Motorsports Newsletter 5/03/24

21) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “Richie! The Fast Life and Times of NASCAR’s Greatest Modified Driver,” by Bones Bourcier. “Bugsy! (Bugsy Stevens),” by Bones Bourcier. “The Home of Heroes, Fifty Years of Racing at Utica-Rome Speedway,” by Bones Bourcier. “Butch ‘The California Flash’ Leal,” by Bob McClurg.

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22) From Voyage LA Magazine at https://voyagela.com/. What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success? Young people who lack basic high school education, postsecondary education or vocational credentials face an ongoing uphill battle in the competition for work. These young people are not only missing out on an education, but they also are missing the vital psychosocial support and protection that is integral in their well-being and survival. There is no individual recorded reason that can account for why students drop out of school, but research suggests that a combination of factors acting together contributes to the problem. However, it is recorded that High school dropouts are very unlikely to enter upon the modern workforce with the skills required to meet the demands of the nation’s global economy. Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

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23) Supercars 2024 calendar (Australian Circuit)

February 23-25, 2024, Bathurst 500, Mount Panorama Circuit.

March 23-24, 2024, Melbourne SuperSprint, Albert Park Circuit.

April 19-21, 2024, Taupō Super400, Taupō International Motorsport Park.

May 17-19, 2024, Perth SuperSprint, Wanneroo Raceway.

June 14-16, 2024, Darwin Triple Crown, Hidden Valley Raceway.

July 5-7, 2024, Townsville 500, Reid Park Street Circuit.

July 19-21, 2024, Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park.

August 16-18, 2024, Tasmania SuperSprint, Symmons Plains Raceway.

September 20-22, 2024, Sandown 500, Sandown Raceway.

October 10-13, 2024, Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama Circuit.

October 25-27, 2024, Gold Coast 500, Surfers Paradise Street Circuit.

November 14-17, 2024, Adelaide 500, Adelaide Street Track.

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24) 100 Years of Legends: The Official Celebration of the Le Mans 24-Hours, the cars: the famous winners, from 1923 3-litre Chenard & Walcker to 2023 Ferrari 499P Hypercar, are featured, plus the eccentric machinery that has added fascination over the years. The technology: aerodynamic advances and speed landmarks; pioneering engines, including turbine, rotary, diesel, electric and hybrid; tire and safety developments, and more. Numerous other themes: records, trophies, regulations, circuit changes, safety improvements, race organization, art cars, spectating, atmosphere and curiosities. Judy Stropus is at jvstropus@gmail.com, or www.evropublishing.com.

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25) So, mark your calendars, motor enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a curious spectator, join the festivities at Pitea Dragway and experience the thrill of speed, roaring engines, and burning rubber. For more information, visit the official Pite Dragway website or contact them at: Phone: +46-0920-688-86, Mobile: +46-070-688-86-08. Email: info@shra

lulea.se. See you at the starting line! 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, and www.laffyerasphalt.com, at millarkey@aol.com.

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26) Know your motorsports personality. John Clagett, President and CEO of the Trans Am Race Company. Under Clagett’s leadership, Trans-Am generated a 10-fold increase in revenue over the past decade, and series’ race operations, marketing, social media outreach has grown accordingly. Compiled from Epartrade at team@epartrade.com.

     AND: Arrington-Hydrogen will present this live webinar on Wednesday, May 1 at 9 am PST. Presented by Mike Copeland, CEO. Hosted by Brad Gillie, SiriusXM, Channel 90, The Late Shift. From: EPARTRADE

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27) Sherm Porter’s Schedule of car shows and events (fuely32@sbcglobal.net)

MAY 17-18, 2024, 38th Pacific Southwest Zone Show, Oldsmobile Club of America, Pismo Beach, Hilton Garden Inn.

MAY 17-18, 2024, Spring Fever Revival, Reno/Sparks, Nevada limited to 400 1979 and older vehicles. For information

https://hotaugustnights.net/spring-fever-revival/.

MAY 17-18, 2024, 44th San Luis Roadsters Run, San Luis Obispo, CA. Cruises, catered lunches, dinners, GRAND PRIZE: 2 Nights Quality Suites ‘n’ at the 2025 45th Run, entry for one lucky entrant/will be drawn for at event. Limited to 100 pre ’49 entries. For info: Sherm at 805-441-3773 or sanluisroadsters@sbcglobal.net.

MAY 17-19, 2024, Eagle Field Drags, 14th Fresno Dragways Reunion, 559-351-3537 or www.eaglefielddrags.com.

MAY 17-19, 2024, 4th Old Town Motorama 2024, Clovis, CA. Friday Kick Off Party, Saturday Classic Car Show, Sunday Garage & Shop Tours. For info: 559-825-6808 or www.hotrodcoalition.com.

MAY 18, 2024, Castroville Party in the Plaza, 831-633-308.

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28) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)

     Bob Corn of Roush Racing, traveled to the event from Michigan along with his wife Nancy. He spoke to the crowd about his days with Ak at Ford Motor Company when he was a young engineer and Miller was Ford’s Racing Consultant. Ak traveled all over the country setting up the Ford Racing Team displays and recalled how that had been some of the best times of his life. “I’ll always be a Ford man,” said Ak. Dick Martin recalled the time a man came to him and tried to sell him a truckful of turbochargers. It seemed fishy and he called Ak. “Don’t buy them from that guy, he stole them from me.” Earl Wooden honored Ak for all that he has done for the land speed racing community over the years and spoke with pride about having Ak attain the Red cap of the 200 MPH Club in his Crossley Coupe in 1991. He talked about the days at Bonneville and on the dry lakes of Southern California. (to be continued)

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29) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized)

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30) The Lions Hall of Fame tickets are on sale now. Join founder Rick Lorenzen as we introduce the third annual class of Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Hall of Fame awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser will honor the following eight individuals: JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby and Bill Stroppe. Lions Museum, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, E Rancho Dominguez, CA. media@lionsautomobilia.org.

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31) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (last in the series). “Among the museum’s ongoing activities is its evening cruise-ins on first Wednesdays of each month, summer to winter, and hosted by the Cal-Rods car club – an energetic support group, since day one. They are the ones who reproduced my ’29 A-V8 roadster and presented it to the museum for permanent display. And not one but two annual Reunions – one at Bakersfield’s Auto Club Famoso drag strip; the other (in) June at Beech Bend drag strip in Bowling Green, Kentucky – have become top attractions as annual productions of NHRA’s Motorsports Museum. All of the foregoing lends itself as a handy source for interesting things to come in this column. From dry lakes to Bonneville, dirt oval track racing to Indy, early Altered and famous Stockers to championship Dragsters, with history-making motorcycles in between – the gamut of vehicles on display as part of the NHRA Motorsports Museum is an ideal indicator of the best there was, in the history of automotive ingenuity. We’ll bring highlights of the ‘best there was’ in columns to follow, with a whole lot of the ‘best there is’ sprinkled in between.”

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32) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). Our first stop was a short trip to Chichester for the famous Turner’s Pies with favorite being the steak and ale choice. It is a long, when hungry, 20-minute wait if a hot pie is wanted, as it is oven heated for you. Grandma Eva Turner started making the meat pies 90 years ago and also available are the legendary Pork, Apple, and Black Pudding Scotch Eggs. Sean McClurg has been our prior UK crew/Race Shop, who joined us in the classic Esprit de Corp feeling and also Erik van der Schaaf of NL joined us. Erik is a professional

photographer and he assisted us at the 2000 Goodwood Festival of Speed Event. John and Sandy (niece of Bruce McLaren) Chalmers, our New Zealand team came to join our UK team. From Ernie & Elaine Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).

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33) Ice Speedway Racing History: Gary Densford left Ohio pumped up by what he had just experienced. He traveled the country looking for arenas to hold a championship series of events in. You can imagine the response from some arena managers back then. Everything from “You want to do what on my ice,” to “Are you crazy” nitro burning motorcycles without brakes! You’re out of your mind? With perseverance, Densford was able to find four willing victims, wrote a rule book and what heretofore was a novelty event had become a brand-new motorsport. http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_

racing.html (to be continued)

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34) TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1988, SPORTS Copyright 1988/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY JIM MURRAY. Reprinted courtesy of Linda Murray. Dan Gurney

      You may have noticed in the recent story on the late, great Jimmy Clark that the driver Jimmy most feared to see in his rear-view mirror was Dan Gurney. Clark was not alone. A whole generation of racers grew up to curse under their breath and stand on the gas pedal when Gurney’s car showed up. He was more than just a chauffeur. Gurney understood as well as any mechanic the complex explosions of the automobile engine and the delicate machineries of handling and tuning. He was as American as iced tea, but the racing Establishment was always surprised that he spoke English and didn’t wear a monocle because he was so identified with Continental racing. From: Jim Murray Memorial Foundation linda@jim

murrayfoundation.ccsend.com or murrayscholars@aol.com. (to be continued)

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35) The World Championship ICE Racing Series offers multiple racing divisions: Unlimited Outlaw Quads. In the winter of 1985 International Championship Events/ICE introduced “Open ATV” racing to their World Championship ICE Speedway Series. Initially 3-&-4-wheel ATVs were allowed to compete in this new to the ice racing division. Today they compete separately. ICE’s Unlimited Outlaw Quads are known for speed, and insane racing action and their lack of fear. These riders will be competing for cash and World Championship Points to see who will be crowned the next World Champion. Google:

http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_racing.html.

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36) Jim Downing admits he sometimes wanted to quit trying to gain acceptance for the HANS during the 1990s, which followed a decade of development by Robert Hubbard during the 1980’s. “It was a long haul. I was discouraged at various points when we couldn’t even make a dent in people’s lack of interest. When I thought about quitting, it was more of an emotional response. It was obvious that it was a safety advantage for anybody who wore the HANS.” Hubbard, who died in 2019, never faltered, said Downing. “Bob never gave up,” Downing continued. “He refused to be dissuaded from any of the naysayers. He kept his head down and went at it. Thank goodness he did. “We sold fewer than 300 devices in the 1990s,” Downing added. “After Earnhardt’s crash, we sold more than 300 in less than a week.” From: Judy Stropus

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37) Blockbuster Entry for 46th Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta This Weekend – Nearly 300 Entries Have Arrived at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the 46th HSR Mitty, 26-28 April 2024. The Cars of Japan to be Celebrated all Weekend as the Featured Marque of the 46th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Round Two of the Inaugural HSR Prototype Challenge Presented by IMSA Two-Hour Race Runs into the Night on Saturday Third Annual Gene Felton Memorial Challenge for HSR Group 8 Historic Stock Cars Set for Saturday and Sunday Sprint Race Doubleheader. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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38) In regard to the race at Pitea, Sweden being 4023 meters did you forget a decimal point in 4023 meters? Bill Junge

     BILL: Yes, Robin forgot, and I noticed it and then forgot to put in the decimal point. 4023 meters is 2.51220373 miles. 402.3 meters is 1326.44357 feet. Appears the Swedes love drag racing more than we do because they are willing to go a further 6+ feet in the quarter mile. For a drag car to go 2 and a half miles would turn the car into a land speed racer and blow up the engine.

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39) (Continued from last week) What began as a modest gathering of vintage Porsche owners in Venice, California, has quickly transformed into a globally recognized showcase. This year, Luftgekuhlt is expanding its horizons with a two-stop European tour to commemorate its tenth anniversary. The tour kicks off in Wroclaw, Poland, on June 14-15, 2024, followed by an inaugural Scandinavian event in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 7, 2024. The end of this year’s celebrations will bring the Porsche community back to Southern California this fall, marking a decade since Luftgekuhlt redefined the traditional car show. While details of the tenth-anniversary event are still under wraps, anticipation is high for an exceptional celebration of Porsche’s pioneering road and race cars. From Cars Yeah, Mark Greene is at info@carsyeah.com.

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40) Trailblazers Banquet – April 6, 2024. It’s a remarkable history includes most every famous motorcycle racer, their wives, and crew, industry representatives along with sponsors and untold others. Better and smarter every year the organization is now a 501C (3) Non-Profit Organization and its Board of Directors is second to none. The Trailblazers Banquet is always a remarkable gathering, but this year’s event looked like it would have issues. Mother Nature just wasn’t cooperating so sunny California had been cold, rainy and windy. Right down to the wire guests were told to check the weather forecast and have a jacket and umbrella with them. Those transporting a motorcycle for display in the bike show were cautioned not to unless they had an enclosed van or trailer to keep them in case of rain. From Howie Zechner howie@razvideo.com. (continued)

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41) I am pleased to be on your newsletter list. There is certainly a lot of information in each one and it is reassuring to know that our version of the world is still thriving. To that end, I have been reading through my extensive library and creating videos book reviews. Links to my three more recent ones are here: Lost in Time, Formula 5000 in North America by John Zimmerman https://youtu.be/4GPvHK4PWF0?si=NnLeKx5ngjbLhoP-. Ed Pink, The Old Master by Ed Pink with Bones Bourcier https://youtu.be/EY9XTniWDAE?si=1zCrytVO3n_zWLZ8. Twice Around the Clock, The Yanks at LeMans by Tim Considine https://youtu.be/imLSxuWVdNw?si=a2f3lVY-3MHlGCgc. Your [our] readers might well enjoy these titles and you are free to use the links as you will. You may recall my work with Miss Information’s Automotive Calendar of Events which I produced for several years in the pre-internet days. Through that work, I have a great appreciation for your current efforts. From: Harold Osmer at program@hopublishing.com.

     HAROLD: I remember, you burnt the candle at both ends in those days and I believe that I reviewed your excellent book (or books). I will have to dig them up and post the reviews. Tell us more about your current efforts, is Hop Up Magazine back in the publishing business, and more about Miss Information’s two wonderful ladies for the newsletter.

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42) Sir Jackie Stewart Honored by RRDC at Long Beach. “Tonight, we’re honoring Sir Jackie Stewart, dubbed the ‘Flying Scot’ for good reason,” said Road Racing Drivers Club president Bobby Rahal in his introduction. “His incredible list of accomplishments includes three Formula 1 World championships – where he held the record for the most wins by an F1 driver for 14 years – and Rookie of the Year honors at the Indianapolis 500 – a race he almost won but was denied by a mechanical failure with eight laps to go. Alongside his numerous career milestones, Sir Jackie was and is an outspoken advocate for safety in racing, as well as for those battling dyslexia and dementia – funding the global charity Race Against Dementia.” Rahal recognized event sponsors Firestone, SRO Motorsports Group and Greg Gill; Lexus Racing, Jeff MacPherson; Checkered Past Productions and Chris Locke; Club Wheelhouse and Martin Lauber; Big Machine Spiked Coolers and Scott Borchetta; M1 Concourse; the SEMA Organization; Jimmy Vasser and his sister Vicki of V12 Vineyards; and Jeff O’Neill of O’Neill Wines. From: Judy Stropus jstropus@earthlink.net.

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43) 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.

     RON: Can’t win the speed championship if you don’t have the rulebook. It’s the bible of the LSR campaign. BTW (kid speak), where are all the stories you’ve promised to send me, Ron, I’m waiting.

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44) Glad I could help in solving a little of the “Omar Clotier” mystery. It’s cool that Jim Travis knew a little bit on him. Noticed he worked for Ermie Immerso (correct spelling) and Doug Thorley. That helps to fill in some more lost history. Jim Miller

     APOLOGIES & RETRACTIONS DEPARTMENT: The ‘ol redactor misspelled Ermie Immerso’s name. It’s always E (Ermie) before I (Immerso) except when the editor isn’t paying attention. Ermie built some fine race cars. Jim Miller is a respected motorsports historian that has a library that puts mine to shame. 

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45) A thought on gambling and drag racing (or almost any form of motorsports for that matter). I am adamantly opposed, for many reasons. First, I have been following the developments in other sports since well before the NIL policies and then the Transfer Portal opened. Both situations seem to be largely out of control at present and then, when you throw in the gambling opportunities those young people face, man, I can see nothing but trouble ahead. We’ve already seen it in the Alabama baseball gambling fiasco, in the players suspended and/or kicked out of Iowa State, and now that idiot in the NBA who’s just been banned for life. Me? I love to gamble but am smart enough not to because I simply can’t afford it, so no, I am not opposed to the concept of gambling. Jon Asher

     JON: Agreed. Honest “WAGERING” can quickly turn into cheating and dishonest conduct. We’ve seen racers on the same team barely even try against another racer on their same team in order to help them win championships. If that can happen then what will stop a racer from throwing a race for cash from gamblers? Not only that but racers will start to bet on themselves and then maybe “throw” a race by betting on their opponent. Gambling leads to dishonest conduct. It shouldn’t be tolerated at all.

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46) I enjoy the newsletter and look forward to reading it. Inducted into the 2016 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Cheers, Rob Potter

     ROB: Send me more news of Canadian motorsports.

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47) I was not involved with Hop Up. Much of my current time is spent in the wood shop at West Hills Wood. I still produce the annual Turkey Night Grand Prix program but am otherwise out of the racing business. LACar.com had me doing car reviews but that stopped with covid. As my home office houses over 500 automotive books, I decided to try my hand at reviewing some of them with a video format. Bobbie Dine Rodda has long since passed and Joan Denver moved out of touch to Reno some years ago. With the internet, Autobooks ceased publishing the Automotive Calendar of Events. I understand that Tina & Chuck are looking to sell Autobooks and retire. Harold Osmer program@hopublishing.com.

     HAROLD: Those were happy times at Miss Information/Automotive Calendar of Events.

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48) Charlotte 4-Wide this weekend on FS1 and NHRA.tv! The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series roars into Charlotte for the final four-wide event of the season with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals from zMAX Dragway! Tune in on Sunday at 11 am ET for qualifications on FS1, followed by eliminations on Sunday evening at 6 pm ET on FS1. Want to catch every second of the action in Charlotte? Become a subscriber to NHRA.tv! You will get uninterrupted coverage of every NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series race this season, plus select NHRA Sportsman events, historical archives, special features like Driven, and more! From: National Hot Rod Association updates@go.nhra.com. 

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49) The HSR 46th Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The overall and Porsche-class winner was regular HSR victory lane visitor Todd Treffert who topped the 40-plus car field with another victory in his 901 Shop 1972 #14 Porsche 911 IROC. Treffert was joined on the overall podium in third by American-division winner Alan Sevadjian who stepped into the 1968 #37 Duntov Motor Company Corvette roadster regularly driven by his teammate and fellow HSR race winner Clair Schwendeman. Steve Cullman put in a competitive drive to third overall and second in the American class in his 1970 #74 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans-Am car prepared by Olthoff Racing. This year’s featured marque at the 46th HSR Mitty is “The Cars of Japan” and a pair of quick 240Z competitors began the weekend’s celebration with podium finishes in Friday’s Sasco Sports race. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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50) Wednesday, April 24 6:30 PM-9 PM. Free event “How we roll exhibit that highlights the history of the tire. This evening will include intimate experiences with a few of the museum’s vehicles such as the Suki’s 2 Fast 2 Furious car and James Bond’s Die Another Day Jaguar XKR. Enjoy delectable food and refreshing drinks with other industry members and participate in a Vredestein tire giveaway. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Best in Low: Exhibit Opening Party 4 PM – 8 PM. Road to Eccellenza: A European Rally MAY 17-25. Little Sparks: Animals 9 AM-10AM. Movie Night: 2 Fast 2 Furious 7 PM-10 PM. La Dolce Vita: the all-Italian Cruise-In 10 AM-5 PM. Wagonfest 2024 presented by Avants 10 AM-1 PM. From: Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org.

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51) Autoweek on-line magazine. What drivers think of NASCAR targeting Long Beach as a ‘Venue of Interest.’ While NASCAR may have interest in the Southern California street circuit, drivers seem split on need for more street or road races. 30-Year-Club: 3-time NHRA Champ Ron Capps reaches a racing milestone. How a little fatherly advice and a meeting with NHRA Ace McCulloch paved the way for the three-time Funny Car champion. Why tiny Martinsville may be

the meanest track on NASCAR Schedule. Here’s 6 reasons why the .526-mile Virginia paper clip-shaped track is no day in the park to NASCAR drivers. Beautiful Julie Nataas finds NHRA Top Alcohol Championship fails to open path to Pro ranks determined to land Top Fuel opportunity, Nataas finds ‘No one really cares,’ about her NHRA Top Alcohol title. Jack Smith wasn’t Superman but belongs on NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers list racing pioneer won 21 races, which matches NASCAR Hall of Famers Benny Parsons, Bobby Labonte. From Don Smith.

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52) Lions Automobilia’s 3rd Hall of Fame Awards dinner and silent auction, Thursday, November 14, 2024, 4:45 PM-10 PM PST, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221. Event schedule: 4:45pm Nitro start-up. 5pm cocktail mixer & silent auction benefiting the Lions Youth Engagement and Career Path Program. 6pm welcome & opening ceremony. 7pm dinner served. 7:45 pm awards ceremony. Lions Automobilia, Rancho Dominguez, CA. media@lionsautomobilia.org.

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53) The very harsh reality is that drag racing is a very tiny niche activity.  I’ll give you a small idea about how small.  A few years ago, when I was still working the Las Vegas race, the Station Casinos took action on the event. One year I put $10 down on Gary Densham to win at 14:1 and he delivered. I told him about it Sunday morning and was working the top end when he won. No bullshit, he climbed out, pulled his helmet off, looked at me and yelled out “Rich guy!” Wow! And over a massive amount like $140! Anyway, the gambling pool was so small that any bet was capable of moving the line. The year Jim Epler won F/C some guy put down $1,000 on him at 10:1 and was losing his mind in the winner’s circle over the money.  But here’s the point. That guy’s thousand-dollar bet was enough to move the line on Epler from 10:1 to something like 2.5:1 because the gambling pool had been so small to begin with. Jon Asher

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54) Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils 2025 Induction Class (continued). Mario Andretti shared memories of his former team owner Haas just over a month after formally presenting his other boss, 2023 MSHFA inductee Paul Newman, into the Hall at this year’s induction celebration. Together, Newman and Haas were partners in Newman/Haas Racing, one of the most successful teams in IndyCar racing history, winning eight championships and 107 races between 1983 and 2011. Andretti, and his son Michael Andretti (MSHFA Class of 2008), both drove for Newman/Haas Racing and were central to the team’s success. Mario debuted with Newman/Haas Racing in a single-car effort in its first year of competition in 1983 and stayed with the team until his retirement at the end of the 1994 season. Newman/Haas Racing earned its initial championship in just its second season in 1984 as Mario scored six race wins, a series-leading run that began with his first of four victories at Long Beach with Newman/Haas in the next five years (1984, ’85, ’87 and ’88). From: Adam Saal at

SaalGoodPR@gmail.com or 321-890-2848.

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55) We are on an extended trip in Asia at this time and brought some writing project files but finally realized now that I must focus on doing a Max and Ina Balchowsky story, I was entrusted with all of Max and Ina’s archives including lap charts, letters, photographs, to over 50 racing trophies and Hollywood Motors invoices that are all so priceless to the story to be told. In addition of the many hours at our late-night coffee meetings (Max would return to the quiet garage at 8 PM) with door barely cracked open and guarded with a trash barrel and we would go to Sarno’s restaurant as the faux opera singers were attempting solo renditions for the Met maybe. Ernie Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com. (to be continued)

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56) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. We talked to so many Good People eager to get our STEAM information and ask the right questions. We told them about the Downey Space Center Family night event coming up this Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Columbia Memorial Space Center (columbiaspacescience.org). We are looking for some of the people to come and get some space info at no cost to enter or park. Expert presenters with “Cool” hidden pioneers in attendance. Bill Montgomery hiddenpioneers@gmail.com

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57) Great report. You have a lot to offer in your reports when I finally get some quality down time, I could spend hours investigating and enjoying all these posts. I had a new Paperback come out this week. There will be a video for it soon,

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58) If you are seeking an Arrive & Driving racing program at iconic racetracks in some of USA’s most popular series, contact us at service@allenbergracingschools.com or 888-722-3220. Allen Berg, questions@allenbergracingschools.com. Sent in by Doug Stokes

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59) Erik Tomas caught the racing bug when his father took him to dirt tracks in the Niagara Region of Ontario, when he was seven years old, and the sport has followed him everywhere since. While broadcasting news, sports and play-by-play hockey on Niagara radio stations CHSC, CKTB and CJRN in St Catharines and Niagara Falls, “ET” started announcing the racing action at Merrittville Speedway, Ransomville Speedway and Cayuga Speedway through the 1970’s. In the 1980’s, Erik brought his broadcasting talents to the Toronto market, broadcasting news and sports for 680 CFTR (now 680 News) and CKFM/Mix 99.9 (now Virgin Radio 99.9). He also had a stint as a play-by-play TV announcer for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs on CHCH-TV and Global Television in the mid-1980s. From Bruce F.  Mehlenbacher, Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

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60) Thanks for the mention in your newsletter regarding the Museum. I enjoy reading the newsletter. Marilyn Lachman

     MARILYN: Such kind praise makes the effort worthwhile. Thank you. Send me news of the museum as they rarely send me any news. I need lots of news to keep the newsletter well-rounded and interesting.

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61) Hi Richard, Want some off-the-wall Ak Miller stories? If you do give me a call. Tim Kraushaar (also known as) Weed, the starter at Lions Drag Strip. Tim is at thewonderfulweed@gmail.com.

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62) Darrell Strong, President H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Interview, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. From: EPARTRADE at team@epartrade.com.

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63) Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees C.J. Hart, Don Prudhomme, Ed Iskenderian, Micky Thompson, and Vic Edelbrock Sr. Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum, 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221 or call 310-223-3473.

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64) Goodwood members meeting races, April 13-14, 2024 (continued). Friday was Tech Day, and the Tech Scrutineers checked the Old Yeller II and our driving gear for International FIA Certification with a special check of our driving shoes and helmet. We had to mount and have Spec Dunlop hard compound tires, costing over $3000 for a set of tires. Seat belts were outdated… we scrambled and got it right. With all of the required stickers on, including a nomex fireproof event patch to be sewed on with the needle and thread provided! New thin FIA Nomex undershirts are now selling at $200! We had a special invitation from the Duke of Richmond for a Black-Tie Dinner at the Goodwood House on Friday evening. The Old Yeller II was in the Peter Collins Trophy Race Group. Ernie & Elaine Nagamatsu at etnracer@gmail.com (to be continued).

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65) Registration is now open for the 15th annual Vail Concours. September 13-15, 2024, automotive enthusiasts will gather in scenic Vail, Colorado for three days of driving and social activities culminating in the Vail Concours on Sunday. The Vail Concours is a fun event attracting lots of spectators. Plan to make it a weekend getaway. The Vail Concours is so much more than a show! View the schedule and registration at VailConcours.com. This show will sell out and advance registration is required. We hope you can make it! Vail Automotive Classic, PO Box 111, Edwards, CO 81632. Mark Bergman is at mark-bergman@email.b12.io. 

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66) Newgarden takes full blame for team Penske’s embarrassing St Pete blunder; journeyman Nico Hulkenberg leaving Haas F1 team for Audi F1; Jasmine Salinas is living the NHRA dream, and taking time to smell the nitro; daughter of Top Fuel veteran Mike Salinas is learning on fly from the NHRA hot seat as dad recovers from health issues; here’s a look at the current driver market, including who may team with Nico Hulkenberg at Audi, and who could be in line for the second seat at Haas next year; F1 car design legend Adrian Newey set to leave Red Bull; Formula 1 channel to Give F1 Fans streaming option in US; Autoweek, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Sent in by Don Smith.

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68) BRASELTON, Georgia (April 24, 2024) – A packed paddock of cars and competitors comprising nearly 300 entries representing an endless variety of road racing and sports cars from the last 70 years have arrived at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for this weekend’s 46th Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty, April 26 – 28, further solidifying HSR as the premium historic and vintage racing platform in North America. A high-speed rite of spring and HSR’s oldest event, the 46th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta truly offers something for everyone with an incredible variety of vintage and historic sports cars, stock cars and open-wheel racing machines. More than 40 of these entries have turned out in support of this year’s featured marque – The Cars of Japan – that will be in the spotlight throughout HSR’s first blockbuster event of the year. From: HSR Communications adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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69) Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races, by Harold Osmer and Phil Harms (serialized review). An extremely good book on early American road racing is Real Road Racing; The Santa Monica Road Races, by Harold Osmer and Phil Harms. Osmer began his writing career by compiling the history of various racing tracks in Southern California.  His books were short but filled a valuable need. In this book on the history of the Santa Monica Road Race, he expands the size of the book and looks at just one race and the quality and tone of the book increases considerably. Phil Harms is the co-author and historian. Harms has amassed racing results for over 9000 open wheel events from 1896 to the present. His photographs and knowledge have helped many authors compile first class works on motorsports in the United States. The collaboration of Osmer and Harms has produced a very good story about an important series of races that began in 1909 and ended in 1919. Harold Osmer is at program@hopublishing.com (to be continued)

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70) Fast and Full Field Sets the Tone for a Competitive Weekend Friday in the Sasco Sports International/American Challenge Sprint at the HSR 46th Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. In addition to the Cars of Japan Feature Race, another can’t miss Saturday sprint is the Third Annual Gene Felton Memorial Challenge for HSR Group 8 Historic Stock Cars. Honoring the late driving star Gene Felton – the 2019 HSR Mitty Grand Marshal – the Memorial Challenge features a pair of races for HSR Historic Stock Cars starting on Saturday with the winner determined by total points from both events. From: HSR

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71) Gone Racin’ … Ak Miller’s Tribute. Story by Richard Parks. June 28, 2005 (to be serialized in upcoming issues)

   Fred Carrillo told the throng that he was Miller’s best man at his first marriage. They were both Road Runners and raced against each other at the SCTA dry lakes meets. George Barris returned to the podium to talk about the days when he and Ak traveled the country on behalf of the Ford Custom Car Caravan. It was a time when the greatest car engineers and designers met with the best of the hot rodders and racers like Ak. Ed Iskenderian raised his hand and asked to speak. “Set the stopwatch,” someone yelled from the audience, but the ever-good-natured Isky was not deterred and took over the microphone. He said that Ak brought color and excitement to the Mexican road races that he entered. He added his comments about the stolen shipment of superchargers. “They were sold to Chuck Potvin, who lost a good deal of money when he found out they were stolen.” Then he left the podium and announced, “If I think of something else, I might come up later,” which brought out groans and comments of “bring a stopwatch,” from the audience. The hot rodders tease Isky, but there is no one that they would rather hear from, unless it is the irrepressible Miller himself. (to be continued)

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72) Interviewed this Week on Cars Yeah are Katherine Legge (Racer), Scott Pruett (Racer), Derek Bell (Racer), Aurora Straus (Racer). Cars Yeah mailing address, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332. From: Mark Greene at Cars Yeah info@carsyeah.com.

     EDITOR: Mark has now interviewed 2488 people, including me. It was a grand experience. Contact Mark with your story and ask him to interview you.

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73) Hidden Pioneers (@HiddenPioneers)/Twitter. Google: https://twitter.com/HiddenPioneers. Bill Montgomery is at Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

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74) The HSR 46th Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Chris Zappa finished a solid sixth overall and won the international class race in the 1972 #44 Datsun 240Z and was joined in victory lane by fellow “Z” car competitor Scott Kissinger, who finished third in his 1971 #202 Datsun 240Z. Rob Albino, another familiar face in Sasco Sports Challenge victory lane, broke up the all 240Z podium in the international division in his Hudson Historics 2000 #99 BMW Z3 with a second-place finish. Friday’s other podium players included Robert Spence who was fifth overall and second in the Porsche class in his 1972 #63 Porsche 911 S/T. Craig Watkins completed the Porsche podium in third in his 1968 #46 Porsche 911 while Jonathan DeGaynor was third in American and overall, in the unique 1960 #111 Devin Special. Saturdays are the biggest day of each year’s Mitty and tomorrow is no exception with several feature races and the first rounds of the weekend’s WeatherTech sprint race doubleheaders. From: HSR adam@saalgood.ccsend.com.

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75) ED PINK story, written by Dick Martin 2012 (captions left in text, to be serialized)

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76) BRASELTON, Georgia, April 28, 2024, HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA race in Atlanta. Wolf Motorsports and Co-Drivers Alex Koreiba and James French Break Through for HSR Prototype Challenge Presented by IMSA Victory at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Koreiba and French Take Overall and Pro-Am Victory in Two-Hour Race After a Competitive and Controlled Drive in the #25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320 – Jordan Menzin Solo Drives to Am-Class Victory in Prototype Racing Debut in the #18 Performance Tech Motorsports Ligier JS P320. From: HSR.

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77) BENETTON: Rebels of Formula 1, the breakthrough year. Following tragedy, black flags, disqualifications, a pitlane inferno and political maneuvering, the tumultuous 1994 season ends with Schumacher sealing the World Championship title for Benetton after a controversial clash with rival Damon Hill. The best year: Transferring to Renault engines, Benetton dominates in 1995, Schumacher taking a second consecutive crown thanks to nine wins and Johnny Herbert supporting to help deliver the constructors’ title too. Judy Stropus at jvstropus@gmail.com, or www.evropublishing.com.

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78) April 21, 2024, Fabulous Fords car show, the biggest on the West coast report. More highlights from the show when Steve Saleen stopped by our booth and spent 15 min with our Team to enjoy the GT 40 and take some pictures. We also had lunch in the VIP booth and sat next to John Clinard and his wife Linda. Super nice people and I pointed out to her that she looks like an educator and boy was I right. That took a turn for the better and we had a great conversation getting to know each other. She already sent me an email to offer her help to our cause. John provided lunch tickets for our Team which was very nice of him to do that. Food was great, by the way! Bill Montgomery hiddenpioneers@gmail.com

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79) Ice Speedway Racing History: It was in 1977 when Densford first formed International Championship Events/ICE to organize and promote indoor speedway ice racing. Back then the sport was quite simply titled Speedway On Ice. The first ever series of racing events were held that especially cold winter. The first of the four championships was held January 13, 1977, at the Oklahoma State Fair Coliseum in Oklahoma City followed by events in Amarillo, Texas, Tucson, Arizona and Dallas, Texas. http://icespeedway.com/history_ice_racing.html (to be continued)

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80) You can race on a real racecourse. Available at Tracks Under 1/2 Mile: Anderson Motor Speedway; Caraway Speedway; Colorado National Speedway; Dells Raceway Park; Dominion Raceway; Evans Mills Raceway; Park Evergreen Raceway; Park Evergreen Speedway; Five Flags Speedway; Grundy County Speedway; Hickory Motor Speedway; Houston Motorsports Park Lake Erie Speedway Lancaster Speedway Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park Lucas Oil Raceway Madison International Speedway; Meridian Speedway; Mobile International Speedway; Monadnock Speedway; Montgomery Motor Speedway; New Smyrna Speedway; Orlando Speedworld; Oswego Speedway; Riverhead Raceway; Sandusky Speedway; Seekonk Speedway; Slinger Speedway; South Boston Speedway; Stafford Motor Speedway; Stockton 99 Speedway; Toledo Speedway; Tucson Speedway; Wake County Speedway; and Wiscasset Speedway. From: Rusty Wallace Racing Experience support@racewithrusty.com.

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