  Ray “Frats” (“Fritz”, “Fratz”, “Fraty” or “Fat”) Willard of Ponca City, Oklahoma finished in 2nd place.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas in his own Dodge special #24

 

July 4, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – West Side Racetrack in Wichita, Kansas

          These races were promoted by Merle Warren

          Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.  He was also entered in a race run at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas but his name does not appear in the published results of those races either so it really is not known where, or if, he even competed on this date.

Feature race winner:  No feature race was run.

 

August 26, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval Brown County Fairgrounds at Hiawatha, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais lowered the track record by two seconds in time trials.  The new track record for two laps is 1:10.2.

                         Mais won a 5-mile race.

                         Mais won a 10-mile race.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas who was driving his own Dodge special #24.

 

August, 1921 – “short ˝ mile” dirt oval Independence Racetrack at Independence, Kansas

          This race date was between the races at Hiawatha, Kansas and Dodge City, Kansas but the exact date that they took place has yet to be found.

Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais won the 50-mile feature race in 57.0 minutes.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

August 31, 1921 – 2-mile oiled dirt oval – Dodge City Speedway northeast of Dodge City, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

                        11 cars were entered in these races.  Mais’ share of the purse was $1,075.

            Finish:  Mais ran the fastest lap in time trials.

                        Mais won the 50-mile race over Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas in a Dodge in 41 minutes, 41 seconds.

                        Mais won the 100-mile race over Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas in a Ford in 1 hour, 24 minutes, 53.0 seconds.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 5, 1921 – 1-mile dirt oval – Kenwood Park Speedway at Salina, Kansas

          Attendance:  The total paid attendance was 5,252 spectators in the grandstands.  The gross receipts were $6,436.86.

Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24 for Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas to drive in these races, while both Johnny and Elfrieda Mais served as the race promoters.  Since oil was so expensive, the Maises ordered salt to be spread on the racetrack hoping that it would help reduce the dust.

Finish:  Roller finished second behind Leonard Kerbs in the first 10-mile “Free-for-All” race.

Roller won the 10-mile Australian Pursuit in 9:55.0.

Roller won the 6-car, 10-mile “Light car” race in 9:41.0.

On the third lap of the 50-mile “Free-for-All”, the steering broke on the front straightaway on the car being driven by Roy Lamb.  Roller’s Mais Dodge special bumped into Lamb’s car in the intense dust causing Roller’s car to catch fire and badly damaging it. 

One thing that John Gerber would tell about seeing at these races years later, is that Mais had just gotten a brand-new Oldsmobile truck car hauler for his race car.

            Feature race winner:  William K. “Billy” Adolph of Salina, Kansas driving a Dodge special owned by Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas

 

September 7, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Athletic Park in Newton, Kansas

Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  These races were postponed until September 8, 1921 so they would not interfere with other activities scheduled at Athletic Park on this date.

 

September 8, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Athletic Park in Newton, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais did not compete in these races.  An article in the local newspaper stated the reason being that Mais had torn his car up at the races in Salina, Kansas on Labor Day, 1921 and was not able to get his car repaired in time to compete in Newton.  He got his car repaired but he had actually chosen to compete in the two-day event at Ottawa, Kansas instead.

Feature race winner:  Harold Peterson of Wichita, Kansas in a Lassen special Dodge owned by William Henry “Bill” Lassen, also of Wichita.

 

Johnny Mais already had a new and greatly updated, 16-valve Dodge special racing car being constructed at the Ostenberg garage on North Fifth Street in Salina, Kansas when his older Dodge was so severely damaged in the 50-lap “Free-for-All” race at Kenwood Park Speedway in Salina on Labor Day of 1921, so he decided to get busy and get the new car finished up in time for the upcoming races at Forest Park in Ottawa, Kansas.

 

September 8, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Forest Park in Ottawa, Kansas

Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Attendance:  15,000         

Finish:  Mais won the “Free-for-All” race

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 9, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Forest Park in Ottawa, Kansas

          Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Edward Elliston of Lawrence, Kansas who was driving a Ford in the 1st 6-car, 5-mile heat race.

                          Mais won the 2nd 6-car, 5-mile heat race over Edward Elliston in 5 minutes, 37.0 seconds which was a new track record.

                          Mais won the 3rd 6-car, 5-mile heat race over Edward Elliston.in 5 minutes, 43.0 seconds.

                          Mais won the “Free-for-All” race over Edward Elliston.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 11, 1921 – 2-mile oiled dirt oval – Dodge City Speedway northeast of Dodge City, Kansas

           Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais won the 20-mile race followed by Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas.

                          Mais won the 100-mile race followed by Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 12, 1921 – 2-mile dirt oval – Saucer Speedway ten miles north of Scott City, Kansas

           Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

             Finish:  Mais won the 100-mile feature race.

 Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

September 16, 1921 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Kansas Free Fairgrounds in Topeka, Kansas – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais and Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas were among the entries in these races but they were denied permission to compete upon their arrival as neither was a member in good standing of I.M.C.A.  After much often heated debate and with the crowd clearly on the side of Mais and Kerbs, race officials agreed to allow Mais and Kerbs to participate in a 3-mile match race against I.M.C.A. regular, John Raimey of Nashville, Tennessee.  Raimey won the race in 2 minutes, 33.4 seconds.  Mais finished Ľ of a lap behind.  Kerbs had dropped out of the race at the end of the 2nd lap.  After the race, Mais, Kerbs, and Raimey engaged in a fist fight in front of the grandstands.  The fight ended abruptly when Raimey threw 2 monkey wrenches at his antagonists.  At that point, the local police intervened and escorted both Mais and Kerbs from the fairgrounds forbidding either to participate in any further events that day.

Feature race winner:  Jack Stratton in an Essex special

 

September 22, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Logan County Fairgrounds at Guthrie, Oklahoma

Elfrieda Mais and an

unidentified person in

the Mais special

Bob Lawrence collection

 

          Attendance: “Standing room only crowd”

          Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

          Finish:  Mais had the fastest 2-lap time trial.

Mais finished 2nd in the 5-mile race for light cars behind Dick Calhoun who was driving the “Alimony Ann” Ford owned by J. O. Dowell.

                        Mais finished 2nd in the Australian Pursuit behind Dick Calhoun.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma in the “Alimony Ann” Ford owned by J. O. Dowell who was also from Cleveland, Oklahoma.

 

October 5, 1921 – 1˝ mile dirt squared circle – Meridian Speedway in Wichita, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to W. W. Brown of Kansas City, Missouri driving a Peerless 8 in the 6-car “miss and out” race.

                        Mais won the 15-car, 60-mile feature race over W. W. Brown.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas although he was claiming that Indianapolis, Indiana was his home

 

October 7, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – City Park Racetrack in Council Grove, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais had the fastest time in time trials over Harold Roller in a Dodge special; Mais time for 2-laps being 1 minute, 7.0 seconds.

                        “A large crowd” saw Mais and Roller finish 1st and 2nd in every race run on this afternoon but it is currently unknown which finished in which position in which race.

                          Mais won the 10-mile “Free for All” race with Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas finishing in second place.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

October 15, 1921 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Chase County Fairgrounds in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais won the 8-car Australian Pursuit race with Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas finishing in 2nd place in his own Dodge.

  Mais won the 8-car 20-lap “Free-for-All” race with Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas finishing in 2nd place in his own Dodge.  Hugo Haucke of Dunlap, Kansas felt that Mais had cut him off when Mais passed him in this race, and had forced Haucke to crash his Ford through the fence.  Haucke was not injured and his Ford received little damage in the incident.

              Mais won the 8-car 30-lap championship race with Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas finishing in 2nd place in his own Dodge.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas in his own Dodge special #24

 

November 13, 1921 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Osage Speedway at Hominy, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais was left in critical condition after the race car he was driving, turned over.  He received a broken collar bone and internal injuries.

 

March 31, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Anthony Downs at Anthony, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Between 1,200 and 1,500 fans saw Mais run the fastest time in time trials over Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas in a Dodge special.  Mais only required 1 minute, 9.0 seconds to run 2 laps.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 1st 5-mile heat race behind Johnny Lee and Harold Peterson in a Dodge.  The advertised purse for 3rd place was $25 but promoter Fred R. Dunlavy only paid Mais $12.50.

            Mais won the 2nd 5-mile heat race in 5 minutes, 58.0 seconds over Harold Peterson.  The advertised purse for this victory was $75 but Dunlavy only paid Mais $37.50.

            Mais won the 10-mile “Free-for-All” in over Johnny Lee in 12 minutes, 11.0 seconds.  The advertised purse for this victory was $100 but Dunlavy only paid Mais $50.

Mais won the 20-mile “Free-for-All” over Johnny Lee in 24 minutes, 43 seconds.  The advertised purse for this victory was $225 but Dunlavy only paid Mais $112.50.  Needless to say, the racers (and especially Mais) were highly upset with Dunlavy.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas although he was claiming that Indianapolis, Indiana was his home.

 

April 1, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Anthony Downs at Anthony, Kansas

Elfrieda Mais in the

Mais special #24

Bob Lawrence collection

 

            Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

          These races were canceled by the promoter, Fred R. Dunlavy, due to poor attendance at the races held here the day before.

 

May 7, 1922 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Osage Speedway at Hominy, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais entered his own Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais set a new 2-lap track record of 55.8 in time trials.

 

May 21, 1922 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Osage Speedway at Hominy, Oklahoma

          These races were promoted by J. F. Hatton

Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais tied for 2nd place in time trials with a Duesenberg driven by George Kirchuber of Brooklyn, New York with a 1-lap time of 33.6 seconds.  The fastest time of the day was run by Ira Vail for which he received $500 from the purse.

              Mais was paid $250 from the purse for finishing 2nd behind Ira Vail in the 5-mile race.

                          Mais received $600 for finishing 3rd behind winner Ira Vail and John Boling of Mounds, Oklahoma in the 25-mile race.

           Feature race winner:  Ira Vail of Brooklyn, New York driving a Duesenberg

 

May 30, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:   Mais did not qualify for these races and was not able to race his Dodge in any of the prize-winning races.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was driving a Ford special.

 

June 4, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Colcord Speedway at the Old Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on the east side of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

           These races were promoted by George W. Woods

          Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas driving his own 16-valve Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself

 

June 11, 1922 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Osage Speedway at Hominy, Oklahoma

          These races were promoted by J. F. Hatton

            Car:  Mais entered his own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Few results of these races have been to date.

            Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was driving a Ford owned by Oscar S. Holroyd, Sr. who was also from Cleveland, Oklahoma.

 

July 4, 1922 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Lincoln County Fairgrounds at North Platte, Nebraska – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          These races were promoted by J. J. Crawford of North Platte, Nebraska

Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Attendance: “Over 6,000”

Finish:  Mais tied for 2nd place in time trials with a Duesenberg driven by George Kirchuber of Brooklyn, New York with a 1-lap time of 33.6 seconds.  The fastest time of the day was run by Ira Vail for which he received $500 from the purse.

             Mais was paid $250 from the purse for finishing 2nd behind Ira Vail in the 5-mile race.

                         Mais received $600 for finishing 3rd behind winner Ira Vail and John Boling of Mounds, Oklahoma in the 25-mile race.

           Feature race winner:  Ira Vail of Brooklyn, New York driving a Duesenberg

 

July 28, 1922 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Meade County Fairgrounds at Sturgis, South Dakota – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24.  Gus Schrader was apparently also driving a Johnny Mais Dodge special.

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Gus Schrader in the 25-mile Black Hills Sweepstakes which paid him $350 from the purse.  Schrader won $600.

Feature race winner:  Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

September 4, 1922 – 1˝ mile dirt squared circle – Meridian Speedway in Wichita, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Total Purse:  $2,690 – For winning three of the races run on this afternoon, Mais collected a total of $1,350 of that purse.

            Finish:  Mais won the 9-mile open race over Frank McAllister of Wichita, Kansas in a Dodge special in a time of 7 minutes, 33.0 seconds.

                        Mais won the 18-mile open race in 18 minutes, 23.0 seconds.

                        Mais won the 60-mile special feature race over Scott VanOrdstrand of Wichita, Kansas in a Marmon in 52 minutes, 48.0 seconds.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas although he was claiming that Indianapolis, Indiana was his home

 

September 7, 1922 - ˝ mile dirt oval – Forest Park in Ottawa, Kansas

The total cost of the races, including not only the purse but such things as “prizes, premiums, free acts, music and entertainment” was estimated by the fair board to be $15,000 but, thanks to great attendance, the fair still made a profit on them.

Car:  William K. “Billly” Adolph of Salina, Kansas drove a 16-valve Dodge special owned by Johnny Mais.  [Note:  According to the story about these races published in the Ottawa (Kansas) Herald, Johnny Mais won each of these races however, a story about these races in the Salina (Kansas) Daily Union, indicates that the reporter for the Ottawa Herald just saw that the car that won was Mais’ Dodge special and incorrectly assumed that it was Mais driving it.]

Finish:  Adolph had the fastest time of the 13 cars that took time trials with a 1-lap run of 33 seconds and he ran the 11th mile in the 15-mile “Free-for-All” race unofficially in 1 minute, 3.0 seconds.

                        Adolph led every lap in winning this 11-car, 5-mile “Free-for-All” race in 5 minutes, 51.75 seconds over John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

                        Adolph led every lap in winning this 6-car, 7-mile “Free-for-All” race in 8 minutes, 8.0 seconds over John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

                        Adolph led every lap in winning this 5-car, 10-mile “Free-for-All” race in 10 minutes, 32.0 seconds over John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Adolph won the 7 car, 15-mile “Free-for-All” race in 17 minutes, 16.5 seconds over John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Boling lead the 1st 2 laps before Mais passed him for the lead and went on to win the race.  Verne Ellis of Kansas City, Missouri was hospitalized in serious condition after his “Chevrolet plowed through the back-turn fence, jumped a ditch and turned over early in this event.”

            Feature race winner:  William K. “Billly” Adolph of Salina, Kansas driving a 16-valve Dodge special owned by Johnny Mais

 

September 9, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Chase County Fairgrounds at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24 for driver William K. “Billy” Adolph of Salina, Kansas.

Finish:  These races were postponed until September 11, 1922 due to rain.

 

September 11, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Chase County Fairgrounds at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #19 for driver William K. “Billy” Adolph of Salina, Kansas but then for an as of yet undisclosed reason, he substituted driver Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma

Finish:  Calhoun then ran a 2-lap time in time trials of 1:05.5 which was 3rd fastest of the time trials run by the 11 drivers that took time trials.  Calhoun’s time was only slower than the time trials run by Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas and Floyd Willard of Tulsa, Oklahoma who was driving a “little white Ford special.”

              Calhoun won the 10-lap “Free for All” race in 6:01.0.  He was followed in 2nd place by Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own 16-valve Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself.

              Calhoun finished in 2nd place in the 6-lap Australian Pursuit behind George Drashner of Council Grove, Kansas who was driving his own Essex.

              Calhoun won the 20-lap “Free for All” race in 11:25.0.  He was followed in 2nd place by Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own 16-valve Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was driving a 16-valve Dodge special #24 owned by Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas.

 

September 23, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Okmulgee County Fairgrounds at Okmulgee, Oklahoma

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special

Finish:   Mais ran the fastest 2-lap time in time trials of 1:07.6.  Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas ran the second fastest 2-lap time of 1:12.4.

  Mais won the 3-car, 3-corner match race in 3:53.6, finishing in front of Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he built himself.  Lee finished .15 of a second behind Mais.

              Mais won the 3-car, 3-mile “Free for All” in 4:00.2 over Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself.  Lee finished 9.2 seconds behind Mais.

              Mais won the 5-mile “free for All” in 6:16.2.  Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas finished in 2nd place .3 seconds behind Mais.

            Mais finished 2nd behind Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas in the 5-car, 10-lap Okmulgee Sweepstakes race, finishing .25 seconds behind Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own 16-valve Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas who was driving his own 16-valve Dodge-powered “J.H.L. special” that he had built himself.

 

September 29, 1922 – ⅝ mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

            Car:  Dodge special owned by Johnny Mais

Finish:  Mais started the 26-mile feature race outside of Phil “Red” Shafer on the front row and finished 5th behind Shafer, Eddie Eckenroth, Jack Calkins and George Clark.

Feature race winner:  Phil “Red” Shafer of Des Moines, Iowa who was driving a #21 Duesenberg.

   

October 8, 1922 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car:  Johnny Lee drove the #20 “Kansas Dodge” owned by Johnny Mais

Finish:  Johnny Lee led the 8-mile heat race for “large cars” until he dropped out with spark plug trouble leaving the victory to Henry Bradshaw driving a #13 Marmon.

Feature race winner:  Bill Melaun of Houston, Texas in a #1 Fronty Ford owned by Herman L. Silverstein.

   

October 9, 1922 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Warner Park at Chattanooga, Tennessee

            Car:  Mais an Essex special #12

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 10-lap 2nd heat race behind Carl Dixon who was driving a Dodge; and Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was also driving a Dodge.  Mais’ time for the 10-laps was 5:48.5.

  Mais DNF the 6-car, 40-lap feature race after being involved in an accident on the front straightaway on the 10th lap with Bob Luton of Atlanta, Georgia who was driving an Essex #8.  Both cars crashed through the inside rail together with Mais’ Dodge rolling over onto its top.  Only Mais was injured but his injuries were minor.  Dick Calhoun won this race in a Dodge followed by Carl Dixon of Chattanooga, who was also driving a Dodge.  Those two drivers were the only ones to finish the race.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge.

 

November 5, 1922 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car & Driver:  Johnny Lee drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #19 owned by Johnny Mais.

            Finish:  Johnny Lee finished 3rd, 12.2 seconds behind winner Phil “Red” Shafer in a Duesenberg.  Carl Graham finished 2nd the E. F. Reid owned Oakland special.

                         Johnny Lee won the 12-mile “Free-for-All” for non-winners.

                        Johnny Lee finished 3rd in the 24-mile “Free-for-All”, 28.0 seconds behind winner Glenn Breed.  Bob Davis finished 2nd in the E. F. Reid owned Oakland special.

            Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of San Antonio, Texas who was driving his own Hudson Super six #20.

   

November 26, 1922 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car:  Johnny Lee drove the #20 “Kansas Dodge” owned by Johnny Mais

Finish:  Johnny Lee finished 4th in the 2nd 7-mile heat race behind Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Red Fondren and Glenn Breed of San Antonio, Texas.

             DNF the 24-mile feature race to do damaged steering.

Feature race winner:  Earl Graham in an Oakland owned by E. F. Reid.

   

November 30, 1922 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car:  7,000 spectators was as Johnny Lee drove a #19 Dodge and the #20 “Kansas Dodge”, both owned by Johnny Mais.

Finish:  Johnny Lee drove the #20 “Kansas Dodge” in the 1st heat race but he dropped out of that race with a broken crankshaft.

 Johnny Lee drove the #19 Dodge to 3rd place in the 24-mile feature race behind Glenn Breed of San Antonio, Texas and Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma.  Lee finished the feature race one second out of 2nd place and 40.5 seconds behind the winner.

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of San Antonio, Texas in his own white #5 Hudson.

 

January 7, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car & Driver:  Mais drove his own #20 Dodge special and Johnny Lee drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #19

            Finish:  Johnny Lee was flagged off of the course in the 1st heat race for holding Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas back in the Herman L. Silverstein owned Fronty Ford #1 and not allowing Saunders to pass.

                          Lee finished 2nd in the 24-lap feature race behind Glenn Breed who was driving his own white Hudson Super six #20.

            Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed of San Antonio, Texas who was driving his own Hudson Super six #20.

 

February 4, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Southwest Louisiana Fairgrounds at Lafayette, Louisiana

Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  These races were postponed until February 11, 1923 due to rain.

 

February 11, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Southwest Louisiana Fairgrounds at Lafayette, Louisiana

Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  These races were postponed until February 18, 1923 due to rain.

 

February 18, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Southwest Louisiana Fairgrounds at Lafayette, Louisiana

Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  Mais tied with Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas, who was driving a Dodge, for 2nd place in time trials with a lap of 35.0 seconds.  Their laps were only slower than the lap run by Lyle Bodenner from Nebraska who was also driving a Dodge.

              Mais finished 3rd in the 6-lap “Free for All” race behind Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas and Lyle Bodenner from Nebraska who was driving a Dodge.

              Mais won the 10-lap “Free for All” race, finishing in front of Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas who was driving a Dodge special.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 15-lap “Free for All” race behind Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas who was driving a Dodge special.

            Feature race winner:  Jack Saunders of Houston, Texas who was driving a Dodge special.

 

April 2, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Southwest Louisiana Fairgrounds at Lafayette, Louisiana

Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  Mais ran the 2nd fastest lap in time trials of 34.8.  That was only slower than the lap run by Lyle Bodenner from Nebraska.

              Mais finished 2nd in the 3-car, 5-lap heat race behind Lyle Bodenner from Nebraska.

              Mais finished 2nd in 3-car, 16-lap “Free for All” race behind Rex Edmonds.

              Mais won the 3-car, 10-lap feature race in 5:26.0.  Lyle Bodenner from Nebraska finished only inches behind in 2nd place.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas in his own 16-valve Dodge special #21.

 

April 8, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

            Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in the 24-mile feature race behind Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma

 

May 6, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

Car & Driver:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #21

Finish:  Mais won a 12-mile heat race.

             Mais won the 24-mile feature race.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

May 27, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval East Texas Motor Speedway between Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas

            Attendance:  8,000 announced by L. A. Hoskins, race promoter

Cars and Drivers:  Mais entered a 16-valve Dodge special #21 for Roy Huston of Houston, Texas to drive and another 16-valve Dodge special #14 for him to drive himself.  Jack Saunders had entered his own Ford but it appears the Dodge special Mais had entered for himself is the one that he turned over to Jack Saunders to drive in the races in place of Saunders’ own Ford that Saunders had entered but which did not compete.

Finish:  Harry H. Norris’ #7 Hudson “mounted” the Mais owned Dodge special #21 driven by Roy Huston in the 12-mile heat race.  Huston’s Dodge special carried Norris several hundred feet before the 2 cars came to a stop.  Norris’ Hudson was heavily damaged.  Houston suffered an injured shoulder and a crippled Dodge special putting him out of the race.  Jack Saunder of Houston won that 12-mile race in 10.37.8 seconds in another Dodge special owned by Mais over Henry Bradshaw who was driving a Marmon #12 owned by W. W. Foulner (or Feulner) of Houston, Texas.

            Huston’s injuries put him out for the afternoon so Saunders drove the Dodge special #21 assigned to Huston in the consolation race.  Saunders won that 9-car, 12-mile race in 11 minutes, 52.4 seconds over Frank Miller who was driving his own Mercer #10 and finished 1.2 seconds behind Saunders.

            Saunders finished 3rd in the 24-mile feature race, 2 minutes, 4.2 seconds behind winner Bill Melaun .  Mike Guseman finished a close 2nd in a L. L. Walker owned Fronty Ford #40 from Goose Creek, Texas.

            Feature race winner:  Bill Melaun of Houston, Texas driving a Silfo Fronty Ford #1 owned by Herman L. Silverstein of Houston, Texas

 

June 3, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Gulf Coast Speedway at Bellaire, Texas

Cars and Drivers:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #14 for Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma to drive and a 16-valve Dodge special #21 for himself to drive.

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 2nd race behind winner Glenn Breed in his Hudson Super 6 and Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma.

            Mais finished 2nd to Glenn Breed in the final race.  Calhoun finished 3rd in that race followed by Bill Melaun in the Silfo Fronty Ford #1 owned by Herman L. Silverstein of Houston, Texas.  The cars driven by both Breed and Melaun died at the starting line and had to be push-started by by-standers after the race began.  That gave the 14 other competitors a head start on the two.  Melaun got away from the starting line first but Breed soon followed and both made up ground quickly

Feature race winner:  Glenn Breed driving own Hudson Super 6 #5

 

June 17, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval East Texas Motor Speedway between Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas

            Attendance:  “several thousand”

Total purse:  $1,575

Cars and Drivers:  Mais entered a 16-valve Dodge special for Cotton Grable of Houston, Texas to drive, another 16-valve Dodge special with Jack McCarver named as driver but, when it came time to race, only 1 of Mais’ Dodge specials finished in the money and that 1 was driving by Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma.

Finish:  Calhoun had the 3rd fastest time of 1 minute, 9.0 seconds in time trials behind quick timer Glenn Breed in a Hudson and Jack Saunders in a Silfo Fronty Ford #1 owned by H. L. Silverstein of Houston, Texas.

            Calhoun won the 9-lap race over Glenn Breed in 9 minutes, 11.6 seconds to collect $300 of the prize money.

            Starting in the pole position, Calhoun won the 18-lap feature race in 19 minutes, 6.4 seconds over a fast closing Glenn Breed who had started in last place and still finished only 7.2 seconds behind Calhoun whose victory was worth $500 from the purse.

Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma in a 16-valve Dodge special owned by Johnny Mais.

 

July 25-27, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval Meade County Fairgrounds at Sturgis, South Dakota

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located

           

August 10, 1923 – 1-mile dirt oval – Senter Park  at Franklin, Nebraska

            Finish:  Mais won each of the 3 heat races for Class B automobiles.

            Feature race winner:   John Boling of Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

August 31, 1923 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Republic County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Kansas

          Car:  Mais’ own Mais special 16-valve Dodge

Finish:  Mais won the 10-lap Free-for-All in 5 minutes, 51.5 seconds.

Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Salina, Kansas

 

November 11, 1923 – 1˝ mile dirt oval East Texas Motor Speedway between Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas

Attendance:  4,500

Total purse:  $2,035

Cars and Drivers:  Mais entered a 16-valve Dodge special #21 for driver Johnny Lee of San Angelo, Texas to drive and a Chalmers #9 for driver Gus Schrader of Chicago, Illinois to drive.

Finish:  Schrader won $200 for first place in the 2nd 4-car, 12-mile heat race for cars with 200 cu. in. or more.  He covered the distance in 9:07.0.  Johnny Lee of Wichita, Kansas finished 2nd in this race, 11.0 seconds behind Schrader, to win $125.

            Schrader finished 2nd, 4.0 seconds behind Bill Wade in the 21-lap “Free-for-All” to collect $250 from the purse. Schrader lead the race until the 14th lap and before Wade then pulled ahead on the 15th lap.   Johnny Lee finished 3rd in this race, 41.0 seconds behind Schrader, to collect $75 from the purse.

Feature race winner:  Bill Wade of New Orleans, Louisiana drove a #28 Studebaker owned by the Carter Auto Company.

 

January 20, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  #13 Texaco special

            Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Either Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California or Fred Lecklider of Toledo, Ohio depending on which source you believe.

 

January 27, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his Mais special for driver Harry Hooker of Los Angeles

            Finish:  These races were canceled due to rain.

 

February 3, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his Mais special for driver Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa                                                           

            Finish:  Schrader’s name does not appear in the results of this race.

Feature race winner:  Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California

 

February 10, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway  near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his Mais special for driver Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa                                                           

            Finish:  Schrader finished 2nd in the feature race and in front of Fred Frame who finished 3rd.

Feature race winner:  Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California

 

February 17, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his Mais special for driver Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa                                                           

            Finish:  Schrader finished 3nd in the helmet dash

                        Schrader won a 15-lap heat race.

            Feature race winner:   Fred Lecklider of Toledo, Ohio

 

February 24, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais entered his Mais special for driver Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa                                                           

            Finish:  Schrader’s name does not appear in the results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California

 

March 2, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway  near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Among the 51 entries in these races was Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa driving the Mais special

            Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

            Feature race winner:  Sig Haugdahl of Albert Lea, Minnesota

Elfrieda and Ray

LaPlante in 1932

Alberts family collection

loaned to Jeff Adams

by Dean Hoffman

 

March 9, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway  near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa drove the Mais special

            Finish:  Few results of these races have been located to date.

            Feature race winner:  Eddie Meyer of Redlands, California

 

March 16, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Records are unclear if Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa drove the Mais special or the Sherman special on this date.

            Finish:  Schrader finished 3rd in a 15-lap heat race.

                        Schrader finished 3rd in the feature race.

            Feature race winner:  Leon Duray of Cleveland, Ohio

 

April 20, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – New Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais was listed as the driver of a car known as the “Rocky Kansas death car” by a local newspaper.  One source suggests this car may have been one of the Junior specials that belonged at that time to Fred Lecklider of Toledo, Ohio.

            Finish:  Mais was involved in a wreck with Ed Winfield of Los Angeles, California in the first heat race.

            Feature race winner:  The Easter Sweepstakes race was won by Sig Haugdahl of Albert Lea, Minnesota

  

June 7, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Culver City Speedway at Culver City, California – Sanctioned by C.D.T.R.A.

            Attendance:  4,000

Finish:  Mais had the 3rd fastest time in time trials with a time of 47.4 seconds and behind Babe Strapp of San Antonio, Texas in a Fronty Ford #99 owned by Harry E. Hooker of Los Angeles, California and W. T. Slater of Culver City in the Little Joe Brady special #12 owned by Dewitt Brady also from Culver City.  These time trials were also in affect for the races run here on June 8, 1924.

                         Mais finished 2nd in the 10-mile Plantation Derby feature race behind Babe Strapp of San Antonio, Texas in a Fronty Ford #99 owned by Harry E. Hooker of Los Angeles, California.

            Feature race winner:  Babe Strapp of San Antonio, Texas in a Fronty Ford #99 owned by Harry E. Hooker of Los Angeles, California

  

June 8, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Culver City Speedway at Culver City, California – Sanctioned by C.D.T.R.A.

            Finish:  Mais turned in the 3rd fastest time in the time trials which were run on June 7, 1924.

                          Although he was entered, Mais’s name does not appear in any of the results of races run on this afternoon.

            25-lap Culver City Sweepstakes feature race winner:  Babe Strapp of San Antonio, Texas in a Fronty Ford #99 owned by Harry E. Hooker of Los Angeles, California

 

June 15, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Culver City Speedway at Culver City, California – Sanctioned by C.D.T.R.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own chocolate-colored Hudson special #33

            Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Lieutenant Gene Murphy in and exhibition “race” pitting Mais’ Hudson against an airplane flown by Murphy.

  Mais won the 25-mile Culver City Sweepstakes race over Pop Evans in his Evans special.

            Feature race winner:   Johnny Mais

 

June 20, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Overland Park at Denver, Colorado

          Car:  Mais’ own chocolate-colored Hudson special #33

            Finish:  Mais ran the fastest lap in time trials of the 12 cars that were entered.  His one-mile time was 51.3 seconds.

  Mais finished 2nd to Noel Bullock in the 1st 5-mile heat race.

            Feature race winner:   Noel Bullock of Denver, Colorado.

 

July 4, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Culver City Speedway at Culver City, California – Sanctioned by C.D.T.R.A.

          Car:  Mais’ own Hudson special #33

            Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Edward Arnold “Ed” Winfield of Los Angeles, California in his own car #19

 

July 17, 1924 – dirt oval – Tulia Speedway south of Tulia, Texas

          Car:  Mais’ own Hudson special #33

            Finish:  Mais won the feature race over C. A. Gibb of Lubbock, Texas.

            Feature race winner:   Johnny Mais

 

1924 (exact date currently undetermined) – ˝ mile dirt oval – Independence Fairgrounds at Independence, Missouri

          Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais won the feature race.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais

 

August 11, 1924 – ˝ mile dirt oval Phelps County Fairgrounds at Holdrege, Nebraska

          Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd to Noel Bullock of Madrid, Nebraska in the Sweepstakes race.

Feature race winner:  Noel Bullock of Madrid, Nebraska

 

August 14, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Senter Park at Franklin, Nebraska

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais set the fastest time in time trials at 49.0 seconds.

                        Mais finished 2nd to Walter Higley in the feature race.

            Feature race winner:   Walter Higley of Longmont, Colorado who was driving a Rajo Ford

 

August 15, 1924 – 1-mile dirt oval – Senter Park at Franklin, Nebraska

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

            Finish:  Mais set the fastest time in time trials at 49.0 seconds.

              The local newspaper listed Mais’s name as being one of the winners in the races on this day but it did not report which race(s) he won.

Feature race winner: Leonard Kerbs of Otis, Kansas in a Kerbs special Ford

 

August 24, 1924 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Phelps County Fairgrounds at Holdrege, Nebraska

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais won the 3rd heat race in 5:50.0.  Lloyd Fisher of Longmont, Colorado finished this race in 2nd place.

              Mais won the 4th heat race in 5:55.0.  Harold Roller of Abilene, Kansas finished this race in 2nd place.

              Mais finished 2nd in the sweepstakes race for events 3 & 4 which was won by Lloyd Fisher of Longmont, Colorado.

Feature race winner:  Noel Bullock of Madrid, Nebraska

 

September 24, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 4th in a heat race.

            Mais finished 2nd in another heat race.

            Mais finished 3rd in the feature race.

            Feature race winner:  Phil “Red” Shafer of Des Moines, Iowa

 

September 26, 1924 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

            Car:  Mais’ own 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Mais finished 2nd in a heat race.

            Mais won another heat race.

            Mais finished 3rd in the feature race.

            Feature race winner:  Phil “Red” Shafer of Des Moines, Iowa

 

October 10, 1924 – 1 mile dirt oval – Douglas Fairgrounds at Douglas, Arizona – Sanctioned by A. A. A.

            Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special to be driven by John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma

Finish:  Although entered, Lindsay’s name does not appear in the results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Jimmy Randolph of Deming, New Mexico who was driving the Randolph special.

 

October 11, 1924 – 1 mile dirt oval – Douglas Fairgrounds at Douglas, Arizona – Sanctioned by A. A. A.

            Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special to be driven by John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma

Finish:  Lindsay won the 50-mile feature race followed by Jimmy Randolph of Demming, New Mexico who was driving the Randolph special.

            Feature race winner:  John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma who was driving a 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special and owned by Johnny Mais of Houston, Texas.

 

November 9, 1924 – 1 mile dirt oval – Deming Fairgrounds at Deming, New Mexico – Sanctioned by A. A. A.

            Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson #1 known as the Richards special and a Dodge special #3 that was to be driven by John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma

Finish:  Mais ran the fastest lap in time trials of 55.8 seconds.  Lindsay ran the 3rd fastest lap in time trials of 57.0 seconds.

            Mais won another heat race.

Mais won the 11-car, 50-mile feature race followed by John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma who was driving a Dodge special #3 owned by Johnny Mais of Houston, Texas, finishing in 2nd place.  Mais victory paid him $500 from the purse while Lindsay received $150 for his 2nd place finish.

            Feature race winner:  Johnny Mais of Houston, Texas who was driving his own 24-valve DO Hudson #1 known as the Richards special

 

December 14, 1924 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Gulf Coast Speedway at Houston, Texas

            Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson #1 known as the Richards special and a Dodge special #3 that was to be driven by John Lindsay of Lindsay, Oklahoma

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located.

 

April 11, 1925 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Texas State Fairgrounds in Dallas, Texas – Sanctioned by A. A. A.

Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special

            Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

Feature race winner:  Raffael “Ralph” DePalma of Los Angeles, California

 

June 14, 1925 – 1˝ mile dirt oval East Texas Motor Speedway between Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas

Mais was both a co-promoter and entrant of these races but his name does not appear in the published results.

Feature race winner:  Roy Huston of Houston, Texas

 

July 4, 1925 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Speedway Park at Cushing, Oklahoma

          Car:  Mais’ entry does not specify what vehicle he would drive

Attendance:  10,000 with thousands turned away after the seats and standing room were sold out.

Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Hobart L. Bogus who was driving a Fronty Ford built by Matt Berg of Cushing and owned by J. E. Larriek.

 

July 11, 1925 – 1-mile dirt oval – Fair Park Speedway at Dallas, Texas

JOHNNIE MAIS ENTERS AUTO RACES

 

Johnny Mais in his Mais special #24. This

 newspaper ad appeared in the:

Paris (Texas) Morning News

November 27, 1918 – page - 3

            Finish:  Mais’ name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Harry Milburn

 

August 8, 1925 – 1-mile dirt oval – Oil Belt Speedway at Breckenridge, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

            Attendanceseveral thousand”

            Car:  Johnny Lee of San Angelo, Texas in Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special and Mais’ own Hudson special to drive himself

Finish:  Lee set the fastest time in time trials with 80.4 seconds which was a new track record.  George Souders had the 2nd fastest time.

            Lee started on the pole and won the 1st 5-mile heat race for the 8 fastest cars in time trials in a time of 5 minutes, 4.4 seconds over Norman York.

            Mais finished 3rd in the 8-car, 2nd 5-mile heat race behind winner George Souders and Harry Milburn in a Duesenberg.  Mais was 20.0 seconds behind Sanders at the finish.

            Lee finished 2nd and Mais 3rd in the 10-mile feature race behind winner George Souders.  Mais was 37.0 seconds behind Souders at the finish.

            Feature race winner:  George Souders of Covington, Indiana driving a Chevrolet special

 

September 23, 1925 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special

Finish:  Mais won an 8-mile heat race in the track record time of 7 minutes, 39.4 seconds.

            Feature race winner:  Frank Lockhart of Inglewood, California

 

September 25, 1925 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

            Total purse:  $2,500.

Car:  Mais entered his own 24-valve DO Hudson known as the Richards special

Finish:  Mais finished 3rd in the 2nd 8-mile heat race behind winner Herbert Hass of San Angelo, Texas (who was driving the Hudson Super 6 that he purchased from Glenn Breed when Breed retired from driving) and Johnny Lee of San Angelo, Texas.

                        Mais finished 2nd in the 7-mile race behind Phil “Red” Shafer of Des Moines, Iowa.

            Feature race winner:  Frank Lockhart of Inglewood, California

 

September 26, 1925 – ˝ mile dirt oval Douglas Fairgrounds at Douglas, Arizona

Car: “Slim” Harper drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #24

Feature race winner: “Slim” Harper of Longmont, Colorado

 

October 2, 1925 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – Central West Texas Fairgrounds at Haskell, Texas

          Car:  “Slim” Harper of Longmont, Colorado drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Harper set a new 2-lap track record in time trials of 75.0 seconds.  When time trials had concluded, Harper’s time was only 3rd best behind quick timer and new track record holder John Gerber who ran 2-laps in his Whippet in 73.0 seconds.  2nd fastest time of the day was just over 74 seconds turned in by Phil “Red” Shafer.

            Feature race winner:  John Gerber of Stanwood, Iowa

 

October 3, 1925 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – Central West Texas Fairgrounds at Haskell, Texas

          Car: “Slim” Harper of Longmont, Colorado drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #24

Finish:  Few results of these races have been found to date.

            Feature race winner:  John Gerber of Stanwood, Iowa

 

October 4, 1925 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Wichita County Fairgrounds at Wichita Falls, Texas

Car: “Slim” Harper drove Mais’ 16-valve Dodge special #24

Feature race winner: “Slim” Harper of Longmont, Colorado

 

November 11, 1925 – 2-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais entered a Hudson named the Douglas special #100 although one sources says the Douglass special #100 was a Dodge rather than a Hudson.)

            Finish:  Mais won a heat race.

            Feature race winner:  Jimmy Lawrence of San Antonio, Texas who was driving a Fronty Ford

 

November 29, 1925 – ˝ mile dirt oval – Camp Mabry at Austin, Texas– Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Car:  Mais entered a Hudson named the Douglas special #100 although one sources says the Douglas special #100 was a Dodge rather than a Hudson.)

Finish:  Results of these races have yet to be located

 

February 22, 1926 – 2-mile dirt oval – San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  Mais entered a Hudson named the Douglas special #100 although one sources says the Douglas special #100 was a Dodge rather than a Hudson.)

            Finish:  Mais does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Harry Milburn of Ft. Worth, Texas

 

May 30, 1926 – 1-mile dirt oval – Albuquerque Fairgrounds at Albuquerque, New Mexico

          Car:  Mais entered two cars, one for him to drive and one for “Slim” Harper.

Finish:  The car Mais drove suffered burnt bearings in time trials and the car driven by “Slim” Harper suffered from mechanical trouble keeping both cars from starting in any of the scheduled races.

            Feature race winner:  George Souders of Covington, Indiana

 

July 5, 1926 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

Car:  Mais was entered to drive a Dodge special that may have belonged to “Slim” Harper and been purchased from Mais.  Mais also entered a Duesenberg-Bugatti special to be driven by Charles “Chuck” Anderson.

Finish:  Only a few skimpy results of these races have been located to date.  The 48-lap feature was won by Frank Lockhart in a former Bennie Hill Miller in 28 minutes, 23.4 seconds.  Fred Lecklider finished 2nd.

            Feature race winner:  Frank Lockhart of Inglewood, California

 

September 6, 1926 – ˝ mile oiled dirt oval – Speedway Park at Cushing, Oklahoma

          Car:  Mais’ entry does not specify what vehicle he would drive

Finish:  Only a few skimpy results of these races have been located to date.  The feature race was won by Dick Calhoun with George Souders of Indianapolis, Indiana finishing in 2nd place.

            Feature race winner:  Dick Calhoun of Cleveland, Oklahoma

 

September 22, 1926 – 5/8 mile dirt oval – West Texas State Fairgrounds at Abilene, Texas – Sanctioned by A.A.A.

          Car:  A Mais special #1 for driver John Lindsey and a Mais special #2 to be driven by Johnny Mais himself.

Finish:  Lindsey was 11th fastest in time trials but neither Lindsey nor Mais are mentioned in any more of the skimpy results that have been located to date.  Chet Gardner won the 32-lap feature race in his own Rajo over Pete De Paolo in the White Miller.

            Feature race winner:  Chet Gardner in his own Rajo Ford

 

  

Johnny Mais was residing in Houston, Texas in 1923.  He married to his 2nd wife, Juanita Peggy (Chancey) Mais, sometime after that and they made their home 1st in Kansas City, Missouri.  They raised a girl who had been born c1921 in Texas and, since Johnny Mais was still married to Elfrieda Mais when this girl was born, she was most likely Juanita Mais’ natural daughter and Johnny Mais’ step-daughter.  She was known by “Louella (or Luella) L. Mais” as her maiden name though.  The Mais moved to Dallas, Texas where Johnny became a naturalized U.S. citizen on February 9, 1931.  The Maises were in Atlanta, Georgia by 1933, where Johnny remained an agent for Winfield carburetors and opened his own engineering company designing and building race cars.

 

 

July 4, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Only the 1st two finishers in the Gold Cup feature race have been located to date and Foggy Callaway was not one of those.

            Feature race winner:  Emory Collins of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in his Offenhauser #7

 

July 5, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  These races were postponed until July 11, 1937 due to rain.

 

July 11, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Foggy Callaway’s name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Emory Collins of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in his Offenhauser #7

 

September 5, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Foggy Callaway’s name does not appear in the limited race results located to date.

            Feature race winner:  Emory Collins of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in his Offenhauser #7

 

September 6, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Only the 1st two finishers in the feature race have been located to date and Foggy Callaway was not one of those.

            Feature race winner:  Jesse W. “Buddy” Callaway of Miami, Florida driving a Curtis #64.  Buddy was Foggy Callaway’s younger brother

 

October 9, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Foggy Callaway’s name does not appear in the limited race results located to date.

            Feature race winner:  Emory Collins of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in his Offenhauser #7

 

October 10, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Foggy Callaway’s name does not appear in the limited race results located to date.

            Feature race winner:  Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

October 13, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  These races were canceled due to rain.

 

October 16, 1937 – 1-mile mile dirt oval – Lakewood Park at Atlanta, Georgia – Sanctioned by I.M.C.A.

          Car:  Mais’ designed and built 16-valve overhead cam Miami special for driver Lucian J. “Foggy” Callaway, Jr. of Miami, Florida

Finish:  Foggy Callaway’s name does not appear in the published results of these races.

            Feature race winner:  Gus Schrader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

 

The Mais family stayed in Atlanta until 1940.  Juanita Mais had been born April 6, 1895 in Texas and she passed away on March 28, 1995 in Canoga Park, California, just 9 days short of her 100th birthday.  Johnny and Juanita were divorced in 1941 in Duval County, Florida.  Johnny Mais was still residing in Florida as late as 1945 but he had moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by the summer of 1947 where he lived while he and partners Johnnie Yates, Malcom Richmond and Lorendo Juinepero opened the Castle Bar and Grill in Stamford, Connecticut.  One of their employees was a well-known east coast race driver named Charles J. “Rex” Records (c1915-1961) who tended bar for a living while working the graveyard shift so he could race midgets in the area.

 

Autograph signed in 1917

 

After visiting relatives in Germany in 1952, Johnny Mais returned home in the fall of that year sailing from France on the steam ship “United States “.  He then traveled to his home then in San Diego, California.  Mais resided in Kansas City, Missouri from 1957 through 1960 but then returned to Santa Monica, California which is his last known address in the U.S.  He obtained another American passport on April 25, 1960 and was residing with a nephew, August Mais, in Koblenz-Moselweiss, Germany when he suffered a heart attack and passed away on May 26, 1961.  Mais was buried in the Cemetery of Koblenz-Moselweiss at Koblenz-Moselweiss, Germany.

 

Burial plots in Germany are leased for duration of 30 years.  After that time has passed, the cemetery attempts to contact relatives of the deceased for a renewal of the lease.  If there is no renewal, the grave is reassigned.  That appears to have happened to Mais’ grave when that cemetery was renovated in 1996.  The grave no longer exists and the cemetery has no record of his burial.

 

 

 

 

 

            Webmaster’s note:  Johnny Mais’ racing career seems to have gone in reverse compared to the driving careers of others.  While he claimed to have raced extensively in Europe before immigrating to America; those claims are unlikely given his young age when he was in Europe.  If one discounts any possibility of his having raced in Europe, then his 1st start as a driver in any kind of race was in the 1915 Indianapolis “500”.  His 2nd attempt was in the 2nd largest race of his extensive career, the inaugural 500-mile race on the board track at Speedway Park in Maywood, Illinois in June of 1915.  When he did obtain enough speed to make the field at the Maywood race, he moved to the Midwest and competed in I.M.C.A. races before turning his attention to non-sanctioned dirt track “big car” racing.

            It is obvious that Mais was an accomplished automotive engineer, just without a degree which was common in those days.  He was also considered to be formidable competition on the dirt racetracks of the Midwest by his peers.

           Mais was probably most famous for his role of being Mr. Elfrieda Mais as his wife was arguably more famous in auto racing circles than Johnny was.  He spent much of his own career keeping her in good equipment and traveling around the country to race dates that she had booked.

            There are still many unanswered questions about Johnny Mais that I am seeking answers to such as:

            Did he ever compete in an auto race before his start in the 1915 Indianapolis “500”?

            How long did he compete in auto racing?  It may be just a coincidence but I have stopped locating newspaper articles about his racing career at about the same time as current copyright laws take affect making the number of newspapers available for such research to be inaccessible.

            When and why did Johnny Mais quit driving race cars?

            What activities did Johnny Mais participate in once he gave up driving racing cars?

            Whatever became of Louella (or Luella) L. Mais” who was probably Johnny Mais’ step-daughter?

            Whatever became of Elfrieda Mais’ 4th husband, Ray LaPlante, after he moved to Tampa, Florida and went to work for the Roller Spring & Brake Company owned by Harold S. “Doc” Roller?

            If you know the answers to any of this, please let the Webmaster know about it at: sprintguy @ cox.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* James “Toots” Higgin of Newton, Kansas drove an Essex special owned by Merle Warren of Newton, Kansas.  Warren then drove a second Essex special that he owned but that confused the newspaper reporter covering the races as he apparently could not tell which of the Merle-Warren-owned Essex was being driven by Higgins and which was being driven by Warren.

 

 

 

 

 

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 Thank you to

Michael Ferner and Bob Mays