Motorsports Newsletter 2/29/24

1) EDITOR: Missed last week’s newsletter recovering from an emergency appendectomy. Yes, it perforated.
AND: “I notice you have been allowing longer items in your newsletter. I also remember you cut mine down considerably.” Name withheld.
EDITOR WEAKLY REPLIES: I did. It’s true. I’m sorry. I’ll do better (I hope).
AND: American Motorsports News International website has been created by J.E. Adams, at wefilm1 at
https://innovator22.wixsite.com/website-3. Joe will be posting my newsletter, and he can provide captioned photographs which I cannot do. Sponsors and advertisers are welcomed to help offset the costs involved.

2) Passings in 2023. In order not to overwhelm readers with grief this will be serialized in coming issues. Clare Sanders, who drove “Jungle Jim” Liberman’s Chevy II to the Funny Car victory at the 1969 Winternationals, has died. He was 81. It was a long road to the Pomona winner’s circle from Sanders’ childhood in Alaska, where his father was in civil service and the military. Sanders and early partner Jim St Clair moved to San Jose, California, and the hotbed of Northern California racing in 1963-64. In 1965, they had their first Funny Car, dubbed Lime Fire, and the Barracuda was once called “The World’s Most Beautiful Funny Car.” The duo shared shop space with Funny Car pioneer Lew Arrington and his new driver, a kid named Russell James Liberman. Sanders went on to crew on Liberman’s car and began to drive his second team car in 1968. Liberman himself failed to qualify at the 1969 Winternationals and was able to apply his tuning talents to Sanders’ entry, leading to the win. Later in the 1969 season, the team dynamics changed, and Sanders decided it was time to move on. He partnered in 1970 with New Orleans-based Frank Huff on the Chevy-powered Super Camaro (and, later, Super Vega) before being hired to drive the famed Chi-Town Hustler in 1971 and for the Ramchargers team in 1972. Sanders stopped driving after that season and went to work for Snap-on Tools driving a truck and in a 30-year career worked his way into management and sales. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Jet-car racer Al Zukakas, driver of the Hot Blade dragster, died in a racing accident July 22 at a non-NHRA track in Ohio. He was 67. The Chicago-based racer had been piloting jet cars for approximately a decade until his passing and was a popular feature in the Midwest. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Jim Brissette, who for more than 40 years was one of the best nitro tuner in the sport, died July 13, 2023. He was 81. Brissette, who called on experience on dry lakes, got his first lead role tuning the Quincy Automotive dragster of Everett “Hippo” Brammer and “Wild Bill” Alexander in 1963. He raced successfully through the ‘60s with Alexander and Paul Sutherland before taking a step back. He returned in the early 1970’s to crew for Bob Noice and later for Kelly Brown and won the world championship with Brown in 1978. Brissette won a second world championship with Joe Amato in 1992 and also tuned for Tommy Johnson Jr and Doug Herbert, among many. Among Brissette’s accomplishments is a rare one as he was the tuner for both the first 200-and-first-to-300-mph runs at the Pomona racetrack, feats accomplished nearly 30 years apart. On November 8, 1964, he wrenched Alexander to a speed of 200.00 and at the 1993 Winternationals, he tuned Herbert’s Top Fueler to a speed of 301.60 mph, making Herbert just the second driver to reach 300 mph. https://www.nhra.
com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Bill Bader Sr wasn’t just a friend he was our second father. He pushed us to do and be our best, to never stop striving for our goals and to always love with everything we have. He was always a voice of reason, a kick in the pants when needed and an amazing hug whenever it was needed. I was honored to have him ask for my opinion and feedback in situations as well. The track will never be the same without him, however, the memories will always be there from polka music to ice cream to belly laughs. We will always be there for the family for anything at any time. Our love, sympathy and condolences are with you all. Bill, we love you now and forever. Jennifer and Michael McClellan

3) Roland “The Hawaiian” Leong – Celebration of Life.Friends and Family will be remembering the life of Legendary NHRA Funny Car and Top Fuel team owner and tuner Roland Leong on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at a private celebration of life at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominiquez, California. RSVP Required. Dress Code: Business Casual, Hawaiian Print encourage. Thursday March 21, 2024. Doors Open at 5:30pm. Location: Lions Automobilia Foundation, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221. Parking Entrance on Santa Fe Avenue. Street Parking is available. Valet Parking available at Lions Entrance. Local Transportation:MetroLink – Del Amo Blue Link Station across the street from Lion.Lodging: Recommended Hotel accommodations near Long Beach Airport. Go to https://www.tickettail
or.com/events/lionsautomobiliafoundation/1110420? From Robin Millar.

4) SEMA Garage Host for 4th Annual Global T&T Summit, Friday Feb 23, 2024, from 10am to 2pm at the SEMA Garage Headquarters, 1577 Valley Vista Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Google: https://sites.google.com/shelbylegendarycars.
com/hiddenpioneers/global-summit-page. From Hidden Pioneers, Bill Montgomery at hidden.
Friday Presenters: 2/23 Diamond Bar (SEMA) Headquarters:12pm-12:05 Opening remarks from CSI Bill Montgomery
12:05 to 12:15 SEMA video featuring Mike Spagnola President of SEMA. 12:15 to 12:25 Wally Parks Family members Richard and Scott Parks. 12:25 to 12:35 NHRA-Yes program presentation John Baadilla. 12:40 to 1:pm-Jerry Rangel introduces CSI Bill Montgomery. 12:45 Bill introduces VIP Hidden Pioneers TBD. 12:50 to 1pm-TBA presenter to awardCSI BillMontgomery theLifetime Achievement Award.
EDITOR: I missed it due to health, but my son Scott Parks was there and spoke on Bill Montgomery’s behalf as he received the Presidential Award Medal for Lifelong Volunteerism. Way to go Bill.

5) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 23 AUGUST 1939 John Cobb takes back the land speed record. John Cobb returned to the Bonneville Salt Flats on August 23, 1939, in an attempt to recapture his record that George Eyston had taken from him. The Englishman in his Railton Special internal combustion powered race car with dual engines and 23.9 Litres (1460 cubic inches) W-12 Napier Lion supercharged aero engines hit speeds of 369.74 mph (595.04 kph) and 367.91 mph (592.091 kph), which would stand throughout the war years.

6) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,

www.CarTechBooks.com. JUNIOR STOCK: Stock Class Drag Racing 1964-1971, by Doug Boyce. Lost Drag Strips: Ghosts of Quarter Miles Past, by Tommy Lee Byrd. Creative Industries of Detroit: The Untold Story of Detroit’s Secret Concept Car Builder, by Leon Dixon. Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick, by Dean Fait. MOTORAMA: GM’s Legendary Show & Concept Cars, by David Temple.

7) The MSHFA’s Class of 2024 evening ends with the unveiling of the handmade bronze induction plaques for each honoree that will be permanently placed in the Hall. A third must-attend event on next month’s two-day schedule is Tuesday’s Inductee Brunch presented by Honda, which will be held at the 500 Club in the infield of DIS overlooking the start/finish line of the landmark tri-oval. The highlight of the brunch is the formal induction of each year’s Historic inductees, which in 2024 includes Gilmore and Walters. Another longtime and dedicated partner of the MSHFA is Firestone that in 2024 provides sponsorship for the Induction Celebration Welcome Lunch Presented by Firestone on Monday at The Shores. Tickets for all events can be made at SaalGoodPR.

8) Editor Bob Campbell sent in the February issue of Vintage Metal, the Journal of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. To see it google robertcampbell4.

9) BOOK REVIEW Chasing Magic, by Bill Pitts, Foreword by Steve Gibbs, reviewed by Don Prieto.
This book is a comprehensive telling of a story on a very esoteric subject…Cackling nitromethane burning Dragsters.
But don’t let that scare you off. It is a heartwarming statement by an enthusiastic young man who brings to life a very real lifetime goal. Allow me to quote from his introduction to the work. “There are two parts to chasing Magic. He relates. First, there is a story that is highlighted in bold print and spread throughout the main body of the story: a single evening’s unbelievable roller coaster ride which you should love, especially if you are into the stuff, I’m into. There aren’t many of us out there in the world, but oh boy, you’re going to absolutely love this ride. I have written for you what I feel is an amazing evolution of a young man’s hopes and dreams, a tale about taking “the road less traveled” and how it made all the difference for me. Perhaps your path is a similar one. And if that is the case, I dedicate this book to you.” (to be continued in the next issue)

10)Drag Racing’s Rebels: How the AHRA Changed Quarter-Mile Competition, written by Doug Boyce, from CarTech Publishers. Reviewed by Richard Parks for the Gone Racin’ series. 2023. (to be serialized)

This difference in terms of the book’s title in no way detracts from the research and fine writing of Drag Racing’s Rebels: How the AHRA Changed Quarter-Mile Competition. I was tempted to begin this review with one word: WOW. In fact, the book is a seminal work, a project so difficult and so well researched that this is the type of work that one builds their library around. This is not to say that there aren’t differences of opinion between the author and myself, or that there are no errors, for in all work of literature we cannot guarantee perfection. Yet I am amazed at how well Boyce did in his research and writing. Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1@juno.com. CarTech Publishers can be reached at 1-800-551-4754 or www.cartechbooks.com. (to be continued in the next issue)

11) Gill Kohn used to run the UDRA Circuits, Supercharged Alcohol Dragster, Alcohol Funny Car, and Unlimited Pro Stock at Detroit Dragway in the early 1980’s. On Memorial Day Weekend you would run all 3 days, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and you got paid every day. I was in charge of the payout for the Alcohol Dragsters one weekend. Gill had an armed guard standing on either side of him in his office. On Saturday and Sunday, he paid me in tens and twenties (dollar bills), and you had to count your money before you left his office. On Monday he paid me $4800 in one-dollar bills. I figured it was concession money and Gill didn’t want to mess with it. I didn’t bother to count it; I left his office with a grocery sack full of $1 bills. Hal Canode
AND: Yes, and his mother ran the gate for him, “All in the family.” I loved it there, very honest times and no hassle on your money! Is he still alive! Should be in the HOF. I ran the first 200 mph run at Detroit, one week after the Great Medows 200, not the record run, that was a week after Detroit. Don Garlits
DON: Send more memories.
AND:Thanks, Richard, I’ll send a memory along every so often! DG

12) Don Smith sent in the following bio on Jim McLennan. (to be serialized in following issues)
Jim McLennan took over the ownership of Fremont Drag Strip in 1967. Fremont Drag Strip had national recognition as one of the most racer friendly Drag Strips in the country. The who’s who of the Drag Racing world would race at Jim’s tracks. In 1985 Jim and his sons, Bob and Michael were instrumental in resurrecting the nostalgia drag racing scene. With the help of Roy Brizio, McLennan recreated the two popular Champion Speed Shop cars, the twin engine Chevrolet car driven by Michael McLennan and the Kent Fuller car, driven by Sammy Hale. The Champion Cars are still major players in front engine top fuel racing. (to be continued)

13) 4th Annual Global Summit Agenda: 3-day Lunch presentations: 12pm to 1pm Saturday Presenters 2/24- Rialto City Hall. 12pm to 12:05 Opening remarks from CSI Bill Montgomery. 12:05 to 12:15 Henning Morales (Content Enterprise). 12:15 to 12:25 Drone Academy Dr Drone. 12:25 to 12:30 DATA Presenter Shain HP. 12:30 to 1pm Jerry assistant introduces CSI Bill. 12:35- Bill Introduces VIP Hidden Pioneers. 12:50 to 1pm- TBA presenter to award CSI Bill Lifetime Achievement Award. From Hidden Pioneers at hiddenpioneers

14) 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 Hunt: Organiser and coordinator, my story so far can be viewed on Eurodragster.com. Stories © original author and Eurodragster.com. John is at johnhunt.drn

15) Executive Committee member for the Engine Builders Hall of Fame is Lake Speed Jr. Lake is a certified lubrication specialist that worked for Joe Gibbs Driven motor oils. He’s the son of former NASCAR driver and team owner Lake Speed. A former crew member for Bill Elliott at Melling Racing, Speed Jr joined the Joe Gibbs team in 2004. Today Lake is Total Seal’s VP of marketing and sales. Lake has decades of experience in tribology, racing, technology development in all types of engines, and his dedication to the sport and industry are recognized in the motorsports environment.

MORE FUELISH FUEL HISTORY FOR THE FUELISH.
16) There was so much controversy at that time, and I don’t recall anyone who said they knew the real reason for the ban, most just griped about it. As for what was more dangerous, of all the accidents at the Pond, only six were nitro cars and the rest were all gas cars (most of them were modified street cars). Harry Hibler
HARRY: Dad hounded the insurance companies for a two-tier premium rate schedule, but they refused. The insurance payout documents indicated that the fuel cars represented 80 to 90% of the claims received (dollarwise), not the total number of claims. By lumping gas with nitro, they kept getting high premiums from all the tracks, gas or gas-plus-nitro. Had the insurance companies offered a two-tier rate in drag racing I estimate that tracks running nitro would quickly have gone out of business, but in turn bringing down the gas only tracks’ premiums by quite a bit.
BLACK SHEEPISH EDITOR #1: If memory serves, yer ol’ man was just two-ish months away from giving up the moonlighting gig as PPC’s editorial director (also Stepmom, uncredited censor of Pete’s pubs). Some staffers were evidently glad to see him go to NHRA fulltime: Wally was barely out the door before these same recipient editors went NUTS with the fuel-car coverage that had been withheld from PPC readers (except in paid advertising) by that same guy for five YEARS, since 1958 not coincidentally, the first full season of same guy’s NHRA-wide fuel ban. DWjr
BLACK SHEEP #2: Taint so, I’ve got documents of love and respect from the staff and Mr Pete was not sad to see Dad go. Mr Pete never let anyone go that could make him money. Everyone knows Dad was the sweetest, kindest, most non-judgmental, forgiving editor since Perry White of the Daily Planet.
SHEEPISH EDITOR #1: The attached PPC memo, issued immediately after the 1963 Winternationals’ experimental, bought-in Top Fuel field, clearly indicates that if the NHRA president (same guy, yup) had had his druthers, no fuelers would be invited back to NHRA events. (In fact, following Pomona’s experiment, the ban remained in effect for two full seasons at sanctioned strips, not removed until 1965.) DWjr
BLACK SHEEP #2: Not true, Dad LOVED Fuelers, he just wanted the insurance companies to put GAS and FUEL in different PREMIUM categories, since fuel caused 85% of the cost in insurance losses and gave the sport a black eye in the media and public.
BLACK SHEEP EDITOR #1: Also not coincidentally, Hot Rod & Car Craft had by then lost all credibility with SoCal drag racers, manufacturers, media types (guilty), & knowledgeable fans. Not so the non-Petersen titles Drag Racing USA, Super Stock, Popular Hot Rodding, Modern Rod, & especially Drag Cartoons (really!). Beyond his incomparable artistic talent, publisher-editor-cartoonish-satirist Pete Millar was fearless even when faced with the previously-newslettered threat of a slander lawsuit by that same guy. Long live nitro! Dave Wallace Jr.
AND: A MEMO for the ages. “Working For Wally (ugh!) At PPC, 2/63,” from DWjr.
Petersen Publishing Company, 5959 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California (Memorandum) From: Wally Parks To: All Editors Date: February 19, 1963.
“Due to limited field of Fuelers that appeared for participation in the Winternationals, and the great amount of difficulty a number of them provoked, it is doubtful that NHRA will continue to include these classes at its major events.
For this reason, will you please limit the emphasis placed on their performances at the Winternationals event and play up the top gas-burners and stockers?
Full credit needs to be given Don Garlits, of course, for his superb performance — he is a gentleman and credit to the sport. Top cars in the ‘SAA’ and ‘A’ gas Dragsters classes were close to the fuelers in their performance (under NHRA’s strict timing), so we don’t want them to feel overshadowed by ‘limited few.'”
AND: Dave, interesting observation, especially since I got positioned as the ‘go between’ person for some of the Pete and Wally disagreements several times over the years and one of the issues that was raised occasionally, was why I didn’t ban nitro at the Pond. Pete was never involved in the issue, and it happened long before I went to work for him, but he thought it was funny because it irritated Wally so much. I always thought (still do) he managed to bring it up just to goad Wally because of their personal issues. Harry Hibler

17) SAFEisFAST.com is the culmination of a career that produced some 200 motorsports TV programs, including the ESPN “Secrets of Speed” series and Fox Sports international weekly motorsports program “V-Max.” During the late ’60s and through the ’70s and ’80s Davey was a five-time SCCA National Champion – winning twice in open-wheel cars and three times in GT machines. He was runner-up in the World Super Vee Championship, finished third in the Pro Super Vee Championship Series and third in the World Formula Vee Championship. He also scored GT class victories at Sebring and Watkins Glen and participated three times in the Baja 1000. “A deep thank you goes to the RRDC for once again having this award in my dad’s name. It means the world to our family,” said Bobby Akin, son of Bob Akin. From: Judy Stropus
jstropus.

18) 2024 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES SCHEDULE Date Race / Track Network Start Time (ET) Radio
Saturday, February 17 Daytona International Speedway FS1 5:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, February 24 Atlanta Motor Speedway FS1 5:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 2 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 5:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 9 Phoenix Raceway FS1 4:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 23 COTA FS1 5:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 30 Richmond Raceway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 6 Martinsville Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 13 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 20 Talladega Superspeedway FOX 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 27 Dover Motor Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 11 Darlington Raceway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 25 Charlotte Motor Speedway FOX 1:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 1 Portland International Raceway FS1 4:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 8 Sonoma Raceway FS1 8:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 15 Iowa Speedway USA 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 22 New Hampshire Motor Speedway USA 3:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 29 Nashville Superspeedway USA 5:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 6 Chicago Street Race NBC 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 13 Pocono Raceway USA 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 20 Indianapolis Motor Speedway USA 3:30 p.m. IMS/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 17 Michigan International Speedway USA 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, August 23 Daytona International Speedway USA 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 31 Darlington Raceway USA 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 7 Atlanta Motor Speedway USA 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 14 Watkins Glen International USA 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 20 Bristol Motor Speedway USA 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 28 Kansas Speedway USA 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 5 Talladega Superspeedway NBC 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 12 Charlotte Roval USA 3:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 19 Las Vegas Motor Speedway NBC 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 26 Homestead-Miami Speedway NBC 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, November 2 Martinsville Speedway USA 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, November 9 Phoenix Raceway USA 6:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM

19) US Inventor/Pro Motorsports Designer Joe Adams, CEO Adams Design & Print LLC and also DBA Adamstand™, American Motorsports News. Thirty-Five Years, Credentials, Achievements, Skillsets & Equipment. Mechanical Prototyping Processes, Tubular Steel Fabrication Extruded Aluminum Product Prototyping, Creator Of An Industrial & Consumer Equipment Line, Top Ten New Tool Pick, Circle Track Magazine – 2 Years, National Clothing Design Award In The NHRA, IHRA, Marketing & Design For A 30 Year Old Composites Company, Marketing & Design For Multiple Custom Car Builders, Booth Designer 2009 Ridler Show Contestant, Product Endorsement For (Adamstand) from The Smithsonian Drag Racing Legend & 17 Time World Champion ‘Big Daddy’ Don Garlits, Photographer & Digital Designer, International Drag Racing Hall Of Fame Yearbook Covers And The Don Garlits Museum Of Drag Racing Web Designer, sites two and three. J.E. Adams wefilm1.

20) You asked for any reports on the Roadster Show. Here’s mine: Mark.Vaughn.
MARK: Please send more story links. Love your work.
AND: Do you want any publicity for the newsletter? I can plug it on the air on The Car Show Saturdays at 1:00 on 90.7 KPFK FM. Just give me an address for people to sign up. If not, keep up the good work. I enjoy reading all the news you provide. Mark Vaughn
MARK: Not now, until I recover from surgery, but maybe later. Do you want my father’s story for your work? I’ll send it if you want it and you can use it on your show if you wish.
AND: Get well soon! Never knew you could tear an appendix. Hope yours recovers quickly. Look forward to the next newsletter, whenever it comes out. Take your time. Get well! MARK VAUGHN West Coast Editor Autoweek

21) 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. Mick Gleadow: “In those days motor sport was dominated by circuit racing and men wearing blazers, cravats and flat caps, lovely people but a bit different to the average guy. Drag racing had then (and still has) a different culture which encouraged participation with whatever you could get to go down the quarter mile approached with a ‘can do’ approach that challenges conventional ways of doing things. To see at Graveley people putting together their own dragsters with the occasional American built car, like Dos Palmas providing inspiration, was fantastic. My dad also provided the catering at the 1964 Drag Fest at Blackbushe when we saw Garlits, Ivo and others, which was literally life changing, so we set out to build our own car in 1966.” (to be continued in the next issue)

22) Thanks for the review. You’re a helluva writer. These are 58 of my works on Tubi. Search Main Event Entertainment. https://tubitv.com/series/300009272/main-event-entertainment?start=true.Dean Papadeas

23) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois.
Pickwick Drag Way, Michie, Tennessee, 1/8-mile.
Piedmont Dragway, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1/8-mile.
Pike County Dragway, Banks, Alabama, 1/8-mile.
Pine Valley Raceway Park, Lufkin, Texas, 1/4-mile.

24) BOOK REVIEW: Drag Racing’s Warren “The Professor” Johnson, the cars, people & wins behind his Pro Stock Success, written by Kelly Wade, from CarTech Publishers. Reviewed by Richard Parks for the Gone Racin’ series.
“I don’t care what vocation you choose; you have to make sacrifices if you’re going to be successful. I don’t know of anyone in any avenue of employment that hasn’t had to make a lot of sacrifice to be as good as they want to be.” If you race against the Johnsons,’ you have to match their effort. Kurt added a Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” and he meant it. If you forgot something, no matter how trivial, the consequences could end in disaster. Yes, these are common beliefs and most of us have used them in our lives, but I found the use of them in the book to be a profound way to explain the success the family achieved in life. (to be continued)

25) Al Bergler history, written by Paul Stenquist for Hagerty Media. “Nowhere were the good times of the Fabulous Fifties more evident than in Detroit, the town that ate, drank, and slept cars. If you drove northeast on Gratiot Avenue from the heart of Detroit, you would pass the under-construction interstate highway that Eisenhower had ordered and the numerous new car dealerships that dotted the avenue before coming upon Gratiot Auto Supply.” For the full story go to: https://www.
hagerty.com/media/motorsports/al-bergler-first-ridler-award-winner-profile/?utm_content=sf186477373&utm_med
ium=spredfast&fbclid=IwAR143CBbUv6WczHxAPBOVGQ93Au5lJSITZEBrsVlmk0A44UtL5yTlBmDqlE. From Hal
Canode and Jeff Cryan.

26) Jackie Stewart’s motor racing career took off internationally in 1965 when, at Monza, he scored the first of his 27 Grand Prix Championship victories. During his Formula One career, he was crowned World Champion three times and achieved a total of 27 victories, out of 99 races. In 1988 he formed Paul Stewart Racing with his son Paul. Subsequently, in 1996, they formed Stewart Grand Prix, which was sold to the Ford Motor Company in 1999. He has been a Rolex Testimonee since 1968 and an Ambassador for Mot Hennessy since 1969. From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

27) One of these days when I slow down, I will read your Newsletter in great detail. Keep up the great work you do. Working on my third screenplay. I’ll publish it in a couple weeks: railstankers666).

28) Oscar Koveleski, a driver for Jack Deren’s race cars: written by Martin Rudow.
Oscar and mechanic Jack Deren kept his cars, first a McLaren M6B and then an M8B, running smoothly, perhaps sacrificing a podium chance in Can-Am to finish the race. Realistically he could not challenge the leaders. For all of that, he finished high up many times, the best being a 4th at the 1970 Road Atlanta. Oscar served the Board of Directors of the Motor Racing Safety Society, on the Board of Directors for the SCCA, and promoted SCCA races at Pocono Raceway from 1980 to 1996. (to be continued)

29) June 2, 2024, Chevy Detroit Grand Prix, Detroit, Michigan.
June 2, 2024, Enjoy Illinois 300 Gateway, Illinois.
June 2, 2024, New England Nationals Epping, New Hampshire.
June 2, 2024, Detroit Grand Prix, Belle Isle, Michigan.
June 2, 2024, Grand Prix of Italy Mugello, Italy.
June 9, 2024, Road America.
June 9, 2024, Canadian Grand Prix Montreal, Canada.
June 9, 2024, Toyota Save Mart 350 Sonoma, California.
June 9, 2024, Thunder Valley Nationals Bristol, Tennessee.
June 16, 2024, Iowa Corn 400 Iowa.
June 16, 2024, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Le Mans, France.
June 16, 2024, Kazakhstan Sokol.

30) When a dream job with a NASCAR team in Charlotte, NC, opened up Jim “JK” Kelly moved there to work as PR Director for the Gatorade/DiGard 88 team and driver Darrell Waltrip. Kelly then spent the next 35 years traveling the world as a Regional Manager and then Director of Sales & Marketing helping to build VP Racing Fuels into the global player it is today. He wrote about his career and the success story in the popular novel Fuelin’ Around. Kelly lives in suburban Philadelphia, PA, with his wife Lisa and loves travel, photography, and the ever-growing number of grandchildren.
From: Judy Stropus at jvstropus.

31) Know your motorsports personality. Greg Gill, President and CEO of SRO Motorsports America. Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America powered by Skip Barber are the four series that compete under the SRO Motorsports America banner. Compiled from Epartrade.

32) 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.

33) “When I first met Bob Riley, I felt really stupid because I thought I knew a lot and I realized I didn’t know much at all. He’s a class act. He is super-talented and probably under-rated in many respects, and I can’t think of a better recipient of the PHIL HILL Award than Bob Riley,” said Bobby Rahal. From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

34) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. Ab Jenkins, who loved his native Utah as much as he loved endurance racing, invited Malcolm Campbell to the Bonneville Salt Flats to try his luck on the pristine, rock-hard salt. On September 3, 1935, Campbell, probably with some trepidation, drove his Campbell-Railton “Blue Bird” internal combustion powered automobile with a 36.7 Litre (2240 cubic inch) V-12 Rolls-Royce R supercharged aero engine to an amazing land speed record of 301.129 mph (484.598 kph) to become the first driver to reach 300 mph and the first land speed record set at Bonneville.

35) HIDDEN PIONEERS: Scheduled events, news & shows at Hidden Pioneers (google.com) spokespersons: Rodney
Allen Rippy, Shain Hymon, Tanya Inglis, and Jeremiah. Soccer & Sports Mentors: Coach Brown, CSI Bill Montgomery, and Jerry Rangel.

36) “Pay Dirt: The Stories of Supercross.” The feature documentary, directed by Paul Taublieb, is deep into post-production. The film features a thematic-driven structure around the major themes, storylines, and legendary personalities
of the sport and is supported by Monster Energy and Feld Entertainment. Negotiations are underway with a major streamer for global distribution. From paul or go to www.taubliebfilms.com

37) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “500 On (The Indy) 500, Tales, Facts and Figures on the Greatest Race in the World,” by Rick Shaffer. “Hello, I’m Paul Page, It’s Race Day in Indianapolis,” by Paul Page and JR Elrod. “Savage Angel (Swede Savage),” by Ted Woerner. “Life with Luke, (Luke Warmwater from Hot Springs, Arkansas),” by Jimmy Sills with Dave Argabright.

38) The last two editions of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s (MSHFA) annual Induction Celebration presented by Toyota Racing have sold out, but it is not too late to purchase tickets for next month’s two-day 36th MSHFA Induction, March 11-12, in Daytona Beach. A limited number of tickets remain for both the Tuesday evening black-tie Induction Ceremony at the Shores Resort & Spa and Monday’s PNC Bank Heroes of Horsepower reception at the MSHFA Museum. Both events were complete sell outs in 2022 and 2023. Ticket purchases for this year’s MSHFA Induction events can be made at SaalGoodPR.

39) ABB FIA Formula E World Championship/Date/Country/Venue
13 January 2024 Mexico Mexico City
26-27 January 2024 Saudi Arabia Diriyah
10 February 2024 India Hyderabad
16 March 2024 Brazil São Paulo
30 March 2024 Japan Tokyo
13-14 April 2024 Italy TBD
27 April 2024 Monaco Monaco
11-12 May 2024 Germany Berlin
25-26 May 2024 China Shanghai
29-30 June 2024 United States Portland
20-21 July 2024 Great Britain London

40) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY CAR SHOW 2014

FOUNTAIN VALLEY CAR SHOW 2016

GALASSI Brothers at the Speedway 2007

41) Tickets are on sale now for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, returning to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip March 21-24, 2024. There will be excitement and some great racing at the WinterNats. Don’t miss out on that sweet smell of Nitro and all the early season fun of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. You can call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center at 800-884-NHRA (6472). HOURS: M-F 8am-2pm PST.

42) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois.
I-40 Dragway, Crossville, Tennessee, 1/8-mile.
I-57 Drag Strip, Benton, Illinois, 1/8-mile.
Immokalee Regional Raceway, Immokalee, Florida, 1/8-mile.
Interlake Dragway (Formerly Gimli Dragway), Gimli, Manitoba, 1/4-mile.

43) We have started this new Division under the Hidden Pioneers Team. It’s called the ARTMIS PIONEERS. Artemis Update-E001 – Artemis Update – NWN TV HiddenPioneers.

44) Steve Gibbs, written by Dick Martin 2016. SERIALIZED for the Motorsports Newsletter. (caption) Steve developed a blockage in his digestive system in 1984, which caused his pancreas to abscess, putting him in the hospital for 30 days with a 50/50 chance of survival. Getting through that ordeal was the impetus for fulfilling a long-held promise to himself to learn to fly. That’s Steve’s vintage Stearman biplane, which he flew for 10 years. Steve’s N2S-3 model was rare, as only 1,875 of the biplanes were delivered to the Navy to train pilots for WWII. (caption) Steve’s job allowed him to meet some truly remarkable drag racing fans. This photo was taken in Columbus, Ohio, with General Paul Tibbets. Tibbets was the pilot of the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. The plane was named for his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets. (President Eisenhower called Tibbets the best bomber pilot of WWII.)

Dick Martin can be reached through Gone Racin’ at RnParks1. To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.

45) “There are people in my motorsports career that have had a profound impact on me, and Edsel B. Ford II has been one of those for sure,” said sports car legend and 2017 MSHFA inductee Scott Pruett, who piloted many of those Capri and XR4Ti race cars. “His nickname ‘Godfather’ is so appropriate because his commitment to motorsports on so many levels is unparalleled. I’ve been blessed to know him as a friend and mentor since 1986, winning many driver and manufacturer championships together. His commitment to not only racing, but the preservation of the sport’s past with the new Henry Ford Museum racing exhibit is fantastic. And he’s funny! I’m offering him huge congratulations on this honor, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving.” From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.

46) APR 4-7, 2024, The Trailerfest British Invasion, Vintage Trailer Rally, San Dimas. https://www.trailerfestrally.com.
APR 5-7 NHRA Arizona Nationals – Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park/Chandler, AZ. www.nhra.com.
APR 5-7, 2024, GOODGUYS, 23rd Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA. ’99 and earlier.
925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.
APR 7, 2024, Merced Super Custom Car Show, Merced County Fairgrounds. www.eventbrite.com.
APR 12-14, 2024, NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, Las Vegas, NV. 800-644-4444 or www.nhra.com.
APR 14, 2024, Pomona Swap Meet, Los Angeles Fairplex, CA. 714-538-9091. Sherm Porter fuely32.
AND: Lions Tri – Five Car Show Celebration hosted by California Nomads, Saturday, March 30, 2024, Event Hours 9am to 2pm, Guest Speakers: Hot Rods John McGann & Raymond Lucky sharing the Project X Story, Delicious Food, Live Music by Mad Man Billy, Lions Skills Challenge for the kids, Opportunity Drawing with great prizes at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221-6008. From: Lana Chrisman at media.

47) The African American Automotive Association and the Hidden Pioneers organization are dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating a platform where diversity is not only welcomed but also celebrated. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to reshaping the narrative of the automotive industry, driving it towards a future where inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront. Bill Montgomery (hiddenpioneers).

48) EDITOR: The following is serialized. “The Mehlenbacher Family and the Kohler Dragway (AKA Super Boss Dragway,
and Cayuga 1320 Dragway). The Mehlenbacher family’s passion for racing involvement didn’t cease at Dragway Park in 1984. It continues in the present day with Bruce F. Mehlenbacher. After working as Track Manager at Dragway Park for 10 years, Bruce became the General Manager of Bob Slack’s Cayuga Speedway for eight years, from 1985 to 1993. He would manage the day-to-day operations of the Speedway, which presented short-track championship stock car racing at its very finest, a trademark of the track. The goal was to provide motorsport fans with the best “Specials Only” racing format, which was obtained through major sponsorship support, from companies such as Labatt Breweries, Molson Breweries, Castrol Oil, Player’s, General Motors, General Tire and McKerlie-Millen Auto Parts Stores.” Bruce F. Mehlenbacher is at Bruce.

49) Editor Bob Campbell sent in the February issue of Vintage Metal, the Journal of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. To see it google robertcampbell4.

50) 4th Annual Global Summit Agenda: 3-day Lunch presentations: 12pm to 1pm. Sunday Presenters 2/25- Riverside CA Inside the Tyler Mall. 12pm to 12:05 Opening remarks from CSI Bill. 12:05 to 12:15 Lowrider Presenter TJ Lofton. 12:15 to 12:25 Bruce Presents. 12:25 to 12:30 DATA Presenter Shain HP. 12:30 to 1pm Jerry assistant introduces CSI Bill Montgomery. 12:35- Bill Introduces VIP Hidden Pioneers. 12:50 to 1pm- TBA presenter to award CSI Bill Lifetime Achievement Award. From Hidden Pioneers at hiddenpioneers.

51) 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone Schedule/Date/Venue/Broadcast.
Sunday, March 10, 2024, Streets of St Petersburg Peacock.
Sunday, April 28, 2024, Barber Motorsports Park Peacock.
Friday, May 10, 2024, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1 Peacock.
Saturday, May 11, 2024, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2 Peacock.
Sunday, June 2, 2024, Streets of Detroit Peacock.
Sunday, June 9, 2024, Road America Peacock.
Saturday, June 22, 2024, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1 Peacock.
Sunday, June 23, 2024, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2 Peacock.
Sunday, July 7, 2024, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Peacock.
Saturday, July 13, 2024, Iowa Speedway Peacock.
Saturday, August 17, 2024, WorldWide Technology Raceway Peacock.
Sunday, August 25, 2024, Portland International Raceway Peacock.
Saturday, August 31, 2024, Milwaukee Mile Peacock.
Sunday, September 15, 2024, Streets of Nashville Peacock.

52) A former go-karter in the 1980s, Road Racing Drivers Club’s (RRDC) MARK DONOHUE Award winner Ken Kannard, returned to racing in 2000 after building a Datsun 240Z, entering SCCA competition in 2001. He previously finished third at the Runoffs on three occasions. Kannard noted that family and friends are an important part of his racing. “I have to thank my wife, Diane. Without support at home, we can’t do this,” he said. “It’s great to have my daughters join us for the presentation in Daytona. Todd Buras really helped me with setup and data at this year’s Runoffs. I have to thank Tom Fowler and OPM Autosports for the car prep, Bruce Foss and Hoosier Tire for the 20-year relationship, Jesse Prather for great engines over the last 10 years and of course all the SCCA volunteers for putting on the events.” From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

53) Know your motorsports personality. Don Hawk is the Chief Executive Officer of SRX, the all-star racing series that gathers the biggest names in American motorsports from various racing disciplines. Placed in equally prepared race cars, the selection of superstars race on some of the country’s most iconic, grassroots venues. Hawk, along with series co-owner, Tony Stewart, revived the sacred racing moniker of Thursday Night Thunder. Compiled from Epartrade.

54) Hidden Garages and Ultimate Collection will have a common theme to teach young students about Cool cars, locations & programs that can improve their lives. Learning about what others have accomplished through their Collections. We will add from time to time a young student from High School ages 14 to 18 with parents’ permission and have them come along and meet these Collections and perhaps inspire them to not only take up a hobby but find a new understanding of value. Often, we will find that they also have a desire to collect things like Comic Books or coins and even cars. One thing about collecting things, it’s your project and you can share it with others. From generations to generations, families pass onto each other. From Bill Montgomery.

55) American Motorsports News International website has been created by J.E. Adams, at wefilm1 at
https://innovator22.wixsite.com/website-3. Joe will be posting my newsletter, and he can provide captioned photographs which I cannot do. Sponsors and advertisers are welcomed to help offset the costs involved. According to Joe, “Most of the entire market for modern day website owners’ charge per click meaning, let’s say they get 10 million visits per month. They have salespeople to sell 250,000 (clicks for an ad) then the ad is done, and the ad comes off their site for say $500. The customer or sponsor doesn’t get 10 million views. He or she only gets 250,000 views. I feel that is robbing the customer or sponsor. Press releases in writing will be free (like they did it in the old magazine days), as long as I can hold out. Video news/ads or product releases will be charged in 30-day cycles. No long term/big dollar contracts. We will have a simple $400 per month charge to have videos on our site. We will have PAYPAL buttons with a simple charge the customer selects for a 1-month/3-month/6-month or 12-month onetime payment. Because of our Adamstand™ Workbenches, we will soon launch our ads into millions of homes. Then our ads will link to our websites/where on the bottom of each page on both of our main websites already exists a link right to the American Motorsports News™ website. The difference is when we get 10 million page views, as our exposure grows so will our advertisers and sponsors.”

56) Remembering Jim McLennan; courtesy of Don Smith. My son Jonathan and I will never forget Jim McLennan. He was a very genuine person. My son at the age of 7 showed Jim his pinewood derby car at a race. Jim sat and talked with him about his car and never forgot my son recognizing him every time we met at the races…I think the last time we talked was in 2002 …He was a great inspiration to me and my son…Godspeed Jim Mclennan. Jim Butler
I first saw the Champion Speed Shop Dragster at Fremont in early ’60s and then drove the Norton, Kalivoda, Hamlin AA/FD in late ’60s at Fremont. Always remembered Jim McLennan, the dragster(s), and the track as being class operations. He will be missed. The Joker. Dick Kalivoda

57) I was forwarded a copy of your newsletter and was wondering how I could sign up for it and is there a cost? Thank you, Brent Cannon
BRENT: Are you Chic Cannon’s son? I’ve added you to the list. The newsletter is free. Send me news. Welcome.
AND: I am not related to Chic Cannon or Frank Cannon, and these are the two questions I get asked the most. I do know Chic and saw him at the Nitro Revival last November. I have been in the sport as a fan, crew person, owner and driver since 1966. Raced top fuel in 1972 and started in Super Comp in 1990. I have two NHRA national event super comp wins and ran the SCEDA series for about 10 years basically until all of the Southern California tracks went away. I have a son who works for Chris Blair in St Louis, and I love drag racing. Brent

58) Hello: is the Trompers Club still in existence. My father was an early member (Burdette Sanders). I have some old picture of him and his car out at the dry lakes. I also have a Trompers metal plaque, dated 1947. I’m looking to give these items to the best new home, to preserve the history. Thank you, Dana Sanders
DANA: Thank you for asking and if you don’t mind, I will add your email list to my Motorsports Newsletter, which has news of topics you mention. Here are my recommendations: 1) family members. 2) Trompers of Eagle Rock car club, and yes, the last that I’ve heard of them they were still around and published a history of the club which I saw for sale at the NHRA Motorsports Museum. 3) Jim Miller, who is a dry lakes historian and rescuer of memorabilia. 4) Stan Chersky, who has an immense collection of car plaques. 5) I’ll put this in the newsletter if the first four parties cannot help you out. Since this can be complicated feel free to give me a call at 714-818-1281 and I’ll try to help you as best as I can. I’ve lost track of the Trompers, but a few of them are still around.
AND: Thank you for all you have done. I did find a relative that would like this, so I will be going in this direction. Dana