Gone Racin'  Newsletter by Richard Parks #71  5/18/05
Boat Racers

Racer Mall

Globes

RParks   

Oilstick

Obits & Ill

Gone Racin' Index

Boat Reunion

POBB/BLOG

 

 



*JACK EARLY, By Gordon Glass.  Jack Early, one of the true pioneers of post-war sports car
  racing in Southern California, passed away April 17, 2005, at his retirement home in Rancho
  Mirage, California.  Jack owned one of the earliest MGTCs in Los Angeles and started his racing
  career while working with Phil Hill in the shop at International Motors in Hollywood. He also was
  photographed circa 1948 tearing up the makeshift track outside the erstwhile Davis Motorcar Co.
  in Van Nuys; later racing his TC against Phil, et.al., at Gardena's Carrell Speedway, a circular
  track that TCs were never intended to race on.  He was also one of the very first members of the
  Cal Club, and an entrant in the first Palm Springs races. As a sideline at that time, Jack and a few
  friends designed and produced a line of MG accessories - including the well-known coffin valve
  cover with the appropriate octagonal beveled edges - under the name "Autocessories, Ltd." 
*TED ROBERTS, By Art Evans.  It is with very real sadness that I must report the death of Ted
  Roberts on March 4, 2005; his 78th birthday.  After his retirement as a music scorer in the film
  industry, Ted moved to the desert, not too far from my Palm Springs home. At different times, I
  keep one or another car in my garage there. Since I’m a mechanical dunce, Ted would often
  come over to visit and help me with whatever auto problems that came up. Ted started racing,
  as I recall, in small sedans during the fifties.  Eventually, he campaigned in the Trans-Am Series. I
  am told that there will be a memorial service on Sunday, May 29, at the Money Tree from noon
  until 5 p.m. The restaurant is located at 10149 Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake.
*ED LESLIE, by Jim Brewer.  Ed Leslie passed away on March 31 in Monterey at age 83. He
  was born on October 9, 1921 in Washington State, but grew up in Monterey. Ed served in the
  Army Air Corps during WWII, spending much of the war flying “over-the-hump” in the CBI
  theatre. Afterwards, he returned to Monterey, but was called up for Korea. Leslie was awarded
  the Distinguished Flying Cross and retired from the Air Force as a reservist Lieutenant Colonel.
  Ed began competing in local sports car races in 1957. During the next two decades, he competed
  all over the world. In 1964, he won the USRRC championship in a Cobra and in 1965, was a
  member of Carroll’s team that won the World Manufacturer’s Championship. Next, he drove as
  a teammate to Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney in the Trans-Am and in 1968 with Mark Donahue
  when they won the series in Roger Penske’s Camaros. In 1969, Ed drove at Sebring and finished
  second at Daytona.  Leslie is survived by two ex-wives, a son, three daughters, six grandchildren
  and four great-grandchildren. A son predeceased him.
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*Roberta Nichols Yakel  Memorial.  Saturday, June 25, 2005, from 11:30 am to 4:30pm.  A
  buffet luncheon with beverages will be provided.  The Dearborn Inn, 20301 Oakwood Blvd, 
  Dearborn, MI 48124.  (313-271-2700)  There will be a display area for photos and other
  memories if you wish to bring something and please also bring a story to tell if you like.  For those
  coming from out of town, a block of rooms has been reserved for Thursday through Sunday the
  23rd through the 26th at $119/night under the name of Roberta Nichols.  Reservations should
  be made before June 3rd.  Please RSVP by June 18 to Roberta’s daughter Kathleen McDonald 
  kgf116@hotmail.com  208-343-8251, 2115 N. 29th St, Boise ID 83703-5847.  Editor's note:
  Roberta Nichols Yakel was a member of the Boat Racers Reunion and one of our Honorees
  at the 2003 event.  She was a pioneer in boat and car racing, along with her husband, Lynn Yakel. 
  Roberta was an engineer with Ford and helped many people promote in that company. 
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*Evelyn Roth, our website owner, sends this in: http://www.oilstick.com/clubproj/1.htm and
  http://www.oilstick.com/clubproj/wscott.htm  for Will Scott's Land Speed Racer, which is a club
  project.  Everyone who helps to get the car on the salt at Bonneville gets a ride in it. 
*STOLEN CAR ALERT.  '60 Impala convertible was stolen May 7 in Temecula, CA which is
  in San Diego County.  It was taken from the driveway of the owner and he's hoping to get some
  leads.  You can contact  Jeff at 909-376-5964 with any info.  A REWARD is offered.   
  www.hotrodhotline.com  (Jack Lawford) 
*Boat Racers Reunion is on WDIFL.com  http://wediditforlove.com/BoatRacerReunion.html 
  (Don Ewald)  Editor's notes: Our thanks to Don Ewald for informing his group of our activity on
  June 11-12, 2005.  WDIFL.com is one of the top 20 websites in the world of auto racing.
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*2005 Stacker 2. World of Outlaws Late Model Series Schedule (Doc Lehman)
  5/20 Brushcreek Motorsports Complex, Peebles, OH                      
  5/21 Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, IND                         
  5/27-28  The Show-Me/West Plains Speedway, West Plains, MO     
*SCTA/BNI 57th Annual Speed Week, August 13-19 (Vehicle Inspections begin on Aug 12)
*SCTA/BNI World Finals October 12-15 (Vehicle Inspections begin on Oct 11)
*SCTA El Mirage Dry Lakes (Southern California) Timing Trials schedule: June 12,
  July 17, September 11, October 23, November 12-13.
*NHRA Street Legal sanctioned drag racing every Thursday night at Irwindale Speedway,
  January to November.  See www.Irwindalespeedway.com for Summit schedule and Junior
  Dragster program.  (Doug Stokes)
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*Hello Friends: It's time once again for the Nextel All Star event!  Last year Ken Schrader was
  voted in to the race and I know you'll join me again this year by logging on to their website and
  filling in the necessary marketing (name, address, etc), then hit the submit button and a list of
  NASCAR Stars will appear. We encourage you to please share the passion of the Sport of Dirt
  Track Racing and vote Kenny into the All Star event to be held at Lowes Motor Speedway
  during the NASCAR All Star Event this May.  By the way, Kenny's big Birthday will be May 29.
  Thanks again, Pattie & Jack Frost    See www.nextel.com/allstar
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*2005 Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, CA schedule of upcoming races.  For more information
  on the 2005 Perris Auto Speedway schedule, please call (951) 940-0134. (Scott Daloisio)
  May 21, PASSCAR Super Stocks, Street Stocks, Extreme Trucks & SUV/Hornets/Cruisers
  May 28, USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Salute to Indy 50 Laps
*2005 California Dragway schedule at the dragstrip, California Speedway, Fontana, CA. 
  Contact Dave Danish at 909-429-5060 or go online at www.Californiaspeedway.com.  All
  dates and times are subject to change:
  May 20-22, 8am, California Street Car Nationals-Pacific Street Car Assn (10am on the 20th)
  May 28-29, 8am, Super Categories
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*Irwindale Speedway programs, see www.Irwindalespeedway.com for schedules and updates.
  2005 Irwindale oval track racing schedule:  Gates open 4:30, races start at 6pm.
  May 21  Demolition Derby, Monster Trucks, Late Models, Legend Cars.
  May 28  Super Late Models Twin 50's, Super Late Models, Grand American Modifieds, Mini
           Stocks, West Coast Pro Trucks, Dodge Super Trucks, Ford Focus Midgets.
*May 29, Irwindale Dragstrip NHRA Summit Series; Gates open 9AM, time trials 10AM (3
  timed runs - time permitting - run cards will be used), eliminations 1PM, track closes 6PM. Entry
  fee is $45 for each division entered and the purse structure will be prorated based on the number
  of entries in each class.  Those racing for TIME ONLY will be available at these events for $20
  and all spectators are $10 each.  Each divisional champion will receive a track champion's trophy
  and a champion's gold card (good for a free entry at any 2006 season Dragstrip event) at the
  Irwindale Speedway annual awards banquet.  Each champion will also be invited to represent
  Irwindale at the Summit Finals drag racing event in the fall. SUPER PRO (electronics allowed 6 -
  7.99 et), PRO (8 and slower), SPORTSMAN (8.59 and slower), and MOTORCYCLES (6
  and slower).    (Bob Klein and Doug Stokes)
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*Irwindale Speedway offers Thursday night drag racing.  Pro's and street legal racing welcome. 
  1/8 mile track.  Entrance fee $20. Spectators are $10.   See Dragstrip track manager Bob Klein
  626-358-1100 x 211.  (Doug Stokes)
*May 22, Irwindale Speedway NHRA JUNIOR DRAGSTERS.  Three events are scheduled. 
  NHRA Junior Drag Racing classes will be offered with the track gates opening at 9AM, time
  trials 10AM, and eliminations beginning at 1PM.  The races will be held on three Sundays:
  drivers will get three practice runs and trophies will be awarded as per the guidelines in the
  NHRA rulebook.  Entries will be $50 per car.  Spectators and Crew members are $20 each
  and kids under 12 admitted free.  Run under NHRA rulebook.  (Doug Stokes)
*2005 ASA Speed Truck Challenge Schedule
  May 28, Mesa Marin Raceway, Bakersfield, CA            Broadcast Aug 20, 8PM PST 
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*2005 Southern California Top Comp Schedule:   (From Gregg Suyenaga)
  Race 3 June 4 Fontana Mike's Transmission
  Race 4 June 5 Fontana Mike's Transmission
*2005 Goodguys Schedule of Events.  See www.goodguys.com or call 925-838-9876:
  May 20-22, 1st Annual Great American Rod & Custom Nationals, Hershey, PA
  May 27-29, 7th Annual Spring Nationals, Jacksonville, FLA
*Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Reunions.  Call 909-622-8562
  June 17-1, Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green, KY
  Sept 30-Oct 2, Automobile Club of Southern California, California Hot Rod Reunion,
        Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, CA
*2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule.
  May 19-22, 41st Annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals, Columbus, OH
  May 26-29, 17th Annual O'Reilly Summer Nationals, Topeka, KS
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*2005 King of Indiana Sprint Series Schedule: For info call Mike OLeary 812-825-9614
  or moleary@bluemarble.net   KISS is at www.kissracing.com and www.Elliottbrand.com.
  May 20, Bloomington Speedway
  May 21, Lincoln Park Speedway
  May 28, Lawrenceburg Speedway
*SEMA Car Club activities:
  May 21-22, Atlantic City, NJ, SEMA International Auto Salon, www.semaautosalon.com
  May 21-22, Little Hershey Swap Meet and Car Show, Rockford, stull1553@mchsi.com
  May 21-22, Redbird State Riding Area Spring Fling, ILL,  812/876-6688
  May 22, Greensboro, NC, Corvettes at Bill Black Chevrolet, Clubvette, www.clubvette.org
  May 27-29, West Burlington, IA, Midwest IHC Classic, 319/372-3281 or scoutcon@interl.net
  May 27-29, Jacksonville, FL, 7th Spring Nationals, Goodguys, www.good-guys.com
  May 27-29, Casper, WYO, Cruisin With the Oldies, Oil Capitol Auto Club, 307/265-7314
  May 28-29, Lebanon Valley Dragway, PA, Musclepalooza II, Hemmings, 800/227-4373
  May 29, Millston, Wisconsin, Spring Car Show, Millston Park Commission, 715/284-0461
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*Mid-Atlantic Championship Series (MACS) 2005 racing schedule:      
  May 21, McKean County Raceway, 50 laps   
  May 28, Bill Sawyer's Virginia Motor Speedway, 50 laps    
*2005 Crown Royal IROC Series schedule:
  Sept 9, Richmond International Raceway
  Oct 29, Atlanta Motor Speedway
*2005 Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series schedule (Linda K. Mansfield)
  May 19-21, Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, 6 hours
*2005 Nextel Cup Series schedule (NASCAR):
  May 21, NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge Lowe's Motor Speedway
  May 29, Lowe's Motor Speedway
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*The John Force Cruise Night is held on the last Wednesday of each month from 5-8 P.M. at
  the shop in Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Contact Craig Hoelzel for details about vendor space, how
  to show your car, or for directions.  Craig is at craig@johnforceracing.com  While you are there,
  check out the Force Racestation gift shop next door.  It is a fascinating store filled with all sorts
  of collectibles, including broken parts from John's Funny Cars, autographed by the 13 time NHRA
  Funny Car Champion himself.  You'll find artwork, paintings, photographs, hats, jackets, apparel,
  pins, die cast cars, souvenirs and just about anything that you could want.  If Force is in town and
  not on the race car circuit, he will be glad to sign your collectible.  See hundreds of hot rods and
  vintage cars, rock to the music of the '50's, purchase some delicious food, and meet your fellow
  hot rodders.  Celebrity racers and hot rodders are known to show up for this one of a kind hot
  rod cruise night at the legendary John Force RaceStation.
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*The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's schedule of events:
  June 1, Twilight Cruise Night 4:30-8pm.  Ladies night, special prizes for women street rodders.
  June 17-19, Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
  June 18-20, L.A. Roadster Show.
*AutoStar Productions, 1226 Pike Street SW, PO Box 310, Etna, Ohio 43018, 740-964-2350
  Roger Gustin, President/Owner,  roger@superchevyshow.com,
  G. Susan Gustin, Exec VP,  susan@superchevyshow.com,
  Rose Guagliardo, Event Dir, rose@superchevyshow.com,
  Greg Baumer, Sales/Ad Mgr, greg@superchevyshow.com,
  Hank Schmitt, Ad/Media Relations, hank@superchevyshow.com,
  Paul Meikle, Controller, paul@superchevyshow.com,
  Sandra Hanna, Executive Assistant,  sandy@superchevyshow.com,
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*AutoZone Super Chevy Show Tour XXV (AutoStar Productions) 2005 SCHEDULE
  May 20-21-22  SBR Texas Motorplex T Dallas-Ennis, TX
*Showcase Photo, 20 Browning Ct., Dublin, Oh 43017, 614 766-2720, Official photographer
  for Super Chevy Shows and AutoStar Productions orders@showcase-photo.com
*May 20, Skyline Speedway, Stewart, Ohio, 740-989-0567, www.skylinespeedway.com,
   Regular Show, Kids Ride With Drivers, All Classes.      (Dustin Jarrett)
*May 27, Skyline Speedway, Stewart, Ohio, 740-989-0567, www.skylinespeedway.com,
   Regular Show, SCAVENGER HUNT  PRIZE NIGHT All Classes.      (Dustin Jarrett)
*Dirt Nation Radio show, Monday nights 8-10 P.M. at www.racetalklive.com. May 23, guests
  are Bill Sawyer, Ralph Capitani, Mike Swims, Todd Fisher, Roger Slack, Allan Kreitzer and
  Ernie Saxton.  (Doc Lehman)
*Dirt Nation Radio show, Monday nights 8-10 P.M. at www.racetalklive.com. May 30, guests
  are Bobby Varin, Bruce Neimeth, and John Duty.  (Doc Lehman)
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*On Friday, June 10, Sotheby's Auction House will offer more than 350 lots of Important Sports
  Memorabilia and Cards, spanning the history of baseball, basketball, football, boxing, tennis and
  track & field.  The sale will feature property from a number of private estates, including Jim
  Murray.  Items from the Estate of Jim Murray.  A portion of the proceeds from the Jim Murray
  Estate auction will be donated to the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation (JMMF), a 501(c)(3)
  nonprofit organization, founded by his widow, Linda McCoy-Murray, to perpetuate Jim’s legacy
  and his love for and dedication to his extraordinary career in journalism.  Seven $5,000 scholar-
  ships are awarded annually to university journalism students.  See www.sothebys.com.
 
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*NASCAR Manufacturer Support in Trouble? Given the choppy financial outlook for the Big
  3 automakers, some NASCAR team executives are beginning to wonder whether the cascade
  of financial and technical support they receive from Detroit will begin to run dry.  Does it really
  make sense for General Motors, which lost $1.1 billion in the first quarter of this year, and Ford
  and DaimlerChrysler, which saw profits slip 30% or more, to maintain estimated nine-figure
  NASCAR budgets?  "It's a legitimate question that a shareholder would ask," says Jim Andrews,
  editorial director of the IEG Sponsorship Report. "But there's also a danger in saying, 'The
  company's doing badly, let's just start dumping stuff.' " Executives representing automakers'
  racing programs say sales slumps make NASCAR more important than ever. While manufact-
  urers are beginning to find ways to spend money more efficiently in racing, executives rule out
  wholesale cutbacks that would jeopardize their teams' ability to compete. Andrews notes that
  GM actually is expanding its sports marketing budget, having signed a deal with Major League
  Baseball earlier this year. "I doubt very much that these companies are looking at NASCAR
  racing and saying, 'We should be getting out,'" Andrews says. Andrews believes automakers'
  support of NASCAR is more defensive than anything else; they're racing because their
  competitors are racing. "If they weren't there, other companies would say, 'Why aren't you
  there?' "  Automotive industry consultant Peter DeLorenzo, publisher of the autoextremist.com
  http://www.autoextremist.com Web site, estimates each manufacturer spends at least $125 million
  a year on NASCAR and doesn't get its money's worth. While automakers still use racing to train
  young engineers, it has been decades since advances made in NASCAR - which limits technology
  to control the cost of racing - applied to passenger cars. Beyond that, drivers' personalities and
  connections to other corporate sponsors have been marketed so aggressively that DeLorenzo
  says the kind of car they drive is an afterthought. Most important, DeLorenzo says, being in
  NASCAR does nothing to help domestic automakers overcome what he calls their biggest
  challenge: winning over foreign car buyers. NASCAR fans already buy domestic cars and trucks.
  "Detroit is spending a lot of money to preach to the choir," DeLorenzo says.  Manufacturers'
  executives tell a different story, one of positive media exposure and fan demographics. "We
  absolutely believe that it's a great return on our investment, from the standpoint of getting
  exposure," says Bob Wildberger, senior manager of NASCAR operations for Dodge Motor-
  sports. Mark Kent, director of GM Racing, says GM is in NASCAR for the "long haul." But
  Kent says they have cut back on travel expenses and are working with Chevy teams to
  consolidate research and development projects. "Obviously, like anything else in our business,
  we're looking to do more with less," Kent says.  (Buzz Baylis)
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*Bob Norton has produced a set of CDs that include each and every edition of the old bi-weekly
  tabloid, MotoRacing. The cost is only $25 ($35 if you’re off-shore). To get your very own set,
  visit Allen Kuhn’s website: www.vintage-sportscar-photos.com  or email rlnor-ton@pacbell.net.
*From all indications, our first Fabulous Fifties Concours d’ Provenance at Paramount Ranch
  was a great success with 50 cars showing up. Best of Show was taken by Dr. Mike Jacobsen
  with his 1934 MG Magnet Special that his father raced at the very first Paramount race, Aug 19,
  1956.  Al Moss drove his MGTC that he raced in fifties-era races (but not at Paramount, where
  Al was Chief Judge).  Stan Peterson brought his TC, which he raced during the fifties. On Dec 8,
  1956, Stan drove his MGA Simca Special at Paramount. John Ebey entered the Siata 208S
  driven at Paramount by Bill Dixon. Bill’s brother, John, was on the crew then again on April 16,
  2005.  George Myers brought a 1952 Cadillac-Allard K2.  Bob Eldridge brought an MGTC. 
  Bobby Brigham and Jim Parkinson (who I think drove every Paramount), and SCCA Director
  Andy Porterfield (who finished ahead of me in his Corvette at the last Paramount). A non-
  Paramount Corvetter showed up: 58-59 SCCA National Champ Jim Jeffords. Lady’s Race
  Paramount Champ, Ruth Levy came from Solvang.  I’m working on a new book: Paramount
  Ranch Remembered. My plan is to cover the 2005 event. If you were there back in the fifties
  and you came on April 16, please let me know; I want to include you. E-mail  f50s@yahoo.com
  Also, if you took any photos, either during the fifties or this year, I would appreciate having them.
  (Art Evans, founder of the Fabulous Fifties UN-club)
*May 28-29, Julian Classic Motoring Show, Julian, CA.  e-mail julianauto-show@netscape.net 
  or call 760-765-1984. We have a 300SL, a Cobra coupe, two TCs plus a coupe of Loti and
  XK120s.  See www.julianca.com.  (Bob Engberg)
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*Art, In 1947, I worked for Bob Estes in his parts department. Louie Bromie took care of his
  Indy and stock cars. When Louie and Bob read the rules books, they always looked for what the
  rules didn’t say. One of the things they found was that all parts for a stock car had to come from
  the original manufacturer. That didn’t leave much room for creative innovation with Ford/Lincoln/
  Mercury. At that time, Bob was running a Mercury coupe at Gardena with Andy Linden driving.
  Louie and Bob looked into the depth of the rules and found out that GM had lots of crossovers.
  Wow, if we can put 6 cylinder pistons in an 8 cylinder block, we gain great big displacement and
  horsepower. So Bob sent the girl friend of his sales manager up the street to buy a straight-eight
  Pontiac.  Louie told Bob, “When we bore out this block, we’re going to go into the water jacket,
  but that’s okay, because the 6 cylinder GMC trucks have steel sleeves and we just weld them in
  the block to cure that problem.”  This all worked fine and the Pontiac had a great big engine that
  ran smoothly. When the car was complete, it was taken to Carrell Speedway for testing. If my
  memory is correct, Bill Taylor was the driver. After three warm-up laps, Bill stuck his foot in it
  and broke the track record.  On Saturday night, it was race time. Bob was not the kind of guy
  that told a driver how to drive, but that night he told Bill to qualify in the middle of the pack and,
  in the Main Event, do NOT pass that Mercury.  Needless to say, Andy finished first and Bill
  second. Bob’s law was, “Do not ever break the rules, but always read the rules for what they do
  not say.”  Those were, and still are, the good old days.  (Al Baker in the Fab 50 newsletter)
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*Art, Here are some photographs and some information that might be of interest to you and an
  addition to our files. The car is a Crosley Special that I built in 1951-52. The frame is a single-
  tube type with front suspen-sion from a Fiat “Mouse.” The rear axle and springs are from a
  Crosley and wheels from the “Mouse.” The engine was a Crosley with an Italmeccanica blower
  driven from the crankshaft. The body was fiberglass and the grill from two ’41 Ford side grills.
  When it was completed in 1953, a race was scheduled for Torrey Pines. I made a tow-bar and
  brought it behind my Porsche...Harry Morrow...late entry and got permission to run in the
  practice session, which was short lived. On my second lap, I sheared an axle shaft, so I hooked
  the car back to the Porsche and went home. I couldn’t remachine another axle in time to run the
  next day (Sunday).  Shortly after that, I sold the car to Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio. At
  the time, Nick was a college student living on Coronado. He was a friend of Bill Pickford, who
  was running a Jaguar Special. Before I sold the car, I replaced the blower with two Amal
  carburetors so it could run in the 750cc class.  Nick raced the Crosley for quite some time. I think
  he got a first in class at Golden Gate. I have no idea what became of the Crosley, but if anyone
  has any ideas, I would like to hear from you at ghammelor@aol.com. (Bob Hammel Fab 50's)
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*I recently purchased a 1951 MGTD with a Ford V8-60 engine, transmission, Ford sectioned
  torque tube, Ford sectioned rear end, special shortened axles, Ford sectioned front solid H beam
  axle, Ford hydraulic brakes and Ford 16-inch wire wheels. The frame has had a series of plates
  welded inside the frame to stiffen it and the engine mounts and cross members have been welded
  to the frame. New mounts have been welded to the frame for the body and the under-cowl roll
  bar section. A cross body roll bar was welded to the frame, but has been cut with 4-inch stubs
  left. The front spring is transverse and the two rears are parallel to the frame rails. The car looks
  like a stock full-fendered TD except for the wheels. Someone did a tremendous amount of work
  on this car and I would like to identify it if possible and learn something about its race history.
  Please call, write, fax or e-mail to Don Martine, PO Box 330, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (831)
  373-3388 or don@martine-inn.com.  (Don Martine in the Fab 50's newsletter)

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*I met Walt Haessner when he was the publicist for Alec Ullman and the Sebring International

  races in the early 1960s. He has an interesting auto-centric Website that might be interesting to
  look at and even to contribute items to.  (Deke Houlgate)  Dear Deke, So far we have 10
  comments- http://www.aztexcorp.com/expressionengine/index.php/weblog/comments/398/
  This is what I would like to see WDB - News do. Become a clearing house for these types
  of topics. Encourage all you friends to sign up for the mailing list if they do not want to
  become members (members are  free).  For the mailing list only use Special List, lower left. 
  We should have some feedback from Fr. Dale soon.  Best Walter Haessner
*Dennis Erb won the 40 lap O'Reilly Auto Parts NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar series 
  race at Soggy Bottom Speedway, Carpentersville, ILL, on May 14.  (Dustin Jarrett)
*O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Point Standings (5/14/05): Whitney
  McQueary 1100, Michael England 1030, Chris Combs 1005, Tim Tungate 970, Mike Jewell
  920, Scott James 840, Aaron Hatton 830, Chuckie May 825, Frankie Coomer 805, Wayne
  Chinn 805.  (Dustin Jarrett at www.naradirtcar.com)
*May 14, Joey Kramer wins NARA Battle of the Bluegass Open Wheel Modified race at
  Soggy Bottom Speedway, Morgantown, KY.   (Dustin Jarrett)
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*Websites:  (from Mike O'Leary)
  Bloomington Speedway - www.bloomingtonspeedway.com
  Lincoln Park Speedway - http://lincolnparkspeedway.homestead.com/
  Lawrenceburg Speedway - http://home.fuse.net/kewendel/
  Kokomo Speedway - www.kokomospeedway.net
  Paragon Speedway  http://www.paragonspeedway.com
  Terre Haute Action Track - http://www.terrehauteactiontrack.com
*2005 King Of Indiana Sprint Series Schedule: Gas City I-69 Speedway, May 13-RAINED
  OUT.  Bloomington Speedway, May 20.  Lincoln Park Speedway, May 21.  Lawrenceburg
  Speedway, May 28. Kokomo Speedway, June 19. Paragon Speedway, June 25. Terre Haute
  Action Track, July 2.  See www.kissracing.com   (Mike O'Leary)
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*NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Points after May 14, 2005: Joey
  Kramer 250, Kelly Warren 230, Jimmy Westerfield 220, Trent Young 215, Justin Rattliff 210,
  Shawn Simpson 200, Russ Gabbert 195, Russell Childress 190, Hank Bradley 185, Tommy
  Bailey 180, Eric Adkins 175, Brandon Wilson 170, Ryan Hogue 165, Jimmy Payne 160, Josh
  Belcher 155.   (Dustin Jarrett)
*Mickey and Trudy Thompson Murder Trial defense motion denied.  Michael Goodwin,
  defendant in the double murder trial was denied his latest appeal to dismiss the murder charges
  against him.  His attorneys are drafting more appeals to dismiss the charges, claiming they are
  due to police misconduct and police intent to frame him.  The family of Mickey Thompson are
  insistant that the trial go forward to a jury trial as soon as possible so that this tragedy can finally
  be put to rest once and for all.  (email received from Gary and Collene Campbell)
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*May 24, Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, CA, Monster Truck rally with Snake Bite, Sudden
  Impact, Kicker, Public Disturbance, Line-X Obsession, and Natural High Chevrolet SSR
  Also, NASCAR oval racing.  Auto Club members to receive $5 discount.   (Doug Stokes) 
*Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will have 3 new tracks on its schedule in 2005; Belleville
  High Banks in Belleville, KS on June 24, Junction Motor Speedway in York, NEB on June 25,
  and West Liberty Raceway in West Liberty, IA on July 28.  See www.highbanks.org,
  www.junctionmotorspeedway.org, www.westlibertyracing.com, and www.naradirtcar.com.
*Perris Automotive Speedway, Perris (CA) Points standings: MC BUILDERS SUPER
  STOCKS-Terry Hershberger 316, Ed Perry  270, Brian Pannone  250, John Caley  245, Henry
  Wesolowski Sr  221.  RAMONA TIRE STREET STOCKS-Jeremy Queener 165, Kevin Busher
  147, Richard Barr 143, Joe Falduto 128, Joe Shuagis 124.  RWD EXTREME TRUCKS &
  SUVS-Jeff Dunham 235, Art Peterson 233, Kenny Mann 210, Mike Hixson 208, Virgil Haney
  185.  HORNETS-Tony Thompson 198, Kris Stauffacher 172, Craig Stone 162, Dave Rhodes
  161, Mark Howison 160.  PICK-A-PART CRUISERS-Talkington/Lewis 180, Allen/Ramsey
  172, Brown/Bates 171, Bundy/Holdridge 150, Fengler/Heaton 130.  (Kim Donner)
*The International Motorsports Alliance at California State University San Bernardino is
  starting the Automotive Performance and Motorsports technology certificate program.  This three
  part series will be taught by Don Alexander, racing instructor, consultant, and former editor of
  Circle Track Magazine.  For info call Dick Dixon at 909-630-8234 or Jace Baker, Ph.D. at
  909-880-7481.  (From Pattie Frost)
 
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*Friday May 13, 2005, USFRA member Hugh Coltharp visited the salt flats.  He was kind
  enough to take some photos, and share them with us all.  Utah has had a wetter than usual
  spring, and there is significant water on the salt.  I am not enough of a Utah weather fore
  caster to suggest whether or not this water level will be an issue for racers this year.  Speed
  Week is still nearly 3 months away, and warm weather can remove a lot of water in a short
  time.  These photos clearly show the conditions at the end of the road as of May 13.  Pass
  them along as you see fit.  Daniel Wright, University of Utah  Editor's notes: Contact
  George Callaway for these photos, which were spectacular.  The recent rains have even turned
  Death Valley into an inland lake.
*I have been invited to participate in a radio interview show at a local pub at Indy on May
  24. The broadcast will be on the Internet on the following day and the link is:
  www.autosportradio.com  Follow the instruction stated on the top right side of the page.
  The program should be in the archive by Wednesday 25 May.  Don Kay is the broadcast
  host.  "How about that!?"  (Bob Falcon)           Editor's notes: Way to go Bob.
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