Agent 1320 Presents CHRR X
By Darr Hawthorne
Photos by Zak Hawthorne
The legendary Bob Beazer was on hand to perform
his 'no rain' dance. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
These are some shots from this year's
CHRR from photographer Zak Hawthorne.
If you have been around drag racing
for a while, you have probably heard the legendary names of Art Chrisman,
Kenny Safford, Ted Cyr, Kent Fuller, Larry Sutton, Chuck Griffith, George
Bolthoff, C.J. Hart, Pat Foster, Dale Pulde, Gene Winfield, Bob Muravez,
Hubert Platt, Jess Tyree, the Frantic 4, the Jade Grenade, the Sour Sisters,
Greer Black and Prudhomme, and Don Garlits. All are part of drag racings
rich history of innovation, performance, competition, and colorful
characters.
The Cacklefest again was one of the most emotional events at Bakersfield.
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
An important part of
this CHRR was the Standard 1320 Auction it was for a very worthy cause,
that of the family of Eric Fuller, son of chassis wizard Kent Fuller. Eric
died from the effects of a brain tumor and this auction was to benefit his
wife and kids. So many pieces of drag racing history had been donated,
John Force crew uniforms, DeSoto valve covers, old fire suits, magazines,
posters, painted toasters, and race programs.
A highlight of the
auction was the presentation of the Jim Fox, Frantic 4, Lions Drag Strip
Record Holder Jacket... a couple dozen assorted "oooohs and
aaahhhs" went up around the room as the dark blue embroidered jacket
was shown through the aisles. John Ewald began the bidding and some lucky
person walked away with a superb piece of drag history for around $1100.
Don Gaide of the Sour Sisters was so moved by the spirited bidding that he
took the vintage red San Fernando record holder jacket off his back, which
promptly bid and sold in the $700 range. I managed to pick up an orange
Hawaii Raceway Park "Hawaii Land Speed Record" shirt from 1965
worn by Jim Fox. I had to have that one! The summer of 65 I worked at
Hawaii Raceway Park when the Frantic Four made their Hawaiian match race
tour. What a show!
It was then time for
Cacklefest, where drivers and crews of the past bring out their famous
dragsters and parade them before the grateful masses, a tribute that these
cars still get out there and run.
Pushin' down from the top end... Photo by Zak Hawthorne
We have all be here before, whether as driver, crewmember,
photographer, reporter or spectator.
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
Pat Foster in the seat. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
The beautiful Greer, Black, & Prudhomme Top Fueler. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
Big is back. So who needs a fire suit when you have a clean Tee Shirt and gloves?
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
So they wouldn't let the Greek bring his helmet bag on the plane as a carry on?
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
Pure Hell vs. Pure Heaven at the CHRR. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
The Beebe and Mulligan Fighting Irish car brought back fond memories.
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
The Howard's Cams Rattler. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
Mike Boyd did Willie Borsch and Mousie Marcellus proud in the Winged Express.
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
Jet Car Bob Smith was on hand and having fun. Photo by Zak Hawthorne
The Freight Train was a welcome addition to the Cacklefest this year.
Photo by Zak Hawthorne
A very special thank you to Steve Gibbs from the NHRA Motorsports Museum for making this event so special and doing everything to make it work.
"If drag racing EVER gets taken over by the general public, who know or care NOTHING about its history or subtleties, The last bastion where misanthropes can gather and succeed will go by the wayside." So stated "Ski" Editor at Large - Large Editor Nitronic Research October, 2001
Darr Hawthorne
Info@Agent1320.com
