British AA/Fuel Altereds, Part III: 1990-2005

By Danny White
Photos by Alan Currans

Mickey Moore & Ollie Burns' "The Mob" (Alan Currans Photo)

The AA/FA died its second death in England after the "California Kid" was parked in the early nineties. There were altereds that raced in Pro Comp during the decade, but none on pop. But in 1999, "The Over the Hill Mob" led by driver Mickey Moore decided to step up to nitro. The AA/FAs were back! "The Over the Hill Mob" team had been racing the ex "Cockney Rebel" of Hammond & Bolton in Pro Comp from 1989 to 1999. Driver and team decided it was time for nitro and a new name -- they were now known as "The Mob." The team got Ollie Burns to tune the car; Burns had built the car two decades before. Times have been in the high six and low seven range to date. The team also let Wendy Baker drive the car in 2002 to become the third female AA/FA driver in the world. That is a wild fact, considering no women outside England had driven an AA/FA or AA/A until 2003!

Jim Seward's Harry the Spider (Alan Currans photo)

"The Mob" would soon have competition in England. Jim Seward brought another old AA/FA that used to be the "Straight Shooter" and "Glass Aid." The popular "Harry the Spider" machine uses a Keith Black Hemi for power with high levels of nitro. When it stays intact, the car can run high sixes at 200 miles per hour. "Harry" has given "The Mob" solid competition for the last couple of years.

Clive Mechaell's "California Kid" (Alan Currans photo)

With the new activity, the "California Kid" of Clive Mechaell was brought out of retirement. The car had been parked, but thankfully was kept intact. At a Shakespeare Dragway show along with "The Mob" and "Harry the Spider" in 2003, the California Kid regained its old form, running low E.T. and top speed with a 6.76 at 203.

Bradford's Crank (Alan Currans Photo)

2003 was a good year for fuel altereds in Great Britain. The Glenwood Car Show brought five classic fuel altereds from the United States. Famous names such as Nanook, Bradford’s Crank, Pure Hell, Pure Heaven, and Rat Trap all made the trip. They did burnouts for the crowd but did not make it to the local drag strips. Also in 2003, the Nostalgic Fuel Altered Association was formed. The group is comprised of blown fuel and alky altereds.

Mendy Baker's new AA/FA (Alan Currans Photo)

Former Mob driver Wendy Baker also built a new fuel altered. Thankfully for the AA/FA fans, the team mounted a Bantam body instead of the Mustang II. In other good news, Pro Mod racer Nick Davies is also reproducing the "Tee Rat!"

It is my hope that these cars along with others will join the AA/FA group. In my mind, it allows an alternative place for nitro racers to race and gives fans something different. AA/Fuel Altereds forever!

Danny White

Photos by Alan Currans
http://www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk