Motorsports Newsletter 7/17/24

1) EDITORIAL: IC360 Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) is a global technology and consultancy powerhouse specializing in comprehensive integrity and compliance solutions for sports, sports betting, gaming, and iGaming. Leveraging the combined strengths of U.S. Integrity and odds-on Compliance, IC360’s mission is to set new standards by providing unparalleled services that ensure integrity, transparency, and compliance at the intersection of the rapidly evolving global sports betting market and sports integrity. For more information, visit ic360.io. If you have any further questions, I’d be happy to work with you to get them answered. www.NHRA.com, David Kennedy AND: In the past, I enjoyed the highlighted individuals’ names. Good letter. Thanks, Jim Sims JIM: Highlighting and coloring the names (nouns) of people was fun and I enjoyed doing it. I used the colors to emphasize personalities. If the color was RED, then it meant a highly focused person who always survived and won. The ladies were given MAGENTA or PINK, except for Ed Pink who got PINK because that was his surname. Anyone with the surname GREEN (or Greene) got the color GREEN. Likewise, a BROWN (or Browne) got the color BROWN, as did BLACK. I was stuck with WHITE; how does WHITE show up on a WHITE background. Then there was PURPLE (royalty), ORANGE (power), GOLD (style), etc. But it took me about as long to color in all the names as it did to create a newsletter and so I had to discard the idea of coloring. Putting the newsletter together is FUN and INFORMATIVE. I hope the readers feel the same way about reading the newsletter.

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2) Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Don Smith was one-of-kind-human being. He was a great neighbor and will be missed dearly by us. May his memory be internal. Dr Jay and Alexandra Narayan AND: I´ve known Don Smith for over 20 years I worked at his restaurant Guido´s as a hostess he came to my wedding he´s just been in my life as a positive. Don loved to play cards always hooking me up at Cesar´s when I´d go to Vegas Don had the biggest heart I´m going to miss him checking in on me by email Love you Don. Dani (Danielle) https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2024/26/industry-mourns-loss-1987-sema-hall-fame-inductee-don-smith.

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3) Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum is Proud to Announce the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees and Event. Join the Lions Automobilia Foundation Board of Directors and founder Rick Lorenzen as they introduce the third annual class of Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Hall of Fame awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominguez, California will honor the following eight individuals who have made a major impact on motorsports: JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, and Bill Stroppe.

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4) Congratulations to Allison Parks, great-granddaughter of Wally Parks, who graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a BA in Health Sciences. Also graduating from Dana Hills High School with honors was her sister, Jenny Parks, who will be attending San Diego State in September.

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5) We first became acquainted with Roy Jones’ artwork through his work for Bob Drake Reproductions. Bob used Roy’s artwork extensively to market his products and developed a close friendship with Roy in the process. We had long admired Jones’ work but knew little about him. His life and career are still shrouded in mystery, but we have done the best we could to fill in the backstory and showcase his amazing artwork. Steve Coonan customerservice@rodders journal.com. The Rodder’s Journal is at 24848 Meeting House Road, Denton, Maryland 21629. Sent in by Don Smith.

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6) (Paul Chamberlain’s story continued) “During that time, a fellow by the name of Leroi ‘Tex’ Smith wandered in and out of the offices from time to time. He was actually working for Hot Rod magazine but I remember lots of car conversations with him. Texas kind of took this teenage car nut under his wing and gave me a lot of memories not completely NHRA related…like joining the LA Roadsters, cruising, car shows, building stuff, etc. Again, a friend for life, we kept in contact until he left us. As I work thru these memories, it occurs to me that they are not all about NHRA. But the strings are all mixed up together and NHRA was certainly the thing that jump-started it all.” (to be continued)

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7) Sometimes I have to go to faraway places to hear news. This comes from Vintage Metal in Western Australia. “A Friend of the VSCC Passes: Many of you will remember the article about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix that appeared in Vintage Metal of November 2018. The article was written by American photo-journalist Mike Matune with photographs by Mike and his wife Maureen. Mike is one of the friends of the VSCC to whom I have been sending copies of Vintage Metal. Mike has always responded to the magazine, but since late last year I hadn’t heard from him. I recently found out why when I received an email from Maureen informing me that Mike passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on October 9, 2023. He was 72. Mike was a prolific writer and had articles in many publications including Australian Muscle Car Magazine. He wrote a competition history of the Ford Falcon which included a lot of Australian information as the Falcon dropped out of production in the USA many years before Ford Australia stopped production. I shall miss Mike and his commentary on our magazine, which he always enjoyed. He was a good friend to me and the club.” Bob Campbell, editor.

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8) Having saved boxes of negatives and prints taken by the BARC Boys, he began to develop the website. Dave Nicholas states, “My philosophy in creating BARCBOYS was to show the cars, people and atmosphere of a period in time.” Gradually scanning images and writing captions, the website grew with each passing year and has become a well-known source for photographs and information for enthusiasts, historians and writers. From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).

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9) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. Is NHRA betting Legal in the US? There are currently only a limited number of US states that allow legal sports betting, and NHRA drag racing would likely fall under that category. However, we understand that nearly forty states have legalized online sports betting. This means that as long as a legal online sportsbook offers drag racing betting, you should be good to go. https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle

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10) Hidden Pioneers brings you the industry leaders of today & tomorrow in Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb61N-zPFPY.

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11) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (serialized). “Relying on NHRA chartered car clubs to support and provide essentials for conducting and often introducing, first-time events, the Safari team also relied on its sponsorship by Mobil Oil Company for advance publicity, and on the cooperation of law enforcement officials who had been indoctrinated in a ‘safer than on the streets’ objective that was the Safari’s message.”

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12) PASSINGS: Veteran Fuel Altered racer Ron Hope, known for his long string of Rat Trap entries, and a longtime competitor on the Bonneville Salt Flats, passed away June 21. He was 80. Hope and his son Brian toured the world for almost 25 years campaigning Fuel Altereds, bringing the joy and thrills to fans around the globe. AND: Former Top Alcohol Dragster driver Kirk Lawrence, winner of the 1986 Gatornationals. Jack Robbins, Division 4 Top Alcohol Funny Car racer. Karen Hahn, wife of Pro Mod pioneer and supercharged gas veteran Frad Hahn. Sam Leland, former driver of the Mason-Dixon Raider Funny Car. Les Jackson, who with his late brother Cal, fielded the long string of High Heaven Fuel Altereds and Funny Cars, died June 18. The family continued its nitro legacy for years with Les’ son, Keith, at the controls of the family flopper. NHRA updates@go.nhra.com.

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13) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754, www.CarTechBooks.com. How To Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982, by Walt Thurn. How to Use and Upgrade to GM GEN III LS-Series Powertrain Control System, by Mile Noonan. The Illustrated Corvette Series, by K. Scott Teeters. High Performance C5 Corvette Builder’s Guide, by Walt Thurn. How to Install Corvette Interior Kits, by Fred Mattson.

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14) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 11 SEPTEMBER 1945 A letter is sent to Mrs Veda Orr by the SCTA. “Dear Mrs. Orr: The Southern California Timing Association owes you a very real debt of gratitude for your exceptional service to that organization during these past years in which the war has caused most of our members to be separated from their homes, their friends, and their mutual interests. Although many of our numbers have spent weary months in far away parts of the world, they have yet remained linked to a heart-warming memory of home and peace through your unselfish efforts in connection with the publishing and circulation of the SCTA News.

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15) NEWS DEPT: Geoff Stunkard, former editor of IHRA’s Drag Review and multiple Chrysler oriented periodicals as well as the editor/publisher of Quarter Milestones (a small magazine about drag racing memorabilia done in the 1990’s), recently has taken up the process of launching a new YouTube channel with a primary focus on automotive history and current race and show events. Named Geoff Stunkard’s Zookeeper’s Diary, the channel been well

received with over 150K views and 1300 subscribers in less than two months. Stunkard intends to push hard on it. If you want to reach Geoff, he is at qmpublish@gmail.com.

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16) Know your motorsports personality. Bobby Rahal, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, 3-Time IndyCar Champion, and Indianapolis 500 Winner. Compiled from Epartrade. Juan Cruz Fernandez, Sports Director and Head of Engineering. TC 2000 (Turismo Competición 2000) is one of the most popular touring car series in Latin America. Manufacturers competing in the championship include Honda, Fiat, Chevrolet, Citroen, Toyota and Renault. Compiled from Epartrade.

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17) July 10th is Ed “Isky” Iskenderian’s 103rd and Doug Stokes 83rd birthdays. Many happy returns to both.

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18) Please put this on your Motorsports Newsletter. The 2024 Bonneville/EL Mirage Rules & Records booklet, with the Performance Directory is the “yellow pages” of the LAND SPEED RACING WORLD! Still only $10. Shop (scta-bni.org). Thanks, Ron Main is at ron@speeddemon.us.

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19) I write for Roddn’ AZ, here is our current issue, I have 4 articles therein, 2 features, 1 event coverage and inside back cover of events in Northern AZ. My preference is Drag Racing. Chris Addington CHRIS: You put me back in touch with old friend Jerry Hutchcroft. For those interested in subscribing: One year $28 (12 issues) send check to Roddin’ & Racin’ Productions, 9034 N. 23rd Avenue, #13, Phoenix, Arizona 85021. Online Subscribe with a debt or credit card at RoddinAZ.com. Send ad information to: Hello@RoddinAZ.com.

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20) David Joe Rupp was born in 1937 and passed away on July 6, 2024. You may recall that I initially shared that Ted DeTar was killed in a freak accident at Rupp’s track. Ted and Gene were close and were business partners. Dave Rupp was a long-time Royal Palm Beach resident but was from the Midwest initially and promoted Midwesterners to come to Florida as Ted and Gene did in winter. “The passing of David Joe Rupp of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, on July 6, 2024, at the age of 86.” See https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/fl/royal-palm-beach/david-joe-rupp-18296383. From Susan Kidder at kidderfamilycomp@aol.com. AND: From The Palm Beach Post. When the Rolling Stones played and partied in north Palm Beach County. Published November 20, 2017. See: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sponsor-story/2017/11/20/when-rolling

stones-played-and-partied-in-north-palm-beach-county/2545689007/. Dave’s track is where Ted DeTar was killed in a freak accident just after Gene and Ted traveled there. They had just gone into business in Palm Beach. All 3 men were Midwesterners. Susan Kidder

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21) (Your dad was) a very famous and important part of American Motor racing history, without him I doubt that (NHRA) would have made it. I would very much like to be included in your weekly newsletter. Best wishes David Hobbs

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22) MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1993, SPORTS Copyright 1993/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY JIM MURRAY LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX. Roger Penske, reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. “Paul Tracy tailed the Mansell car until it needed to pit on Lap 73. Tracy had enough fuel for about 40 laps. He had 45 left, in the 105-lap race. He put Mansell behind him and got ready. In that situation, you wait for the dreaded cough and sputter in the engine and the sudden loss of power and movement. It never came. Paul Tracy spun under his first Indy-car checkered flag. In a race that had Unsers and Andrettis and Formula One champions and six former Indy 500 winners, it came as a great surprise to a lot of people. But not to Roger Penske. He can pick a race driver out of a crowd shot at the Vatican at Easter. Winning with Paul Tracy is easy. He probably could have done it with Spencer.” From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurrayfoundation.ccsend.com or murrayscholars@aol.com.

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23) This year was the 20th anniversary of the Mini’s running as a collective at Albany. In spite of the weather, the Albany Classic and the Mt Clarence Hillclimb turned out to be a real family affair, with cars being shared between family members and other family members turning up in support. Type of cars include Ford Belford Special, 1938 Dodge Special, Ballot V8, 1936 Dodge Special, Triumph Special, T100 Triumph 500, Weinert Special,1974 Minivan, Y-Block Special, Read Holden, 1961 Jaguar Mk 2, Reynard 84F, Mini Clubman, Y-Block Special in his 1380 cc 1978 Mini Clubman.,1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV,1974 Datsun 260Z,1973 Mazda RX3,1967 Fiat Abarth TCR, Marchesi RX3, Mazda,Zephyr Special, Read Holden, Ford Special,1983 Lancia beta Coupe, 1963 GSM Dart 1500R, Falcon,105E Ford Anglia. From Bob Campbell, editor of Vintage Metal Journal. EDITOR: Albany, in Western Australia, is 259 miles southeast of Perth, Australia, in a beautiful cove.

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24) Duffy Livingstone, by Dick Martin (To see the photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/). Dan Gurney drove a kart for Duffy during the beginning of Nassau Speed Weeks in 1959, and it almost cost Gurney his professional driving career. Duffy built the first track for karts in the US on the Go-Kart Manufacturing facility in Azusa, a challenging 3/10-mile road course. “And 10 feet,” chuckled Duff. “I knew Duffy,” began Dan Gurney, “and I got wind that they were going to have a kart race in Nassau during Speed Weeks. I was scheduled (June ’59) to be there anyway racing. The fact it was going to be the biggest kart race ever with a $1,000 to win…yeah, I wanted to be a part of it. It was a serious effort on my part. That’s when I went to Duffy’s kart track and worked with the stopwatch and got down to business with the same West Bend twin-engine kart, I would be racing in Nassau.” (to be continued)

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25) (Passing) David Hofmans January 27, 1943-July 3, 2024. Dave was a world-class thoroughbred horse trainer 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner with Alphabet Soup and 1997 with Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Touch Gold), he was a tireless supporter of the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation and one of its biggest cheerleaders. From Linda Murray at linda@jimmurrayfoundation.ccsend.com.

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26) SCTA & BNI event calendar for 2024. Always check the SCTA website for information regarding the events before attending. May 18-19, 2024 (two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake). June 9, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). July 14, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). Bonneville (Utah) Speedweek, August 3-9, 2024. September 15, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). Bonneville (Utah) World Finals, September 28-October 1, 2024. October 20, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). November 9-10, 2024 (two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake). rulebookinfo@scta-bni.org, 661-802-1355.

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27) I’ve been working on cataloguing and organizing my land speed shots by team/car to make things easier to find. It’s only 16,000 or so shots. I’m redesigning the Church of Speed website and want to add a gallery section broken down by type of racing, NHRA, SCTA, SCORE, Street/Kustom, etc. I’m excited to get this done because there will be tons of unreleased images and should be an exciting archive for folks to dig through. Once I’m a little further along on this project it will be much easier to contribute to the newsletter, mainly since updating the back end will make it much easier to create linkable content, I should have the motivation to do so, instead of just using it as a photo dump. Nick Aboud nick@bigshotstickers.com.

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28) You do an excellent job of staying on top of things. Thank you! I do enjoy your newsletter very much. I like all of it but lean towards Sportsman class drag racing. Doug Evans

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29) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. State Capitol Raceway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1/4-mile. (mentioned in my father’s story) Steel Valley Dragway, Smithfield, Ohio, 1/8-mile. Sturgis Dragway, Sturgis, South Dakota, 1/8-mile. Sumerduck Dragway, Culpeper, Virginia, 1/8-mile.

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30) When I was running Impound, I wrote up “Impound Insights” after every El Mirage event and they were published in the SCTA Racing News. I’m still receiving updates from the SCTA and there is a bit of news out there. For instance, at Speedweek this year, the event gasoline supplier, VP will not be on the Salt. VP is still the event gasoline, but it will have to be ordered and purchased in advance through the SCTA. Mike Kaehny mike.kaehny@ymail.com.

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31) BOOK REVIEW: Where They Raced; Auto racing venues in Los Angeles, 1900-1990, by Harold L. Osmer (final in the series). Chapter Five is named Conclusion and Osmer explains why the tracks finally were closed due to land development, the same factor that closes modern tracks. The Bibliography follows and gives ten books worth checking out at the library for some heavy reading on the subject. The Appendices gives some very valuable and interesting information on who won various races at the major tracks. Osmer also lists the tracks known to have existed in the area, the size of the facilities and the dates they opened and closed. He lists the number of oval, drag and road courses by state with California having the most oval and drag racing and road racing facilities in the nation. Where They Raced; Auto racing venues in Los Angeles, 1900-1990 is a fine little addition to your library. You can purchase this and other books by Harold Osmer at Autobooks/Aerobooks at 1-818-845-0707, or at program@hopublishing.com. Gone Racin’ is at RNPARKS1@JUNO.COM.

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32) A 1935 S.S. Ltd SS1 won Best in Show at 7th Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance, owned by Eduardo Zavala, of St Petersburg, Florida. Before Jaguar was Jaguar, it was S.S. Cars Ltd. Prior to resuming automobile production following World War II, the company name was changed to Jaguar Cars Ltd early in 1945. The SS1 model was the first car designed by company founder Sir William Lyons and was built for its looks rather than performance. Originally owned by Argentinian tango performer Ada Falcon, it spent the first 80 years in Buenos Aires. jstropus@earthlink.net.

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33) (Randy Walls story continued.) My mom passed away a few years ago at the age of 90 and about a year earlier she said to me that she had never seen a person before that went to school and came home and worked their butt off with all those chores and never studied; then went back to school and still got straight A’s. I asked her, “Are you talking about me?” She said, “Of course.” I really worked hard, but efficiently at my school and devoted 100% to school when I was there. All of my friends in grade school were nice but most of them were always trying to get me to smoke and I always said no. In the seventh grade I transferred to Breckenridge County High School for the last six grades. High school was great, very busy, and we had basketball, but no football or baseball. We were the first high school class to be integrated in that part of the country and I loved it. We had no car clubs or racetracks, but we all did way too much street racing and of course I always won and luckily never crashed or hurt anyone. Everyone tells me that I never really knew what people thought of me as a person or as a competitor until recently. (to be continued)

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34) Royce Rumsey just published “Shelby, AMERICAN!” The 1964 ½ Mustang still holds the record for the most successful launch and 1st year sales of any automobile in history. The combination of great concept, design and market timing–all packaged in an affordable platform (thanks to Falcon parts bin components) that could be customer-optioned to baby-boomer generation’s desires made the Mustang the car that Americans wanted and adored. For the full article and photos go to https://roycer924.exposure.co/shelby-american. Royce is at roycer924_2@mac.com.

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35) “The Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta exemplifies exactly what HSR is all about with its outstanding on-track competition and great off-track camaraderie,” IMSA President John Doonan said. “Along with the growing HSR Classics, the Mitty – even as HSR’s oldest event – and the spirit of its competitors is a prime example of what HSR is and will continue to be. We will continue to provide HSR racing teams and families with the best vintage and historic racing experience possible. We are committed to vintage and historic racing and to delivering this unparalleled experience to our amazing families and teams we are honored to have race with us.” From: Adam Saal at adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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36) Mark Greene at Cars Year is celebrating his 2500 podcast. He wrote: “The Secret of John D. Rockefeller, the Founder of Standard Oil. He was once the richest man in the world. He was the world’s first billionaire. His net worth in 1916 was $1 billion and when he died in 1937, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $340 billion in today’s dollars. But was he really rich?” View the article at https://carsyeah.com/the-secret/. Cars Yeah info@carsyeah.com.

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37) A Lifelong Lotus Love Affair, by BS (Burt) Levy. Please email Burt or Carol Levy at thinkfast@mindspring.com or call the Thinkfast Ink office at 708-383-7203. SOMEONE MAY OR MAY NOT ANSWER. EDITOR: I haven’t reviewed this book, but my ESP tells me it’s a book that you ought to consider.

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38) We announced the Tony Stewart Racing/Dodge NHRA extension a couple of weeks back. That is the latest Dodge news as the team gets ready for the NHRA Western Swing (Seattle and Sonoma) next week. I enjoy the newsletter. I had the pleasure of working with your Mom and Dad at NHRA in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Tom Blattler

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39) According to the NHRA, Wally Parks Tower will be a three-story facility featuring race control, a media center, television broadcasting capabilities, and three suites on the third floor. It is projected to be completed in time for the 2025 NHRA US Nationals. The building will feature an open-air covered roof with an overview area and an event space that can host more than 500 people. The third iteration will focus on professional pits, the midway, along with fan experiences that feature paved strips for walking for more fan-friendly ways to enjoy the track. The project will begin this year, https://fox59.com/indiana-news/plans-shared-for-lucas-oil-indianapolis-raceway-park/. John Towle

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40) Know your motorsports personality. Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion just retired after his 23rd full season at the Cup Series level. Harvick, along with NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Burton and Justin Marks acquired earlier this year the zMAX CARS Tour. The zMAX CARS Tour is the premier southeast asphalt touring late model series featuring Late Model Stocks and Pro Late Models. Compiled from Epartrade. Peter Thul, Senior Director for Sport of WRC Promoter GmbH. Thul is responsible for managing the liaison with the WRC’s key stakeholders, including teams and crews, and with the FIA’s sporting and technical departments. Epartrade. Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP / Dorna Sports SL and Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer of Dorna Sports, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jim Roller from Speed Sport. From: team@epartrade.com.

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41) The 26th Annual Arizona Drag Racing Reunion will be April 19, 2025, at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Arizona. Not anywhere near as large as the CHRR at Famoso but a pretty fair turnout, and no admission charge and it includes a cacklefest as well and a good showing of rods, customs and Gassers. Jon Lundberg usually attends, and I’ve seen Jerry Ruth and a number of other racers as well. Beeline Dragstrip attracted big names and held big events back in the day and they always inducted new members into the Hall of Fame. It’s a great 1-day reunion that attracts some great vintage drag cars like Gary Kleckner’s green CHEVADO ‘55 Nomad Wheelstander among others. Phil Smith

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42) Having a race career spanning 60 years. Dave Nicholas still enjoys the fun and thrill of being on track. He is looking forward to four events he has planned for 2024 with Nazdar. What began with four friends developing a passion for sports car racing in the late 1950’s, became a lifelong involvement in the sport. Nicholas raced to one championship in the 1970’s then over four decades later and back in the sport after a successful business career, he raced to five more in two different cars. Now at 82 years old, he is still enjoying the fun of racing, sharing its history and looking back on a life well lived…and he is not finished yet. Write to Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (last one in the series).

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43) The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s fundraising auction, featuring a rare opportunity for a behind-the scenes experience of Team Penske at their North Carolina facility, is now live on BringaTrailer.com. The top bidder and five guests receive a private 2-hour “Behind the Scenes VIP Tour,” with Team Penske’s NASCAR, IndyCar and IMSA race teams, as well as “Driver Meet & Greets” with two Penske drivers. From: Adam Saal

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44) Thanks for the WW II notes about your dad in the Pacific theater (funny term for war). The world needs to remember these stories. John Ziebarth JOHN: We need to save all these stories. They are important to who we are and where we came from.

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45) One thing I can say about Don Garlits, he celebrates the talents of photographers, and realizes the value of having moments captured on film forever. He’s inducted 4 photographers into his hall of fame, Les Lovett, Eric Rickman, Jim Kelly and me. It was a great honor to be recognized by the drag racing community. There’s NASCAR, Indy car, Sprint car and F-1 photographers out there that should be recognized by the MSHF, {I have their names}. Steve Reyes STEVE: I’ve organized several Honorary Awards myself. I also assisted with Hall of Fames. My father always stressed Motorsports. An answer is to add more categories, such as 1) writers & Historians, 2) Photographers & Videographers, 3) Officials and Administrators, 4) Publicists & Sponsors, etc. It then becomes a bit unwieldy, especially without big sponsors willing to support various fields. I’ve found out that the MSHF tries to get photogs into the Hall of Fame but finds it difficult among the voting members to achieve.

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46) Hidden Pioneers brings you the industry leaders of today and tomorrow in Transportation and Technology. Meet and talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. The Hidden Pioneers, Prime Motivation, NASA, 360 Waterless Technology and Team Shelby presents: 6 hours of educational content from the 2nd Annual Global Diversity Transportation and Technology fundraising summit https://youtu.be/KlTRvOfTauQ.

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47) The dropped valve story, by Dale Cook (serialized). “Butch loaned me the remaining engine parts to use in another car. The crank wasn’t hurt, and I built another engine, putting it in a rough 1962 Chevy II. The right-front wheel cylinder was stuck so the shoes were left out on that wheel. The synchronizers were bad, and I had to wait between shifts to get into the next gear, but the engine would scream, with the Z28 Off-the-Road cam. The Shift T-handle was gone, and I drove a piece of water pipe with a T onto the shifter, which served as a handle.”

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48) Travis Shumake announces partnership with CAS for Norwalk event. NHRA racers Shumake, Nataas, Handras visit Goodyear race tire plant in Ohio. John Force improving, faces long road ahead; Brittany to sit out Norwalk race. Funny Car champ Matt Hagan nominated for ESPYS Best Driver Award. NHRA staff updates@go.nhra.com.

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49) Bob Spar and B&M are known for drag racing but also very involved in offroad and Score. He is an accomplished motorcycle rider. Robert Endress

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50) Seattle Northwest Nationals July 18-20, 2024. Sonoma Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals July 25-27, 2024. Brainerd Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals August 14-17, 2024. From: National Hot Rod Association nhracommunications@nhra.com.

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51) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, last in the series on Ed Pink) Ed is not the retiring type. He still puts in an average of 20 hours a week as consultant to Ed Pink Racing Engines. Ed sold the company in 2008 to Tom Malloy. “If they have a particular engine they haven’t run before on the dynamometer, they’ll bring me in to get it sorted out. I’m kind of a fireman, a troubleshooter. They’re taking advantage of all the experience I have. They’re plugging me into areas they need my expertise in. There will come a time when they won’t need me anymore.” Ed, you weren’t called “The Old Master” at an early age because it sounded catchy, you were called that because you were. The passing years have given that name new meaning. As long as there is Pink Racing Engines there will be Ed Pink walking through that door. That’s Lou Baney with his back to the camera. Now you don’t expect a Ford dealer to have a Chrysler Hemi in his dragster, do you? But that’s not just any Ford, it’s a mighty SOHC Ford and politely Ed and Don Prudhomme, two staunch Mopar guys, went along with it. (To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.) Dick Martin is at turboguydm1@gmail.com.

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52) I worked in the NHRA PR department in the late 1970’s & early 1980’s with Dave Densmore and Steve Earwood. Then later helped on the NHRA PR advance team in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with Rick Lalor and Denny Darnell. For the past 35 years, I handled PR with various teams (Patrick, Rahal, Andretti, Carpenter, etc.) in the CART & IndyCar Series. Moved to Las Vegas in 2020 from Indianapolis. Kept my foot in the PR door with Indy 500, Sports Cars, NHRA teams, etc. Now help Las Vegas Motor Speedway with writing & announcing at their short track (Bullring) and work for Dodge with Tony Stewart Racing in NHRA. I’d like to read that history of the NHRA if it is available. I’ll keep you up to speed on other racing items too. Tom Blattler

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53) Chattanooga Motorcar Festival Concours and Ferrari Club, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Registration is now open for two events at the Fifth Annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, October 11-13, 2024: the Concours d’Elegance and the J. Willard Marriott Ferrari Club. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net.

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54) What you do to weave together the body of motorsports is invaluable, thank you as well. This generation of men are closing the door, only Ed Iskenderian leading the way as a centenarian. Susan Kidder SUSAN: Alex Xydias turned 101 and joins Isky as one of the few centenarians. RICHARD: I was not familiar with Alex! Looked him up and watching some tube videos on the man, cool stuff thanks, I guess not living in California we sometimes miss the action. Love it that he started out in 1948! SUSAN: Gene Ellis will soon be 100 and so will Chic Cannon. Gene was an oval track racer and Chic was one of the first employees of the NHRA and went on the Drag Safaris of 1954-55, and the Safety Safari of 1956. READERS: Do you know of any nonagenarians and centenarians in motorsports? Susan Kidder is the widow of Gene Kidder, an early NHRA Regional Representative from the Omaha, Nebraska and Division 5 area.

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55) We may have met at Jack’s Garage years ago, have done some track days and nostalgia drags, these days mostly hot rods, earlier crewed for Corvette Road Race car. Tim Love. TIM: I remember Jack’s Garage in Fountain Valley and did a story on the group. I think you’re in it.

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56) Most of the news is about drag racing in California, but I do enjoy reading it to hear what’s going on. I am more into road racing. We have a big vintage race coming up the first of August through the streets of Shenley Park in Pittsburg. Supposed to be some old Indy cars running this year. All the best, Sam Ryan http://www.ryanracing.net. SAM: Please send details. Sounds like great fun.

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57) I was thinking about my past experience helping museums and in creating Honors Programs and Halls of Fame. I helped Hila Morgan Paulsen Sweet with her Car Racers Reunions and honors, the Boat Racers Reunion Honorary Awards program (my own), and the Lola Nielsen Honors Awards for Family History (my own). In my many newsletters (about ten or so) I’ve taken on many projects. They are interesting, fun, informative and exhaustive. What starts out as fun soon becomes difficult as people begin to see flaws in whom we are honoring. Next week we’ll discuss some of those problems. Your Editor

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58) Hello, Hidden Pioneers, it was nice to see our family again and Ed is one of us. We can still use his History, Knowledge, Wisdom to help us get to the decision makers and Mainstream Media! We need a good story written up about this event as I will provide the Photos needed and names in attendance as I have that already. After the event a few of us went across the street and had a good meeting about the in-classroom visits with STEAM activities, we all need to stay in touch with good communication to make this happen today and tomorrow. time stands still for no one! We had a good time together so let’s do it again with kids and students to leave behind our legacy. You’re all Hidden Pioneers let’s make it happen, It’s Go Time stay COOL, blessings. You must watch this Cool video Kelton put together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ-zlVRUw7M. CSI Bill Montgomery.

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59) I remember Beverly Johnson very well; in fact, I mention her in my autobiography, “From Horseback to Horsepower” regarding the 1954 Original Drag Safari when we stopped at Coffeeville, Kansas on our way to Edna, Kansas. I think that only Bud Coons, Erich “Rick” Rickman and myself at this time, when we met Bev at the Chamber of Commerce Office. She kinda took us under her wing to show us the area, and we took her in as our “Little Mother.” She took charge and we had to behave. We learned a lot about the history of Coffeeville. She came to work for NHRA about 3 years after I left as Car Club Advisor in 1956. God Bless and make it a good day, Chic Cannon

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60) Ak Miller is a legend among racers. This means that he doesn’t need to embellish his exploits, for we do that for him. Ak’s done about everything a racer wants to do. He’s raced the dry lakes, Bonneville Salt Flats, Pike’s Peak Hill Climb and road races in Italy and Mexico. Elected President of the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) and Vice President of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), and a member of the Dry Lakes Hall of Fame, Ak has his share and more of auto racing honors. Yet he is more than just an award winner, elected official or quick and speedy racer. It’s the twinkle in his eye, entrancing smile, ready wit and charisma that gets you off balance and makes you fair game for this lively and charming fellow. Stories and tales surround him and grow larger and more complex with the years. This has given rise to a colloquial expression, “that’s Ak,” meaning a story Bunyanesque or too farfetched to be true. Those who say this are mistaken; he has never had to create a tale; he has lived a life many of us only dream of. (Source: Richard Parks from the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)

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61) Ugly Hawaiian Shirt night, Industry Speedway Racing, July 29, 2024, by Howie Zechner. With a title that includes ugly one might think it was named after me but no-way as Industry Racings, Ugly Hawaiian Shirt night celebrates the late, great race announcer Bruce Flanders. Rightfully so as “The Voice” regularly wore the bright colored garment most everywhere he went. Wouldn’t surprise that after Bruce passed in 2020 his closet contained enough of the flowered Hawaiian palaka aloha garments to be mistaken for a sixties Timothy Leary, love in. Howie Zechner, Press Officer at howie@razvideo.com. EDITOR sez: Love the idea, but there is no such thing as an ugly Hawaiian shirt. Sounds like a fun event.

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62) The Last Open Road is a novel written by B.S. (Burt) Levy, a long-time amateur racer. It is a story of a young mechanic from Passaic, New Jersey who becomes involved in automobile road racing during its peak in the 1950’s. The book follows Buddy Palumbo, the main character, as he has to balance family life with working on cars. See lastopenroad.com, from Burt “BS” Levy at thinkfast@mindspring.com.

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63) Yesterday 12 of the Hidden Pioneers came to Isky’s event at the Lion’s Museum and had a great time talking with industry vets and friends. Of course, Ed loved to see us and was in good spirits. Meet the amazing Ed Isky one of the Hidden Pioneers now at 103 years old and still sharp using Common Sense Intelligence! Happy Birthday, we Love you. Meet Ed and the Hidden Pioneers in 2024. AND: I remember this day like it was today. History is COOL and I’m glad to still know so many good people that Love cars & technology. Enjoy this video the Hidden Pioneers put together with TEAM Shelby (Gardena CA) https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDjG3-tGPQg.

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64) Museum of American Speed has been awarded the Tripadvisor’s 2024 Traveler’s Choice Award as an outstanding car museum. From: museum@museumofamericanspeed.ccsend.com.

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65) Against All the Others: Porsche’s Racing History, Volume 1, 1968, by Randy Leffingwell. Publisher David Bull, due out August 2024, ISBN 979-8-9906140-0-0. Page Size: 11 x 12 inches, hardcover in dust jacket, 432 pages, 257 photographs/illustrations. First volume in a series, Porsche Museum Edition, Price: US $98.95. From: Judy Stropus

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66) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 24 SEPTEMBER 1945 SCTA Board meeting; Otto Crocker Chief Timer. “Otto Crocker, our former Chief Timer had been discharged from the Army and was again available for timing SCTA lakes meets. Some question was raised as to whether Crocker’s timer would be reliable to use since it had been out of service for so long, and there would be little time in which to correct any defects. The Road Ramblers of San Diego very generously offered the use of their timer for our first meet. The meeting was opened (for the discussion) of the collection of dues and Hospital assessments and for assignment of car numbers for the forthcoming lakes meet of October 7, 1945.

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67) The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) supports people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives. From: misty@aacf-aftermarketcharity.ccsend.com.

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68) SHERM PORTER’s List of Events and car shows for 2024, Sherm is at fuely32@sbcglobal.net. AUGUST 16-17 Hot El Camino Cruise Nite, Atascadero, 6:30pm-8:30 pm. 805-470-3360, www.atascadero.org. AUGUST 16-18 ANRA Summer Nationals, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Famoso, CA. www.anra.com AUGUST 17 Atascadero Lake Car Show, 10am-3pm, Mid-State Cruizers 805-238-3177, www.midstatecruizers.org. AUGUST 17 Concours d’ Lemons California, 440 Harcourt Ave, Seaside, CA www.concoursdlemons.com. AUGUST 17-18 Wings Over Camarillo Air Show/Car Show, must pre-register, info@wingsovercamarillo.com. AUGUST 18 Spring Turlock Swap Meet & Car Show, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, www.springfallturlock.com. AUGUST 18 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, Pebble Beach, CA. www.pebblebeachconcours.net.

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69) The NHRA US Nationals is an event rich in legendary history, celebrating 70 years of incredible memories at this year’s race, which takes place Aug. 28-Sept. 2 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. https://myemail-api.constant contact.com/NHRA-NEWS–70-DAYS-FROM-THE-70TH–NHRA-U-S–NATIONALS-CELEBRATES-SEVEN-DECAD ES-IN-2024-AT-LUCAS-OIL-INDIANAPOLIS-RACEWAY-PARK.html?soid=1127726520257&aid=XOhSE3nJY_c.

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70) More Ak Miller stories: “And then there were the dory races between Balboa Island and the peninsula. It was about a 1/8th of a mile across. A dory is a small boat that uses oars. This bit of fun came from the demented mind of Richard Metcalf. So, a bunch of us showed up, rented dories, and made plans for the battle. Ak showed up with longtime pal, John Graham. Both of them were dressed up in red long johns. Plus, they had called ahead and made arrangements to have three fire extinguishers stored and covered in the dory that they got. If anyone got close to them the response was a good dosing of white powder. Ak and John finished first.” From: Tim Kraushaar

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71) August 3, 2024, 6PM-9PM join us in celebrating four exhibit openings, all in one memorable evening. Come to our upcoming multi-exhibit grand opening night. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org.

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72) For Traci Hrudka. Your words are spot on. I could not have said it any better. I’ve been too upset to try. RIP DON SMITH. From John Towle

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73) 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule here on the FOX broadcast network. March 6-9 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals Gainesville March 21-23 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals Phoenix March 27-30 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Pomona April 11-13 25th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Las Vegas From: Bill Montgomery at Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

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74) Book signing: Dave Wolin will be signing his new book, Ascot Chronicles, plus Ascot, Riverside Volumes 1 & 2 at Autobooks, 2900 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA. Saturday, July 20, 2024, 11AM-3PM. Racing History Project, Box 5578, Bakersfield, California 93388.

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75) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (serialized). Headed by Bud Coons, a Pomona, California police officer well experienced at producing first-time drag races, the 1954 team included Chic Cannon as technical instructor, Eric Rickman, Hot Rod Magazine photographer plus several volunteers who joined them from place to place.” (Later on, another regular was Bud Evans as the race announcer) “They traveled in Coons’ 1954 Dodge Red Ram station wagon, towing a 20-foot Viking trailer that hauled equipment for conducting the events and served as their mobile headquarters.

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76) On July 26, 2024, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will present its Annual Gala, celebrating the Saratoga Automobile Museum and the 2024 feature exhibition “Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed.” A panel of experts include Pam Yates, Derek Hill, Joe Colasacco, and Luigi Chinetti Jr. Saratoga Automobile Museum is located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net.

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77) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, 1/4-mile. (mentioned in my father’s story) Terrace Bay Drag Strip, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, 1/4-mile. Texas Motorplex, Ennis, Texas, 1/4-mile. (mentioned in my father’s story) Texas Raceway, Fort Worth, Texas, 1/8-mile.

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78) The Rover Story by Graham Robson. The author traces the history of the Rover company right back to the Starley family’s Coventry-made bicycles of the 1870’s. The definitive history of the Rover Company and its products. Graham Robson traces the history of the Rover company right back to the Starley family’s Coventry-made bicycles of the 1870’s. The definitive history of the Rover Company and its products. £40 UK, or $60 US. Veloce at newsletter@veloce.co.uk.

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79) Duffy LIVINGSTONE, by Dick Martin (To see the photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/) Said Dan Gurney, “I was deadly serious about the whole thing. I started 28th and I worked my way up to 2nd place. I made a mistake, got a little too anxious to pass the guy that was leading, and I lost it. I got out of the kart and a guy nailed me from behind. I did a summersault into the hay bales. I was afraid to look at my foot because I thought he took it off.” Gurney was scheduled to drive the Tipo 61 Birdcage Maserati at Nassau but had to withdraw from the Governor’s Trophy race because of his injury. Luckily for Dan he was in the process of leaving Ferrari and going to the BRM Formula One team, because his karting incident would not have sat well with Enzo. (to be continued)

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80) I read every newsletter I get. I was away from my computer in the hospital for a while. I’m an 83-year-old T/F driver from the 1960’s-’70’s and can’t get out much anymore, so your newsletter is a great way I can stay informed. John Cox JOHN: I’m also 80 and can’t get out as much so the newsletter keeps my mind busy. Get well soon.

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81) Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Charlotte Motor Speedway Get a Ride-Along driven by Jeffrey Earnhardt. There will be 4 ride-alongs available each hour for $199 each. The Racing Experience, 73 Patterson Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

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82) Ricardo Juncos, President and Team Principal of Junco-Hollinger Racing joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jim Marshall Pruett of RACER.com. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com.

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83) Hidden Pioneers brings you the industry leaders of today and tomorrow in Transportation and Technology. Meet and talk with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Summit Link above 320:31 minute. Captain Daniels talks about his 40-year career flying airplanes. Hidden Pioneer Aviation Director Captain Willie Daniels will be signing his book. Drone display and footage by Dr Jones and Team. See: https://youtu.be/DYCzsLYjVtc.

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84) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene celebrates his 2500 podcast and interviews Tony Singer, Collin Hungate, Linda Vaughn and Anthony Ray. Cars Yeah can be reached at Cars Yeah, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332, or email Mark at info@carsyeah.com.

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85) Texys will present this live webinar on Wednesday, July 17 at 9 am PST. Presented by Jeff Kitchen, Operations Manager and Miles Gunty, Technical Service & Support Manager. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90, The Late Shift. From: EPARTRADE team@epartrade.com. Pierre Lenfant, Sporting Coordinator, Dakar, and Adrien Le Pan de Ligny, Development Lead, Motorsports Events, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jim Roller of SPEED SPORT. From: EPARTRADE.

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86) An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970’s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at racetracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race.

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87) There was the time Ak Miller bought a yacht. He referred to it as a Yech. After two misadventures (First and second trips off the dock. One of which resulted in a hole in the Yech) Ak decided to go to a Yeching class. He told me the instructor was a drunk in a yeching cap. The final test was to chart a course from Los Angeles harbor around Catalina Island and then to San Francisco. Ak charted a course from Los Angeles to the Salten Sea in the California desert. Figures. (source: Tim Kraushaar (aka) Weed/Starter at Lions Drags). EDITOR: Tim is collecting more Ak stories. Send me your AK stories to compile and send back to you.

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88) Volvo Cars £19.99, by Trevor Alder 112 pages, 210 images Each Volvo model (1945-1995) has been painstakingly researched detailing body derivatives, production changes, technical information and hundreds of photos and diagrams, plus how the ever-changing advertising was used to promote each model. Profusely illustrated throughout, this is a worthy addition to the Veloce Pictorial History series. Out now! Also in the series: Triumph & Standard, Morris, Rootes (Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot), Rover, Austin, Ford, Riley & Wolseley, Citroën and Jaguar. From: Veloce, fine automotive books at newsletter@veloce.co.uk.

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89) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. Here is a list of the legal status of drag racing betting in each state: 1) NHRA Approved Gambling States and Canadian Provinces: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, Ontario (Canada). https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle

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90) Ugly Hawaiian Shirt night, Industry Speedway Racing, July 29, 2024, by Howie Zechner. Much like a nickname one has no control over, Ugly Hawaiian Shirt night became a happening as men, women, kids, staff, everyone wears the bright printed, collared, buttoned, short-sleeve dress shirts. Even riders put them over their race uniforms. Fun and silliness in abundance it supplies one more notch in the fun factor that Industry Racing is so well known for. Now with the help of Bruce Flanders protégé Terry Ike Clanton every year the ugly and beautiful compete in a contest where the crowd picks the winners and losers. Needless to say, being a braggart, swaggerer, boaster, or vaunter are all good traits in this merriment. Howie Zechner, Press officer, howie@razvideo.com.

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91) Another addition to Historic Sportscar Racing is the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400, October 11-12, 2024, which is HSR’s first appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway. From Adam Saal

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