Southern Slingshots Invade Silver Dollar Raceway

By Ed Fargo

Silver Dollar Raceway hosted the first annual "Run what you Brung" Nostalgia race. This NHRA track was a first for all the teams so we all went in with no expectations. The track was wide, flat and with 3000 feet of shutdown, one of the best we have seen. The track personnel were very professional and the owner "Ed" is one of the most low keyed and helpful we have ever met. He even answers the track phone! The last minute info about the event produced three teams and several other members that could make the trip and bear the high heat the Georgia sun produced on Friday and Saturday. For a first attempt and high summer temps, the event brought many interesting cars that made passes on the NHRA quarter mile track.

The Southern Slingshots team of Charlie (Crew chief) and Diane (Driver) Meyer made several runs with their immaculately prepared original 1960s FED. Diane got the reaction time award as she consistently cut the best lights of the day. She also got the "Most driving corrections in a pass" award as the track conditions did not favor the injected small block's horsepower. Each pass was a thrill for her and the fans.

John Ring made the most of his ability to produce holeshots as his reaction times constantly abused the Ed and Tammy Fargo "Speed Demon" team. John's "Super tuner,” Bob Clifford, kept the car consistent, putting the pressure on the driver to cut a good light. John delivered on each of the three passes, winning 2 of the 3 runs. Tammy was the only one to be successful against the "tree cutter" squeaking by with a slightly quicker time.

The last race of the night was the best with the John and Ed show putting up identical 5.31 second eighth mile times in the worst air of the year. John again pulled off the win with his better reaction time.

Many fans stopped by to see the cars and to chat with the teams. James Lyle and Mike Long also made the trip and helped the teams throughout the hot and muggy day.

Comments heard over the weekend:

From the local radio weather man, "Today will be as hot as a floozy on a Saturday night.” (Gotta love the local channels).

From one of the three Motorcycle racers that came by to look at the cars still wearing their leathers, "Watching these cars has been the best $5 I ever spent!"

"I think I have eaten three of these gnats already today."

In describing the location of the promoter's house: "See those two radio towers? If they fall toward each other they will both land on my place"

"A SFI rated cup holder?"

And as always, “A great time was had by all!"

Take care, Ed