If ever there were a character deserving of hero worship up here in New England, it was Arnie Karp (pronounced Aaahnie Kaahp, in Boston lingo) driver/engineer on the Ellison, McGarvey, Karp & Hughes "Boston Strangler." They were always tough competitors and great showmen. Karp wore his little sports car driver cap, which contrasted with the brute of a funny car he manhandled. 

I'm sure every part of the country has its local rivalries, but few could match the titanic battles that Arnie and Dick Bell put down for us. During the transition from the big Nitro shows to the Alky dominated events, these guys may have saved Funny Car match racing up here.

To Arnie, wherever you may be, and to Dick, we know where you are, a tip of the hat and a thank you for some GREAT matches. P.S. Karp ran New England's first Alky five with a 5.98.

"Live Free Or Die"

James Morgan
http://www.Motorsportunderground.com