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A 44 YEAR REUNION AT MUSCLECAR MADNESS
York, PA – April 1, 2009
The Dave Strickler Racing Enterprises ’65 hemi altered wheelbase Dodge will return to “York” after 44 years of some of the most momentous achievements in drag racing history at the 8th Annual Musclecar Madness at the York Reunion, July 10-11th at the York Expo Center, York Fairgrounds. The car will be appearing at the show for the first time.
The late Dave Strickler of York as a member of the Chrysler factory team fielded the car for the ‘65 drag racing season and proceeded to win the first event for this type vehicle in NHRA competition at the ’65 NHRA Springnationals at Bristol, Tennessee. The car was campaigned at the ‘65 Super Stock Nationals at York US 30 Dragway and was featured in a world famous photo on the “York” starting line at the event which came to be known as the “Woodstock of Drag Racing”, the largest one day event of the decade. The car was formerly on display at the Chrysler museum in Michigan for several years.
The altered wheelbase cars were deemed “funny” since the rear wheels were tucked forward giving the race cars a distinct new look in competition circles. The breed provided the stepping stone for what is now known as the funny car category in NHRA competition.
The show will provide a Salute To Ford with some of Ford’s finest representatives in attendance. Bob Tasca, Sr. and Jr. and members of the Tasca family, Bill Lawton, Jr. and family will be representing his late father, and John Healey, the crew chief for the famed Tasca team all from Cranston, Rhode Island. Other Ford namesakes attending will be Charlie Gray, Farmington Hills, Michigan; Bill Holbrook, Livonia, Michigan; Hubert Platt, Cumming, Georgia; Dick Estevez, Clinton, Maryland; Al Joniec, Aiken, South Carolina; Sam Auxier, Jr., Gaithersburg, Maryland; Earl Wade, Porter, Texas; Phil Bonner, Gainesville, Georgia; along with Tommy Grove and eight entries from the 422 Motorsports Group, Oaks, PA.
Outstanding Ford legendary race cars entered include the Gas Ronda, ’65 altered wheelbase Ford: the newly restored Cougar Air Lift Rattler II funny car of Eddie Schartman, the Pete Peterson ‘69 Boss Mustang that recently sold at Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona for $180,000; not one but two of the new Cobra Jet Mustangs (limited production of 50), and a variety of gorgeous musclecars from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.
The tradition of re-uniting the Legends of Drag Racing with many of their legendary race cars continues at the “original performance heritage event” presented by York Traditions Bank and GGS Technical Publication Services. The shows’ unique format makes it the only one like it in the country. The show is attended by national and international visitors each year.
“York” is the annual reunion for the former York US 30 Dragway that ceased operations thirty years ago this season. The memories run strong for the fathers and grandfathers who competed at this world famous track that was always an innovator and leader in drag racing.
Legion of Honor awards are presented on Friday evening at 6 p.m. with the induction of eighteen pioneers of drag racing joining the prestigious group of Legends previously enshrined at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, US Route 15, York Springs, PA.
Other legends to appear will be Monk Reynolds, former co-owner of York US 30 and the publisher of Super Stock and Drag Illustrated magazine, Jerry Jardine of Jardine Headers, Jack Werst, “Ohio George” Montgomery, Arlen Vanke, Wally Booth, Bob Chipper, Bob Harrop, Joe Jacono, Tom Raley, Jim & Alison Lee, Jerry Joaquin & George Snizek of Pacers Automotive, Tom Sneden, Bud Faubel, Bruce Larson, Linda Vaughn, Jon Lundberg, Ken Montgomery, Ed Hedrick, Jerry Baltes, Wally Booth, Gordy Foust, Jere Stahl, Earl Ward, Wally Bell, plus many more.
The show supports the York County SPCA with various fund raising activities including a Saturday memorabilia auction. The goal is to exceed last year’s proceeds of $5500.
The show opens on Friday, July 10 at 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and continues on Saturday, July 11 From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Admission is $25.00 two day ticket, $15.00 single day ticket, children under 12 free, and free parking. All active servicemen and women will be admitted free upon presenting their military i.d. at the ticket windows.
The great nostalgia weekend concludes at the Sixth Annual York Nostalgia Nationals at Beaver Springs Dragway on Sunday, July 12 beginning at 8 a.m.
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