Motorsports Newsletter 10/09/24

By Richard Parks

1) EDITOR’S CORNER: If it has a MOTOR in it then it is newsworthy for the Motorsports Newsletter. Editor’s gripe too. I go over each issue and make the newsletter as perfect as possible, but the computer always bungles up something. I firmly believe that computers have a mind of their own; and much of it is just evil.
All links in the newsletter need to be copied and pasted into your browser in order to work.
PLEASE tell me if what you send in is PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL. I’m good at guessing, but not always perfect.
CORRECTION: The date you have listed for GOODGUYS Scottsdale is incorrect… it should read November 22-24, 2024, Phil Smith—Rodders Representative.
READERS: This event was listed originally in Sherm Porter’s list for the week before (GOODGUYS Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals, WestWorld/Scottsdale, Arizona. 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com). Always double check prior to attending because cancellations, delays, weather and other factors create changes in scheduling events.

2) Continued thanks for your commitment to all things drag racing! Would you please let your readers know that we will be celebrating the life of Alison Lee on Thursday, October 24th, in the pits of Famoso Raceway, immediately after the twilight fuel test session (approximately 8pm). Anyone wishing to pay tribute to this amazing woman, arguably the First Lady of Top Fuel, is welcome. Phil Burgess wrote a nice remembrance of her career in NHRA online, which can be found here: https://www.nhra.
com/news/2024/remembering-alison-lee-first-first-lady-top-fuel-racing. For more details on the memorial, please contact Diane Hilton at dlite62@aol.com. Best, Mendy Fry
AND: Remembering Alison Lee, the first First Lady of Top Fuel racing, by Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor. “Before Shirley Muldowney ever turned a tire in Top Fuel and nearly 20 years before Brittany Force was even born, the First Lady of Top Fuel was Alison Lee, whose tuning prowess made her a legend in the sport. We lost Alison August 29 at age 84, but her legacy will long survive her.” (For the full article and photos go to https://www.nhra.com/news/2024/remembering-alison-lee-first-first-lady-top-fuel-racing).
AND: Jim Brissette recently passed away. From Bill Holland.
READERS: Does anyone have any information on Jim Brissette’s passing?

3) The California Hot Rod Reunion, Friday, October 25th through Sunday, October 27, 2024, with Blake Bowser at Famoso. Blake is running the event with proceeds going to the Museum: https://famosodragstrip.com/hotrodreunion/. David Kennedy

4) WE GET MAIL DEPT: “Greetings Richard! In items 6 and 61, you have “Cars Year” podcast, which is actually “Cars Yeah.” You have it correct in another location, so I am sure this is just an oversight. Bob.”
READERS: I am glad and grateful to receive letters of correction. For two reasons: 1) it’s important for me to acknowledge mistakes, and 2) because this way I know you are out there and reading the newsletter.

5) The Vintage Speedcar Association (VSA) Newsletter, 246th edition Aug/Sept 2024. Here are the officers listed for this organization. President: Kevin Gilkison. Vice President: John Campbell. Secretary: Nicole Fullager. Treasurer: Greg Wells. Events Director: Alan Mace. Assistant Events Director: Shane Fullager & Terry Young. Newsletter Editor: Keith Nicholls. Social Committee: Margaret Wells, Leanne Middlemass, Mary-Rose Vella, Keith Nicholls, Nicole Fullager, and David Hunt. Technical Committee: Bill Wells, Bob Lewis, Alan Day, Kevin Griffiths, Bob Blacklaw. Historian: Greg Mann. Assistant Historian: Ray Dean. Car Registration Officer: Greg Mann. Regalia Nicole Fullager. Club Photographers John Stanley, & Keith Nicholls. From John & Maria Green at ajkake@bigpond.com.
JOHN & MARIA: Shannons Sydney Classic Sunday August 26, 2024, had a great line-up of beautiful old cars displayed at the Shannons Series (road course).

6) BAD PEOPLE, by Joe Scalzo ($21.95) ISBN 9798335291811. Table of contents includes 31 chapters and covers people like JFK, Frank Sinatra, Judith Exner, Black Widow Spider, Bunkie the Cheater, Public Enemy #1, Dodger, Wyatt Earp, Femme Fatales, Fon and Mrs Woodword, Bettenhausen, much advertised Race Car Hoax, the Idiot and the Female Secret Agent, Tombstone and many more unforgettable people, places and events. Reviewed by Doug Stokes at stokes28doug@gmail.com.

7) The Speed Kings: The Rise and Fall of Motordrome Racing, by Don Emde. 10×12 inch, hardbound, 372 Pages, 600 illustrations, 40 chapters plus prologue and epilogue. 4-color sepia tone throughout, self-published and printed in the United States of America, available from EmdeBooks.com. The Speed Kings: The Rise and Fall of Motordrome Racing, awarded “Best Book of 2019” honors by the Motor Press Guild, was written by Don Emde, a former Daytona 200 winner and Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee. This richly illustrated, 372-page hardbound book tells the story of the first generation of motorcycle board track racing in the early-1900’s, before the large auto speedways, when daring riders sped at 90+ mph around ¼-mile circular motordromes banked at 60-degrees. Available from EmdeBooks.com. Contact Don Emde at don@emdebooks.com.

8) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, written by Wally Parks (to be serialized in coming newsletters).
“Trailblazer: Chevrolet’s introduction of its newest ‘Trailblazer’ brings back memories of its background, known to only a few of us who were involved. It had its start in a small shop located near the west bank of the San Gabriel River near the Imperial Street bridge east of Los Angeles and operated by Vic Hickey and Jack Henry – two talented and innovative young hot rodders. Together they were working on a new concept for an off-road vehicle that might challenge the Jeep and its hold on the American hunters and fishermen’s market. It was a far-out idea for its time, unlike anything that had been attempted, but their dual backgrounds as hot rod experimentalists and master mechanics made it all seem feasible. Sans any start-up capital for the project, Vic earmarked ten people who might invest either money or other essentials to the program.

9) The Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic 6 Hour in turn sets the stage on June 12-14, 2025, for the following weekend’s IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, June 19-22, 2025. Adam Saal SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

10) Richard, the Trail of Tears is a commemorative motorcycle ride. Most recipients of the email I sent you are well-aware of the Trail of Tears Commemorative Rides. To a reader unacquainted with the History and Ride which started out in 1994, the letter is rather sketchy. In the late 1990’s the Ride was 57 miles long with the motorcycles estimated at about 150,000. The Ride goes from Ross Landing (Chattanooga, Tennessee) to Waterloo, Alabama, traveling through Alabama from the Northeast Corner to the Northwest Corner of the State. There are Police Escorts all the way with all entrances and side-roads blocked as we come through, including Interstate 565 in Huntsville. The Ride could have been about 25 to 30 miles long this year, but I do not have the figures. Dale Cook, Chief
READERS: Is there a motorcycle ride bigger or longer than the Trail of Tears Commemorative Ride?

11) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) Championship Point Award Series for 2024. In the Top Sportsman final, Lui Ramundo defeated Series Champion Charlie Emler Jr. Ramundo ran 4.6541 seconds at 150.10 mph on a 4.64-second dial-in with a .0299-second reaction time. Emler ran a 4.2243-second pass at 167.85 mph on a 4.23 dial-in with a .0465 second reaction time. The Top Sportsman semi-finalists were Jon Schmid from Orchard Park, NY, and Allan Runions II from Lansing, NY. Bruce Mehlenbacher is at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

12) I called Bubby just now to let him know that you would like to call him, and he was really glad to know that. 909-762-0730. I see Bubby from time to time at a local donut shop where a bunch of guys from all walks of life get together and settle the world’s problems. Bubby lost his wife some time ago, so he comes with a gal who is his caretaker. He is still Bubby, and we laugh at his adventures in life, and he is still outspoken in an entertaining way. Marv Weston
READERS: If you know Bubby Wilton, give him a call. He remembers clearly the past and would love to talk to you.

13) My Travels on Racer Road: Can-Am and Formula 1 in their golden age, by Author Pete Lyons, with Foreword by Sir Jackie Stewart, ISBN: 9781910505878, Epilogue with Mario Andretti. Pre-Order now on our re-designed web site petelyons.com. Finally! After all these years writing about other people and events, I’m telling my own story. PETE LYONS: MY TRAVELS ON RACER ROAD, a memoir of my 60-plus years passionately following a sport I love, will race off the grid in early 2025. Sent in by: Doug Stokes at stokes28doug@gmail.com. Pete Lyons’ website is at https://www.petelyons.com/my-books.

14) Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin, TX, Friday, October 18-Sunday, October 20, 2024. From:
National Hot Rod Association News at updates@go.nhra.com.

15) Many of us took part in the survey conducted by the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation in April. Graeme Jackson of the VSCC of Victoria put together this article for that club’s newsletter. He agreed to let me use it. It was Aristotle who coined the phrase, “nature abhors a vacuum.” The phrase expresses the idea that unfilled spaces go against the laws of nature and physics and that every space needs to be filled with something. Bob Campbell, Editor of Vintage Metal Magazine of Western Australia at robertcampbell4@icloud.com.

16) INSIDE OSCA: The Bolognese miracle that amazed the world. Author Carlo Cavicchi (born 1947) is a celebrated Italian journalist who has been director of weekly magazines Autosprint (1984–99) and SportAutoMoto (2001–08), and the monthly Quattroruote (2010–14). The winner of numerous journalistic awards, he was a member of the Car of the Year jury for 23 years and sat on the Car of the Century world jury in Las Vegas in 1999. His books include Senna Vero (‘The True Senna’), co-written with the great Brazilian ace in 1992 and published in numerous editions. After Senna’s death at Imola in 1994, he campaigned through Autosprint to establish the true cause of the accident. From: jvstropus@gmail.com.

17) The Smothers Brothers’ Flirtation with Oldsmobile, written by Diego Rosenberg for The ClassicCars.com Journal: Your daily dose of steel, rubber and soul. Part 8. Jimmy Waibel’s car is the only one known to survive out of all the cars in the Smothers Brothers team. How Delaware resident Jeff Kane came to own it is a story unto itself: Both his grandfather and father owned service stations, which gave Jeff an opportunity to cut his teeth in the mechanical world. Pumping gas evolved into installing snow chains, then tune-ups, and more. As an impressionable teen, Jeff befriended John Burkholder, a young employee of his dad who also happened to have a race car. John gave Jeff his first taste of drag racing at the Cecil County Drag-O-Way. This experience, plus hanging out at Alex Jarrell’s garage in Hockessin, doing work for other racers, helped Jeff acquire even more knowledge. The group of racers and friends even drove to Florida to attend the very first Gatornationals in Gainesville in 1970, which left an imprint that we will revisit later.

18) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,
www.CarTechBooks.com. Muscle Car Interior Restoration Guide. How to Restore Your Camaro 1967-1969. And: How to Restore your Pontiac GTO: 1964-1974.

19) Why Does NASA Want to Explore Jupiter’s Ocean Moon? (Europa Clipper Science Overview) at 4:58 https://youtu.be/
GXMA-04CADw?si=FvzFIPwr-OXBuu3d. Europa Clipper: Exploring Jupiter’s Ocean Moon (Mission Overview) at 4:25 https://youtu.be/q88fSdGMbys?si=Scis7c14M53f5ol_. NASA Job: Communications Systems Engineer, behind the Spacecraft: Europa Clipper at 2:05 https://youtu.be/Ri2ZwFK5Uz8?si=fTeMqL0oQiMevbXZ. From Pam Leestma, NASA Excellence in Teaching Award National American Stars of Teaching Award, Bellflower, CA.

20) Just finished today’s newsletter and must add that Item #7 no doubt refers to Jim & Bob Brissette (not ‘Brizette’). Aside from their Bonneville exploits, Jim went on to become one of the most respected NHRA Top Fuel tuners and responsible for huge collection of ‘Wallys’. Bill Holland
BILL: I KNEW that. I blame it on my computer which HATES me.

21) Books from Dalton Watson Fine Books at www.daltonwatson.com: Cunningham: The Passion, The Cars, The Legacy (2-volume set), by Richard Harman. Fast, Faster, Fastest: The Bill Sadler Story, by John R. Wright. Lime Rock Park: The Early
Years 1955-1975, by Terry O’Neil. Dalton Watson Fine Books at www.daltonwatson.com.

22) WHO WE ARE © 2024 GrandPrix+. LAST LAP by David Tremayne ‘A Christian to the Lions? Christian Horner.
EDITOR: This is an excellent on-line magazine on Formula 1 and Grand Prix racing.

23) The 2024 Mission Moto Beach Classic is back, bringing the ultimate fusion of motorcycle racing, art, and culture to the stunning shores of Huntington Beach on October 12, 2024, at SeaLegs. This year’s event promises to be bigger and bolder, with action-packed racing, exciting entertainment, and a full lineup of vendors, live music and activities for all ages – all free to the public. Summer Hoover is at summer@rolandsands.com.

24) BOOKS: Alfa Romeo Cars in Motorsport since 1945, by Peter Collins, £80 or £120 hardback, 29.5×26.5cm, 328 pages, 370 pictures. Porsche 911 991 The Definitive History 2011 to 2019, by Brian Long, £50 or $70 hardback, 20.7x25cm, 224 pages, 364 pictures. Jaguar: All the Cars Updated, by Nigel Thorley, £40 to $60, paperback, 17×23.5cm, 424 pages, 982 pictures. From: Veloce at newsletter@veloce.co.uk.

25) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 1947 Bill France & NASCAR
Bill France was the giant of automotive racing in the United States and arguably the entire world. Big Bill as he was known had a style of leadership that he called “Benevolent Dictatorship.” He could match any man fist for fist or speak patiently and persuasively, but the core reason for his success was his passion for the sport of stock car racing as we know it today. Prior to that day in 1947 in a small room in Daytona Beach where he established the rules that would govern NASCAR, the world of stock car racing was haphazard at best. Promoters, both good and horribly bad, put on races that were often chaotic and sometimes they left the track with the gate receipts before the race was finished. France standardized the rules, and he was fair with his prizes; if he told you what your winnings would be he paid them. My father admired Big Bill and the feeling was mutual, though they could never exist as competitors or partners.

26) SHERM PORTER’s Calendar of Events at fuely32@sbcglobal.net.
October 17-19, 2024, Mecum Auction, Las Vegas, Nevada, www.mecum.com.
October 19, 2024, Central Coast Class Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet, featured Marque the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club,
https://centralcoastclassicmc.com.
October 20, 2024, El Mirage Dry Lake, El Mirage, CA, www.scta-bni.org.
October 24-27, 2024, The Haunted Trail along to Pismo, Pismo Coast Village, CA. https://www.trailerfestrally.com/.
October 25-27, 2024, Wally Parks NOSTALGIA NATIONALS at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, NHRA HERITAGE SERIES, races,
car show, vendors, swap meet, 800-884-NHRA (6472) or www.nhra.com.
October 31-November 3, 2024, NHRA Nevada Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, www.nhra.com.

27) BOOK REVIEW: The Last Open Road, written by Burt “BS” Levy. As for me, this is a handy book to take with me on assignments when I just need a bit of diversion and rest. It is a chance to relax and bring back some funny and sad moments in auto racing. It is a chance to use it as an opening in a conversation with others of similar minds. It appeals to men and women, husbands and wives, the ladies who wait patiently for you to leave the latest car show or race. Levy combines a bit of film noir, detective story, action, hilarious events, fun and sadness. It allows the mind to appreciate the story content and to elaborate, adding our own characters to the plot. I give this work a solid 7 & 7/8ths sparkplugs out of 8 and highly recommend adding The Last Open Road to your library. Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1@juno.com. Author BS “Burt” Levy is at thinkfast@mindspring.com. (Last in the series)

28) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast.
Steve Moal – The Bonneville Salt Flats, Hot Rod, and Hot Rod Garages all three by Peter Vincent.
Scott Riekstins – What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yomada.
Vic Elford – Porsche Legends by Randy Leffingwell and The Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook by Vic Elford.
Thomas Bryant –Side Glances by Peter Egan, Ferrari: Stories from Those Who Lived the Legend by John Lamm and Maxda MX5 Miata 25 Years by Thomas Bryant.
Scott Jacobs – The Art of Scott Jacobs by Scott Jacobs and The Motorcycle Art of Scott Jacobs by Cliff Stieglitz.
Shinoo Mapleton – Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code.
Chris Powell – Excellence Was Expected by Karl E. Ludvigsen.
Peter Krause – Going Faster by Carl Lopez.

29) EV Racing Safety Conference returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 22, 2024. “Our mission is to educate racers on all aspects of racing safety, including electrics. We are pleased to partner with UNC Charlotte on another EVRSafe event,” says Stand 21 Safety Foundation President, Yves Morizot. https://motorsports.charlotte.edu/evrsafe. From Don Taylor at:
dtaylor@racinggoessafer.org.

30) I remember the old garage in Whittier and how the ramp went down into the building. Nearby was the Taylor and Ryan Engine shop and the guys would all gather every time my father would show up to conduct SCTA business or just to benchrace. I got to sit on Ak Miller’s lap, and he would tell me stories that I was way too young to remember. But later in life I visited Ak whenever I could. He was like an uncle or Godfather towards me. He liked kids if they behaved, but he never had any children of his own. He was married four times, twice to Marilyn Miller and he was brutally honest about his marriages. “All three women left me poorer each time, but they deserved every dime they got from the settlements; I was a lousy husband.” Maybe that might be true, but I sort of doubt that; Ak was a loveable guy, he was just absent a lot. (source-Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)

31) When I first started working at NHRA in 1969 I had come to purchase a 1966 Porsche 912 and had poured my heart and soul into fixing it up. The engine was built by Richard Bays (later of Bays & Rupert F/C fame) as he was the NHRA National Record holder in I/G with a 4-cylinder Porsche-powered Fiat. Anyway, one Monday night we were working on the latest issue of National Dragster when I heard Les Lovett grumble something on the line of, “What’s Holland doing leaving now…we’re not done with the paper.” I poked my head around the corner and Les said something like, “You’re here? I just heard your car drive away!).” This was at the NHRA Headquarters building in North Hollywood, where some of the parking area was below the 2nd floor – where National Dragster was located. They found the shell of the Porsche (sans engine, transmission, body panels, seats, etc.) near downtown Los Angeles. Luckily, my AAA insurance covered me. Bill Holland
BILL: I’ve heard many stories about theft, which is one reason they moved to Glendora.

32) Start racing today with NHRA Street Legal. From: National Hot Rod Association updates@go.nhra.com. DIVISION 4 –
Thunder Valley Raceway Park Lexington Okla. (quarter-mile) 405-872-3429 http://www.okthunder.com/.
Texas Houston Motorsports Park Houston Texas (eighth-mile) 281-458-1972 http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com/.
Pine Valley Raceway Lufkin Texas (quarter-mile) https://www.pinevalleyraceway.com/.
Texas Motorplex Ennis Texas (quarter-mile) 972-878-2641 http://texasmotorplex.com/.

33) Tom Matano was the first Hidden Pioneer to join Bill Montgomery and Jennifer Rodriguez was the youngest team member at 17 years old in high school her senior year. We connected them up after a few car shows and visits with Larry Wood, Hector Cademartori, Bob Rosas who all gave her encouragement to keep going. Jennfier was mentored by Tom Matano at this school in Northern California where she recently graduated this year. We found her at Victor Valley High school in the City of Colton CA. She is on her way to a great paying career in art as a trained artist. Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers@gmail.com.

34) This is probably boring to you but being up here in the sticks. But I’ll gossip a little. Do you remember H. L. my husband back in the days, Bob’s dad? He passed 4 months earlier (June 2020) than Bob (my son), we could only have 20 people at the cemetery, and it could only last 15 minutes. But Bob did have the ’68 there and fired it up at the cemetery and did a long burn out on the street, loaded it in the trailer and disappeared before the police arrived. We had over 100 people there. The minister was a little concerned. From: Shirley Shahan Bridges at amxdragonlady1@sbcglobal.net.
SHIRLEY: It’s always nice to hear from you and I am very sorry to hear about H. L. and Bob.

35) “Finally! After all these years writing about other people and events, I’m telling my own story. PETE LYONS; MY TRAVELS ON RACER ROAD, a memoir of my 60-plus years passionately following a sport I love, will race off the grid in early 2025.” Pete Lyon’s new book is available directly from Pete at www.petelyons.com, and he will write a message and sign it for you too. From Doug Stokes stokes28doug@gmail.com.
READERS: This is not exactly a tell-all book, but Pete has seen it all and you may be in the story.

36) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the USA. Advanced NHRA Betting Topics Live Betting on NHRA Races: This can add an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience. It allows you to place bets in real-time as the race unfolds, allowing you to capitalize on changing odds and momentum shifts during the race. The only shortcoming is that you must be able to make quick and accurate analyses and decisions while watching the race. https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle

37) ProMeda LLC has declared the demise of the NMRA and NMCA. The NMRA and NMCA have been staples in the drag racing world for decades holding events across the country. This is a huge blow to the drag racing world and will impact both racers and facilities. Article by Brian Wagner in Dragzine.com. See https://www.dragzine.com/news/breaking-news-the-nmra-and-nmca-cease-operations/. ProMedia’s official statement: “ProMedia LLC, home of the NMRA Ford Nationals (since 1999) and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals (since 1988), has made the very difficult decision to cease production of motorsport events beyond 2024. Despite our best efforts, the company could not overcome significant challenges that include losing 4 of our 5 largest pre-Covid revenue-producing events, losing Auto Club Speedway for our NMCA WEST series, declining sponsor and advertising revenues, substantial inflationary price increases and, most recently, the devastating effect Hurricane Helene had on the NMRA World Finals, our company’s largest net profit event.” Sent in by John Towle.

38) From the MSHFA website at https://www.mshf.com/. 2013 Inductees: Jack Chrisman, Harvey Firestone, Masten Gregory, Brad Lackey, Bud Moore, Robert E. Petersen, & Alex Zanardi. 2014 Inductees: Ole Bardahl, Raymond Beadle, John Bishop, Ricky Graham, Arie Luyendyk, Marshall Teague, & Rusty Wallace. 2015 Inductees: Ricky Carmichael, Walker Evans, Warren Johnson, Tommy Kendall, Mark Martin, Duke Nalon, & Lloyd Ruby. 2016 Inductees: Everett Brashear, Richard Childress, Gary Gabelich, Chip Ganassi, Dave McClelland, Sam Posey, & Bob Sweikert.

39) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene will interview Tom Wookie Ford, Michael Alan Ross, Renny Doyle and Dwight T. Knowlton. Mark is at Cars Yeah at info@carsyeah.com. Email him and ask to be on his mailing list and if you have an interesting career or story ask him to interview you. I really enjoyed my time on his show.

40) Heir to a railroading fortune, William K. Vanderbilt II (1878-1944) had previously established himself as a world-class driver, scoring several noteworthy victories and finishing third against top-flight European competition in the 318-mile International Circuit des Ardennes in France in 1902. He broke Henry Ford’s #999 (car) land speed record for the measured mile by averaging 92.307 mph on the sand at Daytona Beach in January 1904, piloting a 90 horsepower Mercedes racer, in addition to seven other US marks for distances from 5 to 50 miles. Sent in by Adam Saal.

41) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) Championship Point Award Series for 2024. In the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS), it was brother’s Nearhoof meeting in the final round run-off. Mike Nearhoof from Youngstown, NY and his 1986 Kawasaki LX10 1428-cc Pro Bike ran a 5.0847 second 133.33 mph run on a 5.10 dial-in, with a .0372 second reaction time, defeating a red-lighting brother Dick Nearhoof from Wheatfield, NY, riding a 1990 Kawasaki ZX10 1075-cc Pro Bike running 6.0455 seconds at 112.02 mph on a 6.09 dial-in. In the semi-finals, Mike Nearhoof defeated Josh Costa from Retsof, NY, and Dick Nearhoof beat PBSS Series Champion Lee Burgess. Bruce Mehlenbacher is at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

42) Episode #468 – “Advanced Clutch Technology for Racers: Maximizing Performance & Durability,” by Advanced Clutch Technology. This webinar will be presented by Rich Barsamian, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, and Matt Field, Pro Formula Drift Driver, Drift Cave Motorsports. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90. From: team@epartrade.com.

43) I took my 1967 VW Bug out to the NHRA Wally Parks Motorsports Museum cruise night, where VW was the featured marque. There’s a back-story here. The first new car that I purchased was a 1967 VW. In 1969, after I had been working at NHRA for a while, I bought a 1966 Porsche 912 from a neighbor who was moving. Your dad asked me if I’d want to trade the VW for a George Barris-built Manx-type dune buggy that he had, as the Bug would be great for Barbara and your brother, David. She christened it ‘Schneider’ and it became trusty transportation for many years. The dune buggy was a typical movie car looked great on the outside, but the mechanics were lacking. I promptly sold it. Upon reflection, your dad got the better of that deal (grin). Bill Holland
BILL: Awww, those cars. Dad picked up some real junkers. He coulda been a great used car salesman. David and I always had trouble with them but can’t complain since they were free. I’ve always wondered where he got all those cars. Barbara always named things, from houses, to cars, to stuffed animals, etc, and if you were in the “In Crowd” you knew the names. We still have “Miss Piggy” and the grandkids love playing with her (cute stuffed toy soft pig).

44) Congrats to Bill Montgomery who received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Transportation & Technology) Feb 2024.

45) Magnolia Park Merchants Association presents “Holiday in the Park Car Show,” Friday, November 22, 2024, 5-9pm, Magnolia Park, Burbank, CA. From: Tina Van Curen is at Autobooks-Aerobooks or manager@autobooks-aerobooks.com.

46) Don’t you DARE deprive me of my favorite racing-news publication! In fact, I read each edition twice because I read the whole dang thang aloud to Greg Sharp. FYI, sometimes an issue will drift into Volcano’s inbox a day or so after Paul Chamberlain kindly shares with me (in case of transmission failure). Sorry ’bout the inexplicable, continuing issues with Sky’s & my rural ISP. All I can figure is that someone working in Volcano’s tech department is an old drag racer who got …bad word… by that other guy named Parks. DWjr (aka Dave Wallace Jr)
DAVE: From all the commotion you have caused I can’t believe you are so hard to reach. Your email server “doesn’t like me,” which proves that it has good taste. Give Greg our best. Dad really liked him.

47) SHERM PORTER’s List of Events and car shows for 2024, fuely32@sbcglobal.net.
Pismo Derelicts: Every Saturday 7am-whenever, OSH/ROSS Shopping Center, Pismo Beach, CA.
Santa Barbara Cars & Coffee: Every Sunday, Santa Barbara, CA, at La Cumbre Plaza, 8-10am. sbcarscoffee@gmail.com.
Monthly Jr’s Drive-In: Santa Maria, CA, 2nd Friday, 603 E. Main, 5-8pm, 805-925-5556.

48) A.J. Foyt and author Art Garner will be in person signing copies of his book, A.J. Foyt – Volume 1 at Foyt Wine Vault in Speedway, Indiana. This event is open to the public on a first-come, first served basis. There will also be a short Q&A with A.J. and author Art Garner. October 10, 2024, Time 6-8 pm, 1182 N. Main Street, Speedway, Indiana 46224. Octane Press at
sales@octanepress.com. Sent in by Doug Stokes.

49) A new way to experience the Grand Prix Weekend. Grab a buddy or take your spouse and visit private collections, drive through iconic scenic routes on the way to Las Vegas and experience the race weekend with two T-Mobile Zone at the Sphere grandstand tickets, along with F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Fan Experience access. Each ticket is one car, two attendees. No participants under 18. For questions, please reach out to marketingteam@petersen.org. From: Petersen Automotive Museum.

50) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (to be serialized in coming newsletters). TRAILBLAZER
A few came aboard with cash commitments and others could provide valuable services needed for the project’s requirements. I was one of the latter, along with George Barris who volunteered the body’s design and fabrication. My role, as editor of Hot Rod Magazine, was to supply industry contacts and publicity, when ready. As a working title Vic came up with ‘Trailblazer,’ which seemed to define its purposes. The original assembly included front suspension from a Plymouth Valiant, powered by a Corvair air-cooled engine, which Vic was convinced could handle anything we could dump on it, and through contacts at Chevrolet we were able to acquire one for our experimental use. Little by little, with much improvising, the project came together and began to resemble a vehicle. Barris had not yet completed his body concept, which would be formed in fiberglass.

51) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way.
Writers Walter Woron and Logue had been invited to an SCTA meeting in late 1947 and wrote an article on the association for the February issue of Speed Age magazine. It was a glowing tribute to the work of my father and all those involved in dry lakes racing; it was a major improvement in the group’s effort to gain positive publicity. The Hot Rod Exposition also was a major boost to the SCTA.

52) Officials with NHRA, Firebird Motorsports Park and the Gila River Indian Community announce a multi-year extension for the annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at the track. It sets the stage for a memorable celebration for next year’s 40th anniversary of the NHRA Arizona Nationals, which takes place March 21-23, 2025, as the second race of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Tickets will go on sale on October 14, 2024, for the annual “Duel in the Desert” and the long-term extension ensures the storied history of NHRA drag racing at the track will continue well into the future. From: National Hot Rod Association at nhracommunications@nhra.com.

53) Gustavo Estrada, Head of Development; Juan Cruz Fernandez, Sports Director and Head of Engineering; and German Yunes, VP Marketing and Strategy, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Joe Castello of WFO Radio. From: team@epartrade.com.
READERS: If you haven’t joined the podcasts by Epartrade during its December Race Industry Week you are missing out. For a full week in December this company interviews people from the motorsports’ world from morning until afternoon.

54) Off-Road community and race car owners’ contacts. Steve Slepcevic and Strategic Response Partners have created a multi-wave task force of capable off-road vehicles and drivers to begin cutting trails to the areas completely cut off from support. Phase 1 of this operation will begin as early as Monday, 10/7, with the first wave of drivers and vehicles needed. This initial group needs to be experienced or pro off-roaders with vehicles built for extreme off-roading. For example, built Broncos/Jeeps, side by sides, ATVs, and Trail Buggies. Once routes are established by this first wave of drivers then we will call on our next wave of off-roaders that will be available in volume. From: Chris Agajanian at Ascot Motorsports contact@ascotmotorsports.com. (cont’d)
READERS: Volunteers are always important, even in the professional (paid) sports. There is much that you can do to help: bring people to the events, work on the telephones, bring food and water to workers, donate money or equipment. You can make a difference.

55) Vintage Metal magazine (www.vsccwa.com.au), October 2024-Issue #391 of The Journal of The Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. Contents: member profiles for Rami Brass & Doug Jack. Great Australian Racing Cars. Book Review – Phillip Island by John Smailes. Collie Coalfields 500 Photo Gallery. All the Regulars. Vintage Sports Car Club of WA. ABN 49 845 981 838, PO Box 1127, GWELUP WA 6018, Email: admin@vsccwa.com.au. Paul Wilkins was rushed into hospital for open heart surgery. The surgery was successful, and Paul is gradually working his way back to the golf course.

56) Nick Vaughn will be at Autobooks/Aerobooks store on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 11am to 3pm to talk about his new book, West Coast Junior Fuel: Volume 1, a Class History 1964-1972. Autobooks-Aerobooks, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd,
Burbank, CA 91505, 818-845-0707, www.autobooks-aerobooks.com. From: Autobooks-Aerobooks. manager@autobooks-aerobooks.com.

57) I am trying to locate information about Bill Brehaut and the first couple of years of Road and Track magazine. The first issue of the magazine was published from Hempstead, New York; and then, Bill moved to Burbank and the following issues were published from Burbank, California. Bill was co-founder and co-editor of the magazine. I am in the process of rebuilding a 1937 Cord that Bill was pictured with at that time. Beginning in May 1948, the magazine contained club news including a paragraph or two about SCTA activities. I have wondered if any 1948 SCTA newsletters made mention or had an article alerting members to the startup and availability of Road and Track magazine. I assume some of the early magazine staff attended SCTA events. Bill Kile, Bountiful, Utah
BILL: I will post this in my newsletter as some people on it have contacts with Road and Track. My father was in charge of Hot Rod and other Petersen Publishing periodicals and there were always some “club news” in those magazines. I will also put you on the newsletter list in case anyone replies. I’ve heard of Bill Brehaut, but there are others who may know more: Jim Miller, Dick Martin, and many who worked for the magazine.

58) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast.
Don Garlits – The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.
John Wright – Mark Donahue: His Life in Photographs, and Walt Hansgen: His Life and the History of Post-War American Road Racing, both by Michael Argetsinger.
Danny Thompson – Micky Thompson the Fast Life by Erik Arneson, and Mickey Thompson: The Fast Life and Tragic Death of a Racing Legend by Griffith Borgeson.
Jim Kearney – Peak Performance by Charles Garfield.
Ian James – Go Like Hell by A.J. Baime.
John Dagys – My Sweetest Victory by Alex Zanardi.
Adam Martin – American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman.
David Ray – The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die by John Izzo.

59) Visit Burromax Electric Pit Bikes at SEMA Booth #24951. Darrell Strong, President of H1 Unlimited, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. The 5th Annual Race Industry Week is scheduled for December 2-5, 2024. For details email team@epartrade.com.

60) Pioneer Stories – 1964 Drag Festival Report Part 2. 26th September 2024. The British Drag Racing Historians are proud to present part two of the 1964 Drag Festival Reports: This is the second part in a series of three race reports from the ‘1st British International Drag Festival’ which happened 60 years ago today. This part covers the second weekend which happened on the 26th and 27th September 1964 visiting RAF Woodvale on the Saturday and RAF Church Fenton on the Sunday. The Drag Festival was probably the most reported event in drag racing history such was the importance of this historic venture, bringing the American sport to the UK and beyond. Reports appeared in countless magazines and newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. Story produced by Nick Pettitt. Story produced by Nick Pettitt and published by editor of Eurodragster.com Chris Winn. You can view this story by going here: https://www.eurodragster.net/eurodragster/article.aspx?id=58. From: John Hunt at johnhunt.drn@googlemail.com.

61) 2024 Mission Moto Beach Classic: Feature live music performances throughout the day and into the night at SeaLegs at the Beach. Fans can enjoy an eclectic daytime lineup from 740DD, Skatenic Rednecks and Lively Up. As the sun it setting enjoy the surf-rock sounds of The Burritos, the feel-good vibes of a Sublime cover band, and a high-energy performance from none other than Mickey Avalon, bringing his unique mix of hip-hop and rock to the stage during the Buell Motorcycles Afterparty from 7pm-11pm. With the ocean as a backdrop, it’s the perfect setting for a festival of music and motorcycles. Summer Hoover is at summer@rolandsands.com.

62) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the Pro Bike and Sled Series (PBSS) are pleased to announce the confirmation of four race dates on the 2025 calendar. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) will compete on June 20-21, July 18-19, August 15-16 and September 12-13, 2025. The events will include the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS), and the 5.50 Index Series, Box and No-Box divisions. The competition will be held on the Empire Dragway eighth-mile track surface and compete for their respective Championship Point Award Series. Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

63) TALK ABOUT ENTHUSIAM DEPT: Vintage Metal magazine (www.vsccwa.com.au), October 2024-Issue #391 of The Journal of The Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. “…we have taken the view that our lease is for twenty years at least, so we’ve built for things to last that period of time. Secondly, we’re all volunteers, average age circa 75, with other lives to lead, so restricting to one day a week (and occasionally a little more) has provided an interest while not inducing burn-out.”
READERS: Aussies are long-lived and committed.