Fred Beaber

The Checkerboard 716 is one of the most iconic Modified cars in Speedbowl history. It was owned in built by Fred Beaber of Westbrook, CT and over the years he had some of the best drivers of the era drive his race cars. In the 1950’s, Johnny Thompson drove the 716 for several seasons.

Beaber is probably best known for his 1960’s cars that were driven by Charlie Webster from 1961-1968. Nobody won more races in the division than Webster in the 716 during those 8 seasons. They won 29 Modified races together and the 1966 Modified Championship. They followed it up with an 8 win season in 1967, but finished runner-up to Newt Palm for he championship.

Beaber’s sister Violet was married to Stosh Miezejeski, who built the L&M and M cars and lived across the street from Fred. The cars built out of there were dubbed the “Westbrook Mob” by some. In 1967, those 3 cars won 21 of the 25 Modified races at the Speedbowl.

In the 1970’s, Beaber had several different drivers pilot the #716 to feature wins at the Speedbowl, including Bob Potter in 1970, Jerry Glaude in 1971-72 and Dick Watson in 1973-74.

After some time away, Beaber returned to the Speedbowl with several young drivers like John Brouwer Jr, Tucker Reynolds Jr and Ed Puleo, who piloted a modern-day #716 SK Modified during the 1990’s. Ferdinand “Fred” Martin Beaber passed away on December 27, 2018 at the age of 93.

STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT

FRED BEABER
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