Motorsports Newsletter 11/18/23
By Richard Parks 1) After much confusion and consternation, it appears that ‘ol Sacramento Raceway Park will be closing at the end of November. The last Big Bucks Race was held last weekend (November 3-5, 2023). Unfortunately, I unloaded a broken race car and as luck would have it (otherwise known as NO LUCK at […]
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By Richard Parks
1) After much confusion and consternation, it appears that ‘ol Sacramento Raceway Park will be closing at the end of November. The last Big Bucks Race was held last weekend (November 3-5, 2023). Unfortunately, I unloaded a broken race car and as luck would have it (otherwise known as NO LUCK at all), I turned into the trackgadabout taking pix everywhere I could. Most of the pix are posted on my Facebook page (go to Pod Ben). Sacramento Dragstrip will host their final ET Bracket Race this Saturday, November 11, 2023, which will also be the 2023 Sacramento Summit ET Team awards presentations. I will be racing this time, with a brand-new water pump so photo taking will ride in the back seat. I am told that every attempt will be made to live stream the event, and those who would like to view the racing can get the live stream info from Logan Pagano or on Sacramento Raceway Parks Facebook page or web site. I have attached a flyer for the event. The 198-acre racing facility abuts Mather AFB. The Drag Strip was built in 1964 and operated by the Jim Smith family since 1967. Bob Choisser (The Bad Vega)
BOB: What a bummer! What will you guys do now for a drag strip? According to KCRA Channel 3, “The Sacramento Raceway Park is set to close before the end of the year, according to the owners, but the future of the property is still uncertain. The Smith family, which owns the racetrack, told KCRA 3 that they are talking with a potential buyer right now, and they hope to finalize a sale of the property by November. The owners said their decision to close is partly because of a back and forth with Sacramento County.” California appears to be an ANTI-CAR, and ANTI-MOTORSPORTS state. When street racing starts up again in Sacramento County who will the county and state officials BLAME?
2) In addition to the support of its 130 member organizations, various corporations and individuals participate in and contribute to the growth of ISHA as Associate Members. ISHA provides a network for cooperative ventures among members and the ongoing exchange of ideas and opportunities. Members in ISHA draw upon resources from the museum and the corporate worlds for information on administration, development, collections management, public relations, and other policies, procedures and products. The ISHA Annual Conference will be headquartered at the Shores Resort and Spa, the same oceanfront hotel that has hosted the majority of the MSHFA’s annual induction ceremonies over the last decade. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, from Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.
3) John Hunt of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Tony Whitehouse, Part 1 (published 4th February 2022). Quote from Tony: “I’m thoroughly enjoying reading about the exploits of the racers my mates and I looked up to back in those early days. It must be clear to anyone who’s read all these great Pioneer stories, that race car wise, my contribution was not in the same league. However, we were there having a go and I would like to think that what I lacked in track time, I made up for in putting the word out about drag racing to everyone I possibly could. Still reeling a little from actually being asked to relate my experiences, which I greatly enjoyed writing about, I’m looking forward to reading many more stories from the more worthy Pioneers. Please keep up the good work guys.”
4) The Hidden Pioneers Virtual Summit info here: Day One: THE 1ST ANNUAL GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY DIVERSITY SUMMIT. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPVY5BPKOZM. From Bill Montgomery and Jerry Rangel
5) Steve Gibbs, written by Dick Martin 2016. SERIALIZED for the Motorsports Newsletter.
Close to Baldwin Park was the original San Gabriel Dragstrip on Rivergrade Road. “I wouldn’t go inside; it was probably a dollar to get in. I’d park my Ford down from the strip, walk up, and watch the cars go in and race. I never knew what I was going to see going in: one-engine or two-engine dragsters, roadsters, and gassers. I was just fascinated by them. I hung around the track, but I never worked there. I had an affinity for drag racing, but I never had the money to build a car, and I wasn’t too mechanically inclined. Since I didn’t race, the next best thing to do was to try and work at the track.” When a major flood control project began, the dragstrip was eliminated. It would be several years before a second San Gabriel Dragstrip was built just west of the original strip. Dick Martin can be reached through Gone Racin’ RnParks1@Juno.com. To see the captioned photographs go to https://www.motortrend.com/staff/dick-martin/.
EDITOR ADDS: I didn’t see Linda Vaughn at the Nitro Revival, was she there and I missed her. She is a special lady. Steve Gibbs is special too. When my father cut off passes (he liked to keep to a budget) I could always count on Steve to have an extra ticket. No wonder they called him “The Racers’ Friend,” as he was always there for them.
6) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA & Canada. National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091
Midway Dragstrip Location: Greeleyville, South Carolina Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Midwest Raceway Location: Manhattan, Kansas Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Milan Dragway, Milan, Michigan 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Miramichi Dragway Park Location: Miramichi, New Brunswick Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved.
7) Shades of Blue, by Lisa Nicklanovich. Castle Pines Resident and pilot Willie Daniels visited Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) recently to encourage students to explore the field of aviation as well as pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Daniels is a graduate from the Aviation program at Metro State University of Denver and a United Airlines pilot for 34 years. As the founder and president of Shades of Blue, a non-profit educational organization comprised of pilots, educators and business leaders, Daniels is focused on, “Providing students with access to role models and resources that can help them connect the dots with what they are learning in school to what career opportunities exist.” For more information, go to About Us Our Shades of Blue (https://www.ourshadesofblue.org/events/
participant-registration/). From Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers.
8) HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA Run Groups: Group B 1973-1982: Even the newest cars in Group B are now over 40 years old, but the ultra-quick sports prototypes and turbocharged, wide-body GT cars still put on a show comparable to modern-day competition. All-time “HSR Classics” career race winners Gray Gregory and co-driver Randy Buck top the sports prototype contingent in Gregory’s 1974 #26 Chevron B26 but they will have their hands full with a pair of Porsche 935s, a “Baby Turbo” Porsche 911 RSR, BMW CSL and a quick 1982 IMSA GTO Camaro. One notable entry in the Group B GT ranks is the 1979 #35 De Tomaso Pantera that is co-driven by veteran top-tier sports car driver and Le Man class winner Ralf Kelleners. From Adam Saal at saalgoodpr.
9) Aussie Invader News Update – November 2023. Being the Australian land speed record holder, I am not well known outside of Australia. However, my story in the form of the book “ROSCO The Fastest Aussie on Earth” shows I have a proven track record of building land speed cars, and the book has enabled me and the project to be seen by a whole new audience. Team member Mark Read has done a brilliant job in recording my life and career, its highs and lows. This book is funny, at times sad, but always entertaining. The point of writing the book was two-fold. One, to record my story before recollections of my life became lost or forgotten, by me and others, and two, to attract interest and showcase the current Aussie Invader 5R project. From: Rosco McGlashan – Aussie Invader rosco. Our mailing address is: AussieInvader5R, 6 Karalundie Way, Mullaloo, WA 6027 Australia
10) Jim McFarland tribute, written by Dave Wallace Jr for Hot Rod Magazine. SERIALIZED
HRM] You were promoted to Tech Editor, then editor and publisher in record time. Why abandon such a promising career?
JM] I’d gone out there to write, but the further I went, the opportunities to do that became fewer and fewer. After three years, all I had was the publisher’s page each month. As you know, a HOT ROD job opens up doors everywhere. One that opened was a friendship with Vic Edelbrock Jr, who wanted help with ads and marketing. Before I went to work, though, Paul Schiefer, a friend of Vic’s, asked for help perfecting the slider clutch. Clutches were coming out of Top Fuel cars; we’d just lost Mike Sorokin. After eight months working with Paul on different coatings and designs, I started helping Bobby Meeks develop Edelbrock manifolds for NHRA and NASCAR. Vic had one of the top facilities at that time. Racers would bring engines to us to dyno. Before NHRA’s first Pro Stock race [1970], Jenkins, Aarons, Booth, and Fons all brought in their Pomona engines; four top guys who’d be racing each other at Pomona! Benny Parsons and Darrell Waltrip came to us. When IROC went from Porsches to Camaros, TRACO built the engines, and we did dyno and manifold work. We had OEM contracts with Chrysler, Chevrolet, Buick’s V6 program. It was challenging and interesting.
11) CP-Carrillo Engineering Manager Bryan Moreland and Joey Grose, owner of Grose Racing Engines, joined Brad Gillie from SiriusXM Channel 90, The Late Shift for the “Piston Development-On and Off the Track” webinar. EPARTRADE, Los Angeles, CA or team.
12) November 5, 2023 – Results of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona presented by IMSA 24 Hour at Daytona International Raceway. Gérard Lopez co-drove to a Run Group D victory in last year’s Classic 24 but was thwarted by mechanical issues in return visits in Group A in 2019 and 2022. Both victories this weekend, however, appeared to be trouble free. He and Marcel Fassler crossed the line in the Iconic Racing 1969 #60 Lola T70 Mk III with a comfortable Group A margin of victory despite a competitive group of challengers that included former “HSR Classics” winner Toni Seiler in the 1969 #17 Lola T165 and the power duo of Adrian Newey and Jim Farley in Newey’s 1965 #5 Ford GT40 Mk I. Seiler crossed the finish line in second while Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing Formula 1, and Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, co-drove to a third-place Group A showing. SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com
13) Hidden Pioneers partner Prime Motivation event Video on campus: Rio Hondo Community College https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ih3clnB6aA. Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel
14) History: “Joe flipped me double or nothing for a pair of M&H tires. I really think he had a two headed coin & called heads while it was in the air.” John Doe
JOE replies to John Doe: “Strictly legit coin. He’s still mad because he lost. I refused to use his coin. Never trust someone willing to flip you for a pair of brand-new slicks.”
READERS: (Names changed to protect the innocent, heard that on the old Dragnet TV series). If you have a story to contribute, send it in and I’ll print it.
15) From https://www.racingjunk.com. Founded in 1970, the IHRA began with then Bristol Raceway/Bristol Dragway owner and businessman Larry Carrier at the helm. Since then, it’s been moved many times and in 2013 was purchased by Palm Beach Motorsports which changed the name to IHRA Motorsports with its corporate offices in Norwalk, Ohio. The IHRA Motorsports NitroJam series offers: Nitro Funny Car, Pro Stock, Nitro Harley, Nitro Altered, and a Jet Dragster division. MAVTV shows all the IHRA Motorsports NitroJam events on a delay basis. Contact the IHRA at www.IHRA.com.
EDITOR: This might be old. Any information on current IHRA events and schedules? There is a lot of information on Larry Carrier in my father’s story. The day Larry had to write a check to NHRA for $34,000 for their share of the Springnationals is the very moment when the IHRA was born.
16) About HSR: 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. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned racetracks, including 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 adam.
17) From Don Smith: SEMA Announces Winner of 2023 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish Andy Leach’s meticulously crafted ’60 Buick Invicta will be featured in the TV special airing this January on The History Channel. Ford Mustang Named Car of the Year, Among Top Trending Vehicles Announced at 2023 SEMA Show. SEMA Selects Dee Zee Inc as Manufacturer of the Year, Summit Racing as Channel Partner of the Year. Deadline: Nominate for MPMC Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards by November 10, 2023.
18) EDITOR: The following came from Judy DeLuca and refers to the term FUNNY CAR.
“I was there! Many moons ago PJ Partridge and I were working in the tower at Pomona. It was a regional race I believe. A new class was being debuted ‘AAFX,’ driver was Jack Chrisman if my memory serves me right. After stumbling over the ‘Double A Factory Experimental’ class several times, Phillis (she preferred PJ) turned to me and said, ‘You know, that funny car.’ The announcer Steve Evans heard her and suddenly we had a class called Funny Car! There have been many versions of how ‘Funny Car’ came to be, but this is the real one. I know because I was there. Judy DeLuca – 32 years working in the towers at various racetracks. I started in Pomona in 1959, graduated to the tower roughly a year later, before xmas trees, and computerized anything.” Judy DeLuca
19) Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn starts off his review of LokJaw by saying, “It may not be an official competition, but the custom 1966 Chevy C/20 just won the SEMA Show. Just try to make something cooler.” Tara Hurlin of Hemmings chose LokJaw as one of the five hottest hot rods of SEMA 2023. She wrote, “LokJaw, named after the disease, contracted by cutting oneself on rusty, dirty metal, was recovered from its earthly resting place to become one of the most eye-catching custom trucks on the 2023 SEMA show floor.” BANKS INSIDER Newsletter is at Banks Power, 546 South Duggan Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702, 800-601-807 or at socialmedia. Sent in by Don Smith.
20) 4th Annual Race Industry Week speakers will include: KARUN CHANDHOK Professional Racing Driver and Formula 1 Commentator and Analyst; MIKE BURCH EVP & COO of Speedway Motorsports; ALI RUSSELL Managing Director of Extreme; E PATRICK PETER President of Peter Auto; KEVIN MILLER President & CEO of United States Auto Club (USAC); PETER THUL Senior Director for Sport at WRC (World Rally Championship); RODI BASSO CEO and Co-Founder of E1; BRIAN CARTER CEO of the World of Outlaws; GREG GILL President & CEO of SRO Motorsports America; TONY PARELLA President of SVRA; JEREMY CROISET CEO of NASA (National Auto Sport Association); BOB SARGENT CEO President of Track Enterprises. EPARTRADE, Los Angeles, CA, or team.
21) THE NHRA FINALS ARE ONLY BEING BROADCAST ON FS-1? THE FINALS! That is a PAY channel. I haven’t had pay TV since May 1993. THE FINALS! AFTER SO MANY BROADCASTS ALL YEAR LONG ON FOX. Are they THINKING at NHRA SENIOR OPERATIONS? DISGUSTED reader
READERS: You may use your last name or remain anonymous as long as your statement is true and not libelous. I did find the NHRA Finals on YouTube. Not live of course, because someone had to film it and make it available later.
22) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA & Canada. Courtesy of Nat’l Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091
Cordova Dragway Park Location: Cordova, Illinois 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Cottonwood Dragway Location: Cottonwood, Alabama Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
Countyline Dragway Location: Opa-Locka, Florida 1/8-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Crossroads Dragway Location: Terre Haute, Indiana Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved.
23) From: Mark Greene. This Week on Cars Yeah: Colin Weatherwax (Cars for Kids), Neil Ferrier (Discommon), James Egozi (Formula 4 Racer), and John Cassidy (The Car Poet). Cars Yeah is at info, 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332
24) From https://www.racingjunk.com. The Super Chevy Show tour is the premier national event for all Chevrolet enthusiasts. From high-powered Chevy racing action to the spectacular show cars at the top NHRA and IHRA tracks across the country. The Series boasts one of the nation’s finest Performance & Restoration Midways for GM products, as well as a Swap Meet and Car Corral. The Super Chevy Show is widely considered the best brand-specific event in the country. Visit: www.superchevyshow.com.
READERS: This is old information. Do we have any current schedules?
25) “Southern California Top Fuel Dragsters,” by Steve Reyes. A captioned photo album available in March 2024. Contact Steve at sreyes to find out where you can pick up his new book. Always check with Tina Van Curen at Autobooks in Burbank, CA, for any books you might be looking for. Tina is at tina. Tina wrote back to me to confirm that she will have Steve’s book available for those living in the Burbank, CA region.
26) You may print the Bob Tattersall fund raising night at the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee of Friday, October 27, 2024. Kind regards, Maria Green ajkake.
READERS: This notice was in the Vintage Speedcar Association (VSA-open wheel midget and sprint cars) Newsletter, published in Wentworthville, New South Wales. This is a 16-page booklet (small magazine) that looks very much like Vintage Metal Journal from Western Australia (Bob Campbell-Editor). VSA Newsletter was very nicely written by Keith Nicholls and his staff. American Bob “Two Gun” Tattersall died in 1971, and Dee Tattersall put up his Cascio Offy Sprinter for sale to cover a home fire loss. Bob’s nephew, Jim Ligouri, flew from the USA to Sydney, Australia, to be at the VSA event. Try this link to see if it works: file:///C:/Users/Richard/Downloads/VSA%20Newsletter%20Issue%20241%20%20
Oct%20_%20Nov%202023%20MAIL.pdf. The VSA Newsletter had many fine articles, including Aussie sprinter car racer Don Read (1938-2023) who recently passed away. Other articles were on the Chromefest 2023 car show, Sylvanvale Pre-WW2 Car Show, Hershey Auto Show and Swap Meet (PA in USA), and some nice midget cars for sale. A well-done magazine with great photos.
27) From: Petersen Automotive Museum info. All Make Cruise-In & Toy Drive brought to you by Hulu November 19, 2023, from 9AM-12 Noon. It’s a global car culture extravaganza and we’re here to celebrate the launch of the new automotive docuseries from Onyx Collective “Drive with Swizz Beatz.” Museum closed on November 13th. Official trailer for Michael Mann’s breathtaking epic, “FERRARI,” starring Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, and Shailene Woodley. Opens exclusively in theaters Christmas Day. Thank you all for making this a successful 70 Years of Matchbox Cruise-In! Take a look at the incredible lineup of vehicles that attended the event. Car Stories: This week we sit down with Jonathan Shaw, the President of Hemmings and automotive enthusiast. He talks about Hemmings 70th Anniversary in 2024.
28) STORIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE GONE RACIN’ ARCHIVES; WRITE TO RnParks1.
CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY 2002
AUTO Club of S Calif Grand Opening 2006
AUTO Club Lucas oil Division 7 race 2005
29) We still have a few events at Sonoma; actually, I am told it will be five ET events for 2024; but don’t take my word for it; at this time, they have not confirmed the dates. We also still have Redding Drag Strip (the old Redding Airport) which is located right next to the new Redding International airport, and a CAL FIRE base. Tony & Jennifer Smith-Trimp, will continue to operate the facility and host and field a Summit ET Team there for 2024; as of this date, no schedule has been announced. There is also Samoa Drag Strip (Eureka, CA) we assume will again field an ET team and series for 2024. Kingdon (Lodi, CA) is rumored to be trying to add to their annual four-race schedule for next year and Mendota is now running cars down their 1/8th mile track; no schedule announced for 2024. Eagle Field will also probably host their regular yearly four-race program in Firebaugh, CA. Top Gun in Fallon, NV, after a disastrous flood in August; we assume will host their usual events as well as the Summit ET Series for 2024. And “Bako” (Bakersfield) will certainly be at it again; and there is some talk about a North vs South event; but don’t quote me on that. And last but not least, there is Winnemucca (NV) Drag Strip that usually hosts half a dozen events each year. That’s about all I can think of now and with the closing of Sacramento, others may well add some events; just have to wait until schedules start appearing next month. Hot Rod Bob Choisser
HOT ROD BOB: Thank you for keeping us up to date on Nor-Cal schedules.
30) We spoke for Uncle Oscar’s (Koveleski) biography a few months back. During our conversation I mentioned I was in the process of writing my own autobiography. I wanted to tell you I decided to have a multiple volume set. Volume 1 encompasses the first 30 years of my racing career, and just got published. First print copies are being delivered November 20th and already sold out. Working on dates for the second print, targeting December 2023. If you want to put this in your newsletter, I would appreciate it. If anyone is interested in a copy, I can coordinate via email at gr44xjs. Cord Kisthardt
CORD: Great to hear that you’ve added to our racing history. Send me short (4-line) descriptions of each chapter or important events at least twice a month. That way readers can get an idea what your autobiography is about and perhaps spur sales. Best, Richard
31) Courtesy of Jon Van Daal. “The opening of any new drag strip is big news, however when it is a $30,000,000 mega complex, then it is huge news. Late last month, South Australia’s Dragstrip opened its doors to the largest ever drag racing crowd in that state’s history. South Australia is Australia’s fifth-largest state in terms of population with around 1.8 million people; that represents 7 percent of Australia’s population. It is some 380,000,000 square miles in size and that makes it 40 percent larger than the State of Texas that has a population more than 29 million. Despite its small population, the ‘Crow Eater’ state punches well above its weight. The all-new track is situated one hour and twenty minutes east of the state capital, Adelaide, in a rural setting near the town of Tallem Bend. Drag racing began in South Australia on the 21st of November 1965 at Brooksfield, just north of the capital. Seven years later, Adelaide International Raceway was opened a few miles south at Virginia and drag racing thrived there until its last race almost 55 years to the day on November 23rd, 2019.” Sent in by Don Smith from Dragzine.com.
READERS: The photo of this track show a magnificent facility on land that is unbelievable flat and level.
32) “I would only ask you this self-serving question which your honesty and straight-forward answer, answers it. Knowing only what you know about (my) contributions to our sport, do I qualify 100% to be in every Hall of Fame that has to do with 4 wheels. I wonder what a survey would say.” Anon
EDITOR REPLIES: To protect the innocent and guilty alike names have been omitted (got that from Dragnet TV series).
Based on your work and that of those that worked with you I would agree that you should be nominated for an award at some Hall of Fame. As my father says, “If you live long enough, you’ll end up in some HoF.” I prefer “Honors” programs where one is simply honored for their body of work rather than the more political HoF procedures. Often it comes down to “how many will show up and buy a ticket or table,” at the hall of fame that is honoring that person. But if no Hall of Fames come knocking then do what the Hollywood outcasts did in the 1950’s (including by the way Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis) and “create” your own BARNEY (held at Barney’s Bistro) AWARD. They gave out BARNEYS to actors turned down for the Oscars. My father was sometimes the Emcee (I have pictures), but he never earned a BARNEY. I would like to get a BARNEY or at least the BLARNEY Award. Anyone know if Barney’s Bistro is still around?
33) Jimmy “Jet” Neilson just released exciting news of another world record attempt on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Aranas Airport located in Rock Port, Texas. His goal is to break the current Heritage Project Jet Car record. A total eclipse is also ironically scheduled at 12:04 PM on this historical day which will take place during this event. Partnered with Ihor Tanasiuk a businessman, from New Sarepta, Alberta, T0B 3M0, Canada. Together they have 7 Jet Cars, Twisted Mister, Her-A-Cane, The Jet Tank, Tow-Mater, Jet Lamborghini Limo, Land Speed Car and Vegas Thunder. They are also working on 3 additional Jet Semi-Trucks, Year 2000 T-2000 with a J-79 GE, Year 2012 Kenworth T800 with a J79 GE, and Year 1998 Peterbilt 379 Long Nose with a J79 GE. From Salt City Muscle saltcitymusclerf, & Jerry Rangel jwrtile.
34) February 2024 Global Diversity Transportation & Technology Fundraising Summit 4th Annual. It will be a pleasure to help SEMA with the DEI problem we have in our country & industry. My passion is concerned for the youth movement and all things Transportation & Technology. February is Black History Month, and I would like to bring people and resources to the SEMA garage on Sunday, February 25, 2024, to meet your Team and see how they can join or work in this industry. I have been going to the High Schools since 2004 with “Prime Motivation,” an Educational/Motivational tour to interest our youth about Cool Cars the lifestyle we live today. Bill Montgomery of Hidden Pioneers HiddenPioneers.
35) The United States National Speedway Championships 9/23/23 by Howie Zechner. What else makes this race so hard to win. Well first off, it’s a one night, winner take all format; No second or third chances to make up for a poor race meet. If you don’t have yourself together here, then you’re done. Does that mean extra pressure. Dam strait it does. Then there’s the racetrack. It’s dirt and that means its ever changing. The best line moves and riders only have seconds to figure it out. Any miscalculation and your championship dreams are over. Have to mention the machines these dirt pilots’ fly. Custom made lightweight frames hold a 500cc motor that develops over 80 horsepower. Run on alcohol fuel the entire machine weighs about 170 pounds. And did I mention these bikes have no brakes. Really, I’m not kidding. 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.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066625146476. Howie Zechner
36) Dear Friends and Supporters of S.T.E.A.M Education. Please click the link to see the 3 Day Recap from the 2nd Annual Global Diversity Transportation and Technology Summit. https://youtu.be/Fb61N-zPFPY. We had so many VIP speakers present that we had to add a second speaker’s sessions to accommodate our amazing lineup of guests. Take a look at one of our Hidden Pioneers speaking at Friday’s 2nd Annual Global Diversity Fundraiser event in Riverside, California.
https://youtu.be/CTNXE6t73D4. Bill Montgomery, Transportation & Technology Consultant, Expert, Mentor, Teacher.
37) From: SEMA News semanews. SEMA,1575 Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. REPAIR Act Codifying Right to Repair Vehicles Passes First Hurdle in House Subcommittee, Support Still Needed SEMA continues to advocate for the expansion of the bill to protect the industry’s right to modify. Send a letter of support to your lawmakers with a few clicks. All-Female-Built SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Bronco raises more than $59,000 for charity. FLN Member Spotlight: James Kovac, Diode Dynamics. CONGRATS ROY BRIZIO. Sent in by Don Smith.
38) “On behalf of the Banning Chamber of Commerce, we were very honored to have you as guest speaker at our last Sunrise Breakfast event on October 19. The attached file is our letter of appreciation, signed by Reuben Gonzales, Executive Director of the Banning Chamber.” Respectfully, Arlene Diaz, Executive Assistant, Banning Chamber of Commerce
“Dear City Officials & Friends, thank you for having the Hidden Pioneers come to your city & schools. It took 13 years to receive a Letter from the White house after 2 former Presidents were notified of what we do for our Country of America. We hope you will join us and support our educational, exciting tour going forward to bring change to our culture & image in our schools Nationwide. Enjoy all the content below as much as we did in delivering it with passion.” Blessings with Godspeed, CSI Bill Montgomery & Team
39) Sad weekend. As stated on social media, the sale should be finalized by Nov 30 if all goes according to plan. Even if the sale falls through, the county will most likely not allow us to operate anyways, but we will keep you posted. This is most likely the last email you’ll be getting from me about bracket racing at SRP. Thank you for your continued support over the years, we wouldn’t have a business without you all. On behalf of the entire Smith family, it’s been an honor and privilege to provide a raceway that has spanned multiple generations of families and eras. Your support has sustained us through recessions, pandemics, health crises and more…we are grateful to end 50+ years of racing with you all this weekend. Please join us at that time, we will also be honoring our entire SRP crew and I’d be grateful if as many people as possible can be there to show them their love. None of us would be here without their hard work and most of the time thankless dedication. Allie, Team Sacramento srp.etseries.
ALLIE: I am very sorry to hear that you are closing. Drag strips are vital in eradicating illegal and dangerous street racing which was the major reason why my father dedicated his entire life to ending. Drag strips provide a safe and sanctioned (controlled) form of motorsports that enhances safety and promotes a culture that protects the public. I sincerely hope the City of Sacramento and the counties around the drag strip will reconsider their decisions. All the very best to the Smith family and to the volunteers and staff at the drag strip.
40) Coastal 181 Book Store (serving East Coast racing fans) www.coastal181.com or 1-877-907-8181. Titles include: Racing to the Finish my Story, by Dale Earnhardt Jr with Ryan McGee; Drive 9 Lessons to Win in Business and Life, by Kelley Earnhardt Miller; Sunshine, Speed, and a Surprise, The 1959 Gran Prix of the United States, by Joel E. Finn; Kings of the Boards, the Life and Times of Jimmy Murphy, by Gary D. Doyle; Modern Thunder the Illustrated History of USAC National Sprint Car Racing 1981-2017, by Dave Argabright, John Mahoney and Patrick Sullivan.
41) 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
42) From team. Jim Campbell, Vice President of GM Performance & Motorsports, and Beth Paretta, Owner of Paretta Autosport, and Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, MotoGP, have joined the list of featured industry speakers during the 4th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, Monday through Friday, Nov 27–Dec 1, 2023. EPARTRADE, Los Angeles, CA.
43) 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. Bill Haynes, Quarter Horse Racing (published 1st and 8th March 2021) Quote from Bill: “It has been fabulous having my story told. It has been done so well and I donated all my items but know that all would have been returned if required. It has been done with great responsibility and honesty. I am proud to have been connected with it. Bill.” John is at johnhunt.drn.
44) From https://www.racingjunk.com. The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is based in O’Fallon, Missouri and is a drag racing sanctioning body for the sport of eighth-mile racing. In its 11th season, the ADRL version of the NHRA ‘Wally’ is called the ‘Minuteman.’ There are seven professional divisions consisting of: Top Sportsman, Pro Modified, Extreme Pro Stock, Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Extreme 10.5, Pro Nitrous, and Pro Extreme, the quickest full-bodies class in all of drag racing. All events are free to the public but must have a ticket distributed throughout the area with their local partners for entrance. Ken Nowling is the president with Jeff Fortune serving as executive vice president of the ADRL. Additional information can be found at www.adrl.us.
45) Alex Berg Racing, abjr, Racing Newsletter #56. Team Canada Scholarship Formula Ford Festival Walter Hayes Trophy Brands Hatch Silverstone Circuit October 16th – November 5th, 2023, England, UK Post-event recap. As most of you know, I represented Canada in the Formula Ford Festival (FFF) at Brands Hatch and the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone, with Team Canada Scholarship (TCS), and Graham Brunton Racing (GBR). These are the two biggest Formula Ford racing events in the world, attracting the best drivers from North America and Europe. This was an experience of a lifetime. I traveled to England for a day short of three weeks and spent most of the time with Kelly & Brian Graham from TCS. I would like to give huge thanks to Brian & Kelly from TCS for this life-changing opportunity. I am so grateful to have been selected to represent my country. I am very proud to be Canadian. Sent in by Doug Stokes (stokes28doug).
READERS: Alex’s letter will be serialized over the next coming newsletters.
46) From team. Edelbrock Group has contracted Midway Plus to handle all its B2B online transactions. The new B2B online platform will allow Edelbrock Group dealer customers to place orders, check prices, view inventory, access sales data, and track orders online. The platform is scheduled to launch in 2024. Wegner Automotive Owner, Casey Wegner, joins Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90, The Late Shift, for the “Wegners on High Performance–Then and Now” webinar. Learn about Wegner’s extensive background beginning in NASCAR and circle track and growing to serve all forms of racing. Wegner will be at PRI Booth #630, Green Hall. See https://www.epartrade.com/video/9138a585-wegners-on-high-performance-then-and-now. EPARTRADE, LLC Los Angeles CA USA
47) 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 Wheeler, Scorpion (published 15th March 2021). Tony Anderson, Trouble/More Trouble/Even More Trouble (published 22nd and 29th March 2021). Keith Stacey, Whiskey Peddler (published 5th April 2021). Quote from Keith: “Thanks John, I was a bit skeptical about it at first, especially trying to remember what I was doing 45 to 50 years ago. As it happens, I am more than pleased with the end result and both Lyn and I are looking forward to meeting the other guys again. I had no problem lending the slides out to you and the nice thing is they are now on my computer.” John is at johnhunt.drn.
48) EDITOR: The following is serialized. The Mehlenbacher Family and the Kohler Dragway (AKA Super Boss Dragway, and Cayuga 1320 Dragway). Bruce A. Mehlenbacher (posthumous) and son Bruce F. Mehlenbacher and their family, best known for their ownership and management of the long-time NHRA-sanctioned dragstrip in Cayuga, Ontario, Canada, have been inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The CDRHF Inductees Gala was held on November 4, 2023, at Lamborghini Montreal, in Kirkland Quebec. The father and son duo joined a distinguished group of past inductees, that includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists and sponsors.
READERS: Bruce faithfully sends out news on drag racing in the Northeast and Canada. Send him congrats at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com, for a well-deserved award.
49) Prime Motivation Auto Tech Expo Prime Motivation Auto Tech Expo – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqDRDZPU3LM. Bill Montgomery & Jerry Rangel
50) 2024 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Season Schedule
March 7-10: 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Florida. The race will also include the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout.
March 21-24: 64th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona, California.
April 5-7: 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Phoenix, Arizona
April 12-14: 24th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada.
April 26-28: 14th annual Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte, North Carolina.
May 17-19: 24th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, Route 66 Raceway, Chicago, Illinois.
May 31-June 2: 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals, New England Dragway, Epping, New Hampshire.
June 7-9: 23rd annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tennessee.
June 21-23: TBA
June 27-30: 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
July 12-14: TBA
July 19-21: 35th annual Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals, Pacific Raceways, Seattle, Washington.
July 26-28: 36th annual DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California.
August 15-18: 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota.
August 28-September 2: 70th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana. The race will also include the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout.
September 12-15: 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pennsylvania.
September 20-22: 16th annual Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte, North Carolina.
September 27-29: 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals, Worldwide Technology Raceway, St Louis, Missouri.
October 10-13: 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, Texas Motorplex, Dallas, Texas.
October 31-Nov 3: 24th annual NHRA Nevada Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada.
November 14-17: 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona, California.
From Andrew Wolf, Don Smith and Dragzine.com.
51) Video & Photos from the NHRA “YES” program. Come Join the Hidden Pioneers “Nationwide” 2024 NHRA YES Program. See: YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2JU7HOynxY&t=6s. NASA internships STEM Content – NASA, see https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/search/?terms=8058%2C8059%2C8061%2C8062%2C8068. Enjoy the photos of the Hidden Pioneers https://sites.google.com/shelbylegendarycars.com/hiddenpioneers/home. CSI Bill Montgomery met with a Lakewood Teacher and his students after the YES program. John Baadilla and his NHRA Team were fantastic. Corona High School and athlete & technician Judah from Corona Transportation & Technology Lab Class were present. Visiting with families coming to get STEAM information. NHRA Finals event was a big success with over 4500 High School Students Hidden Pioneers were on hand to talk about careers and NASA.
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