Searching for Lukes and Shorman race cars and info

[Dan Macdonald]

Guys,
I am trying to put the history together for Lukes and Shorman prepared race cars.
Other than my Speedster I know of at least one other Speedster that lives in the SF Bay Area that was prepared or owned by Lukes and Shorman.

If you own, have owned, know of someone that owns, or have knowledge of these old race cars, I would love to hear it. If you have photos, those would be great to have as well.
Most, if not all, were Speedsters and were based out the San Francisco area.

Some of the drivers were: Peter Buschbaum, Bob Harmon, Walt Benson, Walt Maas, Harry Shorman, Richie Lukes, Bill Shorman...and of course there were others.

Tracks included: Laguna Seca, Cotati, Vaca Valley, Lake Tahoe, Riverside, Sears Point and many others.

The time frame was approximately 1960 - 1975'ish.

If I can gather enough information I will report my findings back to the Club.

Thanks for your help!

[Dan Macdonald]

To get things started, here are a couple of photos of my car, but with different owners and colors. Long story...
#96 is either co-driver Harry Shorman or Bob Harmon who went on to win the first event ever at Sears Point Raceway that day. (A 4-hour enduro in December 1968.)
#31 is Peter Buschbaum, the first race driver of the car. He won the 1967 E Production championship SF Region SCCA.

[Spencer Harris]

Wow - cut the inside corner too tight & those 4x4s will surely get your attention

Inside Corner.JPG (118.57 KiB) Viewed 4239 times

[Greg Bryan]

Spencer - where was the track at Lake Tahoe?

[Spencer Harris]

That's Dan's photo so I don't know where it is.

[Greg Bryan]

OK, I see - Dan is the original poster
I was just curious as to where the track was up there since I spend half the year in South Lake Tahoe area
And I lived in the Bay Area in that timeframe and never heard of a track in the Tahoe area.

[Alan Hall]

I don't think there were any races at Lake Tahoe, but there were races in Reno and I know Lukes and Shorman took cars to the Reno races.

[Dave Merz]

Looks like turn 4 at Sears Point. As I recall, Walt Benson was running a Roadster in early 70's.

[Dan Macdonald]

Guys,
There was only one Lake Tahoe Grand Prix. It was in 1967. Where exactly it was run I'm not sure but the event poster is attached.
I have a few photos sent to me by Peter Buschbaum of his (now my) Speedster at the event. Unfortunately Peter crashed out in the Speedster.

Dave, thanks for your note. In my search I found that Walt Benson drove a red Lukes and Shorman Speedster from about 1965 to 1972. Usually, but not always as number 11.
He may have won the 1965 E Production SCCA Regional Championship, but I'm not positive.

[Alan Hall]

Harry Shoreman (in grey jacket) at Reno races 1961 with the L&S Pooper.

[Dan Macdonald]

Alan,
Thanks, I didn't know they raced a Pooper. Did Harry drive it?

[Dave Merz]

Dan, Did you check with SF region of SCCA. I believe they have an historian who might be able to help with race results and/or entries. Could be wrong, but thought last 356 he raced was a pretty beat up White Roadster?......Dave

[Paul Hatfield]

Well, I don't have a Lukes and Shorman race car- But- I do have a car that went to them for full rebuild. Quite proud of that actually
Still runs fantastic!

[Dan Macdonald]

Paul,
That's very cool, nice you still have this receipt. What is the date? I can't read it, looks like 7/16/55 but that's too early.

[Paul Hatfield]

7/16/99 It's only gone like 25k since then. look at the owners address. He sent the motor up from Arizona because he felt L & S were the best.