Motorsports Newsletter 12/02/23

By Richard Parks

EDITOR: The newsletter is strictly for fun. No one advertises, but everyone can mention news and events that they love and support. Jon Lundberg has proposed a Historical Society and it’s a great idea. Jim Miller, Roger Rohrdanz, my father, many others and I have thought about this topic for years, but how to create it is the problem. We definitely need a way to preserve histories, stories, artifacts and collections, but WHERE is the problem. Ideas are welcome.

1) “If I write in with corrections, will you mention them in the newsletter?” Anonymous
DEAR ANON: Corrections, additions and subtractions are NECESSARY. There can be no trust unless alternate views are sent in. My policy is to be liberal in apologies and retractions. I am still waiting for the alternate story promised to me on the article written by Dave Wallace Jr about Jim McFarland. That does not mean that there are errors, or that there are no errors. What it means is that there is another version to the story. I make mistakes. I correct them and apologize when they are brought to my attention. MISTAKES are different than opposing VIEWS. A mistake is a faulty date, person (name), event or place. An opposing view may be a mistake or might not be a mistake. For example, “So and so is the world’s best auto racer,” is a view. Never be reticent to bring up a topic, or to rebut a topic.

2) The gathering (for Les Leggitt’s Celebration of Life) was great with about 175+ people showing up. There’s my mom’s photos and video of engines running on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheBeastBrandonLeggitt.
Take care, and thanks. Brandon Leggitt

3) I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Some highlights of Chapter 2 from my book are as follows: Title – Forza Ferrari
a. Having one of the Ferrari BBLM’s at my parents.
b. My father up for test with the Ferrari 333 SP at Pocono.
c. Sergio Scaglietti visiting the United States for the first time and staying with my family for a week.
Thank you, Cord Kisthardt, gr44xjs.

4) “I like your newsletter. I don’t have anything to report at this time, all the best and happy holidays.” Bill Bryan
BILL and all the READERS: Happy Holidays. While you wait for the racing season to pick up check out the books that have been published. I’ve reviewed about a hundred books and videos if anyone would like to see what’s available.

5) 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. Derek Benbow (published 25th February 2022). Quote from Derek, “I have read the story on Eurodragster, very good, you got it just right. I like the last part, going, going, gone.” 1960’s Ford Anglias (published 28th February 2022). Liquidator (published 11th April 2022). Quote from Norman Barrett: “Can only say, well done!” John Hunt is at johnhunt.drn.
READERS: Here is an example of a fine association in another nation recovering and keeping their motorsports history alive. We can do the same thing in North America. The Canadians are doing the same thing. Don Garlits is also keeping the history alive. So is the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. In Lincoln, Nebraska there is the Speedway Motors Museum. Why don’t you form your own regional group to remember the history of racers and drag strips (oval and road course) as well.
AND: John Fullerton was located early on, but we had no leads at the time on the whereabouts of his partner Derek Benbow. Then Mick Gleadow who uses an ancestral website, working with very little information, managed to find a current address for Derek. John went to visit, and it turned out to be correct. John Hunt then met up with Derek Benbow and John Fullerton at John’s house in Tamworth on Saturday, January 29th, 2022, to get Derek’s side of the story. He also brought along a pack of photos, unseen for 50 years. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/derek_benbow/
default.asp. From John Hunt at johnhunt.drn.

6) I was the largest Chrondek dealer in the US during the late 1960’s and early ’70’s before Brockmeyer invented Compulink. My company was Motorsports Electronics. I sold and repaired Chrondek equipment nationwide as a “moonlight” business when I wasn’t managing the IHRA for Larry Carrier. Chrondek was the accepted standard used by NHRA and about 90% of tracks back then. The 132-foot speed trap was 10% of a quarter mile. The idea was to get the average speed at the finish line because the trap started 66 feet before the finish line and ended 66 foot after the finish line. It didn’t give an average because racers kept accelerating to the end of the trap. Therefore, Compulink changed it to just 66 feet before the finish line. A car running thru the 132-foot trap in exactly one second was going exactly 90 MPH. So, 2 seconds = 45MPH, etc. I still have schematics and many spare parts for Chrondek equipment. Originally the “Christmas Tree” was 5 Amber, one green, one red light for each side. Fred Markwalter cut it down to one Amber. One green, one red at AHRA. When Carrier started IHRA, they used the AHRA tree until Steve Gibbs cut the NHRA 5 Amber tree to 3 Amber’s where it is today. I can give you more interesting drag race electronics history, but this letter is long enough now. Ted Jones
AND MORE: 132 feet for trap speed was chosen as the measured distance to accommodate/placate the existing AMA rules for timing. Early drag racing was heavy with fast motorcycles included in the program and if bikes were to set records, AMA wanted to have their rules included in exchange for sanctioning. Don Prieto
AND MORE: I found this in the 1961 SCTA rule book. Looks like the timing trap was set up at the end of the 1 1/3-mile course length. Doesn’t say anything about 132 feet or splitting any distance but says the trap has to start after the mile and a 1/3. With the caveat it says that the Board could change that length. I also just found this in the June 11, 1989, Racing News. Looks like they measured the timing trap before the end of the mile and 1/3 at this time. Jim Miller
AND MORE: The course and timing trap shown on the 1961 map is the same way we are set-up now. The big difference I see is that the return road speed limit is 15 MPH not the 40 MPH shown on the map. Russ O’Daly

7) In the small town of Inyokern, California (the home of the Dust devils drag strip of the past) a population of 857 people, we gather. Every March we hold an event and it’s called The Classic Burger, Classic Car Show and Fundraiser. This event is all volunteers, all proceeds go to the Ridgecrest animal shelter. Last year we had 200 cars entered; all are welcome. People from as far away as Ventura, California came. See https://facebook.com/events/s/classic-burgers-classic-car-sh/241345414959326/. Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p6yuhiEWb7Np7Hqj/?mibex
tid=9l3rBW. March 16th, 2024, is the date. From Crafty Kate Piroska.
CRAFTY: Sounds like a lot of fun. Send me a story on the event and who showed up. Notify me once a month to put your show in the newsletter and contact Sherm Porter at fuely32 and get on his nifty newsletter too.
AND A REPLY: “Last year was tough. We had rain all the way on Highway 395, which washed out the road and Kernville was evacuated. It was that bad, but we still raised $4985 for charity.” Crafty Kate
AND MORE: In 2023, Robin Millar, from DRAG Cartoons, Bob Beck the announcer from Irwindale dragstrip, Johnny Martinez the Pinstriper, Danny Moorhead, I think he goes to a car show every day of the week, Ian Roussel from Full Custom Garage, to name a few. All came out and supported us. In 2018, my friend who owns the Classic Burgers, said we should do a car show. I told him the only way I would do it is if it was a fundraiser. After struggling with the school system, trying to get them to take a donation, with too much red tape, I contacted Mary who runs the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter. They were extremely grateful, and every year we raise more money for them to help people fix their pets and control the animal population. Crafty Kate

8) SEMA News 11/21/2023 from Don Smith. The annual event brought together more than 150,000 professionals looking to transform four days of relationship-building, networking, sales and marketing into dreams realized. SEMA Urges Members to Oppose California’s Proposed Proposition 65 Changes. Ohio Moves to Protect Consumer Choice in Vehicles. Congress Introduces Legislation to Stop Moab Road Closures. SEMA is at 1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
AND: Gigi Carlton & Linda Vaughn; two great ladies & longtime friends. Don Smith
DON: Yes, they are, and we are blessed to have both on the newsletter.
AND: The Southeast Gassers Association (SEGA) will enter its 13th season under the leadership of former A/Gas champion Leslie Horne. Series founder Quain Stott announced the news on Sunday. NHRA issues new Pro Mod weight breaks to attract nostalgia bodies. Street Outlaws No Prep Kings’ Texas-sized season finale. Ryan Martin-led crew wins “No Prep Kings” team championship. Dragzine.com and Don Smith

9) The United States National Speedway Championships 9/23/23 by Howie Zechner. Lastly, it’s the riders. They all like and respect each other but when on the track its every man for himself. Speedway is not a contact sport, but Costa Mesa is a small arena. Contact and crashes happen. Fact is they are daily accordance. Most aren’t serious and they wear those helmets, race suits and protective gear for that reason. Russell Green crashed through the wall in a serious incident earlier this year. Riders are however a sturdy bunch and Russell was back spinning laps a couple of months after the doctors put him back together. 2023 US National Speedway Championships main event and all the races may be watched on Facebook, RAZ Video page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066625146476. Howie Zechner

10) From: EPARTRADE team. 4TH ANNUAL RACE INDUSTRY WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT Exclusive Interview with Richard Petty, known to many as “The King” in the world of racing, the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR with 200 career victories and seven NASCAR Cup Series Championships under his belt, has joined the impressive, growing list of featured industry speakers, Monday through Friday, November 27–December 1, 2023. Also speaking are David Wilson, Group Vice President and President of Toyota Racing Development, and Adrian Newey, Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer who has won 11 Formula 1 Constructors’ Titles.

11) SEMA Board of Directors Nominations Now Open. Do you want me to nominate you? Don Smith
DON: Only if you want to shorten my life by several years.

12) Thank you, Richard. As far as EPARTRADE, we are the Business-to-Business Platform for the Performance and Racing Industry. We connect buyers and suppliers, every minute, every day. Our business model is like a trade show: Suppliers showcase their offerings and Buyers use it to source products, technology, and services. And around the Platform, we create content to engage the industry. Our program includes the Platform, the Daily Newsletters, the Weekly Webinar Series, and the Annual Race Industry Week. Best regards, Francisque Savinien, Founder & CEO of EPARTRADE, LLC, is at team.
Francisque: What a brilliant idea. I will add you to the list and post whatever you send me.

13) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. Montgomery Motorsports Park Location: Montgomery, Alabama. 1/4-mile.
Mooresville Dragway Location: Mooresville, North Carolina. 1/8-mile.
Motor Mile Dragway Location: Radford, Virginia. 1/8-mile.
Mountain Motor Speedway Location: Whitesburg, Kentucky. Dragstrips Length: 330 feet.

14) Former Speedway racer Johnny Walker is a bike enthusiast and racer. Johnny’s also got a great sense of humor. Blind in one eye he called his race operation ‘Eye Gone Racing.’ Fairly successful in the Speedway world he actively campaigned as #47 between 1985 and 2002. Nowadays he’s a General Contractor. Good at his craft many of the racers use his services that vary from the simple to the extreme. I needed some work done and Bobby Schwartz recommend I call him. Bobby’s uses him to do this and that on the dozen or so houses he owns and is really happy with his workmanship. I contacted Johnny and then spent a day with him as he framed a wall and hung some doors on an ADU I’m building in Pasadena. From Howie Zechner.

15) From: Alexander Berg abjr. “Doug Stokes has been forwarding your newsletters. Just wanted to say a big thank you for including me in them! I really appreciate it.” Respectfully, Alex Berg (770-584-3444), AlexBergRacing.com. “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough,” Jacky Ickx.
ALEX: Stokes knows racing and he sees in you a future champion. Keep at it, young man, and reach your dreams.

16) HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA Run Groups. Group D (1994-2003): Sharing the track with Group C, competing entries in Group D include historic yet familiar sports prototypes and European and American-made GT cars. Sure to steal the spotlight is the 1998 #27 Ferrari 333 SP of Graham Adelman that was prepared and maintained in its prime by Doran Racing and Kevin Doran, who will be back at the helm again at the Classic 24. The Ferrari will battle with at least one Riley XX Daytona Prototype while GT will see Camaro and Mustang entries from the era take on several Ferrari 360 Challenge and Porsche 996 Cup competitors. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.

17) The following was written by Andrew Wolf. The newly formed World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA), the first new drag racing sanctioning body since 1970, has in just a few weeks already signed 30 member tracks to its roster for the 2023 season. Those member tracks are located in 18 different states and Canada. The signings represent a diverse group of owners and operators that provide a variety of motorsports content to the industry. “The reception for WDRA has been nothing short of overwhelming,” said WDRA founder Don Scott. “My phone and the phones of the tracks that make up our Track Advisory Committee have not stopped ringing. The challenges we have chosen to undertake by forming this new organization are being validated by the member tracks that are joining our efforts,” said Scott.

18) 2024 PDRA Schedule from Don Smith and Dragzine.com.
April 3-6, 2024, East Coast Nationals, GALOT Motorsports Park, Benson, North Carolina
April 18-20, 2024, Mid-Atlantic Showdown, Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Virgina
May 23-25, 2024, American Doorslammer Challenge, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio
June 13-15, 2024, North vs South Shootout, Maryland International Raceway, Budds Creek, Maryland
July 12-13, 2024, Summit Racing PDRA ProStars, Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Virginia
August 1-3, 2024, PDRA/US 131 Northern Nationals, US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Michigan
August 22-24, 2024, Thunder Valley Throwdown, Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tennessee
October 3-5, 2024, DragWars, GALOT Motorsports Park, Benson, North Carolina
October 17-20, 2024, Brian Olson Memorial World Finals, Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Virginia

19) Jim McFarland tribute, written by Dave Wallace Jr for Hot Rod Magazine. SERIALIZED
HRM] Any thoughts about the small-block Chevy turning 60?
JM] I’m not surprised that the engine has lasted, considering how advanced it really was. A lot of technologies all came together there, representing the thinking of a number of individuals who were already proven in different areas, on their own, not necessarily at Chevrolet, but other GM divisions. Ed Cole gathered those guys up and turned ‘em loose. They did all this in 1954, remember. That engine has not changed that much. Cole was a real performance-car guy. Early on, he went to Smokey Yunick and said, “We want to take this thing NASCAR racing. You tell me what’s gonna break, and what’s not.” Smokey said he broke everything. He did much of the development of what went to NASCAR. In an interview, Zora [Arkus Duntov] said that once they had these parts, Chevrolet bought a half-dozen new cars to give to NASCAR teams. Because of the AMA ban, Zora went to their races undercover. The teams would find him in the grandstands. Then he’d go out to his car and give them parts, clandestinely.

20) This season, we also had the opportunity to return to Chicago, welcoming fans and partners back to that great market. It’s been a historic season on so many levels, including Gaige Herrera’s record-breaking year in Pro Stock Motorcycle and Erica Enders adding to her awe-inspiring legacy by earning her sixth championship in Pro Stock. Funny Car’s Matt Hagan delivered a first championship for Tony Stewart Racing, while fan-favorite driver Doug Kalitta captured that elusive first Top Fuel world championship in a historic fight to the finish. Sincerely, Glen Cromwell, NHRA President

21) Take a look here at the Pre-production of a show series called Hidden Garages! Cool Pictures with Cool People giving back from a Garage/Lab. Click on this link below and share it: hiddenpioneers. Creigh Photography is at PO Box 601291, San Diego, CA 92160 or 858-688-1886.
BILL: Great pictures. Randy Haapala was a dear friend, and we miss him. His museum is superb and so are the photographs from Creigh Photography. What is Creigh’s first name?

22) I published another Novel on Saturday. This is a big book at 157,000 words and 530+ pages. The title is “Project Solaris: Solar System Investigations,” by Paul D. Escudero.
PAUL: Congratulations. You write and publish faster than we can read.
Readers: For the best in science fiction novels try his books. They are written as a hot-rodder and engineer would write them.

23) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
CAR RACERS REUNION 2007
CENTURY OF SPEED GNRS 2014
CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION 2002

24) From: Mark Greene at Cars Yeah info. This Week on Cars Yeah our guests will be Jesus Miranda (UTI), Carlos Seguar (Designer/Author), Glenn Stevens (MICHauto), and David Culshaw (Author). Cars Yeah mailing address Cars Yeah, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332.

25) NASA info from Hidden Pioneers Global Summit (video 2021). Dan Cherry brings two Awesome women to talk about NASA & Internships at the 1st Global Diversity Transportation & Technology Summit. NASA Women.mp4-Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gybR33dStfPTbxdQyRC9CRHrdRC9PnJk/view. From Bill Montgomery.

26) Steve Gibbs, story written by Dick Martin 2016. SERIALIZED for the Motorsports Newsletter.
Steve and Gloria had married in 1960 and lived across from Cole’s Market, a small independent grocery store in Baldwin Park. Brothers Jack and Will Tice owned the Cole’s meat department, and they had an interest in the second San Gabriel Dragway, as it was called then. “Gloria and I were customers in the store. One day I got up enough nerve to ask Jack if he needed any help at the dragstrip. He asked what I could do. I told him I loved drag racing, and I had a little art talent and took journalism in school. He said, ‘Yeah, come on out. I can give you 10 dollars a week, and you can get into the races for free.'” Steve’s studies in art and journalism paid dividends. With his steady hand he began perfectly numbering the cars at the strip with white shoe polish mixed with his own concoction that was semi-permanent, so much so that many of the racers left the numbers on the windows to show off at the local drive-ins. As part of his duties, Steve willingly became the track reporter for Drag News and Drag Sport Illustrated. “I didn’t have a typewriter so I wrote the stories in longhand and would drive to Drag News in Pasadena, plus I wrote the copy used in radio ads as well. I got to work around people that I idolized.” Jack Tice was a big fuel proponent, and since Ol’ San Gab was not governed by NHRA, it did not follow the fuel ban imposed by the sanctioning body. The fueler fans went to the strip in droves.
Dick Martin can be reached through Gone Racin’ at RnParks1@Juno.com. To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.

27) In this part of ‘Ford Anglias of Yesteryear’ we take a look at some of the Anglias for which we have been unable to find and make contact with the original Pioneers who built and raced them, or where they have unfortunately passed away. Some of those already published we’ve managed to contact due to the great help of Mick Gleadow who was able to find their details from an ancestral site that he subscribes to. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/ blogs/60s_
anglias/default.asp.
Liquidator is one of those memorable cars from the early days of UK drag racing that people still talk about. It had a great name, and the roof chop gave it a very striking appearance. Built by Geoff and Norman Barrett, Roger Horn and Mick Cornelius, who all came from the Luton and Dunstable area. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/
liquidator/default.asp. From John Hunt at johnhunt.drn.
READERS: I viewed this site, and they have some great photos and stories on English drag racing and cars.

28) The annual dual celebration of Sebring International Raceway’s legendary auto racing legacy and patriotic aviation history roars and soars back to the legendary airport road course this week and weekend, November 30–December 3, 2023, for the Eighth Annual Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic 12 Hour at Sebring, Pistons and Props, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network. The weekend also includes the HSR Sebring Historics featuring the year-end rounds of the full-season WeatherTech Sprint, Sasco Sports International/American Challenge, Stoner Car Care Global GT and BRM Endurance Challenge series. From: HSR Communications adam.

29) Royce Rumsey just published Haulin’ Class. “When one thinks of road racing and auto-crossing events, sports and other performance cars usually come to mind. Trucks? Not so much. Optima Batteries and their OSUSCI (Optima Search for Ultimate Streetcar Invitational) series has set out to disabuse this misperception…as a significant part of the OSUSCI series, now well into its second decade of success, includes the high-performance trucks and their utility brethren carving corners, clipping pylon apexes with the best of sports and performance cars.” For the full article and photos contact Royce at roycer924_2.

30) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091
Douglas Motorsports Park Location: Douglas, Wyoming Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Dragway 42 Location: West Salem, Ohio. 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Dragway of Magnolia (Formerly Magnolia Drag Strip) Location: Magnolia, Ohio. 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Dunn Tire Raceway Park Location: Buffalo, New York Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.

31) From: Mark Greene at Cars Yeah info. Mark writes, “When Two is Too Much,” Who really needs two Ferrari Lussos? I used to be a pack rack, accumulating all sorts of stuff, especially automobilia. At one point it got out of control. Between all the model cars, grill badges, cool automotive knick knacks, and lots of things, I had boxes and boxes tucked in the attic and every cabinet …” The full article is at CarsYeah. Contact Mark to receive his stories. Other articles on CarsYeah include: “Never Too Old.” “That’s What I See.” “About Meeting Heroes.” “Service is the Thing.” Please help us grow by sharing this with your friends.

32) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Video titles include: Florida Motorsports Retrospective Pictorial, volume #1, second edition, by Eddie Roche; Wally Dallenbach, Steward of the Sport, by Gordon Kirby; The Roadster Era (And Before) at Indianapolis 1930’s-1964; Winged Victory Indianapolis 1972; Zink’s Pinks Indianapolis 1955-1956; Midget, Sprint and Champ Dirt Car Highlights, volume 3; Asphalt Memories; Norwood Arena the Movie (documentary); The History of Williams Grove Speedway.

33) November 5, 2023 – Results of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona presented by IMSA 24 Hour at Daytona International Raceway. Gérard Lopez and Marcel Fassler and Iconic are the first team to score a Classic 24 Run Group overall double victory since Paul Reisman and his son John Reisman accomplished the feat with Hudson Historics in the inaugural Classic Daytona race in 2014. The Reismans drove a Lola B2K/40 to the first Run Group D win and backed it up with a 2014 Run Group F win – which is now Run Group G – in a quick Porsche Boxster. John Reisman and Hudson are still active competitors in HSR competition today but, unfortunately, fell victim for the second-straight year to some of the late drama that always seems to appear in the closing stages of every Classic 24. Co-driving with two-time IMSA Prototype Champion Eric Curran, Reisman swept the first three segments in Run Group E in his 2014 #33 Corvette Daytona Prototype only to have the car retire halfway through the finale with gearbox failure. The 2010 #95 BMW Z4/GTD of Robby Foley and Vin Barletta stepped up for the win just as the co-drivers and the Turner Motorsports team did in last year’s Classic 24 when the #33 suffered an overheating engine and dropped from winning contention in the race’s closing stages. Adam Saal is at SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

34) 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

35) Many racers and racing fans have important racing artifacts and memorabilia that sit in garages, drawers, closets and storage units, unseen and unappreciated. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) “That Belongs in a Museum” Drive now gives them the opportunity to donate these important pieces of our cherished motorsports history where they will do the most good. Where they will be seen by millions and help sustain the memory and lessons of motorsports’ greatest history-makers. From: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Adam Saal is at saalgoodpr.

36) Part 1. John Dickson with Roger Marshall built one of the first Ford Anglia E93A-based Competition Altered which they ran between 1968 and 1976. They also worked alongside John’s brother Tony Dickson who imported and ran the UK’s first Pro Stock car. John had a parallel role as a writer of race reports for many of the motorsport press titles currently in the early 1970s. John’s wife Carol-Ann also got involved in maintaining Santa Pod Raceway. Later, their names became synonymous with Marshall Dickson Performance, the speed parts business run not by them, but by John’s late brother Tony between 1979 and his death in 2002. Roger and John remain great friends after nearly sixty years, despite living 150 miles apart. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/marshall-dickson_racing/default.asp. Sent in by John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association.

37) From: EPARTRADE team. 4th Annual Race Industry Week, Day 1, Schedule for Monday, November 27, 2023. Starting at 5:45 AM PST. 8:45 AM EST. 10:45 AM Sao Paolo. 1:45 PM London. 2: 45 PM Paris. 5:45 PM Dubai. 10:45 PM Tokyo. 0:45 AM Sydney. Featured Speakers: Steve Phelps, NASCAR. Thomas Voss, GmbH. Pierre Lenfant, Dakar, and Adrien Le Pan de Ligny. RJ Till, World Racing League. Andrew Richards, Ilmor Engineering. Mark D. Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. Tim Seebold, Formula 1 Powerboat. Darrell Strong, H1 Unlimited. Brad Gerber, NHRA. Bill Lattin, and Pat McDowell SCTA. Mike Burch, Speedway Motorsports. Kevin Miller, USAC. Bob Sargent, Track Enterprises. Jason Dienhart, Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle. Hosted by Jeff Hammond and Brad Gillie of SiriusXM, Channel 90. Ralph Sheheen, Mike Kerchner and Jim Roller of SPEED SPORT. Marshall Pruett, David Malsher-Lopez, Richard James, George Tamayo, Laurence Foster, Chris Medland and Paul Pfanner of RACER. Joe Castello of WFO Radio. Judy Kean and Francisque Savinien of EPARTRADE.
EDITOR: I receive notices from Epartrade. They sound like a great group, but does anyone know more about them? Apparently, it’s a free service with interesting guests and you just join them on some sort of ZOOM call-in.

38) 4th Annual Race Industry Week. DAY 2: TUESDAY, November 28, 2023. Featured Speakers: Hugues de Chaunac (ORECA). Frederic Lequien (FIA). John Doonan (IMSA). Stephane Fillastre (FIA). Jeff Dodds (Formula E). Rick Ware (Rick Ware Racing). Jerome Galpin (NASCAR). Greg Gill (SRO Motorsports America). Don Hawk (SRX). Jay Frye (IndyCar). Chris Stewart (Gridlife). Brian Carter (World of Outlaws). Chris Williams (SMART Modified Tour). Jason Schultz (Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association). Jessica Fickenscher (Speedway Motorsports). Adam Bailey (SX Global). From: EPARTRADE at team.

39) DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, November 29, 2023, by EPARTRADE, RACER & SPEED SPORT Featured Speakers: Chip Ganassi, owner. Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP. Dan Rossomondo, Dorna Sports. Indian & Asian Racing Markets with Karun Chandhok, Driver and Formula 1. Ben Willshire, Driven International; Hosted by Mark Hugues, Mrk1. Ali Russell, Extreme E. David Wilson, Toyota Racing. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance. Jim Campbell, GM Performance & Motorsports. Ricardo Juncos, Junco-Hollinger Racing. Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports. Michael Cobb, SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). John Clagett, Trans Am Race Company. Tony Parella, SVRA (Sportscar Vintage Racing Association). Richard Petty, NASCAR driver. Linda Vaughn, First Lady of Motorsports. Melissa Eickhoff, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Preston Osborn, America Rally Association. Masaaki Bandoh, Super GT Japan. From: EPARTRADE team.

40) Cars Yeah, David Culshaw and Alvis Society. David Culshaw, author of Alvis Society was recently featured on Mark Greene’s Cars Yeah podcast. David and Mark talk all things Alvis in episode 2426. A fascinating ride through Alvis history. Alvis Society A Century of Drivers is the first book on the Alvis marque to list every individual chassis number and model. It also looks at notable owners and drivers and is illustrated with original period photographs. With an original approach, this book chronicles every model and lists every chassis number ever produced by Alvis, one of the great British manufacturers. It details famous owners and drivers, notable number plates, and is illustrated with original period photographs, and depictions of Alvis cars in the humorous cartoons of the day. SKU V5473, Hardback, 25×20.7cm, 224 pages, 215 pictures ISBN: 9781787114739, UPC: 636847014735. From: Veloce Publishing newsletter.

41) #GivingTuesday 2023 is here, and we would be grateful for your kind support of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Our 2023 Annual Fund campaign is off to a good start, but we only have a limited time to meet our goal this year and you can help now. With your #GivingTuesday donation, you will support and be part of our mission-as the Hall of Fame of ALL Motorsports – in preserving the legacy, history and memory of the nearly 300 “Heroes of Horsepower” enshrined in the last 35 years. From: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America saalgoodpr.

42) Alex Berg Racing, abjr. After qualifying P7 in my heat, I gained a few spots to finish in P4. The top 13 finishers of each heat were automatically moved into the semifinal. From the two semi-final groups, the top 15 finishers qualified for the final. This means I was to start P8 in my semifinal and gained a spot to finish P7. On Saturday, in my heat race, I set the fastest lap of the day, of any Formula Ford competitor. I started P13 in the final, and that is where I finished. It was not the result I wanted, but for my first time in Formula Ford, at the biggest FF race in the world, I cannot say it was a bad result. From: Doug Stokes is at stokes28doug).
READERS: Alex Berg’s letter will be serialized over the next coming newsletters.

43) Manny endorses Prime Motivation High School tours. Bill Montgomery Interviews Philippines Senator & Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao for YouTube in Los Angeles, CA. See hiddenpioneers.

44) As a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational space it’s our mission to collect, preserve, and interpret historical items that are vital pieces of American automotive car culture. Be a part of the many loyal enthusiasts who share a love for the American automobile and culture. Please consider making a gift to the Museum of American Speed this Giving Tuesday, November 28. Your gift will help fuel our mission by supporting educational programs and exhibits that help expand the collection. All donations will be matched. Museum of American Speed museumstaff.

45) Salt City Muscle Represents: Legendary Motorsports Artist, Kenny Youngblood. 4 Time World Speed Record Holder -Jimmy Jet Neilson. Race Team Owner, Super Modified Driver, Car Builder/Fabricator, Land speed Record Holder & Stunt Man, Flyin Bryan Shafer. Rat Rod Rick – Award winning Rat Bike/Ratrod Builder, LS Master, Fabricator, Mentor, Instructor, Actor, Public Figure, Land Speed Rookie 2024 Season. TraffikHeavy – Positive Mental Health Advocate, Public Figure, Motorsports Enthusiast. From Salt City Muscle saltcitymusclerf, & Jerry Rangel jwrtile.

46) Part 2. Tony Whitehouse started working as a truck driver, later getting into American cars and working on automatic transmissions for a company that was eventually known as Mr Shifter and later ATP. He was with the company for 33 years, during which he got involved with hot rods and drag racing, first joining the BHRA in 1965. As Staffordshire area BHRA rep, Tony got to know a lot of local hot rodders and racers. By 1970 Tony had got his first road going hot rod, a Ford Pilot and with help from longtime friend Ken Cooper he fitted the Allard-Ford drivetrain from his donor car the ex-hill climb ‘Clanger Special’. Drag racing was still a twinkle in his eye. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/tony_white
house/default.asp#part2. Sent in by John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association.

47) The Turkey night Grand Prix is the greatest tradition in Midget racing, dating back to its inaugural event won by Bob Swanson in 1934. JC Agajanian and his family have continued to promote this winter classic for 68 years. Winners of this grand event include such names as Parnelli Jones, AJ Foyt, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Gary & Tony Bettenhausen, Billy Vucovich, Johnnie Parsons, Christopher Bell and the list goes on. From: Ascot Motorsports at contact@ascot
motorsports.com.

48) From: EPARTRADE team. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, to be a featured speaker of Race Industry Week. No charge to attend but reservations required. EPARTRADE, Los Angeles, CA.

49) The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike and Sled Series (PBSS) are pleased to announce the confirmation of four race dates on the 2024 calendar. The self-governing organizations of the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA) and the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership for the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Challenge events at Empire Dragway in Leicester, New York, for 2024. From Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

50) NASA has a lot of great resources, so why not use it. Everyone is trying to get into space and land on the Moon or Mars so why not know about it and how we can help? Enjoy the links and get your walk or run in today. ISS@25: Operations- YouTube…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W36f1C7hWbU. Station Tour: Harmony, Tranquility, Unity/YouTube… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBVUTFPate0. Also, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ikouWcXhd0, which is called Running in Space. Bill Montgomery

51) The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is on Facebook at saalgoodpr.

52) 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.

53) 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. Richard & Martin Jarman, Strip Star/Hepolite Hustler (published 19th April 2021). Russ Carpenter, Trouble, More Trouble, Even More Trouble, Glacier Grenade (published November 2014). John is at johnhunt.drn.

54) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. Porsche 356 Cruise-In + Rally, December 17, 2023, at 9AM- 10AM. December Little Sparks Youth Workshops: Gingerbread Garages, December 16, 2023, at 9AM-10AM. Bonhams: The California Online Winter Auction, December 4-11, 2023, Starting at 10PM (PST). Carstories Podcast: VP of Experiential Marketing & Events at MotorTrend Group, Karen Brown to be interviewed. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

55) SEMA News semanews, and Don Smith. Meet Kyle Fickler: SEMA’s Newest Chairman of the Board. The aftermarket veteran talks racing, regulations and his vision for the association looking forward. EPA Proposal Could Cost Tire Manufacturing Industry $20.8 Million Per Year Online comments are open for the new rule, which would regulate emissions associated with rubber processing. New Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Industry Boosted Economy by $1.08 Trillion in 2022. SEMA Garage Opens All-New ’24 Toyota Tacoma Measuring Session. SEMA is located at 1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.

56) From: Dragzine Newsletter newsletter and Don Smith. Jose Gonzalez Resets 1/4-Mile Pro Mod World Record with Stunning 5.35-Second Blast. Power Automedia, 43460 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 170, Temecula, CA 92562.

57) Former drag racer and event organizer John Hunt has contacted pioneers of UK drag racing, acquired their stories and transcribed them for Eurodragster.com to publish with original photos. The inspiration for people to become involved was the visits of US racers Dante Duce and Mickey Thompson in 1963 and the Drag Fests in 1964 and 1965. The accounts are exclusive to Eurodragster.com and told in the original words of the racers, have been accompanied by photos and images from their collections. Eurodragster.com thanks racers for providing their stories, and John Hunt and Nick Pettitt for help with editing and proofreading the feature and making archive images available. John Hunt writes, “I’m interested in all classes of cars and motorcycles. I would welcome hearing from anyone who would be prepared to assist the writing of other stories from the other classes. If anyone has memorabilia available to pass on to the group of drag racing historians, please get in touch with me or Eurodragster.com.”

58) (Editor: the following is serialized). The Mehlenbacher Family and the Kohler Dragway (AKA Super Boss Dragway, and Cayuga 1320 Dragway). Two generations of Mehlenbachers were honoured at the 7th annual Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees Gala, which took place in front of a full house at Lamborghini Montreal, in Kirkland Quebec. A total of 16 nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, with the Gala celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. Bruce F. Mehlenbacher is at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
BRUCE: Congratulations to the entire Mehlenbacher family.

59) From: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Edsel B. Ford II, Longtime “Godfather” of Ford’s Global Racing efforts, to receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award at 2024 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America induction ceremony presented by Toyota. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.

60) Notes on exotic fuels by Fran Hernandez. To see the photo please contact Rick Hernandez at rickh15.