Ira Vail

In this image from the Paul Sheedy collection, we see sprint car hall-of-fame driver Ira Vail. Vail was known for his prowess on dirt tracks. A five-time veteran of the Indianapolis 500, Vail finished in the top 10 in four of those races.
 
Contribution from Bud Miller - Ira Vail…had a great Nick name in racing…”Cotter Pin”….Iras first race at the…high banked…Board Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn, N.Y.)…May 13, 1916…he finished a great 4th place…he was a Great Driver…on both the Boards…and the Bricks…After retiring from driving…Vail became a great race car Promoter..putting on good shows at..Syracuse…Hamburg, N.Y…Etc…I took in a couple of good USAC..&..URC …Sprint Car Shows…that he promoted at the 1/2 mile dirt…Hamburg, N.Y. Fairgrounds (Buffalo)…where. I met Deacon Litz…who used to win 200 lap races..back in the 20,s..at the 1/2 mile Clarion, Pa. fairgrounds…wish my former restored…Big Car…Old 93…Later Deacon Litz…finished 2nd..twice in 1930…at the Board Altoona Track.