In the early part of the '70's Tom Chastang and myself (Jack Redd) had the greatest Pro Fuel Dragsters Associates Circuit ever. We now have the "copyrighted" numbered decals for sale for $25 and for $5 more, a "Certificate of Authenticity" with the decal number (only 500 made and no more ever) and an autograph of President Tom "Beachball" Chastang
and Jack (JA) Redd, Public Relations and Race Director. For more information e-mail - tchastang@msn.com
The decals states "We Support" PRO (star) FUEL Dragster Associates and was designed by Harry "The American Way" Lehman and his wife Maxine.
The circuit required; uniforms, full bodies, self-starters, reversers for those long smokey burnouts and NO SINGLE RUNS. The low e.t. loser was ready to run in all rounds in case of breakage.
The eight cars consisted of: Jim & Allison Lee's "Great Expectations" from The Plains, Va., with Tom Raley driving. The "Special Edition" of Jim Walther & Dave Metcalf from Painesville, Ohio. The famous "Wheeler Dealer" (formerly owned by Bruce Wheeler and made famous by Al "Super Jew" Friedman) driven by Tom "Beachball" Chastang from Washington, D.C. Fred Forkner from his Atantic Speed Center in Wilmington, Dela. with his "Quarterhorse" and helped by his sidekick, Ruth Biddle. Okay folks, you have heard about all the women in racing, but Ruth never got her credit due. She was a "Crew Chief" for many years doing everything a man did. Then there was "King & Marshall's "El Diablo" from Warren, R.I., driven by Jim King & crewed by Don Marshall.
Al "Super Jew" Friedman drove Harry & Maxine Lehman's "The American Way" from Alexandria, Va. Al was from Union, N.J. Richie Broughton from Caslton, N.Y. drove his "Commache" dragster with Earl Goodreau as his right man. Eddie Careccia from Hialeah, Fla., with Bob "Sarge" Arciero from Broomhall. Pa., driving his car. Another great team member was the "Jade Grenade" of Bill Flurer, Pete Lenhoff and driven by Ted Thomas rounded out the best in the East.
The first circuit race was at Speedworld Raceway in Orlando, Fla. in February '72. Man, it was so cold we had to fire-up the cars on gas & alcohol. The next week in Miami-Hollywood Dragway, it was hotter than you know what? We raced at New England Dragway in Epping, N.H., Aquasco Speedway in Md., Capitol Raceway between Balitmore and Wash., D.C. Maple Grove Dragway in Mohnton, Pa.,and every where in between.
The decal number #1 is taken by Tom Chastang and # 2 by Jack Redd. Others already taken are; #3 - Ted Wolf (he raced a AA/FD out of
Pittsburgh, Pa.); #115 taken by Jack Gates; #117 by "Jungle Pam" (yes the real J.P.); #121 by Dan Trasin (now owner of the "Jade Grenade" formerly owned by Ted Thomas & Pete Lenhoff); #152 went to Ted Wolf; and #156 went to Steve LeSueur (Frank LeSueur's son). Frank ran NASCAR's Ultra-Stock and Pro Stock Circuits in the mid-sixties and then was the "nitro" fuel supplier for NHRA in the '80 & '90's.
How about you? E-mail tchastang@msn.com for your decal and "certificate (postage & handling included) NOW! A website is being setup to have your name and decal number listed. I will also be at YORK and Old Dominion Dragstrip to answer any questions regarding the Pro Fuel Dragster Associates' questions. Thanks! JAck Redd