By Richard Parks Any reports on the 74th Grand National Roadster Show, at the LA County Fairplex, in Pomona, CA? AND:American Motorsports News International website has been created by J.E. Adams, at wefilm1 at https://innovator22.wixsite.com/website-3. Joe will be posting my newsletter, and he can provide captioned photographs which I cannot do. Sponsors and advertisers are […]
The post Motorsports Newsletter 2/17/24 appeared first on Drag Racing List.
By Richard Parks
Any reports on the 74th Grand National Roadster Show, at the LA County Fairplex, in Pomona, CA?
AND:American Motorsports News International website has been created by J.E. Adams, at wefilm1 at
https://innovator22.wixsite.com/website-3. Joe will be posting my newsletter, and he can provide captioned photographs which I cannot do. Sponsors and advertisers are welcomed to help offset the costs involved.
AND: My son Scott Parks and I will be at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, CA on February 23, 2024, from 11am to 2pm to support the NHRA YES Program (Youth & Education Services) and the Hidden Pioneers youth project.
1) Passings in 2023. In order not to overwhelm readers with grief this will be serialized in coming issues.
“Ohio George” Montgomery, one of the first superstars in NHRA Drag Racing history, passed away August 24, 2023. Montgomery, who was voted #28 on the list of NHRA’s Top 50 Racers in 2000, was a dominant force in gasser racing for decades beginning in the late 1950’s.
1978 Springnationals Stock winner John Cseh, passed away on July 29, 2023. Top Alcohol Dragster racer David Batchelor, passed away on July 30, 2023. Former Modified eliminator racer Joe Winblad, passed away on July 30, 2023. Larry Coleman, of Coleman-Taylor Transmissions, passed away on August 4, 2023. Two-time national event-winning Stock eliminator racer Dean Cook, passed away on August 6, 2023. Four-time NHRA national event Super Gas winner
Mark Horton, co-owner of American Race Cars, passed away on August 15, 2023.
Gary Bolger, who drove Funny Cars for more than 30 years on the NHRA circuit and logged three Top 10 finishes and two national event runner-ups in the Creasy Family entry, passed away on July 19, 2023. He was 79. Bolger attended his first drag race in 1960 in Oswego, Illinois, and not long after began racing stockers. When the Funny Car class came around in the mid-1960’s, Bolger and partner Bud Richter were ready, fielding an A/FX Chevy II, first on gasoline and then later injected on nitro. He and Richter partnered on a number of cars before splitting up.
It was at a Coca-Cola Cavalcade of Stars event in the early 1970’s when Bolger crossed paths with the Creasy family. Dick Bourgeois was the Creasy’s driver at the time and also raced his own car. At one race, he qualified for the final in both cars and the Creasys, needing someone to drive their car, put Bolger in. He won the race and went on to become their full-time driver for more than a quarter-century before he relinquished the wheel to Dale Creasy Jr in 1997. Bolger logged NHRA Top 10 finishes 1992-94, with that final year being his best as he scored runner-ups at the Englishtown and Dallas events behind Mark Oswald and Cruz Pedregon, respectively. Had not his throttle linkage broken against Oswald, he likely would have won that race as he was leading at the time. https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/memoriam.
2) More on the passing of William “Bill” Bader Sr.
“I met him when I was 16 years old. I’m 63 now and the world has changed again without him here. The things he taught me over the years about the character and nature of people and the racing industry will stay with me forever. I was lucky enough to have about a 1-hour conversation with him on my couch at my shop about a month or so ago… Never dreamed it would be my last. Thank you for your positive influence that you shared so generously. God bless you, Bill. I’m sure the lord is going to get a kick out of you. God bless the entire Bader family. Don’t worry Jr. You got this. He was very proud of you and has all the confidence in the world in you. he told me so himself that day.” Robert K Fester
3) Roland “The Hawaiian” Leong – Celebration of Life.Friends and Family will be remembering the life of Legendary NHRA Funny Car and Top Fuel team owner and tuner Roland Leong on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at a private celebration of life at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominiquez, California. RSVP Required. Dress Code: Business Casual, Hawaiian Print encourage. Thursday March 21, 2024. Doors Open at 5:30pm. 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. Local Transportation:MetroLink – Del Amo Blue Link Station across the street from Lion.Lodging: Recommended Hotel accommodations near Long Beach Airport. Go to https://www.tickettail
or.com/events/lionsautomobiliafoundation/1110420? From Robin Millar.
4) I have a little story to tell about Don Garlits. Actually, Don told me the story many years ago at Indy after I was introduced as one of the ORIGINAL DRAG SAFARI. Don, being the gentleman that he is, came up and we shook hands and he thanked me because in 1955 when we had a race in Jacksonville, Florida (on the Air Base) and when I did the inspection of his dragster I explained to him how to construct a safe roll bar, so he went around the base until he found a shop that had tubing and welding equipment that he could use, then came back through inspection and went on to win the top eliminator at the event. Keep up your good work. Chic Cannon (original Drag and Safety Safari member, 1954-1956)
CHIC: What makes a great drag racer is skill, talent, brains, courage and the ability to listen to good advice from those that came before. Don does all of that and more.
5) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. “Acceleration” (drag) races at Kearney Mesa. The SCTA Board meeting on January 9, 1939, gave this interesting fact, “The Hornets of Riverside were present once more and also the Road Ramblers of San Diego. Nolan Wright, president of the Road Ramblers was introduced and spoke about their Sunday races at Kearney Mesa and said that there will be no more races for at least three months due to a tangle with the law.
6) Editor Bob Campbell sent in the February issue of Vintage Metal, the Journal of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. To see it google robertcampbell4.
7) At the onset of the fuel ban I asked the insurance folks their thinking and they didn’t care either way. Their opinion was, if a car was safe at 150-180 mph on gas it should be safe at 200+ mph on nitro if proper precautions were taken. I was also concerned that some of the touring teams would run nitro at the outlaw tracks without being familiar with it, so I believed it was a service to allow them to run it at the Pond and become used to handling it. Also, several racers were trying to find other types of fuel and were experimenting with some “gas additives” that were, in my opinion and several others, worse than nitro. There was also several playing with alcohol for fuel but trying to cheat by adding “just a bit” of nitro or other substance. Lastly, the spectators were paying for a show, and they received a much better show from a nitro burner smoking the tires for ¼ mile plus the sound than a gas burner on a quieter, no smoke run. Harry Hibler
RP replies: The issue, according to my father, was not FUEL but insurance rates. He tried in vain to have insurance companies create two types of coverage. One for fuel and one for gas. The insurance companies simply didn’t want to bother as the idea for insurance is GROUP risk and as long as everyone paid the premium they didn’t care. Financial records indicated that 80 to 90% of insurance claims were paid out due to FUEL. Tracks running only GAS paid the same premium rates as tracks running fuel or a mix of fuel and gas. That’s one reason the fuel ban failed. Those tracks running only GAS were subsidizing tracks using fuel (nitro and other additives).
HH: There was so much controversy at that time, and I don’t recall anyone who said they knew the real reason for the ban, most just griped about it. As for what was more dangerous, of all the accidents at the Pond, only six were nitro cars and the rest were all gas cars (most of them were modified street cars). Harry Hibler
RP: Thank you. Dad hounded the insurance companies for a two-tier premium rate schedule, but they refused. The insurance payout documents indicated that the fuel cars represented 80 to 90% of the claims received (dollarwise), not the total number of claims. By lumping gas with nitro, they kept getting high premiums from all the tracks, gas or gas-plus-nitro. Had the insurance companies offered a two-tier rate in drag racing I estimate that tracks running nitro would quickly have gone out of business, but in turn bringing down the gas only tracks’ premiums by quite a bit. Thanks again for your input which helps to understand the past.
HH: “One thing I had a real problem with regarding the insurance folks, they preferred someone being killed rather than hurt badly. In fact, I was told by one of the insurance claims gentlemen, if a driver was hurt badly enough that getting him to the hospital quickly was the difference between life and death, take our time. Death benefits were a onetime fixed amount and injuries continued to cost money. Most of the gas burner accidents were clutch explosions and if a scatter shield didn’t contain it, there were almost always serious leg injuries. There was also the chance a fuel line would be cut and a bad fire (like Dave Delang at Pomona when he died from burns). Just for what’s it is worth, I personally preferred driving a nitro burner to a gas burner.” Harry Hibler
RP: You are right, the insurance industry doesn’t see people, only numbers. If they personalized their work, then they couldn’t do their jobs. It’s a numbers game based on selling a product, which is “insured group risk.” They saw nitro drag racing and gas drag racing as one group and averaged out the premiums accordingly, which increased the cost to gas drag racers and gave a substantial premium reduction to nitro gas racing. Based on records in my father’s files, accumulated from insurance companies, the total payout broken into two categories showed losses in the gas drag racing to be significantly less than in the nitro drag racing. Why then did the insurance companies refuse to have a two-tiered premium rate structure for drag racing? The answer is profits. The larger the base the higher the profits. A two-tiered rate would end up losing a significant premium profit in a sport that they did not really know or appreciate. Why bother is how the insurance people saw it. This way gas and nitro racers had to come to them for protection. Running an outlaw track without insurance was financial suicide and the insurance companies knew it.
8) Executive Committee member for the Engine Builders Hall of Fame is John Callies. John has been involved in the performance industry for over 53 years. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering, he worked for Pontiac Motor Division for 21 years; the last 12 years as manager of Pontiac Motor Sports. John left Pontiac and started Callies Crankshaft Company. Six years later he moved to help Joe Lunati get his company acquired by Holley Corporation. He then moved on to work with Camshaft Machine Company to develop a line of aftermarket performance cam cores. Five years later joined forces with Ed Morel to build Morel lifters into a top line of performance lifters.
9) HIDDEN PIONEERS. Social media team: Chris Limas, Lorraine Golden, Yujin Anderson on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Linktree (https://linktr.ee/hiddenpioneers). Janelle Garner at Newbicon Starforce Command Headquarters; https://www.dreamchangerspublishing.com/newbicon-starforce-command-headquarters. STEAM, SHOP/LAB Centers. Downey Columbia Memorial Space Center is at https://www.columbiaspacescience.org/. FIATM is at https://
www.fiatmgroupinc.org/.
10) BOOK REVIEW: Drag Racing’s Warren “The Professor” Johnson, the cars, people & wins behind his Pro Stock Success, written by Kelly Wade, from CarTech Publishers. Reviewed by Richard Parks for the Gone Racin’ series.
Kelly Wade captures the feelings, beliefs and adages by which Warren, Kurt and Arlene lived their life and how they approached drag racing. I learned more than just what, where and who WJ and KJ raced, but what motivated them to achieve the success they did. Wade presents a special insight by which the Johnson’s live called The Professor’s Way. Here are a few lessons Warren teaches, “I learned that when I have a project, I work to completion if at all possible. I can remember staying awake three to four days straight without sleeping to get projects done. You can sleep all you want when you die.” The best drag racers are driven to extremes of effort. (to be continued)
11) Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) is an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at racetracks around the world. From: Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR or 321-890-2848.
12) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois.
Panama City Dragway (Formerly Panama Beach Raceway), Fountain, Florida, 1/8-mile.
Paradise Drag Strip, Calhoun, Georgia, 1/8-mile.
PCMS Dragstrip, Malta, Montana, 1/8-mile.
Phenix Motorsports Dragstrip, Phenix City, Alabama, 1/8-mile.
13) Jim “JK” Kelly is regarded as a great storyteller by his friends and peers and in 2017 he put his passion and imagination to work in his debut novel “Found in Time” and the sequel “The Lost Pulse.” Kelly studied Journalism and Law Enforcement in college but on many weekends in 1976-78 he pursued another passion, motorsports, and traveled from Penn State to auto races along the east coast as a freelance writer/photographer for magazines such as Super Stock & Drag Illustrated, Car Craft, and Hot Rod. He even drove to Los Angeles to cover an event only to have it delayed due to of all things – snow.
EDITOR: I remember the SNOW, probably a FIRST for drag racing. There wasn’t much of it, but I have a photo of my father standing in it. Mostly it was the RAIN, that formed ponds all over the Pomona drag strip on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex.
14)Drag Racing’s Rebels: How the AHRA Changed Quarter-Mile Competition, written by Doug Boyce, from CarTech Publishers. Reviewed by Richard Parks for the Gone Racin’ series. 2023. (to be serialized)
Walt Mentzer was an NHRA Regional Adviser but chafed at a small board directing the new sport of drag racing and with others, created the AHRA, where the members would vote on who led the group and establish rules and classes. Parks had struggled in his attempts to lead the SCTA, and then as an advisor to the AHRC, and his vision of the future had changed. Mentzer was therefore a traditionalist until Jim Tice came on the scene and took control of the AHRA. Tice dissolved the egalitarian nature of one man, one vote, which also equated to one man, one veto, and terminated (dissolved) the AHRA. Tice then re-established the AHRA under his sole control and ownership in Kansas City, Missouri, and along the lines of the “rebel” NHRA. A major difference between the two groups being that the NHRA was a non-profit sanctioning body and the AHRA was now owned by one man. Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1@juno.com. CarTech Publishers can be reached at 1-800-551-4754 or www.cartechbooks.com. (to be continued in the next issue)
AND: I just wanted to drop you a line and give a Big Thanks for a fair and just review of the book, Drag Racing’s Rebels: How the AHRA Changed Quarter-Mile Competition. The book was a major undertaking and again, a big thanks has to go out to the many contributors. Yourself included. The book was no easy undertaking, but I felt it was a necessary one. Making it more difficult, AHRA records no longer exist. These records and files were all disposed of when the AHRA folded in 1984. Can you imagine that? A real shame to us historians. I feel the research and interviews carried out paid off with what proved to be a very satisfying project. The icing on the cake has been the positive response from all those who supported the American Hot Rod Association throughout its 30-year run. Doug Boyce
AND: Well done #1 — Next, how ’bout Carl Olson’s “Racing Through Life“? As a reader, I’m feeling lucky for two terrific history books in recent months. Dave Wallace Jr
JUNIOR: Shouldn’t you have graduated to SENIOR by now? How ’bout you write a review on Carl’s book and send it to me to put in the Motorsports Newsletter? Anyone who wants to can write a review on any book and I will be delighted to post it here.
15) Don Smith sent in the following bio on Jim McLennan. (to be serialized in following issues)
Jim McLennan was one of drag racing’s pioneers and one of the first drivers in the sport to wear a fire suit (a proximity suit borrowed from the San Francisco Airport) and one of the first to use a parachute to slow his car down. During his driving and car building career, he was not only involved as a racer but as a racetrack promoter as well. In 1957 he opened Half Moon Bay Drag Strip and Cotati Drag Strip. Half Moon Bay was known for its speed records because of its sea level location. In 1963 he opened Champion Speedway, a 1/2-mile oval track across from Candlestick Park in San Francisco. In 1973 a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) sanctioned 1/8-mile Drag strip was added to the facility. (to be continued)
16) Episode #438, “Custom Spring Manufacturing Utilizing the Cold Coiling Process” by Coiling Technologies. This webinar will be presented by Richard Jonec, VP Sales & Engineering. Hosted by Joe Castello from WFO Radio. The Zoom presentation will be available live at 9AM PST, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. No charge to attend. To save your space, google: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mHn1MwJUQx-zJzhuVgCoWA#/. From: EPARTRADE at
team.
17) May 5, 2024, USA Miami, Florida.
May 5, 2024, Grand Prix AdventHealth 400 Kansas.
May 12, 2024, Indy GMR Grand Prix, Indianapolis, Indiana.
May 12, 2024, Goodyear 400 Darlington, North Carolina.
May 12, 2024, Spa Motul Grand Prix Laguna Seca, California.
May 12, 2024, Grand Prix of France Le Mans, France.
May 19, 2024, Indy 500 Quals Indianapolis, Indiana.
May 19, 2024, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Imola, Italy.
May 19, 2024, NASCAR All-Star Race North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
May 19, 2024, NHRA Route 66 Nationals Elwood, Illinois.
May 26, 2024, Indy 500, Indianapolis, Indiana.
May 26, 2024, Monaco Grand Prix Monte Carlo, Monaco.
May 26, 2024, Coca-Cola 600 Charlotte, North Carolina.
May 26, 2024, Grand Prix of Catalunya Barcelona, Spain.
18) “Live & Unleashed, with the Dingo” returns on Twitch Network. The live streamed show bringing together the worlds of action sports, music, motorsports, and gaming under the Monster brand is returning for a third season in 2024. Hosted by Luke “The Dingo” Trembath, previous guests on the show have included Tony Hawk, Nyjah Huston, Daniel Cormier, Guapdad 4000, Hailie Deegan, leading gamers like Hungry Box and TeeP playing games including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 and Apex Legendsk. Lineup and streaming dates for 2024 to be released shortly. From paul or go to www.taubliebfilms.com.
19) Know your motorsports personality. Rick Ware, Owner of Rick Ware Racing (RWR). RWR currently competes in in four racing series, the NASCAR Cup Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, NTT IndyCar Series, and NHRA. Compiled from Epartrade.
20) Jackie Stewart was born in 1939 and was involved with cars from an early age. Leaving school at age 15, (his dyslexia undiagnosed until much later), he found his personal voice in sport, first as an Olympic-class shooter, then in motor racing. In shooting, Sir Jackie won the Coupe De Nations twice (British and Mediterranean Championships). He also won the Championships of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, as well as the British Grand Prix of Shooting. Sir Jackie retired from shooting aged 23. From: Judy Stropus is at jstropus.
21) SEMA Garage Host for 4th Annual Global T&T Summit, Friday Feb 23, 2024, from 10am to 2pm at the SEMA Garage Headquarters, 1577 Valley Vista Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Google: https://sites.google.com/shelbylegendarycars.
com/hiddenpioneers/global-summit-page. From Hidden Pioneers, Bill Montgomery at hidden.
Friday Presenters: 2/23 Diamond Bar (SEMA) Headquarters:12pm-12:05 Opening remarks from CSI Bill Montgomery
12:05 to 12:15 SEMA video featuring Mike Spagnola President of SEMA. 12:15 to 12:25 Wally Parks Family members Richard and Scott Parks. 12:25 to 12:35 NHRA-Yes program presentation John Baadilla. 12:40 to 1pm-Jerry Rangel introduces CSI Bill Montgomery. 12:45 Bill introduces VIP Hidden Pioneers TBD. 12:50 to 1pm-TBA presenter to awardCSI BillMontgomery theLifetime Achievement Award.
22) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. February 23, 2024, 6-9 PM, The Petersen was born from a publishing empire. For our 30th Anniversary, join us for a night celebrating this past by making your own “Zine,” a mini do-it-yourself magazine. February 25, 2024, 8 AM-11 PM This event grew into the biggest Ferrari gathering on the West Coast. A sea of red Ferrari floods the museum, creating an experience any car enthusiast can appreciate. February 28, 2024, 6:30 PM-8:30PM free screening of the Smithsonian Channel documentary “The Green Book: Guide to Afro/American Freedom” in conjunction with the Institution Traveling Exhibition Services. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
23) Hello: is the Club still in existence. My father, Burdette Sanders, was an early member. I have some old picture of him and his car out at the dry lakes and a Trompers metal plaque, dated 1947. I’m looking to give these items to the best new home, to preserve the history. Thank you, Dana Sanders.
DANA: Here are my recommendations: 1) family members. 2) Trompers of Eagle Rock car club, and the last that I’ve heard of them they were still around, and they published a history of the club which I saw for sale at the NHRA Motorsports Museum. 3) Jim Miller, who is a dry lakes historian and rescuer of memorabilia. 4) Stan Chersky, who has an immense collection of car plaques. 5) I’ll put this in the newsletter if the first four parties cannot help you out.
24) The BOB AKIN award, etched with the names of the recipients, is displayed at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, New York. Each honoree receives a smaller replica. Tom Davey was a champion race driver whose day job as writer and filmmaker produced a body of work that has enriched motorsports for decades. One of his proudest achievements has been the creative evolution of SAFEisFAST.com, launched by Jim Mullen in 2010 with grants by the FIA’s Institute for Motorsport Safety. Following several successful seminars, the program was taken online. Joining the enterprise in 2012, Davey brought his filmmaking skills and production values to bear to yield the encyclopedic storehouse of insider racing knowledge that is today’s SAFEisFAST.com. With Mullen’s guiding hand, it’s been Davey’s gift to the industry. From: Judy Stropus is at jstropus.
25) Andy Marocco has a new 330-ft street legal dragstrip in Perris, California. The event is called the Street Legal Drags and it’s on Saturdays. Street legal cars only, must be registered and insured. See www.streetlegaldragway.com. Tell them Stormy Byrd sent ya.
26) Tickets still available for 36th annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America induction celebration presented by Toyota Racing, March 11–12, 2024, in Daytona Beach, 24-Hours of Le Mans garage #56 Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has arrived at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s SPARK Student Education and Career Path Program shines at the Rolex 24 at Daytona – Kawasaki 1000 Z1R DragBike ridden by drag racing pioneer Vicki Farr now on display at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR.
27) 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. Mick Gleadow: “I have been around drag racing since 1963 which came about through our dad, Charlie, who bought a Trojan hot dog van to provide what would now be called event catering. It was pretty small scale and we would go as a family to sell hot dogs, burgers, teas and coffees and soft drinks, like Corona and names I have now forgotten! We went to karting meetings at Nuthampstead, near Buntingford, Herts, Elsworth, near Cambridge for motorcycle scrambling and finally Graveley near Huntingdon for drag racing practice meetings run by the Thames Estuary Car Club.” (to be continued in the next issue)
28)Oscar Koveleski, a driver for Jack Deren’s race cars: written by Martin Rudow. Accomplished racer Bobby Rahal was quoted as saying of Oscar, “His outspokenness and passionate demeanor in trying to convince you of the importance of his latest project were the essence of his personality. Never quitting, always promoting, in such a charismatic way that one just couldn’t say no. As a race-car driver he was one of the best in an era where competing against the likes of Mark Donohue, Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme was a challenge. He was happy and willing to do just about anything to help promote hisAuto World business and the KidRacer brand he created.” (to be continued)
29) The following is serialized. “The Mehlenbacher Family and the Kohler Dragway (AKA Super Boss Dragway, and Cayuga 1320 Dragway). The Mehlenbacher family and Dragway Park collected several awards throughout the years, including the NHRA Northeast Division 1 Dragstrip of the Year in 1982, NHRA Division 1 Bracket Finals Team Champions in 1976 and 1983, and the NHRA Management Excellence Award in 1983. Bruce A. Mehlenbacher was named NHRA Northeast Division Man of the Year in 1973. Bruce A. and Joan Mehlenbacher were then inducted into the Legion of Honor by Darwin Doll in 2010, for outstanding contributions to our drag racing heritage. To highlight an already impressive family history in the motorsports industry, the Mehlenbacher family (L. Bruce, Bruce A., Joan, Bruce F., Holly, Barbara, Bill, Andrew, Julie and Kelly) was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1998.” Bruce F. Mehlenbacher is at Bruce.
30) US Inventor/Pro Motorsports Designer Joe Adams, CEO Adams Design & Print LLC and also DBA Adamstand
American Motorsports News. Thirty-Five Years, Credentials/Achievements, Skillsets & Equipment. Professional Designer, Mechanical & Digital 30 Years, Pro Motor Sports marketing work in NHRA, IHRA, NASCAR, IRL, ASA, ARCA, BUSCH, NSRA, ISCA, Former Fortune 500 Vendor, Former Fortune 500 Licensed Product Owner, Former Fortune 500 Company Consultant, Former Fortune 500 Company Prototype Franchise Designer, Multiple United States Patents, Multiple © Copyrights, Multiple ® Trademarks, Multiple National Magazine Stories, Appearances, Coauthor, National Story On Floor Space Management, Multiple Magazine Covers, Indy 500 Team Sponsor, Nascar Team Sponsor, Product Supplier/Set Co-design product supplier National TV Show (The Original Joe St Lawrence – Hot Rod TV On TNN). J.E. Adams
wefilm1.
31) “Sebring 1983: The Warhorse and the Hitchhiker” is the latest book by all-around motorsports enthusiast, author and the recognized expert on the history of the 12 Hours of Sebring, Ken Breslauer. The 144-page softcover book with 80 color photos chronicles the unique history of Sebring Florida and it’s 12-hour race, leading up to the 1983 IMSA season. An hour-by-hour description of that year’s Sebring 12-Hour chronicles the Warhorse’s unlikely route to victory and the numerous competitors that fell victim to the brutal Sebring circuit. The winning Porsche 934 originated from a Porsche 935 that finished second at Le Mans four years earlier. Dubbed the “Warhorse,” the chassis ended its career in 1987 after 70 races covering over 40,000 competition miles, but it was the 1,097 miles it covered at Sebring that forever earned a place in endurance racing lore. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.
32) Bill Montgomery was the keynote speaker at the Orange County Mustang Club. I’m following up on the awesome meeting we had with your club. Video by Rodney Allen Rippy produced. Google https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNG1nz9pXmc.
33) We built 3 Lions Dragstrip tribute pedal cars. The kids fought over them so they each had to have one after the 2-year-old pushed the 5-year-old off one car and onto the floor. There’s no room in the house for furniture anymore. Anna “Octane” Marco
34) “The Road Racing Drivers Club 2023 PHIL HILL trophy is an awesome award, and it represents something so special in racing,” said Bobby Rahal. “To me, Phil Hill was not only a great driver, but he was also a true gentleman and a great proponent of the sport. He represented motor racing to the world, especially in this country, in such a manner, such a fashion that is something you had to admire. We’ve had a lot of great recipients of the PHIL HILL Award over the years, and this year’s honoree is no different. Bob Riley is a wonderful man. He’s not a race car driver – well, maybe he raced a little bit early in his career – but he’s one of the greatest race car engineers, designers in America. His car propelled A.J. Foyt to his fourth Indy 500 win.” From: Judy Stropus is at jstropus.
35) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,
www.CarTechBooks.com. Camaro Concept Cars: Developing Chevrolet’s Pony Car, by Scott Kolecki. 1 of 1 Muscle Cars: Stories of Detroit’s Rarest Iron, by Wes Eisenshenk. Porsche Special Editions, by Matt Stone. Vintage Speed Parts: The Equipment that Fueled the Industry, by Tony Thacker. The Tasca Ford Legacy: Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday!, by Bob McClurg.
36) 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE Date/Race/Track/Network/Start Time (ET)/Radio
Friday, February 16 Daytona International Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, February 24 Atlanta Motor Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, March 1 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 16 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 23 COTA FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, April 5 Martinsville Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, April 12 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 4 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 10 Darlington Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 18 North Wilkesboro Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 24 Charlotte Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 1 WorldWide Technology Raceway FOX 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, June 28 Nashville Superspeedway FS1 TBD MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 12 Pocono Raceway FS1 5:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, July 19 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 10 Richmond Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 25 Milwaukee Mile Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thursday, September 19 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 27 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, October 4 Talladega Superspeedway FS1 5:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 26 Homestead-Miami Speedway FS1 Noon MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 1 Martinsville Speedway FS1 6:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 8 Phoenix Raceway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
37) Upcoming Event at the Downey Space Center Friday night, February 23, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm, in Downey, California. Hidden Pioneers will be in attendance. From Bill Montgomery.
READERS: This museum in Southern California honors the NASA Space Program. I’ve been there and it’s a fine place to take young people. There is a fine NASA website and facilities all over the nation and I recommend it highly. This event and parking are free so please take advantage of this experience for your children and grandchildren.
38) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois.
Hub City Dragway, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 1/4-mile.
Humboldt County Dragway, Humboldt, Iowa, 1/8-mile.
Huntsville Dragway, Huntsville, Alabama, 1/8-mile.
I-22 Motorsports Park, Eldridge, Alabama, 1/8-mile.
39) From: EPARTRADE team. Tim Seebold, Formula 1 Powerboat Championship’s Managing Director, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Ralph Sheheen of SPEED SPORT. Click here to watch. https://www.epartrade.com/video/fcd707ff-featured-racing-series-f1-powerboat-championship-da272cc0-epartrade%E2%A0%80?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=24%20February-6&utm_content=24%20February-6+CID_1a49ae63917e89168ed29e866b46030a&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=watch.
40) FIA World Rally Championship/Date/Country/Venue.
28 January 2024 Monte-Carlo Rallye, Monte-Carlo.
18 February 2024 Sweden Rally, Sweden.
31 March 2024 Kenya Safari Rally, Kenya.
21 April 2024 Croatia, Croatia Rally.
15 May 2024 Portugal Vodafone Rally de Portugal.
2 June 2024 Italia Rally, Italia Sardegna.
30 June 2024 Poland ORLEN Rally, Poland.
21 July 2024 Latvia Tet Rally, Latvia.
4 August 2024 Finland Secto Rally, Finland.
8 September 2024 Greece EKO Acropolis Rally, Greece.
29 September 2024 Chile Rally, Chile BioBo.
3 November 2024 Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Central European Rally.
24 November 2024 Japan FORUM8 Rally, Japan.
41) The 2023 Road Racing Drivers Club’s (RRDC) MARK DONOHUE Award winner, Ken Kannard said, “The key was focusing on not making a mistake. I didn’t have the ‘National Championship’ thing in my head. I was just trying to treat it like another race. The last three or four laps, Cliff [Ira] and I were really dicing it up. I was able to get ahead and if he was going to beat me, he was going to have to earn it. I’d been teasing with some of my fellow racers that I’m getting older and if I’m going to win a National Championship, I need to get it done soon. After the race, I was just like ‘finally!’ It was very satisfying and a bit of a relief.” Winning his first National Championship in his 24th attempt set a new mark for SCCA, breaking the previous mark of 21 attempts.
42) Patrick Peter, recognized as one the best promoters of historic events in the world, joined us. Hosted by Jim Roller of SPEED SPORT. Google https://www.epartrade.com/video/09bdec57-featured-race-promoter-patrick-
peter-da272cc0-epartrade%E2%A0%80?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=24%20February-7&utm_con
tent=24%20February-7+CID_f1cf5e61cdc535b517868e0b0aee80f1&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=
team.
43) The Father’s Day Car Show in Downtown Brea on June 16, 2024, Entry forms are at Info.
44) We have started this new Division under the Hidden Pioneers Team. It’s called the ARTMIS PIONEERS. Artemis Update-E002 – Artemis Update – NWN TV HiddenPioneers.
45) The MSHFA’s Class of 2024 is a constellation of past and present motorsports stars and includes Austin Coil (Drag Racing), Scott Dixon (Open Wheel), Earl B. Gilmore (Historic), Jim Downing & Dr Robert Hubbard (Technology), Bud Ekins (Motorcycles), Jimmie Johnson (Stock Cars), Paul Newman (At Large), John Surtees (Sports Cars) and Phil Walters, aka “Ted Tappett” (Historic). Tuesday’s gala features the formal presentation of this year’s induction class into the Hall of Fame of ALL motorsports while Monday’s “HoH” reception is the chance for induction attendees to see the MSHFA Museum on the grounds of Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in a strolling dinner throughout the attraction. Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR.
46) Petersen Automotive Museum schedule of events info. Calling All Ferrari Fans, Feb 25, 2024, 11AM-3PM. Little Sparks: Build a Car Feb 17, 2024, 9 AM-10 AM. Art Nights: Zines Feb 23, 2024, 6 PM-9 PM. Ferrari Cruise-In Feb 24, 2024. 8 AM-11 AM. Green Book Screening Feb 28, 2024, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Inaugural P800 Rally March 18-23, 2024. Junior Concours March 23, 2024, 11AM-2PM. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
47) From: Museum of American Speed at museum. A Real Love Story. John Athen’s Model-A roadster that Elvis Presley drove in the movie “Loving You,” is at the Museum of American Speed, for a short time before the Mecum Auction. The museum is located at 599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, NE 68528.
48) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: “The Green Flag, Just a Bloke’s Story,” by Barry Green and Gordon Kirby. “Racers in the Sun, the Story of Florida’s Sprint Car Legends,” by Richard Golardi. “The Last Lap, the Mysterious Demise of Pete Kreis at the Indianapolis 500,” by William Walker. “Al Unser Jr, a Checkered Past,” by Al Unser Jr with Jade Gurss.
49) Anaheim NAMM photo’s 2024. Some of the Hidden Pioneers were here. CSI Bill went all 4 days to network and enjoy the People. My assistant Jerry Rangel was able to go with me. See the photos at nammshow.org/event/nammshow/web
hiddenpioneers.
50) Steve Gibbs, written by Dick Martin 2016. SERIALIZED for the Motorsports Newsletter. (caption) If you lived in Baldwin Park back in the 1950s, you knew where to head for burger fortifications. That’s Chuck Nippress in his ’46 Ford with Victor Mark, “Doc” Conroy, and John Duran heading out to the San Gabriel Dragstrip. Look closely and you’ll notice Steve’s Ford. (caption) Steve’s 1958 Baldwin Park High School annual photo. Dug out your yearbook lately? (caption) Steve and Gloria in the back of Steve’s stepfather’s ’57 Buick on September 18, 1960, the day they got married in the church just down the street from Steve’s folk’s house. (caption) What were Steve’s responsibilities as VP of competition? “I was involved with everything concerning competition: lay out the pits, determine who parks where, lay out the race schedule. Conduct the race, and if there is a problem, I’d deal with it. Scheduling if I had rain, have a crash, or oil downs; I would have to compensate for those problems when they happened. Sometimes I was a judge, jury, and referee. Anytime I had to make a decision, somebody would be happy, and someone wouldn’t.”
Dick Martin can be reached through Gone Racin’ at RnParks1. To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.
51) Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned racetracks, including Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRR
SaalGoodPR or 321-890-2848.
52) Bill Montgomery, Founder of Hidden Pioneers, stated: “This partnership between the African American Automotive Association (AAAA) and the Hidden Pioneers will combine resources and collaborate for the youth movement. Chris Harris and I think alike and have the passion to do the work. We hope you will join us soon to change the Culture & Image of the Transportation & Technology Industry Nationwide.” Bill Montgomery (hiddenpioneers).
53) Editor Bob Campbell sent in the February issue of Vintage Metal, the Journal of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia. To see it google robertcampbell4.
54) Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP/Dorna Sports SL & Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer of Dorna Sports, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Jim Roller of SPEED SPORT. Google
https://www.epartrade.com/video/e936fa00-2023-featured-racing-series-motogp-da272cc0-epartrade%E2%A0%80?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=24%20February-4&utm_content=24%20February-4+CID_6de8bdf1bc5ea1
ab0fa2b744f74a3dd4&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=Click%20here%20to.
55) FOX NASCAR EXPERIENCE package latest charity auction on “Bring a Trailer to Benefit the Piston Foundation’s Initiatives Auction” opens on February 12 and closes on February 19, 2024. In its newly expanded partnership with
Bring a Trailer, the premier digital auction platform, The Piston Foundation announced today that a unique FOX
NASCAR EXPERIENCE package will be auctioned off on the BaT site from February 12 at 9:05 am ET until February
19 at 1:35 pm ET, at jstropus.
56) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY CAR SHOW 2011
FOUNTAIN VALLEY CAR SHOW 2012
FOUNTAIN VALLEY CAR SHOW 2013
57) Remembering Jim McLennan; courtesy of Don Smith. Jim McLennan That awe, whiz-bang “let’s do it” guy, who loved life and had so much energy. The love for hot rods and racing, that started it out for me from your home on Capital Ave. I’ll always remember Jim’s big smile at meeting my 7-year-old son Chris for the first time, putting him into the dragster, and asking him if he’d like to take a ride. It has been a privilege of my life to have taken all of those 1000’s of photos of everything, and everywhere we went, on and off the drag strips. For me, the Smiling Irishman is an ache that will never leave. Rudy, Diane, Chris, & Matt Perez
58) The Hidden Pioneers recently performed another Prime Motivation school event (Webster Elementary School, in Long Beach, CA). Bob Rosas, Designer and Engineer who worked for Mattel Toys, including Barbie and Hotwheels, was the speaker and the kids loved him talking about his career. He also signed some special hot wheels, NASA bookmarks for all the kids & teachers. CSI Bill Montgomery went into a couple classrooms and talked about NASA with Q & A at the end. Jerry Rangel and Orange County Teacher Donia Moore stayed at the Booth on the playground with other vendors speaking to the students. The event coordinator did a good job keeping the flow steady with fun structure. We had a social media Team member Kelton who had fun with the students as they followed him around like a celebrity, that was COOL to watch! Hidden Pioneers is at hiddenpioneers.
59) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 12 DECEMBER 1935.
Barbara Livingston Parks’ grandmother was very special to her. She spent most of her youth with her grandmother in Cleveland who took care of Barbara. I believe Barbara’s mother had lived in Michigan, Cleveland and finally Chicago, but the exact chronology is lacking. Letters came from the Livingston Dress Shop at 1315 East 53rd Street, Chicago, Illinois and the shop is still there, about half a mile from Lakeshore Drive, between Hyde Park and Kenwood.
60) Car show schedule by Sherm Porter (fuely32).
MAR 15-17, 2024, GOODGUYS 14th Spring Nats, Scottsdale, AZ. ’99 & earlier, 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.
MAR 15-17, 2024, 22nd Muscle Cars at the Strip, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, www.matslv.com.
MAR 16, 2024, 26th Super Cruise Car Show, Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield, CA. Benefiting the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation. Chris @ 661-345-1627 or www.bakersfieldccc.org.
MAR 21-24, 2024, Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, Fairplex/Pomona. For info: www.nhra.com.
MAR 23-24, 2024, GOODGUYS 40th All American Get-Together, Pleasanton Fairgrounds, All Years, 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.
MAR 30, 2024, Meet in the Middle, Central Coast Chapter, CA. Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, open to Air-Cooled VW’s, Nojoqui Falls near Buellton, CA. For info: Eric @ 805-588-5729 (text) or elykens.
61) Following his visit to the 1966 Le Mans race, Edsel B. Ford II’s love for the sport and its personalities grew. He spent one summer traveling the SCCA Trans Am circuit with the Bud Moore (MSHFA Class of 2013) Engineering race team, and another summer cleaning transmission parts for the race team of Carroll Shelby, something that led to a lifelong friendship with the 1992 MSHFA inductee. Once he started his career at Ford Motor Company in 1974, Ford served throughout Ford’s product planning, marketing and sales divisions, including a stint as President, Ford Australia, where he became involved in the Supercars racing world, and as head of Lincoln-Mercury Division marketing, where he kicked off the dominant Roush Racing sports car efforts with Capri, Merkur XR4Ti and Cougar. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.
62) Mad Mike and Hidden Garages (youtube). See Mad Mike’s video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b1o
GUmZVIs. From Bill Montgomery.
63) Know your motorsports personality. Jerome Galpin is the President & CEO of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and the President of Team FJ. In 2008, Jerome and his wife, Anne Galpin, co-founded the European NASCAR Series. Jerome is also an accomplished rally driver and the winner of the 2015 French Rally Cup and the 2022 and 2023 Dakar Classic Rally. Compiled from Epartrade.
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