SANDY MacPHERSON
THE 21 JR
The MacPherson family has been involved in the
sport of stock car racing at Merrittville Speedway almost since its
inception. In 1955 Ed MacPherson fielded a 1933 Ford coupe #21 for
George Winger. Young Sandy would crew with his father on the car,
while brother Bob would become the official starter.
In 1958 the Jalopy division, a pure stock version
of the stock car division was formed and the J-21 was built and
Sandy MacPherson made his debut as a driver. Brother Bob continuing
as starter now had a track side view of his young brother’s career.
After a few seasons of competing in the jalopy division, Sandy built
a blue coupe and the 21 jr. was born, along with his cartoon
character “Alleyoup” painted on the car. Sandy would compete at not
only Merrittville, but also the Ransomville Speedway and Humberstone
track.
When Speedway Park opened in 1962, Sandy competed
there. The 21 jr. was a familiar sight at his home track
Merrittville Speedway. In 1962 Sandy would win the John Spencer
Memorial and in 1964 would become Ransomville’s points champion.
In 1966 Sandy was competing one Sunday night at Humberstone
Speedway, when he was involved in a horrific crash. Sandy survived
the crash, but the 21 jr. was written off. With no race car, Sandy,
along with close friend Norphy Rosetto became starters at
Ransomville Speedway.
Ed MacPherson Construction always furnished
construction equipment for Merrittville’s projects and this was
evident in 1972 when new track owner Stan Friesen hired Ed
MacPherson Construction to re-configure Merrittville’s surface from
a ¼ mile oval to a 3/8 mile D-shaped circuit, with its infamous turn
four. (So here’s the guy to blame, if you dislike turn four, like
most of us, his name is Sandy MacPherson.) In 1972, Sandy also
took on starter duties, with Tom Overholt, following in the foot
steps of his brother Bob.
Sandy, Bob, and Jack MacPherson were very close
and along with his son Dave kept the racing bug alive. In 1997 the
Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee introduced the Kelley-Winger
Sportsmanship Award and Sandy and Dave MacPherson became the
sponsors. For the last three seasons, Sandy and Dave MacPherson
have rekindled the 21 jr., as grand kids Dillon and Teagon are
pursuing a go-karting career on Tuesday nights at Merrittville.
By the way, Sandy’s last victory at Merrittville
came a couple of years ago in his red 21 jr. dump truck.
Unfortunately this spring Sandy’s racing buddy, brother Bob, passed
away suddenly and he is surely missed tonight, since both he and Ted
Boucock would start the vintage cars, the traditional way, on the
track.
Tonight Sandy, we are pleased to induct you to
the Merrittville Speedway Alumni Wall of Fame, joining your brother
Bob, as the first brothers to be inducted on to it.
By the way,when are you bringing the bulldozer
back,to fix turn four.?
Congratulations.