"Hemi Fred" Ristagno's Ultimate Wheelstand

By Mark Walker

After an early test and tune session just a week prior to this event, "Hemi Fred" had worked out some suspension bugs and was running the Original Sox and Martin Pro Stock Duster well into the 8.70's. The Philadelphia Modifiers were the host to this amazing set of photographs from their annual meet at Atco Raceway, NJ. Fred laid down an impressive first pass and decided to take the Hemi on a run he will never forget on his second shot.

Hemi Fred Ristagno begins the launch

 

He lined up in match race form of days gone by and at the hit of the throttle, the big Duster took to the air like it was on a lever going straight up well before the first 60ft.

On The Bumper!

 

Still carrying this wheelstand, the car didn't want to come down after more than 200 plus feet down track, all the while edging closer to the guardrail.

200 Feet Down Track

It was out of Fred’s hands now, the left front tire landed atop the railing and slid more than 80 feet before coming back over as Fred drove it back into the blacktop. Considering the tire had been flattened and the damage to the underneath was yet to be known, the Pro Stock Duster proceeded the full quarter mile at over 80mph. In the return lanes the damage was evident, the beautiful paint on the door and quarter panel had been roughed up and the sheet metal underneath was beaten severely.

The damage is done

Bringing the car back to the pits, Fred had only one thing in mind and that was to get this back together for another pass as nostalgia racing friends offered up anything he needed to make it happen. Although the parts for this car are rare, Fred almost did make it before the day's end but it wasn't in the cards for him at this event. Many people later offered up parts to get the Duster back ASAP and the work continued. Fred was then off to Henderson, NC, where the car was shown in patch primer. Unbeknownst to Fred, Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin were there to share the story with him.

Left: Buddy Martin, Center: Ronnie Sox, Right: "Hemi Fred" Ristagno

In a special Photo Op, Buddy and Ronnie posed with Fred and a large poster hand signed by these historic racers. A bit of history and memories from the Glory Days of all-motor "Heads Up" Pro Stocks.

Story by Mark Walker
Photos by Matt Mularkey
www.goDragRacing.com

See more on Fred's Sox & Martin Duster at www.prostockhemi.com