By Richard Parks
EDITOR: If you have a cause (event, show, reunion, book, story, etc) that you believe in then please send me updates on what you are doing and write in often. There are so many important things in the motorsports world to report on. Write up a short summary on each and every event you go to and send it to me in about 100 words. That’s only about as long as this message that I am sending to you. It’s important to keep that event or person you care about out there in the public mind so that they are not forgotten. Send schedules, results, interviews as well. All the very best and keep creating. (114 words)
AND: Regarding the “NASCAR sports gambling policy gets drivers’ attention poll: readers sound off.
Gambling at over 200mph? Someone is going to get killed, then what? I hate this idea. John Towle & Don Smith
Yes, I can see my father turning over in his grave over this, not to mention cheating. Richard Parks (and family)
AND: The Motorsports Newsletter has readers in West Australia, East Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The UK and other places. The editor will keep looking for the news world-wide.
AND: Please mark any personal matters “confidential” or “personal” if you don’t want your message in the newsletter. I do use my judgement in such matters, but I make mistakes sometimes, so be clear in what you want me to do.
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1) Passings in 2023. In order not to overwhelm readers with grief this will be serialized in coming issues.
Standout Top Fuel racer Tom Raley has passed away. Few drivers in drag racing history have displayed more skill and versatility than Raley, who not only was a Top Fuel championship contender from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s but also was a talented racer in NASCAR Grand National competition, competing against such legends as Richard Petty, Freddie Lorenzen, David Pearson, Bobby and Donnie Allison, and Curtis Turner. Raley actually began his career in oval track racing winning the 1963 Maryland state Modified championship. The following year he competed in the Autolite 250 Sportsman (now Nationwide) race at Daytona the day before the Daytona 500. In 1965 and ’66 he won NASCAR Top Fuel championships when they had their own drag racing program. In 1968 Jim and Allison Lee offered Tom the seat of their 1st-class Top Fuel team. He drove for the Lees for 6 seasons winning ’69-’70.
AND: Roger Taylor, who tuned Bill Carroll to a C/Gas class win at the 1966 Indy Nationals, passed away February 10, 2023. In their ‘40 Willys Gas, the duo beat the Stickel & Riffle Anglia in the final. They also set the NHRA record at Myrtle Beach, SC, but the car broke during the back-up attempt. The duo, who also were runner-ups in B/Gas runner-up at the 1965 Indy event, established themselves as one of the top five C/Gassers in the country. They returned to Indy in 1967 set low ET in C/Gas but lost to the Russo & Santo Willys in the second round. In 2009 Taylor and Carroll were inducted into the East Coast Drag Time’s Hall of Fame. Taylor passed surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Brenda, his children Lori Slavin, Roger Taylor Jr, his stepchildren Jody Blanchard, Kriss Miller and each of their spouses, and 11 grandchildren that he loved dearly. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Jim Logue, owner/driver of the Condor Express BB/FC has died. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Bruno Gianoli was a super guy! Did a lot of machine work for me in Northern California during the 1960’s! Rest in Peace, Bruno. Don Garlits
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2) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 3 FEBRUARY 1941 Parks nominated for the SCTA Board. Wally Parks was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the SCTA along with Ed Adams, Bob Rufi and Vic Edelbrock Sr. It was the highest honor he had received so far. Jack Peters (AKA Jerrils) came to the Board meeting to hand out issues of his new magazine called Throttle. Wally Parks chaired the Board meeting on May 5 in the absence of Ed Adams and Mel Leighton. Mel had come down with the measles and was unable to come. Art Tilton referred to my father as the “Acting President,” and this was indeed an honor for him.
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3) Drag Racing: In this lightning-fast motorsport, two vehicles, be it cars, motorcycles, or snowmobiles compete head-to-head to cover the quarter mile (402.3 meters) in the quickest time possible. Pitea Dragway’s well-maintained track has become a favorite among racers and spectators alike. Directions: Follow the green-yellow Pitea Dragway signs starting on E4 south of Pitea at Trafikplats Bergsviken. Robin Millar, MPC-DRAGcartoons, Daughter of Pete Millar, King of Cartoons Publisher, Cartoonist, Dragracer, the creator of CARtoons Magazine, publisher of DRAGcartoons, Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth, and Wonder Warthog. 310-529-1831, and www.laffyerasphalt.com, at millarkey@aol.com.
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4) The Hidden Pioneers attended the February 23rd SEMA Youth Conference and had many Team members there to help guide people to the 12pm presentation. They enjoyed themselves watching me receive a special award that fits our efforts to bring change to our Culture & Image of today & tomorrow. Bill Montgomery
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5) Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum is Proud to Announce the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees and Event. Join the Lions Automobilia Foundation Board of Directors and founder Rick Lorenzen as they introduce the third annual class of Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Hall of Fame awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominguez, California will honor the following eight individuals who have made a major impact on motorsports: JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, and Bill Stroppe.
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6) Richard thanks for the review. Really appreciated. Just an FYI I had some issues with several publishers so I self-published through Amazon publishing. The book is available through Amazon although if some want to buy direct from me that is possible as well. It actually was cheaper through Amazon for a while due to their free shipping. As I said really appreciated. Glad you liked the book, thanks, Jim Dillon jim@dillonreo.com.
JIM: You’re welcome. Will you ask around to see if those who have bought the book will do a review? If so, tell them to send me the review to post on my newsletter.
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7) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Saratoga Speedway Location: Courtenay, British Columbia, 330-foot.
Saskatchewan Intl Raceway Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1/4-mile.
Savannah River Dragway Location: Sylvania, Georgia, 1/8-mile.
Shadyside Dragway Location: Boiling Springs, North Carolina, 1/8-mile.
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8) Founded in 1995 in Huntington Beach, California, by Brit Mick Jenkins, Mick’s Paint has developed into one of the leading and most respected body, fabrication and paint shops in the US Mick’s reputation for excellent attention to detail attracted high profile jobs for Buick, GM, Toyota, Hot Rods by Boyd Coddington, and the SO-CAL Speed Shop as well Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top. Vehicles painted at Mick’s include many award winners at the Pebble Beach Historic Concours D’elegance and three winners of the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award. Tony Thacker is at
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9) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)
Wally Parks praised Ak for all that he did in SCTA and for their club, the Road Runners. Parks told the audience how Ak inspired people to do things. He related how they all worked together to help Doc Ostich build and race the Flying Caduceus, an early jet car that helped to set the stage for the successful advent of the Breedlove/Arfons/Noble jet cars of the 1960’s. He said that Ak and Ray Brock would tease each other unmercifully and get a rhyming patter going about how awful the other one was. They both had a comedic talent that kept everyone in stitches. Ak was a clever punster and could change anyone’s name or personality into a catchy nickname, which would become permanent as soon as he uttered it. Joann Brock spoke of the old times together. He had that twinkle in his eye and a kind word for everyone, and a boyish charm that never went stale. Joann and Ray went with Ak to Pike’s Peak, Baja California, Bonneville, Mexico and many other exotic racing locales and never tired of their trips together. She spoke of the one-liners that Ray and Ak pestered each other with and told the audience of some of the nicknames Miller came up with. (to be continued)
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10) Coach & Team Director- Bill Montgomery aka CSI Bill with Famous NASA cousin Katherine Johnson from the movie Hidden Figures. Teaser Trailer [HD], 20th Century FOX – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK8xHq6dfAo.
Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.
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11) Know your motorsports personality. Ricardo Juncos, President and Team Principal of Junco-Hollinger Racing. When a lack of budget ended his dream to become a racing driver in Argentina, Ricardo emigrated to the US in 2002 with just $400 dollars in his pocket. Twenty years later, Ricardo is the proud co-owner of INDYCAR’s most dynamic and ambitious team. Compiled from Epartrade.
Hellwig Suspension Products will present this live webinar on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9 am PST. Presented by Melanie White, CEO, 4th Generation; Mark Hellwig, 3rd Generation and Neil Krentz, Engineering Manager. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.
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12) April Vintage Metal Magazine (google https://indd.adobe.com/view/f7b56eb5-a9be-464f-b4c1-67b0025d8b7e) VSCC of WA Calendar April 2024: This photograph is still causing a great deal of head scratching. Lindsay Taylor said that his sighting of the car at Eurocars where the owner was buying spares, was later than 1970. Further research of Terry Walker’s list of race results indicated that a Renault Special was raced on a number of occasions from 1970 to 1973. Bob Parker was the driver in 1970 and 1971, and John Flynn drove it in 1972 and 1973 with a one-off drive by Sam Santoro in July 1972. Does anyone remember any of those drivers? Please contact the editor. Bob Campbell (Editor).
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13) Peter Collins was on the verge of becoming Britain’s first F1 World Champion when he handed (rules of the day permitted for a driver to “give up his seat” for another driver) his Lancia-Ferrari D50 over to team leader Juan Manuel Fangio after the latter suffered a steering-arm failure toward the end of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Collins eventually finished second, but the advantage handed to Stirling Moss, and the extra points gained by Fangio’s finish, demoted Collins to third place in the championship. Collins’s selfless act gained him respect from Enzo Ferrari and high praise from Fangio, who said, “I was moved almost to tears by the gesture… Peter was one of the finest and greatest gentlemen I ever met in my racing career.” Goodwood Members Meeting Races, https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKZW
kjxbxhfPhxmDKpjGmmlJBFJfvPCmxMDgsgxCRPDvCvxGKgcgxmXfVPBbRpLTJrv. From Ernie Nagamatsu
ERNIE: We hope you do well at Goodwood driving Ol’ Yeller II.
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14) Interactive Mission with RT: Lunar Surface-YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI8-ngpxNI4&t=5s. From Hidden Pioneers at HiddenPioneers@gmail.com.
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15) In your last newsletter you mentioned Ak Miller. Thought you might enjoy this photo of AK my father, Fran Hernandez and Ray Brock’s note. Randy Hernandez
READERS: If you would like a copy of the photo (by email) write to Randy at skydivejrh@gmail.com.
AND: Actually, it will be easier to simply post it on my Dad’s Facebook Page, Fran (Francisco) Hernandez. Randy H.
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16) The John Massingberd Memorial Award has been presented by the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) to a new, deserving individual, who represents the same commitment, dedication and passion that John Massingberd conveyed for the sport of auto racing. Massingberd, a long-time motorsports media personality, was instrumental in promoting Canadian motorsports until his passing in December of 2008, after a long and courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This year’s award was presented on April 14, at the Drag Strip Memories show at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario to Erik Tomas. From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
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17) You can see our Bonneville coverage here: https://www.torqtalk.com. Please feel free to share or pass it on. HUGE thanks to the SCTA-BNI and your volunteers for all your hard work; we appreciate it. Tony Thacker
READERS: This is a great site. Thacker is an editor, writer, museum director and hot rodder.
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18) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (to be serialized in coming newsletters).
Steve Gibbs, NHRA’s director of competition for over 30 years, was the mastermind through much of the museum restoration and display selections, while the interior design was provided by Mike Jones, former manager of the old Orange County Internationals Motor Raceway (OCIR) drag strip. Among the half-dozen or so people actively involved with its assembly were former NHRA Division 3 Director Bob Daniels, who dressed much of the showcases’ contents, Greg Sharp, museum curator and custodian of NHRA’s Historical Services and Marilyn Lachman, manager of the museum in its initial stages. Not one of the original group had the slightest knowledge of how a museum should be organized, but despite that hurdle, the outcome made it one of the best, most interesting and colorful such museums of today, and we all are extremely proud of these accomplishments. That it carries my name is someone else’s idea, and I appreciate the honor, but I also need to share it with lots of others. As I indicated earlier, our museum and its varied contents will serve as a source of interest and information about people and things that are a part of history in the magical world of motorsports – and also bringing announcements of special functions scheduled for future presentations. (to be continued).
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19) Committee Meetings: No April meeting, 6th May or 3rd June 2024, 1st July General Meeting and Annual General Meeting. The next General Meeting will be on the Sunday, 21 April 2024 starting at 11am. Vehicle inspections will be available. It will be held at NSSRC club rooms, 24/196 Settlement Rd, Thomastown, Victoria, Australia. Pre-Entries will close on 31 January 2025, there will be an additional fee after that date. Final Lake inspection on Thursday, 17 February 2025. Report published on web site and socials Speed Week on Monday, 3 March to Friday, 7 March 2025, Salt Attack Friday, 7th to Saturday, 8th March 2025. Gary Satara is at gsatara@ctilogistics.com. Follow the DLRA on the internet at https://www.dlra.org.au or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/. DryLakes RacersAustralia or Instagram @
drylakesracersau.
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20) I was around during the Harley sponsorship years. I saw them run various configurations of what they deemed Harley Davidson engines. It was interesting and I found it ironic. Byron is obviously clever. Camshafts placed high up on the cylinders with very short push-rods as was done in Vincent engine type configuration. Don Redmon replikad@gmail.com.
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21) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Lubbock Dragway, Idalou, Texas, 1/4-mile. (Mentioned in my father’s story)
Lucas Oil Raceway (Formerly O Reilly Raceway Park), Indianapolis, Indiana, Oval Tracks, All Tracks, Dragstrips, Road Courses, 1/4 mile & 1/2 mile. (Mentioned in my father’s story)
Lucky Drag City, Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, 1/4 mile.
Luskville Dragway, Aylmer, Quebec, Canada, 1/4 mile.
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22) BOOK REVIEW Corvette Drag Racing: The Golden Era, by Jim Dillon (2023). (to be serialized in the Motorsports Newsletter).
I found that Dillon thanked 95 individuals and two institutions, many whom I knew. People such as Bones Balogh, Tim Beard, Bob Boudreau, Herb Edwards, Bob Frey, Pete Garramone, Dan Hampton, Dave Kommel, Roger Meiners, Jeff Pruden, and many more. Two ingredients are of major importance: picture quality and writing depth and detail. The photographs are of very good quality, mostly small sized, but adequate and on good photographic quality paper, though it is matte, not glossy. The writing quality is easy to follow along and detailed in scope. The front cover photo is excellent and striking. Finally, the author lists his attributes, he is a retired attorney who loves to restore cars. Dillon was entranced by his grandfather’s (Barney Pollard) car collection that included cars going back as 1930. He has also felt the lure and thrill of drag racing in Corvettes in the 1960’s and today owns a stable of Corvette race cars. Jim Dillon can be reached at jim@dillonreo.com and Gone Racin’ is at RnParks1@Juno.com. (to be continued)
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23) Combined World of Outlaws and High Limit Sprint Car Schedules/Date/Track/City/Series.
8/2/2024 Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 Pevely MO (Outlaws)
8/3/2024 Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 Pevely MO (Outlaws)
8/7/2024 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA (Outlaws)
8/8/2024 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA (Outlaws)
8/9/2024 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA (Outlaws)
8/10/2024 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA (Outlaws)
8/15/2024 Thunderbowl Raceway Tulare CA (High Limit)
8/16/2024 Jackson Motorplex Jackson MN (Outlaws)
8/16/2024 Kings Speedway Hanford CA (High Limit)
8/17/2024 Jackson Motorplex Jackson MN (Outlaws)
8/17/2024 Placerville Speedway Placerville CA (High Limit)
8/22/2024 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA (High Limit)
8/23/2024 River Cities Speedway Grand Forks ND (Outlaws)
8/23/2024 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA (High Limit)
8/24/2024 Red River Valley Speedway West Fargo ND (Outlaws)
8/24/2024 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA (High Limit)
8/26/2024 Douglas County Speedway Roseburg OR (High Limit)
8/28/2024 Grays Harbor Raceway Elma WA (High Limit)
8/29/2024 Skagit Speedway Alger WA (High Limit)
8/30/2024 Skagit Speedway Alger WA (High Limit)
8/31/2024 Huset’s Speedway Brandon SD (Outlaws)
8/31/2024 Skagit Speedway Alger WA (High Limit)
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24) The Fairchild National Sports Car Races was held at the Hagerstown Municipal Airport on October 16, 1955, and was the 12th race in the 1955 SCCA National Sports Car Championship season. The racecourse was 2.4 miles on the airport runway and consisted of seven races. The seventh and final race was called the President’s Cup and was 40 laps around the course, or 100 miles, and 40 racers made up the final field. This was an amateur race that drew over 200 cars and drivers and somewhere in the vicinity of 15,000 spectators. Sherwood Johnston in a Jaguar D-type won the President’s Cup. Some of those that raced included Bill Spear, Sherwood Johnston, Phil Hill, Jackie Cooper, the Hollywood actor, and Briggs Cunningham. Oscar Koveleski may have attended but there is no record of him being entered. (internet sources). (to be continued)
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25) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 19 FEBRUARY 1928
Malcolm Campbell tries Daytona Beach. Malcolm Campbell had heard about the excellent conditions at Daytona Beach, Florida on the hard sandy beach and on February 19, 1928, the Englishman drove his Napier-Campbell “Blue Bird” internal combustion with a 23.9 Litre (1460 c.i.) W-12 Napier Lion aero engine to a record speed of 206.956 mph (333.048 kph).
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26) Hidden Pioneers brings you the industry leaders of today & tomorrow of Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Jennifer Rodriguez and Tom Matano, San Fran Art center at https://drive.goog
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27) Supercars 2024 calendar (Australian Circuit)
February 23-25, 2024, Bathurst 500, Mount Panorama Circuit.
March 23-24, 2024, Melbourne SuperSprint, Albert Park Circuit.
April 19-21, 2024, Taupō Super400, Taupō International Motorsport Park.
May 17-19, 2024, Perth SuperSprint, Wanneroo Raceway.
June 14-16, 2024, Darwin Triple Crown, Hidden Valley Raceway.
July 5-7, 2024, Townsville 500, Reid Park Street Circuit.
July 19-21, 2024, Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park.
August 16-18, 2024, Tasmania SuperSprint, Symmons Plains Raceway.
September 20-22, 2024, Sandown 500, Sandown Raceway.
October 10-13, 2024, Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama Circuit.
October 25-27, 2024, Gold Coast 500, Surfers Paradise Street Circuit.
November 14-17, 2024, Adelaide 500, Adelaide Street Track.
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28) Remembering Jim McLennan; courtesy of Don Smith. “This goes back into the 1960’s. When we down here in the southern part of California, would go up north to race, we always would keep an eye on the little chevy dragster, because it would run off and kick your butt, big time. I will miss seeing Jim McLennan at the races and will always remember the smile when you walk up to say, hello. Jim’s boys are the best in our sport of drag racing and we need to thank him for bringing them up the way he did. Bobbie and Mike, always have the same smile when you meet them. I Remember the day the boys run that 5:82 at Bakersfield and from what I can remember, we walked over to Jim, and he had a smile, bigger than I had ever seen before. I will always remember him.” Walt Stevens
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29) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,
www.CarTechBooks.com. 1) Rat Rods: Rodding’s Imperfect Stepchildren. 2) The Illustrated History of Triumph Sports and Racing Cars. 3) Lost Road Courses: Riverside, Ontario, Bridgehampton & More. 4) Trosley’s How to Draw Cartoon Cars. 5) Bristol: Stories of Oval and Drag Racing in Thunder Valley. 6) Street Sleepers: The Art of the Deceptively Fast Car. 7) Chevrolets of the 1950’s: A Decade of Technical Innovation.
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30) Lions Automobilia Foundation’s 3rd Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and Silent Auction, Thursday, November 14, 2024, 4:45 PM-10 PM PST, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221. The city streets within the museum walls will take you back to a simpler time and as you enter the Lions Drag Strip exhibit, you’ll be looking right at the starting line with cars in the staging lanes. Guests are encouraged to explore the museum galleries, participate in the Silent Auction, and enjoy a cocktail mixer in the Long Beach Grand Prix Paddock Club followed by a delicious, seated dinner and presentation of the Legends of Lions Award Ceremony. Attire is semiformal, admission is $150 per individual and pre-registration is required. Contact
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31) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “The Number 43, The Life and Legacy of Wild Bill Greco,” by Sara Greco. “Drag Racing in the 1960’s, The Evolution in Race Car Technology,” by Doug Boyce. “NASCAR 75 Years,” by Al Pearce, Mike Hembree, Kelly Crandall and Jimmy Creed. “Alan Kulwicki NASCAR Champion, Against All Odds,” by Father Dale Grubba.
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32) Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Holland IDRHOF Founders Award. Bill Holland was also a member of the original committee that created the California Hot Rod Reunion, in 1997, and active in SEMA. Bill was also instrumental in the SEMA Scholarship Committee, creating scholarships for deserving students to bring their talents to the motorsports industry. Now 80 years old, Bill Holland continues to operate his agency as well as being involved in sportscar road racing. He is also busy providing input, knowledge and experience to folks and firms within the industry. I’ve known and been friends with Bill Holland for many years. I thought his very meaningful and important contributions to our industry deserved some extra attention. Congratulations and “Well Done” to Bill Holland on his induction into the 2024 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame! From: James Hill jameshill1947@gmail.com.
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33) 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone Schedule/Date/Venue/Broadcast.
Sunday, March 10, 2024, Streets of St Petersburg Peacock.
Sunday, April 28, 2024, Barber Motorsports Park Peacock.
Friday, May 10, 2024, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1 Peacock.
Saturday, May 11, 2024, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2 Peacock.
Sunday, June 2, 2024, Streets of Detroit Peacock.
Sunday, June 9, 2024, Road America Peacock.
Saturday, June 22, 2024, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1 Peacock.
Sunday, June 23, 2024, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2 Peacock.
Sunday, July 7, 2024, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Peacock.
Saturday, July 13, 2024, Iowa Speedway Peacock.
Saturday, August 17, 2024, WorldWide Technology Raceway Peacock.
Sunday, August 25, 2024, Portland International Raceway Peacock.
Saturday, August 31, 2024, Milwaukee Mile Peacock.
Sunday, September 15, 2024, Streets of Nashville Peacock.
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34) From Voyage LA Magazine at https://voyagela.com/. Prime Motivation has been designed around a methodology to give disconnected youth an overview of the many varied career opportunities that await them. Incorporating live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and educational seminars from hundreds of companies and organizations, Prime Motivation informs disadvantaged audiences of their potential futures through direct “Experiences.” When disconnected youth transition into education and employment, the effects are seen not only within the youth’s personal lives but in modern-day and future society as well. Prime Motivation is working diligently to address this problem through offerings of several innovative Career and Educational Expos throughout California. It is with these expos that we intend to ultimately positively impact the growing epidemic of disconnected youth. Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.
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35) A definitive look at safety in the first 100 years of motor racing, the book CRASH! From Senna to Earnhardt How the HANS Helped Save Racing, by Jonathan Ingram with Robert Hubbard and Jim Downing carries readers through the inside story of how Jim Downing and Robert Hubbard struggled to introduce their revolutionary device over the course of two decades. “We recognized the need for a head restraint early on,” said Downing, who launched HANS Performance Products in 1990. “People were getting killed by head injuries and it was considered a normal part of motor racing. That all changed when Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001.” From: Judy Stropus is at jstropus@earthlink.net.
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36) Know your motorsports personality. Rick Hendrick is the Owner of Hendrick Motorsports, the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history, and serves as the chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, the largest privately held car dealership operator in the United States. Hendrick was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017 and was honored in 2014 with the Automotive News Lifetime Achievement Award for significant contributions to the auto industry.
Brett Root, President of IMCA Racing, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Mike Kerchner of SPEED SPORT. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.
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37) Most of the entire market for modern day website owners’ charge per click meaning, let’s say they get 10 million visits per month. They have salespeople to sell 250,000 (clicks for an ad) then the ad is done, and the ad comes off their site for say $500. The customer or sponsor doesn’t get 10 million views. He or she only gets 250,000 views. I feel that is robbing the customer or sponsor. Press releases in writing will be free (like they did it in the old magazine days), as long as I can hold out. Video news/ads or product releases will be charged in 30-day cycles. No long term/big dollar contracts. We will have a simple $400 per month charge to have videos on our site. We will have PAYPAL buttons with a simple charge the customer selects for a 1-month/3-month/6-month or 12-month onetime payment. Because of our Adamstand Work benches, we will soon launch our ads into millions of homes. Then our ads will link to our websites/where on the bottom of each page on both of our main websites already exists a link right to the American Motorsports News website. The difference is when we get 10 million page views, as our exposure grows so will our advertisers and sponsors. J.E. Adams, is at wefilm1@yahoo.com.
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38) Sherm Porter’s Schedule of car shows and events (fuely32@sbcglobal.net)
MAY 10, 2024, The Warbirds, Wing and Wheels 15 welcomes Steir Events and National Motor Fest as new sponsors for the 15th Annual which kicks off with the Friday Night Barn Dance featuring world famous Monte Mills and his band, you don’t want to miss it! Dan or Carol Verstuyft 805-286-5566 or www.ewarbirds.org.
MAY 11, 2024, Warbirds, Wings and Wheels 15 Vintage & Classic Car Show, food, music, raffles, 10am–3pm, 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA. For info: Dan or Carol Verstuyft 805-286-5566 or www.ewarbirds.org.
MAY 11, 2024, 22nd Annual Rollin’ Relics Car Show, 9am–3pm, Porterville, CA. Trophies, raffles, 50/50. For info: Tim at 916-300-9394 or www.rollinrelicscarclub.blogspot.com.
MAY 11, 2024, 10th Anniversary Lambs Fellowship Car & Bike Show, Lake Elsinore, CA. For info: 951-544-3339 or info@lambscarshow.com or www.lambscarshow.com.
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39) We had several students attend the February 23rd SEMA Youth Conference with 5 under 18 and 5 more in college with a few young inspiring artist/photographers. It had the Demographics, diversity, variety, needed to show our country why we need to bring back or put in Transportation & Technology Lab classes into our High Schools Nationwide like the SEMA garage. The last 3 presidents have said this is what we need so the Hidden Pioneers is doing the work and following that command just like we all need to do. I will send a few links and pictures of the Amazing, Awesome event with very “COOL” people soon! Enjoy each and every day as we make a difference to keep enjoying our life with a Cool vehicle top of mind. Blessings with Godspeed, CSI Bill Montgomery
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40) The John Massingberd Memorial Award to be presented at Drag Strip Memories Event to be held April 14, 2024, at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. 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 posthumously in 2023. Past recipients of the John Massingberd Memorial Award include Carl Spiering, Fred and Betsy Smith, R.W. (Bob) Slack, Vern Christy, John Waldie, Tim Miller, Bruce Biegler, Harvey Silverthorn and Rob Potter. Drag Strip Memories will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 9am to 4pm. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is located on Airport Road in Mount Hope, south of Hamilton, Canada and there is free parking. From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher (PMRA or Pro Modified Racing Association) 905-517-5345, Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
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41) Trailblazers Banquet – April 6, 2024. Stories told, Memories made, History documented are the outline to an amazing day and evening that brings together friends and foes who live and love motorcycles, racing and the wonderful people that make it all so special. Of course, these kinds of get-togethers are not a new thing as many organizations try to do the same, but the facts speak loudly that the Trailblazers Banquet is one of the best. Well, it should be as the April 6, 2024, event was the 79th they have held. No father time does not lie as the Trailblazers organization was founded in 1936 when A.F. Van Order began to round up fellow motorcycle enthusiasts for a night of bench racing and camaraderie. First called “The Old Timers” the first official banquet was held in 1940. Since then, it’s been an annual event with the exception of a World War and when the Covid 19 virus shut everything down. Howie Zechner howie@razvideo.com. (to be continued)
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42) I enjoy reading your informative newsletter. Keeps me up to speed on what’s going on, thank you for creating these newsletters as it’s more work than people think. It’s very kind of you to include us with our Race Industry Week coverage. You are welcome to include the direct webinar links for people if they wish to watch them, such as this: Featured Racing Series: America Rally Association (ARA)|Epartrade, https://www.epartrade.com/video/ab039fd7-featured-racing-
series-america-rally-association-ara-da272cc0-epartrade%E2%A0%80. If you click on the video links directly on the newsletter, you can copy the browser link…and you have the link! Thank you! Judy Kean is at Judyk@epartrade.com.
JUDY: You’re welcome, but I should thank you as well because you record and save history. You have a fine organization, and you provide a great service. Why didn’t I think of that decades ago? Actually, my father did something along these lines with the Hot Rod Exposition and the NHRA Car Shows, before concentrating solely on drag racing.
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43) Ice Speedway Racing History: Dirt track speedway motorcycle racing has been around in various degrees of popularity for over eighty years. In fact, the first race ever held was credited to West Maitland, New South Wales, and Australia in November of 1923. In 1975, some fifty-four years after the beginning of speedway motorcycle racing, a group of inventive Americans took these brakeless, gearless, and simplest of all hybrid-racing machines indoors to compete on ice. Also in 1975, indoor ice racing competitions were being held using 250cc flat track bikes as the primary machines. A Michigan gentleman named Staten Lorenz was credited with starting this form of ice racing. The end result has been the evolution and development of a thrilling new sport. From its early American beginnings, indoor ice racing is now being enjoyed by fans throughout the world. http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_racing.html (First in a series; to be continued)
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44) Mondays with Murray: Long Beach Grand Prix. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a world-class racing on the streets of downtown Long Beach. is scheduled this week, April 19-21, 2024. Check out the new HBO documentary The Lionheart about Dan Wheldon, the IndyCar driver who lost his life in a horrific crash in Las Vegas 2011. 1993 Photo: Legends of Auto Racing at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, L-R: Al Michaels, James Garner, Mario Andretti, Danny Sullivan, Jim Murray, Carroll Shelby, and Dan Gurney. From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurrayfoundation.
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45) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized)
Ed’s engine of choice, the Chrysler V-8, the 426ci Hemi was so humongous in size and cubic inches that it became known as the Elephant Motor. You guessed it, Ed’s engines were known as Pink Elephants. Too many calories you say? How ’bout a couple of Pink’s hot dogs? Ed’s late uncle, Paul, founded the world-famous Pink’s Hot Dogs in 1939, with a three-wheel pushcart on the corner of Melrose and La Brea in Los Angeles, which, along with others, is still at the same location minus the cart. To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/. Dick Martin is at turboguydm1@gmail.com.
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46) This Week on Cars Yeah, Mark Greene at info@carsyeah.com will interview Patrick Long (Air & Water Luftgekuhlt);
Mark Hotchkis (Air & Water Luftgekuhlt); Michael Alan Ross (Photographer); and Jeff Zwart (Luftgekuhlt). Porsche Luftgekuhlt 2024, will tour Europe and return to Southern California to celebrate air-cooled classics. In the community of passionate Porsche purists, Luftgekuhlt holds a special place, celebrating the manufacturer’s successful air-cooled heritage, from the iconic Pre-A 356 to the 993 series that discontinued in 1998. Luftgekuhlt is an immersive experience into the heart of Porsche culture, highlighting a carefully curated collection of significant street and race cars that have shaped the brand’s legacy into what it’s become today. (to be continued)
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47) Hi Richard, Want some off-the-wall Ak Miller stories? If you do give me a call. Tim Kraushaar (also known as) Weed, the starter at Lions Drag Strip.
WEED: Yes, I do want more stories on Ak, but I also want more stories on everyone. I’ll start the chain mail on the Ak stories and readers can add to them (and anyone else) and send it back to me to keep the chain mail stories going.
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48) TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1988, SPORTS Copyright 1988/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY JIM MURRAY. Reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. Dan Gurney (First in a series)
He May Look Soft, but He Drives Hard: The thing about Dan Gurney is, he never looked like a race driver. Until he got in the car. He had these collar-ad good looks, a dimpled smile, all his teeth and hair. If you knew he was a sportsman, you might guess tennis. You wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that he was born on Long Island and that Dad was with the Metropolitan Opera and Mom was involved in Junior League charities. If you knew there was a vehicle involved in what he did, you’d guess sailboat. Nobody in the Gurney family ever had a wrench in his hand before Dan. They didn’t make the machine Dan Gurney couldn’t race. You name it, motorcycle, sports car, stock car, Indy car, off-road truck. Oval at Indy, the streets of Monte Carlo or in the rain at night through the trees of LeMans or hairpin turns in the Pyrenees, Gurney went fast—and often first. From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurrayfoundation.ccsend.com or murrayscholars
@aol.com. (to be continued)
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49) Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org. May 11, 2024, 4-8PM; The origins & future of the Lowrider. As the popularity of lowrider culture has grown in the United States and abroad, the skills involved in creating a lowrider vehicle have similarly advanced, with builders, painters, and metalworkers reaching new levels of artistry and craftsmanship. The Petersen has celebrated this evolution since its first exhibition on lowriding in 2000 and continues to recognize the culture’s contributions to automotive history. With Best in Low, the Museum turns a lens on the creation of the car itself, as well as on the street and the show, spaces where the craft of lowriding is on full display. 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
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50) DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper OPEN for ads and sponsorship. Be a part of the finest in automotive humor. These 32 to 36-page comics are given out free at car shows, drag races and museums, car clubs, schools, goody bags, etc! Not to mention the SEMA SHOW! DCCP PRICE LIST (DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper) A3=FULL PAGE :11X17 $500. A4= 1/2 PAGE :8X11 $325. A5=1/4 PAGE :5X8 $215. A6=1/8 PAGE :4X5 $165. A7=1/16 PAGE :2X4 $100. A8=BUSINESS CARD :2X3 $75. A8=BUSINESS CARD $50. Call, TEXT, email me for more information! Robin Millar, MPC-DRAGcartoons, Daughter of Pete Millar, King of Cartoons, Publisher, Cartoonist, Dragracer, the creator of CARtoons Magazine, publisher of DRAGcartoons, Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth and Wonder Warthog. 310-529-1831 (cell), or www.laffyerasphalt.com. Robin is at millarkey@aol.com.
EDITOR SPEAKS: Robin is keeping her father’s work alive, and she is everywhere giving out her comic paper (for free) and t-shirts for sell. She is really deserving of support.
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51) Locked rearends; pros and cons, by Dale Cook. “A brief geometric study shows that the wider the stance of the rear tires and the shorter the wheelbase, the more critical the problem. On slingshot dragsters the driver sits between the rear tires. requiring a wide stance as to those tires. A Safety Rule eventually prohibited ‘Locked differentials’ on those cars. On rear-engine dragsters, the Slicks are much closer together than the Slingshots. Even so, one can often see a car veering one way or the other. The chance of correction and recovery is greatly aided by the long wheelbase which helps to maintain the desired geometric angle of forward thrust in lieu of catastrophic diversion therefrom. Most accidents on the drag strip involve unequal traction. When a vehicle crosses up, that is not going to be a good pass, even if the driver regains control. While it is understood that in some instances a Spool is necessary to handle the power, Locked Rear-ends are an Old-school carryover from the early days when they were necessitated by the factory suspension. The drag strip is not the place to entertain spectators with vehicles out of control and at times resulting in serious consequences.”
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52) 100 Years of Legends: The Official Celebration of the Le Mans 24-Hours, the drivers: the greats, topped by nine-time winner Tom Kristensen; the rookie winners; pioneering female drivers; tales of exceptional personal endeavor and adversity. The manufacturers: Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford, Porsche, Matra, Peugeot, Audi and Toyota have been the predominant names over the 100 years, and all get their share of attention. Judy Stropus is at jvstropus@gmail.com, or www.evropublishing.com.
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53) Place: See event schedule below for date & location (Join us today). Bill’s News (google.com). Google: https://sites.
google.com/shelbylegendarycars.com/hiddenpioneers/bills-news. Bill Montgomery is at Hidden Pioneers
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54) My “Favorite” V&H Harley engine as far as rule stretching and irony goes was their last one. This engine’s rear cylinder had its “Push-rods” on the Right side of that rear cylinder. They then bisected the two cylinders with a “Jack-shaft” that connected the front and rear camshafts. This allowed them to place the front cylinders “Push-rods” on that cylinder’s left side. Tell me, which engine in Harley’s very long history utilized a setup like that? And yet it was deemed legal by the NHRA at a time when any deviation at all by any of the Suzuki teams was outlawed. Don Redmon at replikad@gmail.com.
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55) News from Lions Automobilia Foundation media@lionsautomobilia.org. Roland Leong honored & remembered,
nearly 500 friends and family of the legendary car owner and tuner Roland Leong, “The Hawaiian,” gathered at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum in Southern California. Jack Beckman emceed the celebration along with NHRA greats Don Prudhomme, Ron Capps, Larry Reyes, Steve Gibbs, Mike Dunn, Donnie Couch and Pat Galvin. Roland’s daughters, Lani and Londa, represented the Leong family and shared many stories of growing up with their legendary and beloved father. Watch a video of the event on the Lion’s Automobilia YouTube channel. Read a recap of the event by Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor, on NHRA.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=x1u4kAfupdzDPUrO&
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56) Former Formula 1 driver Allen Berg has owned and operated Allen Berg Racing Schools (ABRS), one of North America’s premier formula car racing schools, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. ABRS also operates a multi-car team in the Mazda supported Spec MX5 series. Francois Doran, DMG has recorded more than twenty podium finishes in F4 since 2019 and earned victories in both the Formula Pro USA Western Championship program and the national United States F4 Championship. Allen Berg is at questions@allenbergracingschools.com. Sent in by Doug Stokes
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57) April Vintage Metal Magazine (google https://indd.adobe.com/view/f7b56eb5-a9be-464f-b4c1-67b0025d8b7e) VSCC of WA Calendar April 2024: Vin Smith’s MG Special at Caversham December 16, 1956. The nose of the White Mouse is showing at the bottom left and the Austin could be R Haythornthwaite’s Austin A90. I have Clem Dwyer listed as driving a Ford 10 Special. Was he driving the White Mouse at this meeting? Vin Smith trying unsuccessfully to start his very pretty special at Caversham on December 16, 1956. This MG special has VW front suspension and de Dion rear suspension.
Malcolm Gray photo. One of Malcom’s less successful shots. Who can identify the cars? It is probably December 1956. It is certainly the main straight at Caversham. Malcolm Gray photographs. Bob Campbell (Editor).
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58) Thanks very much for all you do – and have done – for the “world of wheels” and our remarkable hot rod and drag racing worlds in the shadow of your family and Pop leading the way for all of us in car culture. Yes, more to how my email at thecarguy@thecarguy.com has become full and bounced messages in recent months. As Dick (“Corvette”) Guldstrand used to say to me … “Keep it between the rails!” Steve Ford (The Car Guy Show)
STEVE: Great to hear from you again. Send us news about The Car Guy Show.
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59) Thanks for sending me your emails. Subject #23 in last week’s newsletter had a bad link for the museum. Try this link.
https://www.museumofamericanspeed.org/visitus.html. And anyone who even likes our industry needs to visit this museum (Museum of American Speed). Spend a few hours and learn the history of racing and many other things. You won’t be disappointed. John Towle at jtowle47@gmail.com.
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60) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)
Charles Rollins, Joann Brock’s son-in-law, also mentioned how Ray Brock and Ak would torment each other in a kidding way. He talked about the rich stories Ak would tell them and referred to it as Miller’s Syndrome; “for making a good story better.” Rollins said that Miller is still collecting a small pension from the Army for his WWII war injuries. Ak interjected and said he was fortunate to have kept his toes after suffering frostbite in the Battle of the Bulge. Rollins thanked Bruce Glasscock for restoring the El Caballo de Hierro racecar. He then said that Ak’s cars had unusual names, like The Misconception, and The Blob, because the cars were nothing to look at. Miller brought the house down in a surge of laughter and applause when he retorted, “I came to race, not work on my car.” (to be continued)
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61) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils 2025 Induction Class at the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: Skip Barber (Sports Cars), Miguel Duhamel (Motorcycles), Carl Haas (Open Wheel), Ed Iskenderian (At Large), Dale Jarrett (Stock Cars), Tony Schumacher (Drag Racing) and Bill Stroppe (Off Road) in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America “Class of 2025” at the 37th Annual Induction Celebration Presented by Toyota Racing Set for March 10-11, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.
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62) The “Grandeur of Goodwood,” An American Hot Rod Road Racer in Goodwood. Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (to be serialized in future newsletters). Grandeur: The noun grandeur is used to describe something that is splendid or magnificent, such as a lofty idea or an impressive building Derived from the Old French word grand, meaning great. The word grandeur is used to describe things that are distinguished, extraordinary, and impressive in scope. We were humbled to have been invited to race the 1959 Old Yeller II Buick Special at the 2024 April 13-14, 2024, 81st Goodwood Members Meeting Races. The Goodwood Racing events are considered to be the World Cup and pinnacle of Historic Racing. Goodwood racing is a special curated, by invitation only, sold-out UK race event, staged by the Duke of Richmond. From Ernie Elaine Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).
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63) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils 2025 Induction Class (to be serialized in the Motorsports Newsletter).
The Class of 2025 includes the founder of the driving school of champions Skip Barber (Sports Cars), the rider tied for the most Daytona 200 wins ever Miguel Duhamel (Motorcycles), one of the most prolific team owners in auto racing history Carl Haas (Open Wheel), the towering figure in racing and hot-rodding, the “Camfather” himself, 102-year-old Ed Iskenderian (At Large), Three-time Daytona 500 winner and insightful commentator Dale Jarrett (Stock Cars), the all-time leader in Top Fuel wins and championships, “The Sarge” Tony Schumacher (Drag Racing) and off-road racing legend and multi-time Baja 1000 winner Bill Stroppe (Off Road). Two additional Historic Category inductees will be announced this summer. The unveiling was made by MSHFA President George Levy who was joined by American auto racing legend Mario Andretti (MSHFA Class of 1990) and inductee Barber, who ably represented the Class of ’25 and its six other “Heroes of Horsepower” confirmed so far to be ushered into the MSHFA next March (to be continued). From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.
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64) Carspotting: The (Very) Long Road to Victory, by Dave Wallace, 04/21/2024. Photo by Harold Dague at https://
www.hemmings.com/stories/carspotting-the-very-long-road-to-victory/. It’s unfair for Larry Faust to be oft remembered for one of Top Fuel’s slowest winning runs – err, walks – but history can be cruel. His highly-favored opponent, Don Prudhomme, lost their 1967 race before it began by red-lighting. The lucky opponent need only reach the finish line “without outside assistance,” as per rulebooks of the era, to automatically advance. Alas, a clutch failure at Riverside’s starting line left Larry no option but to get out and push the popular Jungle Four fueler, cheered on by a crowd that didn’t mind the unscheduled delay. Both car and driver recovered just in time to make the next round – which the exhausted pilot lost to a huge holeshot. Date: 1967. Location: Hot Rod Magazine Championships, Riverside International Raceway; Riverside, California. Source: Wallace Family Archive. Hemmings on-line. Dave Wallace Jr is at aafueler@volcano.net.
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65) Thank you, Max and Ina Balchowsky and heroes of hot rod history, as they courageously threw down the ‘gauntlet’ to the sporty car, “Tea Baggers” with their fine Italian knit back Italian leather driving gloves and their latest factory team cars from Europe and said, “Bring it.” Today we just “ride their long coat tails” of ingenuity, tenacity, vision, and seeking to make it better each time… Thank you! From: Ernie Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com. (driver/owner Old Yeller II Buick)
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66) BENETTON: Rebels of Formula 1. Beginnings: after three seasons in F1 as a sponsor, Benetton purchases ailing Toleman and creates its own BMW-powered team for 1986, taking a first win that year with Gerhard Berger. Growing in stature with Flavio Briatore arriving to run the team and using Ford engines, Benetton edges towards consistently strong performances, including two consecutive wins for Nelson Piquet at the end of 1990. The key driver: the inspired signing of Michael Schumacher takes Benetton closer to glory during a 1992–93 high-tech period that sees the Williams team reign supreme. Judy Stropus at jvstropus@gmail.com, or www.evropublishing.com.
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67) I’ve seen on two occasions on Face Book someone looking for a guy who used to do exhaust work at Ak Miller’s shop after hours, worked in muffler shops around Whittier, La Habra etc, and worked at Doug Thorley Headers. His name was Omer Clotier, I’m not sure of the spelling, but something like that. I’ve called Jon Meyer who used to work at Ak’s, and he said he remembered him coming in in the evenings, working on projects and finishing up the muffler work on cars that Jon had built the headers for, and that he was looking for him too. I called Jerry Kugel who used to work at AK’s too, but the name didn’t ring a bell. I’ve called several others, and nobody remembers him. Do you know of him, if he’s still around and if so how to get in touch with him. Best Regards, Miler Mike Stewart is at m.stewart46@yahoo.com.
MIKE: I’ve sent this to Jim Miller and Leonard Carr. Maybe David Steele might know. I’ve never heard of Omer Clotier.
JIM MILLER REPLIES: Try Jim Travis or Denis Jones.
AND: I just spoke with Jim Travis, as you had suggested, and he said “Mike, I’m afraid he’s long gone. He was old then.” Jim Travis said his name was “Omar,” and that he used to work for (Ermie) Emmerso, had his own shop, worked at Doug Thorley Headers, so it must be the right guy. I had a brief conversation with Jim, he’ll be 90 soon. Still has his yellow ‘49 Ford pickup and has a black ‘40 Ford 2-door sedan with a Flathead, but his other cars are gone, and his old Streamliner is at Speedy Bills Museum. He’s going to El Mirage in May to see who all is there. Anyway, based on what Jim said I don’t think you need to go any further, unless you just want to. Miler Mike Stewart at m.stewart46@yahoo.com.
MILER MIKE: I’ll leave it in the newsletter because who knows what we can find out and that’s what makes the newsletter so much fun.
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68) The World Championship ICE Racing Series offers multiple racing divisions: Manufacturers Cup Bikes. These are state-of-the-art racing motorcycles made by all major motorcycle companies. They are very lightweight and incorporate a modern extremely powerful, 4-valve head, 4-stroke single cylinder engine. All the machines are matched by horsepower and weight to create and maintain parity with the race teams. The spirit of this pro racing division is intended to showcase top motorcycle racers on state-of-the-art factory-made performance race bikes. Riders will be competing for cash and World Championship Points to see who will be crowned the next World Champion. Riding two wheels on ICE takes being fast and fearless and the Manufacturers Cup Bikes attract riders from American Flat Track, The X-Games, and Motocross. Google:
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69) I see some folks are asking about LSR information in the newsletter, here is information you can pass along. To help folks with SCTA & BNI activities, here is the event calendar for 2024. Always check the SCTA website for information regarding the events 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). Bonneville (Utah) Speedweek, August 3-9, 2024. September 15, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). Bonneville (Utah) World Finals, September 28-October 1, 2024. October 20, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). November 9-10, 2024 (two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake). Mike Manghelli, SCTA Treasurer/Communications,
rulebookinfo@scta-bni.org, 661-802-1355.
MIKE: Thank you for the info and please send me more as the season progresses.
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70) We’ve just launched the Rusty Wallace Racing Series. This is a series of 5 races at Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park in Coeburn, Virginia. This is different from our normal driving experience; you will be trained and actually race in front of a crowd. You can race in one race or race the entire five race series. From: Rusty Wallace Racing Experience
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71) Sir Jackie Stewart Honored by RRDC at Long Beach. April 18, 2024, RRDC Evening with Sir Jackie Stewart Presented by Firestone drew a crowd of well over 400 guests that included champion racing drivers, industry leaders, sanctioning group representatives and other icons of the racing world. The 14th annual banquet celebrating the legends of motorsport honored the three-time Formula 1 World Champion at a banquet held at the Long Beach Hilton Hotel prior to the running of the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. All proceeds from the evening, including from the live and silent auctions, will benefit Stewart’s Race Against Dementia, Team USA Scholarship, and The Mark Donohue Foundation, which supports the RRDC’s SAFEisFAST initiative. The event honors auto racing’s most influential leaders, which have included Jacky Ickx. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net.
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72) Bob Sargent, CEO/President of Track Enterprises, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. From: EPARTRADE.
Jessica Fickenscher, Chief Experience Officer at Speedway Motorsports, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.
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73) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. Fabulous Fords at Irwindale Speedway found some Hidden Pioneers and its collaborative partners giving out Education information to thousands in attendance. With a 10×20 tent provided by 360 products and the spin the wheel display we had tons of traffic. People could win these items: 1) Ad astra (Space) magazine, 2) Dupont Registry High-end T & T magazine, 3) NHRA stickers, 4) NASA/STEAM bookmarks and Spanish first lady booklets, 5) Hillbank Cool blue cobra car poster, 6) Upcoming cars show flyers & photo books, movie size posters with shirts, jackets, hats, pins, soccer ball on display. The highlight of our booth was the 1967 Ford GT owned by Dave, one of the Hidden Pioneers who drove down from Hesperia, CA. Bill Montgomery
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74) The 2nd Annual Wheel Hub Magazine Live at the Museum of American Speed, May 24-25, 2024. Must register by May 3, 2024, sponsored by PPG, ARP and Speedway Motors. Register at https://www.museumofamericanspeed.org/
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75) I do like reading the Motorsports Newsletters, they’re great. As for the comments about NHRA, I have to say that I agree with a lot (not all) of what’s being said. I don’t agree with a lot of decisions made by NHRA’s current management, but I’m not running the show. As for me getting to heaven and meeting up with Wally, not only extremely doubtful, but after the life I’ve led, I’ve already earned my front row seat in “the bad place.” That’s OK, all my friends and a few enemies will be there too, so it isn’t like I won’t know anybody. “UPSIDE DOWN NHRA SIGN” Bob Small.
UPSIDE DOWN NHRA SIGN BOB: I have it on good authority that ALL hot rodders and drag racers will get a free pass to the pearly gates. God, in his infinite wisdom, will put you exactly where you will feel the happiest, so look for a huge garage with all the tools and equipment to make the fastest toys in all the universe.
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76) Dan Gurney April 13, 1931-January 14, 2018. In 1974 Dan Gurney co-founded the Long Beach Grand Prix and served on its Board of Directors for 24 years. During his 15-year racing career, he competed in 312 events in 20 countries, winning 51 races and becoming the first driver to post wins in the Grand Prix, Indy Car, NASCAR and Sports Cars series. He won four Grand Prix races and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1967, was one of the greatest drivers of all time and a towering figure in motorsport. He also invented the champagne-spraying celebration and the ‘Gurney flap’ for downforce. From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurrayfoundation.ccsend.com or murrayscholars@aol.com.
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77) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. I’m glad that I came down on Saturday to check on our space and talk with Daron & Stacey, the promoters of the show. They were very nice as well as professional showing me exactly where our space was and time to be there. I knew it would be an early start, so I called my assistant Jerry Rangel and confirmed the time to be at my place. At 4:30am we loaded up the display and all the boxes, tables, chairs and headed to Starbucks Corona, our second office. We arrived before 6am with a line already of cars waiting to enter and a second gate for vendors. Damon was there and we said hello with a smile. We set up and after me and Jerry and I had a coffee and muffin after praying for the day. So glad we did that because the day was perfect for us! Bill Montgomery hiddenpioneers@gmail.com
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78) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). The Old Yeller II was invited to the September 2023 Goodwood Revival Meeting Tribute to Carroll Shelby as the Old Yeller II was raced by Carroll in 1960 at Santa Barbara and Road America. An invitation followed to leave the Old Yeller II in England and race at the April 2024 Goodwood Members Meeting Races. We arrived at Heathrow, and it was a “Rassemblement” of our UK support crew and team, as Mike Lillywhite picked us up. In the year 2000, at our first invitation to Goodwood by the then titled Lord Charles March, we were instructed to provide our own personal petrol drums or containers. We met Mike in Emsworth, and he readily went to his Sailing Club to bring us clean Jerry Cans for our race fuel. This year, we booked a house in Havant, and it was once an historic period Tanning building, as there was a fresh percolating fresh spring in the front area. From Elaine Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).
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79) Ice Speedway Racing History: The first ever indoor speedway ice race was organized and promoted by a motorcycle dealer in Huntsville, AL in 1975. The next was held in New York State and the third was organized by a group of racers and their families in the summer of 1976. This event was held in the Kent State University Hockey Field House in Kent, Ohio. As fate would have it, then speedway rider, Gary Densford, staying in Indiana at the time, was invited to compete in this event by his close friend Bob Hetrick. Hetrick ended up winning the event and Densford finished second. More important in the big picture of things, it started the wheels rolling for what is now the World Championship ICE Racing Series.” http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_racing.html (to be continued)
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