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Racin' Rodneys
by Dean V. Ricci

One thing we seem to have an abundance of within the Motor City Region is skilled racing drivers. To be included within this group is the Father and Son duo of the Rodney's Beckwith -- III and IV respectively.

Both Father and son have been members of the club as long as we can remember. They have always shared activities as the younger Rodney was growing up. But as Rodney the 4th took up an interest in racing, Rodney the 3rd was behind him all the way.

Starting from humble beginnings in a clapped out Mustang SVO of various shades of primer, the younger Rodney cut his teeth at SAAC-MCR track events. As his skills improved, so did his desire to race. Once dad retired from Ford, he was immediately appointed crew chief for his son. As time passed, the desire passed on to the father and now the Beckwiths serve as each
other's co-driver.

The Beckwiths are now tearing up the Waterford Hills track in a pair of nicely prepared Mustang Coupes sponsored by Jack Demmer Ford in Wayne, MI.

(Photos from the Beckwith collection)

Rodney J. Beckwith IV at the last Waterford Hills race weekend in 1998


Rodney J. Beckwith III  leading Rodney J. Beckwith IV into turn one on the last Waterford
Hills race weekend in 1998


Rodney J. Beckwith IV on Hilltop at Waterford Hills on the last race weekend in 1998


Rodney J. Beckwith IV in turn 2 at Waterford Hills

 

 

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Originally formed as the COBRA Club in 1972. Established as a Region of SAAC in 1975. One of the oldest SAAC Regions in the United States