Motorsports Newsletter 11/26/23

By Richard Parks

EDITOR: Please send in news that you know about, and you wish to share. Try to keep it short, but Kenny, I apologize, and you can send in all the news that you want. Try to keep it to 3 or 4 lines, but if it is longer, I can chop it up into parts and serialize it over several newsletters. Anyone can submit news. First in, first out. Happy Thanksgiving Week to all.

1) Yes, Linda Vaughn was there Saturday and at the American Hot Rod Foundation booth. Same booth as Butch Leal. Great day seeing all the drag racing super stars. GiGi Carleton
GIGI: Are you working on your memoires or stories? We need your stories for the history of the past. Readers, write in and let Gigi know that you want to hear her stories of “The Boss” and “The Wally.” A big thank you to Steve and Cindy Gibbs for all the booths that were at his Nitro Revival Reunion. Best show in a long time.

2) I’m the historian for the Gear Grinders who inherited Glen Barrett’s massive files. I’m currently working as the assistant timer for the SCTA and spending a lot of time with the Rice Brothers who created the current timing system used at El Mirage & Bonneville. One issue we’ve been discussing is the 1.3-mile length of the course that the SCTA uses at the dry lake. Do you have any knowledge or info as to how they settled on this distance? Many times, the distance is referred to as being 1 and 1/3 miles but 1.3 miles is different by 210 feet. I’ve asked a bunch of the old timers at the SCTA but haven’t found an answer. One other question is why the NHRA decided on 132 feet for the timing trap. The SCTA uses the same length. If you have any suggestions, I would sure appreciate them. Russ O’Daly
RUSS: A good question for the newsletter. Let’s bring Jim Miller into the conversation since he’s the pro when it comes to the Dry Lakes and Bonneville. The SCTA is a precursor to the NHRA and the early officials of the NHRA (Wally Parks, Ak Miller, Jim Nelson, etc) were past presidents and officials of the SCTA and the first President and VP of the NHRA. Nelson was the first National Tech Director of the NHRA, and he developed the rules from his service in the SCTA. That explains the trap distance. As to why it was 132 feet that was the distance that the early 1930’s that SCTA decided upon. Much of the safety rules are also from the SCTA including insurance, hospital fund, helmets, seat belts and parachute (courtesy of Tom Medley and Jim Deist). Muroc had as much room as Bonneville, but when the Army Air Force put Muroc off limits the SCTA moved to El Mirage and at the time the distance that they could run safely was 1 to 1.3 or (1/3 roughly) miles. There has to be extra stoppage area and many a car went past that limit and hit a “dooney bush” and flipped. Now let’s hear what Jim has to say.

3) From: Autobooks-Aerobooks, manager. “Tales from the Garage; Cars, Owners and Their Stories,” by Rodney Kemerer. Rodney will have a book signing at Autobooks-Aerobooks on Saturday December 16, 2023, from 1 to 4 pm. Autobooks-Aerobooks is located at 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, call 818-845-0707 for further info or www.autobooks-aerobooks.com. Tina Van Curen, manager.

4) Hidden Pioneers Super Car show fundraiser at Inglis Classics “Hidden Garage” in Hesperia, California was a wonderful day. So many VIPs showed up to support this good cause so we can go to more High Schools. When you’re done looking at these photos below click on this link to see who we are and what we do as well why we do it. Hidden Pioneers (hiddenpioneers.

5) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) Announces “That Belongs in a Museum” Memorabilia and Artifacts Drive – Many Racers have Important Artifacts and Memorabilia just Sitting in Garages, Drawers and Closets – New Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Donation Drive Makes Sure our Racing History is Preserved and Shared with Future Generations. From: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Adam Saal is at saalgoodpr.

6) Prolific sci-fi writer and newsletter member, Paul D. Escudero, is almost finished with “Unconventional Delivery; Clandestine Transporters.” Paul has elevated a James Bond character to the far reaches of the galaxy where spies and artificial intelligences must be combatted and observed. If you like Sci-Fi pick up his novels at major retailers.

7) From: Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers. It’s our time and now is here as we get ready to go back to the Moon. Please get up to speed on our mission. “Artemis” is here and NOW Technology. NASA’s new graphic novel, First Woman Issue #2. See YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x-HSShIzp0&t=2s. Bill Montgomery

8) From: Mark Greene at Cars Yeah at info. This Week on Cars Yeah Mark will be interviewing Allan Rosenberg (Photographer); Jonathan Shaw (Hemmings); Mike Pennington (Meguiar’s): and Clemens Schoenberger (Free2Move). Cars Yeah mailing address: Cars Yeah, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332

9) As the final win light flashed on the season and we crowned world champions at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, we enjoyed one of the most exciting and competitive seasons in NHRA history. It feels like just a few short weeks ago we had the green light to open the year at historic Gainesville Raceway, starting a 2023 campaign that nobody will forget. From start to finish, our amazing fans packed the grandstands at national events across the country, enjoying everything from first-time winners and champs to exciting new programs like the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge to legendary performances in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to incredible support from our member tracks and sponsors. Sincerely, Glen Cromwell, NHRA President

10) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. All-New Workshop Tour: Bugatti vs Ferrari, this is the Drag Race for the Ages! Watch as the Carwow team races our iconic Ferrari F40 against the legendary Bugatti EB110. SATURDAYS ONLY 9:30AM-11:30AM 25 per tour limit. Step into the exclusive world of automotive preservation with our all-new Workshop Tour at the Petersen Museum. Join us for a guided, private journey through our Vault and never-before-seen mechanic workshop, gaining a rare behind-the-scenes look at automotive masterpieces as they get maintained and prepared for display in the museum or for special events, concourses and races. Lift the hoods of some of the world’s most extraordinary cars, experiencing firsthand the passion and precision that drive our museum’s mission to preserve automotive history. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

11) From: Dragzine Newsletter newsletter, courtesy of Don Smith. Doug Kalitta, the nephew of drag racing icon Conrad “Connie” Kalitta, began his professional racing career as a USAC open-wheel competitor in 1991, earning that year’s midget-series Rookie of the Year honors. Just three seasons later, he became a USAC national sprint car champion. In 1998, he followed in his famous uncle’s and cousin Scott Kalitta’s footsteps and went NHRA Top Fuel racing. His success was immediate, but the championships proved elusive. Doug won the Championship with Leah Pruett finishing second in the points chase for NHRA Top Fuel Dragster. In addition to Kalitta’s championship-clinching on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Funny Car’s Matt Hagan gave Tony Stewart Racing its first world championship at the 58th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Erica Enders won her sixth Pro Stock title, and Gaige Hererra put a stamp on one of the sport’s most dominating season performance.

12) Jim McFarland tribute, written by Dave Wallace Jr for Hot Rod Magazine. SERIALIZED over several issues.
HRM] What impact have dynos and magazine articles had on new-car buyers during your history in the industry?
JM] Back in the day, the 1960s and ‘70’s, if you were interested in a performance car from Detroit, you’d go to car magazines for the credible, forthright, comprehensive information about driving it, testing it. Writers were given the freedom to write it as they saw it. Magazine articles had lots more influence than dynos. Remember, before Super Flow came along with affordable flow benches and dynos, they were few and far between, outside of the OEM community. The companies that had dynos mostly kept the information to themselves. There was no Internet or social media. Edelbrock encouraged magazine people to come through and actually contribute. We allowed them to be part of it, not just write stories. Getting them involved made it more enjoyable for everybody and made the results more meaningful to readers.

13) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers. John Smith, mechanic and crew (published 12th April 2021) Quote from John: “Just a quick note to thank you for all your time and effort in getting the ‘Drag Racing Pioneers’ stories put together and published on Eurodragster website. I had no idea that anyone would be interested after all this time until you phoned me. I am glad that all the magazines that I had hoarded since the 1960’s have now found a good home and thanks for returning all the photos and slides so promptly. Nick Pettitt has done a brilliant job in reproducing these for the article together with all the notations. Putting details of the short time that I was involved down on paper certainly brought back a lot of fond and some forgotten memories not only of the Drag Racing at ‘The Pod’ but also great times spent with Bill, Keith and Richard and also Derek and Pam and Tony.” John Hunt is at johnhunt.drn.
READERS: In the USA we tend to think of drag racing as a sport since 1950 (or a little earlier), but for the British the British Speed Festivals of 1963-65 represented the “Golden Age” of their drag racing.

14) Shades of Blue, by Lisa Nicklanovich. In his presentation, Captain Daniels explained that aerospace careers will be in high demand in the near future as older pilots and astronauts reach retirement. He stated, “Colorado is a golden opportunity for STEM students since it’s the second largest aerospace community in the nation.” Boeing, Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, and Raytheon are all close by, providing abundant opportunities for students who are interested in aviation and aerospace. Daniels said students can join Shades of Blue now to learn more through “ground school,” receive mentoring and internship opportunities, and even employment assistance later on. As Daniels answered questions and gave out Shades of Blue flyers, one student remarked, “I wasn’t thinking about a career in aviation before, but now I am considering it.” For more information, go to About Us Our Shades of Blue (https://www.ourshadesofblue.org/events/part
icipant-registration/). From Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers.

15) From: SEMA News semanews. Sent in by Don Smith. Letter From SEMA’s Mike Spagnola: “Nominate a Candidate for the SEMA Board of Directors 2024 Election.” A total of 19 judges from 14 countries carefully selected the products that would resonate with customers in their home regions during the 2023 SEMA Show. 2024 SBN Women’s Leadership Forum Drives Advancement of Women in the Automotive Aftermarket. Maine Voters Pass Right to Repair Ballot Measure in a Win for Consumers, Repair Shops. SEMA Files Friend of Court Briefing in Medium-and Heavy-Duty Emissions Standards. SEMA, 1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.

16) The first chapter of my book is named Early Years. It covers my Introduction to Oscar Koveleski (I start racing kid racers at age 1 and a 1/2). Next is the FAO Schwarz modeling for Kid Racer. Then Sir Jackie Stewart teaches me how to sign my name. Then at age 4 about starting Quarter Midget racing. Cord Kisthardt, gr44xjs.
READERS: You can purchase a copy of Cord’s book by writing to him.

17) Steve Gibbs, written by Dick Martin 2016. SERIALIZED for the Motorsports Newsletter.
Steve and every hot rodder knew of Mickey Thompson, and when Thompson built the Challenger streamliner for Bonneville in 1959, Steve and his buddies Jim Catlyn and Mike Doty said, “Let’s go!” They loaded Steve’s ’50 Ford and took off for Bonneville. Like everyone else who wasn’t competing, the guys played racer on the salt flats, losing the Ford’s muffler and exhaust pipe in the process. That was cool at Bonneville, especially cruising into Wendover with the flathead sounding off. Going home, not so much. “It was late at night, I was asleep in the back seat, Jim was driving, and we were outside of Barstow when the hood flew up, bent over and caved in the roof. We unbolted the hood and left it on the side of the road.” As they neared the outskirts of civilization, Steve was sure they’d get pulled over for uncorked exhaust, at least. They lucked out and made it home, obviously not in one piece. Dick Martin is at turboguydm1. To see the captioned photos go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.

18) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091
Mission Raceway Park Location: Mission, British Columbia Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved.
Mississippi Motorsports Park (Formerly Tuscola Motor Sports) Location: Lena, Mississippi. Length: 1/4-mile Paved.
Mo-Kan Dragway Location: Asbury, Missouri Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved.
Mobile Dragway Location: Irvington, Alabama Category: Dragstrips Surface: Paved.

19) The Jimmy “Jet” Neilson is scheduled for two podcasts which would gain exposure. Monday, September 25th, a live Podcast interview on Draglist.com with host Bill Pratt at 7PM and a live stream TV Show interview called “On Pit Road Racing,” Wednesday September 27th with hosts Diana & Mike Fox. “I want to mention these interviews because I think they are great opportunities to promote the World Record Run and other Events as they are quickly developing in the coming weeks. Especially if any of your connections are interested and/or in a position to support our endeavors. Charity is a very important branch to Jimmys business and therefore we are proud to be a part of Hidden Pioneers Charity Organization. Jimmy and his partner Ihor’s plans for the future are to simply promote, display and sell T-Shirts across the Country reaching millions of Fans with their race cars. Their desires for high speeds and dangerous situations is behind them, upon completion of the World Record Run in October 2023.” From Salt City Muscle saltcitymusclerf, & Jerry Rangel jwrtile.

20) Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series 2024 Regional Schedule. Sent in by Don Smith.
EAST REGION Gainesville Raceway: March 1-2, 2024. Cecil County Dragway: May 10-11, 2024. Maple Grove Raceway: May 24-25, 2024. Lebanon Valley Dragway: July 5-6, 2024. New England Dragway: August 16-17, 2024. Virginia Motorsports Park: September 27-28, 2024.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park: May 3-4, 2024. Summit Motorsports Park: May 31-June 2, 2024. National Trail Raceway: July 12-13, 2024. Summit Motorsports Park: August 2-3, 2024. Beech Bend Raceway Park: August 23-24, 2024. Worldwide Technology Raceway: October 4-5, 2024.
CENTRAL REGION No Problem Raceway: February 23-24, 2024. Texas Motorplex: May 17-18, 2024. Flying H Dragstrip: June 14-15, 2024. Brainerd International Raceway: July 19-21, 2024. Tri-State Raceway: September 6-8, 2024.
WEST REGION Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park: February 23-24, 2024. Woodburn Dragstrip: July 11-12, 2024. Woodburn Dragstrip: July 13-14, 2024. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park: October 19-20, 2024. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: November 8-9, 2024.

21) From: Don Smith and Dragzine.com. Street Outlaws ‘No Prep Kings’ Texas-sized season finale, Norm Bryson endures high speed rollover, Randy Williams returns to NPK with new 1970 Dodge Challenger, Mike Cotten debuts head-turning new ’71 Barracuda Super Stocker, Eric Laferriere resets 1/4-mile import radial record at World Cup, Doug Kalitta: at long last a Top Fuel world champion.

22) Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series 2024 Divisional Schedule. Sent in by Don Smith.
NORTHEAST DIVISION Cecil County Dragway: May 10-11, 2024. Maple Grove Raceway: May 24-26, 2024. Lebanon Valley Dragway: July 5-7, 2024. Numidia Dragway: July 25-26, 2024. New England Dragway: August 16-18, 2024. Virginia Motorsports Park: September 27-29, 2024.
SOUTHEAST DIVISION Orlando Speed World Dragway: February 16-17, 2024. Gainesville Raceway: Feb 29–March 3, 2024. South Georgia Motorsports Park: March 22-23, 2024. Silver Dollar Motorsports Park: April 19-20, 2024. GALOT Motorsports Park: June 14-15, 2024. Rockingham Dragway: October 18-19, 2024.
NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION Summit Motorsports Park: May 31-June 2, 2024. National Trail Raceway (JEGS SPORTSnationals): July 10-11, 2024. National Trail Raceway: July 12-13, 2024. Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park: August 2-3, 2024. Beech Bend Raceway Park: August 23-25, 2024. WorldWide Technology Raceway: October 2-3, 2024. WorldWide Technology Raceway: October 4-5, 2024.
SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION No Problem Raceway: February 23-25, 2024. Thunder Valley Raceway Park: April 19-21, 2024. Texas Motorplex: May 16-17, 2024. Texas Motorplex: May 18-19, 2024. Tulsa Raceway Park: September 19-20, 2024. Tulsa Raceway Park: September 21-22, 2024. Pine Valley Raceway: October 18-20, 2024.
WEST CENTRAL DIVISION Tri-State Raceway: May 31-June 2, 2024. Flying H Dragstrip: June 13-14, 2024. Flying H Dragstrip: June 15-16, 2024. Brainerd International Raceway: July 18-19, 2024. Brainerd International Raceway: July 20-21, 2024. Tri-State Raceway: September 6-8, 2024.
NORTHWEST DIVISION Firebird Raceway: May 17-19, 2024. Yellowstone Drag Strip: June 27-28, 2024. Yellowstone Drag Strip: June 29-30, 2024. Woodburn Dragstrip: July 11-12, 2024. Woodburn Dragstrip: July 13-14, 2024. Pacific Raceway: August 8-9, 2024. Pacific Raceway: August 10-11, 2024.
PACIFIC DIVISION Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park: February 22-23, 2024. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park: February 24-25, 2024. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: April 18-19, 2024. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: April 20-21, 2024. Famoso Dragstrip: October 3-4, 2024. Famoso Dragstrip: October 5-6, 2024. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: November 7-10, 2024.
READERS: Do you remember when REGIONALS were desired by so many drag strips? It was difficult for Division Directors to accommodate a REGIONAL or a NATIONAL event. Where have all the tracks gone?

23) Don Smith reports: Kye Kelley Earns First “No Prep Kings” Individual Championship, Steeda Silver Bullet S650Mustang Goes 10s, and Mark Benston Jr Resets Radial Tire 1/4-Mile World Record. At Dragzine.com.
EDITOR: The FIA/MIA in Paris is the only “recognized” WORLD RECORDS. FIA/MIA requires a rigorous procedure and only a recognized “club” in each country is allowed to certify such records. In the USA that “club” is ACCUS, which is composed of NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, SCCA and a few other bodies. Fees are steep. Claiming a WORLD RECORD is easy, but actually HAVING a WORLD RECORD is not easy. This does not mean that a racer hasn’t gone faster than anyone else in a specific category, only that such a record is not accepted by 134 (I’m guessing) nations belonging to FIA/MIA.

24) February 2024 Global Diversity Transportation & Technology Fundraising Summit 4th Annual. The trends among young people change weekly, and we must stay current to help guide them correctly. We are moving forward with bringing shop classes back into our schools under a different name called Transportation & Technology Lab Classes. It sounds better and more accepted by contributors, government, and sponsors. SEMA can help this movement to change our current culture and image if we work together and communicate our goals and plans. The time is now, and we have the passion, talent and skills. Dates for the Summit are February 23-25, 2024. Bill Montgomery HiddenPioneers.

25) HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA Run Groups: Group C-1983-1993: Appropriately named, Group C features the legendary Group C and original GTP era of the mid-1980s and early ’90’s. This year’s gems include a GTP Jaguar XJR-7, March-Chevrolet 85G, a Porsche 962C and even a Porsche Fabcar “Camel Lights” entry. Group C also typically features one of the most exciting GT battles with Porsche 944 Turbo Cup and 964 models on the front line. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.

26) Dragzine CALENDAR OF EVENTS, sent in by Don Smith.
November 30-December 12, 2023: The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
December 1-3, 2023: Sport Compact Finals at Orlando Speed World.
December 1-2, 2023: Street Car Takeover at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.
December 5-9, 2023: Five Day Winter Warmup at Immokalee Regional Raceway.
December 7-9, 2023: Performance Racing industry Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
January 27, 2024: Mooneyes New Years Party, Show, Drag Race at Irwindale Dragstrip.

27) From: EPARTRADE team. 4th Annual Race Industry Week speakers include: Doug Kalitta, Dave Darland, Linda Vaughn, Darrell Strong (President of H1 Unlimited), RJ Till (Vice President of World Racing League), Michele Abbate (Professional Race Car Driver, Team Owner & Aspiring TA2 Champion), Hannah Greenemeier (Owner of Hannah Greenemeier Racing), Brooke Bond (Motorsport Manager of Bosch US Motorsport), Brett Root (Vice President of IMCA Racing), Paul Woolnough (President Americas & Global Development of Formula G), Dicky Riegel (President and CEO of Lime Rock Park), Ron Knoch (President, National Association of Diesel Motorsport/NADM). EPARTRADE, Los Angeles CA.
READERS: I’ve been receiving these notices for a long time, but no one has mentioned who is running these seminars. Do you know?

28) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. This holiday season, enjoy the gift of giving by volunteering your time or contributing to the Petersen Education Programs for underserved communities! Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

29) Soon to appear in bookstores, “Journey to Distant Consciousness; Remote Viewer Battles,” by Paul D. Escudero (railstankers666). Paul is a long-time reader and prolific science fiction writer who uses his engineering background to explore humanity’s potential as space travelers.

30) My name is Ulises Cabrera, a resident & Mayor of the City of Moreno Valley. With great pleasure I write this letter of recommendation to the Hidden Pioneers. Hidden Pioneers has become a beacon of inspiration for our community. The team’s commitment to bridging the gap between history, the present, and the future by integrating transportation and technology is commendable. Each member of Hidden Pioneers serves as a living testament to the potential that lies within the realms of education and technological advancement.

31) I have known Linda Vaughn since she was 17 and was one of her bodyguards at her first event for George Hurst. Great lady. We are in contact weekly. She is doing okay after a nasty fall. Don Smith
DON and READERS: Please send Thanksgiving wishes to Linda and to all your friends and relatives. They are special people, and we shouldn’t forget them.

32) “I like hearing about things that are true and not blown out of proportion.” Gary
GARY: Did I reach the goal of “keeping things in proportion?”

33) The 36th Annual MSHFA Induction Celebration Presented by Toyota Racing will take place March 11–12, 2024 in Daytona Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the MSHFA at glevy. The MSHFA is housed in Daytona International Speedway’s Ticket & Tours Building located in front of the famed 2.5-mile DIS tri-oval. Access to the MSFHA museum is included with every Daytona International Speedway tour, which run throughout each day, or as a museum-only ticket. The museum is open daily 9am-5pm nearly year-round except major holidays. It is visited by more than 100,000 guests each year from every state in America and countries all over the world. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, from saalgoodpr.

34) Do you want me to share the guests I have coming on the Draglist LIVE show? Often, I only get them a week or two in advance, so I’m not sure our schedules line up. Bill Pratt, draglist.com.
BILL: Of course, I do. Even if I can’t get a newsletter out in time the message does have beneficial results. It brings back memories to some and encourages others to look up your site and participate. The more you send the better. Bill Pratt is on the East Coast and covers drag and other motorsports news.

35) From https://www.racingjunk.com. After a highly successful first season, the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) is excited to release the 2024 Summit Bracket Finals presented by Laris Motorsports event schedule. Returning sponsors, Summit Racing Equipment and Laris Motorsports Insurance, will again support the five-event series which will take place on five consecutive weekends.
September 5-8, 2024, Midwest Bracket Finals at Eddyville Raceway Park.
September 12-15, 2024, Keystone Raceway Park for the Eastern Bracket Finals.
September 19-22, 2024, US 131 Motorsports Park Northern Bracket Finals.
September 26-29, 2024, Southern Bracket Finals at Montgomery International Dragway.
October 3-6, 2024, Southeast Bracket Finals at Union Dragway.

36) Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets, April 19-21, 2024. Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, 3000 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806. They are working hard and smart at the Promotions and Race already. Bill Montgomery, hiddenpioneers.

37) Tickets are on sale now for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, returning to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip March 21-24, 2024. There will be excitement and some great racing at the WinterNats. Don’t miss out on that sweet smell of Nitro and all the early season fun of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. You can call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center at 800-884-NHRA (6472). HOURS: M-F 8am-2pm PST.

38) Global Diversity Invite/Landing page: Global Diversity Summit 2022 Facebook. Team website: @hiddenpioneers Linktree. CSI Bills profile: Meet William Montgomery Transportation & Technology Expert – SHOUTOUT SOCAL. High School Visit with Hidden Pioneers & NASA click here: https://www.facebook.com/hiddenpioneers/videos/434578417
258655/?v=434578417258655. Bill Montgomery, Transportation & Technology Consultant, Expert, Mentor, Teacher.

39) Alex Berg Racing, abjr. “Starting with the Formula Ford Festival, we had three days of testing (Wed-Fri). It was rainy for most of the testing, but we did get some dry running. Brands Hatch Indy is quite a circuit. There is nothing like the elevation drop from Paddock Hill Bend (Turn 1). The way that these events run are quite a bit different than in North America. Because of the mass amounts of cars entered (65+) the entries were split up into 3 ‘heats’ or groups. The top finishers from there were entered into two semifinals (1 semi per group), and the top 15 of each Semifinal gained spots for the final. Now because of the amounts of races are held in a day, the heat races in the day, the races are very short. Each heat race was 8 laps long, which on a 50-second track meant that each race was just under 10 minutes with some safety cars.” Sent in by Doug Stokes (stokes28doug).
READERS: Alex’s letter will be serialized over the next coming newsletters.

40) Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers. Marshall Dickson Racing (published December 2014). John Fullerton (published 21st February 2022). Quote from John: “I have been reading your pioneer stories. They are all good and bring back many happy memories. Hopefully I can get to a few meetings this year and maybe get Derek to go – I think he will be surprised to see current race cars and their performance. Many thanks for the time you spent with us and the assistance of your colleagues.” John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. John is at johnhunt.drn.

41) November 5, 2023 – Results of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona presented by IMSA 24 Hour at Daytona International Raceway. Mirroring Run Group A’s winning drive, Gérard Lopez and Marcel Fassler turned in an equally stellar performance in the team’s debut in Run Group F, which is home to modern Prototype machines retired from active competition. Iconic ran a former JDC Motorsports 2019 #5 Cadillac DPi that Lopez and Fassler wheeled to another clean and controlled win, finishing on the same lap but securely ahead of the similar Matador Motorsports 2017 #02 Cadillac DPi of Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss. Adam Saal is at SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

42) From: Don Smith and Dragzine Newsletter newsletter. Kansas doorslammer racer Brandon Sandlian went for a wild ride at last weekend’s H-Town Throwdown, a sanctioned legal street race that takes place annually in the small town of Hartshorne, Oklahoma (population fewer than 2,000). Celebrating a decade of thrilling eighth-mile drag racing, the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) has unveiled its eight-race schedule for the 2024 season.

43) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
CALIFORNIA RACERS REUNION 1997
CAR RACERS REUNION 2002
CAR RACERS REUNION 2003

44) You can see our Bonneville coverage here: https://www.torqtalk.com. Please feel free to share or pass it on. HUGE thanks to the SCTA-BNI and your volunteers for all your hard work; we appreciate it. Tony Thacker
READERS: This is a great site. Thacker is an editor, writer, museum director and hot rodder.

45) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. From National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinios, 60091
Dallas Raceway Location: Crandall, Texas, 1/4 mile Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Darlington Dragway Location: Hartsville, South Carolina. 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Desert Thunder Raceway Location: Price, Utah Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved
Dorchester Dragway Location: Dorchester, South Carolina Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved

46) I was playing around with the keyboard and learned a trick and it might work for you. I held down the control key (don’t release it as you roll) on my keyboard and then used the “roller” on the mouse and I could increase (roll it forward) or decrease (roll it backward) the size of the print. See if you can do that on your computer and if so then you can read any size print that is sent to you. Best, Richard

47) Part 1. Tony Whitehouse started working as a truck driver, later getting into American cars and working on automatic transmissions for a company that was eventually known as Mr Shifter and later ATP. He was with the company for 33 years, during which he got involved with hot rods and drag racing, first joining the BHRA in 1965. As Staffordshire area BHRA rep, Tony got to know a lot of local hot rodders and racers. By 1970 Tony had got his first road going hot rod, a Ford Pilot and with help from longtime friend Ken Cooper he fitted the Allard-Ford drivetrain from his donor car the ex-hill climb ‘Clanger Special’. Drag racing was still a twinkle in his eye. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/blogs/tony_white
house/default.asp.

48) The United States National Speedway Championships 9/23/23 by Howie Zechner. Racing Speedway is an art because it totally backwards of any other competition. Well to slow down you have to give it more throttle. No honest I’m not lying. Coming into a turn the rider slides way forward on the frame, gives it full throttle, the rear wheel slides and when the wheel is sliding it is slowing the machine down. Coming out of the turn the rider eases off on the throttle and the rear tire hooks up and the bike goes faster. It’s some kind of crazy but true. Video of all the 2023 United States National Speedway Championships main event and all the races may be watched on Facebook on the RAZ Video page https://www.face
book.com/profile.php?id=100066625146476. Howie Zechner

49) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: The Last Days of Henry Ford, by Henry Dominguez; Caribbean Capers the Cuban Gran Prix Races of 1957, 1958 and 1960, by Joel E. Finn; Second to One All but for Indy, by Joe Freeman and Gordon Kirby; A History of Auto Racing in New England, by the North East Motor Sports Museum; Daredevils of the Frontier, by Keith Herbst.

50) From: EPARTRADE team. 4th Annual Race Industry Week speakers will be: Bobby Rahal Co-Owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Michael Cobb President & CEO of SCCA. Jessica Fickenscher CEO Speedway Motorsports. Jim Ryan Vice President of SCORE International. Tim Seebold Manager Director of the F1 Powerboat Championship. Brad Sweet 4-Time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Champion & Co-Owner of the High Limits Series. Troy Lee Founder of Troy Lee Designs. Preston Osborn is the Competition Director for The American Rally Association (ARA). Pierre L’Enfant Sporting Coordinator A.S.O. Motorsport Events (Dakar). Jonathan Applegate Senior Manager for Mazda Motorsports. Mark Hugues Founder and Managing Director of Mrk1. Dan Rossomondo Chief Commercial Officer of Dorna Sports. AND Tony Stewart, NASCAR, NHRA, USAC. The 4th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, Monday through Friday, November 27–December 1, 2023. No charge to attend. Epartrade, Los Angeles, California.

51) SEMA news, sent in by Don Smith. California proposes new rules affecting businesses selling in the state changes to short-form warnings, which are being proposed by lawmakers, would negate efforts already made by many SEMA member companies. Nitrocross unveils the nitrocross next EVO to foster sustainable innovation in racing. California Assembly honors HOT ROD Magazine’s 75th anniversary. SEMA, 1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.

52) From: Petersen Automotive Museum, info. We are so grateful for your support in helping make our vision a reality. Every year, your generosity allows us to impact so many lives. This season, we would like to share a special note from one of our recent recipients of the Bruce Meyer Scholarship. Terry L. Karges Executive Director.

53) From: Ascot Motorsports contact. The Granddaddy of all Championship Midget auto races, the 82nd Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, California, November 24-25, 2023. Gates at 3pm/Racing at 5pm, Ventura Raceway 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001. Just steps from the surf and Ventura County Fairgrounds right off the 101 Freeway. Purchase Tickets at the Track. $24-45 Gates open at 3pm Racing begins at 5pm on Friday and the Grand Prix is on Saturday, or Call Ventura Raceway 805-648-7223 or 805-443-4694.

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