Motorsports Newsletter 10/30/23

By Richard Parks

1) EDITOR: If you see duplications, my apologies, that is simply lazy editing.

2) 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 November 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.

3) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers. John is at johnhunt.drn. Tony Russell (28th March 2022)
Quote from Tony Russell: “Absolutely delighted to have our story published on Eurodragster. We were almost certainly one of the youngest teams to have competed at the Pod way back almost 55 years ago, Tony Brown and I were only 22 years old, and our sponsor Jack Stillwell was older, probably in his forties at the time. It is so important that those early pioneering days are recorded for posterity for future generations of drag racers to enjoy. Sincere thanks to John, Nick and Simon for all their invaluable assistance in putting the story together. Proud to have been part of it.” PART 4: http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/cooksons_pt4/default.asp

4) From Legacy.com. Eugene Kidder, 3 April 1933-9 January 2023. Eugene Gabriel “Gene” Kidder passed peacefully from this world at home with Hospice care. Gene was a dual career achiever, a lover of God, and a 36-year family man. His first love was always Racing and record setting in NHRA. In 2006 it was his honor and delight to be inducted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame. His dual career at which he excelled, was in banking and he was active in various capacities in the Omaha Nebraska Livestock National Bank, Central Bank of West Palm Beach Florida, President, and board member for Flagler National Bank. After Central Bank was sold and he moved to Miami Gene chose the Aftermarket Automotive Industry and relocated to Guilford, Connecticut where he was executive VP, assisting Dick Moroso in the plant and racing effort. Gene also worked for Firepower Auto Ignition, Pensacola Florida. When the plant was sold to Holley Carburetor in Bowling Green Kentucky, Gene moved and spent 25 years at Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. He worked in retirement until 2010 as a division 3 tech advisor for NHRA. Gene’s family consists of 4 natural children and 5 stepchildren. Sent in by Gene’s wife, Susan Kidder, who is at kidderfamilycomp.

5) I’ve been enjoying your newsletter for some time, and I’d like to shake your hand and thank you personally at the Nitro Revival when Gigi and I arrive Saturday hopefully in time for the autograph session. “Gentleman Joe” Schubeck
JOE: Thank you for the nice compliment. If well by then I will be at the autograph table with Chic Cannon, Dick Martin and others. Please come by and spend some time with us and sign a few autographs. Looking forward to meeting you.

6) “I was once again racing the wonderful Lola T97/20 IndyLights car owned by Travis Engen at the HSR Fall Historics at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. I had a successful weekend winning both races from the pole position and setting my fastest ever lap around Road Atlanta, at 1:16.683. I want to give Travis Engen a huge thanks for the opportunity to drive his car again. As well as Martin and Joe from GMT Racing for the phenomenal prep work on the cars. My next newsletter will come very soon as my next race is in just under two weeks at the beautiful Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in my fast Doran Motorsports Group/Rohde & Liesenfeld/ATNA Pharma Consulting Ligier JSF4.” Alex Berg Jr abjr. Sent in by Doug Stokes

7) Do you know who Mel Bashore is? He is the researcher, historian and creator of the following:
DRAGSTRIPLISTS.COM
DRAGSTRIPDEATHS.COM
DRAGBOAT & WATER SPEED RECORD RACER MEMORIAL.COM
WHEELSTANDERS; Pioneers of the 20th Century
JET, ROCKET & AIRCRAFT-engine Dragsters; Pioneers of the 20th Century
EARLY REAR-ENGINE DRAGSTERS: a sampling of cars and drivers
WOMEN DRAG RACERS: Pioneers of the First Three Decades
LSRdeaths.com Land Speed Racer Memorial
Mel is a friend of mine with a great and distinguished career in academia and now he brings his talents to saving and keeping motorsports history alive. Other historians and writers are Jim Miller, Traci Hrudka, Ed Justice Jr, Harold Osmer, Dean Papadeas (movies), Dave Wallace Jr, Dr Robert Post, Harry Hibler, Bob Fry, Cole Coonce, Bob Silva, Bob Senior, Mike Allen, Jon Asher, Sam Auxier, Bob Beck, Don Prieto, and so many more. If you know more historians and writers, please write in and mention them and their work. Mel’s latest effort is to find and keep a record of all drag strips and racing tracks in North America.

8) Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) is an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal, to celebrate the race cars from the past. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned racetracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com. Adam Saal is at SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

9) You can see our Bonneville coverage here: https://www.torqtalk.com. Please feel free to share or pass it on. HUGE thanks to the SCTA-BNI and your volunteers for all your hard work; we appreciate it. Tony Thacker
READERS: This is a great site. Thacker is an editor, writer, museum director and hot rodder.

10) To see the (20+) Bill Montgomery Transport & Tech | Facebook go to: https://www.facebook.com/billmontgomerytransport.
From William Montgomery, aka “CSI (Common Sense Intelligence) Bill, Transportation & Technology Consultant, Expert, Mentor, and Teacher can be reached at 951-545-6842 cell/text, or HiddenPioneers.

11) DRAGSTRIPS USA & Canada. Courtesy of the Nat’l Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Av, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091
Centerville Dragway Park Location: Centerville, Arkansas Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Champion Raceway Location: Medford, Oregon Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved.
Chandler Motorsports Park Location: Chandler, Indiana. Dragstrips: 1/8-mile Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Cherokee Raceway Location: Rogersville, Tennessee Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.

12) The NHRA and Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps, announced today that Mission Foods has been named the title sponsor of the NHRA’s premier professional series, which will be known as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series beginning with the 2024 season. The multi-year professional series title partnership will be in full swing starting next year as the NHRA celebrates its 73rd year in 2024 and comes after a successful first-year partnership between the two companies this season. From Don Smith and Dragzine.com.
EDITOR: I have a GUILTY secret; I love their chips and sit in front of the Tube and snack all night.

13) John Hunt sent in the following on British drag racers: John Wright. “Wright built his first hot rod based on an Austin A40 cab 60 years ago, having studied US hot rodding magazines for some years, his brother Richard Wright following suit with a Cadillac-engine Fiat Topolino. The brothers attended the first Big Go at Duxford in May 1964, after which more builds took place, one based on a Studebaker, another by Richard, a self-made Ford T-bucket. John brought his hot rod to Santa Pod in 1966, racing in the altered category until 1969, but he still owns his original hot rod with its Jaguar engine.”

14) John Wright Part 1 can be viewed at this link http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/john_wright/default.asp. “John Wright, brought up in a farming family, was encouraged by his father to become mechanically minded from an early age and became a collector of vehicles as space on the farm allowed for storage of many diverse and sometimes extremely rare cars, which John was able to practice his modifying skills on. Later, he sold a Rolls Royce which became the basis of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He also got a flavor for American cars and hot rodding which would prove invaluable when he discovered drag racing.”

15) SEMA Show 2023 at Quarter-Mile Foundation booth; Chris Coddington of Hot Rods by Boyd is working on a special limited-edition commemorative T-shirt of Boyd Coddington’s and founder of Mr Gasket Joe Hrudka’s iconic 1957 Chevy “CheZoom” for the Quarter Mile Foundation to have at SEMA. You’re not going to want to miss your opportunity to get one of these t-shirts that will have both icons signatures included with the design. Traci Hrudka and Don Smith

16) Show, reunion, race and event schedule compiled by Sherm Porter at fuely32.
NOVEMBER 3-5, 2023, ANRA-Season Finals-Auto Club Famoso Raceway. www.anra.com.
NOVEMBER 4, 2023, 33rd Annual Cayucos Car Show, downtown Cayucos. Rick Roquet 805-995-3809 or 805-995-1200 or relax.
NOVEMBER 5, 2023, 51st Annual Nojoqui Falls Fun Run, Central Coast Street Rods, Nojoqui Falls County Park/Solvang, https://centralcoaststreetrods.com/.
NOVEMBER 5, 2023, Autumn Turlock Swap, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. 209-579-4797.
NOVEMBER 9-11, 2023, Mecum Auction, Las Vegas 2023. www.mecum.com.
NOVEMBER 9-12, 2023, In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Fairplex, Pomona, CA. www.nhra.com.
NOVEMBER 11-12, 2023, GOODGUYS, 33rd Autumn Get-Together, Pleasanton Fairgrounds, All Years. 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.

17) Dick Martin and I will be at Steve Gibb’s Nitro Reunion, Irwindale Speedway, November 4th (event runs from 3rd to 5th) at the autograph table signing posters and anything else that needs signing. Gibbs has sent up a lot of tables under the tent near the drag strip and I counted over 100 celebrities of racing there. Sat next to Don Prudhomme, but he gave me “THAT LOOK” and so I exchanged seats with Dick Martin who wrote about Don for Rod & Custom. Ed Iskenderian, Linda Vaughn, Gibbs and so many more were there too. Bring your family and whatever you want signed and we’ll oblige. That goes for you too (Bob) Muravez, fans want your signature too.

18) The No Sleep Show Hosted by Rodney Allen Rippy Show #1 – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG7qROJRRnc. Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel

19) EDITOR: If this winter finds you bored and with nothing to do but watch mind-numbingly stupid TV reruns then write to me and ask for some of the 200 biographies and stories on hot-rodders, racers and other fascinating personalities in motorsports. It’s free, on word doc and it will keep you busy reading about great people and their stories. Don’t overlook YouTube as a source of motorsports content.

20) The United States National Speedway Championships 9/23/23. This year’s 16 rider field keeps that tradition alive. These warriors include seasoned veterans that include multi time US National Speedway Champions Billy Janniro, Bobby Schwartz, Aaron Fox, Broc Nicol and Max Ruml. Others may not have captured the National championship yet, but their titles are just as impressive as Max Ruml’s little brother, former California State Champion Dillon Ruml. Video of all the 2023 United States National Speedway Championships main event and all the races may be watched on Facebook on the RAZ Video page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066625146476. Howie Zechner.
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21) Please note that if you wish to receive a free NHRA Race ticket and attend in person, the deadline to Register is Tuesday November 7th, 2023, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. All Students, Teachers, Chaperones, Bus Drivers, Parents, Relatives, etc. that wish to attend need to each individually register prior to the deadline in order to receive a free ticket to the event. In order to sign up and attend the NHRA YES Program, simply go to jbaadilla. Office: 626-250-2372, Cell: 562-455-9142 (PST).
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22) I go to several nostalgia events every year and film. Nitro Revival, NHRA Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals just to name a couple. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to capture the life stories of some of drag racing’s most storied personalities. I have quite a few interviews scheduled for the future and with my upcoming visit to Nitro Revival 6 I hope to have more commitments for future interviews throughout the winter and spring. I thank everyone for their support. If you know someone who you think should be part of our program, please contact me. (920) 821-8401. The links for my Facebook page and my web site are as follows: https://drge68.com/. https://www.facebook.com/DragRacingGoldenEra. Randy Herpel Founder of: Drag Racing’s Golden Era Online magazine: https://drge68.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragRacingGoldenEra
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23) The conference’s packed two-day agenda will feature seminars on topics such as education and technology, collections and curation, conservation and preservation, licensing and marketing, fundraising and foundations by professionals from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, as well as a trade show providing museum product and service information, roundtable discussions for the informal exchange of ideas, facility tours, and other special events. Session topics include transportation and logistics solutions for auto racing and sailing museums, a seminar on Daytona Beach’s baseball history and a session on the post-pandemic cost escalation of vintage racing machines and related motorsports memorabilia and collectibles. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, from saalgoodpr.
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24) Love the MG midget drag car! I just thought the guy put a lot of engineering into the car. Built from the ground up but stayed within the limitations of the body for the most part. The midget is a very small vehicle, less room than an original cobra. I thought it was well put together. Big engine and well-done sub frame for the size of the body. And apparently the owner did most of the work himself if I read the article right. Mark Hampton, Little Rock, Arkansas
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25) One last thought. I have been struggling personally with the desire to write about Gene Kidder and our years together, but his early years where I was not present to witness cannot be researched by me at this point. I’m 72 and after caring for Gene in his last 6 years, I have Parkinson’s and find my memory challenged at times. Since Jim promoted you as one who is supportive of the sport and all it means to those in it perhaps you could use your data base to reach out to others who may have touched base with him, in racing, in business, or in the aftermarket automotive years. I would love to get your feedback, thank you! Susann Kidder Gautier, MS. 39553.
SUSANN: Everyone who starts writing and begins researching the topic finds it difficult. It took me 5 years to finish 35 volumes for my father’s story. One hopeful hint is that when you start researching you will find more clues and info than you ever imagined. Keep at writing; it gets easier with time.

26) The Honorable Congresswoman Diane Watson Interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln4m7Zm0BPU&t=1s. From Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel
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27) CSI Bill Montgomery talks with Hidden Pioneer Larry Wood YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRGN MHQario&list=UUqPKCa7hSdKSS7vS9wTibmw&index=14. Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel
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28) Hello Lynsi (Snyder of In-‘N-Out burgers) hope all is well, we enjoyed your awesome event and wanted to say hello in person. I know how much you love drag racing and Wally Parks would have been proud of you for sticking with it and giving back. My Team is called the Hidden Pioneers, and we hope you enjoy the info below with a few pictures from yesterday’s event. We are all so humble and enjoy going to High Schools changing these young students’ lives. Looking forward to your reply. Blessings, CSI Bill Montgomery, Team Director
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29) Bob Muravez raced under a weird name so his father would not know he was a racer. Don Smith
BOB: Spill the beans on your subterfuge or we will tell Sharon.
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30) Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Releases Official Entry List for the 2023 HSR Classic Daytona, November 1-5, 2023, presented by IMSA Classic 24-Hour Race. From: HSR Communications adam.
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31) This Week on Cars Yeah Brian Jones (VP of Engineering at Hennessey), Karen Brown (VP of Events at Motortrend), Colleen Sheehan (Sales manager at Ferraris Online), and David Whyley (Author of The Austin Pedal Car Story). Mark Greene is at info.
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32) Dragzine Newsletter newsletter, Alex Laughlin, BlackBirdX Clock First 6-Second Factory X Pass, Mickey Thompson Launches New Limited-Traction Tire Line, Ryan Martin Runs the Table in Alabama, No Prep Kings to Debut New O.G. Outlaw 10.5-Style Doorslammer Class, Introducing Our New Ultra Street Mustang Project.
AND: Dragzine.com’s The Starting Line: Randy Williams Debuts New Dodge Challenger for No Prep Kings, Plus A Drag Week-Ready Ford Fairlane with Twin-Turbo FE Power! Dragzine’s CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Oct 31-Nov 5: SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Nov 1-5: World Cup Finals at Maryland International Raceway
Nov 8-12: World Street Nationals at Orlando Speed World
Nov 9-12: NHRA Finals at Pomona Dragstrip
Dec 7-9: Performance Racing industry Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center. From Don Smith

33) Fireside Chat with Legendary Racecar Driver Willy T. Ribbs at the 2023 SEMA Show. The Formula One ambassador for diversity and inclusion will sit down with motorsports pioneer Beth Paretta on Thursday, November 2. https://www.sem
a.org/news-media/enews/2023/42/join-fireside-chat-legendary-racecar-driver-willy-t-ribbs-2023-sema-show?utm_id=19803
8&utm_campaign=SEMA+News+-+Tuesday+2&utm_content=rss_1&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email. Don Smith
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34) PEAK will present a webinar on Wednesday, October 25 at 9 am PST with Joe Long, Old World Industries, Senior Field Technical Trainer. Hosted by Brad Gillie of SiriusXM, Ch 90, The Late Shift. From: EPARTRADE at team.
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35) Escape the Petersen Oct 27, 2023, 7-10pm. You and your friends find yourselves locked in the Petersen Automotive Museum after hours. Work as a team using your sleuthing skills to escape the museum before it’s too late! You’ll have sixty minutes to complete your mission. Winners will be entered into a raffle for the Petersen Grand Prize. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info.
EDITOR: Who wants to escape? Being locked in the PAM overnight is the REAL prize.
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36) SEMA Education with Margaret Hoover; the future of Automotive fuel technology. California Legalizes Automobile Cruising Starting January 1, 2024. SEMA announces Jon Delgado as Gen-III Innovator of the Year. SEMA-Supported CARS Act Introduced in US Senate. SEMA, 1575 Valley Vista Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 USASEMA News is at semanews. Don Smith
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37) Hidden Pioneers schedule of events from Bill Montgomery.
Oct 27, Downey Space Center Family Nite 6-8pm. https://www.columbiaspacescience.org/.
Oct 31-Nov 3, 2023, Las Vegas SEMA trade show. https://www.semashow.com/.
Nov 4-5, 2023, Ontario Airport Aviation display show 9am-3pm.
Nov 9, 2023, Pomona, CA NHRA Yes Program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2JU7HOynxY&t=6s.
November 12, 2023, 6-11am, Long Beach car show/swap meet. https://www.longbeachhiposwapmeet.com/.
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38) Ricardo Juncos, President of Juncos Hollinger Racing, has joined the impressive, growing list of featured industry speakers during the 4th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, Monday through Friday, Nov 27–Dec 1, 2023. Don’t miss out as you’ve never seen such an impressive assembly of speakers in the motorsports industry. See https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hDw76kDdQECkS8MDNxeE5Q#/registration. Epartrade
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39) Royce Rumsey just published Supercharged Touring. “Arguably, more than any other automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz has been associated with supercharging and supercharged performance results. In the mid-1920’s the recently merged Mercedes-Benz firm’s engineering head, Dr Ferdinand Porsche and his team brought supercharged engine performance along with chassis platform modifications (including the “Kurtz” shortening) to the 630 model to create the W06 model range. The W06s established Mercedes-Benz as the premiere luxury/performance automotive brand in the world.” For the full article and photos contact Royce at roycer924_2.
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40) Bill Montgomery of Hidden Pioneers and Hidden Garages sent in this photography feast on Randy’s Garage at
https://www.creighphotography.com/p877943202. Randy Haapala was a good friend to all the hot rodders and a major collector of drag racing memorabilia. His story is in my files at Gone Racin’ and if you want a copy just ask me.
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41) Thank you so much for putting this in your newsletter, there is so much cool information in it, I love it! I missed you at our booth last year, I must have been fluttering around. I would love to get in touch with you and catch up. We have so much going on. When would be a good time? I’m on eastern time. Yes, still in Cleveburg, Ohio. Cheers, Traci Hrudka (CEO Quarter Mile Foundation)
EDITOR: Traci has a 501 non-profit organization that video-tapes motorsports personalities before they leave us. Her records are vital to our history, but it takes dough to film, record, archive and make available. Her major project is a show on some platform that will return the costs that she incurs. She can’t video our heritage without help. If you can, then send her an email at hrudka.
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42) Hidden Pioneers sent this in. “Bancroft hosting our Bruins in Good Standings (BIGS) Fair” on Friday, November 17th. Please pass the word to those who would like to bring and display their vehicles for middle school kids. The car show section will be sectioned off, and the students may not touch or sit in the vehicle(s) unless approved by the owner. Tuan Nguyen, Assistant Principal, Bancroft Middle School, tuannguyen and https://docs.google.com/for
ms/d/1_ObVxeeNZGIU0VQEp5H6ZOnij9Ozj5DFOq64_sPj0iw/edit.

43) I published a new Novel today (#24), UNCONVENTIONAL DELIVERY: CLANDESTINE TRANSPORTERS, by Paul D. Escudero.
PAUL: How do you manage to turn out so many fine novels so fast? Is the Font that you use Lightspeed Delivery?
READERS: Paul is an engineer, train and car afficionado, and he loves things that go fast. Get addicted to his Sci-Fi books and tour the Orion Nebula with him.
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44) Jim McFarland tribute, written by Dave Wallace Jr for Hot Rod Magazine. SERIALIZED
Take 5: An interview with Jim McFarland, 2015. Written by Dave Wallace Jr, for Hot Rod Magazine.
˜You like HOT ROD so much, why not write a story and send it in?” They all laughed, so I did that. “Magazine articles had a lot more influence than dynos. I believed, then and now, that displacement is torque.”
The editor’s chair at HOT ROD headquarters has proved to be an effective ejection seat, propelling outgoing occupants to lofty perches elsewhere in our industry. An obvious example is the first editor appointed by Trend Inc cofounders Robert E. Peterson and Robert Lindsay, a fellow named Wally Parks. Of all those who followed, some became famous. A few became infamous. One, a quiet Texan, devoted his working life to educating hot rodders, racers, manufacturers, government regulators, and fellow engineers about the benefits of higher performance. Jim McFarland is still at it today, consulting with automotive clients and penning a monthly column for our sister publication, Circle Track. “Having an engineering background and professors in the family, teaching came naturally, by osmosis,” he explains. “I was an instructor at a University of Texas extension division, teaching engineering courses to precollege students, before I got the magazine job. I have some sort of drive within me to share information. Had HOT ROD not called in 1965, I’d probably be a college professor in Austin, like my dad and uncles.”
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45) While reading your last newsletter I noticed Don Smith has been in our industry for 70 years! I’ve known Don for about 50 years, and I can tell you “He” knows just about everyone and everything regarding the Performance/Racing World. To this, I’m 100% sure many of your readers would like to give Don a quick shout-out via his email address. Don gave me approval to list it. dcs1755. Don will enjoy hearing from his friends. Many people will remember Don was a Partner in the Champion Speed Shop and their famous dragster later he was the owner of High-Performance Distributors. Just a “few” of his achievements; 1) PWA – Founder & Former Director Emeritus; 2) Member: SEMA Hall of Fame & SEMA Person of the Year; 3) Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation – Champion’s Member; 4) International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Member. John Towle
READERS: You heard John, now write to one of the NICE guys in motorsports. He loves email and he does know everything and everyone. A guy worth meeting. WRITE!
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46) Gerald Cookson. Part 4: Jerry Cookson’s story (published 8th April 2022).
PART 4: http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/cooksons_pt4/default.asp. “Jerry Cookson, Gerry and Joan’s son, was born into a world of drag racing, attending the 1964 Drag Festival whilst still a young infant. As a teen he got into building drag racing model kits, and then became an apprentice at a printers’ which was helpful in getting magazines on the sport published. Having helped the NDRC crew in the 1970’s and ’80’s, he became an announcer at APIRA events in the 1990’s and took on the management of Avon Park Raceway, or Shakespeare County as it became known, for its last 12 years. He now provides archive material to Facebook, a number of websites and helps run National Sprint Association events as well as the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame where he is a selector and director.”

47) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. This exhibit will ignite your curiosity and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes of the road; TIRES. Discover the evolution of tire technology, from the earliest rubber creations to the cutting-edge innovations of today. Presented by Vredestein Tires. 70 Years of Matchbox Cruise-In & Rally OCTOBER 29, 2023, 8AM-11AM The Matchbox Cruise-In will feature a real-world packaging backdrop to park your vehicle in front for pictures. Car Stories: Chief Historian of the Petersen Automotive Museum Tune into our chat with our Chief Historian, Leslie Kendall.
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48) Where is the NEWS from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum? Dad, whose name is on the Marquee would not like the silence that comes out of his favorite place.
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49) From: HSR Communications adam. HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA Set to Launch in 2024. Six-Event Season of Endurance Races for LMP3 Cars Debuts in March 2024 at Sebring. Officials from Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) today confirmed plans for a new, six-event series for current and previous-generation Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) race cars beginning in 2024. Each event will have an endurance racing format, ranging in length from 90 minutes to three hours, with two classes of competition. LMP3-1 will include current EVO cars, with the LMP3-2 class using previous-generation LMP3 cars. A minimum field target size of 20 cars will be required for standalone races, and if not achieved, LMP3 cars will be integrated into the existing HSR Group 6 (prototype) races as they have been in recent years.
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50) I hear that many of you who have written on drag racing have mentioned the “Infamous Fuel Ban” of the 1950’s and ’60’s. You got it ALL WRONG, which is not your fault, but I have the records and have set the story to rights. If you want the REAL story, I will send it to you.
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51) To: William Burroughs. It was really good to see you on Saturday at the 75th Celebration event of the beginning of the In-‘N-Out Hamburger chain at Pomona. I was impressed. We all have a lot in common as I did my R&D on the company and family history. The Hidden Pioneers have similar stories, and we know that Awareness & Education is the key to life and success. Prime Motivation is a High School tour that we have been part of since 2004 starting in Los Angeles CA. Next year in 2024 we plan to take this tour Nationwide following the NHRA (YES) Youth Educational Services they have on the Thursday or Friday NHRA drag races for High School students. We have been doing this here at Pomona 2 times a year for at least 10 years. Now that you have the sponsorship Title rights it is now the In-‘N-Out Track for all the right reasons. Attached are some documents to share with your Team and the owner to see how we can Partner to help us get from Point A to B (Transportation) support. The Parks Family is in full support of Hidden Pioneers and want to see this sport grow the right way with safety top of mind. Our first meeting was a good introduction to see our desire and passion to do things right with the right people and companies like yours. NASA is also in full support providing STEM information for all schools & students in America. Please join us on this Nationwide tour and help us change the Culture & Image of Motorsports Tomorrow to Teach & Train our youth one day at a time. CSI Bill Montgomery & Team
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52) From: Veloce Publishing newsletter. Honda/Acura NSX, by Brian Long, is now available. James Stringer’s third volume of his Austin Anthology is now in print, although, very sadly, James passed away before seeing the finished book. Marc Cranswick’s masterwork on the Pontiac Firebird, new images and inputs from Firebird designer, John Schinella. Alfa Romeo Cars in Motorsport Since 1945 available in 2024. Schlumpf – The intrigue behind the most beautiful car collection in the world, by Ard op de Weegh & Arnoud op de Weegh. Roy Smith’s Porsche – The Racing 914s. Myles Kornblatt’s Max Hoffman – Million Dollar Middleman has been shortlisted for this year’s RAC Motoring Book of the Year.
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53) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
ALEX XYDIAS CENTER (AXC) 2011
BADMINTON with Ray & Lottie Lyons 2011
BEAN BANDITS’ REUNION 2009
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54) Rick Ware, Owner of Rick Ware Racing, has joined the impressive, growing list of featured industry speakers during the 4th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, Monday through Friday, Nov 27–Dec 1, 2023. Don’t miss out as you’ve never seen such an impressive assembly of speakers in the motorsports industry. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hD
w76kDdQECkS8MDNxeE5Q#/registration. team.
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55) I loved the comment by Bob Storck in the newsletter. He is so right that your sharing of news about racers and industry leaders old and young helps greatly to preserve history. A big thank you from this steel magnolia on the Mississippi Coast. Finally located the early biography bullet points Gene made. I found these and later notations in his old briefcase. He really gave me an outline and a timeline posthumously. I’m smiling as I type this to you because it was just like the man to do his work and control his narrative. He had two other writings one just before he was inducted in 2006 and one sheet of paper, he wrote the last year of his life at the age of 89. I am still reading through these entries, but I thought I’d share the original with you. Have a great weekend I’ll be taking a break as Cruising the Coast starts Sunday in Biloxi Gulfport. It’s rumored there are over 10,000 entries. Can’t wait and hope to see as many as possible. Last week I sent you a photo of the old Texaco station and here is another; it’s where Gene and Floyd (Kidder) wrenched their racecars in Omaha and as you can see the road was still unpaved at their location of 60th and L. Susann Kidder
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56) Caption: 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 said. A few pictures of my dad’s (Don Towle) Coupe and SK boat. John Towle is at jtowle47.