A major owner in midget racing
in the post WWII era Balch fielded cars for a number of great
midget drivers including Eddie Haddad, Perry Grimm, Danny
Oakes and Johnny McDowell, all of whom are in the Hall of
Fame.
Considering fields of over 100 cars a night with the
nation’s top drivers, the
Balch cars taking the 1st four
places in the 1946 Gilmore point battle is
incredible.
The Balch #20 won over $50,000 in 1946 alone. Assisting Balch in
his shop were Willie Hutzman and Jim Travers, the same Jim
Travers who guided Bill Vukovich, Sr. in his two Indianapolis
500 wins in 1953 and 1954.
The Balch cars were always immaculate in appearance and
ready to race when they arrived at the track.
In 1947 Johnny was presented the rarely bestowed Earl
Gilmore Award in recognition of his accomplishments in and for
the sport of Midget Auto Racing.
