Motorsports Newsletter 8/05/23

By Richard Parks

1) Great stuff in your newsletter, as always, but did you forget a link (and a “closed quote”) on this bit?
“Drag Racing Pioneers or Suicidal Nutjobs? A story on hydrazine racing fuel. This is basically a tribute to the crazy bastards who risked life and limb for that last bit of speed and were willing to play with untold amounts of self-igniting, super toxic, incredibly unstable and deadly rocket fuel to get it. Hydrazine was first used as a rocket fuel during WWII for the Messerschmitt ME163B. Hydrazine is also used as a low-power monopropellant for the maneuvering thrusters of spacecraft, and the space shuttle’s auxiliary power unit.”
It wasn’t hard to track down, but it was worth the seconds devoted to searching for it. Sky Wallace
APOLOGY & RETRACTION DEPT: Several Readers have said that they can’t open the photographs or that the links do not work. I apologize. Photos are not my strong point. I struggle with them. Sometimes they work for me and often they just don’t open. I FORWARD material to my main email, work on that until it is done and then send it out. The same is true with the links, which work sometimes and often don’t when I forward the link or copy and paste it. The best that I can suggest is to copy and paste the link into your server’s search bar and that should work.

2) If you have an event, reunion, show, death, story, book, video, product or anything you want to share then tell me. You don’t have to be perfect in description. I will edit it to fit in the newsletter. The more varied the news the better. Anywhere on the Earth, if it involves Motorsports share it with us. Here are some tips: a) Give me time. Send in announcements way ahead of your date and then repeat it monthly until the last month and then every other week. b) Make it clear, concise and short. Better to send in a lot of announcements rather than one HUGE one. c) Vary the content. Don’t overlook volunteers, workers and staff. d) Have FUN with it. I don’t charge, so use the newsletter.

3) Saw your mention of …… “The last 5 years we became closer as the industry grew but the lack of young people getting involved got less & less. We need to get them back and educate, excite, motivate, mentor, teach and train them today & tomorrow.” You might like to encourage people to support their local collegiate SAE chapter: membership. Thanks! Dean Case

DEAN: Excellent suggestion and to add to that is the SAH. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a fine group of engineers responsible for innovations and progress in transportation, motorsports and technology. Where would we be without them? Also, the SAH (Society of Automotive Historians) is another fine organization of scholars that keeps our history of the Car Culture alive and well.
READERS: Send in more organizations that you are proud of and give us their links or where they can be found.

4) I just ran across the term “drag race,” published in the March 1, 1939, issue of the SCTA Racing News. It was in the “X, Q, S my dirt” section on page 3. Jim Miller

READERS: Jim Miller is an accomplished and honored motorsports historian. This is recorded in “The Wally & Barbara Parks; We Did It Our Way” story that I compiled from my father’s records and will send out to you free of charge by PDF documents upon request. Does anyone know of the “first” origin of the words “drag race?”
READERS: Do you know what DRAG QUEEN means? Send me your answers as to its meaning and I will give you the explanation that I know.

5) Behind the scenes of Great info on making of the “Hidden Garages.” The Hidden Pioneers had its first Filming/Photo shoot for the “Cool” show series called “Hidden Garages” at Randy Haapala’s Drag Racing Museum (Saturday, April 10, 2021). Everyone had a blast as we shot some Cool Content all day long. We had two sponsors cover the Food and Products for the 25 Gift bags with items they can use to keep any vehicle spotless with Waterless Technology. Take a look at our new Facebook for Cool Photos that got posted up from some of the cast members. Hidden Garages Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hiddengarages.

This was put together when Randy Haapala was still alive and with us. He passed away but still would have wanted us to keep it going! I told Randy no matter what we would keep it focused on the kids (Youth), hands on training & “Cool” cars! You can be a part of this movement if you open your heart first, your hands second and the Mind last as most of the thought process is in place already. We need people that will do the work that is needed to get this on the Air our way for the Education system, Students, Teachers & Parents all together. Networks like PBS, Disney Channel, CNN, Netflix, NASA TV & School districts all have good reach with platforms that will help us change the Culture & Image of our current direction towards TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY Technicians today & tomorrow! We can make it “Cool,” Clean, Fun, Productive & Safe for everyone involved. Bill Montgomery, founder of Hidden Pioneers

6) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. John is at johnhunt.drn. Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers.

Age Machine through the Ages, part 1 (published 27th February 2023)
Age Machine through the Ages, part 2 (published 6th March 2023)
Quote from Liz Rowland: “Mick, your article was very well presented and so easy to keep in the flow of the story, as it was all in date order, well done on a brilliant article.”

7) Vail Concours Registration is open. Registration got off to a great start and now it is time for the rest of you automotive enthusiasts to register. September 15-17, 2023, automotive enthusiasts will gather in scenic Vail, Colorado for three days of driving, cars and social events culminating in the Vail Concours on Sunday. The Vail Concours is a fun event attracting thousands of spectators. Plan to make it a weekend getaway. Many enjoy the drive and social events as much as the show. Please share this message with a friend who would enjoy the Vail Concours. Those who track lodging reservations tell us rooms are more readily available this summer. If you joined us the last two years, you know that post pandemic demand for weddings and vacations made lodging scarce. So, if you have stayed away recently this may be the year to really enjoy Vail. View the schedule and registration at VailConcours.com or click the link below. This show will sell out – advance registration is required. We hope you can make it. Go to https://vailautomotiveclassic.com/. PO Box 111, Edwards, CO 81632

8) SEMA News semanews: Strong Attendee Support ‘Reminiscent of Highest Records’ Expected for SEMA 2023. Beyond big buying power, the SEMA Show will deliver qualified media members alongside established and emerging influencers, October 31-November 3. Honor Members Who Make a Difference: Submit Council and Network Award Nominations. Help ensure that SEMA is aware of the remarkable contributions that drive our industry. Nominate by Friday, August 4.

ADVOCACY Action Needed: State of Maine Proposes Internal Combustion Engine Ban–Action Needed.
Movers & Shakers: I-CAR Launches CollisionCareers.com.
HRIA Members Invited to Open Meeting and Social Gathering at NSRA Nationals.
California Judge Rules in Favor of SEMA, EcoLogic Partners to Protect Motorized Recreation at Oceano Dunes. The area is a premier destination for enthusiasts and tourists as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean.
SEMA Show Taps Industry Leaders for Best-in-Class Education Attendees can expect a significantly revised SEMA Education schedule as part of a new, year-round career- and professional-development program. From Don Smith.
READERS: Sign up for SEMA ALERTS, they’re free and you would be surprised at how many states want to BAN cars in some way.

9) Please add Robbie Smith to your mailing list. He’s one of our new members to our group of Historians. … he collects only 1964 and ’65 memorabilia only to do with the two Drag Festivals and he’s been very useful in supplying us so far with photographs. John Hunt

JOHN & ROBBIE: I’ve added Robbie to the list of the Motorsports Newsletter; Welcome Robbie. Be sure to send news from UK and to ask questions. Robbie will probably want to see the story that I wrote on my father, which contains letters and reports from the UK and the Continent. Let me know and I will send it out on email attachments (it’s free). All the best to you both.

10) Following schedule is courtesy of SHERM PORTER at fuely32.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023, El Mirage Dry Lake Time Trial– For info: www.scta-bni.org.

SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2023, Governor’s Cup-NHRA Heritage Series Nostalgia Reunion, Sacramento, California. Phone: 916-363-2653, www.sacramentoraceway.com.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, Sixteenth Annual Parkin’ in the Park Car Show, 10am–3pm, sponsored by Selma District Chamber of Commerce

SEPTEMBER 16-17, 2023, The Inaugural Grand National Truck Show will all types & styles of trucks, vans & SUVs. Entries inside the buildings will be judges classes w/ top awards and the Inaugural “WORLDS MOST BEAUTIFUL TRUCK” award competition, a $12,500 purse and a custom trophy. For info: 1-877-763-7469 or www.rodshows.com.

11) From: Roger Meiners. “The Chrysler FirePower Hemi rocked the automotive world when it was introduced for the 1951 model year, and it had a big impact on land speed racing on Utah’s legendary Bonneville Salt Flats. Hot rodders lost sleep as they plotted and schemed ways to get the new Hemi. Ray Brown was one of those rodders. A Los Angeles speed shop owner, Brown was also president of the Southern California Timing Association, a group of clubs that ran hot rods on the California dry lakes and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Brown scoured Southern California until he found two of the new 331 cid Hemi engines at a Santa Monica Chrysler store for $700 each. He then launched a secret development program, thinking he would be the first to take a Hemi to Bonneville for the fourth annual Speed Week in August 1952.”

READERS: For the full article contact Roger at rmeiners.

12) Bruce Hertel wrote in to recommend Fuel Injection Enterprises (FIE), Super-Mag and Sprintmag. They’re at www.fuelinjectionent.com.

READERS: I don’t take ads, profit from them, or charge for what is sent to me. I do this because it is fun and I learn from all of you. If you have a product that you swear by, send it in, but abbreviate the message because I have to keep everything short.

13) “Richard Childress, famed NASCAR team owner, will join a select group of recipients of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Presented annually by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), this year’s gala and award ceremony will be held on August 18, 2023, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Motorsports broadcast journalist Dr Jerry Punch will be emceeing the evening’s festivities. The Award Dinner is a ticketed event, and tickets are on sale now.” We are hoping to sell out our Argetsinger Award Dinner honoring Richard Childress, any help you could provide in getting the word out would be appreciated. Thank You very much.

READERS: Support the Watkins Glen event if you can. Contact Rick Hughey, rickjustf1.

14) VTOL FUTURE TECH SHOW/EXPO. VTOL Future Tech Show/Expo LLC is under the umbrella corporation of EVVTOL. VTOL Future Tech Show/Expo showcases the Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion in an exciting new approach to vertical flight aircraft design and investing in the future of quiet electric VTOL revolution of aviation. VTOL Future Tech Show (spagnani.

15) Heartland Motorsports Park to close. “Friday afternoon marked one of the more seismic shifts in the NHRA drag racing landscape in some time, as a pair of racetracks little more than 100 miles apart in the Kansas City, Missouri area on diametrically opposing trajectories in their existence crossed paths in the headlines. First, the Heartland Motorsports Park, a fixture on the NHRA Camping world Drag Racing Series circuit for three and a half decades, and the site of many history-making performances that at one time held two dates on the annual tour, announced that the upcoming August 11-13 Menard’s NHRA Nationals would be the last NHRA national event at the facility. The news was, of course, not unexpected, given the very public fight that Shelby Development has been engaged in with Shawnee County related to tax assessments on the multi-use property.” Shelby, in its statement, said, “Heartland Motorsports Park will host the last and final NHRA national event in Topeka, Kansas on August 11-13, 2023. Regretfully, this is the end of NHRA national events in Topeka. Shawnee County is succeeding in taxing Heartland out of business with their excessive land valuation and property taxes.” Go to Dragzine.com and check out Andrew Wolf’s entire article. Sent in by Don Smith.

16) Many thanks for adding me to the mail list and I look forward to reading through and catching up with what you have been working on recently. I would also very much like to see the correspondence your father sent from overseas so a link to it would be very much appreciated. kind regards. Robbie Smith (from the UK)

ROBBIE: Here is the story that I wrote on my father. Most likely you will find some things of interest here. Use the TABLE of CONTENTS for it is too large for an index. The next volumes will give you more on International Drag Racing and the British Festival (or American Invasion as some call it). Ignore what you don’t wish to read and enjoy what you do. Send me news of what you are doing for the newsletter.

17) I wrote to the Petersen Automotive Museum (PAM) and the NHRA Motorsports Museum (NMM) asking for news of events.

Bruce Meyer wrote back, “Please add Richard Parks to any calendars and event notifications. Richard has a newsletter to a great many enthusiasts. Richard’s father Wally Parks was a very dear friend and founding Petersen Museum member! Thanks Bruce.” You couldn’t hope for a better organizer or leader than Bruce Meyer in all of Motorsports.
Anna Song then wrote to me, “Thank you for connecting us, Bruce! Richard, thank you for letting us know; we’ll get you on our mailing list! You should receive updates regularly, so please let us know if you’re not getting them (we’ve had incidents of unintentional unsubscribing and blocks.) Meanwhile, here’s a link to our website https://www.petersen.org/petersen-events. Have a great day, Anna Song, Director of Engagement & Executive Offices, www.petersen.org, Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036.”
I then answered, “Greetings to all:Please send releases and news to rnparks1@juno.com. Because some systems are lower case sensitive the first two letters in my email are actually R N and not M. Make announcements short, or if you can’t, then I will edit it down. Use lots of nouns and not adjectives or adverbs. Send often, 2 to 3 weeks apart. If you are having an event a year from now, I advise one notice a month, and in the last 3 months at least 2 notices each month. Humanize your notices; mention people and don’t forget the hardworking docents, cars, volunteers, staff, car people and others. Short bios and resumes of people are always nice. It familiarizes others with who you are.”

Then I added the following: I love biographies and I will help you with yours. Here’s a shortened version of my biography. “I was born in 1944 in the midst of World War II and lived with my mother, aunts and grandmother when my father was fighting in the Philippines. I married the love of my life, a Polynesian lady, that I met in the Dole Pineapple Company in Honolulu and graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1969. I worked in a hospital in Orange, California and my wife and I raised three wonderful sons in Fountain Valley, California. We have seven beautiful and handsome and smart grandchildren. Volunteering is what WE are known for. We have taught Sunday School, worked in Scouting, and many other programs. My wife makes jam and quilts for people, and I write newsletters, stories, biographies, reviews, create reunions and awards programs. We love to garden, help our neighbors and go to all the events that our grandchildren are in. I’ve saved the lives of two people, simply because I was there when they needed help, but that is not unique for many of you who serve others have done so as well. My full story runs to three volumes and the story that I wrote on my father (Wally Parks) is even longer at 35 volumes. But size is not what’s really important; kindness and caring is. If you want to write your own story, just email me at RnParks1@Juno.com. It will be my pleasure to learn more about your story.”

My newsletter is sent out to 1100 and I hardly know half of them. That’s why short bios are so important. Some may delete the newsletter and others will pass it along so the more interesting the news the more value it is to museums and events. This is non-commercial; I do it purely for fun and to learn. What you send I will place in the newsletter (with a little editing).
Yes, I AM A NAG. Got it from my father who was great at nagging, prodding and urging.

18) FUTURE TECH FOUNDATION EVVTOL will be establishing the Future Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization to assist and providing tech students educational scholarships for technical career in E-Aerospace, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, EV/Hybrid-Automotive, E-Semi/Hybrid Truck, Marine industries. Future Tech Foundation (spagnani.

19) From: International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) at research. Upcoming Events at the IMRRC:

August 18, 2023 – Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports Dinner.
September 16, 2023 – Center Conversation: “Brumos: An American Racing Icon” with author Sean Cridland, 1 pm.
September 30, 2023 – IMRRC 25th Anniversary Party.
November 2, 2023 – International Reel Wheel Film Festival: “Celebrating Historical Racing Documentaries,” 5 pm.
November 3-4, 2023 – Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History.
READERS: If you happen to live near Watkins Glen be sure to avail yourself of a great museum and library and their events.

20) British Drag Racing Hall of Fame 2023: ERIC TEBOUL

Eric Teboul is the quickest-accelerating motorcycle rider in human history. In his single-minded pursuit of record-snapping performances, the French rocket biker has put his life on the line at racetracks in Europe and America, but it’s at Santa Pod that his greatest exploits have unfolded, hence his worthy induction into Membership of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Eric followed his brother Philippe Teboul into Top Fuel Bike drag racing, at one point holding both ends of the European TFB record, but it is his quixotic embrace of rocket-motored power that stamped his achievements into the annals of drag racing history. Two unshakeable numbers provide the fitting epitaph to his remarkable career: 4.976sec/290.51mph – on two wheels. The full induction ceremonies will take place at Oatland’s Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey on Saturday 18th November 2023.
Jeremy Cookson
Mobile: 07881 442579
Facebook: Memories of a Warwickshire Drag Strip
UK Drag & Sprint Strips That Time Forgot – Administrator
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame – HoFTalk – Editor
National Sprint Association – The Sprinter – Editor
British Drag Racing Historians – Group Member

21) Lana Chrisman, Executive Director, of the Lions Automobilia Foundation: “The Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum shares many common goals with SAE, including a passion for history, technology, craftsmanship, and education. This is a natural for us to display as we encourage future innovators by inspiring them with amazing history. And of course every drag racing fan who knows the history of the sport knows Isky.” Mike Guidry, of the SAE SoCal Section Chair added, “This is a great opportunity for SAE SoCal to honor the long tradition of West Coast motorsports innovation that ranged from the origins of drag racing to Formula 1. Several of our board members have great memories of working with Peter Bryant. We hope this award will become to SoCal SAE what the Schwitzer Award has been with the Indiana SAE section.”

22) LYON AIR MUSEUM HOSTS SPECIAL EXHIBIT. Santa Ana Drags and Beyond: America’s First Official Drag Strip. July 1, 2023 – September 4, 2023, from Mark Foster, Mark.Foster, Museum Director. In June 1950, Santa Ana local C.J. “Pappy” Hart struck a deal with the County of Orange. Pappy could use a portion of an unused runway at Orange County Airport provided he agreed to share 10% of the proceeds with the County. The first race was a huge success and for the next nine years, hundreds of racers and thousands of enthusiastic fans descended upon what was called “Santa Ana Drag Strip.” Racing was held every Sunday, generally from dawn to dusk. The last race was held on Sunday, June 21, 1959. This marked the end of a special era in Orange County history, but not before “Pappy” Hart, the “Father of Organized Drag Racing,” had left an indelible imprint on the sport. Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707 Phone: 714-210-4585. Email: info, Website: www.lyonairmuseum.org. Daily Hours of Operation: 10AM-4PM Admission Rates: General Admission-$14. Seniors and Veterans-$11. Ages 5-17-$7. Children 5 years and under-Free Admission. Groups of 10 or more will receive $1 discount per ticket.

23) Photographs from John Towle.

The 1997 pic comes from the World Championship Water Ski Race in Australia.
I’m leaning forward, Wayne Murray from Edelbrock was the driver and Greg Anderson was our skier.
The pics with the dragster show Ed Pink (owner) my dad on the left of the picture and Bobby Meeks on the right of the picture.
I’m the kid back by the truck is yours truly when I was 12 or 13.
Ed took me under his wing and took me to several drag races.
I helped change the oil, clean the tires, and pack the parachute. GREAT TIMES.
The SK45 pics show my dad in the boat and Vic Edelbrock Jr holding the boat.

24) Karen Raffa sent this message in. “My name is Robin Pilus, and I am a dear friend and admirer of legendary Maui photographer and former professional drag racer, Bruce Wheeler, … who has Stage 1 throat cancer caused by a virus. Bruce, along with loving wife Reverend Kolleen, are amongst many seniors who find that that their social security income is not enough to support them, and so they must continue to work part-time to supplement their income to make ends meet. Fortunately, Bruce and Kolleen have been healthy enough to do this by providing heartfelt weddings and ceremonies, along with Bruce’s memorable wedding photos. Bruce and Kolleen love their life on Maui and are well loved and highly regarded in their community. Very recently came the devastating diagnosis of Bruce’s Stage 1 throat cancer. After managing various other surgeries and chronic conditions over the past several years that have added much hardship to their lives, this recent development causes additional complexity to the survival of the Wheeler Ohana. Bruce is a candidate for an optimistic cancer treatment consisting of a daily radiation and chemotherapy regime, but he still faces many other intricate health challenges. As his basic ability to continue to work is compromised, there will be no way for Bruce and Kolleen to meet their financial needs for their everyday expenses (including housing) let alone absorb the huge cancer treatment co-pays. As renters, they were informed they would be evicted if they could not pay their rent on time and then where would they go? …Bruce and Kolleen are a much beloved senior couple, and again, really need your help. Please join me in assuring them that help is available and that they will triumph over this hurdle in their lives. Any and all donations are meaningful. Kolleen and I will keep you informed of his progress in this journey making updates to this campaign. Use this link (or google it) for more information and to contribute. https://givebutter.com/mDZCm5?fbclid=IwAR31OkIf8-XoEFZyv6bpKDtaIHwStM47TM-PZMBdIIyxF-KO22A zlYIMiJc_aem_AUSpdpTnYP6f5hHyNgGZZUAfO_JboAoG993X2bGCBlnhYASr0zcygNftf6j2GBlfuUU.

25) Upcoming events with the Hidden Pioneers, from Bill Montgomery (Bill’s News google.com)

August 5th Saturday from 9am to 1pm come meet the Hidden Pioneers at the Moreno Valley Mall.

August 6th Hillbank Motor Sports (hillbankusa.com) Sunday Cars & Coffee in Irvine from 7:30am to 10 am. Meet the Hidden Garages series.

August 6th from 7am to 12pm. Join the Hidden Pioneers at the Long Beach Hi-Performance Show and Swap Meet.
August 11-20, classic and vintage cars take to the streets, golf courses and world-renowned WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca for Monterey Car Week, surrounding car enthusiasts with automobiles from yesteryear. Monterey Car Week features 10 jam-packed days of special automotive events, car shows, races, auctions and memorabilia, concluding with 200 of the best collector cars showcased on the iconic fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links for the highly anticipated Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Free Monterey Car Week events are around all week long for everyone to get in on the action. Use the See Monterey app to find events in real-time by navigating to “Itineraries” and selecting the “Monterey Car Week” itinerary.
August 12th Sat 10am to 5pm come meet the Hidden Pioneers in Downey (California) Columbia Memorial NASA Space Center (columbiaspacescience.org)
November 18th Hidden Pioneers will be at the Inglis Classics Supershow Fundraiser (California High Desert)

26) Don Redmon, Ken Berg, Bill Montgomery and others have brought up the question of public education as they see a decline in its ability to give our students the competent education that they need and our society needs. Poor education results in a lack of productivity and businesses having to hire those educated outside of the United States. Below is my reply to them.

“I read your attachment and agree that hours should be expanded. At the High School level, the choices should be determined by what students want to study, not what they are forced to study. The choices should be between Liberal Arts and Vocational/Laboratory and Technical education. It is what the students want and will profit by, not what the education department desires. Teachers should be hired based on the percentages of the classes taught, with the students choosing the subjects. Grades K-8 should be basic education; English, math, history, geography, reading, writing skills and mainline Liberal Arts. At the high school level Liberal Arts should be in two categories: those wishing to go on to college and remedial preparatory to Vocational/Laboratory and Technical education leading to non-collegiate jobs and occupations.”

27) From John Towle: “The picture with the water tank is where a local farmer placed some watermelons in the water to cool them so they would have cool watermelons at the end of the day.” That is what my dad, Don Towle, said.