I love this photo of Chuck Springsteen (younger brother of famous multi-time AMA Grand National Champion Jay Springsteen) in practice for the 1986 Indy Mile. The thing that makes this shot stand out to me is the fact that the skies where a mix of sun and clouds that day and Chuck is breaking out into the bright sunshine with the riders behind him still in the shadow. Chuck only qualified for two nationals – the Sacramento Mile in 1982 where he finished 10th and the 1983 Louisville Half Mile where he was ninth. While he never found success on the Grand National circuit like his brother did, Chuck was nearly unbeatable in ice racing. Many consider him one of the best ice racers of all time.
Chuck Springsteen breaks out into the sun in practice for the 1986 Indy Mile Grand National. Chuck, the younger brother of the famous Jay Springsteen, only qualified for two Grand Nationals, but was considered one of the greatest ice racers of all time. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Rider Files 
Nice pic Larry. Do you remember the other brother, Ken? He was a fast junior the same year as Jay. They both rode for Vista Sheen. Ken retired before his rookie expert year, if I remember correctly. I never really heard why he hung up his shoe. I don’t think it was lack of speed.
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John
Don’t know anything about Ken. Here’s a cool shot though:
http://stusshots.blogspot.com/2010/04/happy-birthday-to-3-time-grand-national.html
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….Chuck was nearly unbeatable in ice racing. Many consider him one of the best ice racers of all time.
… that’s because he’s “Michigan Mafia”
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re: Michigan Mafia – yup, many learned from Black Bart …
pre organized ice racing (moving indoors) we use to have a ball … stud up “aged” dirt track tires (trick pattens on the screws) and race anything from my 175 Yam to Honda 750 4’s …
Loved that (for a 2 stroke) little Yamaha … in a Champion Frame, would loft the front wheel when bent over … Fun
Thanks for the memories
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Thanks for the compliment LL!
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