Motorsports Newsletter 5/15/24

36) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include:

“The American Speed Shop,” by Bob McClurg. “Arnie ‘The Farmer’ Beswick,” by Dean Fait. “Mopar Factory Drag Cars, Dodge & Plymouth’s Quarter-Mile Domination 1962-1972,” by Steve Holmes. “I Was a NASCAR Redneck, Recollections

of the Transformation of a Yankee farm boy to a Southern Redneck in the Golden Era of NASCAR and Beyond,” by Will Conkrite, foreword by H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler. “Inside Herman’s World,” by Kenny Wallace with Joyce Standridge.

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37) Royce Rumsey just published “Die Giester von Luft / Wasser.” The Porsche “Luftgekülhture” is an automotive phenomenon in itself, and it fairly demands dedicated, imagery of a special and specter nature. Capacious OCFair parking lots hosted multiple generations of both luft and wasser Porsches. The 10th year of Luftgekühlt and 2nd year of Air/Water marked its initial appearance in Orange County with Air/Water taking place at the Orange County Fairgrounds. And the Orange County Porsche community, arguably one of the world’s most celebrated, responded accordingly with over 1000 cars and 11,000 attending participants. For the complete article and photographs go to https://roycer924.exposure.co/

die-giester-von-luft-wasser. Royce can be reached at roycer924_2@mac.com.

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38) Cars & Coffee, Saturday, October 5, 2024, 9am to 11 am. Custom Celebration hosted by Cambra Speed Shop, Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9am to 2 pm, family fun, food, live music, drawing, registration $35 go to www.lionsauto

mobilia.org. From Lana Chrisman at LanaChrisman@LionsAutomobilia.org.

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39) ABB FIA Formula E World Championship/Date/Country/Venue

13 January 2024 Mexico City, Mexico.

26-27 January 2024 Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

10 February 2024 Hyderabad, India.

16 March 2024 Sao Paulo, Brazil.

30 March 2024 Tokyo, Japan.

13-14 April 2024 Italy TBD

27 April 2024 Monaco Race, Monaco.

11-12 May 2024 Berlin, Germany.

25-26 May 2024 Shanghai, China.

29-30 June 2024 Portland, United States.

20-21 July 2024 London, Great Britain.

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40) Hal Canode Trading Card: “Hal Canode, Marion, Indiana. I started racing in 1963 with a 1940 Willys B/Gas. In 1975 I started building Dragsters and Funny Cars and raced top alcohol dragsters for 25 years. In June 2021 I received a

Lifetime Achievement Award at Bowling Green, Kentucky from the National Hot Rod Association for years of faithful dedication to serving the interests of others on behalf of the entire Hot Rod fraternity. In 2024 I will be racing my 1933 Willys AA/GS powered by a supercharged Chrysler Hemi. It will be my 61st year of racing.”

     HAL: I like the idea of trading cards and mentioned it to the NHRA just recently. Do you remember the drag racing trading cards that came out in 1995 or so? I have boxes of them.

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41) KNOW YOUR MOTORSPORTS PERSONALITY: Preston Osborn, Competition Director of America Rally Association. Osborn’s role includes managements over a broad range of series and event competition, including the development and implementation of new technologies. Compiled from Epartrade.

     Judy Kean, Co-Founder, EPARTRADE,

     Francisque Savinien, Founder & CEO, EPARTRADE.

     Hear from Adrian Newey & Bobby Rahal. Undoubtedly the most successful designer in Formula 1 history, Adrian Newey, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Adrian shared the stage with Bobby Rahal. Hosted by Chris Medland of RACER.com. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.

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42) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois.

Medicine Hat Dragstrip, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, 1/4-mile.

Mid-Michigan Motorplex, Stanton, Michigan, 1/4-mile.

Mid-America Dragway, Arkansas City, Kansas, 1/4-mile.

Mid-America Raceway Park, Montgomery, Missouri, 1/4-mile.

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43) When the CART IndyCar Series came to the streets of Toronto, ET brought his track announcing experience to The Molson Indy from the first race in 1986, as track announcer. Erik Tomas’ auto racing passion turned into a full-time gig as anchor, producer, writer, and affiliate relations for the Raceline Radio Network, starting in 1992. Erik was Canada’s lone full-time auto racing broadcast journalist, and Raceline Radio remained Canada’s only nationally syndicated motorsport radio program until Erik retired from professional broadcasting in December 2023.  He dedicated 48 years to sports broadcasting and 31 years to the Raceline Radio Network. The Network comprised affiliates in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Hamilton, and Niagara/Western New York State. Many affiliates aired Raceline Radio twice weekly, with an additional audience obtained through podcasts. Total weekly audiences exceeded 175,000 listeners. 2023 marked the 31st Anniversary of The Raceline Radio Network. From Bruce F.  Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA),

Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

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44) Trailblazers Banquet – April 6, 2024. Only given every few years a special President Award was given to Irv Seaver BMW. Accepting the award was this year’s Dick Hammer Award recipient, David Aldana along with the company’s owner Evan Bell, his son Brian and daughter Elain. Aldana relayed he worked at Irv Seaver as a teenager still in high school. “It was my first job, and I made the minimum wage of $1.25 an hour,” he jokingly told. From Howie Zechner at

howie@razvideo.com. (to be continued)

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45) I am assembling the DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper (DCCP), akin to the MAD Magazine for drag racing. To support this endeavor, I am seeking advertisers and sponsors. For pricing details, such as $50 for a business card spot or $500 for a full 17×11 page, please reach out to me. The DCCPs are distributed at numerous car shows within goodie bags, featured in the Bin exchange at SEMA, and available at Pomona and Bakersfield races, among others. Advertise your business or car event with us. ‘The DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper’ finest in automotive humor. Connect with hot rod and drag racing fans.

Your advertisement seen by an engaged audience. Full page $500 8.3”X11.7.” Half page $325 5.8”X8.3.” Quarter page $215 4.1”X5.8.” Eighth page $160 2.9”X4.1,” and business card $70 BC SPECIAL $50. Robin Millar at 310-529-1831 or

Millarkey@aol.com.

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46) Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races, by Harold Osmer and Phil Harms (serialized review) was first published in 1999 by Harold L. Osmer Publishing, PO Box 4741, Chatsworth, California 91313. There were only 200 books published in the original printing.  To find this book, check with Doug Stokes at Autobooks/Aerobooks at 818-845-0707, and give the ISBN# 0-9659533-1-9. Osmer and Harms also had access to the photographic collections of Chuck Groninga at Red Lion Racing, Brian Blain, Carmen Schroeder, Lindley Bothwell, Herald Examiner Newspaper, Los Angeles Public Library and the Security Pacific Collection. The price is $29.95, but since it is in a limited edition, the book will be valuable as a collector’s item of early auto racing memorabilia. The cover design and artwork was done by Neil Nissing. Phil Harms and Harold Osmer wrote the Preface, explaining the origins of auto racing. Harold Osmer is at program@hopublishing.

com (to be continued)

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47) Darryl Bassani, Celebration of Life for 4/28/24. Dedication, dreamer, designer, and doer only scrap the surface of an amazing man who loved good food and drink, loud music, fun with friends and motorcycles. Born in Staten Island, New York on December 12, 1944, the family moved to California in 1963. Engineering school, racing motorcycles Darryl liked the Golden State and the lifestyle it offered. Two stroke engines were the craze and Darryl became a regular at the local TT and motocross tracks. Like most racers he was always searching for more power. Darryl bought several aftermarket exhaust pipes but felt they were all lacking. The unknown of what makes a man think he can build a better mouse trap is a question that has no answer, but Darryl believed he could design and build an exhaust that performed better than the other pipes on the market. No money, no shop, no clue, were just minor issues, in his mind he thought it would be easy. Howie Zechner,

howie@razvideo.com. (continued)

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48) TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1988, SPORTS Copyright 1988/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY JIM MURRAY. Reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. Dan Gurney

     Dan Gurney not only teed it up at Indy with the best and toughest of American drivers, but he was also in a large sense responsible for the rear-engine revolution there. The circumstances were that Dan Gurney not only drove in the 1962 race, he paid the fare for the English designer, Colin Chapman, to go to the Speedway and investigate the possibility of putting a Ford power plant in a Lotus chassis. They made history. The next year, Chapman returned with two Lotus-Fords. Gurney piloted one and Clark the other. Clark finished second, Gurney seventh, and Indy racing was never the same again. “It didn’t take Einstein to realize engines should be in the rear.” From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurray

foundation.ccsend.com or murrayscholars@aol.com. (to be continued)

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49) Royce Rumsey just published Scheunenfund. “Steve Schmidt werk (work)” can be found at the Air/Water Millennial Barn exhibit. After a full decade of phenomenal growth and becoming a (if not THE) premiere Porsche enthusiast event organization, “Luftgekühlture” finally arrived in Orange County with Air/Water24 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The Centennial Farm Air/Water exhibit with survivor and restored Porsche’s part of the Fairgrounds includes the 3-acre Centennial working farm. replete with the Millennium Barn. Accordingly, the Luftgekühlt burghers made sure that an important part of the selected exhibits included some of the legendary Porsches on the farm and at the barn.” For the full articles and photos go to https://roycer924.exposure.co/scheunenfund or Royce at roycer924_2@mac.com. 

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50) Michael Dale was President of Jaguar North America from 1990-2000, responsible for British Leyland’s and Jaguar North America’s racing activities, which involved joining forces with Group 44 to achieve numerous SCCA National Championships and bringing Jaguar back to its racing roots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. From: Judy Stropus

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51) The logo for the Binghamton Racing Drivers Club (BARC) established in 1958. The original four members would become known as The BARC Boys when attending sports car races. Dave Nicholas After the BARC Boys spent several years on the road, Dave Nicholas decided to get more deeply involved in racing but from behind the wheel. He had learned quite a bit in his “outdoor classroom” by watching and listening to two local racing heroes, Bob Butcher and Sherm Decker at many events. In 1963 Nicholas purchased a new MGA MKII Competition from a local dealer and entered his first event, a hillclimb at Keene, NY. In 1964 he earned his SCCA license at Watkins Glen and participated in his first road race finishing second in class (F Production). From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).

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52) TEAM HIDDEN PIONEERS PROPOSED SHOW SCHEDULE 2024 HIDDEN PIONEERS PLANNED NATIONWIDE TOUR: This Nationwide series will allow us to reach more schools & students in America! We have been working with NHRA’s YES (Youth and Educational Services) program for the California events and they have been really good. We are ready to take this Nationwide to help get more T & T Lab classes back into our schools. Thanks CSI Bill Montgomery at Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

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53) Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, will receive the 10th annual IMRRC Cameron R. Argetsinger Award at a gala presented by Sahlen’s, NASCAR, Watkins Glen International and IMSA, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The dinner and presentation will be held prior to the running of the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen event, September 11-15, at Watkins Glen International. The International Motor Racing Research Center returns to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, to present the award to Brown, in recognition of his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing. Established in 2014, the CRA Award had been presented at gala events at the CMOG through 2019, honoring such legends of the sport as Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family and Bobby Rahal. From: Judy Stropus jvstropus@gmail.com.

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54) Recollections of the Last Drag Race by Carl Olson. “My recollections of the Last Drag Race at Lions included much more than just winning in Top Fuel. Some of my most vivid recollections include; So many race cars that the pits were jammed to the max. There were even a few cars that had to pit along the return road, ’cause there just wasn’t another square inch of space in the pit area. So many spectators that the Sheriff made Steve Evans close the gates at around 6 pm. No problem for those locked out, though; they just pushed over the chain-link fences, and swarmed in like ants. Security initially tried to stem the tide, but quickly threw up their hands and walked away. I don’t know how many fans attended the Last Drag Race without purchasing tickets, but it would have to have been in the thousands. Suffice to say the place was packed like a can of Sardines.” For the full article and photos go to https://www.draglist.com/artman/publish/

daily_stories/article_001830.shtml. Sent in by Bob Small.

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55) Sir Jackie Stewart Honored by RRDC at Long Beach. A “live” painting created in the first two hours of the evening by renowned artist Bill Patterson depicting Stewart’s career from 1965 to 1973, featuring his 1965 BRM and 1973 Tyrrell F1 race cars, signed by Stewart, was auctioned off, fetching $26,000. As bidding between two individuals progressed, auctioneer Leigh Diffey offered up a second matching painting, with the approval of the artist, upping the bid for two paintings to $52,000. Top bidders? Mario Andretti! and Scott Borchetta! A silent auction was also held of a number of racing images signed by Stewart. The stage banner, displayed behind Stewart and Rahal. and the canvas prints of Stewart’s Tyrrell F1 car were created by Paul Laguette, whose mother-in-law suffers from dementia. This, and his love of the sport, inspired Laguette to produce these pieces. From: Judy Stropus

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56) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). Another touching moment was to see Daniel Lloyd and his parents, as at the 2000 Goodwood Event, Daniel was 6 years old, and we put him into the seat of the Old Yeller II as his father watched. Daniel went home and said, “Mum, please make some cupcakes for my friends!” The next day, Daniel brought cupcakes and we stayed in touch through the many years. This year, Daniel came with his parents and girlfriend, along with his Mum’s freshly baked Tea Bread to keep the touching tradition alive and well! Daniel is now an International Motorsports Journalist, priceless again! Sunday Race: The Old Yeller II was difficult with under and oversteering handling issues, and I had to watch my mirrors with over half of the drivers being fast hired guns. Pro and Semi-Pro drivers for the owners of the mega-million-dollar race cars. From Ernie & Elaine Nagamatsu at etnracer

@gmail.com (to be continued).

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57) REVIEW: “FAST FORDS: 50 Years Up Close and Personal with Ford’s Finest,” by Jeremy Walton, now available in US $75, Canadian $100. ISBN: 978-1-910505-83-0. Format: 8.3in x 10.6in. Hardback. Page extent: 408. Illustration: 300 photos. The famed British journalist downloads his lifetime experiences of high-performance driving to provide this colorful and informative study of the finest Fast Fords. In over 50 years as a renowned motoring journalist and racing driver, Walton has driven hundreds of performance cars, but Fords have always been prominent among them and particularly close to his heart. www.evropublishing.com. From: jvstropus@gmail.com.

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58) This Week on Cars Yeah, Mark Greene will interview Deb Pollack, David Lichter, photographer Larry Chen, and Wesley Smith. Cars Yeah is at mark@carsyeah.com, or mailing address Cars Yeah, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332.

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59) BENETTON: Rebels of Formula 1, by Damien Smith. Damien has been a motorsport journalist for nearly 30 years. An award-winning former editor of Motor Sport and editor-in-chief of Autosport, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, he has trawled paddocks from Monaco to Pembrey, Indianapolis to Lydden Hill, and just about everywhere else in between. Today, he works as a freelance contributor to Motor Sport, Autosport and more, and also writes a weekly column as motor sport editor of Autocar. Damien has four children and lives in Wallasey, Merseyside, England. From Judy Stropus or www.

evropublishing.com.

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60) KNOW YOUR MOTORSPORTS PERSONALITY: Dicky Riegel, President and CEO of Lime Rock Park. Brooke Bond, Motorsport Manager, Bosch US Motorsport. Jeff Hammond and Brad Gillie of SiriusXM, Channel 90, and Joe Castello of WFO Radio. Compiled from Epartrade.

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61) You can race on a real racecourse. Available at the following Tracks 1.2 Miles and Larger Atlanta Motor Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Darlington Raceway Homestead/Miami Speedway Kansas Speedway Kentucky Speedway Michigan International Speedway Nashville Superspeedway Texas Motor Speedway World Wide Technology Raceway.

From: Rusty Wallace Racing Experience support@racewithrusty.com.

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62) The SCTA is really internet deficient. While they did list the event dates, they really need to boost interest in events and spectators. Could you do an event boost for it? We will be there for 3 days next week. Friday tech, Saturday and Sunday racing. Where can you go where you can camp on the edge of the course for $14 a carload? The party is every night and every day, bring your kids! No pit passes here, the entire event is open to everyone. El Mirage dry (sometimes) lake. Tim Lewis zooterincm@aol.com. 

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63) F1 Miami Grand Prix notebook: Horner, Trump make waves in South Florida. See what happens when Donald Trump makes surprise visit to McLaren F1 garage in Miami. Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg sets Formula 1 record for futility Miami Grand Prix marked record number of starts without F1 victory. Celebrating Nico Hulkenberg: the 19 F1 drivers with the most career starts without a win, Hulkenberg, who made his 209th career start this weekend in Miami, is one of three Formula 1 drivers with Haas connections in the top 5 of winless warriors on this all-time list. From: Autoweek Racing Daily autoweek@newsletter.autoweek.com and Don Smith.

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64) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized)

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65) The Induction Ceremony, which was sold out for the Class of 2024 celebration, will be preceded the night before on Monday, March 10, by the traditional “Heroes of Horsepower” reception and strolling dinner at the MSHFA Museum on the grounds of Daytona International Speedway. PNC Bank sponsored this year’s Heroes of Horsepower reception that was another sellout event. Daytime events include the annual Inductee Welcome Luncheon on Monday, presented by Firestone for the Class of 2023, and the annual Inductee Brunch on Tuesday morning. 2024’s Historic inductees will be ushered into the MSHFA as a featured highlight of the brunch, which was sponsored by American Honda this year. Through last month’s Class of 2024 induction, 297 Heroes of Horsepower are currently in the MSHFA, a number that will grow to 306 with the 37th Induction Class. From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.

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66) Ice Speedway Racing History: Their reaction times were just not competitive any longer. These specially designed, extremely sharp edged, directional ice racing studs can be “tuned” by riders and their mechanics to achieve excellent “side bite” for cornering and “forward drive” for straightaway and starting line traction. The Kold Kutter stud was so exceptional that once the riders got used to them, they were amazed to realize better traction than they could achieve racing their bikes on the summertime dirt tracks! The newest mandatory stud to be instituted by ICE on January 1, 1991, are “Silver Rockets Racing Studs.” They offer the best of all worlds for indoor ice racing and outdoor ice racing where ice wear is a consideration. The absolute most traction available with the least possible amount of ice wear, just what the doctor ordered. http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_racing.html (to be continued)

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67) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. Third place Am-class honors went to Tobias Lutke and Travis Hill in the #22 TWOth Autosport Ligier JS P3. After an uncontested Am-class win in the Sebring opener, TWOth and its drivers welcomed the competition at Road Atlanta where they left with the Am-class championship points lead. Next up on the HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA schedule is a 90-minute race part of HSR’s Classic 6 Hour at Watkins Glen International race weekend, June 6-9.

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68) May 24, 2024, Movie Night: 2 Fast 2 Furious 7 PM-10 PM. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org.

Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036.

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69) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)

     Finally, the great man himself took the microphone and though he was in a wheelchair, his voice was still strong and full of life, and he regaled the audience with his wit and charm. “It’s been a lot of fun listening to all you racers,” he said. The audience was quiet as Miller continued, “all these guys were always trying to beat me, with my reputation and all, and getting me into trouble,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “The police gave his mother a ticket for me, and she boxed my ears. It was 3 dollars or 3 days in the pokey in those days, and we always opted for the pokey. Money was really worth something in those days.” Miller spoke about the good old days of hot rodding and teased all those that had teased him at his tribute. Then he became serious and said, “If you want to know about the early days in hot rodding, go talk to my good friend Wally Parks,” and with that he handed the microphone back to Dick Martin and received a standing ovation.  (to be continued)

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70) Ed “ISKY” Iskenderian, a Hidden Pioneer at the STEM & RIM Cars & Coffee, interviewed by Hollywood actor Rodney Allen Rippy, June 14, 2021. Ed “ISKY” Iskenderian, Aka the Camfather, at age 99. Ed is still making appearances and he was the VIP special guest at the Hidden Pioneers 1st STEM & RIM Cars & Coffee hosted by 360PRODUCTS. Special thanks to our friends & supporters who made the day special: Joe Leicht representing Hagerty Classic Car Insurance, “Hot Rod Holly” Ansman, “Mad Mike” Martin, DJ Kriss FM, Mr Daniels with his amazing Helms Bread truck. See the video at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggZwATpm_mY. Sent in by Bill Montgomery.

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71) “How to Support Racing Drivers on the Developments Ladder. Helping Future Stars Today.” Beth Paretta, Paretta Autosport, Hannah Greenemeier, Hannah Greenemeier Racing, and Toni Calderon, Maximo Capital and RAFA Racing Club, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.

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72) Please support the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Coordinated by Lincoln Community Foundation, this fundraising event is a chance for Lincoln and Lancaster County to join together to support the incredible work of more than 450 local nonprofit organizations. Every donation makes a bigger impact on Give to Lincoln Day because nonprofits also get a proportional share of a $650,000 challenge match fund made possible by LCF and generous sponsors. The museum has been one of the country’s top destinations for automotive racing history and excitement. Your donation will help preserve and highlight the thrilling past of American racing and car culture, including historic cars, motorcycles, engines, pedal cars, automotive toys, and memorabilia. With your generosity, we can continue to inspire visitors of all ages, educate future generations, and keep the engines of innovation roaring. Tim Matthews, Museum Curator, museumstaff

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73) The remaining NHRA YES (Youth & Education Services) events the Hidden Pioneers plan to support. 2024 NHRA

Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Season Schedule. June 27-30, 2024, 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio. To purchase or renew tickets, please visit www.nhra.com. Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

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74) Another can’t miss Feature Race event is the Third Annual “Gene Felton Memorial Challenge” for HSR Group 8 Historic Stock Cars. Honoring the late driving star Gene Felton – the 2019 Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty Grand Marshal – the Memorial Challenge features a pair of races for HSR Historic Stock Cars with the winner determined by total points from both events. In addition to receiving a special race winner’s trophy, a plaque bearing the winning driver’s name is placed on The Lanier Technical College Gene Felton Trophy. Former NASCAR star “Front Row” Joe Nemechek and NEMCO Motorsports are the two-time reigning Gene Felton Memorial Challenge winners and look to keep their undefeated streak going this weekend. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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75) Thanks to all who’ve taken time to watch Main Event videos over these past many years. This is the first time in 40 years I resurface to express sincere appreciation for your support and that every show converted to HD is Free to watch for a year. YouTube Links follow this personal outreach. Because you guys are the ones that truly made our success, a memoir of my excursion into that nitro world reads how it all happened. Randy Fish co-writes. It’s a massive project that will require funding. A GoFundMe for donations is up now to fund the project. (GFM link below-the following is serialized, to be continued). Dean Papadeas maineventvideo@earthlink.net.

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76) The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will have four overall qualifying sessions, for the 24th annual Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance on May 17-19, 2024. The four qualifying sessions adds an extra run, on Friday, as fans will get to see a pair of qualifying runs each day in all four professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle), as well as the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday. From: NHRA nhracommunications@nhra.com.

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77) The Engine Builder Hall of Fame have inducted 8 engine builders in the Inaugural selection. There are 4 categories: Pre WW-II Race Era inductees will honor Ed Winfield and Harry Miller; the Post WW-II Race Era inductees are Vic Edelbrock Sr and Ed Iskenderian; the 1960’s-1970’s Race Era inductees will honor Ed Pink and Holman & Moody; Finally, the 1980’s-1990’s Race Era inductees will include Bob Glidden and John Lingenfelter. The Engine Builder Hall of Fame Executive Committee includes Ben Strader, Billy Godbold, Jeff Smith, John Callies, Lake Speed Jr, Ron Shaver, and Paul “Scooter” Brothers. The Engine Builder Hall of Fame is sponsored by iCON, Edelbrock, Total Seal and Comp Cams.

From: Dimitri Elgin dema@elgincams.com.

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78) Main Event’s impact in the Drag Racing world is somewhat known. But there’s a ton that isn’t known as I point out below. That said, I write my memoir for reasons like these: My 38-year-old “CLOSE CALLS,” The soul of Don Garlits, got over 1,000,000 YouTube views. For over for 3 decades TV car and race cameramen have copied Main Event’s notoriously inventive camera style: NATIONAL DRAGSTER’S Senior Editor Chris Martin dubbed them “Swoopy Shots,” and it stuck. I knew these shots executed with fluidity would inject lensmen with eyeball-popping visuals that would have major

ramifications. Like becoming the standard in hand-held cinematography in all forms of TV racing. A fact noted by print media. Dean Papadeas maineventvideo@earthlink.net. (to be continued).

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79) This year’s Chicago race is again loaded with standouts and huge nitro fields, as Millican looks to repeat his Chicago victory. He’ll be met with plenty of top-tier challengers, including points leader Ashley, Top Fuel rookie Tony Stewart, defending world champion Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown and Brittany Force. In Funny Car, Austin Prock’s debut season in the category has been a success and the points leader will aim for his first Chicago victory against the likes of J.R. Todd, Las Vegas winner Bob Tasca III, Funny Car legend John Force, Cruz Pedregon, Alexis DeJoria and reigning world champ Matt Hagan. Pro Stock legend Greg Anderson has already won twice in 2024, taking the points lead into Chicago. From: National Hot Rod Association nhracommunications@nhra.com.

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80) Trailblazers Banquet – April 6, 2024. Next each winner of the four motorcycles display classes was announced and called on stage to receive a trophy and tell a little about their machines. They were: Best of Show: Bob Spicer – 1966 BSA Titanium 500 MX factory racer ridden by Jeff Smith. One of three ever built : Trailblazers Spirit Award: Clyde Williams – Authentic Norton Dirt Track race bike – ridden at Ascot by David Aldana and others : Tom White Competition Award: Jim Odom – Yamaha 250cc TD1-C flat track race bike : People’s Choice Award: Lee Fabry – 100cc Hodaka roadracer – restored race bike that was one of four motorcycles that Don Emde rode in So Cal club races in 1969 when he won the overall AFM #1 for most combined points. Originally a stock Hodaka trail bike, it was made into a roadracer by another Trailblazers Hall of Famer Mel Dinesen — who was also Don’s tuner and sponsor when he won the Daytona 200 in 1972 on a 350cc Yamaha. From Howie Zechner howie@razvideo.com. (to be continued)

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81) (Continued) Unorthodox hand-held hip-shooting is nose-dive work never taught. Or in any film school. Original attempted experimentation with quirky intrusive camera angles to get as close as possible. That’s simply what fans want to see! We showed it in spades. Swooping inside cockpits was prohibited by TV camera operators and never even thought of. Period. That changed. Progressive contributions to the sport to be sure but only the tip of the iceberg. More innovative

 concepts on the same level are evidenced in all our shows. For all to see. So, it came as no surprise and really expected that TV drag racing shows changed to an upside-down new presentation virtually in their next show. Amazing. Dean Papadeas maineventvideo@earthlink.net. (to be continued).

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82) Not having much money, Dave Nicholas did all his own maintenance, bought used tires at the races from the Goodyear truck, but still entered 11 SCCA race weekends in the MGA, earning enough points to place second in the Northeast SCCA F Production class for 1965. In that same year he also raced an Alfa Romeo Giulietta and two Formula Vs. At the conclusion of the year, he moved up a level by earning a National SCCA License. Dave Nicholas in his MGA MKII Competition race car at the SCCA Driver School in 1963. From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).

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83) Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races, by Harold Osmer and Phil Harms (serialized review). The Table of Contents breaks the book down into ten sections, with a Prelude and ending with an Afterword. The Prelude to Santa Monica is the first chapter and discusses the road racing that took place in America before the Santa Monica Road Race.  The Long Island, New York Road Race was held from 1904-1910 over a length of 30.24 miles. Following that road course race was the Savannah, Georgia Road Course Race that ran from 1908-11. The Santa Monica Road Race began in 1909 and continued on through 1919. The Venice, California Road Race was run from 1910-1916. Other races were held in Milwaukee, San Francisco, Europe and elsewhere. These races were being organized a mere ten years after the invention and marketing of the automobile. The desire of the public to view these new machines became a frenzied mania. Harold Osmer is at program@hopublishing.com (to be continued)

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84) “Sustainable Growth and Innovation Through Design and Racing,” by Troy Lee, Founder of Troy Lee Designs, and Max Lee, Race Team Manager of Troy Lee Designs, have joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by John Waraniak, CEO of Have Blue, Automotive Executive Advisor of Troy Lee Designs.

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85) NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations is Kasey Coler. He said, “The race in Chicago is jam-packed with action and it truly is going to be one of the biggest events we’ve ever had at this terrific facility. We’re excited to add this fourth qualifier for the pro teams, who are all looking forward to putting on an amazing show in Chicago.” Last year was a triumphant return to Route 66 Raceway and this season’s event, which is the sixth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, is shaping up to be even bigger. NHRA nhracommunications@nhra.com.

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86) Jerry Rangel, Jimmy Villa and Bill Montgomery picked up Richard Parks from Fountain Valley and headed to Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers in Gardena to meet with legendary Ed “Isky” Iskenderian at 12 noon for a sit-down interview lunch and interview for Hidden Pioneers program and video session. Ed, known as “The Camfather,” will be 103 on July 10, 2024. Isky hangs out at his own table at Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers nearly every day. The diner is located at 302 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90248. From Hidden Pioneers.

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87) Darryl Bassani, Celebration of Life for 4/28/24 (Continued). Of course, one quickly finds out that “nothing” is the only thing easy so making his own pipe proved to be a chore. Luckily a mixture of the college he was attending allowing him to use the machine shop equipment at night and the design(s) Darryl had in his head along with 15 or more prototype failures finally produced what he was looking for. It was a miss and hit that formed the foundation of his life’s work so in the summer of 1969 Bassani Manufacturing became a reality. A mad genius or visionary or just the right man for the job Darryl became well known and respected. Bassani Xhaust expanded into making pipes for race, street, off-road machines and even street cars and trucks. As the company grew Bassani sponsorship was a sought after commodity racers treasured. Among his numerous awards in 2009 Bassani was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame, and he was also a member of the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame. Howie Zechner, howie@razvideo.com. (to be continued)

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88) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. James French, Driver – #25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320: “It was a fantastic rebound after Sebring. It was a very stressful last 10 laps at Sebring and this couldn’t have been more different. Alex did a fantastic first stint and we timed a yellow right, so we got a nice cushion there. It gave me a huge lead and the car was just an absolute joy to drive. It was just a matter of bringing it home in one piece and enjoying the ride. We are very happy to see the series growing, absolutely, there is a huge demand for a series like this. They are fantastic cars, super reliable, fast and great to learn in, so it is great to see it grow. We are hoping for even more competition and more teams joining in.” From: HSR Communications.

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89) NASCAR cup driver Noah Gragson learns appreciation for group homework with move to Ford. Gragson says pre-race preparation takes on different forms depending on the manufacturer. ICYMI: see Kyle Larson win in unbelievable photo

finish at rain-delayed NASCAR Kansas. Larson noses out Chris Buescher by inches (or less!) for Cup Series win on Sunday night. Advent Health 400 notebook: Kyle Larson’s NASCAR Cup Series margin of victory officially clocks in at 0.001 second. Buescher on losing end of NASCAR closest finish: ‘Sucks to be that close.’ From: Don Smith and Autoweek Racing Daily autoweek@newsletter.autoweek.com.

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90) KNOW YOUR MOTORSPORTS PERSONALITY: Chuck Lynch, Vice President of Technical Services AERA. “The factors that impact the performance of gaskets that machinists and engine builders should know to ensure a high-performing and leak free engine.” Compiled from Epartrade.

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