By Richard Parks
1) The debate goes on. Bob Storck raised the issue:
“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).”
AND: “I am 1000% with Bob Storck! Times New Roman is MUCH better in terms of readability. The ‘secret sauce’ is the serif aspect — those little, tiny flairs at the end of each letter that guides the eyes to read with seamless flow and hence give the brain quicker cognition. Arial is sans serif (without the little tails) and usually best for short bits and headlines. Landspeed Louise Ann Noeth.”
AND: “I do like Times Roman but this is all my Gmail offers. If I create a Word doc then I can use Times Roman. 14 font should be large enough.” John Towle
READERS: That makes it 3-0 so far for TIMES NEW ROMAN over ARIAL. The “LITTLE, TINY TAILS” win.
AND: Many thanks. That control/scroll hint works well, and you might include it in your next newsletter. Last newsletter had an overdose of Dougs … Stokes, Clem and Boyce! Was especially thrilled by Doug Clem’s wonderful trip to Speedy Bill’s with Isky. Big kudos to him for arranging the trip and for the magnificent images of the best least known auto collection. Personal recollections of Ed. As a teenager, I was building up a Deuce roadster with a V8-60 and ordered a generic 3/4 race cam from JC Whitney. Imagine my delight when a genuine Iskenderian cam arrived in a tube, along with a firewall plaque with lash settings, and a data sheet with inked in figures, signed by Ed hisself! I had a question (fairly mundane and slightly ignorant) so wrote the company. Got a handwritten note from Ed in reply! Then when he turned 100, Doug Stokes (him again) gave me Ed’s shop phone #, and I called, got a recording, and left a best wishes/congratulations message mentioning my teen cam experience. A day or so later, I got a call from Ed! Bob Storck
AND: Aerial 14 works best for me. Thanks, Keith Warren
EDITOR: Now it is 3-1, with size 14 being favored.
EDITOR’S REPLY: I was playing around with the keyboard and learned a trick and it might work for you. I held down the control key (don’t release it as you roll) on my keyboard and then used the “roller” on the mouse and I could increase (roll it forward) or decrease (roll it backward) the size of the print. See if you can do that on your computer and if so then you can read any size print that is sent to you.
AND: Mister Parks, Bob Storck is rrr …right. Times New Roman 14 would make your information-packed, copy-dense news updates and information a whole lot easier to read. As for as the multi-colored type, I think that your information is always good/fresh/interesting enough to stand on its own without any special color-coding*. Perhaps with an emphasized word, address, name, or URL in bold, underlined, or in italics to set it off.
To wit: “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.” *which some find distracting (what does blue type mean? What does red type mean and so on).
More importantly, however: please keep sending this information (much of which in only available on your nickle) my friend – Doug Stokes
2) 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. John ‘Jynx’ Harrison, part 1 (published 10th February 2023) Quote from John’s son Paul: “I would like to say firstly a massive thank you to you all, that’s John, Simon and Nick, for all their hard work putting the John ‘Jynx’ Harrison story together. And what a great story it was, you’ve given my late Dad John ‘Jynx’ Harrison a lot of recognition for all his hard work he put in to Drag racing back in the early days. The likes, off-the-scale comments and shares on the Eurodragsterholics Facebook page totally blew my family away.” John ‘Jynx’ Harrison, part 2 (published 17th February 2023)
3) Checkered Flag Club (checkeredflag presents the Membership Spotlight: August at the Petersen Automotive Museum (PAM), contact membership or 323-930-2277. To learn more, please contact Samantha DeAcetis, Membership Manager: sdeacetis 323-964-6390. 60 Years of Porsche 911 Cruise-In & Petit Concours Sunday, August 27th, 8 AM-12 PM. Celebrating the Porsche 911 first public unveiling in 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host a spectacular Cruise-In dedicated to 911 owners and enthusiasts. Finish Line Magazine provided with membership. Visit during the week of your birthday and receive a special Petersen “It’s my Birthday!” button, enjoy 20% off at the Petersen Store, and a FREE soft serve at Meyers Manx Cafe with the purchase of a meal. Let us know when your birthday is in our brief Member Survey and be entered to win a Petersen Member giveaway.
4) Doug Clem: Ed Isky and I attended the Speedster Reunion in June….Ed’s doing great for being 102 years old! A National Treasure!
Eddie Meyer Display – douglas clem (smugmug.com)
2023 Speedster Reunion – douglas clem (smugmug.com)
READERS: If you would like 3 articles on Bud Meyer, nephew of 3-time Indy 500 winner Lou Meyer, just email me.
Gone Racin’… Bud Meyer. Article by Richard Parks. Also contributing is Land Speed Louise Ann Noeth and Doug Stokes. August 13, 2008.
Bud Meyer comes from a family of hot rodders and racers who were at the forefront of racing during the 20th century. The Meyer family was involved in all forms of motorized racing, from open wheel, land speed and boat racing. They excelled at whatever aspect of racing that they tried. Bud’s grandfather and father (Eddie) were born in Metz, in Alsace/Lorraine, which according to who won the wars at that time could have been in Germany or France. His grandfather had three sons; Edward, Louis and Harold, though they went by Eddie, Lou and Harry. Bud got his nickname from his father, so that there wouldn’t be any confusion between Eddie Senior and Junior. “My father called me Bud, because I was just a little twig of a kid,” Bud told me. Bud turned 90 in August of 2008 and his mind is as sharp and clear as ever.
FOR THE FULL ARTICLES JUST EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND THEM TO YOU BY EMAIL.
5) It’s official Hidden Pioneers that we are registered with WGA. This Show/Series concept called Hidden Garages is in full effect and I’m excited and motivated to have you take part in it from the beginning. On April 10th we will shoot a pilot/sizzle reel demo to spread the word about “cool” cars and People doing what we love to do. Transportation & Technology is always moving forward & the Hidden Pioneers have been in the mix from the start. We want to see our High Schools bring Shop classes back to help our kids learn the things we know they need to be successful in business & Life. Culture, Discipline, Ethics, Excitement, Excellence, Pride, Respect, Self-Learning & more come out of working on cars & using Common Sense. It’s time we share with the world these Hidden Garages and the People behind them that started at a young age and want to help give back and share the knowledge. Thank you for being a “Cool” Pioneer and willing to help our Kids in High school and show them the way to be successful with Cool cars & Good People! More to come soon, check your emails and stay connected. Confirmation for registration number: 2110382. Effective Date: 3/29/2021. Expiration Date: 3/29/2026. Title: HIDDEN GARAGES. Author: WILLIAM E. MONTGOMERY. Registrant: WILLIAM E. MONTGOMERY. Confirmation has been sent to all valid email addresses associated with the registration. Should you have any questions regarding your renewal transaction, please send a copy of your photo ID along with your written request to the WGAW Registry at 7000 West Third Street, Los Angeles, California 90048 or directly to our office by fax to (323) 782-4803. Sincerely, WGAWEST Registry.
6) This Week on Cars Yeah: Amanda Stretton (Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance), Mark Brinker (Car Collector), Egon Zweimuller (Restoration), and Evan Ide (Pebble Beach Selection Committee). Mark Greene is at Cars Yeah info.
READERS: Contact Mark if you want to be on his half hour podcast radio show. He’s an excellent interviewer, the taping goes fast and he knows how to make your story sound great. I did it and you can too. Mark has over 3000 interviews under his belt: Kudos to him. Mark Brinker is an old friend from Texas and a well-known and appreciated car collector. The more stories we get the richer the car culture becomes.
7) From SEMA News Alerts and Don Smith. “The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (Senate Bill 2462 and House Regulation Bill 2696), introduced into the Senate and House of Representatives, has gained additional support as stakeholders across the industry voice their backing of the bill. The PRI-supported, bipartisan legislation would accelerate the time it takes for tracks to recover the cost of their long-term investments, such as facility upgrades and improvements. The Act would make permanent a seven-year cost recovery period for investments, an incentive currently set to expire at the end of 2025.” For the full report sign up for the free SEMA Alerts.
8) Following schedule is courtesy of SHERM PORTER fuely32.
OCTOBER 1 Fall Tulare Auto Swap C/10 Palooza, International Agri-Center, Tulare, California. www.springfalltulare.net
OCTOBER 5-7 6th Annual Streets of Bakersfield Cruizin’ Shine. 661-588-7933 or tony
OCTOBER 7-8 Eagle Field Drag,14th Annual Hot Rod Gathering, ’72 and earlier flag start. 559-351-3537 or www.eaglefielddrags.com
OCTOBER 7 16th Annual Winfield-Watson Gathering, Winfield’s Custom Shop, 8201 Sierra Highway, Mojave, CA.661-824-4728 or www.rodtossers.com
OCTOBER 7 Viking Charities Classic Car Show (formerly Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show). VikingCarShow
OCTOBER 7 Rods & Rails – The City of Perris’ annual car and motorcycle show, featuring classic cars from the 20’s through the 70’s and motorcycle classes from 1939 to the present. For info: Juan at 951-435-9717
OCTOBER 8 Pete Paulsen’s 33rd Annual Hot Rod Party, Paulsen Ranch, French Camp, CA. 209-983-0271 or www.petepaulsen.com
9) From Don Smith and Dragzine.com. With his third win in the class, a regional at Maple Grove, Tony Stewart now leads the Top Alcohol Dragster national and North Central region points standings.
DON: Is this THE TONY STEWART of NASCAR fame?
10) BOOK REVIEW: Ken Miles: The Shelby American Years, by Dave Friedman. Book review by Richard Parks, 9 August 2023, for the Gone Racin’ series.
An exceptional pictorial book that will thrill motorsports fans and especially appeal to sportscar zealots is Ken Miles: The Shelby American Years, by Dave Friedman, and published by Cartech Books. It is more than a coffee table book for two reasons; one is the fantastic photography and the other is the size 8 1/2×11 inches (longer than higher). The longer pages make for a better presentation of photographs, and it is the photography that stands out for their quality and grasp of the subject. Ken Miles: The Shelby American Years, is a soft cover book, with 240 pages, a glued binding, on extra high gloss paper that enhances the excellence of the photography. There were approximately 342 black & white photographs, including drawings and letters, and another 47 color photographs. I actually preferred the crispness of the black & white photos better as the eye and mind see and appreciate the details better. The color photographs were also of fine quality, but the black & white photos give the feeling of the era in which Ken Miles raced. The cover photograph of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby caressing the trophy that they won at the USRRC Watkins Glen race in 1963 that is the reason for setting this book down on your living room or den coffee table as it is sure to bring back memories for your guests and yourself. Wizened and sweaty from a hard-fought race, Ken Miles exemplifies the passion that sports car racing is all about. The pictorial is divided into an acknowledgement, foreword, preface, four chapters and an epilogue, but there is no index.
READERS: For the full review send me an email letting me know that you want it, and I will send it to you.
11) 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
12) Heartland Nationals action this weekend on FS1 and NHRA.tv. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns for one final run at the “House of Speed” this weekend for the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor in Topeka, Kansas. Tune in to FS1 for qualifying coverage at 7pm ET on Saturday and 1pm ET on Sunday. Final Eliminations are set to air on FS1 at 3pm ET on Sunday. Catch every minute of the action with full coverage on NHRA.tv.
13) Downey Space Center presents Rocket Fever. The Hidden Pioneers will be at this event this Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. It is a free event. See hiddenpioneers.
READERS: While this event passed before I could get this newsletter out, I hear that this is a monthly event held by NASA. Check it out and if true, take your kids to this exciting exhibit in Downey, California.
14) Doug Stokes – Founder, Peter Bryant Award Selection Committee: “When I learned that Peter Bryant was an active member of the SAE SoCal board, I knew they were the right group to continue this tradition. I think Peter would approve of this new chapter to our award.” Previous honorees:
2010 Howden Ganley
2011 Phil Remington
2012 Bruce Burness
2013 Trevor Harris
2014 Tyler Alexander
2015 Alwin Springer
2016 Ike Smith 2016 Dan Gurney
2017 Joey Cavagleri
2018 Jimmy Dilamarter
2019 Paul Van Valkenburgh
2020 No award – COVID. 2021 No award – COVID. 2022 No award – COVID.
2023 Ed Iskenderian
15) Drag Racing related books by Doug Boyce
Quarter-Mile Mustangs: The History of Ford’s Pony Car at the Drag Strip 1964 1/2-1978 – Released 2022
This book brings forth the most in-depth coverage of Fords Mustang at the drag strip. In the hands of successful and seasoned pros, such as Gas Ronda, Bill Lawton, and Dick Brannan, Fords Mustang quickly proved to be the ideal candidate to face down the competition. From the early Factory Experimental cars to the dominant Super Stock Cobra Jets, and the Funny Cars and Pro Stocks of the 1970’s, the Mustang proved a winner.
Drag Racing’s Rebels: How the AHRA Changed Quarter Mile Competition – Released Date, late 2023, probably early 2024.
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, Large Father hisself stepped up to write the books Forward. Doug Boyce
DOUG: Can’t wait to buy my copy when it comes out.
16) Saturday, November 18, 2023, Inglish Classics Super Car Show,17229 Lemon Street, Hesperia, California. Spectators 11AM-3PM, tickets $10, pre-sale before October 20, only $8, kids 12 and under are free. Car Show open to all vehicles. Pre-registration $20 which includes free gift and 2 tickets. Vendor spaces $30, set-up 9:30 AM. Pin-up contest, Celebrity guests, live bands, raffles and food. Proceeds benefit “Prime Motivation & Hidden Pioneer High School Tours. contact 281-601-2713. Appearing will be ‘Fireball’ Tim Lawrence (Author, Actor & Hollywood Concept Artist), Kevin Mack (Counting Cars and Count’s Kustoms) and Mad Mike (Pimp My Ride and Car Kings). Inglis Classics https://facebook.com/events/s/inglis-classics-super-charity-/733779488060558/?mibextid=RQdjqZ.
17) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. Courtesy of the National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, ILLINOIS, 60091
Albuquerque Dragway Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4 mile Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Amarillo Dragway Location: Amarillo, Texas Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Ardmore Dragway Location: Ardmore, Oklahoma Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8 mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Arroyo Seco Raceway Location: Deming, New Mexico Category: Dragstrips, Road Courses Length: 1.4 mile & 1/4-mile Surface: Paved
18) EVVTOL VTOL RIDE SHARING. Ride-hailing service flying taxis, electric multi-copters and passenger drones that can be summoned to provide a cost-effective and efficient ridesharing service in the sky. Commuters will ride a “network of small, electric [VTOL aircraft] that will enable rapid, reliable transportation between suburbs and cities and, ultimately, within cities,” according to Uber’s paper. Not only that, but this service is also green as Uber’s VTOLs will run on electric propulsion systems with zero operational emissions. Stefan Pagnani spagnani.
19) MEMORIES OF MSgt John L. Hatch, FE (Retired). Written by John Hatch for the Gone Racin’ series of biographies. 13 August 2023.
I used to be a Flight Engineer/Gunner on CH And HH – 53 Helicopters I had to convert all temps both ways for Engine Performance Requirements before Flights and many times in route in the Performance Charts in the Flight Manual, there were a series of Charts and Grafts that we had to work our way through to get the Engine Performance Data for Take-Off, Maximum Power Available at take Off, Hover Power Required at the Intended Gross Weight, Single Service, Service Ceiling, and in route Computations for Landings at a Different Altitudes, and Power Available for Hovering during a Hoist Rescue Mission. We were a Little Under Powered in Hot Weather, in 1980 we got Higher Horsepower Engines, we went from 3925 HP to 4300 HP, that helped a lot, we ALWAYS had More than 100 Percent Horsepower, usually 125-130 Percent MORE HP, it was nice to have some extra HP for MAMA AND THE KIDS. Boxer 22 Rescue Missions, the WORST IN VIET NAM.
EDITOR: For the rest of the story write to me and I will send it to you.
20) Regarding Alex Tremulis. Thanks again for these newsletters, Richard. I noticed the mention of Alex Tremulis in the letter from Lois Bryant in the last issue #18. A very unique creation Tremulis has been given credit for is coming to auction at Mecum’s event in Monterey next weekend. This unrestored custom used an early Chevrolet “crate motor” and is believed to be part of Tremulis’ early body of design work before he entered into his employment with the Auburn-Duesenberg-Cord conglomerate. The car was noted at the 1933-34 Century of Progress in Chicago as well and still retains much of the original customization work.
Incidentally, hot rodders owe gratitude to Tremulis in a unique way. The designer of the ’48 Tucker and other styling exercises is credited with directing the use of factory chrome exhaust pipes on the Supercharged series 812 Cords, vehicles that have been staples of the classic car hobby for years. So have chrome engine parts for us rodders! Here’s a link for the sale with period and contemporary photographs. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1092422/1933-chevrolet-streamliner/. Thanks – Geoff Stunkard, former publisher Quarter Milestones magazine, 1992-1996. Managing editor Mopar Action magazine – currently.
21) I’d very much appreciate your help in contacting those who are still alive that came to the 1964 Dragfest initially but also those in 1965 Dragfest also. I know not many of them are, which I’m sure you know. April this year I sent an email to most of those or and their wives or a family member whose email address I’d been sent. I had not one response. If I was to send you a copy of the email and the list of names, I did send to would you take a look and see if you could help me in any way either yourself or maybe through the newsletter, please? Cheers John Hunt.
JOHN: I would be glad to help. Send me the list of names and I will publish it as well.
22) Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show on Saturday, November 18th in Old Town La Verne, CA. The show benefits the California Highway Patrol’s CHiP’s for Kids toy drive, and the La Verne K9 Police Foundation. Craig Hoelzel news
23) 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. Lyon Air Museum represents the realization of General William Lyon’s dream. Founder of the museum, a former combat pilot, and ultimately serving as Chief of the US Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979, General Lyon’s passion for aviation history and youth education was the driving force behind his dream and vision. In establishing the museum, General Lyon created a world-class destination, offering educational tours and displays inspiring youth while celebrating our veterans. Lyon Air Museum is home to some of the world’s most rare operational historic aircraft and vehicles. Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. info, www.lyonairmuseum.org, 714-210-4585. Daily Hours of Operation: 10AM-4PM, General Admission-$14. Seniors and Veterans-$11. Ages 5-17-$7. Children 5 years and under-Free Admission.
24) Rodney Allen Rippy’s Hidden Garages movie teasers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-mhd3WYakU&feature=youtu.be.
25) Caption: Tom Marano (2nd from left) was the 1st to Join Bill Montgomery to become a Hidden Pioneer.
Tom Matano (2nd from left) was the first Hidden Pioneer to join Bill Montgomery and Jennifer Rodriguez (left) was the youngest Team member at 17 years old in High school her senior year. We connected them up after a few car shows and visits with Larry Wood, Hector Cademartori, Bob Rosas who all gave her encouragement to keep going. Jennfier was mentored by Tom Matano at this school in Northern California where she recently graduated this year from the Art Center where she earned a scholarship. We found her at Victor Valley High school in the City of Colton, CA. She is on her way to a great paying career in Art as a trained Artist. Help us find more Jennifer’s in high schools. A Hidden Pioneers Success story. CSI Bill Montgomery
26) Caption: Pure Heaven at the drag strip. Photograph by Charles Embrey.
