Motorsports Newsletter 4/02/25

By Richard Parks

1) EDITOR’S CORNER: Last week we discussed what a book reviewer is or does. Today we will discuss the life of a Self-Publishing author does to survive in the tough world of book writing. 1) A publisher is a job title for someone who rewrites, edits (maybe), puts photos and text into a pdf or file. Makes sure the author’s work makes it to the printer and comes back looking something like what the author intended the book to look like. A Self-Publisher is described in the trade as VANITY publishing because the prospect of making money or breaking even is over-ruled by one’s desire to tell a story when everyone tells him/her that people don’t read books today. 2) A reviewer’s job is to review the book and give an accurate account of the book and promise to a successful outcome which is why reviewers are held in the same esteem as used car salesmen and politicians. 3) Since the Self-Publisher does without a professional publisher the printer’s charge for a simple softbound book with a glued spine and a few black and white photos at the back or middle of the book can be RIDICULOUSLY LOW. So low, that you can “buy” 2500 books for about the same price as 50 high quality, hardbound books with color photos. We’re talking $5 to $10, or less. Then the printer says, “I can get you a deal you can’t believe, 25,000 books for a price a buck cheaper, what a deal.” 4) Now your garage is full of pallets of books and your better half glowers at you. So instead of spending $500 for 25 books, you now have 25,000 books for $75,000. Oh, what a deal if you like to buy in volume and only consider unit pricing. Unfortunately, the pdf that you used may jumble the pages up and now no one can read your work, because you did it without a professional publisher. 5) Printers don’t have much time to help you (actually none at all), but they will quote you prices for color, hardbound and paper quality, and all sorts of bells and whistles that take your base cost from very little to “lotsa dough” per book. Poor quality paper degrades fast and after a few years you BREATHE the book (dust), not read it. 6) This is why all my works are on Word Doc and I can send them by email to you for FREE. 7) If you aren’t cheap like me, you can order ONE (1) printer’s copy for a hundred bucks or maybe $200 to see if you did it right. If the proof copy is fine, then you order more. You would be surprised how many self-publishers refuse to buy a printer’s copy (too much we say). If you know what you are doing, then consider vanity publishing your book without the help of a publisher. 8) Since you don’t have a publisher, you must promote your book. That means that since you have thousands of books your weekends are booked for the next 20 years. You will have to attend book

signings, swap meets, car shows, races, etc. If you have a supportive spouse then you won’t be alone, but it will cost you plenty in meals out, travel and gifts. Also, what will you use for a garage since you have several pallets of books there. Authors are artists and often make poor promoters, but hiring promotional groups can run up your costs. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” applies in spades. At least a friend can do a free book review, but you will do the heavy lifting. Next week we talk about the independent publishers and the Big House Publishers (Motorbooks, CarTech, British Publishers).

AND: All links in the newsletter need to be copied and pasted into your browser in order to work.

AND: Apologies to all for my forgetting to Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) a recent email.

AND: Interesting stat; Detections from the last 30 days=Ads/Trackers were 101,502 (intercepted), Malware 0, Scams 0, Content 0. Wonder how this compares to your computer? Better or worse?

AND: Book, magazine, movie and video reviews are accepted by everyone for this newsletter.

2) REMEMBERING OUR LOST AND INJURED FRIENDS DEPARTMENT:

a) Eddie Jordan was also famous for what even back in 1990 was described as an, “uncanny ability to spot young drivers and maximize their potential.” Those he gave big breaks to including world champions Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill, and Michael Schumacher … rescuing the future seven-time champion from being a cast off who all teams had passed on for any of their series. Other F1 winners to drive for him included Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barichello, Ralf Schumacher, Jean Alesi, Martin Brundle, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Rubens Barichello. He discovered Katy Price as one of his pit girls, guiding her from tabloids to Super Model, to TV, music and other varied careers to the heights of celebrity. She recalls: “He was a very charismatic and fun character to be around whose humor, just like himself, was unique. It’s a great loss to the F1 family and he will be missed around the Paddock.” Jordan was a competitive driver in F2 and F3, before turning his talents to team management with his expansive promotional skills. Keen musician Jordan even played the drums in a rock and roll band … which should surprise no one! It’s fitting that Eddie survived one more St Patrick’s Day and I’m sure he left with a song in heart and a pint on his lips.

b) Just now received (March 25) an email from mutual friend, Will Edgar, that Ernie Nagamatsu has been released from the ICU at hospital. Also got a very entertaining note from Ernie directly after 17 days of the intensive Care Unit. This news is welcome and very encouraging. From Jim Sitz (sent in by Ron Cummings)

3) WE GET MAIL AND OOPS DEPARTMENT:

a) In the late 1980’s, John Massingberd co-established Promark Motorsport International, Raceline Motorsport Television, and Snow Trax Television with Bruce Mehlenbacher, two media ventures responsible for bringing Canadian motorsport to a greater audience and well-deserved prominence. Along with covering drag racing, stock car racing, road racing, and tractor pulls with Promark and Raceline Television, John co-founded and co-anchored Raceline Radio in 1993. Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) at Bruce.

b) Steve Reyes wrote, “The late Rod Flint’s drag racing photos were just used in a book on San Fernando that was published by Arcadia.” I checked with Arcadia Publishing at 843-938-3265 and sent an email to publishing. Arcadia has published over 15,000 books and is a publisher, which means they edit and help you with your book. They may or may not have their own printing house. Most of their work is what is called Vanity Publishing, which means the author agrees to buy so many books, which guarantees them a profit over and above their costs. Arcadia may also be a print on demand publisher. Does anyone know who might have Rod Flint’s photographs. He shot photos in the early days before many drag racers became well-known and famous. As of this date (three weeks) Arcadia has not replied.

c) The following address had permanent fatal errors. Hop count exceeded – possible mail loop… while talking to xxxxxxxxx-com.mail.protection.outlook.com. Service unavailable.

CONFUSED EDITOR: Does anyone speak MAILER-DAEMON? Or maybe even Computer Demon?

d) Mid-April I’m scheduled for another major interview. This will be my third. Two others are on YouTube. I’m working on my 10th screenplay. This screenplay GREENLAND DOMES based on one of my novels, is dual language English and Chinese so Chinese Theaters can have Chinese subtitles since it will likely be filmed in English. Paul D. Escudero.

EDITOR: Paul is a long-time Newsletter reader and Sci-Fi novelist.

e) Greg Sharp mentioned that Tommy Ivo will be celebrating his 89th birthday on April 18th. Happy Birthday Tommy. Any more birthdays coming up? Just let me know and I will post them here.

f) Phil Morris, Editor and Publisher of Gasser Wars Magazine, phoned. He has a great 32-page publication, and I will be doing a magazine review on it in this newsletter. He lives up in the Seattle, Washington State area.

g) Author Burt Levy is working on a new book, An Epic Journey, Part 2. On his latest road trip, he found two great motorsport museums: Lane Motor Museum, Nashville, Tennessee, and The Barber Museum, Birmingham, Alabama. Levy can be reached at thinkfast.

h) Wednesday, April 2, 2025, is Steve Saleen’s Birthday. From: Hidden Pioneers

4) STORIES OR BIOGRAPHIES IN THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES: Just write and ask for a free emailed copy (Editor).

BRISSETTE, Jim and Bob……2008

BROWNING, Gordon……2006

BRYAN, Bud……2008

BRYANT, Tom……2008

BUCK, John……2006

BURDGE, Don……2015

BURKE, William “Bill” ……2014

BURLEY, Dick……2010

BURLILE, Barry “Burly” ……2008

BYRD, Robert “Stormy” ……2014

5) BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR SALE:

Driving the Dragon: The extraordinary rise of the Chinese car industry, by Mark Andrews £19.99/$26.99, Paperback, 21×14.8cm, 224 pages, 150 pictures. Write to newsletter.

The Essential Buyer’s Guide to Chevrolet Corvette C6 2005 – 2013, by David Smitheram. Republished in April. Every C6 model covered from the popular coupe, convertible, Grand Sport, and Z06 to rare special editions. Write to newsletter.

Books from Coastal 181 bookstore at www.coastal181.com or 877-907-8181: Ed Pink: The Old Master, the Remarkable Life and Times of Racing’s Most Versatile Engine Builder, by Ed Pink with Bones Bourcier.

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

www.CarTechBooks.com. Ford Big-Block Parts Interchange, by George Reid. How to Build Max Performance 4.6 Liter Ford Engines, by Sean Hyland. Building 4.6/5.4 Liter Ford Horsepower on the Dyno, by Richard Holdener.

Long Beach Grand Prix, by Dave Wolin.

Ascot, by Dave Wolin.

Ascot Chronicles, by Dave Wolin.

Riverside: The Book, by Dave Wolin.

Riverside, by Dave Wolin.

6) EVENTS, SHOWS, MUSEUMS, TOURS, REUNIONS AND MORE:

a) The Lion’s Roar Newsletter: The Main Street USA gallery is at the entrance of the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum. It includes beautifully detailed reproductions of a 1960s Speed Shop, a Foster’s Freeze, the Lorenzen family Texaco station in Wilmington and a 1950s diner. This was the first gallery built at the Lion’s museum and it’s sure to impress! Here are some little known facts about the Main Street USA gallery: Rick’s Diner was built by a Hollywood set designer and can be seen in the 2017 movie “9/11” starring Charlie Sheen and Whoopi Goldberg Available for events with 3,000 square feet of space and 8,000 square feet of museum frontage, Rick’s Diner seats 60 people for dining or 100 people for cocktails and socializing The Speed Shop represents Jim Dugan’s speed shop where Rick Lorenzen worked as an accountant for a short period before moving on to the family business The murals in this gallery are the work of local artist Roy Herwick Between Foster’s Freeze and the Texaco station there’s a mural that represents Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington, CA where Rick and his friends would hang out The cars in the mural include many of the cars in the Lions collection. From: Lions Automobilia Foundation, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd,

East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221-6008, or media.

b) CAL-RODS car club 14th Annual “Run with a Winner” car show returns to Santa Anita Park, May 17, 2025. A car show on the infield grass during horse racing at Santa Anita. Show cars on display, all makes & models, live music by The Gaslighters, trophies & special awards, huge raffle, food & vendors, pony rides & bounce house. Show car registration: $40 pre-registration (includes 4 passengers). 626-827-3744 or email Gary Driscoll at gdriscoll. From news.

c) 30th Cruisin’ Brea, June 15, 2025, 10am-4pm, Birch Street in Downtown Brea, CA. From: news.

d) 2025 International Speedsters Trials & Reunion – Registration Now Open. June 18-21, 2025. Event includes hill climb, tech seminars, road tour, awards dinner. Contact Museum of American Speed, 599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68528 or museum.

e) San Clemente High School Auto Shop’s Meet the Industry & Car Show at SCHS Auto Academy, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92673, April 19, 2025, 11am-2pm. Showcasing Academy student projects, industry experts, food truck, raffles, etc. Be sure to attend this important car show on April 19th from 11am to 2pm to support the San Clemente high school automotive program. We are fortunate to still have a serious vocational education program and shop equipment that encourages interest in participating in jobs in the automotive industry, and in our hobby. email kntuckerking.

f) The Woodland Research Library and Archive at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles, CA. Racing History Project, by Dave Wolin. Go to: www.woodlandautodisplay.com.

7) Vintage Metal magazine (robertcampbell4.

8) NHRA, IHRA, DRAG RACING NEWS:

a) Justin Ashley will be going after his 4th straight win in TF Dragster at this weekend’s In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, during the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals. From: nhracommunications.

b) The Research Center currently has a 1963 AA/Top Fuel dragster on display. It was run by 3 fellows from Brooklyn who became known as “The Dead-End Kids.” Please check www.racingarchives.org, for photos of the car. Do you have any information on the car. Events competed in, fastest speed, ET, anything you might be able to provide would be helpful. I believe it’s powered by a 392 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi and another question I have is how much horsepower did those cars produce back in the early 1960’s? In association with the display car, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the IMRRC will host its first Center Conversation of the season. It’s titled “Straight Line Speed – The history of Niagara Dragway.” I’m attempting to round up several others who competed at Niagara and might be interested in giving some insight into that era of drag racing. This is the first time in the history of the Research Center that we have had a car from the world of drag racing on display. Kip Zeiter, Coordinator of Visitor Services/Outreach IMRRC, Watkins Glen, NY. 607-535-9044. www.racingarchives.org.

REPLIES to the Dead-End Kids: “This thread sent me roaming through my website to see how much I have on the Dead-End Kids. I was shocked. There is a ton on them in photos and text. I grabbed a couple. They had several versions of their cars with the name/team being the common thread.” http://wdifl.com/. Don Ewald.

“Spider Razon, the trio’s sole survivor, operates L&R Embroidery in SoCal. Joe Anahory & Rapid Red Lang are deceased.” DWjr (whom we all call Dave Wallace Jr).

“So happy for Spider, for rest of the gang!” Stan Adams (Pomona announcer).

“The car had a Garlits Chassis.” Don Garlits.

“Regarding The Dead-End Kids Dragster. Spider Razon is still around living in Southern California. Don Prieto has Spider’s contact info.” Jim Miller American Hot Rod Foundation.

c) March 28, 2025. Doug Kalitta won the Friday’s Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, defeating Brittany Force in the final round of the bonus race of the 65th Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals.

d) In celebration of NHRA’s upcoming 75th anniversary in 2026, officials at In-N-Out Burger and NHRA announced the scheduling of a special Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event on March 12-15, 2026, at historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The event, which will be the first time that a Lucas Oil Series event has been held at the legendary track since 2002 and just the second time in more than 50 years, will be billed as the Snyder Family’s Salute to NHRA’s standout Sportsman racers. “The Sportsman racers have been wanting and begging for a divisional race in Pomona for a very long time, so I think I can say – on behalf of all Sportsman competitors – this is a dream come true,” said In-N-Out Burger Owner and President Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, who also races in the Top Sportsman ranks.

e) Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Pomona, CA.

Clay Millican TF winner 4.273 seconds, 189.71 mph. Runner-up Tony Stewart.

Jack Beckman FC winner 4.015 seconds, 302.28 mph. Runner-up Daniel Wilkerson.

Greg Anderson PS winner 6.476 seconds, 210.90 mph. Runner-up Dallas Glenn. From: nhracommunications.

9) BOOK & MAGAZINE REVIEWS: a) Phillip Island; The inside Story of Australia’s fastest Racetrack, Our Home of Motorsport, by John Smailes (cont’d). That first race was over a street circuit that was so dusty that drivers were navigating by the treetops. The most recent MotoGP and Superbike races have been held on a circuit that matches the best in the world. The journey from dirt roads to swooping curves of high-class bitumen has been a long one and John Samiles has told it so well. I was surprised to see that Lex Davison’s Ferrari had gained a 4½-litre engine, but if that is John’s only error in over 350 pages, he has done very well. I thoroughly recommend this book to any motor sport fan. The book is available from BigW or Amazon for $24, or higher prices elsewhere. Bob Campbell, Editor, robertcampbell4.

b) Gasser Wars Magazine. Issue #155, Phil Morris is the Editor and Owner. Reviewed by Richard Parks, 1 April 2025.

The motto of the magazine states, “The best gasser and short wheelbase car magazine,” and while I haven’t compared it to similar published periodicals, I would tend to agree that it is a fine work. The paper quality is high bond, extra ply paper, with a glossy sheen that brings out the sterling quality of the photographs. Including ads there are approximately 158 color and 17 black & white photographs, all clearly visible, and by various photographers. The text is well-written, concise and explanatory. The editor makes shop tours, which lets the reader see the people and machines behind the parts and car industry. The size of the magazine measures 8½ by 11 inches and covers 32 pages. Gasser Wars Magazine is sold by subscription and has a family vibe to it, often mentioning not only its readers, but people well-known in motor racing. One page is dedicated to photographer Steve Reyes, with familiar names in the short wheelbase racing fraternity.

Dennis Overholser provided photographs and text for his 1966 Chevy II Wagon. The photos and text make it easy for even the novice to understand and grasp. The wagon was a true barn find and took nearly 3 years to rebuild, at a cost of $14,000. Before you drool at the ease and low cost, Oveholser worked on the car and isn’t counting labor or the help and donation from numerous friends. The finished product is a beauty. Barbara Buchanan did the text and photos for two articles: “A Day at Walt Austin’s IRC Pushrod and Race Shop,” and “Delta Camshaft,” with input by Phil Morris. Here again the photos and text complement each other. Jim Hume wrote and photographed the article “Hume’s Tips on Fabricating,” and while the text is short, the photos tell the story in fine detail. Buchanan wrote the story, and Ian Dawes took the photos for “Ian Dawes’ 1954 Thames” panel truck and the finished rebuild is absolutely remarkable. Morris and Buchanan combined on the last two articles, “All Motorsports Swap Meet, and it Snowed,” and “57th Annual Early Bird Swap Meet,” and both events were tempting with 4 pages of real treasures.

Gasser Wars Magazine is located at PO Box 309, Snohomish, Washington 98291, phone number 425-356-7791,

afuelfiat. Subscription rate in the USA and Canada is $40 per year for six issues. Some back issues are available. Is this a publication that you might enjoy? The answer is a definite yes if you enjoy short wheelbase drag racing. Gasser Wars Magazine doesn’t pretend to be for everyone but it’s a fine publication with interesting articles and photos that attracts a loyal following and has been in operation for a very long time.

10) AUTO & CAR BOOKS mentioned on Ginger Baker Rust’s Cars Yeah website by those appearing on her Podcast.

Colin Mullan – Tune to Win, by Carroll Smith and Racer, by Jade Gurss.

Ray Iddings – Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig.

Richard Parks – Roy Richter Striving for Excellence, by Art Bagnall, and Drag Racing Yesterday and Today, by Wally Parks.

Richard Parks – High Performance, by Dr Robert Post.

Cord Kisthardt – To Hell and Back, by Niki Lauda.

Max Monahan & Betty Lou Parrish – Standard Catalog of Light Duty Ford Trucks 1905-2002, by John Gunnell.

This Week on Cars Yeah Ginger Baker Rust will interview TF driver Ida Zetterstrom. Ida Zetterström is a two-time Super Street Bike Champion winning the 2019 and 2020 championship. In addition, she was the 2023 European Champion in FIA Top Fuel Drag Racing while setting the European ET record. Listen to Jackie Heinricher and Angela Savage. Cars Yeah, LLC 118 North Main Street Norwood, NC 28128. From: info.

11) The Vintage Speedcar Association Newsletter. PO Box 73 Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia, 2145. 249th Edition – Issue 4, February/March 2025. From John & Maria Green. The Place of Pace Speedway Meet, Saturday, March 1, 2025. A celebration of 22 years of Speedway in Liverpool from 1967 until it’s closure in 1989, article and photography by Keith Nicholls. For this special day, a small key committee was formed to assist the Liverpool Council’s Museum team with expert advice. They were Ron Hutchinson (3-time Australian Champion compact speedcars), Kevin Gilkison (President Vintage Speedcar Association NSW) and Dennis Newlyn (Speedway journalist and editor of Speedway Illustrated News). Museum Curator Tony Nolan officially opened the function by welcoming the crowd and continuing with a talk on the Liverpool Speedway’s history and most importantly paid homage to former Liverpool City Mayor, the late Frank Oliveri, and to his family, together with the late Mike Raymond. Mike’s brother, Steve Raymond was also widely acclaimed. The Oliveri-Raymond team displayed exemplary business acumen that provided first class speedway racing that has never been repeated. Tony then mentioned guest speakers that were appearing as per the event program: Garry Rush, Peter Crick, Gordon Smee, Nola Harper (Guasco) together with Keith Hunt who was Gordon Guasco’s friend and mechanic, and Barry Graham. “Meet the Driver” commenced with Garry Rush and continued on at half hour intervals. Guests spoke about their racing careers at Liverpool Speedway. The interview with Barry Graham concluded the “meet the drivers” programme.

12) SPORTS CAR RACING NEWS: a) The HSR Sebring Classic: The Run Group A winner never strayed from the top of the order and even ranked in the overall Group A and B top 3 at the race’s halfway point. David Agretelis won the second Group A race to take a lead he would hold to the finish in his 901 Shop 1972 #166 Porsche 911 S/T. It was a long time coming for him, who mentioned in his victory lane interview he had been trying to win an HSR Classic race for eight years. From Adam Saal

b) Record Entry for HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour Presented by Mission Foods. Next up on the 2025 HSR schedule is the 47th HSR Mitty presented by Hagerty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (MRRA), April 24-27, 2025. For more information on the HSR Mitty, please visit the Official Event Page at www.HSRRace.com. From Adam Saal

c) The inaugural HSR Classic Endurance Championship/Mission Foods will be the HSR Watkins Glen Classic 6-Hour race, June 12-14, 2025, at Watkins Glen International. From Adam Saal at 321-890-2848.

d) The HSR Sebring Classic: The 3rd 901 Shop winner was Tom McGlynn in his bright green Type 991.1 #8 Porsche 911 GT3 R in Run Group D. This division turned into a hard-fought battle among a deep field of GT Modern (GTM) competitors, but McGlynn took control and swept all four Group D segments. He joins his teammates Todd Treffert and David Agretelis as a first time overall HSR Classic Endurance series race winner. From Adam Saal SaalGoodPR.

13) Sam Jackson, director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, thanked the crowd for coming to the tribute for Ak Miller and said, “This is the first time that I have met Ak, but I have heard about his exploits, the trips to Goodwood and Miller’s other deeds.” Jackson went on to add, “The museum is a living place, a place of history,” and to come back often and hold events such as the one today. (source Sam Jackson June 28, 2005)

14) NEWS FROM EPARTRADE:

Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology Division will present this webinar on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9am. Presented by Robert Wang, Technical Account Manager – NA East. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90.

Tim Seebold, Formula 1 Powerboat, joined us for the 5th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90.

Cameron Gray, Director of American Flat Track, joined us for the 5th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90, The Late Shift. From: team.

15) Pioneer Stories – Beadle Brothers Part 2. 25th March 2025 The British Drag Racing Historians are proud to present Beadle Brothers Part 2: Tony and Don Beadle played a big part in British Drag Racing and this second part covers the years 1970 – 1973 when Don teamed up with Clive Skilton becoming the UKs first full-time crew chief working on the Revolution dragsters and then becoming involved in circuit racing. Tony’s involvement with the NDRC and flathead powered dragsters. Mick Gleadow has been in touch with Don Beadle and Tony’s widow Jennie gathering information along with his own memories of the Beadle brothers to write these stories. Edited by Nick Pettitt. Go to: johnhunt.drn.

JOHN: It’s an excellent story, well researched and written, with great photographs. Amazing how British and American drag racing was so often intertwined.

16) RACING PROMOTION MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: The owners of Slinger Speedway announced recently that the business is being sold. Todd and Elizabeth Thelen announced the sale. “We are sharing this news here to lead and help facilitate a smooth transition as Slinger Speedway enters its new stage of growth,” reads the post. The news made mainstream media, even reaching headlines on the Microsoft page. Slinger is a beautiful short track nestled just Northwest of Milwaukee off of Interstate 41 in Slinger, Wisconsin. From: Joe Skotnicki at jskotnicki.

17) INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DAY-WEST, writtenby Wally Parks for DRIVE Magazine.

Inside the NHRA Motorsports Museum (Pomona, California), on its rotating turntable, was the star of the show – New Zealander Burt Munro’s ‘World’s Fastest Indian’ courtesy of the Hensley family. Flanking the World’s Fastest Indian were more rare and historic Indian motorcycles provided by Eric, Rudy Pock and David Edwards, editor of Cycle World magazine. And playing continuously on a big screen in an adjoining Museum exhibit hall, was the popular new movie starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, reliving Burt Munro’s now historic feats in building, testing, riding and challenging the existing land speed record, the hard way, on the World-Famous Bonneville salt flats of Utah.

18) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 30 MAY 1950.

The AAA National automobile racing championship season officially began with the Indy 500 on May 30 and concluded on December 10. Johnny Parsons won the Indy 500 and Henry Banks was the AAA National Champion. Following Banks were Walt Faulkner, Johnny Parsons, Cecil Green and Tony Bettenhausen. Johnny Parsons won the Indy 500 on May 30. Tony Bettenhausen captured the Rex Mays Classic on June 11 at Milwaukee. Jack McGrath took the title at the Langhorne 100 on June 25. Paul Russo won on August 19 at the Springfield 100. Walt Faulkner took the trophy at the Milwaukee 200 on September 4. Al Rogers captured the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on September 4. Jack McGrath won the Syracuse 100 on September 9. Henry Banks was victorious at the Detroit 100 on September 10. Tony Bettenhausen caught the checkered flag at the Springfield 100 on October 1. Duke Dinsmore won the Golden State 100 on October 15. Jimmy Davies captured the Phoenix 100 on November 12. Tony Bettenhausen took the title at the Bay Meadows 150 on November 26. Johnny Parsons was victorious yet again at the Darlington 200 on December 10.