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Frank Burrell and General LeMay Part 2

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LeMay, center, with Frank Burrell on his left, looking over the Warner J2X. Courtesy Barry Burrell.

By Eric Davison

In Part 1 of the Frank Burrell story, Davison tells us how Burrell was Cadillac’s secret weapon, the guy behind the scenes, modifying and supplying Cadillac engines to race car mechanics and owners. And here the plot thickens, as Burrell meets another Allard enthusiast, one General Curtis LeMay and moves on to GM.

Yet another Allard owner and friend of Frank Burrell was General Curtis B. LeMay. LeMay was an Allard owner and he was directed to Burrell after he made inquiries to Cadillac about achieving more performance in his J2X.

Burrell receives his award after placing 8th overall at Sebring in 1950 with Fred Wacker. Burrell rarely raced, but did well when he did! Courtesy Barry Burrell.

While LeMay did not drive himself, he was known to get grease under his fingernails in preparation. During his ownership period, Fred Warner drove his car in several events.

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Frank Burrell and the Cad-Allard Part 1 of 2

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Wacker with the Burrell-prepared Allard at Watkins Glen. Frank Burrell is standing behind Wacker's right shoulder.

By Eric Davison
All photo courtesy of Barry Burrell and the Allard Register

Eric Davison, who originally hails from the Detroit area, witnessed the birth of sports car racing from a unique perspective; his father was an early SCCA member who traveled to Watkins Glen every year with his son, driving exciting cars like the drop dead gorgeous British Squire. Davison has not only written a series of eight chapters on those years for VeloceToday, but continually brings us new and interesting stories about the pioneers of the sports car movement.

While we are all familiar with the use of Cadillac engines in the Cunningham cars at Le Mans, the famous Cad Allards and the Frick Vignales, little is known of Cadillac’s behind the scenes involvement with the sport, encouraged by the team of Ed Cole, Harry Barr and the subject of this article, Frank Burrell. With the help of Frank’s son Barry, Davison traces the little-known involvement of GM’s Cadillac division which was looking for ways to bring the excitement of speed to their flagship luxury car. [Ed.] [Read more…] about Frank Burrell and the Cad-Allard Part 1 of 2

Erwin Goldschmidt

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Frank Burrell with Cal Connell of Detroit Racing Equipment sitting in the Goldschmidt Allard. The Burrell-modified Allard helped Goldschmidt win the 1950 Watkins Glen Grand Prix.

By Pete Vack

“I have to say, that despite all, I liked Erwin Goldschmidt.” Cameron Argetsinger had the opportunity to know the flying Allard driver better than most others. In fact, it was Argetsinger who gave Goldschmidt the opportunity to race at Watkins Glen. [Read more…] about Erwin Goldschmidt

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