The Vault
NO RETIREMENT, JUST ENJOYMENT FOR REGETH
Posted on: Sunday November 3, 2024
This Dennis Frings/Mike Randerson built chassis, which Roger “The Bear” Regeth wheeled to more than 75 feature wins between 1976-1978, has been located, purchased and is being restored by John Alft of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. (Bob Bergeron photo)
NO RETIREMENT, JUST ENJOYMENT FOR REGETH by Mike Juley
(reprinted from the Daily News)
No one would have guessed after Wednesday night’s Champion of Champions race at Paul’s Speedway in Seymour that Roger Regeth had considered retirement earlier this year.
The elements that spawn retirement of a veteran stock car driver were far from evident after the 50-lap race as Regeth accepted the champagne and handshakes of victory.
No discounted, no unhappiness, no feud between car owner and driver. In fact, there was no one happier than Jerry Sheriff, owner of Regeth’s 1973 Red and Blue Camaro.
Roger “The Bear” Regeth, standing next to car builder Mike Randerson, committed to Jack Peters program at the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere in 1975 where he dominated weekly action en route to a track title. (Vercauteren family photo)
Regeth had just put the finishing touches on his most successful racing season by winning his first 50-lap feature this year. The glistening, grinning and grateful attitude of victory lane had left no room for thoughts – or rather nightmares – of retirement.
A payoff of $1,010 and a three-foot trophy made his decision to continue racing seem that much better. “I was thinking about quitting at one time,” said Regeth, hesitating, then glancing down at his mud-caked feet. “There was a time earlier this year when I would’ve quit. Racing wasn’t fun.
“Now, it’s fun. And it’s fun again because of the car I drove tonight. You can expect to win with this car. It’s always ready. The preparation is just great.”
He hesitated again, then added, “Any one of those drivers out there could’ve won if they had the quality of car I have. I mean that.”
As humble as Regeth sounded, he was right.
M.J. McBride of Shawano had worked his way from eighth place to first in the first 10 laps of the feature. Three yellow caution flags could not stop McBride from increasing his lead in his 1973 Camaro, turning in laps of 25.03 seconds. The fastest lap on a half-mile dirt track this year had been 25.15.
Mike Randerson (right) poses with “The Bear” Roger Regeth (middle) and longtime crew member Geno Weber.
It looked as though no one would catch McBride when, on the 24th lap, McBride’s rear axle broke. Regeth took the lead in the second turn, and was never threatened.
Regeth had no breakdown, no handling problems. McBride did. It meant $1,010.
J.J. Smith of Appleton, driving Gene Wheeler’s 1973 Camaro, was second, over four seconds behind Regeth at the finish. And although Regeth wouldn’t admit it, seeing Wheeler, his former owner – stealing jealous glances at Regeth’s winnings brought more than just a smile to Regeth’s face.
“This is my biggest victory this year,” said Regeth, 35, a 13-year veteran, who attributed much of his success to using a harder compound tire. “It’s been a long time coming. This is the first big one all year.”
There have been many small ones, also. Regeth has already claimed 14 area feature victories and 10 fast time trials, with at least two weeks of racing remaining at the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere.
Two track titles – at Shawano and De Pere – have statistically named him the winningest driver in Northeastern Wisconsin. “I would have liked to have won three,” said Regeth. “but I just didn’t race that much here (at Seymour).”
Regeth speaks not with indigence, but with confidence of a driver who knows he can get the job done if his car is capable.
Just ask the many drivers who saw their leads vanish to also-rans down the backstretch of De Pere.
Or in the wide banked turns of Paul’s Speedway.
Regeth’s daring moves at passing have become almost as routine as his victories.
Just ask the many people who leave the grandstand at De Pere once Regeth gains first place.
Or the people Wednesday night who left after the 24th lap.
Confidence, it seems, has become contagious, both for the fans, and Regeth.
“The fans didn’t like me earlier in the year,” said Regeth. “They thought my driving was rough at times. I guess they didn’t like it. I haven’t touched a car now in two months. I don’t have to.
“The people will come back, I know they will.”
There is no doubt Sheriff, also, will be back with Regeth next year.
“I almost fell of the truck watching you out there,” said Sheriff. “I’ve been in the business 13 years and this is my first winning year.”
With Roger Regeth around, it won’t be his last.
Retirement, hell.