By Richard Parks
Corrections & Apologies Department: I received several conflicting notices on the book signing of Lou Hart’s new book on Roland Leong and the famous “Hawaiian” Top Fuel dragster. If I have erred and directed you to the wrong event, please accept my apology. I called Tina Van Curren (Manager and owner), and she told me that it is just Lou Hart on September 23, 2023, at Autobooks/Aerobooks, signing his book on Roland Leong. Roland has not indicated yet if he will be there on a future date. On October 7th the featured author for a book signing will be Dave Friedman, according to Tina. Autobooks/Aerobooks is located at, 2900 West Magnolia Boulevard, in Burbank, California 91505, phone 818-845-0707, manager.
READERS: Always call and check for last minute changes or cancellations for your favorite author or celebrity.
AND: We just confirmed Roland Leong’s Book Signing of his new Lou Hart-written book at Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum on Saturday October 7th, 2023, from 11am to 2pm. 2790 East Del Amo Boulevard, Rancho Dominguez, California 90221. Darr Hawthorne darrhawthorne1.
AND: Hope to see you at the Lions Automobilia Museum on Oct 7th. Lou Hart (author)
AND: Always remember THE EDITOR IS STUPID RULE. Unless you tell me not to publish, I usually look at what you wrote and may decide to put your letter into the newsletter if it has important or interesting information. To be sure, tell me if you have objections to your letter being printed and the use of your email address in the newsletter. Many people want to make contact, while others are more private in what they want the public to know. Since I make mistakes (hard to believe) make sure you leave no doubt about what you want me to do.
1) The Celebration of Life for Les Leggitt will be held at the November El Mirage race after the racing is done for the day on Saturday 11-11-2023. We will need a rough head count for chairs, tables, and food. It would be greatly appreciated if you would RSVP by email at LeggittEngines by October 25th. We would also like to help those who need some assistance in order to be there. If you need any assistance, please include it in the RSVP email. We might be able to provide a shuttle van to pick up those who flew in and are staying at the local hotels in Hesperia or Victorville, which is near the El Mirage racetrack. We hope to see you there. The entrance to El Mirage is located at 20471 Mountain View Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301. Once you get to this location you will have to drive across the Lakebed to the starting line, where the race cars are leaving. Behind the starting line on the edge of the lakebed is the SCTA building. From Brandon Leggitt
2) In recognition of the passing of Bob Riggle, I am sending you a photo of Bob taken at the 2017 Hurst Nationals in Carlisle, PA. Bob is on the right side of the photo. Sitting in the scooter is my dad, Bill Campbell, who started it all along with George Hurst. George and dad formed Hurst-Campbell in 1958. Next to me is Don Glover, a former Hurst employee, and Don Lane, who was a kid working for George just to get his fingers dirty and learn mechanics when my dad started to work with George. Dad died in 2020 at the age of 97. And yes, Richard, I’m working on his Hurst-Campbell story. Jim Kerr has been a great help and encouragement. Tomi Fay (Campbell) Forbes. For a photo of Riggle contact Tomi Fay at tomifay.
3) Here is the link to Steve Castelli Jr’s obituary, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pressdemocrat/name/steve-castelli-obituary?id=53170064. Also, my good friend and long-time NorCal drag racer Craig Renke, Live Oak, California recently had double bypass surgery. Still remains in serious recovery at Sutter Medical, Sacramento. Prayers would help. Bob Choisser
“Steve Castelli Jr was a genuine full speed ahead Renaissance Man. He was one of those guys that could get more done in a weekend then most of us could do in a week. Cars and machines were a big part of Steve’s life. He built his first car in high school, a 1941 Chevy with spiderweb hubcaps. He loved that car so much that when he married the love of his life, Glenda Karns, in 1961, he hid the car down the street at a cop’s house so his friends couldn’t decorate it. Glenda and Steve met at Petaluma High in 1958 at a school dance. Steve and his slick San Francisco blue suede shoes swept the Iowa farm girl Glenda off her feet, and they spent the next 61 years together.”
READERS: I have a copy of the notice for Steve Castelli Jr if the link doesn’t work for you.
4) “Bill and I made a trip to the salt (Bonneville) and with the weather being so cool there is no way it will possibly dry. World Finals is officially canceled.” Heather Black. Also reported by Ron Main and Jim Miller
Corrections & Apologies Department: Very sorry the newsletter was sent out before word came that Bonneville was again cancelled. Always check with organizations running outdoor activities to make sure the event is still on. Bonneville weather reminds me of two potential songs: OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN, and WHAT A BUMMER THE WEATHER CAN BE.
AND: Thanks for helping to spread the word! Scott Mattern (SCTA Chief Motorcycle Inspector).
AND: Thank you for getting the word out. Werner Schwarz
5) EDITOR ASKS: When was the last time Bonneville or El Mirage got rained out two years running (parts of it anyway). I don’t remember Muroc having that kind of problem.
WERNER SCHWARZ REPLIES: 2014 & 2015 were back-to-back Speedweek full rainouts. I remember because I was BNI Treasurer both years, thus having the privilege of writing all the refund checks to each entrant. Fred Dannenfelzer passed away the same week Lester Leggitt did. I imagine they are now fiercely competing for top time of the Golden Gates Speed Trials. I have included Debbie Dannenfelzer’s (current SCTA Secretary) email in case you wanted to reach out to her. Besides 50 plus years racing LSR (land speed racing), Fred had great stories about desert racing in the early 1970’s.
DEBBIE: Werner informed me about the passing of Fred, and I want to send my condolences. Fred was a respected leader in the Gold Coast Roadster & Racing Club and the SCTA. He was a man of focus and was serious about his racing. Please send me a link to an obituary so that I can put it in the newsletter. I know that just about all the LSR people know, but some of the other car racing people might not and Fred deserves to be remembered. I believe he drove the Raspberry Rocket streamliner at El Mirage and Bonneville.
RICHARD: Dad was certainly a racing legend, from the early days of drag racing to the Hare and Hound motorcycle races in the desert and most notably Land Speed Racing. He loved his family, but racing was his life. You probably know what that’s like. Debbie Dannenfelzer
DEBBIE: Instead of being “Golf Orphans,” we are “Racing Orphans.”
6) NHRA Funny Car point leader Robert Hight escaped injury Friday night at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, when his Chevrolet Camaro SS exploded just as he left the starting line in the first round of qualifying. Hight, who was racing Matt Hagan, said he knew there was a problem just as they started to lower the car’s body after executing his burnout. “I heard it, and it sounded like it had a hot cylinder, like it needed more fuel. I just told myself, well I’ll drive it down the track and if it isn’t right, I’ll lift and that way it won’t throw the rods out. But I didn’t think it was something like this. This had to be a valvetrain failure or something to blow up like that, that fast.”
See: https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nhra/a45273917/video-robert-hight-escapes-injury-in-huge-explosion-at-starting-line-of-nhra-carolina-nationals/. Sent in by Don Smith
7) After you have registered to attend the NHRA YES Program in your area, you will then be eligible to receive a free race ticket to the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals held in Pomona, California at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Thursday November 9, 2023. This ticket will be emailed to you on the week of the race. In addition, there is a series of supplemental videos released periodically covering various subject matter that will show students how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles work in real world situations such as the Camping World Drag Racing Series. So please keep an eye out for email alerts as those videos are released! You can enjoy those in the classroom or at home prior to the live event. We look forward to seeing you back at the racetrack when the NHRA returns to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Thursday November 9, 2023. For more information please feel free to reach out to me directly. John Baadilla, Youth Program is at jbaadilla.
8) “Girls on the gas…or any other fuel.” My TEDx Talk on record-setting women in motorsports just dropped here in the Midwest: Here’s the Link: louise.
LANDSPEED: Excellent program, powerfully spoken. Ladies, Landspeed has many videos worth watching.
AND: I watched the video and liked it. Amazing ladies we have out there! Blessings with Godspeed. Bill Montgomery of Hidden Pioneers
9) Jerry from the hidden pioneers. I was speaking with my sister’s in-laws, and I came to find out that he loves the NHRA. I shared with him that you put out an awesome newsletter and so he gave me his email and asked to receive your newsletter. Do you mind putting him on your email list? His name is Richard as well. Keep up the good information, a lot of people appreciate it and follow it. Thanks again for all that you do. Jerry Rangel
JERRY: It’s done and the next newsletter will go out to another Richard.
10) Angel Gaulden, drag racer, NHRA SuperGas license, Frank Hawley’s drag racing school graduate. Known for driving my 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with the NMCA series for a championship in the ProForm Rumble class. I have been Top Ten 2012 and 2022. Won two back-to-back NMCA Chevrolet Performance Street car challenge in 2020. In 2022, my car was selected as a featured vehicle for the 2022 PRI performance racing industry show in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have been involved with drag racing and the car culture for about 30 years. I have always had a love for Camaros, I have recently bought a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro to make into a race car, not sure which way I’m going with it small or big tire car. I’m just really excited to have a street car and race car to be racing in the NMCA racing series.
ANGEL: My brother, David Parks, loved Camaros and set three land speed records at El Mirage, Bonneville and Muroc. Why don’t you go land speed racing?
AND: Thank you so much for the opportunity to be included in your newsletter. I greatly appreciate it and am honored. Oh, wow, David is another Camaro lover! Yay! I always say, “you can never have enough Camaros,” wow! That’s so cool! If I had the opportunity, I would so love to do some land speed racing. That would be so cool! I hope you have a wonderful day. Angel Gaulden Racing, angelgaulden.
ANGEL: Check out “LandSpeed Louise” Ann Noeth above. Email her and make a new friend. LandSpeed has done it all and she is the most persuasive “Honey Bee” in the Hive. Do it now. Find a category to race in and go set a land speed record. This is the “Grandmother” (and also “Grandfather”) of all motor sports (boats and road course racing aside). Your BLACK CAMARO looks like a real beast. Love it.
READERS: If you want the photo, email Angel and ask her for a copy.
11) News from the PAM: F1 Experience, New Hollywood Exhibit, The Petersen Gala Party annual event, Artistry of Mid-Century design with Bob Gurr, Petersen cars on the Mr Beast Channel, The Car Weel Special new podcast with John Hennessey and Jackultramotive. Petersen Members enjoy free general admission, special access, discounts, complimentary parking, and more. Not a member yet? Join now: pam.
AND: Featured exhibit, Corvettes in competition, celebrating 70 years, Rennsport Rally, Hollywood 100th Anniversary Parade, 29th Annual Petersen Gala celebration, F1 Experience in Las Vegas. Petersen Automotive Museum is a “501(c)(3) non-profit organization.” From Bruce Meyer.
READERS: I’ve been to the GALA. This should be on your Bucket List. Outstanding, formal or semi-formal.
12) John Hunt sent in the following on British drag racers: Geoff Jago.
“In this part, Geoff tells the story about the unlikely components for his Big Moose wrecker he built in 1967, then how he developed the body and chassis for a Ford Model-B with several configurations and a strong chassis for a Ford Pop. After his father died in 1968, he was able to move to new premises in Chichester, which were named The Rodding Scene. In the 1970’s he produced the Jago Jeep and worked to build chassis for the Panther sports GT car. Geoff’s son Stuart Jago got involved with building rods and became a paint specialist, eventually taking over Geoff’s workshop whilst Geoff found and restored his first rod Jago One.”
Geoff Jago Part 2 can be viewed at http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/geoff_jago_pt2/default.asp. Geoff designed and built a mold for a Ford Model-T body, building a hot rod that he displayed at the 1965 Blackbushe DragFest, but it did not run. Advertising in Drag Racing and Hot Rod Magazine, national newspaper coverage and display at the International Racing Car Show helped spread the word. Geoff also got his first hot rod registered for road use. Within years he had sold hundreds of T-buckets, many were used for drag racing, and Geoff became a full-time hot rod builder.
13) Per your comment, “EDITOR: I’ve been referred to as Mr Obituary, the Grim Reaper, the Fifth Horseman, Black Sheep…” Wear those names with pride! These days, folks are quick to label, often with a negative connotation, but without folks like you to mark the passing of past notables, their passion and accomplishments could decay without notice. Life is a finite journey, full of lofty peaks and dark valleys. Your considerate mention lifts so many back into the light of our memory to again get the glow of our shared joys. Bob Storck
BOB: I suppose it’s because I don’t want to forget all these wonderful men and women in my life.
14) Featured display: Randy Klein’s Super Stock ’56 Nomad. Cars & Coffee at the Museum, September 30, 2023, NoWear BMX Stunt Show, Jon “Thunderlungs” Lundberg panel discussion. Museum of American Speed, 599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68528
15) This Week on Cars Yeah. Donald Osborne is the Chief Executive Officer at Audrain in Newport, Rhode Island (mark. Email Mark if you want to be interviewed.
16) Northern California Collection Tours, October 17th-October 20th, 4-day trip touring the most impressive private collections in San Jose and Santa Cruz adjacent counties. Don’t miss this incredibly exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This event is exclusive to Checkered Flag 200 Members and their guests. Petersen Automotive Museum checkeredflag. Bruce Meyer
17) After making the decision to leave racing Gene Kidder became President of Central Bank West Palm Beach Florida where Dick Moroso came to know him, as Moroso had business dealings related to the Dragway that he opened in the area. Gene could not stay away from his love of Motorsport and when Dick offered him a job at the Moroso plant he left South Florida and Banking for good. I came to know him while he was at the plant. My sister Anne was the company doctor’s nurse and gave me the lowdown on this dynamic man. We met in 1986 and we were married in 1987, I was his third wife, the other 2 wives predeceased Gene so a lot of history, good and bad went with them. I was not present for those early years in racing but listened carefully to Gene’s recollections and enjoyed receiving memorabilia saved by his sister that photo documented much of what he communicated. Susan Kidder (Editor: letter will be serialized in next newsletters)
SUSAN: Add to Gene’s and your biographies. Use NOUNS, such as names, dates of events, where people grew up, jobs, racing, etc. Put down all the nouns first, then go back and put them in chronological order, writing a sentence or more on each noun. Stories do not have to be chronological, but biographies do.
18) I have a dream that one day all the boys & girls will be able to take a Transportation & Technology Lab class in High School. Thank you for providing a Global platform to speak about Transportation & Technology something I love to do. It’s everything we do daily however most people don’t really know what it means or how to use it properly. Bill Montgomery
19) Had a friend tell me about your newsletter and was wondering how to receive them. I like all forms of racing and have a Bonneville roadster I race now. My goals are to race an A-fuel dragster and drive a midget. My friend told me he had seen my car in your newsletter. He told me go to the newsletter and it’s under item 44. Thanks, Ryan Reierson
RYAN: Welcome. I’ve added you to the newsletter list. That’s an amazing blue modified roadster that you have. Absolutely stunning. I tried photographs and they wrecked my ancient computer and caused servers to list me as spam so what I do now is include just the captions and ask my readers to contact the owner of the photographs for copies. If that is all right with you then I will add your email address after your name as I give credit to all who write into the newsletter. BTW I’m Wally Parks’ eldest son and wrote his story and that of the SCTA and NHRA.
RICHARD: I love the history of hot rodding and drag racing from the late 1930’s to the mid 1970’s. My roadster has a great story and one day I’ll try to type it all out, but it was originally built by Jack Underwood who never finished it. I was able to finish it and send him a video a few days before he passed away. Will definitely read what you wrote about your dad. The car club I am in here in Texas is a chartered car club of the NHRA and we have the original paperwork your dad signed. Ryan Reierson
RYAN: I know Jack Underwood and his artistic wife Nita very well. I have three paintings by Nita (a great painter). Jack’s Garage stories are in my archives, and I will be sending them to you.
20) Race Winners crowned in opening day of Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Fall Historics at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on the 2.54-mile Road Atlanta road-course. Jack Lewis records a repeat Sasco Sports International/American Challenge Overall race win in his Jack Lewis Enterprises 1974 #9 Porsche 911 RSR. David Richardson Friday’s other Overall Race winner in the FlatSix Motorsports 2018 #06 Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup in Stoner Car Care Global GT. Sasco Sports International winner was Mike Banz who took the checkered flag in his Arnage Motorsports 2004 #99 BMW M3.
Adam Saal is at SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com, or 321-890-2848.
21) The foreword to the collection, “THE EPIC SAGA OF THE SURFERS at Top Fuel Wormhole: The Cole Coonce Drag Strip Reader, https://topfuelwormhole.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/the-epic-saga-of-the-surfers-2/, was written by Dr Robert C. Post, which is a real honor as he penned the finest book on the sport, “High Performance: The Culture and Technology of Drag Racing, 1950-2000.” Your father may disagree with that assessment, which is a deliberation for another edition of your fine newsletter. Cole Coonce
READERS: Have you read Dr Post’s book, High Performance? What do you think of it? I have a review of the book, and my father’s rebuttal in his story (really a history). If you want either one just write to me and I will send it to you.
22) The October issue of Vintage Metal is at robertcampbell4.
BOB: I enjoy your club magazine, especially Simon Taylor’s “Old Metal” racers. The older the better. I don’t believe there could be a happier bunch of people than there is in Western Australia. Good Aussies who love their race cars and their tractors. Maybe Rod and Carol Hadfield from the Castlemaine Rod club of Victoria, Australia might disagree. Carol was involved in an accident last year. Do you know if she is okay now.
23) I hope to see you at Family Nite at the Columbia Memorial Space Center (columbiaspacescience.org) this coming Friday, September 29, 2023. The Columbia Space Center is located at 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, California. Pioneer spotlight is on Dale D. Meyers, presented by Bill Montgomery. There is no entry or parking fee, and the Space Center hosts an open night the last Friday of each month. From Bill Montgomery of Hidden Pioneers.
READERS: You must remember the Energizer Bunny commercials of a few decades ago. Well, Bill Montgomery MUST have been the inspiration for that advertisement.
24) Electric Vehicle Racing Safety Conference, EVRSafe? The lengthy details are as attached, but here is a short form for your use, with info/registration link: EVRSafe Electric Vehicle Racing Safety Conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 18, 2023. Racetrack owners, emergency crews, and racers are being faced with more EV’s showing up at drag strip Test & Tunes and are wary of possible lithium-ion battery fire infernos or collecting a heart-stopping zap when responding to an accident. In order to address the unique safety issues around electric vehicles on the racetrack, a one-day Electric Vehicle Safety Conference, EVRSafe, will take place on Wednesday, October 18th at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina. Yves Morizot’s Stand 21 Safety Foundation racinggoessafer.org and UNC Charlotte have lined up experts in this growing safety field to provide facts while dispelling the many myths about EV’s. See: https://battcave.charlotte.edu/ev-racing-safety-conference/. Don Taylor Director Stand 21 Safety Foundation
READERS: Contact Don for full report and details. Very important to know more about EV racing.
25) Jim Clark ‘The Train Man’ is one of our readers and he will be appearing at Nashville Social Club in Carson City, Nevada, on November 2,2023 at 6:30 PM. Jim is an expert on drag racing and trains, but his presentation will be on trains. “Step into the cinematic past on November 2nd at the Swan as Jim Clark, ‘The Train Man,’ guides us through the history of trains in Western films. Starting with the iconic 1903 classic ‘The Great Train Robbery,’ this journey through time promises to be an enlightening experience.” Tickets are just $10, and for a complete experience, make dinner reservations at the Nashville Social Club by calling 775-515-0020. Here’s the ticket link: trainguy1881.
READERS: Jim Clark and Bob Small’s story is in my archives, and I will send it to you on request. Sounds like a blast.
26) Saturday, November 18, 2023, Super Car show at Inglis Classics, Hesperia CA. Fundraiser, car celebrities, live music, pin-up contest. See video from Orange Co by Motor Mama Tayna. For more info contact Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers.
27) Historic Sportscar Racing’s (HSR) third-straight race weekend will be at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (WRLS). After sanctioning the last three of the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion and Monterey Pre-Reunion at WRLS, including last month’s 2023 Reunion events, HSR has been enlisted for the first time to officiate and run the ample schedule of historic racing events at Rennsport Reunion 7, September 28-October 1, 2023. Adam Saal SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.
28) 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. Best, Richard
29) From: Craig Hoelzel news: Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show. We’d love to feature your show vehicle at our upcoming Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show on Saturday, November 18th in Old Town La Verne, CA. If you’re in a car or truck club, please encourage other club members to participate in this show and make it a club event. The show benefits the California Highway Patrol’s – CHiP’s for Kids toy drive, and the La Verne K9 Police Foundation who always has a great raffle table.
READERS: Everyone I talk to loves this car show. Put it on your bucket list of shows to attend.
30) SEMA News semanews. SEMA Fest to gather the hottest names in music, automotive and motorsports, November 3-4, 2023. SEMA-Sponsored Vehicle Technology Bill advances in California, but final vote on hold. NHTSA proposes rule for seatbelt warning systems for passenger, rear seats. SEMA, 1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. New SEMA Show exhibit to highlight Future Vehicle Propulsion Technology. New Mexico proposes near total internal combustion engine ban. MPMC accepting nominations for Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards. Register to attend and participate in the 2023 SEMA Show Student Program. Movers & Shakers: The Wheel Group appoints Dean Rossi as CFO.
EDITOR: Just how is New Mexico going to enforce a non-combustion engine law? New Mexico has the largest percentage of poor people on welfare benefits in the nation. Will the poor lose their cars, or the state subsidize EVs?
AND: US House of Representatives passes SEMA-Supported Bill to prevent internal combustion engine bans. Send a letter to your US Senators asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. SEMA launches new Industry Award for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year. New video released: How Companies Are Navigating Regulation and Pivoting to Hybrid and EV.
AND: SEMA Garage Launches New Electric Vehicle (EV) Range Testing Service. SEMA-Opposed Indirect Source Rule at Southern California Ports Delayed. From Don Smith.
31) From a survey there appears to be SIX schools in a normal high school district, plus three or more adult or continuation schools for various reasons. I propose a new vision for our American school system in which grades 1-8 teach the basic Liberal Arts plus the 3-R’s (reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic), basic psychology, English skills, history, etc. I propose that High Schools change their curriculum to vocational, engineering, science, technology, laboratory and minor research along with job skills, and remedial Liberal Arts. Most students will not attend college, nor does it benefit them skill-wise in most situations. College is expensive and wastes valuable time if all that it does is work on remedial skills best taught in lower grades. College is needed, but not for remedial work that should be done in High School or a continuation of Liberal Arts. Contact me for a list of some job skills listed on the internet that I have researched. Richard Parks
32) Got model cars? Coming September 26, 2023, the ‘69 Dodge Charger R/T, America’s favorite muscle car is about to become your new favorite collectible. General Motors Trademarks used under license to Mattel, newsletter. Mattel, Inc 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245. From Doug Stokes
33) The Hidden Pioneers spent a night with the Mustang Owners Club of California at Rosie’s BBQ & Grillery in Northridge, CA. It was fantastic to present our Transportation & Technology program and mission to change the Culture & Image of America. Thanks to our sponsors Hillbank performance as they provided goodie bags for all car owners and staff who helped make it happen. Other sponsors included ad Astra Magazine, Dupont Registry, NASA flyer, and Inglis classic car show info. The winning car of the night was a 2004 (Black) Ford Mustang Foxbody. Special thanks to Mad Mike who talked about the high school program and Galpin Auto sports who sponsors this club and to Jerry Rangel. Galpin has a big event coming up in October that we will attend. Thank you to all the Ford owners for driving a “Cool” car and keeping the history going that helped shape this country we love. The Hidden Pioneers ask everyone to support our mission to bring Transportation & Technology Lab Classes to our High Schools Nationwide through a Program called “Prime Motivation.” Bill Montgomery Team Director of Hidden Pioneers.
34) Thank you for your help. Safety first. See you. Yves Morizot (Stand21)
YVES: You’re welcome and thank you for your support of safety in Motorsports.
35) Nate Sayler scored his first career “No Prep Kings” invitational victory Saturday evening at the Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio. He defeated Shawn Ellington for the main event crown in a battle of Chevy Nova’s. Kalitta, Tasca, Anderson, Herrera win NHRA Carolina Nationals. Cody Krohn Set for NHRA Top Fuel Debut in St Louis. Mike Salinas makes history with the first 300 MPH run in the 1/8-Mile. Take advantage of these final SAM Tech 2023 enrollment dates. Sharp new NHRA factory X Mustang Cobra Jet gives nod to Bob Glidden, stock Ford Coyote block 1/8-Mile record drops to an impressive 4.17! Dragzine.com. Sent in by Don Smith.
36) OCTOBER 7, 2023, Viking Charities Classic Car Show (formerly Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show) VikingCarShow.
OCTOBER 7, 2023, Rods & Rails, The City of Perris’ annual car and motorcycle show, featuring classic cars from the 1920’s through the 1970’s and motorcycle classes from 1939 to the present. For info call Juan at 951-435-9717.
OCTOBER 8, 2023, Pete Paulsen’s 33rd Annual Hot Rod Party, Paulsen Ranch, French Camp, CA. 209-983-0271 or www.petepaulsen.com.
OCTOBER 12-15, 2023, 3rd Annual Spartan Reunion, Hollister, CA. Casa de Fruta RV Resort. fuely32.
37) Rodney Allen Rippy is one of the Amazing Hidden Pioneers we have the pleasure of having on our TEAM. He is the interviewer: Tom Cataldo: Age is irrelevant, but the mission is important/YouTube. Jerry Rangel and Bill Montgomery. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEHNGGCdU3g.
38) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
AMBR AWARDS 2007, AMBR AWARDS 2008, and AMBR AWARDS 2011.
39) Double header book signing at Estrella Warbirds Museum/Woodland Auto Display. Auto racing historian Dave Wolin and Air Force veteran/test pilot George Marrett will be signing copies of their books in the gift shop of the Estrella Warbirds Museum on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10AM to 2PM. The Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display are located at 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, California. Wolin, author of ASCOT, RIVERSIDE VOLUMES ONE and TWO, IMSA RS and SHOWROOM STOCK, was a successful driver and race team owner prior to becoming an author.
George Marrett is a former Air Force officer, combat veteran and test pilot. His books include HOWARD HUGHES AVIATOR, CHEATING DEATH, CONTRAILS OVER THE MOJAVE and TESTING DEATH. The Estrella Warbirds Museum contains a wide variety of military aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia and an extensive aviation library and gift shop. The Woodland Auto Display features over one hundred classic and exotic automobiles and race cars plus a West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame display and a substantial research library. Dave Wolin, davewolin, 559-760-1143, Racing History Project is at racinghistoryproject.
40) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians wrote in about their group. He is at johnhunt.drn. Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers. John Wright, part 1 (published 7th March 2022) Quote from John Wright: “The finished articles were very well put together, I enjoyed reading them. I really enjoyed reliving all those memories. Nick really knows his stuff, there were photos there even I hadn’t seen before.”
John and Richard Wright, part 2 (published 14th March 2022)
AND: Here’s a cine (cinema) film of the 2nd British International Drag Festival 1965, discovered by Robbie Smith and converted for YouTube by Nick Pettitt, both members of the BDRH group. Details for many of the cars shown, you can read about once you’ve clicked on the link to view. https://youtu.be/_0nWwkGLK_A?si=ohopBXLHUjDnUwVQ. Cheers, John Hunt.
JOHN: Nothing stopped the Brits from drag racing, not even a little rain on the track. A very interesting video.
41) Sign-ups for our two upcoming car shows in Southern California are going really well. If any hot rods, muscle-cars, car or boat racers would like to display their vehicles and give their sponsors added exposure. November 18, 2023, La Verne Holiday Car Show www.CruisinLaVerne.com. Dec 3, 2023 Brea Holiday Car Show www.BreaHolidayCarShow.com. Both shows benefit the California Highway Patrol’s – CHiPs for Kids toy drive. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new unwrapped $10 toy. Craig Hoelzel Show Manager Craig@FlyingDeuces.com.
42) 88MPH: The Story of the DeLorean Time Machine on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgOb22gz_TY. Bill Montgomery and Jerry Rangel
43) (From the UK) Hello Richard, interesting newsletter as ever. Intrigued by the picture of tracknose roadster at the end by the presence of a London “black cab” taxi in the background. Cheers, Chris Pattison.
44) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, ILLINOIS, 60091
Byhalia Raceway, Byhalia, Mississippi. 3/10-mile Surface: Paved.
Byron Dragway Location: Byron, Illinois. 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Camp Hill Dragstrip, Camp Hill, Alabama. 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Cape Breton Dragway, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. 1/4-mile Surface: Paved.
45) Josie Brooks won the Pro Bike and Sled Series (PBSS) event on Saturday, at Empire Dragway in Leicester, NY. Brooks is from Arkona, Ontario, Canada. In the final round she ran 4.82 seconds at 141.83 mph, on her 1640 cc 1997 Suzuki GSXR 1100, defeated a red-lighting Bill Pippard from Ransomville, NY, running 5.07 seconds at 132.31 mph on his 2003 1507 cc Suzuki Hayabusa. Bruce Mehlenbacher, Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
46) PART 1. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/cooksons/default.asp. Gerald Cookson had a mechanical and engineering career, during which he joined the Lucas Motor Club, read Hot Rod Magazine and built a Morris Minor engined slingshot ‘Minor Leaguer’ with the welding expertise of Ken Cooper. The dragster made its debut at Santa Pod in July 1966, with wife Joan and son Jerry helping out. A second dragster followed called ‘Joker’ which was upgraded, fitting injection, supercharger and stronger driveline components. Gerald ran the methanol-fuelled car to 1976 with recorded times in the low tens at 145mph.
47) Bill and Skills USA – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuxgjmJhbMg. Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel
48) PART 3-Ken Cooper started building his first dragster in 1960, meeting other British Hot Rod Association dragster constructors at their first Custom Car Show in 1963. RAC regulations put the project on hold and Ken hot-rodded a ’33 Ford Cabriolet for the first BHRAÂ AGM. He resumed work on the dragster, completing it by the end of 1964 and took it to the BDRA Practice Day at Graveley in August 1965 when there were eight UK-built slingshots. Ken then took it to the first meeting at Santa Pod, recalling some of the personalities of the time. Cheers,
