Motorsports Newsletter 7/10/24
By Richard Parks 1) EDITORIAL: As part of the PlayNHRA initiative, NHRA has partnered with an industry-leading firm, IC360, to educate employees, race teams and other stakeholders about sports betting and to maintain the integrity of the sport through data intelligence, fraud prevention and monitoring of wagering patterns. “NHRA is committed to maintaining the integrity of […]
The post Motorsports Newsletter 7/10/24 appeared first on Drag Racing List.
By Richard Parks
1) EDITORIAL: As part of the PlayNHRA initiative, NHRA has partnered with an industry-leading firm, IC360, to
educate employees, race teams and other stakeholders about sports betting and to maintain the integrity of the
sport through data intelligence, fraud prevention and monitoring of wagering patterns. “NHRA is committed to
maintaining the integrity of our sport. By partnering with IC360, as well as licensed and regulated sportsbooks and
fantasy operators, NHRA will help ensure everyone who engages with PlayNHRA will enjoy a safe and well-regulated betting and gaming environment,” NHRA Vice President and General Counsel Alen Cisija said. “This was a vital step
in the creation and rollout of PlayNHRA.” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: nhracommunications@
NHRA Media Center Online: media.nhra.com, NHRA NEWS. For more information on NHRA, including the 2024
schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. David Kennedy
AND: The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. Title Sponsors: The series has some
big corporate sponsors since its establishment. They include Winston Cigarettes (1975 to 2001). The Coca-Cola
Company (2002 to 2008). Camping World (2020 to 2023). Mission Foods which is the current sponsor. Mission Foods
is taking over as the sports title sponsor, beginning with the 2024 season, the series will maintain Camping World as
NHRA’s premier partner until 2026. https://nxtbets.com/the-
us/. John Towle
EDITORIAL: I told the Motorsports Hall of Fame that their {photographers} photographs were good enough to be plastered everywhere in their museum/hall of fame. To which I got no response. I guess it’s the photographers work is
good enough to be highlighted and shown but the individual isn’t good enough to be a member or have their talent celebrated by the MSHF. Steve Reyes sreyes@reyesontour.com
AND: NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations Kasey Coler stated the project, which will take
years to complete, will take place in three phases: Phase 1: New Wally Parks Tower and Renovated Suites. Phase 2:
Fan Enhancements, New Entrance, New Restrooms, New Ticket Office, Ditch Relocation, ADA Parking Lot, upgraded parking and transportation options, Food and Beverage Buildings, Updated Ticketing Building. Phase 3: Shifting the
Pro Pits to West Side of the Facility. https://fox59.com/
——————————
2) The foundation and the museum will continue to thrive under the direction of Rick Lorenzen’s daughter, Tami
Lorenzen-Fanselow and the Lions Board of Directors, who are dedicated to moving forward. In fact, one of Rick’s
dreams was to reinstate the Long Beach West Lions Club and plans are in motion to make this dream a reality! One
of the original clubs that helped fund the Lions Drag Strip, this is an important part of preserving the automotive
history of SoCal motorsports. From: Lions Automobilia Foundation media@
——————————
3) Don Smith told whoever would listen how at 10 years old he would have me bouncing on his lap, that would be 50
years ago. Uncle Don will always be a beacon of light, forever guiding us as he sits at the Baccarat table up in the
heavens. His wit, passion and love of the racing and automotive aftermarket cannot be matched. I was so honored to
be presented with the PWA Person of the year award by him, wearing his favorite red suit coat. He never forgot my
birthday, telling me he wanted to be the first to say happy birthday to me. LOL. That was Don Smith, always had to be
first no matter what he did, and yes, he was First – a gentle soul, personality plus, giving, understanding, and most of
all loved and respected by all. Sleep peacefully Uncle Don, you will not be alone. Whip those that went ahead of you
into shape. All Love, Traci Hrudka https://www.sema.org/
——————————
4) At the end of the season, Dave Nicholas in Nazdar won the Group 8 and B Sedan class championship with seven
wins, two seconds and one third place finish. He also scored well racing with two other clubs in the BMW, a first with Vintage Drivers Club of America (VDCA) and two firsts with the Vintage Racers Group (VRG). Nicholas received
prestigious honor that year when he was voted in as a member of the Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC). Nazdar
shown here on the pre-grid at Sonoma Raceway in September of 2023 at the annual Velocity Invitational Event. The
BMW looks just like it did in the 1973 championship year. Honeybee has been a reliable race car and has taken Dave Nicholas to 37 class first place finishes in the SVRA F Production Class and has been raced with other vintage race clubs. From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.com. (to be continued).
——————————
5) Watching all the “issues” and discussion regarding drag racing and gambling has generated a lot of chuckles for
me simply because of the amount of betting that went on among the racers and spectators, especially at the ‘national events,’ over the years. On my first trip to the US Nationals in Indy I was invited to participate in several “pools” and
the more involved I became at these events, the more invitations I received to join in several pools. I went into shock
my first trip to Englishtown when I watched several of the spectators flashing large bankrolls and betting on every
race. Beadle and I were talking when one of them told Beadle he had $10,000 riding on him the next round and to
not lose. Also, I think about the fact that every round they make, the racers are betting thousands of dollars they will
win. Maybe in today’s world, NHRA is looking for a way to make it more legit or for it to make money on the betting,
but this has been going on since I can remember. Harry Hibler
HARRY: I’m not a gambler, but an “investor.” My field of poison is “investing in beautiful paper representing Moose Pasture (gold mining stocks).” My maternal grandfather wall-papered his house with the most outlandish stock
certificates imaginable, which explains our poverty today. I carry on that tradition.
——————————
6) (Paul Chamberlain’s story cont’d.) Beverly Johnson came to hot rodding in a very weird way. Born in Coffeeville,
Kansas, she was working for the Chamber of Commerce (I think) when the boys in the Original Drag/Safety Safari
rolled into town with their HOT ROD circus. She became the liaison for the show with the Chamber of Commerce,
Police and other community leaders, receiving a crash course in all things hot rodding in the process. Next thing you
know, Bev is hired at NHRA as Barbara’s assistant and the two quickly became the best of friends and somewhat
joined at the hip. Barbara was the “mover” and Bev was the “shaker.” She also became a life-long friend to me and
my family. Bev passed a few years ago. We still miss her. (to be continued)
PAUL: Beverly Johnson is mentioned in the Wally & Barbara Parks Story: We Did It Our Way. She was talented
in a number of fields, for the NHRA, later the NHRA Car Clubs, and then into journalism. If anyone has any more
information about Bev, please let me know.
——————————
7) Please put this on your Motorsports Newsletter. The 2024 Bonneville/EL Mirage Rules & Records booklet, with
the Performance Directory is the “yellow pages” of the LAND SPEED RACING WORLD! Still only $10. Shop (scta-
bni.org). Thanks, Ron Main is at ron@speeddemon.us.
——————————
8) Back in the early ’70’s, my dad Bernie Partridge loved to play on the water in his screaming fast hyper-light little 18′
Challenger jet boat with a Sonny Briant built 427 L-88. Back then nothing was too fast and any jet that could edge close
to 100 mph was rare and frightening! Since dad’s NHRA Division 7 office was based in the Pomona Raceway tower, he
told me to meet him at the nearby Lake Puddingstone boat launch after school for some fast pass tuning. When I got
there, he was on the ramp and ready to go with a giant industrial cylinder of nitrous oxide laying on the floor of the boat
with legendary Ak Miller onboard setting up the baseplate injection. Jim Partridge (to be continued)
——————————
9) BOOK REVIEW: Where They Raced; Auto racing venues in Los Angeles, 1900-1990, by Harold L. Osmer (to be serialized). The American Legion ran Legion Ascot in an effort to bring organized and sanctioned racing to the area.
The racecourse proved too fast for the cars of the day and after two dozen racing deaths on the track, the public out
cry became too much, and the track was closed. Some of the most famous race drivers of the 1920’s and ‘30’s raced
on this grand course and the road course that was adjacent to the track. Legion Ascot was between Soto, Eastern
and Valley Blvd. Mines Field was a B shaped road-racing course that was extremely popular with the public during
the Great Depression. It was located just east of the Los Angeles Airport and was especially popular with track
roadsters and stock car racing. Gilmore Stadium was built in 1934 at the corners of Beverly Blvd and Fairfax Avenue.
The oval racecourse attracted the best Midget racers in the country. It was probably the finest racetrack ever
designed and built but its last race was held in 1950 and then the valuable land became part of the CBS facility.
Harold Osmer is at program@hopublishing.com. (to be continued)
——————————
10) Second-generation fast-doorslammer racer Lizzy Musi passed away June 27 from breast cancer. She was 33.
Musi, the daughter of Pro Stock and Pro Mod legend and engine builder Pat Musi, was best known for her competition
in the Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings shows. NHRA updates@go.nhra.com.
AND: Drag racing photographer Roger Richards, who was the Director of Photography at CompetitionPlus.com for
25 years passed away June 24. On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we want to offer our condolences to Roger’s family
and friends. Roger was a great ambassador for NHRA drag racing and he always enjoyed a great relationship with
NHRA drivers and officials. He will be undoubtedly missed within the racing community and our thoughts are with his
family and friends at this time. NHRA updates@go.nhra.com.
——————————
11) July events at the Lions Automobila Foundation & Museum: Isky’s 103rd Birthday Car Show, Saturday, July 13,
2024, 9am-2pm. SPEED: Mooneyes Documentary US Premiere screening, July 20, 2024, tickets at craft of speed.eventive.org Celebration of Life for Rick Lorenzen July 21, 2024, from 1pm-5pm. Dress is business casual.
From: media@lionsautomobilia.
From: media@lionsautomobilia.
——————————
12) April 19, 1993, Sports Copyright 1993/The Times Mirror Company, Jim Murray, Long Beach Grand Prix. Roger
Penske, reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. “Even a bus driver’s job is more fun than that of a racer, who has to tool
a race car for interminable hours on an oval. He drives 500 miles and doesn’t go anywhere. He never sees another
car. Paul Tracy did it, day after dull day. And the day came when Penske finally decided he had paid his dues and
put him in a race car. It’s too early to tell if he’s going to carry the Penske flag into further victories, but he got his first
victory in an Indy car race on Sunday in the 19th Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix by more than 12 seconds over a
former Indy winner, Bobby Rahal, and the current world Formula One champion driver, Nigel Mansell. Paul Tracy
was like a guy let out of the laboratory. He had company on the track. He even scrubbed wheels with Danny Sullivan.” From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@
——————————
13) Duffy Livingstone, by Dick Martin (To see the photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/
“They were the Snake and the Mongoose of road racing, but there was not a lot of love lost between Duffy and Ferrari owner/racer John von Neumann. While running in the heat race at the Santa Barbara airport course, Duffy encoun-
tered the Ferrari driven by von Neumann: ‘Turn 1 was pretty hairy at the start of the race,’ recalled Duffy, ‘it skinnied
down to two cars, and later on in the race you could just get one car through there. At the start of the race, I was on
the outside of a blown MG, and I was watching the telephone pole, when out of the corner of my eye comes a silver
Ferrari. He hit me right in front of the left rear tire at about a forty-five-degree angle. My tire hit the quarter panel of
the Ferrari. I went up on my two front wheels as I was coming to the next sharp right-hand corner, and as I cranked
the steering, the rear end came down on top of his hood. The front of that Ferrari from the windshield forward was destroyed. My header pipe was dented on the left side and somehow it pushed the door kinda close to the steering
wheel, but it didn’t bother me. I continued on for another lap to feel the car out and it felt OK, so I got on it and got a
5th in the race.'” (to be continued)
——————————
14) If you happen to be vacationing in Perth, Western Australia on September 8th drop by the Ascot Racecourse for
the Perth Classic Car Show. From Vintage Metal Journal.
——————————
15) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 1 AUGUST 1945; The
Second World War’s end is nigh. My father did quite well by all accounts in the Army. He never spoke much about
his experiences to me, though he spoke freely with his grandchildren. He rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant and was
very adept at repairing machinery on the tanks, and the movable tracks that he said gave them a lot of trouble. He mentioned going on the transports past the New Hebrides, Bougainville and Guadalcanal, though he was not a part
of any of these invasions. Leyte Gulf was the scene of a tremendous naval battle, but Dad’s transports and invasion
fleet landed at Linguyen Gulf and split the Japanese Armies in half, as they made a push south over the mountains
and down past the Bataan Peninsula on their way to Manila, in some of the most vicious jungle warfare in the
Campaign to recapture the Philippines from the Japanese.
——————————
16) HSR Historic Stock Cars returns to Watkins Glen for the second-straight year for a support race on the New York
track’s NASCAR weekend, September 13-14, 2024, which will now be known as the HSR NASCAR Classic at the Go Bowling at the Glen. Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@gmail.com.
——————————
17) DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper OPEN for ads and sponsorship. Be a part of the finest in automotive humor. These 32 to 36-page comics are given out free at car shows, drag races and museums, car clubs, schools, goody bags, etc!
Not to mention the SEMA SHOW! DCCP PRICE LIST (DRAG Cartoons Comic Paper) A3=FULL PAGE :11X17 $500.
A4= 1/2 PAGE :8X11 $325. A5=1/4 PAGE :5X8 $215. A6=1/8 PAGE :4X5 $165. A7=1/16 PAGE :2X4 $100. A8=BUSI-
NESS CARD :2X3 $75. A8=BUSINESS CARD $50. Call, TEXT, email me for more information! Robin Millar, MPC-DRAGcartoons, Daughter of Pete Millar, King of Cartoons, Publisher, Cartoonist, Dragracer, the creator of CARtoons Magazine, publisher of DRAGcartoons, Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth and Wonder Warthog. 310-529-1831 (cell), or
www.laffyerasphalt.com. Robin is at millarkey@aol.com.
——————————
18) Andrew Wolf wrote in Dragzine, “Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman revealed a surprise development Wednesday while appearing on Joe Castello’s WFO Radio Podcast, sharing publicly for the first time his ambitious
plan to expand his sprawling operation into the Top Fuel category. Freeman stated that none other than six-time
NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders would drive an Elite Motorsports entry when that time comes.” See
full story at https://www.dragzine.com/
From: John Towle.
——————————
19) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Thunder In the Valley, Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada, 1/4-mile.
Thunder Mountain Raceway, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, 1/8-mile.
Thunder Road Raceway Park, Gilliam, Louisiana, 1/4-mile.
Thunder Valley Dragways, Marion, South Dakota, 1/4-mile.
——————————
20) In the 1960’s I was a member of the SCTA Roadrunners as was Ak Miller. Good fun all the time that didn’t always
have to do with racing. So, Ak decided that we as a club should have a long-ash cigar contest. The requirements
were that you bring your own cigar that was not to be less than 6″ long. Also provide $10 to the winner-take-all pot.
I don’t remember how many of us participated however it was a goodly number and the pot was overflowing. Of
course Ak won the contest and all the money. Found out later that he had inserted a copper wire in the center of his
smoke so the ash would not fall off. Weed (Tim Kraushaar)
——————————
21) “The inaugural Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Prototype Challenge race, with close racing throughout and a
pass for the win coming down to the white flag, was a success but much more work will be done,” HSR President
Chris Ward said. “Pulling no punches, we didn’t reach the car count we had hoped for but some unique circumstances,
such as several LMP3 teams competing at St Petersburg the same weekend, very likely cost us some entries that
would have otherwise been at Sebring. But with a successful first race in the books, we are confident and have all indications that the field will grow exponentially for the next round at the HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
next month.” From: adam@saalgood.
——————————
22) Rally to Pebble Beach only 3 Tickets Left. August 12-18, 2024, 7-Day Rally. Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036, or info@petersen.org.
——————————
23) “As we navigate this challenging period, please know that I am committed to continuing my father’s vision and
values,” stated Tami Lorenzen-Fanselow. “My leadership and dedication will ensure that we remain strong and unified, honoring his legacy with every step we take.” From: Lions Automobilia Foundation media@
——————————
24) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized) “The ’90s took Ed back to his
bygone days when he hung out at Vic Sr. ‘s garage watching and learning from Vic Sr. ‘s success with his Ford Flat-
head V8-60-powered Midget. This time it was Ed Pink’s Ford Midget engines that dominated, to include eight United
States Auto Club (USAC) Midget Championships with 100 National Event wins and four consecutive Silver Crown Championships. No question, Ed Pink made his mark in drag racing and was honored for his contributions to the sport
in 1995 at the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield along with Ak Miller and Chris ‘The Greek’ Karamesines.” To see
the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/
——————————
25) Most of my work is photographic. The July Meet at El Mirage was called for heat. We’re all getting ready to make
a long trip to the great white dyno with fingers crossed for nice smooth and dry Salt! Nick Aboud
——————————
26) I will have a conversation with our resident author of the SCTA Racing News. To see how we can best fill your
request. I do know that the July Lakes meet at El Mirage is canceled due to extreme heat. It was scheduled for July
14. Thanks for what you do, Werner Schwarz
——————————
27) Hidden Pioneers Bring you the Industry Leaders of today & tomorrow of Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk
with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Jessie Valadez- Famous Lowrider Hidden Pioneer Hidden Pioneers Kriss
FM & Jessie Valadez in a Hidden Garage in Corona CA https://www.facebook.com/
——————————
28) The July SCTA meet was canceled due to high temperatures forecast in the desert over the next couple of weeks. Members of the BNI board and volunteers will be out there instead preparing for the Bonneville pre trip which will take
place mid-July in preparation for Speed Week. As far as Health and Welfare goes, we recently lost long time racing volunteer Lonnie Martin to cancer. I’m not much of a historian, but Jim Miller with the American Hot Rod Foundation
has an amazing wellspring of knowledge on the sport. You might be able to contact him through their website https://ahrf.com/. Debbie Dannenfelzer, Bonneville Chief Timer, SCTA Secretary.
DEBBIE: So sorry to hear about Lonnie. Can anyone send me an obit to post about him in the newsletter?
——————————
29) Know your motorsports personality. Rodi Basso is the CEO and co-founder of the E1 World Championship with Alejandro Agag, founder of Formula E and Extreme E. The E1 is the only world electric powerboat world champion-
ship aiming to disrupt the Entertainment Industry and accelerate the electrification of the Marine Industry. Compiled
from Epartrade.
Jonathan Byrd, President and General Manager, Indianapolis Speedrome. Figure 8 racing is a form of stock car
racing in which cars race on a track that purposely intersects itself, increasing the risk of collisions. Figure 8 racing is
most common and popular in the United States and Canada. Compiled from Epartrade.
——————————
30) SCTA & BNI event calendar for 2024. Always check the SCTA website for information regarding the events before attending. May 18-19, 2024 (two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake). June 9, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). July 14, 2024
(El Mirage Dry Lake). Bonneville (Utah) Speedweek, August 3-9, 2024. September 15, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). Bonneville (Utah) World Finals, September 28-October 1, 2024. October 20, 2024 (El Mirage Dry Lake). November
9-10, 2024 (two-day event, El Mirage Dry Lake). rulebookinfo@scta-bni.
——————————
31) Cams and lifters are having an increasing failure rate. In the “Camshaft and Lifters Letdowns, Bombs, and Flops”
webinar, Elgin Industries Scott Stier explores the collateral damage causes and preventative engine building
measures. The webinar was hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Ch. 90, Late Shift. From: team@epartrade.com.
AND: Frederic Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), joined us for the 4th Annual Race
Industry Week. Hosted by Richard James of RACER.com. From: team@
——————————
32) Did you get anything about the Southeastern Nostalgia Pro Stock race and Don Carlton Reunion in North
Wilkesboro yet? If not, I’ll get you something. Thanks again for the note. Geoff Stunkard qmpublish@gmail.com.
EDITOR: No, not yet. Please send in more info.
SO, GEOFF DID: 9th Annual Don Carlton Pro Stock Shootout at Wilksboro Dragway, Friday night qualifying
August 30, 5 pm, Saturday August 31, 2pm, spectators $10 (Friday), $20 (Saturday), 12 and under free. See racewilkesboro.com. From Geoff Stunkard qmpublish@gmail.com.
——————————
33) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-
4754, www.CarTechBooks.com. Qu
Steve Holmes. Corvette Special Editions: Includes Pace Cars, L88s, Callaways, Lingenfelters, Z06s, and More, by
Keith Cornett. Corvette C3 1968-1982: How to Build and Modify, by Chris Petris. Corvette Concept Cars: Developing America’s Favorite Sports Car, by Scott Kolecki. How to Restore Your Corvette 1963-1967, by Chris Petris.
——————————
34) Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) news: Executive Director Joel Ayres has retired. AACF announces new Humanitarian Award. Young Automotive Network Group (YANG) continues its partnership with
AACF. Automotive Parts Service Group (APSG) continuing partnership with AACF. 65th anniversary of the founding
of AACF. Oct 13-16 MEMA Aftermarket Technology Conference Clearwater Beach, Florida. Nov 3-4, 2024, Charity
Golf Tournament Las Vegas, Nevada. Nov 4-7, 2024, AWDA Business Conference Las Vegas, Nevada. From:
——————————
35) I’m excited to go to Bonneville this year again and hope to see some racing this year and there is a really cool
pre-1964 1/8-mile nostalgia drag race weekend being put on by the Estranged car club out of Portland coming up
August 16-18, 2024, at Riverdale Raceway in Toutle, WA. I do enjoy reading the newsletter. I think the stories are
great and the history is fascinating. I was turned on to your mail list and newsletter by my friend Dave Wallace Jr.
Keep up the fantastic work. Sean McDougall, Lefty’s Racing, Spokane, WA 243chachi243@gmail.com.
——————————
36) The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gears up for one of the highlights of the season, the 36th annual
Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 26-28, 2024, at Sonoma Raceway. From: nhracommunicati
——————————
37) I do enjoy reading and I forward to some of my friends. I really appreciate you sending me these newsletters.
Thanks for keeping me informed. John La Belle
——————————
38) About McLaren Racing: the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team
drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers
Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström, and F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix and Driver Development program
member Bianca Bustamante. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow,
having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the
sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by
2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry. Judy Stropus jvstropus@gmail.com.
——————————
39) Randy Walls continued. “When I was 14, I bought myself a new 1955 Chevy which I actually had to have because
I was raising crops on our farm, as well as my grandmother Dutschke’s place and also my grandfather Will’s place. I
was also going to school as well. I would get out and start working the field at 3 am, and then drive 15 miles to school. When my classes were over, I would rush back and lots of time I wouldn’t finish on the farm work until midnight. My
mom would often bring me food in the fields. I attended a one room school in Holt where I walked from my home to
the schoolhouse and transferred to another one room schoolhouse in Stephensport where I was able to ride the
school bus. Due to the fact there weren’t many people around it would have been really boring if they hadn’t put all of
the grades together, and we would have no one to play with at recess. I had only one teacher I didn’t like, and some
that I loved. Most of my teachers were great friends and mentors.” (to be continued)
——————————
40) BENETTON: Rebels of Formula 1, Evro Publishing books are distributed in North America by Quarto Publishing
Group USA. Books can be ordered from Quarto by email: sales@quarto.com; phone number: 800-328-0590; or
website: www.quartoknows.com. Please use the relevant ISBN number when ordering. BENETTON: Rebels of
Formula 1 is also available in the USA from specialist and online booksellers, as well as on evropublishing.com. For
more information about this book, or to request a review book and/or an interview, please contact Judy Stropus.
——————————
41) Ray Bartlett’s ’40 Ford sedan delivery has been a long-term project that began as a trade for work on a Deuce
highboy at The East Coast Hot Rod Garage. It’s a subtle yet refined build with a host of modifications to what at first
glance looks like a stock bodied ’40 delivery. Note that the front doors have been replaced by longer two-door sedan
units. From Steve Coonan customerservice@
——————————
42) TWIN BARRELS article for DRIVE Magazine by Wally Parks (last in the series). To be at the Barrels on a Friday
night was an experience to be remembered. We didn’t go often – not with gas at almost 20-cents a gallon – but it was something that we talked about for weeks. And it also was the holy origin of a statement ‘Drag it out’ as common
response to a challenge for a match race on some nearby street or isolated road. Tom Medley, incidentally, wrote and produced a 78rpm song record, ‘Drag it out,’ sung by Scat Man Crothers. As for midnight traffic, in those times – there wasn’t any. But it was a result of those illicit side-by-side contests that the modern sport of drag racing has emerged –
an outcome of ol’ Stroker’s prediction, ‘We’re off and running!’”
——————————
43) Know your motorsports personality. John Force, 16-Time NHRA Funny Car Champion. Robert Hight, 3-Time
NHRA Funny Car Champion. Austin Prock, NHRA Top Fuel Driver for John Force Racing. Compiled from Epartrade.
Matt Hartford, NHRA Pro Stock Driver and CEO of Total Seal Piston Rings. Matt was the 2001 and 2002 World Champion of the NHRA Sport Compact Division and the 2009 ADRL PRO STOCK World Champion. He has eight
National Event Wins in NHRA PRO STOCK including the 2023 NHRA U.S. Nationals. Compiled from Epartrade.
Featured Racing Series: IMCA Racing Brett Root, President of IMCA Racing, joined us for the 4th Annual Race
Industry Week. Hosted by Mike Kerchner from SPEED SPORT. From: team@epartrade.
——————————
44) Ascot Chronicles – the People Who Made it Happen, by Dave Wolin, book signing by the author on Saturday,
July 20, 2024, 11am-3pm at Autobooks-Aerobooks, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com.
——————————
45) I’m excited to go to Bonneville this year again and hope to see some racing this year and there is a really cool
pre-1964 1/8-mile nostalgia drag race weekend being put on by the Estranged car club out of Portland coming up
August 16-18, 2024, at Riverdale Raceway in Toutle, WA. I do enjoy reading the newsletter. I think the stories are
great and the history is fascinating. I was turned on to your mail list and newsletter by my friend Dave Wallace Jr.
Keep up the fantastic work. Sean McDougall, Lefty’s Racing, Spokane, WA 243chachi243@gmail.com.
——————————
46) Donald Lane of Trevose, PA passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. He was 87. Born
in Philadelphia, PA, he was the beloved husband of 59 years to the late Helen Bazer Lane and the son of the late
Charles and Mildred Himmelman Lane. He was an accomplished Mechanical Engineer and started his career at
Hurst Performance. He was integral in designing and developing the Jaws of Life, which are in use today worldwide.
In his spare time, he loved working on old cars and had a passion for hot rods and Studebakers. Donald was a
collector of many classic cars and a member of various different car clubs. He also enjoyed the great outdoors,
camping, and bluegrass music. He had many interests, but truly cherished time spent with his beloved family. He is
survived by his loving and devoted children: Diane Howe and her husband Robert of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Kevin Lane
and his wife Susan of Trevose, PA, his five loving grandchildren: Britney (Brenden), Kyle, Matthew, Andrew, John, and
his great granddaughter Kinsley. Sent in by Jim Kerr.
——————————
47) The dropped valve story, by Dale Cook (serialized). Having trouble getting the engine started, we were pulling the
car through a neighborhood when the carburetors caught on fire. That was taken care of by grabbing the garden hose
from a nearby residence. Eventually, having made it to the Brainerd Optimist Drag Strip, and during the competition, I
ran against another 1957 Chevrolet when, on the other end, I could tell that something had happened. On the return
road, I stopped to take a look. It was dark, but when I reached under the head at #1 cylinder, there was nothing there. Although the engine had “dropped a valve,” the other bank was still running. The #1 connecting rod, still on the crank,
was working on cutting the oil pan in two. I knew that I had beat that other ’57 because the wrist-pin had put a dent in
his hood.
——————————
48) Dave Wolin’s Ascot Chronicles “The People That Made It Happen.” You asked for more information about the
people in my Ascot book: Ascot Chronicles – 465 pages, softcover, 8 1/2 x 11, features one hundred and thirty of the
most significant figures in the history of Ascot Park, Southern California’s iconic half mile dirt track. Opened in 1957
and closed in 1990, Ascot had everything in racing; sprint cars, stock cars, midgets, motorcycles, buggies and even
Evel Knievel. The book, written in scrapbook style, contains biographies of drivers, workers and fans plus comments
from those who were there. This is a book for race fans from the author of Ascot, Riverside Volume One, Riverside
Volume One Two and more. Buy: www.racinghistoryproject.
or Racing History Project, Box 5578, Bakersfield, California 93388.
——————————
49) I had the opportunity to chase crew in this year’s one weeklong NORRA 1000 rally Ensenada to Cabo for B&M
Bob Spar driving a Speed UTV at 90 years old. His Son John Spar raced as well. Bob’s engine expired 3rd day, but
John made it to the finish. Great family! Bob Endress
——————————
50) I’ve included the link to my website that also includes my parents Lloyd & Carol Cox. Thanks for the email:
https://stevecoxracing.com/. Steve Cox Racing
READERS: Check out Steve’s website. Lots of interesting drag racing history and more.
——————————
51) Have you ever done a story on the Karting scene in Europe? I have been following a young kid who I met when
he was 8 years old. He is now 13 or so and his parents have him on a track that could lead to an eventual Formula 1
seat when he gets older. While most kids are out playing soccer after school in the UK, he and others like him go to
driver development classes. It’s pretty amazing. Mark Elias, Writer/Photographer melias.
MARK: The person to ask about Karting and Formula 1 is Doug Stokes at stokes28doug@gmail.com. Have the
young man write, and I’ll put his website and story in the newsletter.
——————————
52) Here’s what’s coming next at the Simeone: https://
at-the-simeone/. We’ve received some great submissions so far. We’ll be selecting the cars soon. From: Chris Webb
READERS: I found this on the website. “Located in Philadelphia, PA, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. Through our theme, ‘The Spirit of Competition,’ we
celebrate the history and evolution of these magnificent machines. Assembled over 50 years by Dr Frederick Simeone,
the Museum contains over 75 historically significant cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar,
Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, and more.”
——————————
53) The Fifth Annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival will host Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, at the
Chattanooga Convention Center, on October 12, 2024, as part of the three-day weekend’s schedule of events.
This will mark Broad Arrow’s first appearance at the Festival. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net
——————————
54) How was the Bonneville salt at the test and tune? Salt is looking good for SpeedWeek. Test and Tune is August
28-30, 2024. It is soooo hot we are adjusting our start times! We had a little thundershower the day before and we
got a late start on the first day. The salt is quite good! We started from about the 2 but had good enough salt to run
beyond the 7. Keith Coplan said he had never seen it so good around the 4. And it held up great for the 40 or so
cars we had. Fastest speed was 228 mph by the Burkdoll liner. From: Ron Main ron@speeddemon.us.
——————————
55) I can send you what’s going on with us. I write for Roddn’ AZ, here is our current issue, I have 4 articles, 2 features,
1 event coverage and inside back cover of events in Northern AZ. My preference is Drag Racing. Chris Addington
——————————
56) Chain letter: AK MILLER stories, and other great people as well. Please add your story and return.
——————————
57) No news to report, but I enjoy reading about nostalgia Drag Racing. Used to go to Fremont Drag Strip when I was
in grade school (late ’60’s, early ’70’s). Thanks for your hard work reporting! Bruce Curtis
——————————
58) John knew Don Smith through his employer who took him to the SEMA show and introduced him to Don. We have
kept in contact ever since. I (Maria) am learning to drive a Vintage Midget Rollbar Speedcar at the age of 74 on an
oval dirt track. I need some more practice before I can mix it with the older guys. One of our members is 91 who was a Midget racer in Sydney, Australia and still drives his Vintage Midget Speedcar on the dirt track. We all love our Midget
and Sprint car racing in Australia. Maria Green.
JOHN & MARIA: Glad to hear from you again. I love the way Aussies take to motorsports…with abandon. Send
news when you can. I want to hear all about your racing experiences and any schedules you would like me to post.
——————————
59) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 23 August 1945 SCTA
Board meeting; members of the SCTA. “Approximate number of active members per club as reported at the August
23, 1945, meeting of the SCTA Board of Representatives: ALBATA 4; CALIFORNIA ROADSTER CLUB 4; DOLPHINS
2; FLYERS 5; GOPHERS 8; HORNETS 6; IDLERS 2; LANCERS 5; PACEMAKERS 5; SAN DIEGO ROAD
RAMBLERS 5; ROAD RUNNERS 11; SAN DIEGO ROADSTER CLUB 9; THROTTLERS 12; VELOCITEERS 5; and HOLLYWOOD AUTO CLUB 5. Sincerely, G. Thatcher Darwin.”
——————————
60) When the original BARC Boys (circa 1958) attended sports car races from Canada to Florida, they initially took
along cameras borrowed from their high school journalism class. As the years went by, they took hundreds upon
hundreds of photos of drivers and cars, recording history with their images. By 2007, the Internet was growing by
leaps and bounds with interest in racing growing with it. Dave Nicholas recognized this and decided to chronicle the
racing history of the eastern US. He purchased a scanner and set to work. From: Dave Nicholas at davnik6@gmail.
com. (to be continued).
——————————
61) SHERM PORTER’s List of Events and car shows for 2024, fuely32@sbcglobal.net.
AUGUST 2-11 Hot August Nights, Virginia City, NV. 775-356-1956 or www.hotaugustnights.net.
AUGUST 3-9 SPEED WEEK BONNEVILLE, Utah. www.scta-bni.org.
AUGUST 9-11 Fun Run 2024, Big Bear Lake, 909-585-9253 or www.antiquecarclub.org.
AUGUST 9-10 Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance Wooden Boat Show, Homewood, CA. www.laketahoeconcours.com.
AUGUST 9-15 MONTEREY CAR WEEK, www.whatsupmonterey.com/
AUGUST 9-10 Lompoc Police Cruise & Car Show, Ryon Park, CA. 805-714-1140, https://
AUGUST 15-17 Mecum Auction, Monterey 2024. www.mecum.com.
——————————
62) Rick Lorenzen’s Celebration of Life Sunday, July 21 at 1pm Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to celebrate
the inspirational life of Rick Lorenzen on Sunday, July 21 from 1-5pm. Dress is business casual. RSVP required. Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024, time: 1pm-5pm, Location: Lions Automobilia Foundation, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, Rancho
Dominguez, CA 90221. Parking entrance on Santa Fe Avenue. Street parking is available. Valet parking available at
Lions Entrance. From: Lions Automobilia Foundation media@
——————————
63) (The conclusion of the Ak Miller boat story) “It was crude by today’s standards for sure but that’s how performance improvements were discovered. We made a few laps while I would hold Ak by the collar so he wouldn’t fall out as he manually activated the combination of NOS & added fuel. It was like hitting an extra 4 barrel. The engine would tach
some 6500 rpm with a groaning whine, occasionally sucking air as the tach would peg the needle and then grab the
water again. Surprisingly never bending a pushrod, we’d stop, pull a couple plugs, adjust the mixture and go again.
It’s hard to imagine doing that today.” From Jim Partridge (Bernie and PJ’s son)
——————————
64) April 19, 1993, Sports Copyright 1993/The Times Mirror Company, by Jim Murray, on the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Roger Penske, reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. “Paul Tracy had the thrill of several flat tires in traffic, and went
through the crowded streets of Long Beach, instead of the wimpy surfaces of a test track. If you’ve ever looked at the
family sedan gas gauge as it wavered perilously close to ‘E’ and sucked it up and hoped it wouldn’t go on fumes as
you were going through a rough stretch of road or neighborhood; you can sympathize with Driver Paul Tracy. He had
been exchanging leadership in the race with the great Mansell until he hit Lap 60 and pitted, surrendering the lead to
the Briton. Tracy refueled.” From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jimmurrayfoun
——————————
65) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene will interview Sean Cridland, Neil Smith, Louise Noeth and A.J. Baime.
This will be Mark’s 2499 podcast. Mark is at Cars Yeah info@carsyeah.com, or you can write to him at 4618 131st
St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332.
——————————
66) On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team, by Neil Smith. ISBN 978-8-990
6140-1-7, Page Size: 240 x 285mm or 9″x12.” One volume Hardcover in dust jacket, 528 pages/664 photographs, $129.95. On the Prowl tells the rich and fascinating story of TWR’s Jaguar sports car programs with the help of those
who were there. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net
——————————
67) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
The Big Country Race Way (Formerly Abilene Dragstrip), Abilene, Texas, 1/8-mile.
Thompson Raceway Park, Thompson, Ohio, 1/4-mile.
Thornhill Dragstrip, Kenton, Kentucky, 1/4-mile.
Thunder In the Alberni Valley, Port Alerni, British Columbia, Canada, 1/4-mile.
——————————
68) Andy Suman and Mark Gelstein, of Line2Line Coatings, and Keith Jones, of Total Seal, joined Jeff Hammond
from SiriusXM, Ch. 90, Late Shift, for the “Piston Stability – A Key Factor in Ring Seal” webinar. Watch as they
discuss the latest advancements in piston ring technology. The session touched on the historical evolution, current applications, and future trends. From: team@epartrade.com.
——————————
69) In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Rick Lorenzen’s favorite organizations: Lions Automobilia Foundation; Honoring the Fallen; McDonald House of Long Beach; Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach; Boys & Girls
Club of Carson. From: Lions Automobilia Foundation media@
Blvd East, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221-6008. From: Lions Automobilia Foundation media@
——————————
70) BOOK REVIEW: Where They Raced; Auto racing venues in Los Angeles, 1900-1990, by Harold L. Osmer (to be serialized). Carrell Speedway also had a short but famous run. It was built in 1940 and closed in 1954. Carrell was
located near Vermont Avenue and Artesia Blvd in the city of Gardena, California. Gardena Speedway, which many call Western Speedway, opened the year that Carrell closed. It was located between Rosecrans and Western Avenues in
the city of Gardena. Jalopies, Midgets and stock car racing used this track. Ascot Park opened in 1957 and was the
last of the old tracks to close in 1990. Ascot Park is just a short walk from the older Carrell Speedway. Ascot Park was managed by J. C. Agajanian and his family. Other races courses mentioned were Saugus (Bonelli) Speedway, Los
Angeles Coliseum, Culver City Speedway, Huntington Beach Legion Speedway, Ontario and Riverside. Harold Osmer
is at program@hopublishing.com. (to be continued)
——————————
71) Ian and Simon Fry have decided to retire from active competition and are offering for sale the Austin Seven
Special that they have been driving with great enthusiasm for some years. It is based on an Austin Seven chassis,
lowered at both ends with a neat monoposto body. Based on a 1934 Austin Seven, the engine is bored out to 795
cc from the standard 747 cc. It is a four cylinder in line side-valve unit with two siamesed inlet ports and four exhaust
ports in the block. Contact ianandjillfry@
——————————
72) Alfa Romeo Cars in Motorsport since 1945 £80, by Peter Collins, Hardback, 29.5×26.5cm, 328 pages, 355 pictures.
Also in the series: Triumph & Standard, Morris, Rootes (Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot), Rover, Austin,
Ford, Riley & Wolseley, Citroën and Jaguar. From: Veloce, newsletter@veloce.co.
Centre Middle Farm Way Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3WA United Kingdom.
——————————
73) The Mitty, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) original blockbuster event that runs for the 46th time late in April,
launches the balance of the HSR racing season and perhaps best typifies the past and present strengths of HSR.
Next up on-track for HSR is the 46th Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 25-28, 2024. More information
on the event, which showcases the Cars of Japan as this year’s featured marque, is available at the official event
page at www.hsrrace.com. From: ada
——————————
74) Museum of American Speed is raising funds for the restoration of Craig Breedlove’s “Spirit of America” 1963
land speed record breaking car. Museum of American Speed, 599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68528 or at museum@
——————————
75) Duffy Livingstone, by Dick Martin (To see the photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/
“After the race, I was in the pits, and I got a big ol’ hammer and I was pounding on the pushed-in door. On the Model-T
that door didn’t open, but I cut it so that it did open. Two of von Neumann’s pit men were standing about one row back, because there was a big crowd around the car. I turned to my brother, and I said, ‘Any a-hole can go out and buy a
new Ferrari nowadays, but these Model T doors are hard to come by. That got back to von Neumann. He never spoke
to me much, and after that he never spoke to me at all. At a later race, von Neumann had spun the Ferrari and was
sitting in the middle of the corner when I came upon him. I aimed right at him,” Duff remembers, “I could see the terror
in his face. Of course, I missed him.” (to be continued)
——————————
76) NHRA reveals future building plans for Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Veteran crew chief John Stewart
joins Josh Hart’s R+L Carriers Top Fuel team. Mark Dawson joins NHRA as Northeast Division Director. John Force
moving forward in recovery process. From: National Hot Rod Association updates@go.nhra.
——————————
77) Hidden Pioneers Bring you the Industry Leaders of today & tomorrow of Transportation & Technology. Meet & talk
with some of these Pioneers at the Summit. Randy Haapala- Famous Garage & Hidden Pioneer https://www.youtube.
——————————
78) I may have a couple of things for you. Yes. I do read it as often as possible and enjoy the effort that goes into it. My background is drag racing but I appreciate all forms of auto racing and history. Geoff Stunkard qmpublish@gmail.com.
——————————
79) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (serialized). SAFARI article he wrote for DRIVE
Magazine, by Wally Parks. “Lookin’ Back #3: Few people today can recall or are aware of the influence NHRA’s
original ‘Safari’ tours have had on the future of drag racing, as we know it today. The campaign took place in 1954,
’55 and ’56 when drag racing was still in its developing stage. It was a venture by NHRA to introduce and demonstrate ‘organized drag racing’ to all parts of the country, with a team of experts well acquainted with pros and cons of the
new sport, and, even more, the difficulties that were being encountered then, from coast to coast.”
——————————
80) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. Understanding NHRA Drag Racing Series
Betting: NHRA betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of NHRA drag racing events and races. Just this week,
on May 16th, 2024, the NHRA announced the launch of PlayNHRA. This betting launch is set for the upcoming Super
Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, which will be held June 7th-9th at Bristol Dragway. The initiative allows fans to
bet in fantasy games and, most importantly, wager on NHRA races. https://nxtbets.com/
drag-racing-series-betting-in-
The post Motorsports Newsletter 7/10/24 appeared first on Drag Racing List.