Motorsports Newsletter 5/08/24
By Richard Parks
EDITORIAL: A common but wrong belief is seen in https://competitionplus.
To answer this let us look at some points rarely discussed but relevant to enhanced, oxygenated fuels, including nitro
and alcohol. First, how many drag racers have griped about the increasing costs in drag racing. Second, insurance costs have risen dramatically with the use of enhanced fuels. Third, the number of race teams competing using enhanced fields have shrunk from hundreds to a mere handful at major events. Fourth, injuries and deaths, according to the insurance companies have risen in fuel cars in relation to gas cars. Fifth, according to most people who discuss this topic the FUN has gone out of the sport due to the complexity of regulation (suits or officials) which is due to the increased speeds in the fuel class. When I first looked at the documents, far more than anyone else in the sport has seen, my enthusiasm for enhanced fuels began to wane and for the first time I realized why Dad held on to the fuel ban for so long. I also gave up my bias toward fuel and agreed with my father: enhanced fuel is killing the sport. It hurts when children learn that their parents are right and have to change, but the rational person must grow up sooner or later. The Editor
AND: Don Smith asks, “Is Al Caldwell still alive.” What do we know about Caldwell. Please let us know.
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1) Good piece on Bill Bader. Bill and I were good friends. Short story. I shot Norwalk and Bill let me stay on premises overnight in my RV. The only one at the deserted track. At around 1am lightning shook me like it hit the RV. It did come close. I was parked next to the little tower in 1990. I opened the door to more lightning but no rain. The strike that woke me hit the tower electric box on top and it was sparking to fire. No time for the FD and I grabbed the hose plugged into the base and showered it like I was pissing. No pressure so I kept at it for 20 minutes. Put it out. Bill arrives the next day to hear the story. Dean Papadeas at deanpapadeas@earthlink.net.
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2) Remembering Jim McLennan; courtesy of Don Smith. I never got the opportunity to meet Jim McLennan but feel like I know what kind of man he was by the many stories Bobby tells. I never get tired of those stories! He is a legend; not many people get to be that. Adam Sorokin (driver for Bobby McLennan’s Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster) & Jenni Calcara
Jim McLennan will be missed by all of us. He was always like an uncle to my brother and sisters and me. He was a loyal friend to both my mom’s and my dad. He taught us all what hard work was all about and gave me my first job at Half Moon Bay Drag Strip picking up the garbage. I will never forget his voice and how he always seemed happy to see us. We were all lucky to have him in our lives. Debby Brizio Evans
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3) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way.7 DECEMBER 1941 The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Dad wrote the following commentary, “Then along came World War II (December 7, 1941) and our GM auto-assembly plant began its conversion for the production of M-5 light military tanks, and many of us were laid off. In that interim I got a new job as a shipyard’s inspector at Terminal Island in Los Angeles harbor. It was a good job, with lots of driving to and from work – which I liked. And with my free roving classification as a safety inspector, I was able to tour all levels, from propeller shaft and engine room to upper wheelhouse of the Liberty ships we were building, and the experience was as valuable, to me, as the job’s weekly compensation.
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4) An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a time machine of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at racetracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned racetracks, including Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.
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5) From Jim Miller, Chief Historian for the American Hot Rod Foundation (Gas/Fuel wars, serialized in coming issues):
I want to give you a different perspective on the gas-fuel debate. I’ll start out asking what pump gasoline is. In the late 1940’s you could go to a gas station and buy White (junk) gas. You could go to another station and buy regular gas. Then you could go to a Richfield or Gilmore station and buy hopped up gas. And don’t forget going to the airport and getting Aviation gas. All totally different mixes and octanes but all legit pump gas. Formula 1 published specifications in the 1980’s as to what gasoline was/is and the manufacturers like Shell, AGIP, Elf and others, spent millions of dollars formulating special brews that fit the octane rules but really wasn’t commercial pump gasoline. Jim Miller, Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame member in the Historian Category Miller212.842@
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6) Hidden Pioneers|Facebook. Google: https://www.facebook.
3569PUAVCYzPFudkS4pDkqaOv6AwEI
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7) “Oscar Koveleski for a number of years sponsored SCCA Club races including Nationals at Pocono. These races were run by the Tri-Region: SSCA’s Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Blue Mountain Regions, with assistance from DC, North Jersey, New York and other regions. Those races were Oscar’s, if there was no Oscar, there was no race. Perhaps you can turn up someone who knows more about how Oscar dealt with the track; l was Chief Steward at many of them but purposely stayed away from their administration.” Johnny
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8) Know your motorsports personality. Tony Parella, President of SVRA (Sportscar Vintage Racing Association). Since his acquisition of SVRA, Tony has transformed it from a club racing group to a full-fledged business with a national platform.
Compiled from Epartrade.
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9) ED PINK: THE OLD MASTER The Remarkable Life and Times of Racing’s Most Versatile Engine Builder, by Ed Pink with Bones Bourcier. Ed Pink’s gift for designing and building engines made him a motorsports icon. His handiwork has powered, among others, drag-racing superstars Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen, Indy Car legends Al Unser and Tom Sneva, sports car heroes Bob Wollek and Brian Redman, and USAC champions Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. But this is not a technical book. Pink began his long-awaited autobiography with one goal: that it would be more about people than engines. Mission accomplished, yet again, for auto racing’s true Old Master. Hard cover, 276 pp, 253 color and B&W photos, www.costal181.com, S-
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10) 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE Date/Race/Track/Network/Start Time (ET)/Radio
Friday, May 10 Darlington Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 18 North Wilkesboro Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 24 Charlotte Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 1 WorldWide Technology Raceway FOX 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, June 28 Nashville Superspeedway FS1 TBD MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 12 Pocono Raceway FS1 5:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 19 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 10 Richmond Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 25 Milwaukee Mile Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thursday, September 19 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 27 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, October 4 Talladega Superspeedway FS1 5:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 26 Homestead-Miami Speedway FS1 Noon MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 1 Martinsville Speedway FS1 6:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 8 Phoenix Raceway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
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11) BOOK REVIEW Corvette Drag Racing: The Golden Era, by Jim Dillon (2023). (to be serialized in the Motorsports Newsletter) Dillon describes the era before the Corvettes came on the scene in 1956; an era in which major strides were made in motorsports racing. Then came the styling of the Corvette itself, an Americanization of European racing design, and the car was everywhere on American roads, in the movies and on the small screen of television. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) saw the potential and opened up a class in 1958 and Corvettes, with their power and aerodynamic styling fit right into the drag racing scene. Jim Dillon can be reached at jim@dillonreo.com and Gone Racin’ is at
RnParks1@Juno.com. (to be continued)
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12) Hidden Pioneers Bring you the Industry Leaders of today & tomorrow of Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Jennifer comes to the First Global Diversity Summit Feb 2021 introduction.
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13) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (turboguydm1@gmail.com, captio
When Ed became a dry lake racer, he joined the Russetta Timing Association and became a member of the Coupes Club. The Coupes was aptly named since racers with closed cars weren’t allowed to participate in the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) until 1950. That combination would change Ed’s life, as Bob Pierson and Bobby Meeks were members of the Coupes. (Meeks was the fearless guy who severely chopped Pierson’s ’34 Ford three-window coupe to give it that look that so many copied.) Captioned photographs are at https://www.motortrend.com/
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14) FIA World Rally Championship/Date/Country/
28 January 2024 Monte-Carlo Rallye, Monte-Carlo.
18 February 2024 Sweden Rally, Sweden.
31 March 2024 Kenya Safari Rally, Kenya.
21 April 2024 Croatia, Croatia Rally.
15 May 2024 Portugal Vodafone Rally de Portugal.
2 June 2024 Italia Rally, Italia Sardegna.
30 June 2024 Poland ORLEN Rally, Poland.
21 July 2024 Latvia Tet Rally, Latvia.
4 August 2024 Finland Secto Rally, Finland.
8 September 2024 Greece EKO Acropolis Rally, Greece.
29 September 2024 Chile Rally, Chile BioBo.
3 November 2024 Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Central European Rally.
24 November 2024 Japan FORUM8 Rally, Japan.
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15) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). Racing at the iconic, hallowed Goodwood circuit is bring your best game with laser focus and sensibility. The Peter Collins Trophy grid is a recalling of the thrilling days of yesteryear and the epic Sports Car Racing era of the Le Mans 24 Hours, among other sports car races, following World War II. The selected grid included some of the rarest cars, which included the rare D and C Type Jaguars, Aston Martin DB3S and Maserati 300S. Peter Collins raced cars of this era, racing across Europe at the top of sportscar racing events. Saturday: The Peter Collins Race was next to the last Practice/Qualifying session of the day. All of the Race Cars in the session were blindingly fast. It was puzzling as the last race for the Old Yeller II was at the 2023 Phillip Island in Australia and it was compliant in handling and the handling became near impossible during the session. From Ernie & Elaine
Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).
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16) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)
Ron Benham spoke about Ak’s record run in the Earl Wooden Crossley Coupe. Benham had built the car and sold it to Wooden. That car qualified many a land speed racer for a record, and Benham has built cars that put a lot of people into the record books, including Ak. Jim Travis spoke of the time Miller took him out in his roadster and went over 120mph down the city roads. “That was the last time I let him do that to me.” Jim spoke fondly of the Miller/Lufkin/Carr team at Bonneville. They would have 4 cars at the Salt Flats, and they were always breaking records and later the parties would be notorious. Jack Lufkin was known as quite the gambler and had a mathematical method for winning. Sam Jackson, director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, thanked the crowd for coming to the tribute for Miller and said, “this is the first time that I have met Ak, but I have heard about his exploits, the trips to Goodwood and Miller’s other deeds.” Jackson went on to add, “the museum is a living place, a place of history,” and to come back often and hold events such as the one today. (to be continued)
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17) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 29 MARCH 1927 Henry Segrave tries his luck at Daytona Beach. Major Henry Segrave journeyed to Daytona Beach, Florida to try his luck on the sandy shore with his “Mystery,” a Sunbeam automobile with 1000 horsepower. He had two internal combustion, 22.4 Litre (1370 cubic inch) V-12 Sunbeam Matabele aero engines and reset the land speed record with a speed of 203.79 mph (327.97 kph). This was the first car to reach a speed over 200 mph (320 kph) and it excited youth all over the world to see how fast they could make their cars run.
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18) TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1988, SPORTS Copyright 1988/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY JIM MURRAY. Reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray.
Dan Gurney actually learned to drive in the hilly roadways around Riverside but went to Europe where he was so successful so early that the great Enzo Ferrari himself signed him up. If it had wheels, Gurney could win with it–the Belgian Grand Prix, the French Grand Prix twice, the Mexican Grand Prix, Brand’s Hatch. He won the first Grand Prix ever won by Porsche. He drove Jaguars, Cobras, Lotuses. He won at LeMans with A. J. Foyt. European Grand Prix racers usually steered clear of Indianapolis. The brutish, claustrophobic, recklessly competitive 500 miles there were a far cry from a champagne-and-silk-scarf run around the French Riviera or the Black Forest. Some great foreign drivers, notably Juan Fangio had taken one look at Indy’s turns and gone gladly back to Mille Miglias. From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation
linda@jimmurrayfoundation.
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19) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Marion County Intl Raceway, La Rue, Ohio, 1/4-mile. (MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S BOOK)
Maryland Intl Raceway, Budds Creek, Maryland, 1/4-mile. (MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S BOOK)
Mason Dixon Dragway, Hagerstown, Maryland, 1/4-mile.
Maui Raceway Park, Puunene, Hawaii, 1/4-mile.
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20) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils 2025 Induction Class (continued).
Sébastien Bourdais later won three-straight at Long Beach with Newman/Haas from 2005 – 2007 but the seven wins with Newman at the “200 MPH Beach Party” weren’t the only memorable triumphs at Long Beach for Haas. The first-ever race on the Long Beach streets was a Formula 5000 event in 1975 won by Brian Redman (MSHFA Class of 2002) in a Haas-owned Lola T332. That successful “proving race” convinced the international Formula 1 organizers the venue and city were suitable for a true F1 Grand Prix, which was run for the first time just six months later in 1976. It was Mario Andretti’s win in 1977, however, that put Long Beach on the map. He drove a Lotus-Ford to a popular victory as the first and only American to win a F1 Grand Prix on his home soil. Still at the height of his mainstream popularity, Mario’s milestone and highly publicized victory was a key moment in cementing the legend of Long Beach Grand Prix. From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.
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21) Ice Speedway Racing History: The early pioneering riders rode old two valve Czechoslovakian Jawas and British made JAP machines. This group of traveling daredevils sported some colorful names such as Rick “The Rocket” Workman, “Buffalo” Bob Hetrick, Timmy Joe Shepperd, Woody Doogan, Jim “The Cincinnati Kid” Hedrick, Tony “The Tiger” Westbrook, “Marvelous” Mark Cherry, “Fly”n Finley Wallace, “Rapid” Ralph Castor and his brother “Gentleman” Jim Castor to name some. All that was available for traction on the ice in those days was off the shelf hardware store sheet metal screws. There was no uniformity and racing results were quite primitive relative to today’s competition. In real terms – over two seconds a lap slower! http://icespeedway.com/
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22) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. We took turns walking around the sea of “Cool” mustangs so many it was hard to count them all, the best guest was 800 plus. The drag racing was good and the ride along seemed to be a big hit with a long line all day. The mustang clubs from So-Cal helped park the cars to help the promoters which showed good Teamwork. I was very impressed with this show as I do so many, and it helps me keep the passion and knowledge to share with the High School students. Bill Montgomery hiddenpioneers@
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23) Book Review: CRASH! From Senna to Earnhardt How the HANS Helped Save Racing, by Jonathan Ingram with Robert Hubbard and Jim Downing. Jonathan Ingram has spent more than four decades as an auto racing journalist. His stories have appeared in racing magazines On Track and Autosport and major daily newspapers as well as Autoweek,
Road & Track and Sports Illustrated, among many other publications. A current contributor to Autoweek.com, he was recognized for lifetime achievement in January of 2022 with the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence. “A great read that culminates with an investigation into the death of Dale Earnhardt,” said Art Garner, author of Black Noon. “Deaths in the 1990’s climbed alarmingly. Two men likely saved the racing world from extinction,” wrote Steve Olvey, author of Rapid Response. From: Judy Stropus is at jstropus@earthlink.net.
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24) Okay, so let’s say that gambling on drag racing becomes a fact, and someone like FanDuel or one of those other places starts carrying the action, and then let’s further speculate that some cretin sees an opportunity to influence the outcome. We still don’t know what the NBA idiot got for doing his thing, but what do you think it would take to get some low-buck, struggling racer, or even a high-roller short of cash to spectacularly lose a race. Hell, all it takes is a little tire smoke and who’s to know? I sincerely believe there are guys out there who would take a dive for a lot less than we think they would. Fifty grand and I’ll wager almost all of them would. The moment a lot of money comes into play regarding drag racing and gambling I think we’d begin to see some serious problems. Jon Asher
READERS: Yesterday I had a session with NHRA at their offices and will be sending out detailed drafts of the NHRA’s program for dissemination and discussion. It’s a lot different than what I was led to believe originally.
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25) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “One More Lap, Jimmie Johnson and the #48,” by Robert Sullivan and Ivan Shaw. “Quarter-Mile Mustangs, The History of Ford’s Pony Car at the Dragstrip 1964 1/2- 1978,” by Doug Boyce. “Drag Racing’s Warren ‘The Professor’ Johnson, The Cars, People and Wins Behind his Pro Stock Success,” by Kelly Wade. “Hemi Under Glass, Bob Riggle and His Wheel-Standing Mopars,” by Mark Fletcher and Richard Truesdell.
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26) So fortuitous that when living in Gardena in an apartment, a Chinese fellow asked me to join their predominantly Chinese tennis players at the Arroyo Park along the Pasadena Freeway and there I met Jerry Jann who was a staunch groupie for Max and Ina Balchowsky as he went to all the races. Jerry was driving a rare Osca Roadster with a Buick engine, and I had a Gull Wing coupe and he said to meet Max at his garage, and I called and made a daytime appointment. I had by then, moved to an apartment below Los Feliz Blvd and above Hollywood Motors area. I opened the huge door and Max said, “You’re late,” in a gruff voice. Ernie Nagamatsu is at etnracer@gmail.com. (to be continued)
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27) 100 Years of Legends: The Official Celebration of the Le Mans 24-Hours, Gerard Holtz’s 45-year television career has seen him cover the world’s greatest sporting events, including the Tour de France, World Cup, Roland-Garros, Olympics, F1 and Le Mans. Julien Holtz is a consultant and software designer who has co-written many sports books with his father Gerard Holtz. Basile Davoine is a sports journalist and content manager for the website motorsport.com. Denis Bernard is an audio-visual director, automotive journalist and driver who has scripted many comic-strip books about Le Mans. Judy Stropus is at jvstropus@gmail.com, or www.evropublishing.com.
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28) 2024 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Season Schedule
May 17-19, 2024: 24th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, Route 66 Raceway, Chicago, Illinois.
May 31-June 2, 2024: 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals, New England Dragway, Epping, New Hampshire.
June 7-9, 2024: 23rd annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tennessee.
June 21-23, 2024: TBA
June 27-30, 2024: 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
July 12-14, 2024: TBA
July 19-21, 2024: 35th annual Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals, Pacific Raceways, Seattle, Washington.
July 26-28, 2024: 36th annual DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California.
August 15-18, 2024: 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota.
August 28-September 2, 2024: 70th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana. The race will also include the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout.
September 12-15, 2024: 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pennsylvania.
September 20-22, 2024: 16th annual Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte, North Carolina.
September 27-29, 2024: 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals, World Wide Technology Raceway, St Louis, Missouri.
October 10-13, 2024: 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, Texas Motorplex, Dallas, Texas.
October 31-Nov 3, 2024: 24th annual NHRA Nevada Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas.
November 14-17, 2024: 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona, California.
From Andrew Wolf, Don Smith and Dragzine.com.
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29) Sir Jackie Stewart Honored by RRDC at Long Beach. A short video written and voiced by NBC Sports TV commentator Leigh Diffey chronicled Stewart’s career, and a “vintage” clip from the Ed Sullivan Show featuring a staged slot-car race among early-era F1 drivers Stewart, Graham Hill, Dan Gurney and Stirling Moss entertained the racing royalty in the audience. Also shown was a dynamic music video featuring Stewart’s son Paul as well as accomplished musicians Eric Clapton, Nick Mason and Simon Le Bon providing a glimpse into the life of Sir Jackie Stewart, who was awarded the OBE in 1972 and knighted in 2001. Rahal then quizzed Stewart, who shared stories of his years with race teams such as BRM, Tyrrell, and others, and recounted tales of his many encounters with racing drivers, in particular his friend Mario Andretti, who came to the stage. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net
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30) Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame 2023 inductees Doug Cook, Ed Pink, Gary Gabelich, Jim Dunn, Keith Black, Linda Vaughn, Robert Balogh, and Tom McEwen. Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221 or call 310-223-3473.
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31) Know your motorsports personality. Richard Petty, known to many as “The King” in the world of racing, is the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR with 200 career victories and seven NASCAR Cup Series Championships under his belt. Special Guest Appearance: Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Motorsports. Compiled from Epartrade.
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32) Sherm Porter’s Schedule of car shows and events (fuely32@sbcglobal.net)
MAY 18, 2024, Pete Paulsen’s Truck’n Mania, open to all years, makes, models trucks, vans, El Caminos & Rancheros, SUV’S, Paulsen Ranch, French Camp. For info: Pete 209-983-0271 or www.petepaulsen.com.
MAY 18-19, 2024, El Mirage – For info: www.scta-bni.org.
MAY 24-25, 2024, 16th Annual Golden State Classics Car Show. Friday Pre-Show Party at Warbirds Hanger 1, 5:30 pm– 8:30 pm. Saturday Car Show, downtown Paso Robles City Park, 9am-2pm, hosted by Golden State Classic Car Club. For info: www.goldenstateclassics.org or 805-286-6408.
MAY 24-26, 2024, 43rd Annual West Coast Kustom’s Cruisin’ Nationals, Santa Maria, Santa Maria Fair Park, Friday night “Santa Maria City Cruise.” Saturday/Sunday Show ‘N Shine. Sunday only “Automotive Swap Meet” hundreds of Pre-1965 customs & hot rods, roller rink, model car show, vendors, Hall of Fame induction, pin striping panel jam party & auction. For info: Penny Pichette @ 951-488-0413 or www.westcoastkustoms.com
MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2024, 38th Annual Classic at Pismo Beach, 909-363-4682 or www.theclassicatpismobeach.
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33) The on-track highlight is Saturday’s Cars of Japan Feature Race that is just one of this weekend’s showcase races on the full and fast paced 46th Mitty race schedule. The Cars of Japan celebration marks the third straight year HSR has showcased at the Mitty a geographical genre of cars rather than a specific make or model as the Featured Marque. Last year’s Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty featured 75 Years of NASCAR as part of the sanctioning body’s year-long Diamond Jubilee celebration and attracted a huge entry of all-American historic stock cars. In 2022, the globally popular Sports 2000 category, which was introduced in the UK in 1976, took center stage as the Featured Marque. From: HSR
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34) But there’s another point of emphasis that needs to be made. I may be wrong about this, but I’m reasonably sure that the Station Casinos stopped taking bets on the drag races because there simply wasn’t enough action, i.e., wagering, to make it worth their while to spend the time and effort to set the odds. Again, I acknowledge that I might be wrong about that because I haven’t personally worked the Vegas races in several years. Casinos and Sports Books only care about one thing, and that’s a very large number of gamblers placing an equally large number of wagers, and to date drag racing simply hasn’t delivered in large enough numbers. I’m not sure it ever will because, well, when you get right down to it, we’re really kind of small change in terms of size and influence. Jon Asher
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35) Trailblazers Banquet – April 6, 2024. Much like racing itself where Lady Luck can change a nay into a yay the banquet day was warm and dry. A light wind, lots of sun, it was a picture perfect. While this change of fortune had no bearing on attendance as the sold-out event takes place in a giant covered hall with air conditioning and heat it did hurt the number of motorcycles on display. Always held in an outside court area this year’s bike count was down however as always, the quality of the machines that were there was superb. Trailblazer members love their bikes and the only thing they enjoy more than showing them is talking about them. All have history. While the majority are polished, plated, painted and dressed for a ball I was attracted to an old dirty Triumph with faded paint, and numerous signatures of racers on every surface one could write on. Indeed, there was something for everyone to enjoy. From Howie Zechner howie@razvideo.com. (
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36) Received nice letter from drag racer Bruce Wheeler. Kolleen writes, “Many of you have been asking us since the wildfires on Maui last August how we have been doing. We had hoped to send this update out over the Holiday Season, but once again the demands of life has gotten in the way. We do try to update via our Facebook pages, especially Bruce, but we know not everyone is active on Facebook; hopefully this communication will reach all of you.” Bruce has lost a lot of weight due to his cancer treatment. Cancer and the loss of tourism has impacted Bruce’s business. If anyone can help out financially until he gets his business back on its feet send him an email at angel@mauigateway.com. His
photos by Bruce: https://www.maui-
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37) SCTA & BNI event calendar for 2024. Always check the SCTA website for information before attending.
May 18-19, 2024, two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake.
June 9, 2024, El Mirage Dry Lake.
July 14, 2024, El Mirage Dry Lake.
August 3-9, 2024, Bonneville, Utah, Speedweek.
September 15, 2024, El Mirage Dry Lake.
September 28-October 1, 2024, Bonneville, Utah, World Finals.
October 20, 2024, El Mirage Dry Lake.
November 9-10, 2024, two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake. rulebookinfo@scta-bni.
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38) Become an NHRA racer. NHRA street legal license: 1) official NHRA competition license card, 9-second and 5-second decals for NHRA level 6 street legal racers, 3) exclusive discounts, 4) medical insurance coverage at your NHRA member track, 5) NHRA National Dragster Magazine on-line. From: National Hot Rod Association updates@go.nhra.
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39) Panel Discussion on Jaguar History Headlines 7th Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Former Jaguar race-car driver Chip Robinson, famed Jaguar restorer Dean Cusano, and former Jaguar North America President Michael Dale on panel, joined on video by Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s Tony Dowe, Group 44’s Bob Tullius and author Neil Smith Event Benefits Cool Cars for Kids and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. From: Judy Stropus
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40) The Lions Automobilia Foundation Research Library is now open and book donations are welcome! The Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum is available for venue rental. Keep us in mind for your business meetings, charitable events and more. Volunteer Opportunities available. Shop at Lions Gift Store. Lions Automobilia Foundation 2790 E Del Amo Blvd East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221-6008. media@
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41) NASCAR is at emails@news.nascar.com. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Digital Media, One Daytona Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. Catch the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, May 5, 2024, at 3 PM ET on FS1. From: NASCAR nascar@nascar.com.
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42) 46th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway comes to a competitive conclusion. Todd Treffert adds BRM endurance challenge win to Friday’s SascoSports victory to double up on HSR Mitty feature race wins in his 901 Shop 1972 #14 Porsche 911. Cory Friedman and Autometrics Mitty weekend’s other double feature race winners in their 2016 #515 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with a Global GT victory and GT Modern BRM endurance challenge win with Shannon Heford. Former NASCAR star Joe Nemechek goes a perfect three-for-three in Gene Felton Memorial Challenge HSR Historic Stock Car victories in his NEMCO Motorsports 2007 #47 Toyota Camry. From: HSR adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.
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43) May issue of Vintage Metal, the Journal of The Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. Steve’s Stutz at the April General Meeting, Steve Gilmour showed members his most recent acquisition, a vintage Stutz. This elegant car from a maker that disappeared during the Great Depression at the end of the 1920’s looked really great and Sandra Stephenson took photographs of the stately vintage car. This is a Stutz Black Hawk, a model that challenged Bentley at Le Mans in the late 1920’s. The VSCCWA name will continue to exist, with the new trading name, Classic Sports Car Club, being the public title of the club. Editor Bob Campbell is at robertcampbell4@icloud.com.
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44) “Courtney Crone lands wild card entry for F1 Academy round in Miami,” according to RACER on-line. Very cool and congratulations. Go Get Them. From Doug Stokes at stokes28doug@gmail.com. Courtney Crone is at courtneycrone
98@gmail.com. See https://racer.com/2024/05/
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45) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. Shaking off the lingering memory of a narrow loss in the season-opening race last month at Sebring International Raceway, Alex Koreiba and James French broke through for a convincing HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA victory in the #25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320 Saturday at the 46th Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The Wolf team and drivers arrived at Michelin Raceway determined to take the victory after being just edged for the win in the inaugural series race in March at Sebring. French was passed for the lead as the field came down for the white flag at Sebring and crossed the finish line in second just 1.682 seconds out of first place. From: HSR Communications.
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46) Marty Fiolka, promoter of Crandon International Raceway and the annual Red Bull Crandon World Cup, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. From: team@epartrade.com.
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47) Getting back to his auto racing roots while still working radio in Toronto, Erik Tomas took on the role of anchor, writer and co-producer for the Raceline Motorsport Television series on TSN, owned and produced by Bruce F. Mehlenbacher and the late John Massingberd’s Promark Motorsport International. John Massingberd was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame posthumously in 2022 and was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame post- humously in 2023. The Mehlenbacher family was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1998, and Bruce F. Mehlenbacher was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2023. From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Bruce@
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48) Episode #449 – “Advanced Safety Protocols & Strategic Planning in the World of EV Racing” by ESI Equipment. This webinar will be presented by John K. Evans, President/CEO of ESI Equipment, Inc & ESI Race Track Safety Services, and Rickard Johannson, Chief Safety Officer, Swedish Automobile Sport Federation. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90, The Late Shift. The Zoom presentation will be available live at 9 AM PST, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. No charge to attend. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.
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49) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene completes his 2,490 Podcast. Guests are Olivia & Genna Gentry, Rich Schad, Chad McQueen and Matt Farah. Cars Yeah mailing address Cars Yeah, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332. Mark can be reached at info@carsyeah.com.
READERS: The Gentry sisters are beautiful, and the speakers are well worth your time. You can be on the Cars Yeah show too. All you need is an interesting story to tell about the car culture and to contact Mark. He’s a truly inspiring host.
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50) Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races, by Harold Osmer and Phil Harms (serialized review), is a paperback book with the highest quality waxed paper, measuring 8 ½ inches in height and 11 inches in length. This is a strange size since most bookcases are set up to receive books that are 11 inches in height and 8 ½ inches in length. The cover has a racing car of the era and is suitable to use as a coffee table book. Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races has 132 pages, two-thirds of which are well researched text about the history of the road race in Santa Monica and its impact on racing. There are 4 color photographs, 12 maps, one drawing of the early Santa Monica City limits and 6 insets of programs and various rules requirements. Because the races took place before color printing, 138 photographs are in black and white, but their quality is very good. In addition, there are 6 Ads of the era, 8 race result sheets and additional driver information in the index. Harold Osmer is at program@hopublishing.com (
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51) Congratulating Katherine Johnson (youtube.com). NASA Langley’s Hall of Honor Class of 2017 ceremony (youtube.com). NASA facility in Fairmont is renamed to honor West Virginia native Katherine Johnson, portrayed in the film Hidden Figures. She was honored at the US Capitol with a Congressional Gold Medal. From Bill Montgomery
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52) Guenther Steiner, Kimi Antonelli and more make waves during Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix weekend. NHRA Arizona Nationals Results, Updated Standings: Big Day for Prock, Langdon, Anderson. Greg Anderson notches win
#104, Funny Car rookie Austin Prock scores first career win in the class. Shades of Geoff Bodine, circa 1984, as Byron leads latest Hendrick Motorsports victory party on 40th anniversary of team’s first win. From: Autoweek Racing Daily
autoweek@newsletter.autoweek.
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53) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). Upon returning to the paddock and the floor jack lift of the left rear it was discovered that the entire inside of the left rear tire and rim was covered with oil, which was from the overflow oil from the rear differential. It was so very fortunate not to have had a fast excursion off track as the track edge around the circuit was wet soggy grass from weeks of non-stop rain in UK that would result in a rapid, out of control hydroplaning across the grass into the tire barriers! There was a non-stop of great fans stopping by as so many recall the Old Yeller II from 2000 onward and Elaine is the perfect ambassador rolling out historical stories about the car. She handed out cards and Samuel Chang joined us from Kent, Washington and he brought over 300 small toys for the children. There were some emotional and priceless moments, and one was a reunion with Mark Sanders. From Ernie & Elaine
Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).
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54) Gary Horstkota wrote a nice article about the BARC and Nazdar and me. It was posted on Sports Car Digest last week. Unless you are a subscriber, and I would recommend doing so, you didn’t see it. Here it is as a pdf. https://sportscar
digest.com/barc-boys-to-
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55) The World Championship ICE Racing Series offers multiple racing divisions: Big Dogs (Pit Bikes). Pit bike racing has spawned an all-new aftermarket industry supporting this fun sport. Now there’s a place for pit bike racers to prove their skills and show off their toys in front of thousands of race fans in the intimate atmosphere of the world’s finest sports arenas. Google: http://icespeedway.
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56) THE GOLDEN DAYS OF THE 1950’s see: https://www.youtube-
TmsahlXby7c&autoplay=1&iv_
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57) IndyCar Expansion with Prema Racing Creates a Few ‘Good Problems’ for the Series One of Europe’s most successful racing organizations will add 2 cars to NTT IndyCar Series grid in 2025. Why Europe’s Top Junior Team Prema Racing Is Coming to IndyCar in 2025. Powerful Prema competes in Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Regional and Formula 4, and last year added F1 Academy and the World Endurance Championship. Bob Labonte, NASCAR Racing Family Patriarch, Dies at 90. Bob Labonte had a history as a team owner and crew chief in NASCAR. From: Autoweek Racing Daily
autoweek@newsletter.autoweek.
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58) Please congratulate Hidden Pioneers’ Emeline King for earning the Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented June 23rd in Detroit. The Montford Point Marines Annual Military Heritage Banquet will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Burton Manor Banquet & Conference Center, 27777 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150. This high-profile event is well attended each year by all branches of the Armed Forces, public and governmental officials, military dignitaries, veteran and military organizations, journalists, business and corporate executives, historians, students and faculty, and the community at large. The guest speaker will be Major General Cornell Wilson. From Hidden Pioneers’ Bill Montgomery
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59) BENETTON: Rebels of Formula 1, the hangover: After Schumacher’s departure to Ferrari and the loss of factory Renault engines, Benetton struggles to maintain its status in 1996–97 with Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi, achieving just one win in those two seasons. Farewell: A prolonged period of decline concludes with Renault’s purchase of the team at the end of 2001. Judy Stropus at jvstropus@gmail.com
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60) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils 2025 Induction Class (continued). The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be celebrated next year, one month after the Class of ’25 is inducted into the MSHFA. “Congratulations to Skip and all of our Class of ’25 inductees and we want to thank him and Mario for joining us today,” George Levy said. “I tip my hat to all of the voters who make the incredibly difficult choices among hundreds of nominees each year. We can’t wait to welcome the Class of ’25 into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America next March. The preparations begin now, and we also want to thank our friends at Acura, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for once again opening the door for us to make this announcement today at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.” From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.
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61) The remaining NHRA YES (Youth & Education Services) events the Hidden Pioneers plan to support. 2024 NHRA
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Season Schedule. May 17-19, 2024, 24th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, Route 66 Raceway, Chicago. To purchase or renew tickets, please visit www.nhra.com. Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.
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62) You can race on a real racecourse. Tracks 1/2 mile to 1 mile will include Bristol Motor Speedway, Dover Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Milwaukee Mile, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Richmond Raceway, and Rockingham Speedway. From Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at
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63) Sunday, June 2, 2024, 8 AM-11 AM. To celebrate the Italian Independence Day and all cars made in Italy, the Petersen will host a Cruise-In open to all Italian Car brands to assemble the automotive masterpieces of the Country in a beautiful setting. The event will feature a curated display of all brands, including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lancia, and some special Italian-coachbuilder cars, too. Show-car participants of this event will be able to enjoy a complete all-Italian experience including food, entertainment and art. The event will be followed by a one-day rally to Santa Barbara, ending at the Villa Bellosguardo foundation, a beautiful estate of Mediterranean inspiration overlooking the Ocean. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org.
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64) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,
www.CarTechBooks.com. Corvette Special Editions: Includes Pace Cars, L88’s, Callaways, Lingenfelters, Z06s, and more, by Keith Cornett. The Definitive Shelby Mustang Guide: 1965-1970, by Greg Kolasa. Sox & Martin: The Most Famous Team in Drag Racing, by Jim Schild. Mustang Special Editions: Over 500 Models Including Shelbys, Cobras, Twisters, Pace Cars, Saleens and More, by Jonathan Klein and Jeffrey Klein.
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65) Transport & Tech|Facebook. Google: https://www.facebook.
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66) Know your motorsports personality. Brian Roberts, Technical Specialist at AERA. “The factors that impact the performance of gaskets that machinists and engine builders should know to ensure a high-performing and leak free engine.” Compiled from Epartrade.
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67) Good Work Richard. I look forward to your Posts and appreciate all that you do for us. Jim Clark
READERS: Jim Clark and Bob Small have their stories preserved in “The Archives,” and you can request copies of over 200 racers, mechanics and sports figures by writing to me at RnParks1@juno.com.
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68) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)
Boyd Harnell presented enlargements of Ak racing in the Pan-Americana Road Race and how fascinating that time was. Ron Cummings told the audience many of his Ak stories. Cummings said that Ak raced in SCCA Road races and had 5 cars. He raced against Stirling Moss, Richie Gunther, Phil Hill and Dan Gurney in the Los Angeles Times Road Race. He was very good and if he had better equipment would have been a household name. But at this race he was getting
black flagged off the track by a referee for dropping oil on the track. Each time Ak would make up ground on the leaders, this referee would black flag him off the track. After the race Ak found out that the man who had black-flagged him was the husband of a lady Ak knew. (to be continued)
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69) The NASCAR and S2000 Mitty’s were both very popular, and this weekend’s 46th edition is on track to exceed the stout competitor turnout and large spectator attendance of both events. It will mark the second straight event of Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR)’s young season that is strongly trending upward following March’s season opening HSR Spring Fling at Sebring International Raceway that attracted a record number of competitor entries since its introduction in 2019. The HSR Mitty weekend also features the second race of the inaugural HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA that debuted with a thriller at the Sebring Spring Fling. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.
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70) May 11, 2024, 4 AM-8 PM Petersen Automotive Museum. We’re hosting a special car show and opening night to celebrate our most anticipated exhibition of the year, Best in Low: Icons of the Street and Show. We’ll have a massive lowrider car show as well as food, drinks, and live entertainment. After our ribbon cutting, attendees will be among the first people to ever lay eyes on the exhibit. There’s an x-factor about these lowriders that can’t quite be described with words and images. The artistry, the craftsmanship, and the story behind these cars is something everyone has to see with their own eyes to believe. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org.
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71) Ice Speedway Racing History: Technical innovations have improved the sport dramatically since those early days. The biggest improvements have come in the areas of tire and stud technology. In 1982 ICE adopted a stud rule making use of a single designed stud mandatory. The new “Ice Getter” stud was specially made for ice racing and related motorsports activities, primarily on frozen lakes, ponds and rivers in North America’s cold weather regions. The Ice Getter was a good universal stud that allowed for better traction and no increased ice wear (a very important consideration for indoor ice racing). This stud was about a second per lap quicker and gave very consistent traction. http://icespeedway.com/his
tory_ice_racing.html (to be continued)
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72) Two projects of interest: The “Ak Miller Stories” and the “Let’s Find Al Caldwell Committee” have been formed. If you have any Ak Miller stories send them to me and I will create a “chain letter” and send it out to whomever wants it. I already have 2 long stories on Ak, but I need more. Number 2 is the quest to find out where Al Caldwell is and if he passed away. Caldwell rankled my father with his writings in Drag News. Let’s not forget anyone in motorsports, even the “rankled” and the “ranklers.” They all have a story to tell.
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73) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized)
It wouldn’t be long until Ed became fast friends with the racers in the Coupes who would influence his career path in the evolving high-performance industry: “My three buddies, Fran Hernandez, Bobby Meeks, and Don Towle in the Coupes all worked for Vic Edelbrock Sr.” Hernandez, who earlier worked with Fred Offenhauser, was shop foreman at Edelbrock and later had a distinguished career at Ford for over 30 years creating their racing program. Regarding the legendary engine builder Bobby Meeks, “Bobby, to my knowledge, only had one job in his life, other than the four years he spent in the Navy, and that was at Edelbrock.” Towle was a master machinist and crack engine builder, adding to the early success of Edelbrock. “The three of them befriended me and were my mentors,” Ed states. “Bobby Meeks taught me how to build race engines.” See https://www.motortrend.
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74) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. Saturday night at The HSR Mitty, the #25 team controlled the race from the start as Koreiba built a comfortable lead from the pole. Although the winners fell out of the lead as team’s made their mandatory three pit stops, the #25 always cycled back to the front and were never challenged on track for the top position. Wolf’s biggest threat for the win looked like it was going to be Sebring winners Jon Field and Kenton Koch in the #37 One Motorsports Ligier JS P3. The #37 team’s only laps of the weekend were in Saturday’s race as Field and Koch spent the previous days victoriously competing with the One Motorsports team in Radical Cup competition at nearby Barber Motorsports Park. From: HSR Communications.
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75) Two-Day NHRA drag racing events could be wave of the future. ‘It’s got to make dollars‘: PRO input from Superstar Shoot-out spurs NHRA to try fresh cost-saving format. Andretti Global Opens New F1 Facility at Silverstone. Rejected by Formula 1 in its bid to join the series, Michael Andretti-led group continues to move forward. Tyler Monn Will Be Kyle Larson’s Eyes for Indy 500, and NASCAR CocaCola 600 Doubleheader. Monn will have 2021 NASCAR champ Larson’s attention for 1100 miles of racing May 26. Autoweek Racing autoweek@newsletter.
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76) Fuel Factory announces the release of their latest innovation, F-15-O. This new fuel, developed in collaboration with well-known engine builders Philip and Jay Oakley of Oakley Motorsports. F-15-O is an oxygenated version of Fuel Factory’s popular F-15 fuel, specially formulated for use in large cubic inch, naturally aspirated drag racing and truck pulling. F-15-O has already secured victories in NHRA Super Gas and Super Comp, as well as bracket races.
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77) Please put this on your Motorsports Newsletter. The 2024 Bonneville/EL Mirage Rules & Records booklet, with the Performance Directory is the “yellow pages” of the LAND SPEED RACING WORLD! Still only $10. Shop (scta-bni.org). Thanks, Ron Main is at ron@speeddemon.us.
READERS: Did you know that it was Jim Nelson, using SCTA and San Diego Roadster Club rules that was the beginning of the NHRA rules. It’s true and the SCTA is a home-grown group of hot rodders that created a sport.
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78) The original four high school friends, the BARC Boys shown here at an SCCA dinner in 1962; Dave Nicholas, Steve Tierno, Jerry Vail, Dave Zych. When the four enthusiasts eventually met at high school and discovered each other’s keen interest in sports cars and racing, it was the first step towards a new series of adventures for the group. In 1958 they decided to form a club and contacted the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) in England requesting membership. They were turned down but pressing on the four formed their own club which they named the Binghamton Automobile Racing Club or BARC. From Gary Horstkota at Sports Car Digest. Dave Nicholas davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).
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79) That led to many great and endless encounters about motorsports of the day including personalities that were priceless, all before, by incredible chance, I had the opportunity to buy the Old Yeller II with the ‘designated’ stewardship of the archives. I must focus on the Max and Ina Balchowsky story and most important over my other writing projects so I will focus to finish first. From you and as one of the most respected historians of motorsports, knowing of the golden years of racing. I need a quote, statement or paragraph from you about Max and Ina and their role and importance and their significant impact on the development of motorsports that would be so appreciated and treasured! Ernie Nagamatsu
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80) As the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) marks its 65th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the compassion of the aftermarket community. I have been honored to work for this Foundation, the staff and its board of trustees for almost a decade. Founded in 1959, AACF began as a humble initiative by a group of industry executives driven by a shared desire to make a difference for an industry colleague suffering from a catastrophic event in their life. From its modest beginnings, it has grown into a formidable force for good, touching countless lives and leaving a profound impact on the automotive aftermarket. Joel Ayres joel-
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81) The BARC Boys as they would come to be known, were fortunate to meet a local character by the name of Edwin “Spanky” Smith who happened to be one of the founders of the Southern New York Region of the Sports Car Club of America. Dave Nicholas recalls, “Spanky became a great friend. He got us into places racetracks didn’t let people our age enter.” With Spanky’s encouragement and help, The BARC Boys began to spend their weekends traveling to SCCA races in the Northeast, up into Canada and down the East Coast as far south as Sebring, Florida. With little spare cash, they hitch hiked, took buses, borrowed cars, slept in sleazy hotels, on the ground or in cars and ate cheap food as they traveled to races. From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).
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82) Scott McLaughlin says ‘integrity, reputation,
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83) Trailblazers Banquet, April 6, 2024. At the 6 pm hour the great hall was opened. A nice touch was a picture on the giant video screens that showed all the table numbers. 600 people require over 80 tables and navigating it can be a real chore. Still being lost in this jungle is a treat. Between the hall opening and the official start is a wonderful time as many wander from this table to that to engage or listen to the countless bench racing stories being told. As every person in attendance is wearing a large name tag there is never the embarrassment of forgetting who someone is. Time goes by quickly when you’re having fun so soon Trailblazers President Don Emde took the stage. Hello, welcome and announcements was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Howie Zechner howie@razvideo.com. (
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84) Next up for HSR on the 2024 schedule is the second annual HSR Classic 6-Hours of Watkins Glen, June 6-9, 2024, at Watkins Glen International. Please visits www.HSRRace.com for information. From: adam@
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85) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. Another highlight was when a female Technician from Rio Hondo college came up and talked to me about her goals. Of course, we had lots in common and I gave her my contact info to stay in touch. Knowing Mike Dighera who won teacher of the year last year, is one of the teachers there, she is in good shape. We had a good steady crowd all day and ran out of (STEAM) items just in time to pack up and leave the venue around 3pm. We will ask our partners for more stuff to keep the Awareness up to inspire this new generation that is our future! I want to thank Daron and Stacy for putting on a first-class event with so many “Cool” cars and people! My kind of show that I look forward to again next year. Enjoy the “Cool” photos attached to view & share…Godspeed CSI Bill Montgomery hiddenpioneers@
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86) Joey Gase NASCAR bumper guard throw brings fine but attracts new sponsor. Gase’s outlandish display of emotion netted a fitting sponsor for August race at Michigan. Korea delivers letter of intent to rejoin F1 calendar Formula 1 raced in Korea from 2010-2013. Tony Stewart overcomes weighty issue to win first career NHRA Top Fuel rounds. Three-time NASCAR Cup champion wins first two rounds round in his NHRA career, beating two-time champion Brittany Force and Justin Ashley in Arizona. From: Autoweek Racing Daily autoweek@newsletter.
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87) In 1984 Chip Robinson joined Group 44 in the IMSA GTP Championship, sharing a Jaguar XJR-7 with Bob Tullius for much of the season, finishing fifth in the points and competing in his first 24 Hours of Le Mans. He drove one more year for Group 44, scoring his first GTP victory in the season finale at Daytona. From: Judy Stropus
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88) May 18, 2024, Little Sparks: Animals 9 AM-10 AM AND May 18, 2024, Hands On: Teen Auto Workshop 10 AM-12 PM. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org, 6060 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA.
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89) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. Despite the lack of track time, Field steadily worked up through the order after starting last. He charged to the top five just 20 minutes into the race and was in second place at the race’s 45-minute mark. A rematch of Sebring’s fight to the finish appeared to be on, but just minutes later the #37 slowed on course unexpectedly when the car ran out of fuel before the team had planned to pit. The team lost several laps after being towed to the pits and restarting, and after a mid-race stint by Koch, Field and One Motorsports made the decision to retire the #37 with no realistic chance of moving up any positions, let alone taking the win. From: HSR Communications pr@saalgood.
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90) May issue of Vintage Metal, “Classic or Vintage? What is a Classic Car?” Dictionaries in the editorial library were singularly unhelpful. In other words, only one, the 2009 edition of Collins English Dictionary, mentioned the classic car. It suggested that in Britain a classic car was: ‘a car more than 25 years old.’ In general, the definition of classic was along the lines of, ‘judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality.’ This definition came from the Reader’s Digest Word Power Dictionary, dating from 2001. Editor Bob Campbell is at robertcampbell4@icloud.com.
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91) Know your motorsports personality. Gustavo Estrada, Head of Development. TC 2000 (Turismo Competición 2000) is one of the most popular touring car series in Latin America. Manufacturers competing in the championship include Honda, Fiat, Chevrolet, Citroen, Toyota and Renault. Compiled from Epartrade.
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92) 46th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway. Friedman and Heford finished a close second overall in Saturday’s B.R.M. Endurance race to overall and Prototype winners Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss. Making their first start of the season in the Matador Motorsports 2017 #02 Cadillac DPi, Marshall and Foss secured their second B.R.M. victory in a row after winning the same race at 2023’s season-ending Sebring Historics. The win was also the fourth overall B.R.M. Endurance victory for the Matador duo at Road Atlanta since 2020. Saturday’s third B.R.M. Endurance race winner was Benjamin Myers who scored Historic-class honors and an impressive seventh overall finish in a packed 47-car field in his Wolf Motorsports 2001 #29 Carbir CS2 sports 2000. From: HSR Communications.
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93) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Skyview Drags, Tioga Center, New York, 1/8-mile.
Sooner Motorplex, Lawton, Oklahoma, 1/8-mile.
South Georgia Motorsports Park, Adel, Georgia, 1/4-mile.
Southwest International Raceway, Tucson, Arizona, 1/4-mile.
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94) McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown to Receive IMRRC’s 10th Annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award on September 12, 2024, in Corning, New York Annual gala returns to Corning Museum of Glass to recognize Brown for his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing. Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal to introduce and interview Brown at gala. From: Judy Stropus jvstropus@gmail.com.
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95) Royce Rumsey just published “A Mean Green Dream Racing Machine.” After a few years of hiatus, the legendary Concorso Ferrari returned to Pasadena’s famed Colorado Blvd for its 30th anniversary. Although contemporary models dominated the gathering the assembly included the historic likes of a ’58 single-louvre Tour d’France, a handful of Daytonas, a 330 GTC, a pair of 308 Dino GT4s and other archival notables from Modina that carefully drove their way eastward on the boulevard to their assigned spots. Then a dark green automotive apparition appeared among the gauntlet of greats with its distinctive “pontoon” profile–as renowned legacy Ferrari carrozzeria GTO Engineering piloted its 1957 250 Testa Rossa into place. For photos and the complete story go to https://roycer924.exposure.
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96) The SCTA is really internet deficient. While they did list the event dates, they really need to boost interest in events and spectators. Could you do an event boost for it? We will be there for 3 days next week. Friday tech, Saturday and Sunday racing. Where can you go where you can camp on the edge of the course for $14 a carload? The party is every night and every day, bring your kids! No pit passes here, the entire event is open to everyone. El Mirage dry (sometimes) lake. Tim Lewis zooterincm@aol.com.
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