Pic of the Day 29th November, 2005
Another pic from the collection of Ted Ernst.
Today's pic - Ernst and Rossi team-up for the 1955 Delhi 9-Night Derby in Canada (Photo courtesy Ted Ernst. Thanks again, Ted!)
http://www.wooljersey.com/
(Click on pic for much larger image.)
For the 1955 Delhi 9-night Derby, held on the board track in Delhi, Ontario Canada, Chicago riders Ted Ernst and Jim Rossi teamed-up in the international event.
In this photo, Jim Rossi bottom is pushing Ted Ernst into action, with Detroit rider Karl Weitberg on Ernst's wheel. Weitberg will now accelerate to stay on Ernst's wheel as he speeds-up after the push. Judging by the facial expression, there is a jam on. Ernst & Rossi would go on to finish 3rd overall.
Looks like a short stem for Ernst, a long stem for Rossi, and extra large hub flanges on Rossi's wheels. Also, there doesn't appear to be any tape on Rossi's handlebars, while Ernst has tape to the top of the drop, and Weitberg has tape all the way to the stem.
Looking back at the previous picture, Rossi wasn't using any bar tape then, either.
So, Ted, what was it like racing a 9-night "derby" 50% more fun than a 6-Day?
Tomorrow it's back to the ladies, with television personality Dagmar starting the 1957 Chicago 6-Day.
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio