Dutch Schaefer

Competitor
CLASS OF 2017
Veterans Selection Committee

Active from 1933 into the late 1970’s, Ed “Dutch” Schaefer was a icon in midget racing. He was the 1940 champion at Cedarhurst Speedway on Long Island, NY. After World War II, he won championships at Yellow Jacket Speedway in Philadelphia in 1946 & 1948.

Schaefer was involved in the creation of the American Racing Driver’s Club in 1939 as an alternative to AAA Midget racing. He was a 4-time ARDC Champion (1956, 1957, 1960 & 1965) and also served as that organization’s President from 1952 through 1968.

His best season was 1967 driving Ken Hickey’s #1 Offy. Schaefer dominated at the 1/4 mile track in side Hershey Stadium in PA. where he won five 50 lappers, including both segments of the Labor Day 100. Later that season he won a 100 lap race at Wall Stadium (NJ) then won twin 25 lappers at Oswego Speedway (NY) the next day.

In 1973, he was President and Champion of the Super Midget Racing Club. He won the last race he ever competed – at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (PA) in 1977.

Schaefer passed away on March 12, 1978.