Nolan Swift
Syracuse, NY
31.Jan.1923 - 27.Mar.2004
Nolan looked right at home in the Brian Herb super - 1981
Swift’s record at Oswego is legendary. Six Classic wins, 41 feature wins (4th all time), and a record 8 track championships. The "Ten Pins" car was one of the last connections from Oswego Speedway’s past to the present. At one time or another, Nolan raced everything and everywhere he could.  Nolan and Jimmy Shampine were rivals, but it was a friendly rivalry. The 8 ball and 10 pins brought out the best in their respective drivers. They were both hard-working family men, but both had a burning desire to beat the other. Stories of the 10 pins are legendary. Every story, from burning the midnight oil to rebuild a car Classic Weekend, to turning on the ten pins on his car while leading, to coming from almost 3 laps down to win a classic, all illustrate the legend of the "Old Gray Fox." Just a few years back, when Bentley Warren won the Classic for the sixth time, tying him with Swift, who was one of the first to shake Bentley’s hand? Swifty himself. The two legends joke and laughed as they compared stories and traded tales about racing each other. After his driving days were over, Swifty was still a fan. It was common to see him anywhere around the track. He went to the pits and also went in the stands. He seemed to like the back grandstands. Anytime the back was open, it seemed Nolan was there watching. A charter member of the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame, this longtime legend, and all around nice guy, will be missed. . . . written by Dan Johnson |
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in the early days... those "10 pins" on the top would light up when Nolan gained the lead! |
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Swifty was the only local runner that could beat back the Michigan invasion. (1962) |
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1964 track champion! |
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a "classic" photo |
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1967, the "Flying Boxcar" |
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battling Bob Stelter in 1971 |
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Class of the field in 1972 |
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Another early 70s incarnation of Swifty's 10 Pins |
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Swift guided this car to his 5th Classic win in 71 after coming back from two laps down. |
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Kenny Andrews and Swifty discuss stategy at the drivers meeting prior to the 72 Classic. |
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The 72 Classic winner, Nolan Swift, opens his door to greet the cheering fans... that's right, I said door! |
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1974... Swifty at speed |
Swifty links
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