Motorsports Newsletter 8/12/23

By Richard Parks

1) From https://kustomrama.com/wiki/Andy_Brizio. Andy Brizio (1932-1 August 2023) was a prominent figure in the world of hot rodding and a revered icon within the Northern California Hot Rod community. He was affectionately known as “The Godfather” and gained recognition for his significant contributions, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for the hot-rodding hobby. Andy Brizio’s journey into the world of hot rodding began during his high school years. He displayed an early and remarkable enthusiasm for cars and driving. Despite financial constraints, Brizio managed to own and drive a remarkable 1949 Chevrolet convertible, showcasing his dedication to the world of hot rodding. After a period of service in the Coast Guard, Andy’s passion for hot rodding led him to acquire a Mode-B five-window coupe, which marked his entry into the realm of racing. He became a regular participant at the Half Moon Bay Drag Strip, gaining experience and making connections within the hot-rodding community. Brizio’s friendship with Jim McLennan, the owner/operator of Jim’s Champion Speed Shop, proved pivotal in his hot-rodding journey. He found new opportunities within the hot-rodding world through this association. In 1964, Andy’s innovation took center stage with the creation of the “Instant Tee,” a product that garnered substantial attention and established his name within the hot-rodding community. Despite its recognition, financial success remained elusive for the inventor. During the 1970’s, Brizio’s dedication to hot rodding became more evident. He partnered with Cub Barnett, co-owning Champion Speed Shop, which further solidified his position within the hot-rodding world. Among his most noteworthy accomplishments was winning the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award in 1970, showcasing his talent and influence in the hot-rodding arena. It was Andy Brizio’s annual picnic that set him apart. The event became a highlight in the hot-rodding community, drawing considerable attention and contributing to his status as a prominent figure. Sent in by Don Smith

2) READERS: In the last newsletter I asked this question, “Do you know what the term DRAG QUEEN means?” The dictionary says that it is a man dressing in women’s clothing, but WHERE did that come from? Well, in Elizabethan stage plays (1560’s-1620’s) there were no female actors and so young boys and men played female roles and they had to be taught how a woman walks and “drags her dress across the stage.” Dresses were very long in those days, literally “dragging on the floor” and so knowing how to lift the dress and drag it along was necessary to prevent tripping. Now for an easy question, “What is a TRAILER QUEEN?”

3) “I’m sure that many who appreciate your great words are older and more visually impaired than I. How about making your info more readable and increase line spacing slightly and enlarge your font one size. My email client makes this easy. Also, newspapers settle on Times New Roman as the serif makes reading easier. Thank you and keep up the good work! Bob Storck (in Times New Roman).”

READERS: What do you think? Would you like to see this better, Times New Roman size 14.
Or This in ARIAL size 14
“I’m sure that many who appreciate your great words are older and more visually impaired than I. How about making your info more readable and increase line spacing slightly and enlarge your font one size. My email client makes this easy. Also, newspapers settle on Times New Roman as the serif makes reading easier. Thank you and keep up the good work! Cheers, Bob Storck.”

4) The latest British Drag Racing Historians ‘Special Events Features’ is our second story, ‘The Early Years’ parts 1 and 2 written by Nick Pettitt and published on the news page of eurodragster.com Friday 4th and Saturday 5th August. Here’s the links for both parts. I hope some of your readers will enjoy them, I think you’ll like them. Cheers John Hunt

http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/early_years_pt1/default.asp,
60 years ago, we saw the start of the American Invasion but the Drag Racing & Hot-Rodding scene in Britain had been steadily growing since the 1950s. Tony Williams built a Mercury powered ‘32 Hi-Boy in Peckham in 1958 while Ken Cooper was cruising Birmingham in his Mercury powered ‘37 Coupe with a California rake. The British Hot Rod Association was formed in 1960 and in 1961 Sydney Allard with his chief designer and development engineer nailed together a blown 354 Chrysler powered dragster, getting it into the tens by the end of the year. At the same time Ken Cooper started to build his first flathead powered dragster inspired by those he’d seen in Hot Rod Magazine but the strict RAC regulations at the time meant fitting an engine cover and front brakes. Ken wasn’t going to compromise so put the dragster on the back burner for a while and built another Hot Rod.

http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/early_years_pt2/default.asp.
1962 began with a meeting of the BHRA and the NSA to discuss RAC sanctioning for the Drags. Brian Witty and Allan Herridge both built dragsters in ‘62 but unlike Allard’s they were built on a shoestring, the beg borrow and steal method, taking their dreams from the pages of Hot Rod Magazine. More Rods & Customs were being built around the UK and in 1963 the BHRA held their first Rod & Custom Show. Tony Densham and Harry Worrell came up with the idea of building a small-engined lightweight dragster using a blown 1500cc motor. August 4, 1963, saw a Car Sprint Meeting at Church Lawford co-promoted by the NSA, Allard Owners Club, and the Herts County Automobile and Aero Club. Many BHRA members entered their cars including Clive Lingard in his channeled Model-Y Ford Hot Rod blasting to 20 second ETs.

JOHN: I enjoyed the story that Nick put together and hope to see more in the future. Keep me posted.

5) To keep you posted on the AHRA book I recently completed for Cartech Books, look for an end of the year, early next year release. I’ll keep you posted and let you know the exact date of its release when I find out. This is my 11th title released through Cartech, going back to 2010 when I sat with Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins to write the book, “Grumpy’s Toys: The Authorized History of Grumpy Jenkins Cars.” The AHRA book focuses on the rise and fall of the sanctioning body, while taking a look at the highs and lows and good and bad in between. I think I came up with a good balance of the going on’s during the sanctioning bodies near 30-year (1956-1984) existence. I crammed a lot of information, and a little over 400 photos into the 190 or so pages. Don Garlits stepped up to write the books Forward. Wishing you the best, and Thanks for all you do. Doug Boyce

DOUG: I would be delighted to mention it. Send me a list of the books you have done with about 4 lines of what’s in the books so I can add that to future newsletters. I’m working on a review for Ken Miles right now.

6) Doug Stokes sent in the following news from the Auto Club Speedway site posted August 4, 2023. “Auto Club has been a tremendous, longtime partner with our Fontana facility. Their naming rights agreement expired on March 15, 2023, but we look forward to engaging with them on the proposed Next Gen NASCAR short track. Planning continues for a Next Gen NASCAR short track on a portion of the current property NASCAR retained. Pending approvals, more details on this project will be revealed at the appropriate time that is still to be determined. We have multiple approvals that need to take place before pressing forward with our state-of-the-art next-generation NASCAR facility. Even with the most aggressive construction timeline, the proposed track won’t be ready for the 2024 season. Again, it all boils down to final approval, but we anticipate needing at least an 18-month window to complete the project. NASCAR will share any future announcements at an appropriate time.” SEE https://www.nascar.com/west, or www.Autoclubspeedway.com.

7) 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.

The Stones, part 1 (published 24th February 2023)
The Stones, part 2 (published 3rd March 2023)
The Stones, part 3 (published 10th March 2023)
Bruce Brown, part 1 (published 13th February 2023)
Quote from Bruce Brown: “I enjoyed the articles very much, wish I was young again!”
Bruce Brown, part 2 (published 20th February 2023)

8) 2024 Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Event Calendar announced:

March 8 – 10: HSR Sebring Spring Fling – Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida
April 25 – April 28: 46th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia
June 6 – 9: HSR Classic Six Hours of Watkins Glen – Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, New York
August 23 – 25: IMSA Michelin GT Challenge Support Race – VIRginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia
September 19 – 22: HSR Atlanta Fall Historics – Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia
Oct 30-Nov 3: HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA and the HSR Daytona Historics, Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
December 4 – 8: HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network, and the HSR Sebring Historic Races – Sebring Int’l Raceway, Sebring, Florida. From Adam Saal SaalGoodPR 321-890-2848.

9) Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. If you are in that situation, cough repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it to regain a normal rhythm. Sent in by Don Smith

DON: Thank you for the suggestion, it is appreciated.

10) This Week on Cars Yeah, David Amantea (Automobili Pininfarina), John Hennessey (Hennessey Performance), Alois Ruf (Ruf Automobile), and Jeff Jennings (Velocity Restorations). Mark Greene at Cars Yeah can be reached at info.

READERS: Mark interviewed me for his radio show, and he is an excellent host, knowing just how to get the best out of you and make you feel special at the same time. It took half an hour with no retakes; Mark was that good. Contact Mark and give him a short resume and ask if you too can be interviewed. He did it all by telephone, and he can also do zoom and those other types of calls that are confusing to me, but he is a good teacher, so sign up. Mark has over 3000 interviews and will send you a link to access those interviews. I’ll wager he has a ton of drag, oval, land speed and sports car racers already interviewed.

11) Following schedule is courtesy of SHERM PORTER fuely32.

SEPTEMBER 23 4 th Annual RPM Nationals Flathead Drags – side-by-side racing – Santa Margarita Ranch Airport – Santa Margarita, CA. – vendors – swap meet – car show – For info: www.rpmnationals.com

SEPTEMBER 23 Los Alamos Old Days Car Show – open to Vintage, Classics, Imports, Rods, Custom, Race Cars, Bikes – For info: bandmjarvis

SEPTEMBER 24 Annual Fall Turlock Swap Meet & Car Show – Stanislaus County Fairgrounds – For info: (209) 201-8491 or www.springfallturlock.com

SEPTEMBER 24 Super Indoor Custom Car Show – SIC Promotions – Ventura County Fairgrounds – For info: (619) 395-7129

SEPTEMBER 26-30 Left Coast Redwood Rally Drag & Drive – For info: www.redwoodrally.com – SOLD OUT IN 20 MINUTES!

SEPTEMBER 30 Santa Maria Valley Car Show – more info coming soon!

SEPTEMBER 29-30, OCTOBER 1 ANRA Fall Nationals – Auto Club Famoso Raceway – For info: www.anra.com

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3 World Finals – Bonneville – For info: www.scta-bni.org

12) Hi Richard, I was dropped from your online newsletter over the years, and being into the history of the hobby, I would love to be included in your world again! I recently took Ed Iskenderian to the Speedster Reunion June 21st to the 25th, and his son and daughter in-law Norma Iskenderian attended for two days to see Ed’s display at the museum. This is the 2nd time Ed, and I went to the Speedster Reunion, and it’s held every 2 years in Lincoln, Nebraska (Museum of American Speed). I have some photos I will include from our Speedster adventure. As you know Ed is doing well for being 102, he gets tired fast, but after a nice nap, is good to go. Thanks, and Joan Meyer and I communicate and talk often on the phone as she’s an hour away in Gardnerville, Nevada. Thanks, Doug Clem. Note the (2) Eddie Meyer displays I helped set up 2 years ago. Bud would be proud! https://whygoby.smugmug.com/2023-Speedster-Reunion/.

DOUG: Thank you for writing. I stopped my newsletters years ago and let my address book go in order to finish my father’s story which took me over 5 years to research and finish. I’m glad you wrote so that I can update my email address book. Be sure to send me news about what you do at your museum for my Motorsports Newsletter.

13) Checkered Flag Club (checkeredflag presents the Membership Spotlight: August at the Petersen Automotive Museum (PAM), contact membership or 323-930-2277. New Exhibit: Corvettes in Competition: Racing America’s Sports Car, Petersen Members can join a curator-led Member Preview Saturday, August 5th 10 AM-12PM before the exhibit opens to the public! No RSVP Required. Just show your Member Stickers at the exhibit entrance. Family Fair on the Petersen Promenade Saturday, August 5th; 11 AM to 3 PM, FREE for Members. Join us for an unforgettable end-of-summer extravaganza! Enjoy a mixture of food, music, and fun for the whole family. Little Sparks Workshops | FREE for Members My Car & Me | Saturday, August 19th, 9 AM Owning a car can be a full-time job. Join us in this fun, interactive workshop and walk through the responsibilities necessary to take care of your car! Petersen at Pebble Beach We’ll be hosting our 5th Annual Future of Collecting Dinner: From Race to Roads Thursday, August 18th, 6 PM to 9:30 PM, The Beach & Tennis Club. Checkered Flag 200 and Lifetime Members enjoy exclusive access at Monterey Car Week! Bruce Meyer

14) READERS: An excellent point was brought up and I want to expand on it. I was asked if, “Using other people’s work is harmful to that person or, say a magazine or book author?” Another question that is asked is, “Why do you do it?” And “Do you make a profit in what you do?”

I started the newsletters to help promote the NHRA Motorsports Museum, so damaging or hurting someone goes against that purpose. Basically, I get news from others and send it back out. It has to be positive, otherwise it’s a waste of time. If someone can make a living on what they do, then I don’t ever want to harm that person. Just because I do it for free and fun, never gives me any right to harm others. It’s their livelihood and they deserve what they earn. I try to get permission in all cases and where that is not possible I will only “quote” a few lines and refer others to the author. I have charged for reunions, but only to cover the cost of venue site, rented materials, food, etc. In all my reunions I have had to use my own money to balance the losses. I don’t charge for what I do; the “profit” is in learning and getting to know more about motorsports history and people. Using articles and photos is done with consent and is most likely to be a “positive” rather than a “negative” as it generates interest in the author or his magazine. Great questions; ask me more.

15) E AVIATION TECH SUMMIT, E Aviation Tech Summit is a high-level E Aviation business summit based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the E Aviation Industry, energy information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. This event is an excellent opportunity to learn about investing in the future of aviation and discuss the latest advancements in AAM VTOL industry, and the energy challenges that remain. Invited presentations from all areas of E Aviation industry will be discussed, from researchers and leaders in academia, industry, and government agencies from around the globe. E Aviation Tech Summit (spagnani.

16) I’m currently in Michigan visiting my brother and we started going through Fran’s wooden machinist toolbox. Quite a time capsule. We found a little pocket-sized notebook with personal notes from the 1950s. Lots of miscellaneous notes about the hydro transmission but the first 5 pages were about nitro fuel mixtures and dyno tests on Vicks dyno from 1950. I thought you would be interested and might want to share it with some of the Roadrunners or whoever else you think might be interested. One other find under his Machinist handbook in the center drawer was a small stack of 20’s. We’re both scratching our head on that one, but we went out yesterday to the local brewery and had a beer on Fran. I hope you enjoy. Rick Hernandez

RICK AND RANDY HERNANDEZ: Thank you for the photos. They are too large at 19.7 mb so my server won’t allow me to send them. Would you be so kind as to divide the photos into 3 lots. That would give me about 7 mb which my server would allow me to send. Finding money in odd places comes from our parents who survived WWII and the Great Depression. You often find cash stashed in books, under linen, in cans and jars, shop drawers, tool chests, in attics and other places. My advice is to keep looking. The greatest treasure, however, is the letters you find. They are pure gold to those interested in the past.
READERS: Fran Hernandez was a Road Runner car club member who went from the dry lakes to Detroit and was responsible for sponsorship money for a hungry and young motorsports industry. We owe a lot to Fran.

17) We have some timing tags from El Mirage in 1949 that have other people’s names on them. Not sure why Dad had them, but I would like to get them to the owner or family member of the tag. I’m not sure where to turn but I think the two of you would be a good start. If we can get a name and address of a family member for these tags, we will be happy to forward them. I can be contacted by phone, text or email. If you guys can send out a blast to the club or include this in a newsletter, I’m sure we can find a home for some of these. Thanks in advance for your help. The following is a list of names for the tags we have:

Bob Pierson 10/16/49, 129.12 MPH
Wally Ranstrom 11/12/49, 102.15 MPH
Cantley-Barker 11/12/49, 128.08 MPH
Bruce Sproull 10/16/49, 113.35 MPH
Don Ferrara 10/16/49, 112.92 MPH
Don Waite 10/16/49, 148.76 MPH
Don Willingham 10/16/49, 120.64 MPH
Don Willingham 11/12/49, 129.69 MPH
Ferrara-Yerger 11/12/49, 121.45 MPH
Manuel Butkie 10/16/49, 137.61 MPH
Rick Hernandez is at Rickh15 or Randy Hernandez at skydivejrh. They are the sons of Fran Hernandez.

18) Raceline Radio Network anchor Erik Tomas will team up with Bruce Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) and Quick 32 Sportsman Series Director of Operations. Mehlenbacher will be a guest on the Raceline Radio Network broadcast, heard coast-to-coast across Canada, the week of August 13, 2023. Discussion will be the Pro Modified Racing Association and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series’ participation with the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA) at the Empire Dragway/NEOPMA Challenge V, held August 18-19, 2023. Raceline Radio Network is co-flagshipped from affiliates Sportsnet 590 The FAN Toronto and Global News Radio 900 CHML Hamilton is aired in Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, London and St Catharines/Niagara/Western New York.

19) British Drag Racing Hall of Fame 2023: ROY WILDING

A career that began as a hobby in the customizing and cruising world of the 1970s has grown into one of important achievement on several levels of UK drag racing, with particular relevance to the burgeoning Nostalgia scene. Roy Wilding is not only an esteemed builder and restorer of the front-motored ‘slingshot’ dragsters which personify Nostalgia drag racing – for himself and for customers to drive – but also a key fabricator of the Nostalgia scene itself. He figured significantly in the founding of The Wild Bunch, providing a home for slingshots and Competition Altereds, and then of the Supercharged Outlaws, a gathering of blown dragsters, altered and doorslammers. He continues to compete himself while never shying from helping his fellow racers with advice and assistance. The full induction ceremonies will take place at Oatland’s Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey on Saturday, 18 November 2023. Jeremy Cookson
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. Sent in from John Hunt.

20) EDITOR: I found this in Dragzine.com. DRAGSTRIPS in the United States and Canada. There are 300 dragstrips or more listed. As I work this list I will send more to follow. If anyone has attended these tracks write in and tell us about your experiences there. I would also like to hear from sports car drivers and oval track racers. Tell us about your favorite tracks.

710 Dragstrip: Rowland, North Carolina, 1/8 mile Paved.
75-80 Dragway: Monrovia, Maryland, 1/4 mile Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Alabama Intl Dragway: Steele, Alabama, 1/4 mile Paved.
Alaska Raceway Park: Palmer, Alaska, 1/4 mile Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Courtesy of the National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, ILLINOIS, 60091

21) Bandimere might relocate if they can find some land out near the airport. Bandimere was doomed at the get-go because the track was built near the town of Morrison and the town grew over the years just like California and people were complaining about the noise. The track never had running water either. Nice track but no bathrooms was a problem too. The Strippers Car Club participated in the first AHRA National event in Kansas City, Missouri in 1960 because of the NHRA fuel ban. I was there and it was the worst drag meet I’ve ever been to. I have pictures. Don Garlits and the Greek (Chris Karamesines) were there. I don’t remember who took top eliminator because we left early. I haven’t been to Famosa since 2006 so I don’t know what happened with the CHRR after Gibbs bailed out. Pete Garramone, www.dragpixbypete.com.

PETE: Steve Gibbs retired from the NHRA and started up his own reunion, called the NITRO REVIVAL, at Irwindale Speedway, which takes up the entire parking lot and drag strip. It is a well-attended event and has the same Gibbs magic and professionalism. The crowds are HUGE. Steve can be reached at stevegibbs20 for dates and information. One of my favorite events of the year. Tell us more about the old Strippers Car Club, one of Denver’s first drag-racing clubs.

22) I’m very happy to hear back from you. I stay in touch with Joan Meyer, and we were wondering what happened to you. Did you create a book about your father? If yes, is it finished, and if yes, is it available? I met your dad at Bonneville in 1998, and he signed my Charter Member NHRA pith helmet. He said, “do you happen to have another pith helmet?” … and obviously no, but I told him if I did, he would own it. Wally and I had a nice long visit that evening in front of the Stateline casino, and he told me to ask Bud about how him and Bud had “doodled” on a paper napkin the plans for the 1st rear engine roadster to run at the lakes. Bud went back to the shop and put together a $15 Model-A roadster, with the 1st rear engine to race at the lakes (of course with their Speed Equipment). Bud ran it only once in 1940, and turned 121 mph, and never went back to the lakes. Bud and Eddie became boat racers, as Bud said, “Marine Stadium was much closer, it was NICE AND COOL, and the view along the shore was much better than the lakes (PRETTY GIRLS).” I’m including a couple of photo albums of the Speedway Museum’s Eddie Meyer display. I worked with the crew at the Speedway Museum 2 years ago to create the 2 displays. I hope you get back to their wonderful museum; lots of great displays and historical artifacts.

I’m trying to find out more history about Bud Meyer’s OHC Pontiac 6-cylinder boat he raced sometime in the late 1960’s or ’70’s? Bud talked about the success of the boat with the 300-inch (?) Pontiac, but I don’t know anything about it? The engine is owned by a John Hatch from Sacramento, as he purchased it from Vic Enyart. Vic ran the Pontiac at El Mirage, and Muroc back in the 1996-97 era, but I don’t know any more than that? Is there anyone in the Hydro boat world you know that might know the Pontiac’s history? All I know is the SBC guys didn’t like the fact the 5-liter engine had an OHC, which they didn’t like, because Bud said they were getting beat by a 6 cylinder. John Hatch would like the engine to be on display in the Meyer display at the Speedway Museum, along with the V6 OHC Volvo Bud last used. Doug Clem
DOUG: Yes, I finished my father’s story and I’ll send it to you in 11 PDF files. Isky sure gets around, doesn’t he? Ed makes me tired just watching him. I have stories on Bud Meyer (nephew of Louie) and will send those as well. Perhaps someone knows more about the motor and the hull.

23) VTOL PARTS NATION; A thinking path forward for VTOL parts manufacturers, to prepare for the electric future. There will be a trend of traditional VTOL parts suppliers gaining traction to electric components, we anticipated we are also on the right path to capitalize on the trend and networking to stay ahead in the industry! VTOL Parts Nation (spagnani.

24) You can publish these in your next newsletter and if Nick wants to add anything to this, I’ll leave him to let you know?

Time Travel Videos. https://timetravelvideos.blogspot.com/
Drag Racing History Videos. https://timetraveldvdsdragracing.blogspot.com/
Hot Rodding History Videos. https://timetraveldvdshotrod.blogspot.com/
feel free to send these to anyone you wish. Cheers John Hunt and Nick Pettitt

25) Lois Bryant, widow of Peter Bryant: “Peter was a member of SAE for many years. While serving on the board he organized many fundraisers, such as golf tournaments and at that time the most successful event ‘The Alex Tremulis Night.’ Peter traveled to several universities and colleges to give talks to future engineers. After the talks he would be surrounded by the students asking if he would come to their shop and critique the vehicle they were building. The answer was always, ‘of course I will.’ He was involved and had deep concern for these aspiring engineers as they would become our future in the Automotive Industry. I know he would be so proud and happy to have the SAE take over the stewardship of ‘The Peter Bryant Award,’ as well as organizing the yearly presentation to deserving recipients. I would like to give my personal thanks to SAE for continuing Peter’s contributions to the automotive world through the giving and receiving of this award.”

26) Sent in from Don Smith via Dragzine.com. Antron Brown, a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, experienced a rare chassis failure during qualifying at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California last weekend. Brown’s Matco Tools dragster was approaching 300 mph when the tabs tying the forward rear wing support to the rearward support failed at the bolt eyelet. This caused the entire wing to collapse to the right as the car neared 300 mph. Despite the loss of downforce, Brown crossed the finish line without incident, and the car didn’t even drive him over to the right side of the lane as one might expect. Wing failures have historically been more a result than a cause, with engine and tire debris commonly damaging wing struts, leading to failure.

Ed Pink, the famous engine builder, is retiring at 92 years of age, but before he does, he wants to share his story and showcase his final engine build. Pink’s final engine is the Ford 427 SOHC Cammer engine which made him famous. It could produce around 600 horsepower and unfathomable amounts of torque for the time once tuned. Despite being labor-intensive to build and maintain, it quickly became a highly desired, race-winning design and found its way into many NHRA drag cars.
August 11-12: Street Outlaws No Prep Kings at Tulsa Raceway Park
August 11-13: NHRA Nationals at Heartland Motorsports Park
August 17-20: NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway
August 18-19: Street Car Takeover at Bandimere Speedway
August 18-19: Mid-West Drag Racing Series at Worldwide Technology Raceway.
Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park to remain open.

27) Geoff Turk and Allen Johnson Team up for NHRA Factory X class. Geoff Turk has announced that his NHRA Factory X “BlackbirdX” Mopar machine will be piloted by NHRA Pro Stock champion Allen Johnson. The veteran sportsman racer has been sidelined by a post-crash injury. Sent in by Don Smith (from Dragzine.com).

28) LYON AIR MUSEUM HOSTS SPECIAL EXHIBIT. Santa Ana Drags and Beyond: America’s First Official Drag Strip. Dates areJuly 1, 2023–September 4, 2023, from Mark Foster, Mark.Foster, Museum Director. Joining the history-making drag racing cars on display during the Santa Ana Drags and Beyond exhibit is the famed Bean Bandit Dragster. The Bean Bandits was one of the earliest drag racing teams, originally organizing in San Diego in 1949 to pool its member resources in order to afford to go racing. Known for its Mexican membership, the club in reality consisted of multiple ethnic groups. It included, among others, Anglo, African American, Asian, and Lebanese members, brought together by their common passion for racing. A few months after Santa Ana Drag Strip opened, the Bean Bandit Dragster was built. Within a short period, the dragster was winning races at Santa Ana Drag Strip, as well as all over California. The Bean Bandits went on to win hundreds of races and are still racing on the dry lakes, salt flats, and select drag strips where they continue their tradition of breaking records. Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707, 714-210-4585, info, www.lyonairmuseum.org. Daily Hours of Operation: 10AM-4PM.

READERS: I accompanied the Bean Bandits on many of their trips, and it was worth every minute to be with them. For a story on the Bean Bandits that I wrote just email and ask and I will send it to you.

29) Take a look at the past and get ready for the future. 1st Trailer for HIDDEN GARAGES https://youtu.be/dHojXkDajt0. Look at these wonderful images of what he left behind for the Youth & future. https://www.creighphotography.com/p877943202. New show teasers here: Mad Mike: https://youtu.be/4b1oGUmZVIs. Bill Montgomery: https://youtu.be/XtdHRDrgSnc. Rodney Allen Rippy:

https://youtu.be/X-mhd3WYakU. Hitter Twist Filming-Day 4- Daytime Shoot on Vimeo. Rodney Allen Rippy Prime Motivation Host at Randy’s Hot Rod Garage – YouTube. Day of the first shot with Mad Mike and his Cool Car Chicks!

The new Hidden Garages Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hiddengarages.

30) Oscar Koveleski article by Pete Lyons. Reprinted from Vintage Racecar magazine July 2008 courtesy of Pete Lyons/petelyons.com (Fast Lines column). Sent in by Jim Kerr.

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