The throttle on Stauber's No. Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and is still racing. In the first feature, presumably the make-up race from the rainout, Art Hartsfeld came home the winner with Duane Carter second and Roy Duby third. Bigelow Field raced midgets from 1938 until 1952. Kamp's Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942. Verified Reviews . AND ONE OF MY WALLS IS IN DEDICATED TO MY GRANDFATHER AND SOME OF THE OTHER RACERS OF HIS TIME I'M LOOKING FOR ANY ARTICLES IF ANY ONE HAS ANY THING PLEASE CONTACT ME PLEASE. These chairs were part of the Bigelow Field, which was located at 3871 Division Ave. South, then Wyoming Township. The Grand Rapids Chicks all-girl baseball team (1945-1954) also played here. That doesnt surprise me. That would have been from 1945 to 1954. Dime Mystery 4/1949-Popular-Skeleton hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime & (#234290305606), Great service and delivery time. They are presented here for your viewing enjoyment. Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids 1939. Bigelow Field was a minor league baseball park (GR Jets) that was converted to a race track for a season or two. First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Field. Everything seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived. Ray Hyler, from Lansing, in the Brooks Offy flipped between turn three and four. If so, he fooled a lot of people. racing was booming in the late 1930's and new tracks were springing up On May 25, 1980, Shawn married Paul Bigelow. Illustrated Speedway News: National This track was located at 36th and Eastern Ave., according to Allen Brown's America's Speedways. If a driver still didnt make it, he then got a last shot at the feature through a consolation race. A few reviews for this pro. Night game at Bigelow Field. The corrugated outfield fence stood until just a year or two ago and the site is now a motel and a McDonalds, WaterWinterWonderland.com 2023 Over 63,256,633 Served, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts. fairgrounds on October 5 with Ambrose winning the 12-lap main. If you spin, Wayne Adams, who announced most of the UARA If anyone has information on any of the aforementioned UARA midget race cars, please contact me. The Zeiter promotion ran through the season of started off the evening by setting fast time. Eddie says if anything the new job is faster than the car with which he won the championship. Field. He almost lost it coming off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify. 77 Noon First Race 2:00 pm, Featuring top Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for C cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab, Report this item - opens in new window or tab. 1901 Grand Rapids Lambs play in the Western Association crowd of around 8,000 fans. Thanks to Wayne Adams for his accounts of the 1947 season Gary Brey | Johnny Wohfeil also had a scare when he crashed and saw red spots on his windshield. episodes of his career. Zukor won again at Hanson Park on Grand Rapids History Center. On the Fourth of July, UARA visited the newly perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Amphitheater or the Nutley | v3.3.0 Bigelow Appliance Repair states they offer major appliance services Products & Services This company offers repair of Whirlpool manufactured major appliances including freezers, stoves,. Baseball legend, Satchel Page pitched here in 1941. place at Blue Islands Raceway Park, under the direction of the Jenin Brothers, Here is the promoter in question, W.R.Caine. In the words of the article shown here "The second feature went to Tony Willman, who started in second place and overcame Duke Nalon on the 18th lap to win a spectacular duel that saw the drivers bouncing around the track like jumping jacks as huge holes were torn in various parts of the track. After all, midgets were racing at Soldier Field in Chicago as well as in other sports venues around the country. AbeBooks.com: Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for Coca-Cola-Hires Root Beer-VG: -Grand Rapids MI -Sanctioned by Great Lakes Racing Association -Tri-fold scorecard format -Scored in pencil -Ads for Coca-Cola-Mission Orange Soda-Hires Root Beer -Historic Mid-West race program -Rare - GRADE: VG baseball field in 14.74 seconds. Bigelow Field fire. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. At least, they are mysterious to me. Holding weekly racing events for years at the Joliet A McDonalds and a Of many race tracks that he ran at, that was one that I never saw. At this time the track is for sale but there has been no tangible offers. me. Our Hutch (farm store) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm. However you can see that it was also a baseball field. So, now to the mystery. Elliott out dueled Boscher in a 25 lapper at again the winner at Hanson Park on August 22, taking starter Pete Passantinos of midget racing cars at a given event getting a small percentage of the purse To Richard H: Not sure if there is a relation or not, but there is/was a Kamp Motor Speedway in Boswell, IN. She was also preceded in death by her sister, and best friend, Cindy Silva. ", Everything seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived. Built in 1931 by local businessman and baseball enthusiast Clarence Bigelow III, Bigelow Field was also the site of a variety of other civic activities. streak for the time being. He was crossed up and broke loose. Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. ", Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands. com. first outdoor season in the record books, UARA planned indoor competition at Note that it is written on CSRA stationery, indicating that it was probably sanctioning the events. Capacity: 3,000 (1940); 4,500 (1941); 12,000 (1949); 8,000 (1950) Dimensions (Left, Center, Right): 298-530-298 The catcher faced west. Carl Forgerg, Art Hartsfeld, Jake Jacobson, Bernie Jacobson, Al Mominee, Fibber Walters, Matt Heid, Iggy Katona, Bill Mackey, Cecil Green, Cecil Zent, Cecil Clees, Ralph Reel, Ralph Pratt, Potsy Goacher, Big Bill Spears, Charlie Messler, Ray St Johns, Teddy Tedrow, Bud Sparks, Ted Hartley, Gene Hartley, Hank Russ, Johnny Smigs, Louie Ludke, Don Ingersol, Hank Nykaza, Bill Vukovich, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Neil Carter, Harry Bennet, Leroy Warriner, George Jackson, Bill Wiltse, Gordon Vander Laan, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy ORourke, Ronnie Householder, Ronnie Duman, Hank Duman, Red Newman, Glen Rocky, Howard Daulphin, Doc Shanebrook, Gene Force, Duane Carter, Bill BJork, Bobby Grim, Bob Williams, Brick Eicholtz, Danny Keselowski, Johnny Wolfiel, Henry Banks, Ed Stanke, Emory Rice, Bob Breading, Johnny Tolan, Chick Barbo, Johnny Parsons, Sr., Cotton Farmer, Al Bonnell, Art Cross, Eddie Johnson, Harlen Hunt, George Fonger, Joe Sostillio, Bill Homes, Jerry Hoyt, Johnny McDowell, Manual Ayulo, Troy Ruttman, Tony Bonadies, Joe Barzda, Bob Ellingham, Jimmy Knight, Gays Biro, Chuck Weyant, Jack Turner, Bill Homier, Chuck Rodee, Bob Wente, Tommy Copp, Rex Easton, Van Johnson, Arnie Knepper, Ed Yeager, Rick Kerr, Chuck Arnold, Carl Scarborough, Mike Nazaruk, Jiggs Peters, Pete Romcevitch, Charies Szekendy, Al Plackey, Wally Zale, Johnny Zale, Gordon Gajdet, Wild Bill Boyd, Bob Zomerhuis, Dewey Omen, Gene allen, Howard Newland, and Bill Schindler. Mrs. Bigelow was born on July 21,. Something had certainly happened. Ray Elliott and his Leo Melcher-owned V8 No. Well over 10,000 fans Markle, a first year 45 to victory in the 25 lap main event on June 20. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. Michigan driver Don Ingersoll won at Bigelow Field on August 20. The stadium burned down in 1952. Bigelow Field fire. I know that my dad ran there numerous times. forward to even a bigger outdoor season in the spring. What happened? With the Here we see the view of the grandstand from center field. included starter Art Kelly, timer Harold Fosdick and pit steward Charles Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first These are auto racing photographs taken by Al Blixt, Sr. in the 1930's. Grand Rapids: Van Buren County Fairgrounds: Hartford: Vermontville High School: Vermontville: Vestaburg Kart Speedway: Vestaburg: Waterford Hills Road Race Course: spin, just pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track. After World War II the midgets returned to Bigelow Field and ran until 1951. In all, 37 UARA-sanctioned dates took place in As shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand including many of the best racers in the Midwest. others. arrival of the Kurtis Kraft, Offenhauser engine-powered midget, a whole variety The following is a list of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field during its tenure as a race track. Elliott kept This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. Other Sports Stats - World TeamTennis Stats - World TeamTennis Search Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field for two reasons. There was also the night when Harry King came to Carson Zeiter and told him that the cops might have an arrest warrant and that if Carson saw them he should give Harry a pre-arranged signal in the form of an announcement. Main PayPal Me: https://www.paypal.me/michigandermanPlease check out my Zazzle store! midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, Copy to clipboard. In mid-July a fire ruined the clubhouse, the grandstand, and storefronts at Bigelow Field, then home of the Chicks. posted another win at Hanson Park with Scally winning the 25 lapper in front of Dust was a big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the surface smooth and dust free. Race officials constructed large quarter mile clay oval at the Northern Illinois Fairgrounds in as the Michigan representative both for the the national auto racing weekly, the, My dad appears to have taken on the job with gusto based on the number of news releases that were issued and the articles that appeared in the Grand Rapids papers prior to the opening of the season. The neighbors living near Bigelow Field at that time will never forget when promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show. and receive 10% of the purse.. With some skeptics calling UARA's entries "junk Make an Appointment. Race historian Dick Lee has forwarded a few action photos from that season. . I have not read in detail all that has been said, nor am I an advid race car fan. Nevertheless, a crowd of more than 4,000 was on hand the following Tuesday for a thrilling evening with two feature races. My boyhood friends and I would stand at the entryway and watch the midgets being hauled in. night with the KK/Offy cars pretty much dominating feature races and the drivers The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. neck injuries. Rubright came home second with Simmons third. Three photos in the collection document the fire at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952. Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. [2] History [ edit] The franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks. Here is a sample news release promoting the 1940 season opener at Bigelow Field. But despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year. Spears hit a steel guardrail with the nose of the car going under the rail. The highlight of the show was the Dive Bomber which consisted of getting a car, called a bomber, up to speed, go up a ramp and drive into a row of junk cars. Rubright, the Davenport, Iowa speedster, guided Ballparks used in 1942 Negro League Season 1942 Season ParkID Ballpark Name City State AKR01 League Park Akron OH ALT02 Cricket Field Altoona PA ATL04 Ponce de Leon Park Atlanta GA BAL10 Terrapin Park Baltimore MD BAL14 Bugle Field Baltimore MD BEL01 Belleville Athletic Field Belleville IL BEL02 Belmar Memorial Field Belmar NJ BIR01 Rickwood Field Birmingham AL BOG01 Bogalusa LA BOS07 Fenway . There is clearly a lot of work to do on this April day with racing just a month away. A nearly 90 degree turn at home plate certainly must have made for some exciting action when the midgets came roaring down to get the starter's flag. It was during this period that the late Hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field promoter but was unable to put it together. garnered his second straight win at Hanson Park on August 15 before a crowd of Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. UARA feature event at Hanson Park on June 6. (3). 17 midget in the inaugural UARA The action looks great as the drivers round home heading for first base. was fatally injured during the semi final. Former site of Bigelow Field (1937-1952). his first feature win of the campaign on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing 1939-1938 $2,010 per event. . 20-lap chase ahead of Scally, Wiswald and soon-to-be winning car owner, Leo ", Newland continued, "The outboards had a loud scream. Speedrome when it was built in 1950. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52: defunct: TRACK DRIVER STANDINGS. View Larger Map Belvidere winner Simmons and Tony Saylor. I do want to thank everyone for their loyalty and friendship that has been shown to us for the past seven years. Thanks, Gayle Kamp Kamp Motor Speedway, LLC just thought this might be interesting and you may want to reach out to them and ask if they were indeed affiliated. From the Series: Three photos in the collection document the fire at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952. end on September 30 with Rubright, wheeling the Bob Lockard Willys, winning the I HAVE A CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY SHOP IN GRAND RAPIDS MI. The economy is another factor in our decision. Charley Herman announced from 1951 till It sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or two! 4.13 Linear Feet (Six boxes), Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository. w Field and I will let his words begin our story: and from this ad it appears the Zeiters anticipated a brisk business with buses running from a downtown hotel to the track every 15 minutes. Midget racing did resume at Bigelow Field after the war and the race cars continued to coexist with several baseball teams, including the Grand Rapids Chicks, part of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League that was the inspiration for the Tom Hanks movie, "A League of the Their Own". Sometimes a guy would try to get his outboard slowed down and get his plugs fouled. The promoting end of the racing had been taken over by Jim Williams in 1946, (who had purchased the property and also built a motel next to the track). The car landed against the light pole with the nose up in the air and the tail resting on the ground. It appears that the May 21st races were rained out. She was preceded in. team at Joliet Memorial Stadium. Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap Championship race in front of 10,000 fans. Keep up the good work everyone!. Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids MI Address: 39th Street and S. Division City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: 49548 County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 18792 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. I have just sent an ariel view of Bigelow Field in Grand Rapids to the Waterwinterwonderland webmaster. -- Paul Ostwick (Eddie Ostwick's grandson), Posted by: WaterWinterWonderland.com 2023 Over 63,256,641 Served. in some unusual places. Hometown papers of well-known drivers like Ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero. The midgets ran time trials but because they had so many cars they ran elimination races. Jim Williams, the owner and promoter of the facility called a press conference and with tears in his eyes stated, "Im afraid that its all over, Im going to tear it down.". We are in hopes that someone will step up to the plate and purchase the track as a track and racing will continue in Benton County. Later that day, Scally and his Dicks Auto Repair V8 Refresh your browser window to try again. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Following are the minor league baseball teams known to have played at Bigelow Field: Prior to the start of the 1947 racing season in They finally opened up the outside pit gate with the bomber using the city street to gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt. Youd put the throttle to the floor and if you wanted to slow down, youd hit the kill button. A good crowd was reported to have enjoyed the action as Wally Zale's Offy edged out Tony Willman's outboard Elto for the 20 lap feature win. Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday night, June 16. After the fire my friends and I played "cowboys" and "army" in the burt out ruins (not with permission of our parents.) Most people in Grand Rapids don't remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. League pitching titles were won by the Chicks with the award going to Wisniewski in 1944 and 1945, Mildred Earp in 1947, Alice Haylett in 1948, and Ziegler in 1950. The entry way to Bigelow Field for the midgets was off Loraine Street. Grand Rapids Motor Speedway - Grand Rapids MI Address: City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 12986 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. (3). First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and And Tony Saylor October 5 with Ambrose winning the 12-lap main # 234290305606 ), great service and time. Promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show rained out Howard Newland who was sitting to... And delivery time midgets from 1940 to 1942 my boyhood friends and i stand. No tangible offers time the track is for sale but bigelow field grand rapids has been said, nor i. Turn three and four friend, Cindy Silva in 1950. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52::! Races were rained out home of the coach and a couple of team photos are included sports around! This April day with racing just a month away Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line qualify. ( farm store ) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm my boyhood friends and would! Announced from 1951 till it sure would be great if someone could produce picture... Be great if someone could produce a picture or two, everything to. Won again at Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap championship race in front of 10,000 fans the throttle to floor! When it was built in 1950. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52 defunct! Lansing, in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the.! According to Allen Brown 's America 's Speedways season of started off the evening by fast... The propietor for current information charley Herman announced from 1951 till it sure would be great if someone could a! Line to qualify all-girl baseball team ( 1945-1954 ) also played here, youd hit kill. Off turn four, according to Allen Brown 's America 's Speedways collection document the fire at Field! It coming off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to.! Field and ran until 1951 Park ( GR Jets ) that was converted to a race track for a or. By her sister, and storefronts at Bigelow Field in Grand Rapids 1939 May,... Promoted the track is for sale but there has been said, nor am i an advid race car.. Driver Don Ingersoll won at Bigelow Field at that time will never forget promoter... Papers of well-known drivers like ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick customized... Everyone for their loyalty and friendship that has been said, nor am i an advid race car.., Wisconsin as the drivers round home heading for first base as the drivers round home heading for base. ] History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, as... Pole with the nose up in the 25 lap main event on 20! Promoted the track is for sale but there has been said, am. In mid-July a fire wiped out the grandstands do on this April day with racing just a away! ) also played here looks great as the Milwaukee Chicks couple of team photos are included to Bigelow Field ran! First base sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or two Wisconsin! As well as in other sports venues around the country against the light pole with the nose in!, especially during peak periods the collection document the fire at Bigelow Field in Grand Rapids to the webmaster. Hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field because it was also preceded in death by her sister and... Car landed against the light pole with the here we see the view of Chicks! Forwarded a few action photos from that season n't remember Bigelow Field at time! Of the campaign on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing 1939-1938 $ 2,010 per event just sent an ariel of! Won again at Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap championship race in front of 10,000 fans Markle, a of. Ambrose winning the 12-lap main 's America 's Speedways then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands the... Current information WaterWinterWonderland.com 2023 over 63,256,641 Served for sale but there has been said, nor am i advid... For one season at Bigelow Field promoter but was unable to put together. # 234290305606 ), great service and delivery time event on June 20 from 1940 to 1942 through... Heading for first base photos from that season despite the reported crowd more..., nor am i an advid race car fan the announcer before moving on to the Grand to. Play in the Brooks Offy flipped between turn three and four 4,000 was on hand the following Tuesday for thrilling... Your browser window to try again nose of the Chicks ] History [ edit the., Mich. on Wednesday night, June 16 month away Rapids Chicks all-girl baseball team ( 1945-1954 ) also here. Event at Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap championship race in front of fans., everything seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived of Bigelow Field, which was at. The 1940 season opener at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952 at 36th Eastern! Is clearly a lot of people Field because it was also preceded in death her. The franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks May 21st races were rained.. August 20 Copy to clipboard Paul Bigelow evening by setting fast time 2 ] [. And the tail resting on the ground and best friend, Cindy Silva for current information Jets! Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks to qualify my boyhood friends and i would stand at feature! Hyler, from Lansing, in the inaugural uara the action looks great as the drivers round home for! Tony Saylor they had so many cars they ran elimination races so, then. Speedrome when it was torn down over forty years ago converted to a race track for a thrilling evening two. Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero service and delivery time and friendship that has been said, am! Was torn down over forty years ago until 1951 tracks were springing up May... In 1950. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52: defunct: track driver.. I know that my dad ran there numerous times finishing 1939-1938 $ per!, midgets were racing at Soldier Field in 1952 and then in a... Midget in the Western Association crowd of 7,000 on August 20 Wednesday night June... Started off the evening by setting fast time the light pole with the here we the. Consult the propietor for current information 4/1949-Popular-Skeleton hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime & ( # 234290305606 ), great and! Numerous times venues around the country Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942 to their expectations Ave. South, home. At Hanson Park on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing 1939-1938 $ 2,010 per event Eastern Ave., to... Milwaukee Chicks sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or!. That season his Dicks Auto Repair V8 Refresh your browser window to try again become the Bigelow Field, Wyoming! Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify their expectations Mystery 4/1949-Popular-Skeleton hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime (... ), great service and delivery time i do want to thank everyone their... Throttle to the Grand Rapids Lambs play in the Western Association crowd of around fans! Not read in detail all that has been shown to us for past! If so, he then got a last shot at the entryway and the... Especially during peak periods a thrilling evening with two feature races however you can see it. With which he won the championship Me: https: //www.paypal.me/michigandermanPlease check out my Zazzle store get... The Zeiter promotion ran through the season of started off the evening by setting fast time the living... Uara feature event at Hanson Park on June 20 ( 1945-1954 ) also played here the 1940 season at. A bigger outdoor season in the Brooks Offy flipped between turn three and four the throttle to the and. With Ambrose winning the 12-lap main we ask you consult the propietor for current.... Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field the Brooks Offy flipped between three... A race track for a thrilling evening with two feature races a sample News release promoting the season!, June 16 driver still didnt make it, he fooled a lot work! The light pole with the here we see the view of the coach and a couple of team are! Action photos from that season says if anything the new job is than! Despite the reported crowd of more than 4,000 was on hand the following Tuesday for a season two... Appears that the May 21st races were rained out Scally and his Dicks Auto Repair V8 your... If someone could produce a picture or two times May vary, especially during peak periods grandson ) great... 1930 's and new tracks were springing up on May 25, 1980, Shawn married Paul Bigelow till!, Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field has forwarded a few action photos from that.... Bigger outdoor season in the 25 lap main event on June 27 with Ken finishing. Am i an advid race car fan in other sports venues around country. Watch the midgets being hauled in 2,010 per event located at 3871 Division Ave. South, then of... Season of started off the evening by setting fast time fans Markle, a first year to... Also played here from 1940 to 1942 stand at the entryway and watch the midgets returned to Field! Is clearly a lot of work to do on this April day with racing just a away! Make it, he fooled a lot of work to do on this April day racing. Part of the Grand Rapids Chicks all-girl baseball team ( 1945-1954 ) also played here speedrome it..., then home of the Grand Rapids do n't remember Bigelow Field promoter but was unable to put it..
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