Motorsports Newsletter 3/20/24

By Richard Parks

Editor’s comments: About 4% of emails are returned undelivered and labeled by the servers as spam. This happens most often when people use work/employment servers, which block many emails, especially if they are lengthy and non-work related.If you do not receive a weekly newsletter then that could be the case.
AND: Joe Adams at wefilm1 is looking for sponsors and advertisers to help offset the costs involved for a new website that will carry motorsports news.
AND: I am sad to advise you of this… A sad day on Saturday, March 3, 2024, the (3-story) long standing drag race tower was razed at Sonoma Raceway…formerly Infineon Raceway…formerly Sears Point Raceway. As I understand, the decision was NOT made locally and may have lacked much in-depth consideration. (posted anonymously)
EDITOR: Sadness comes from loss and loss can be more than just people. It was an amazing building. Will they replace the tower with another structure?
AND: Another anonymous post stated that sad news is important news, reminding us of people, places and things that should not be forgotten, and letting us know things that we have not heard of before. I agree.
AND: In reply to your “passings” one of the “wisest” things Oscar Koveleski said to me was he was getting “so tired” of all his friends passing, and then HE passed away. The bad part of most of our heroes; since we grew up watching them; many of them pass on before us. But they can always live in our memories and our hearts. Terry Fritz at tfritz.
TERRY: So true and I have a lot of their stories in my files to remind me of those that passed. I will share them with the readers, and anyone interested. Just write and ask.
AND: Should the editor include email addresses with names, or withhold them?
AND: Thank you to Camee Edelbrock for sharing two photos of her father (Vic Jr) and my father Wally.
AND: Don’t forget to read to the end of the newsletter as there are some great reader comments.
AND: For anyone who wants a copy of The Nitro Mash, send your request to rossgallagher. Ross Gallagher

1) Passings in 2023. In order not to overwhelm readers with grief this will be serialized in coming issues. Bill Mullins, a talented and versatile dragster driver for three decades who scored NHRA national event wins in Top Gas, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Fuel, passed away on April 10. He was 88. Mullins proved a winner no matter what fuel was running through his engines, winning his first title at the 1971 NHRA Springnationals in Dallas, where he defeated Walt Rhoades in the final round. A decade later, Mullins wheeled his incredible small-block Chevy-powered Top Alcohol Dragster to victory at the NHRA Cajun Nationals, where he defeated future Top Fuel champion Joe Amato in the final. Mullins’ final win came in Top Fuel, at the 1985 Springnationals in Columbus, Ohio, where he beat four tough drivers — Dan Pastorini, Don Garlits, Dick LaHaie, and Gary Beck – to put John Carey’s dragster in the winner’s circle. Mullins, who was the third driver in history to exceed 260 mph –behind only Amato and Garlits – also collected three Top Alcohol Dragster runner-ups and two each in Top Fuel and Top Gas. Mullins, of Pelham, Alabama, was inducted into the Division 2 Hall of Fame in 1995. Mullins is survived by his partner, Barbara Waltz, brothers Robert (Bob), James (Jim), and sister Mildred Ward; daughters Cindy Lindell, Sandra Tidmore, and Nancy Malcolm, and sons David and Kyle. Preceded in death by daughter Debra Loggins. Mullins also had 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren ranging in ages from 1-18. https://www.nhra.com/
news/2023/memoriam.
AND:Renowned doorcar chassis builder Melvin “Jerry” Bickel passed away April 5 after a series of medical issues over the last few years. He was 75. For more than 40 years, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, built chassis for virtually every class of drag racing, from Pro Stock and Pro Mod to Outlaw Street cars. Bickel’s first major notoriety came as the builder of Jim Yates’ Pro Stock championship-winning Firebirds in 1996 and ’97. A car on which Bickel also served as crew chief. Bickel’s roots in drag racing go back to the original AHRA heads-up Pro Stock program in the late 1960s and he also built the Camaro for Ed Hoover, the original Pro Modified national event winner. Bickel is survived by his wife Jennifer, children Katherine Elizabeth Randolph and Matthew Bickel, and two grandchildren. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Danny White, Research Editor and columnist for www.draglist.com, responsible for gathering all past and present drag racing statistics from newspapers, magazines, books, and the Internet, passed away on March 30, of heart-related issues. White, a former NHRA Stock class and bracket racer, had been a partner on the drag racing history site since 1990. He also was a photojournalist; he and his wife Gena were well known to Mid-South area Pro Mod and Funny Car circuit racers. Draglist publisher Bill Pratt remembered White with the following statement: “I could not publish Draglist.com without Danny White. I met Danny White when he ordered a few products from our original Race Place catalog. The printed Race Place didn’t last long, but Danny was a treasured find. Draglist.com was waning fast when he came aboard in the early ’90’s. A new family and ever-increasing responsibility at my day job made it impossible for me to do the research I once did.” Young and smart, with a voracious passion for drag racing, Danny rekindled my drag racing fever and got Draglist.com back on its feet. He single-handedly caught up on two years of research and got us rolling again. Danny has been our Research Editor ever since.
White became well known as one of the top historians in drag racing and was selected on the NHRA’s expert panel to help decide the top 50 drag racers in NHRA history at the organization’s 50th anniversary year. He ran half a dozen Facebook groups featuring different types of drag racing cars, from Chevy-powered Top Fuelers to Texas Top Alcohol cars, to Unique Pro Stocks. White recorded the results of every NHRA National event to the draglist.com database. In fact, on his final day on earth, Danny had entered all the pro results from NHRA Phoenix. His last DragList entry was Cruz Pedregon’s Funny Car results from Phoenix. Despite his many accomplishments, White remained humble and always prioritized the sport and its fans. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help anyone who needed it. Danny’s passing is a great loss to the drag racing community. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans, but his legacy and statistics will continue to inspire and educate future generations of drag racing enthusiasts. https://www.nhra.com/
news/2023/memoriam.
AND: Janice Kay Layden was born on December 9, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana and passed away on March 13, 2024, in Lafayette, Indiana. Growing up in the shadow of the Indianapolis 500, Jan was a racing fan from an early age. Among her racing heroes, Parnelli Jones held a special place, and her knowledge of his triumphs, along with those of other drivers, was encyclopedic. She began her career in the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue University. She left Purdue after many years to realize a lifelong dream of working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, sharing her vast knowledge of the sport with others who lived and breathed Indy car racing. She had many happy memories from her decade at the track. From Bruce Meyer at bruce.

2) More on the passing of William “Bill” Bader Sr.
We just have to say that our prayers are with Bills family and his racing families, we are all so lucky to have had Bill in our lives. He was such a lively personality. We all loved him for his charisma and his feelings for racing. He had this special talent of winning you over in a minute. He had so many hopes and dreams with out of the box ideas and thoughts and he made them come true. What a patriot he was to racing and what a friend he was to all that met him. We remember so many times we were at the raceway for so many events and “of course it had rained” and the track was not totally paved yet and Bill would come running to George or announce his name on the speakers to report to the tower and then he would say, hey I need stone, can you get me some stone? George would call his dad and later in life call Bill Mesenburg and here the trucks would come, how could you ever not help Bill Bader. He always told George that they saved the day. (which was not true but they did help). We truly have been so lucky to have Norwalk Raceway Park as a venue in our area, thanks to Bill, It has attracted so many racers and patrons to the area. We are so sorry for your loss, and everyone will remember him always for what he did for racing and what he stood for as a KING to racing, great father, grandfather and warm personality he was. Loved him dearly. George and Joyce Mesenburg

3) (Continued from previous newsletter) Born in 1939, Sir Jackie Stewart was involved with cars from an early age. Leaving school at age 15, (his dyslexia undiagnosed until much later), he found his personal voice in sport, first as an Olympic-class shooter, then in motor racing. In shooting, Stewart won the Coupe De Nations twice (British and Mediterranean Championships). He also won the Championships of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, as well as the British Grand Prix of Shooting. Sir Jackie retired from shooting aged 23. 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. (to be continued). From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

4) Saturday, May 11 “Oswego Supers: A Legacy of Speed at The Steel Palace” The program will focus on the history of the famed Oswego Speedway and the unique class of car – the supermodified, which is the fastest short track car run anywhere in the country. Our panelists will include Dick O’Brien, who was the promoter for 30+ years, Roy Sova, who has announced at the track for 50+ years, Steve Miller, car builder and racer, and a host of others. Additional drivers on a TBA basis. Program begins at 1PM. In addition, the iconic “Purdy Deuce” supermodified will be on display at the Research Center. From Kip Zeiter at kip
READERS: Kip is the Coordinator of Visitor Services/Outreach, IMRRC, Watkins Glen, NY, 607-535-9044, www.racing
archives.org. He has been very helpful with records of sports car racing for the Oscar Koveleski story.

5) Joining Dos Palmas will be the Mooneyes dragster that was the first American dragster ever to race in the United Kingdom in 1963. It was the car that really ignited British drag racing. Both iconic dragsters will be on display at Santa Pod’s Dragstalgia event on July 5-7, 2024. Also on the team will be American Randy Bradford and his nitro-burning Fiat Fuel Altered. Randy runs one of the last but fastest classic Fuel Altered’s in the United States and he will be racing Nick Davies in Havoc at Dragstalgia. “This is fantastic news,” said Nick Davies of ICE Automotive, “Havoc has been parked for some time as we really don’t have any similar cars to race but having Randy come over means we’ll load some nitro in the old Bantam and hopefully put that Fiat on the trailer.” Tony Thacker tonythacker32, also see www.dragstal
gia.co.uk.

6) I have done SCCA/NASA pro rally, and vintage drag racing. I wish Barney Navarro was my grandfather, but I’m not related to him! Worked for Audi for the past 15 years, and Ford 15 years before that I have seen a lot of changes in the automotive industry. I hope the future generation continues our tradition of Motorsports! Chris Navarro at chrisn
santamonica
READERS: Barney Navarro raced on the dry lakes with my father, Ak Miller and many other early land speed racers. Barney had a shop in West Glendale where he made engines parts and even a heart-lung machine for hospitals. See https://ahrf.com/barney-navarro/.

7) At seven pm The Gumball Rally, round 1, 2/24/24 track announcer Terry Clanton started the rider introductions for the Speedway motorcycle racing at the Industry Hills Expo Center. When called each came out on the track and walked along the crash wall where fans and kids could say hello, do a handshake and take a close-up picture. As scheduled race one went off at 7:30. The first two events were Handicap races. For those not in the know that means rather than the normal Scratch event where each rider is lined up in a row next to each other behind the starting gate, on Handicap the racers start is spread out in 10-yard apart positions. So those who are still on the learning curve or for whatever reason are not winning a lot are on the pole, those with a little better track record are in the middle and those that win a lot are all the way in the back. Sometimes as much as 50 yards. These are very exciting races. Howie Zechner at howieo.com.

8)Sherm Porter’s Schedule of car shows and events (fuely32)
APRIL 4-7, 2024, Trailerfest British Invasion, Vintage Trailer Rally, San Dimas, CA. https://www.trailerfestrally.com/.

APRIL 5-7, 2024, NHRA Arizona Nationals, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ, www.nhra.com.

APRIL 5-7, 2024, GOODGUYS, 23rd Meguiar’s, Del Mar, CA, ’99/earlier, 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.

APRIL 7, 2024, Merced Super Custom Car Show, Merced County Fairgrounds, CA, www.eventbrite.com.

APRIL 12-14, 2024, NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, Las Vegas, NV, 800-644-4444 or www.nhra.com.

APRIL 13, 2024, 43rd Poly Royal Truck & Tractor Pull, Cal Poly Tractor Pull Club, CA, 1pm, www.eventbrite.com/e/cal-poly-truck-and-tractor-pull-tickets-794654201107.

APRIL 13, 2024, Pharoahs of Visalia Car Club Show, CA, Glen 805-286-2448 www.tinyurl.com/2023VisaliaCarShow.

APRIL 13, 2024, Water Tower Classic Car Show, Clovis, CA, Garland at 559-259-9573, www.hotrodsfresno.com.

APRIL 14, 2024, Antique Nationals Drag Race, Irwindale Speedway, Clark at 909-294-5321, www.foureverfour.com.

APRIL 14, 2024, Pomona Swap Meet, Los Angeles County Fairplex, CA, 714-538-9091.

9) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 1 APRIL 1940 Fire extinguishers mentioned for safety. “A report on the Bell Gear Grinders was given by the Secretary and it was recommended that they be accepted if they were desirous of joining. Bob Dunlap made a motion that the Gear Grinders be accepted as members in good standing of the Association. After a few words from their representative a vote was called for and they were unanimously accepted. …Judges – Ed Adams, Wally Parks, Bob Rufi; Contest Board – Ed Adams, Frank Fontaine, Ted Cannon, Art Tilton, Mel Leighton, Wally Parks, and Bob Rufi. Some questions were asked regarding these different jobs and also the giving out of the permanent lists of numbers. Wally said that there were three ties in the standings from last year that had to be settled at this time. …Doug Francis wanted to know of it wouldn’t be possible to have a couple of fire extinguishers at the lakes in case of fires like we had last year. Ed suggested that each club look into the feasibility of obtaining a fire extinguisher to take to the lakes to be used in such cases of emergency. At this time Ed introduced Mr Peters of Western Timing, Inc who had a few words to say regarding their first scheduled race set for May 5th. …Paul Stratton finally made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Art Tilton, Secretary.”

10) The Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) videos are updated regularly. Each week, a professional from the world of motor racing answers readers’ questions on the SAFEisFAST.com site in a feature called ‘Ask a Pro.’ Bobby Rahal is President and John Fergus is Vice President/Treasurer. The RRDC presents three annual awards: the Phil Hill Award, the Mark Donohue Award, and the Bob Akin Award, and supports the Team USA Scholarship, which has been assisting young Americans in the early stages of their careers since 1990. Membership in the RRDC is by invitation only. Additional information on the organization may be found at jstropus.

11) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Raceway Park (Formerly Oyster Bed Speedway), Oyster Bed Bridge, Prince Edward Island, 1/4-mile.
Red Line Raceway, Caddo Mills, Texas, 1/8-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.
Redding Drag Strip, Redding, California, 1/4-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.
Renegade Raceway, Yakima, Washington, 1/4-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.

12)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)

Acknowledgments are also given to quite a few people including the reviewer, and members of the AHRA, NHRA and IHRA. Boyce also contacted many websites, including Bangshift, Competition Plus, Draglist, Dragstriplist and NHRA. He also used as sources the following publications; Petersen Publishing, Lopez, Magnum, Argus, Professional Services, Drag News, Drag Sport Illustrated, TACH and Drag World. The Foreword was written by Don Garlits, a past president of the AHRA. There are six chapters, an epilogue and an appendix with past AHRA Points Champions (1960-1984). Captions for the photographs were complete and thorough. There is no index provided, so it is difficult to find certain individuals in the text. 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)

13) Jon Lundberg sat with us for over 2 hours to tell his story. His stories are amazing, and his knowledge of the sport is outstanding. The Voice of Drag Racing is the perfect nickname for Jon. He has seen it all and entertained countless fans with his ability and knowledge. Here is the link for the interview series. https://drge68.com/2024/03/07/jon-lundberg-
dragracingsgoldenera.

14) WE GET LETTERS DEPARTMENT:
“I do enjoy your newsletter. Keep it coming.” Thanks, Tod Mack
“Yes, I enjoy the newsletters.” Kenny Youngblood
“Enjoy reading the newsletter, but no news to report. Nostalgia Drag racing is what I enjoy most.” John Marsh
“I read every newsletter.”Lex Swayn
“I enjoy reading all of your newsletters and will forward any news to you when warranted. My preference is for Drag racing, of course and funny cars in particular.”Tod Mack

15) Jim Jet, Kay and Rat Rod from Utah attended the February 23rd SEMA Youth Conference and flew in for this event to see my presentation and was very impressed with the people and SEMA location. My mentor Jim Jordan from Orange County who RJ knows pretty well is someone that helps people get started in motorsports of all kinds. He helped me so much in this industry and I will forever be grateful to him. One-of-a-kind man that many people love and respect. He was very happy and impressed all the same! Bill Montgomery

16) Only been to the Long Beach Kustorama once in 1986. I covered drag racing, NHRA, PDRA, small events that feature nostalgia cars too. I worked with John DiBartolomeo for years and continue to keep the site we built, running. I enjoy reading your updates. Some non-drag racing stuff is cool but is outside the realm of what the site is. But keep me on the list. Phil Hutchinson at Hutch20 and Dragracingactiononline.com.

17)I like all motorsports, but Bonneville was my game. Google ‘Kenny Kloth 49 Merc.’ Thanks. Kenny Kloth
KENNY: I did, and you had pages and pages devoted to that ’49 Merc. You really made it fly down that long black line.

18) Double Trouble: Eldred Norman and the Twin Mercury V8 powered Double V8. The Double-V8 pulls away from Bland’s Delahaye 135CS at Mooliabeenie in 1951. Ken Devine photograph. (For the full review go to https://indd.adobe.com/
view/bb73e4a6-30ca-461a-8144-1cc85026cbf3) From Bob Campbell in Vintage Metal Magazine.

19) Book review, City of Speed: Los Angeles and the rise of American Racing, by Joe Scalzo. Reviewed by Doug Stokes.
And on the subject of book reports, Richard, and because your site, your service to the motor community and its blazing history is so much fun to read and remember. I’d like to suggest another book that’s long out of print but still quite available on the used book market, that’s City of Speed: Los Angeles and the rise of American racing, written by Joe Scalzo. first published in 2007. For absolute clarity the book’s full title adds: City of Speed: Los Angeles and the rise of American racing. Making the SoCal connection direct and integral. Scalzo’s writing has never been known for being polite, star-struck, or for pulling punches, and he honors that motif well here. This is the real story of the real deal that the real people we now think of as the legends (and laggards) who shaped motorsports out west.(to be continued in the next issue)

20) I met Terry Cook in 1962-63ish, when he first visited The Coast & San Fernando Raceway. He was writing the New Jersey News column for Doris Herbert’s Drag News. You may know that “Tee Kook” (Baskerville’s nickname for Terry) went on to edit both Car & Custom, and Hot Rod Magazine, energizing & improving both magazines, both of which recorded all-time-sales records. He’s usually credited/blamed for popularizing the van culture in HRM. Combination of 1971’s Sylmar earthquake & internal politics drove him back to New Jersey in the early-to-mid-’70’s. Lots of this is in his two books, which you’ll greatly enjoy (if not already read). DWjr (Dave Wallace Jr)
DAVE: How about a review or two?
BLACK SHEEP #1: No time for book reviews (nor ANYthang!), sorry. House deal closed & current place must be emptied & sold, spreading my time even thinner. I did a double doozey for CompetitionPlus.com a year or so ago that you might (?) be able to grab, with my permission.
READERS: Has anyone reviewed these books, and can they send reviews to the newsletter?
DEAR AGITATOR: Lemme give ya this, since you always ax so nice: “Dunno whether racing-related books are getting plentiful or I’ve just got more time for recreational (vs business) reading, but I’ve enjoyed four in a row: “Drag Racing Rebels” (AHRA history), previously reviewed here; “The Old Master” (Ed Pink history); “Racing Through Life” (Carl Olson’s memoir, with emphasis on his partnership with the late Mike Kuhl); “The Ins-N-Outs Of In-N-Out” (by doorslammer-driver Lynsi Snyder, who also happens to own the burger chain. One chapter is devoted to the old Irwindale Raceway, which grandpa Harry Snyder cofounded).” Dave Wallace Jr
DAVE: You’re a gold mine of info. Keep sending.

21) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Gerry Belton’s involvement in organising the 1964 Drag Festivals – Part 2. Allen Friedrich who lived in England and was a British editor of the American Motor Sports Illustrated was looking to do a feature on the Drag Festivals. Southern Television wanted to feature the series on their programs ‘Here and Now’ and ‘Day by Day’ and the BBC were also interested. American Rodding magazine ran a competition in their first magazine to fly the winners to the Festival as well as a stay at the London Hilton. Not only that but they were planning to have over 2000 trucks throughout America with posters on their sides talking about the Drag Festival in London, England, and they asked Gerry to get Sydney Allard to give them one of his Dragsters in kit form to give away free in their next magazine contest! See http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/gerry_belton_drag_

johnhunt.drnmail.com.

22) Some reported that they had trouble finding the video ”Big Daddy Returns,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25O FMRsb4wU. It still works but you have to copy and paste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25OFMRsb4wU into your search browser. Video is by Dean Papadeas and I did a review on the video that you can ask me for.

23) Karun Chandhok, Professional Racing Driver and Formula 1 Commentator and Analyst, and Ben Willshire, Founder and Managing Director of Driven International, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Mark Hugues, Founder and Managing Director of Mrk1.
AND: Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager, Mazda Motorsports, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Applegate is the operational lead for Mazda’s motorsports activities in North America. Hosted by George Tamayo of RACER.com. From: EPARTRADE at team.

24)The following letter from Doug (Potvin Doug) Peterson describes his nostalgia drag racing experiences. “Richard, ever since my first time attending a drag race (San Gabriel drag strip, 1958, where the Potvin-blown Chrysler ‘Groh’s Texaco Special’ won Top Eliminator) I was fascinated by engines that used the Potvin system. And not only the mechanics and the engineering behind them, but the history. A neighbor and paper route customer of mine was Kenny Harmon, of magneto and cam fame. He and Chuck Potvin had been good friends and speed equipment compatriots, and he was a very friendly guy. Whenever I had the time he would tell me about their adventures in the early years, and I couldn’t get enough of it.” Doug Peterson at potvindoug2. (to be continued)

25) Tom Davey, winner of the Road Racing Drivers Club RRDC BOB AKIN Award, also produced over 200 television shows on racing for ESPN and Fox but, to quantify Tom’s impact on the racing community, consider the worldwide reception to his 125 tutorials on SAFEisFAST.com: 7 million views overall, 3 million Facebook visits, 33,000 YouTube subscribers, 24,000 Instagram followers, and 40,000 Twitter engagements. “For 14 years, Tom was the soul of Safe Is Fast but there is one other contributor who deserves an extra measure of our appreciation.” From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

26) Know your motorsports personality. Jason Schultz is the VP of the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association (OTTPA) and the owner of the Beer Money Pulling Team. Formed in 1982, the OTTPA is the largest pulling association with over 70 events per year across the US. The Series has 16 classes and more than 350 competing vehicles. Compiled from Epartrade.
AND: GET’M Performance will present this live webinar on Wednesday, March 20 at 9 am PST. Presented by Trevor Wiggins, Owner, GET’M Performance and Marc Wesler, Director of Sales, Fuel Factory. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Ch. 90, Late Shift. From: EPARTRADE at team.

27) 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.
What do the records say? Warren has won the Pro Stock NHRA Season Championship 6 times, accumulated 97 National event wins, reached the finals 151 times, qualified #1 in major events 138 times, taken 874 round wins and recorded 220 top speeds of the events in major competition. Kurt Johnson has upheld the family tradition, winning 64% of the time, with 40 NHRA Pro Stock titles and narrowly missing out on a season championship four times. Statistics tell you little about who a person is, but in Drag Racing’s Warren “The Professor” Johnson, the cars, people & wins behind his Pro Stock Success, you will understand this exceptional family. This is a fine book and well photographed and written.
Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1. CarTech Publishers can be reached at 1-800-551-4754 or www.cartechbooks.com.

28) Nostalgia Racers Take Over Famoso Dragstrip for the 2024 March Meet. Check out our exclusive racing gallery from the 2024 March Meet. Google dcs1755.

29)The COOL CRUISE Car Show in La Verne, CA on Saturday, April 6, 2024, is less than a month away. Already we have A LOT of people registering for this show. Old Town La Verne is a great place for a car show that has been running for the past 29 years. Entry forms are available at Craig. Craig also handles: www.FlyingDeuces.com, www.Cruisin
Brea.com, www.PalmSpringsCarFest.com, www.CruisinLaVerne.com, and www.BreaHolidayCarShow.com.

30) HIDDEN PIONEERS: Electric Vehicles (EV) Director Margarita Santos Electric Vehicle Learning Center|Online Youth Education|California (ev-lc.org) https://www.ev-lc.org/. Hidden Garages Directors Lenny Hochteil, Mad Mike Martin, Thomas Smith (20+) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddengarages. Marketing Team Ripped Marketing Group (Rodney Allen Rippy)

31) Oscar goes racing. Oscar Koveleski scored his first SCCA Regional race win in 1951 at Bone Stadium in Pittston, Pennsylvania at the wheel of a 1948 MG-TC. Bone Stadium was built by George W. Bone Sr on a dump site for racing and opened in 1948. It was a ¼ mile dirt oval track that was a hit with midget racers. The track was also used by the Pittston High School football and track team. The racetrack was closed in 1970. Pittston is located on the border of Scranton, Pennsylvania and only 3 miles from where Oscar was born. Oscar is listed on racingsportscars.com as having raced in the 1951 Giant’s Despair Hillclimb on May 12, 1951, finishing 63 in a Stutz Bearcat. (to be continued)

32) 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.

33) Along with reality-based content, TAUBLIEB Films also makes dramatic feature films, having previously produced projects including “The Vow,” starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. Currently in active development is the feature version of the hit documentary produced by TAUBLIEB Films and directed by Paul Taublieb, “Blink of an Eye,” about the star-crossed friendship between Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, as well as a remake of the hit Swedish film, “10,000 Hours,” a comedy set in the world of soccer and the basis for an IP-driven series of films. Also producing are Susan Cooper and Zev Taublieb. From paul or go to www.taubliebfilms.com.

34) August 4, 2024, IMSA Sportscar Weekend Elkhart Lake.
August 4, 2024, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, United Kingdom.
August 11, 2024, Virginia 400 Richmond, Virginia.
August 18, 2024, Gateway Firekeepers Casino 400 Michigan.
August 18, 2024, Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Brainerd, Minnesota.
August 18, 2024, Grand Prix of Austria Spielberg, Austria.
August 25, 2024, Grand Prix of Portland, Oregon.
August 25, 2024, Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort, Netherlands.
August 25, 2024, Coke Zero 400 Daytona Beach, Florida.
August 25, 2024, Michelin GT Challenge VIR Alton, Illinois.

35) With the demise of ED “BIG DADDY” ROTH, and “WONDER WARTHOG” magazines in 1968. Dad sold DRAG cartoons, we leased our house out in Palos Verdes and took off for parts unknown (3 years). We ended up in Sweden. Stayed with Bengt Björklund, until we found a place to live. We lived in Sweden for 2 school years and 1 summer (Yes, Jag prata lite svenska). Whilst living in Europe we traveled and dad would cartoon along the way, to earn money. Robin Millar MPC-DRAGcartoons Daughter of Pete Millar, King of Cartoons Publisher, Cartoonist, Dragracer, the creator of CARtoons Magazine, publisher of DRAGcartoons, Ed’Big Daddy’Roth 310-529-1831 – cell www.laffyerasphalt.com.

36) HIDDEN GARAGES is at https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hiddengarages. Proposed hosts will include names like: Mad Mike Martin, Rodney Allen Rippy, Young Kid Jerimiah, CSI Bill Montgomery, and female Co-Host: Hot Rod Holly, and Jennifer Anchetta. We are back producing the Hidden Garages show series. If you want to know more info or get involved now is the time! We have garages in mind and selected already but will be seeking funding to complete the series. Bill Montgomery.

37) From Don Redmon. Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Gets New Board Member. Gucci Chopper Steals Show at Baker Act Custom Motorcycles Open House. Edge Mallis Continues Australian Drag Bike Dominance on Popular H2. Hinder Added to Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2024 Festival Lineup. There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel.

38) Remembering Jim McLennan; courtesy of Don Smith. “In the scope of all things the drag racing family is a very small one. Anytime we lose a family member it is sad, but with the passing of Jim McLennan we lost a patriarch whos kind will never be seen again. Volumes can be written of Jim’s accomplishments and contributions over 5 decades as a racer, innovator, speed shop owner, father and friend. But I think what has been written here by all those who loved and admired him is the greatest testament of all. My sincere condolences to his family and may his memory continue in their efforts to star in the sport of drag racing.” Don Ewald
READERS: We also lost Don Ewald’s brother, John Ewald, who ran the WE DID IT FOR LOVE website with Don.

39) In number 32 of your March 7, 2024, newsletter you ask me to tell you more about my business. I have sold my businesses like the Lead East Car 50’s event that I started and ran for 35 years and my two glass body businesses, Deco Rides and Delahaye USA. I’m trying to retire at age 82 but I just can’t seem to quit. Right now, I’m having four new cars and a streamlined motorcycle built. I’m not a builder, just a bullshitter with an American Express card. And sincere hats off to you on the SPECTACULAR newsletter you crank out. It is nothing short of fantastic and a great service to the hobby. Terry Cook, PO Box 123, Chester, NJ 07930, 201-400-5528, decorides and delahayeusa.

40) Kevin Miller, President & CEO, USAC, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. USAC is one of the oldest sanctioning bodies of auto racing in the United States. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. EPARTRADE is at team.

41) Big Daddy Returns: Gone Racin’ To see ”Big Daddy Returns.” Video review by Richard Parks, 30 August 2022. Kenny Youngblood, recognized as a first-class motor racing artist also excels as a narrator and interviewer. His ability to bring out the enthusiasm in those he interviews is amazing. Youngblood interviewed Shirley Muldowney, Don Garlits, Paul Romine, Gary Scelzi, Tom Compton (NHRA President), Gary Clapshaw, Dale Armstrong, Jerry Toliver, Gary Densham, John Force, Whit Bazemore, and many more. It isn’t easy to interview drag racers when they are under pressure and so Youngblood found them during times when the stress had been relaxed. Yet he also scored excellent interviews in the pits with the racers as the mechanics worked feverishly on the cars. Gone Racin’ is atRNPARKS1@
deanpapadeas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=25OFMRsb4wU. (to be continued)

42)Eyes on the Road Exhibit Opening Reception. We’re excited to present our grand opening to the public, which will feature a panel of illustrious speakers, an inside look on all the exhibit pieces, as well as the unique opportunity to visit the Petersen after-hours. Make sure to be here for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, as well as the opening remarks by our Director of Exhibits, Bryan Stevens. Silent Cruise-In 8 AM-11 AM, April 7, 2024. Escape the Petersen 10 AM-12 PM, April 12, 2024. Petersen Automotive Museum info. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California.

43) I was looking through old photos for a few projects I’m working on and look what I found! Very cool! I really enjoy your newsletter. Keep up the great work. It’s wonderful that you’re keeping history alive for all of us. Thank you! First photo is named, “Vic and Wally in handshake 1977.” Second photo titled, “Wally Parks-Edelbrock banner.” All the best, Camee Edelbrock.
CAMEE: Love the photos. Thank you.

44) Vintage Metal Magazine (Western Australia) VSCC of WA Calendar 2024/April. Editor Bob Campbell.
6 Dad’s Army
8 General Meeting
9 Management Committee
15 Competition Group
23 Dad’s Army
27 Lindsay Monk Hillclimb, Mt Ommaney Club Hillclimb Championship Rd 1
28 Northam Flying 50 Club Regularity Championship Rd 1 (Historic only)
30 Dad’s Army

45) 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE Date/Race/Track/Network/Start Time (ET)/Radio
Friday, February 16 Daytona International Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, February 24 Atlanta Motor Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, March 1 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 16 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 23 COTA FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, April 5 Martinsville Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, April 12 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 4 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 10 Darlington Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 18 North Wilkesboro Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 24 Charlotte Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 1 WorldWide Technology Raceway FOX 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, June 28 Nashville Superspeedway FS1 TBD MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 12 Pocono Raceway FS1 5:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 19 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 10 Richmond Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 25 Milwaukee Mile Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thursday, September 19 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 27 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, October 4 Talladega Superspeedway FS1 5:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 26 Homestead-Miami Speedway FS1 Noon MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 1 Martinsville Speedway FS1 6:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 8 Phoenix Raceway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM

46) Lana Chrisman lanachrisman. Next Generation car show, 3rd Annual HRT West Coast Competition, Saturday, May 4, 2024, 9am-2pm, car registration $35, museum access, parking, goody bag, food ticket, raffle, guest speakers, live music, skills challenge.

47) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Kansas City Intl Raceway, Kansas City, Missouri, 1/4-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.
Kauai Raceway Park, Mana, Hawaii, 1/4-mile.
Kearney Raceway Park, Kearney, Nebraska, 1/4-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.
Kil-Kare Raceway, Xenia, Ohio, 1/4-mile. MENTIONED IN MY FATHER’S STORY.

48) Hidden Pioneers Bring you the Industry Leaders of today & tomorrow of Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Emeline King – First Black Female Designer for Ford Motor Company https://
drive.google.com/file/d/1s9ZBhpmYo60MBVj4iaVCTzZ7ACSd6YFS/view.

49) Thank you somuch for the support. It means a lot to me! My lifetime Volunteer Achievement medals. Blessings,
CSI Bill Montgomery. (Google the following for the presentation at SEMA headquarters) https://drive.google.com/file/

d/1qSfp0_nXYttYGC1JanUp28vODynLcQrd/view.

50) The RRDC Evening with Sir Jackie Stewart, Presented by Firestone will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel, 701 West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA, with cocktails at 6 pm, and dinner at 7:15 pm. Tickets are $325 per person ($275 for RRDC members) and space is limited. Tickets purchased after April 1 will cost $350 per person ($300 for RRDC members). Sponsor packages are also available. Please contact Tim McGrane at tmcgrane4. Tickets may be purchased at https://rrdc.org/events/#!event-list. About Firestone Racing: The Firestone brand has participated
in world-class motorsports events for more than a century, and racing has played an integral role in building and shaping Firestone into the time-tested, iconic brand it is today. From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

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

GOODGUYS DEL MAR 2006

GOODGUYS DEL MAR 2005

GOODGUYS POMONA 2004

52) Royce Rumsey just published “AutoGraphus.” Google roycer924_2.

53) I was a drag racing journalist for most of my adult life and through that, I met several Americans when they came to Australia, including Dave Wallace Jr and Steve and Gloria Gibbs. I remain good friends with Steve and Dave Wallace Jr and always stay at Dave’s place when I am visiting California. I also used to stay with PJ and Bernie Partridge when I came to LA. Met them through other American friends. I own the rebuilt Courtesy Chevrolet Special Gas dragster, once campaigned in the US, UK and Australia in the 1960’s and 1970’s by partners Bob Keith, Maurice Williamson and Gary Goodnight. Regards, Lex Swayn

54) It’s our time now as we get ready to go back to the Moon. Please get up to speed on our mission “Artemis” is here NOW! NASA info attached and below: WHO WE LOOK FOR. A US citizen or national who is at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment. A degree or certificate seeking student who is currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half time basis. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale. Be able to work at least 640 hours before completing degree/certificate requirements. Bill Montgomery, founder of the Hidden Pioneers, is at HiddenPioneers.

55) The Gumball Rally, round 1, 2/24/24 for the remaining 35 events were outstanding for Speedway motorcycle racing at the Industry Hills Expo Center. In a sport with machines powered by 500cc alcohol motors in a lightweight frame and no brakes every race has you sitting on the edge of your seat. I welcome all to visit the RAZ Video Facebook page and watch each race. Here is the link howie.

56) MAY 17-18, 2024, 38th Pacific Southwest Zone Show, Oldsmobile Club of America, Pismo Beach, Hilton Garden Inn.
MAY 17-18, 2024, Spring Fever Revival, Reno/Sparks, NV, limited to 400 1979 and older vehicles. For info: https://hot
augustnights.net/spring-fever-revival.
MAY 17-18, 2024, 44th San Luis Roadsters Run, San Luis Obispo, CA. Cruises, catered lunches, dinners, limited to 100 pre-1949 entries. For info: Sherm @ 805-441-3773 or sanluisroadsters.
MAY 17-19, 2024, Eagle Field Drags, 14th Fresno Dragways Reunion. 559-351-3537 or www.eaglefielddrags.com.
MAY 18, 2024, Castroville Party in the Plaza; 831-633-308.
MAY 18-19 El Mirage, www.scta-bni.org.
MAY 18-19, 2024, NORCAL Street Madness, Corvettes, Camaro’s and Classics, Woodland, CA.
MAY 24-26, 2024, 43rd Annual West Coast Kustom’s Cruisin’ Nationals, Santa Maria Fair Park. Friday night “Santa Maria City Cruise,” Saturday/Sunday Show ‘N Shine, Sunday only “Automotive Swap Meet,” hundreds of Pre-1965 customs & hot rods, roller rink, model car show, vendors, Hall of Fame induction, pin striping panel jam party & auction. Penny Pichette @ 951-488-0413 or www.westcoastkustoms.com.
MAY 25, 2024, Golden State Classics Car Show, downtown Paso Robles, Friday Pre-Show Party, Saturday Car Show, hosted by Golden State Classic Car Club. www.goldenstateclassics.org or 805-286-6408.
MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2024, 38th Annual Classic, Pismo Beach, 909-363-4682 or www.theclassicatpismobeach.com.
Sherm Porter is at fuely32.

57)I get to enjoy sitting back with a cup of coffee in the morning and catching up with what else is going on in the motorsport’s world. I just returned from Gainesville, each year since 1979, and have been sorting images all week, of the Don Garlit’s HOF banquet. It was great and getting to see lifetime friends is priceless. Please keep Steve Reyes in your prayers as diabetes kept him from joining us at Garlits’s HOF. He is and always has been a mentor of mine and I could not have photographed drag racing for 53 years, had it not been for Steve and a few others. Richard H. Shute, President, Auto Imagery, Inc, 5451 Avenida Encinas Ste D, Carlsbad CA, 92008. rhshute, & www.autoimagery.com.
RICHARD: The photo of your coffee mug brings back many memories of Orange County International Raceway.
AND: It was nice chatting with you at Nitro Revival while you and I were looking at Mr Scotts’ B&W portraits. Besides Steve Reyes, your dad and Leslie Lovett were the 2 folks that allowed me to earn a living commercially with NHRA. Someday I’ll tell you that story from 1980. Richard H Shute
RICHARD: I’m all ears and awaiting your story.

58) “KARTING” by Leroi Tex Smith. Review by Doug Stokes at stokes28doug for the Motorsports Newsletter.
Thanks for this opportunity to expand a bit on Leroi “Tex” Smith’s seminal and euphoniously titled book on Karting here in America called (of all things): “Karting.” First of all, this book, published originally in 1971 (my present copy is a 1978 third printing of this special little book) is (obviously) long out of print but still available from outfits like ABE Books (www.abe
books.com). Shop around (maybe even call AutoBooks over in Burbank to see if they a copy in their used book section).
“Karting” is a wonderful time capsule of a form of motorsports that was really starting to burgeon in the late 1970’s. There were manufacturers from coast to coast, Kart shops virtually in every metropolis (small and large), and Specialized Kart tracks springing up across the map of the US in quick order. (to be continued in the next issue)
DOUG: I promise never to say GO, GO, GO, GO, GO KART, EVER AGAIN. It’s KART or KARTING (PERIOD).

59) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Wally Parks’ story of his involvement in British Drag Racing – Part 1. Throughout his long career developing hot rodding and drag racing in the United States, Wally Parks kept a detailed journal relating his candid thoughts at the time. That journal was obtained and edited by his son Richard who has kindly given permission for Eurodragster.com to publish extracts from it relating to the period when British drag racing was being founded. The opinions are those of Wally, who is referred to by Richard as ‘Parks’ or occasionally ‘my father.’ This year is the 60th anniversary of the First British International Drag Festival and this part includes the British Hot Rod Association and their publication Kool Kams, the 1963 Yankee Invasion of England when Dean Moon and Dante Duce brought over the Mooneyes dragster and Mickey Thompson arrived unexpectedly with his AA/Fueller and the initial steps to organise the 1964 Drag Festival. See http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/

johnhunt.drnmail.com.

60) In 2013, Edsel B. Ford II was presented with the Keith Crain/Automotive News Lifetime Achievement Award for his achievements in the automotive industry with Ford Motor Company and was named the Landmark Award winner for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020. Just last month, he and his longtime friend and 1995 MSHFA inductee Roger Penske were inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He currently is the owner and chairman of Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, Michigan. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.

61) Founded in 1995 in Huntington Beach, California, by Brit Mick Jenkins, Mick’s Paint has developed into one of the leading and most respected body, fabrication and paint shops in the US Mick’s reputation for excellent attention to detail attracted high profile jobs for Buick, GM, Toyota, Hot Rods by Boyd Coddington, and the SO-CAL Speed Shop as well Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top. Vehicles painted at Mick’s include many award winners at the Pebble Beach Historic Concours D’elegance and three winners of the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award. Tony Thacker is at
tonythacker32 also see www.dragstalgia.co.uk.

62) May 17-25, 2024, in May, the Petersen Automotive Museum will have its inaugural International Rally which will take place in some of the world’s most coveted automotive destinations, providing a one-of-a-kind experience to an intimate group of participants. The first of a new International Rally series will take place in Italy and the South of France: ten days of highly curated experiences and exclusive access to the very best of the European landmarks, factories, collections, venues and culinary experiences. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.

63) EDITOR: The following is serialized. The Mehlenbacher Family and the Kohler Dragway (AKA Super Boss Dragway, and Cayuga 1320 Dragway). “Bruce Mehlenbacher continues to manage this company today. Among other ventures in the early 2000’s, Bruce worked with motorsports drivers, in roles such as public relations for Frank Kimmel, the most successful driver in ARCA history, and also Carl Spiering Motorsports. Bruce also became Executive Director of Development for Fastline Motorsports, Team Manager for Northern Force Racing and Executive Director of Development with Tara MacLeod Racing.” Bruce F. Mehlenbacher is at Bruce.

64) Thank you for a fine article and for sending it to me. “For an article on sportsmanship and how to play the game with humility and honor google: https://open.substack.com/pub/troytexx/p/beyond-the-game-lessons-in-humanity?utm_
campaign=post&utm_medium=web.” Sent in by Mike Dobrin and Dave Wallace Jr.

65) Richard, nice to meet you via email even if not face to face. I have known Rod (and Carol) Hadfield for many years, though I haven’t seen him for the best 10 or 15 years. They live (as far as I know) in Castlemaine, which is about 600 miles south of where I live, in the state of Victoria. I am likely to be your old contact on drag racing history in Sydney. I have a number of files of your history of your dad which you sent to me about two to three years ago. I signed up for your newsletters at the time but have not seen any in a while. Regards, David Cook
DAVID: I wonder how I lost your email address. Yes, it is Castlemaine, and when I mentioned Castlereagh, I must have been watching too many YouTube English Medieval History videos (some of my favorites). I’ve put you on my list and here is the past week’s newsletter. I have a source in Western Australia and now in Eastern Australia. Please send me news for the newsletter. Are you referring to the 7 emails, each containing 6 volumes of data?

66) Know your motorsports personality. Jessica Fickenscher is the chief experience officer at Speedway Motorsports. In this role, Fickenscher develops new Fans First initiatives and continues improving the sports entertainment company’s best-in-class fan experiences. Compiled from Epartrade.
AND: Jason Dienhart, President and CEO of Global Time Attack, and Super Lap Battle, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90, Late Shift. EPARTRADE team.
AND: Melissa Eickhoff, the Executive Director of the second oldest motorsports race in America, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90, Late Shift. From: EPARTRADE team and Hal Canode at hcanode.

67) Boy, that last newsletter was a lot to read. Just dropped the 427 into the Valkyrie. Hope all is well. Spencer Simon
SPENCER: Send me news from NorCal from time to time
READERS: Spencer Simon wrote articles for my old “Society of Land Speed Racing Historians Newsletters.”

68) The Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both amateur and professional levels. The Club’s membership includes leading industry professionals, race officials and motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names. In 2011, the RRDC launched a free on-line training seminar – SAFEisFAST.com – featuring RRDC members and other industry experts in high-quality videos covering subjects from physical and mental preparation to driving techniques, driver safety to car setup and sponsorship. From: Judy Stropus jstropus.

69) Hi guys, I’ve attached pictures showing the 1929 Ford Roadster Jack had stored in the shed in the front yard. He bought it in 1976, I think. Our son, John, has done a lot of work on it. It turns over but still need some work. John added a Duke Hallock windshield and a bunch of other goodies his dad would have done. Come on over and see it. Gene Barbee knows more stuff about it, so you can ask him when you see him next. Please share with anyone you might think would be interested in buying it. Thank you. Nita Underwood
READERS: Jack Underwood (remember the stories on Jack’s Garage?) owned two roadsters which he drove to shows, El Mirage and other places. The numbers of land speed and other racers who ventured to Jack’s Garage is huge. Jack was one of many who inspired me to start writing and because of it both Jack and I were inducted into the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame in the Historian class. (My father and brother were inducted too). Photos of the car available through Jack’s wife. Nita is also a fantastic artist and landscape painter. Her son is a master glass-blowing artist.

70) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “Rebels Without Applause, Sportsman Modified and Late Model Racing 1938-1949,” by Greg Fielden. “The Ghost Racetracks of Portland, Oregon,” by Bob Kehoe and Ralph Hunt. “Fast Memories, Springfield Speedway 1947-1987,” by Joyce Standridge and Terry Young. “Echoes of Thunder in the Hills, Photographic Memories of 1960’s Auto Racing in Southeastern Ohio and Adjoining West Virginia,” by Tony Martin.

71) Cindy & Tom Brenneman attended the February 23rd SEMA Youth Conference and represented two of Orange County Car Clubs best. They hold down the city and have much respect in the community over the years of car culture. Good people to know and they will be joining SEMA’s membership separately. Bill Montgomery

72) Combined World of Outlaws and High Limit Sprint Car Schedules/Date/Track/City/Series.
11/6/2024 The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Concord, North Carolina (Outlaws)
11/7/2024 The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Concord, North Carolina (Outlaws)
11/8/2024 The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Concord, North Carolina (Outlaws)
11/9/2024 The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Concord, North Carolina (Outlaws)

73)John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group.
http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/denis_jenkinson/default.asp.
http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/brian_david_john_john/default.asp.
http://www.eurodragstereventcoverage.com/features/brian_sparrow/default.asp. John Hunt is at
johnhunt.drn.

74) BLAST FROM THE PAST … From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. Bessie Aurelia Ravenscroft was born on December 31, 1891, in Kansas, and passed away on October 31, 1933, at the age of 41, at her home on Dearborn Street, South Gate, in Los Angeles County, California. Bessie was my grandmother and the mother of Wallace Gordon Parks (aka Wally). My father and his mother were very close. She was very artistic and musical and although my father did not pursue music or art as a vocation, he did love music (Jazz was his favorite) and art (he studied under a professional artist) and had many artistic hobbies.

75) Raymond Henri Dietrich: Automotive Architect of the Classic Era & Beyond, written by Nicah Stewart Furman.
Raymond H. Dietrich was a Classic Coachbuilder from California. Originally written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Nicah Stewart Furman, PhD and placed under copyright in 1961, this revised, comprehensive and entertaining biography of famous classic car designer Raymond H. Dietrich is an accurate record of his life and times based upon records and interviews unavailable to others. A book signing will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024, at Autobooks-Aerobooks,
manager which is located at 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, 818-845-0707.

76) Join us to cheer 60 years of the Ford Mustang at the Segerstrom/Shelby Event Center, located at 5 Whatney, Irvine CA 92618. Mustang Anniversary Wine Tasting celebration, April 17, 2024, from 2pm to 4pm. Reservations are required, $60 per attendee. Segerstrom/Shelby Museum Raeliz56.

77) Alex Berg Racing Newsletter #58, abjr. 2024 Racing plans March 16th, 2024, Daventry, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. Hello everyone in the Berg Brigade, I am incredibly happy to finally announce that I will be racing in the 2024 ROKiT British F4 Championship with Fortec Motorsports. The winter has been long, and very frustrating at times, but the hard work from myself and my partners have made it all worth it. This next step in my career is a vital one. I will be leaving on March 23rd to participate in my first test days with the team at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland. Alex Berg

78) Book review, City of Speed: Los Angeles and the rise of American Racing, by Joe Scalzo. Reviewed by Doug Stokes.
The book bears witness in no uncertain terms, with typical Scalzo argot (e.g. “One was the fumbling Cal Bailey who, under the pretense of purchasing Lance’s gullwing Benz, was actually hatching a plan to kidnap Reventlow for ransom”). Lance Reventlow was Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton’s only child and the ‘rich kid’ who concocted the amazingly beautiful ‘Scarab’ racing sports cars in the 1960’s.Joe Scalzo’s book covers the full panoply of auto racing and auto building in Los Angeles from the earliest board track (huge, bowl-shaped, high-banked, mile-long, raceways made of thousands upon thousands of wooden 2×4’s laid end to end). To sending more cars and more drivers to the annual 500-mile race that any ten other towns in the USA. (to be continued in the next issue of the Motorsports Newsletter)

79) Calling on all Boat Racers, where is the boating news. Bob Silva,Jim Wilkes, Jerry Norek, Ron Armstrong, John Sherin, Bob Senior and other boat guys please send me news. That also goes for airplane and Go-Kart racers too. Have I forgot anyone? Snowplow, tractor pulls, motocross, speedway bike, motorcycle and anything powered by an engine.

80) Yes, I did receive the recent newsletter. I work in Sydney, Australia and am the State Delegate for the Dry Lakes Racers Australia (DLRA) as well as the Rule Book Co-Ordinator. As you probably know our salt was cancelled a couple of weeks ago due to some late rai. Bummer, I know. Keep sending your newsletter as I pass it on to the club. Gary Satara
GARY: Please send news of land speed time trials in Australia. Some of our American land speed racers have raced at Lake Gairdner and would like to hear about what Aussie land speeders are doing.

81) I read every one of your posts. Over the years we have developed many great relationships with California racers. We started going in circles in the late 1950’s in south Florida. Competition engines have always been my main interest. Cars, boats, airplanes and motorcycles and perhaps something else over the years. Thank you for all the effort you put into your newsletter. Cecil Stevens, Illusions Engine Development, 704-798-8242, cecil.

82) For anyone who wants a copy of The Nitro Mash, send your request to rossgallagher and I will send it to them. Ross Gallagher

83) I talked to Chuck Finders Jr recently and he’s asking guys to email a little something about Chuck Finders cars or memories so his late Dad can be nominated for the next International Drag Racing Hall of Fame next year. He was involved with many Gassers through the years including KS Pittman, Stone/Woods & Cook, Hill Brothers, Hambers &Mitchell
Willys to name a few. Also, Ron Bizio’s 1933 Willys. Nominations are being accepted now; send your letter to Chuck Keppel at chuck. Thanks, Jeff Cryan and Hal Canode (hcanode).

84) To DWjr: Do you think my 1100 newsletter numbers is a match for your DRAG NEWS yet? What were your inflated numbers back in the day? I had 5500 on the Boat Racers Newsletter once and that took me a month to email out because I wouldn’t pay the extra dough to be a professional flammer. Richard Parks (Eidatator)
BRUTHA BLACKIE (SHEEP): Sore subject for a misled, naive Drag News editor (1975-77). After publisher Doris Herbert assured me that circulation was 100,000+, trusting editor dutifully reported that number in an editorial column that Doris personally typed into her antiquated 1950s typesetting system. Advertisers had been given that figure for years, with ad rates set accordingly. I had no reason to question my boss.
READERS: The insightful Dave Wallace Jr will continue his woes of being an editor in the following weeks to come.

85) My thanks to Heather Black! As the forwarded email explains, the Japanese American National Museum is looking for a copy of the August 1949 RTA program to borrow for a 2025 exhibit on Japanese American car culture in Southern California. While Japanese American racers were part of both SCTA and RTA events from that era, the August 1949 RTA event may have had the largest critical mass of Japanese American racers participating. This list comes from Jim Miller at the AHRF who used to have a scanned version of the program from 20 years ago; we’ve actually spoken to the children of several of the people listed here:
Nob S. Hori, Rotors #327
Motor Nakasako, Turtles #368ƒ
Kei Nitta, Turtles #373
Tatsuo Sueda, Rod Riders #533
Yoke Kuromi, turtles #370
Mas Kakibi, Turtles #347
Harry Maeda, A.R.C. American Racing Club) #105
H. Tsukashima, Turtles #372
Frank Ige, Rotors #418
It’s been a real needle in the haystack search for this program but I’m hoping someone out there has it in their collection. The Museum made a bid on the spring 2023 auction for the last copy to show up on eBay but missed out. Thanks!
Oliver Wang, cars@janm.org
Project Curator, Japanese American National Museum Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community