Motorsports Newsletter 8/28/24
By Richard Parks
EDITOR’S CORNER: Museums, Libraries, Hall of Fame Program problems continued. Money. Oh, what a problem money is. I always lose money when running honorary programs. Approaching sponsors is difficult. Yet without funds it is nearly impossible to hold a Hall of Fame or Honorary Program. You can hold it in a park or free space, and make your trophies or plaques simple and cheap, but it still takes money to operate. Phone bills, postage, posters, etc run up costs. The organizers can be volunteers, but then consistency of the Hall of Fame comes into question. Having a professional staff and an organized event makes money even more important. Then it becomes a yearlong search for financial backers and sponsors.
AND: All links in the newsletter need to be copied and pasted into your browser in order to work.
AND: News is news, but sometimes the news can be divisive. Then it’s a touchy subject that editors try to work around and honestly portray all sides. I’ve put my foot in my mouth plenty of times, mostly because of ignorance as to what went on before my time. Please let me know and I will try and correct it. APOLOGIES and RETRACTIONS are in order, and I will certainly make them. In motorsports there are heated disputes and opposite sides. I try not to take sides, but if you feel slighted, please let me know. The Motorsports Newsletter is meant to be neutral, fun, informative and accurate.
1) PASSINGS: I am not sure if you heard but Alex passed away yesterday at age 102. Private Family funeral will be followed by a Memorial service to be announced. I think he and your father are bench racing as I type this email. Charles Rollins
CHARLES: I am very sorry to hear about Alex Xydias. He and my dad were very close. Like they say, “Brothers from a different SCTA mother (clubs that is).” Let me know the time, date and place of the memorial.
Judy Bergstrom, wife of longtime NHRA Division Director Gene Bergstrom, passed away from kidney and lung complications Feb. 24. She was 78. The Bergstroms fit NHRA founder Wally Parks’ mold of a husband-wife duo working together to further the NHRA. Gene Bergstrom served as Division 6 Director from 1979 through 1992, when he was promoted to National Field Director. Judy was a constant in the NHRA world and served in many positions throughout that same time. NHRA updates.
Doug Hamilton, a longtime chassis inspector and member of the Division 1 Certification Team, passed away January 30. He was 74. Hamilton was a 1966 graduate of Olney High School and served for the United States Navy in the Naval Air Reserves. He worked as a purchasing manager for AMTRAK until he retired in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughter Lisa, and sister Carol Forgeng. NHRA updates.
We lost two pioneers this week. Ed Cholakian, from All-Cads, and Nancy Moroso, first wife of Dick Moroso. Prayers appreciated. Thanks, Jim Kerr
I just received word from Mark Williams that John Hamlin has passed away. He’d been in the hospital for several weeks. Veteran racers will remember John because of his long-time partnership with Dick Kalivoda. Their DeSoto-powered Modified Roadster sat in the NHRA Motorsports Museum for many years. Later on, the Norton-Kalivoda-Hamlin “Joker” AA/FD was one of the strongest fuel cars in the Northwest and at one point held the NHRA National Record. They called the car the “Joker” because it could trump a King (Jerry Ruth) or an Ace (Ed McCulloch). By trade, John was a software engineer, and he developed a unique business application that was tailored to performance parts manufacturers. In addition to normal accounting and inventory functions, it had modules to deal with things like contingency award programs. In its heyday, there were probably a dozen or more firms who relied on Hamlin’s computer programs and some still do. A genuinely nice guy who was liked by many. And a talented computer programmer. RIP, John! Bill Holland
Nancy Moroso, mother of Ricky Moroso and ex-wife of Dick Moroso has passed. Jim Kerr Mr. Hurst shifter shared this news today with me. Please take care of yourself during this surgery; we’ll be pulling for you and praying too. Susann Kidder
SUSANN: My surgery is over. I had a “plastic surgeon” remove what looks like a birthmark but is actually a cancer. The old phrase, “Patching him up,” seems to apply here. Hard to twist my head, talk or eat and I am never, ever going to make fun of the ladies who have plastic surgery again. Thanks to my ever-present, wonderful, supportive and good wife, Epi, I’ll recover and keep the newsletter going.
Alex Xydias—Hot-Rod Hero, WWII Vet, Filmmaker—Has Passed Away at 102, Xydias founded the So-Cal Speed Shop and was a major figure in the rise of hot-rodding. By Mark Vaughn, republished in the Motorsports Newsletter and Gone Racin’ archives by permission. Original hot-rod hero, founder of the So-Cal Speed Shop, WWII veteran, and one of the founders of SEMA and the SEMA Show, Alex Xydias passed away this morning in Southern California. He was 102. Xydias’ life mirrored that of the American Century. He was born in 1922 in Hollywood; his father was a movie producer, a talent that would help him later when he started filming the Indy 500, Sebring, and other major races across the country. Xydias grew up during the Great Depression, working at a gas station on Hollywood Boulevard for 10 cents an hour. When he found out about a job that paid 11 cents an hour, he took it immediately. “Imagine a time like that, when just a single penny would make that much of a difference,” he once told us. (serialized and to be continued)
READERS: Two hours of work, plus 3 cents would get you a huge burger, malt and fries in those days.
Alex Xydias—Hot-Rod Hero. Go to https://www.autoweek.com/news/a61964416/alex-xydias-hot-rod-hero-wwii-vet-film-maker-has-passed-away-at-102. Sent in Greg Martinez, Dimitri Elgin and Ron Main.
2) The next event for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series will be the weekend of September 13-14, 2024 at Empire Dragway in Leicester, New York. Visit the Quick 32 Sportsman Series at www.facebook.com/quick32, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) at www.facebook.com/probikeandsledseries and the Empire Dragway at EmpireDragway.com for more information and event updates. Kayden Wicke continues to lead the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Championship Point Series at 473 points. Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
3) SHERM PORTER’s List of Events and car shows for 2024, fuely32. SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2024, Redwood Rally Drag & Drive, Central Point, Oregon. For info go to: https://draganddrivelife.com/events/53/redwood-rally-2024 SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2024, Wild West Steampunk, Buellton Bash Vintage Trailer Rally, https://www.trailerfestrally.com/ SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2024, Wavecrest, Encinitas, San Diego Woodies https://sandiegowoodies.com/ SEPTEMBER 21, 2024, RPM Nationals Flathead Drags, Santa Margarita Ranch Airport, Santa Margarita, CA, swap meet, car show. For info: www.rpmnationals.com SEPTEMBER 21, 2024, South Shore Car & Bike Show – Miller’s Landing – South Shore Bass Lake. 559-642-3633 SEPTEMBER 21, 2024, Whitewalls, WeatherTech Raceway, Laguna Seca, 10am–4pm. www.diadeloswhitewalls.com
4) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast. 040: Tim Morris – White Out by Michael Dimbleby 039: Peter Bourassa – Racing in the Rain by John Horsman and Peking to Paris by Luigi Barzini 038: Andy Collins – No B.S. Marketing to the Affluent by Dan Kennedy 037: Tom Nault, Vic Tiscareno, Nicolas Bergeron: Self Made in America by John Mccormack, Big Bang Disruption by Larry Downes, How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Steve Jobs Bio by Walter Isaacson 036: Wayne Carini – Racing Safely Living Dangerously by Bill Simpson 035: Vincent Metais –The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein 034: Thor Thorson – Sleep Walkers by Christopher Clark 033: Craig Nelson – The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls 031: Stanley Wanlass – Immortal 2.9: Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 by Simon Moore
5) Paul Chamberlain’s story continued. Now, according to my source in the LAPD (father of a classmate), the “baddies” planned this operation to grab as many “bystanders” as possible to stop the “unlawful assembly” of non-racers. The idea was to shut down the gawkers and the racers would go away. So, they began to stage their police units late in the afternoon, both hidden in Griffith Park and across the concrete Los Angeles River (which never has any water in it anyway) to catch anybody escaping that way. It’s now dark, and a goodly group is gathering in the dusty side of “the road” in anticipation of the night festivities. Meanwhile, a group of us Monarchs (remember them) were motoring out of Glendale headed for the river road and the tantalizing sights of Hollywood beyond. Someone suggested that “as long as we are here, let’s stop and watch the races.” So, we backed into a small dirt service road on the Griffith Park side, directly across from the staging area, and proceeded to watch as a pair of combatants blew noisily past us. (to be continued)
6) Obituary: George Poteet, by David Tremayne restspirit. DEMON DRIVER. Part 3. (cont’d). On the Monday he made a one-way pass through the mile at 442.854 mph before a driveshaft twisted like a pretzel. That was then the fastest speed ever achieved through a mile by a piston-engined car. The next day he did much better than that, with another one-way pass at 457.964 mph, before more driveshaft problems call a halt. This time the exit speed of 462.345 mph beat not only the previous comparable best-ever wheel-driven mark of 450.225 mph set by Tom Burkland in the Burkland Special in September 2000, but was actually above the outright wheel-driven record set by the late Don Vesco’s turbine-powered Turbinator at 458.440 mph in October 2001. It was heady stuff, until the 347 devoured itself the next day.
7) The 37th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented by Toyota Racing takes place March 10-11, 2025, with an all-new location at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in the heart of Daytona Beach, Florida. From Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR.
8) So much history in all of it that you capture. Working on my 10th screenplay. I’ll publish it sometime this year. From: Paul D. Escudero at railstankers666. READERS: Paul has been given the title of Motorsports Newsletter’s Sci-Fi author laureate.
9) I’m an early era drag racer. Drag racing was my passion. I still have an interest, but the sport has evolved into something I am no longer passionate about. I actually raced a T/G car with Bob Noice in the mid/late ’60’s. We did pretty good including winning the T/G World Championship at Tulsa in ’68’. Then I did three different stints at OCIR as PA Announcer, PR Director during the ’70’s. During one of those stints your brother worked the time slip booth in the pits. Thanks again, Nick Paciulli
10) Mary McGee started racing sportscars, beginning on a high running Phoenix businessman George Rice’s Mercedes 300 SL in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events in December 1957. Like Denise McLuggage she was a consistent winner and top three finisher in SCCA and California Sportscar Car Club (CSCL) events on tracks such as Riverside, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Pomona and Cotati. Her favourite ride was Vasek Polak’s Porsche 550 Spyder, though among other vehicles she handled was a Ferrari Testa Rossa. She would race cars until 1964, but along the way became the first woman licensed to compete in motorcycle road racing and motocross events in the US from 1960. She was tall, at just under six feet, and though she admits she was initially self-conscious and lacking confidence, says she was “fast on my feet, and fast with my brain, and had “No trouble with confidence on the racetrack.” It became her métier. From: David Tremayne restspirit.
11) Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Laurence Foster of RACER.com. From Epartrade. Crower will present this live webinar on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 am PST. Presented by Peter Harris, Sales & Tech Support, Crank Department Manager and Louis Floquet, Sales & Tech Support, Marketing. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM, Channel 90. From team.
12) In the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Top Sportsman division, Charlie Elmer Jr. defeated Dustin Gabel’s 645 cubic inch Mopar powered 1971 Plymouth Duster from Stratford, Ontario. The Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) eliminator was won by Josie Brooks from Arkona, Ontario, on her 1997 GSXR 750 Pro Bike with a final round performance of 4.96 seconds at 135.99 mph. Mike “Hollywood” Decker won the Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA)/Pro Modified Association (PMRA) at the Empire Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Challenge VII. In the final round. Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
13) August Vintage Metal magazine (Western Australia). “For those looking for more information on the 1957 Western Australia State Championship meeting you can find the report from The Visor at robertcampbell4. EDITOR: Also, a number of Americans and Brits were listed in Bob’s excellent journal. Worth a read.
14) Porschefest at the Simeone Museum Saturday, September 14 from 11AM-3PM. Jay Gillotti, author of the acclaimed “Gulf 917,” the detailed history of one of the greatest racing cars of the 20th century, will be at the Simeone to launch his new book on the history of Porsche, “Porsche Decades.” Gillotti will discuss “Gulf 917” along with his new book, “Porsche Decades.” FAS Foundation, 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153. From: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum newsletter.
15) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (serialized). TRACK DRYER article written for DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks. “Lookin’ Back – In an earlier issue I made a pledge that Lookin’ Back would not be one of ‘I did this’ and ‘I did that’ with its reviews of interesting and unusual things that have happened in the past. But I seem to have painted myself into a corner in that speculation, as with some of the incidents of nostalgic interest, I find myself having been so involved that omission of that fact is awkward. In addition, some of the questions I’ve already been asked are ones in which I did share active parts – ‘way back when’ – so please bear with me.”
16) The Vintage Speedcar Association (NSW) Newsletter 245th Edition – Issue #6, June/July 2024. 16 pages. Award winning VSA New South Wales (NSW) luncheon. Article by Greg Wells, photography by John Stanley. It has been described as one of the most successful awards presentations in the long history of the Vintage Speedcar Association of NSW. The decision was made by the club to change its annual trophy award gathering from the traditional Saturday night to a Sunday luncheon, which was held on June 16. With over 110 people in attendance at the Mounties Club, Mount Pritchard, in western Sydney, the day featured the popular “Thanks for the Memories” segment with special guest of honour, ten times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush. John/Maria Green at ajkake.
17) Start racing today with NHRA Street Legal. From: National Hot Rod Association updates. DIVISION 1 – New York top Esta Safety Park Cicero NY (quarter mile) 315-622-4348 http://www.estadrags.com/. Lebanon Valley Dragway West Lebanon NY (quarter mile) 518-794-7130 http://www.dragway.com/. Racetrack Not Street at EPCAL Riverhead N.Y. (eighth mile) 904-868-3724 https://www.racetracknotstreet.com/. Nova Scotia top Cape Breton Dragway Sydney Canada, NS. (eighth mile) 902-565-6505 https://dragsite.tripod.com/cape_breton_drag_racing_asso.htm. Ontario top Bonfield Event Park Bonfield Canada, Ontario (eighth mile) 705-776-3663 https://www.thebafm.com/. Toronto Motorsports Park Cayuga Canada, Ontario (quarter mile) 905-772-0303 https://torontomotorsportspark.com/.
18) BOOK REVIEW: One Last Turn, (road racing) by Martin Rudow and David Gaddis (cont’d). The Table of Contents provides an introduction, forward, prologue, 21 chapters based on individuals, followed by acknowledgments, bibliography and a fine index. The authors, Gaddis and Rudow, explain in the introduction the purpose of the book. The foreword was written by Brian Redman, who praises the mechanics, crews and technicians who made it possible for him to thrive in his racing career. The prologue briefly mentions the skill needed to be a top mechanic in racing. The 21 chapters detail specifics and history of a particular mechanic or crew chief. These men are the top of their field according to the authors, but by no means the only good mechanics in sports. Will the authors of One Last Turn create a sequel? The authors thank those in the acknowledgments section, which shows you their sources, as does the bibliography. The index is large and varied by subject matter. An index is a handy tool and few authors provide it; even I avoided doing an index in my writings.
19) Porsche: The Racing 914s, by Roy Smith. New paperback edition. £50.00 (UK) 22.5×22.5cm 320 pages, 452 pictures. The first hard cover limited edition of Porsche – The Racing 914s, was found to be more popular than ever imagined, ranking as one of the 69 Best Car Racing Books according to BookAuthority. A complete sell out has meant that there are a lot of fans of this remarkable and perhaps unlikely racing car that missed out, hence the decision to create this revised soft cover edition. From: Veloce at newsletter.
20) Ed Iskenderian: The Legendary Camfather Celebrates 103 Years July 2024, by Donia Moore (continued). A Founding Member of the Hidden Pioneers: In addition to his technical achievements, Ed Iskenderian is also a proud member of the Hidden Pioneers, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of automotive pioneers. This organization celebrates the contributions of individuals who have significantly impacted the automotive industry and car culture. The Hidden Pioneers’ mission aligns perfectly with Isky’s own philosophy. Throughout his career, he has always been passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. Whether through speaking engagements, interviews, or simply mentoring young enthusiasts, Isky has always been generous with his time and expertise.
21) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene interviews David Townsend, George Levy, Harold Cleworth and Denise McCluggage. From: Mark Greene at Cars Yeah info.
22) BOOK REVIEW: The Last Open Road, written by Burt “BS” Levy. Chapter three is about “Julie,” the young hero’s fixation and his boss’ niece. Honest, true to life, he doesn’t realize his dreams, but comes close, the way we all do, and then we lie about it. Yet it is heartfelt and endearing. Levy creates a fictional history that seems so real that I believed without questioning. In chapter 4 the protagonist finally receives the long-awaited leather Jaguar catalogue and finds it as devilish to read as the cars are to work on. He learns that Jags are meant to race, and not a functional transportation car. Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1. Author BS “Burt” Levy is at thinkfast. To be serialized, part 4.
23) Randy Walls story continued. In 1964 I raced that car in the Winter Nationals at Pomona and had by far the fastest car there and while racing the national record holder and leading by a three-car length over my opponent I broke 3rd gear in my transmission and by the time I got it in 4th gear he was in front of my car, but he only beat me by half a fender length. The announcer for that event was Bernie Partridge; he is a hard guy to forget. The guy I raced was in a Corvette and was sponsored by Castler tire. That was the last run of the day. I had already beaten him once so they gave him another chance, and this time he won the meet. I felt like the sanctioning body was playing politics. (to be continued)
24) Mercedes-Benz Cars £19.99, by James Taylor 96 pages, 220 pictures. A full run-down of all Mercedes-Benz models produced between 1945 and 2000. Starting with a brief description of the pre-war cars, which continued on when production restarted, the book continues in chronological order with all model class ranges and individual models right up to 2000, when model designation and design changed. With model-by-model descriptions and detailed technical information, this book will be a great resource for all Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. Also in the series: Triumph & Standard, Morris, Rootes (Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot), Rover, Austin, Ford, Riley & Wolseley, Citroën and Jaguar. From: Veloce, fine automotive books at newsletter.
25) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the USA. Before betting on drag racing events, you must consider two aspects of legality: First, it is important to ascertain whether or not the sports betting site you use is licensed and regulated. This assures you that your personal data and money will be safe. In addition to licensing and regulating sportsbooks, you must also know whether your state has legalized online sports betting. https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle
26) We are looking for Ak Miller stories. Here are some that we have collected. I remember the old garage in Whittier and how the ramp went down into the building. Nearby was the Taylor and Ryan Engine shop and the guys would all gather every time my father would show up to conduct SCTA business or just to bench race. I got to sit on Ak’s lap, and he would tell me stories that I was way too young to remember. But later in life I visited Ak whenever I could. He was like an uncle or Godfather towards me. He liked kids if they behaved, but he never had any children of his own. He was married four times, twice to Marilyn Miller and he was brutally honest about his marriages. “All three women left me poorer each time, but they deserved every dime they got from the settlements; I was a lousy husband.” Maybe that might be true, but I sort of doubt that; Ak was a loveable guy, he was just absent a lot. (Source: Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)
27) Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) has gone “Social” as it completes another successful Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (RMMR) in its fourth year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (WRLS) as the official sanctioning body of the premier historic and vintage motorsports event in North America, which concludes today. An HSR team of officials managing race event operations, full technical scrutineering, entry reviews and more once again brought its expertise to the Rolex Reunion, but this time around HSR also shared on a trio of video and social media platforms some of the spotlight on the amazing cars and talented competitors participating in the 50th edition of the blockbuster Monterey vintage and historic celebration. SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.
28) Trailblazers Gazette: Newsletter of the Trailblazers Motorcycle Club, August 2024. Cycle Action magazine. You gotta love this photo. Here is that young rascal #38, Dave Aldana checking things out. We love you, Dave. This photo was taken at an Ascot TT in 1969 on December 7th. You are looking at a Del Mar Mile National race. We place this race at 1994/5. You know what’s amazing? There are 13 different riders in this photo and any one of them could win the main event. The first Del Mar National was on Oct 16th, 1994, and was won by Scott Parker. The race ran from 1994 through 2003. Del Mar had everything. Celebrities and countless numbers of pro stars. Gene Romero, Gary Scott, Jay Springsteen, Sammy Tanner, the list could go on and on. Evel Knievel was the Master of Ceremonies one year. Sent in by Chris Agajanian. (4th in the series)
29) Following on the success of 12 Hours of Sebring 1970, Harry Hurst published a second book on the 1965 Sebring Race, with photos by Dave Friedman and commentary by Jim Hall. The book was a Gold Award Winner at the 2006 International Automotive Media Awards. In 2013, and again in 2018, Hurst had a showing of my photographs at the Quail Lodge, a Motorsports Gathering. His photos have appeared in numerous books and magazines all over the world. Today, Hurst works in advertising/public relations specializing in automotive aftermarket clients. In 2007, he helped Dr. Fred Simeone launch the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, twice selected as the best automotive museum in the world, and still assists the museum with communications and special events. He also served as a board member with the Radnor Hunt Concours for several years in its first decade. See harry.
30) WHO WE ARE © 2024 GrandPrix+. The Hamilton-Sainz situation, by David Tremayne. Maintaining even strains. As one knows that the other will take his ride at the end of the season, how are Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton getting along right now? David Tremayne is at restspirit.
31) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. DECEMBER 1946 Parks draws up plans for a hot rod car show. In 1996 my father reminisced about a car show that he drew up while in his spare time at work at General Motors. The details eventually turned into the Hot Rod Exposition in Los Angeles in 1948; the first such hot rod show in the country and sponsored by the SCTA and Hollywood Publicity Associates. Dad wrote, “Fifty years ago, in 1946, Wally Parks sat at his drawing board at the General Motors auto assembly plant in South Gate, California and sketched out the floor plan for a car show – a dream that became reality the following year with the introduction of the world’s first indoor show of its kind, the Hot Rod Exposition.”
32) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754, www.CarTechBooks.com. Swap LS Engines into Camaros & Firebirds 1967-1981, by Eric McClellan. LSGen III Engine Wiring Systems: 1997-2007, by Mike Noonan. High Performance GM LS-Series Cylinder Head Guide, by David Grasso. Swap LS Engines into Chevelle and GM A-Bodies, 1964-1972, by Jefferson Bryant.
33) Porsche: The Racing 914s, by Roy Smith. New paperback edition. 50 pounds (UK). From: Veloce – fine automotive books newsletter.
34) The Eddie Meyer Museum was purchased by the Museum of American Speed (The Speedway Museum) in Lincoln, Nebraska. The photo album link is from May of 2022, when we assembled the display. There are 2 separate displays for the Eddie Meyer world….one for their automotive racing and repair (KR Wilson tools from the shop) and midget racing with flatheads. A 2nd display devoted to their record setting hydroplanes, and there’s the last hydroplane race engine Bud Meyer build (1984-86), which is a SOHC V6 Volvo, and coming in October is the Pontiac SOHC 6 Bud built for the 5 Liter class. I would encourage anyone that’s a devoted race fan, especially interested is a variety of race cars and engines, visit this museum!! Just seeing the MILLER ROOM is worth the price of admission! Eddie Meyer Display – douglas clem (dccdeuce. DOUG: Enjoyed the photo album. Great shots of the Eddie Meyer display.
35) Number 40 (vocational training) is for people to try to do something about. We tried here in Northern California and had our Automotive Teacher Association lobby for VOC-Ed at the State capital. Number 58 is funny. Ed called the overlap the 5th cycle. For advertising in HOT ROD magazine, Howard Cams called his (Ed’s) grinds bicycle. A picture of a clown on a bicycle was in the advertisement by Howard Cams. Dema Elgin (Elgin Cams)
36) I recently picked a large number of old local race programs. They fascinate me so I have created a project called Retro Racing Reports. The program feature article is read and recorded, and pages scanned to produce a short video from the event. The project is about three weeks on and there are 29 videos up. I manage to add about one per day. It sure beats watching tv at night! The playlist is here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5oxBneREPfLmxBIi-Jh5zPL20c_zt-ux&si=K7nAvnf1JVdxBTXb. Most of what I have is local so there will be a lot of Ascot, Saugus, San Gabriel (605), Orange Show, etc. No drag racing but there are some from Riverside and Ontario and as far north as Oakland. Many are annotated/filled in, so the race tale is told along with the program itself. I do not provide additional commentary. As it happens, I have also just had hand surgery and can’t yet return to work in the wood shop, so this new project keeps me out of trouble. From: Harold Osmer.
37) Royce Rumsey just published “An Italian Oasis.” Most all major metropolitan areas have become decidedly car unfriendly. Decades of corrupt and erroneous governance have resulted in wholesale decay and dysfunction– along with outright animus towards private transportation (read: car ownership) –that have resulted in rising risk and expenses of owning and driving a car in a major city. And yet, in the midst of the this decidedly adversarial environment the raga that put on Macchinissima have provided a veritable oasis event for car people—especially Italianophile motorheads. Befitting its Italian inspiration, the Macchinissima artisans, Bronson Page, Dorian Valenzuela and Mike Baum, have superbly crafted event art. To see the photos and read the whole article go to roycer924_2.
38) The Simeone Museum was proud to present “Cult Cars at the Simeone,” a special temporary exhibition from August 10 through August 25. This show brought together an eclectic mix of automotive legends, each with their own unique story and dedicated following. From classic American muscle cars to quirky European favorites, these cars represented the diverse and vibrant world of automotive culture. FAS Foundation, 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153. From: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum newsletter.
39) 1971 was going to be the first year of the Silver Crown Series and Louie Meyer thought it would be fun to run a dirt car before they paved the last of the one-mile ovals, so he bought the #22 car with the Offy and got Don Hawley, to drive it. Don and I worked heavy construction together. There were just four races that year. Nazareth, Springfield, Du Quoin and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Don did a great job driving and finished 5th in points. We all had a great time running against the big boys and we figured all we needed was more horse power, so Louie bought the Ford engine from Foyt. We cut the frame, stuck it in and came out for the 1972 season with a shiny new paint job and a #5. The car was fast, but we never could get it to handle and finished way out of the points. I warmed it up once and it scared me to death. That ended my racing days, but what a great experience for a 26-year-old kid, to be able to get in on the tail end of real old school racing with the best of the best. Reb Silay
40) Books from Dalton Watson Fine Books at www.daltonwatson.com: Park Ward: The Innovative Coachbuilder 1919-1939 (3 volume set), by Malcolm Tucker. Raymond Henri Dietrich: Automotive Architect of the Classic Era & Beyond, by Necah S. Furman. The Bertone Collection, by Gautam Sen and Michael Robinson. The Kellner Affair: Matters of Life and Death (3 volume set), by Peter Larsen with Ben Erickson.
41) Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. How to Bet on the NHRA Drag Racing Series: Betting on drag racing is a fun experience, but if you want to reap big, you must choose the best and safest platform. You must also know which events can help you win big from drag race betting. Here is a list of popular drag race events that are favorable to everyone, including beginners: NHRA US Nationals, Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, NHRA Carolina Nationals, NHRA Mission Foods. https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle
42) 2nd global diversity summit video on YouTube at HiddenPioneers.
43) One fourth-prize winner will be awarded a $1000 SummitRacing.com gift card. The gift card is only valid at summitracing.com and is subject to the terms and conditions of Summit Racing. NHRA Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will begin at 9am ET on July 19, 2024, and end at 11:59pm ET on December 6, 2024. Go to: https://www.nhra.com/2024-nhra-sweepstakes-official-rules.
44) The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) announced today at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion that Louis Unser and William K. Vanderbilt are the historic inductees in the Hall’s 37th induction class that will be ushered into the Hall of Fame of all motorsports next March. Unser and Vanderbilt join seven other members of the class of 2025 who were announced in April at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: Skip Barber (Sports Cars), Miguel Duhamel (Motorcycles), Carl Haas (Open Wheel), Ed Iskenderian (At Large), Dale Jarrett (Stock Cars), Tony Schumacher (Drag Racing) and Bill Stroppe (Off Road). Adam Saal SaalGoodPR.
45) Please remove our emails from this newsletter. Anon ANONYMOUS: I removed your email address from my newsletter as requested but I could not find the other addresses on my records. If you do receive any more emails, please let me know how it comes through on your end and I will do my best to remove the email addresses from my system. Thank you for notifying me as so many others do not let me know and this does help me. All the best in your work. READERS: I am not offended if you wish to be removed. Just let me know.
46) The Vintage Speedcar Association (NSW) Newsletter 245th Edition – Issue #6, June & July 2024. 16 pages. “Thanks to the Mounties Club and without the support of the Mounties Club, it would be difficult for our club to put on this event without passing on some of the costs,” VSA President Kevin Gilkison said. The afternoon commenced with a minute’s silence to remember the passing of VSA of NSW founding member Don Read and former President Jim Powell. (The VSA eight days later lost another long-term member with the passing of Gordon Nelson on June 30. See tribute elsewhere in this issue.) Highlights of the day included the announcement of new life members Leanne Middlemass and Gordon Benny for their significant contributions to the success of the VSA over many years, and Keith Nicholls as VSA Club Member of the Year as voted by members on the day. The day was hosted by Litre Sprintcar Association of NSW President Pete Styles who did a superb MC job, while Australian Speedway Hall of Famer Dennis Newlyn conducted a wonderful, in-depth “Thanks for the Memories” interview with Garry Rush. John/Maria Green at ajkake.
47) Returning from the war, Ak rejoined the SCTA and served as its President, and with his close friend and fellow Roadrunner’s club member, Wally Parks, later served as Vice President of the newly formed NHRA in the early 1950’s. Miller and Parks were not only close friends, but they were steadfast partners in the running of the SCTA in the late 1940’s, a time of unprecedented growth in all motorsports. Parks served one term as President of the SCTA in 1946 and then Ak Miller served two terms. They led the effort to create a growing and vibrant timing association. Ak was also instrumental in forming the first Hot Rod Exposition in 1948, the first hot rod show that set the example for all the successful car shows that we see today. Ak was a great supporter of the effort to land a contract with the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, which allowed Southern California hot rodders to use the salt flats for timing trials. His leadership was extremely valuable during this period of post-war reconstruction of the racing association. His geniality, kindliness and name recognition were vital in the early growth of the NHRA as well. (Source: Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)
48) From the MSHFA website at https://www.mshf.com/. Inductees: 1989 Cannon Ball Baker, James Doolittle, A. J. Foyt, Don Garlits, Phil Hill, Bill Muncey, Barney Oldfield, & Richard Petty. 1990 Mario Andretti, Jim Clark, Glenn Curtiss, Mark Donohue, Bill France, Shirley Muldowney, Kenny Roberts, Mickey Thompson, & Gar Wood. 1991 Art Arfons, Dean Chenoweth, Dan Gurney, Tony Hulman, Junior Johnson, Joe Leonard, Don Prudhomme, Wilbur Shaw, Roscoe Turner, & Al Unser. 1992 J. C. Agajanian, Bobby Allison, Bill Cantrell, Ralph DePalma, Amelia Earhart, Parnelli Jones, Connie Kalitta, Joe Petrali, Carroll Shelby, & Bill Vukovich.
49) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast. 096: Stanley Rose – Racing Silver Arrows by Chris Nixon 094: Mitu Adrian – The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone 093: Vic Skirmants – Porsche Excellence was Expected by Karl Ludvigsen 092: Afshin Bahnia – Car Guys vs Bean Counters by Bob Lutz 091: Keith Martin – Beast by Jade Gurss 090: Paul Hageman – MotorBinder by Roy Spencer 089: Nick Christensen – Ferrari Research Center by Massimiliano Fuksas 088: Bill Noon – The Complete Corvette Restoration Guide by Nolan Adams and Immortal 2.9 Alfa Romeo by Simon Moore – Revised Edition 087: Charles J. Maher – Sunday Driver by Brock Yates
50) Wally’s stories: courtesy of DRIVE Magazine, by Wally Parks (serialized). “For Example, ‘How did the track dryer come into being?’ The answer dates back to the 1960’s when NHRA board member Doctor Nathan Ostich decided to build the first jet-powered vehicle to run for records at the Bonneville salt flats in Utah – a project in which Hot Rod Magazine’s Ray Brock and car builder Ak Miller played key roles. As one of that group and close to its progress, I was especially interested in what its power source might be.”
51) Start racing today with NHRA Street Legal. From: National Hot Rod Association updates. DIVISION 1 – Pennsylvania top Maple Grove Raceway Mohnton PA (quarter-mile) 610-856-9200, http://www.maplegroveraceway.com/. Numidia Dragway Numidia PA (quarter-mile) 570-799-5090, http://www.numidiadragway.com/. South Mountain Raceway Boiling Springs PA (eighth-mile) 717-323-0210, http://southmountainraceway.com/. Quebec top Luskville Dragway Luskville Quebec (quarter-mile) 613-715-1029, http://www.luskvilledragway.com/. Napierville Dragway Napierville Quebec (quarter-mile) 450-245-7656, http://www.napiervilledragway.com/. Virginia top Virginia Motorsports Park Petersburg VA (quarter-mile) 804-862-3174, http://www.virginiamotorsports.com/.
52) Ed Iskenderian: The Legendary Camfather Celebrates 103 Years July 2024, by Donia Moore (continued). An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Beyond his technical prowess, Isky’s entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force behind his success. He recognized early on the importance of marketing and branding in building a successful business. The iconic “Isky” logo, with its distinctive script and checkered flag, became a symbol of quality and performance that enthusiasts could trust. Isky’s marketing acumen was evident in his use of clever slogans and advertising campaigns. Phrases like “The Racer’s Cam” and “You Can’t Beat an Isky Cam” became ingrained in the minds of car enthusiasts, further cementing his brand’s reputation. His ability to connect with his audience and understand their needs was a key factor in his enduring success.
53) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. 20 DECEMBER 1946 Hospital Fund; Rymer, Blaisdell & Leighton. The hospital fund had been a pet project of Mel Leighton, an African/American member of the SCTA and the association’s treasurer. Dad was a strong supporter of Mel’s idea, just as Mel had helped cement my father’s election to the Secretary and General Manager’s position in the SCTA. On December 20, 1946, a contribution was sent to the family of Jack Rymer, of Riverside, California in the amount of $606.98, which does not seem like a lot today, but in 1946 would have fed a family of four for about eight months or paid the rent for two years.
54) Alex Xydias—Hot-Rod Hero, by Mark Vaughn. When the US entered WWII, Xydias enlisted in the Army Air Corps, training as a flight engineer and gunner on the B-17 and then the B-24. “I was a pretty good shot, too,” he once told Autoweek. He never served overseas but, as he liked to joke, “I did a heckuva job protecting Arizona from Japanese attack.” When he got out of the service in 1946, he used the $100 the Army gave him to found the So-Cal Speed Shop, selling Edelbrock and other brands of speed equipment to enthusiasts of the new hot-rod movement. In the beginning … the first So-Cal Speed Shop. To get the word out about his business, in the days before even Hot Rod magazine was founded, the Speed Shop went racing, first with a belly tank then with a streamliner. Xydias drove. “The belly tank was like a pressure cooker inside, and I was perched in the nose with no protection—I was the crush zone,” he once told the American Hot Rod Foundation. (to be continued)
55) I checked out my story about Lou Meyer …. and he drove in relief for 41 laps, and passed a few cars during his time on the track. The article said only 12 drivers out of 33 finished the race as it was HOT and Muggy that day. This is an amazing story as Lou assembled a “pile of parts” for Aggie Duesenberg, and after Lou got the car up to speed…. he sold the car, without Lou getting to drive it in the race. Times were tough! Please read the article from the LA Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-13-sp-5819-story.html. Doug Clem
56) Bill Montgomery tells us about the creation of Hidden Pioneers (Final in the series). Hidden Pioneers brought Tom Matano and Jennifer Rodriguez to car shows, and visits with Larry Wood, Hector Cademartori, Bob Rosas and others who all gave her encouragement to keep going. Jennifer was mentored by Tom Matano at this school in northern California where she recently graduated this year. We met Jennifer at Victor Valley High School in the city of Colton, California. She is on her way to a great paying career in Art as a trained artist. See her interview with Tom at the Global Diversity Summit, February 2021 and some of her past work as a high school student: HiddenPioneers.
57) Obituary: GEORGE POTEET, by David Tremayne restspirit. DEMON DRIVER. Part 4 (cont’d). “I think parts of it wanted to see sunlight,” FIA and Bonneville timekeeping guru Dave Petrali observed wryly. That was my first meeting with this apparently ageless then 61-year-old who was very well versed in Bonneville’s hurry up and wait lessons, and her nasty surprises. He liked to present as a drawling, down-home farm boy from Memphis, Tennessee. When he said “I’ve” it came out as “ah’ve”, “oil” as “awl”. His homilies were delivered quietly and without bragging, and I found myself wondering what there could possibly be in this world that might ever upset his other-worldly personal equilibrium. I thought of him as a farmer for a long time, mainly because of comments Mike and Ron made. But he had been born in rural Mantachie, Mississippi on February 22, 1948, and raised by father James who was a sharecropper and mother Anne Lue who worked in a clothing factory.
58) We are looking for Ak Miller stories. Here are some that we have collected. It was those absences that led to his legend. He raced in Mexico and Baja and Italy and Pike’s Peak and Bonneville and the dry lakes and the list goes on and on. Ak tells the story about a motorcycle race in Baja California, or it could have just been an outing. He was woefully unprepared and somewhere in the trackless desert he literally falls off his bike so dehydrated that he can no longer sit upright. “My arms are spread-eagled out and I’m looking up at these buzzards flying overhead and I know that soon I’ll just be a meal for them. Along comes another racer and he stops and says, ‘Ak, how’re you doing.’ ‘I’m just takin’ a short rest,’ I tell him, and he says, ‘Good, I’ll tell ‘em up ahead to set a place for you at the cantina,’ and off he goes. Well, I can’t let the guys down, so I dragged my half-dead body back up on that motorcycle and left the buzzards hungry.” (Source: Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)
59) Mary McGee acquired her first motorcycle in 1957, purchasing a friend’s 200cc 1956 Triumph Tiger Cub. She admitted she knew nothing about bikes at the time, but she was a fast learner who quickly fell in love with the sport as she started racing at Polak’s suggestion. He thought that would help her improve her car-racing skills. After satisfying the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) that she knew what she was doing on two wheels as well as four, she became the first woman road racer with an FIM license in the US. She rode a 125cc Honda CB92 and, like McLuggage, could not resist wearing a white helmet with pink polka-dots. From: David Tremayne
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