Society of LandSpeed Historians -Oilstick.com

I had the opportunity to go to a great Christmas party at Donovan Engineering thanks to my pal Julian Doty. The place reeked history. No not just drag race history but another kind of history that most people will never know. Besides being the home of the 417" aluminum block drag racers prefer, it is also the home of the Model D block. You may be asking yourself what the heck is a Model D block, well here's a little back story. The engine of choice in the early '40's for amateur land speed racers was Henry Ford's Model A and B 4-bangers. Winfield, Roof, Cragar and Riley were just a few of the names that made speed parts for this lowly 4-banger and even Henry kinda got into the act with a counterbalanced crank (Model C?) before he stopped making it. Ed Donovan, Bill Warth, Bud Hand, Bob Baldwin and Arnold Birner were just some of young men who cut their automotive teeth on these engines. After honing their mechanical skills during WWII some of these boys went on to bigger and better things. One was Arnold Birner who became a pattern maker and used to hold court at Santa Monica City College. Seems if you took the class there they supplied the wood and the wax for free, so you can just guess how many hot rod patterns were made there. It was only natural that after Ed stopped making Offy parts and started his own business that Arnold would join him. Look at the front of any Donovan block today and you'll find Arnold's signature AJB on it. I've taken the liberty to draw it from memory and attach it along with some of his other toys used in our sport over the years that you probably didn't know about. But now to the Model D, and yes it stands for Donovan. Somehow the boys never lost their interest in Henry's old 4-holer so quite awhile back they created a new and improved version of it out of aluminum featuring 5 main bearings. Were they geniuses in predicting todays retro rod world or did they just love the good old days? It's for you to figure out.

Photos courtesy: The American Hot Rod Foundation/Julian Doty. PS: To really get you land speeders going, how many of you know about Arnold's Model T? No, not that one, it's a head that he and Leo Goosen (that Offy connection again) cooked up for the Tempest 4-banger and ran at Bonneville in the Baldwin-Sommerfelt tank years ago.

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1) Editor's notes: Jim Miller supplies photos to the new website that we are using. Go to the links listed on the websites to view the photos and the captions. If you have photographs that you would like to submit, send them directly to the websites or to maryann@hotrodhotline.com Jack and Mary Ann Lawford have the huge website www.hotrodhotline.com and they also own many other websites. As many website owners have told me, including my photographic partner, Roger Rohrdanz, there are many domain names on the internet. Dave Lindsay was another very informative person who explained the process. The Society of Land Speed Racing Historians does not have a domain name or website, preferring to have our newsletter and research go out to other websites. That may change, but it is easier for me to edit the newsletter and let the various racing websites accept our material as well as other material. Our purpose is to save and keep the history of land speed racing and hot rodding alive. We are not the only group that does this and we encourage other groups to continue to do so. Our sincerest thanks to all those website operator and especially www.landspeedracing.com for helping us. On another subject, some members have mentioned that receiving the newsletter at unpredictable times is unsettling. The problem for me is that I have some material that can go out on a set deadline, because it is historical in nature. Obituaries, funerals, shows, racing and current events that are sent to me on a rush basis must be resent out to you asap. Another problem that I face is that sometimes the newsletter is short on news and brief and at other times it is very long. I like the newsletter to stay within 5 computer screens or less to keep the spam filters from stopping the newsletters from reaching the readers. That means that sometimes two or three newsletters go out in one week and at other times may go out two or three weeks apart. I can get around this by simply sending the material to the websites and letting each of you go to the websites when you wish. My experience is not very positive in this regard. I feel that asking the 61 members to go to the websites to read the newsletters as a very poor way of getting the news to you. Maybe 10 or 20 percent of you would respond. Sending an emailed newsletter to you, if the spam filters aren't stopping the issues, guarantees that all of you would at least see the newsletter. Then it is up to you to read it or delete it. We make the SLSRH Newsletter available to you by email and website. A third issue is that of content. My policy is to publish what is sent to me with as little editing and deleting as possible. I do, however, edit the content for appearance and for minor errors or errata. If it is a big error I may contact you and ask you to explain. About 1 in a 100 articles or views are rejected and in each case I will contact the sender and try and work out the conflict so that what you send can be submitted. I accept opinions and views, but remember that this is a historical and professional newsletter on a serious subject, so whiny blogs and nasty commentary will be discussed with you first and most likely won't be run. I reserve the right as editor to stet or dele the material. Editors are by nature cranky and cantakerous even when we are at our most flexible. Please feel free to send in any emails letting me know if you spot errors in spelling, dates, details or events. We do not want to perpetuate errors. Disputes are okay Personal attacks are not allowed. Any complaints can be directed to Jim or to God, neither of whom I report to. I need stories, biographies, current and past events. All inquiries are responded to.

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2) Jack Badger, father of midget and sprint car owner Jim Badger and midget and sprint car driver Bill Badger, passed away on December 12, 2007. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 10 AM at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Hwy, Newhall, California. (received from the family)

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3) Richard Charles "Dick" McClung, 79, was born January 9, 1928 and peacefully passed on December 19, 2007 in Rancho Mirage, CA. You know Dick, he was liked and admired by everyone for his generosity, his kindness and his "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude. Dick was a passionate person with a zest for life. Dick lived "one-day-at-a-time" filling each day with sunshine for everyone. To begin with Dick was honorably discharged from the Merchant Marines in 1947 and at that time he entered in to the racing field. His early racing successes enabled him to own and sponsor numerous racecars besides racing himself. Dick had a significant career in both the California Roadster Association and California Hot Rod Association. At the present time he is serving as a director on the NHRA National Hot Rod Association Museum Board. Dick was the top salesman for Pacific Bell prior to starting his own advertising agency which he was active in for over 40 years. He was an avid golfer with a few "hole-in-ones". Dick was proud to have been a member in good standing for 18 years of Alcoholics Anonymous. There was never a dull moment with Dick. He has been serving on the Board of Directors for 25 years at The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley. He serves on the Board of the Bighorn Institute which he helped start and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Native American Land Conservancy. Of course Dick is always trying to make a difference. Dick has served approximately 10 years on the Rancho Mirage Housing Commission as well as the Rancho Mirage General Plan Commission. He was very proud and honored to have been on the Presidents Commission for the Betty Ford Center. In 2006 he was recognized as the Rancho Mirage Citizen of the Year. Dick also gave his time and money to many, many, many charities. He is a Master Mason, celebrating 50 years of membership, a Almalaikaid Shriner, a member of the Elks Club, the Scottish Society of the Desert and on the Desert Island Community Association Board of Director. Dick leaves behind too soon, his adoring wife, Fay cClung; his son, Captain Rick McClung and his wife, Monique; his daughter, Stasey Cantelli; grandchildren Cole, Madison, Brooke, Lauren, Ryan and his inherited daughter, Janice Erickson. Preceded in death by his Father, Lyell E. McClung and Mother Charlotte C. Scott of Kewanee, IL. We wish to thank the Rancho Mirage Paramedics, the Doctors and Nursing staff in both the Emergency Room and the Cardiac Surgery Unit of Eisenhower Medical Hospital for their wonderful compassion and care. Dick will be missed by all. The Memorial service will be held January 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Cathedral City. 760-328-3065 Dick would be honored to have contributions in his memory made to The Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, the Bighorn Institute and the Native American Land Conservancy. Published in The Desert Sun on 12/29/2007. Editor's notes: Richard "Dick" McClung, also known in his racing career as Dick Webb, was a close friend of the Parks family and a major supporter and contributor to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. His collection of signed and autographed racing helmets is a major exhibit at the museum. McClung was an early dry lakes racer and hot rodder. He will be greatly missed.

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4) Michael F. Hollander, 61, the motorsports journalist who effectively invented online racing news reporting in 1979, has been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer external to the colon. Hollander is resting at home after a brief stay at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, California. "I'm going to fight this with the help and support of my family and friends," said Hollander. "I'm amazed at the number of people who have called or written." In 1979, Hollander worked with the then-fledgling CompuServe

Information Service to provide motor sports news on a real-time basis worldwide. By September 1, 1983, that service evolved into the Auto Racing SIG and later into The Motor Sports Forum. The service initially relied on volunteer reporters and phone calls to race tracks to get racing results, later creating a cadre of top professionals and talented amateurs. In 1995, Hollander brought the service to the web, where it continues today as <"http://www.hotrodhotline.com/cgi-bin/subscribe2/s.pl?which=35-01-8-2008-16-32&page=/www.motorsportsforum.com"> The Motor Sports Forum. The service was discontinued on CompuServe not long after that service's purchase by AOL. In addition to The Motor Sports Forum, the newswire contributes to print and online news outlets throughout the world. He has authored two books, The Complete Datsun Guide and The New Mazda Guide, both for the TAB Books division of McGraw-Hill. The Datsun book led him from a career path in aerospace

to one in marketing and advertising. He worked as product information manager and later as product information director on the Nissan advertising account at William Esty Company Inc, Advertising and at Chiat/Day Advertising. He is currently the manager of information resources for PCGCampbell, the 10th largest privately-held marketing communications company in the United States. Current accounts include the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Auto Club of Southern California, Yokohama Tire Corporation, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Tesla Motors, manufacturer of the high-performance electric sports car. Hollander is the national vice-president of the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) and the secretary of the Motor Press Guild (MPG), respectively the largest organizations of motor sports and automotive journalists. He has been honored with numerous awards for his work, including special recognition in 1995 to the Car Craft magazine Drag Racing All Star Awards; the AARWBA Dusty Brandel President's Award in 2007; the International Automotive Media Association Awards; and the AARWBA writing, photography and broadcasting contest sponsored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Racing. He is the past chairman of the Datsun Owners Clubs Association (DOCA) and the former editor of its magazine, Datsunews. He is the editor at large for MotoRacing and also writes for Automotive Performance News. He is married to Dr. Sandra Horwitz, Optometrist. They have one daughter, Sharon, who is a student in the South Bay Academy. Editor's notes: Mike Hollander has been in charge of publicity and PR at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum for many years and is a longtime and close friend of the Parks family. We wish him the very best in his fight against cancer.

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5) Please visit the Notice for Richard Charles McClung. See http://www.hotrodhotline.com/cgi-bin/subscribe2/s.pl?which=35-01-8-2008-16-32&page=/www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000100324191X. Thanks, Jim Chini

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6) The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation extends its thanks to you for your generous philanthropic gifts that have made a difference in providing scholarships to journalism students around the country. August 16, 2008, marks the 10th anniversary of Jim Murray's death. "A Salute to the Living Legends of Sports & Media" awards dinner is being planned by the JMMF on Thursday, September 18, 2008, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, which will also serve as a Murray Scholar Reunion for a total of 63 scholarship recipients. This year's recipients are Gabe Khouli-Ball State, Zach Berman-Syracuse University, Emily Ortman-Ball State, Liz Manring-University of Missouri, Tom Bransfield-Trinity College/Hartford, Dallas Woodburn-USC, Josh Moyer-Penn State, Brittany Hughes-OU-Athens, Melissa Katz-Trinity College/Hartford. Linda McCoy-Murray, President/Founder, Jim Murray Memorial Foundation, See www.jimmurrayfoundation.org. Editor's notes: Linda McCoy/Murray is the founder of the JMMF and honors the new sports writers of automotive racing.

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7) “Bonneville the Fastest Place on Earth,” By Landspeed Louise Ann Noeth. FORWARD by Al Teague [Excerpt]. This book will give even the inexperienced the feel for the phenomena we call salt fever. It is a strange addiction for which the only cure is at least one trip to Bonneville per year. It is an unforgettable experience. Some people have been known to quit jobs if they can't get time off for speed week. As we meet back on the salt each year, it is as if no time has passed. Louise has recounted many personal stories, as well as a history of the salt. It is a detailed, accurate and entertaining story. It is not a story about monetary gain. Bonneville racing is about being respected by your peers for what can be accomplished by dedication, hard work, and help from good friends. Those who were children when I first started are now the ones setting records. I was recently asked by an acquaintance, not a racer, "Don't you wish you had all the money you have spent on the race car now instead of just a race car?" For those who understand Bonneville, the question does not even deserve an answer. INTRODUCTION by Louise Ann Noeth [Excerpt]. The people who go to the Bonneville Salt Flats are a fascinating bunch. Regardless of what they do in their everyday lives, when they are on the salt, they’re family -- bound together by speed – a powerful force that erases ethnic, economic, political and religious barriers. They are time and distance groupies. They are land speed racers. They are speed freaks. They are people who follow a skinny black oil line trying to go faster than anyone else has gone before. And they do it again, and again, and again. Some speed wrinkles have been doing it quite well for 50 years. Many will tell you it is better than sex, but they have a hard time telling you why. It's a driver's game, not a computer program. Strapped in the car, hurtling along the salt, it is just you, the machine and the Almighty. Time slows down and the empirical becomes spatial. Bonneville, the ultimate speed laboratory where you can spinout at 200 mph and not hit a darn thing. The salt flats have had more land speed records broken on its surface than any other spot on earth -- a revered Mecca where drivers flog physics to win velocity crowns. This is high speed, baby. Not just a few seconds of tromp-your-foot-on-the-throttle and hope you don't get arrested speed, but all-out, flat-out speed, a ragged-edge rapture that only the determined few will experience. On the salt you find the limits of your courage, you learn what daring greatly is all about, and understand why a Bonneville speed record is an internationally respected pedigree. ABOUT THE AUTHORESS; Louise Ann Noeth, a.k.a. "Landspeed Louise," has been a motor-head speed freak all her life. Her award-winning investigative, technical and feature writing, graphic design and photography have been published around the world. Recognized for her storyteller perspective in her entertaining "Fuel For Thought" column, she was the first female editor of HOT ROD Industry News and HOT ROD Hotline at Petersen Publishing Company, where she also assisted in developing the HOT ROD and CAR CRAFT Nationals. A publicist for racing teams, entertainers and corporations through LandSpeed Productions, she currently represents the Steve Fossett World Land Speed Record Team and was publicist and team member for TEAMVesco when it captured the World Wheel-driven Record at 458MPH. Former clients include Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America World Speed Record Team, General Motors and Jeana Yeager of Voyager aviation fame. As a public speaker, Ms. Noeth has delighted and educated audiences on a variety of topics, including the World Land Speed Record, the history of land speed racing, fine art photography, tall ships, Italian art and architecture, Indonesia and Russian River Rafting in Siberia. Ms. Noeth toured as a professional auto racer, campaigning a jet dragster. As one of few women auto writers/racers in America, she has served on several auto industry technical committees for tires, suspension and emission controls. She has participated in regulatory discussions at the national level, which resulted in administrative policy changes. Ms. Noeth's art and photography have been exhibited on "The Late Show with David Letterman," and at many museums, schools and galleries. Her journalism and photography has continually garnered numerous national and international awards. Comfortable and competent behind the wheel of any car or truck, or on a motorcycle, she is also licensed airplane pilot, blue-water sailor, white-water rafter and occasional wing-walker. Ms. Noeth is a founding member of the Motor Press Guild currently serving on its Board of Directors and former officer of the International Motor Press Association. Speedy Regards, "LandSpeed" Louise Ann Noeth. Member: Board of Directors/Motor Press Guild, American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters, Society of Automotive Historians, Western Automotive Journalists, www.landspeedproductions.biz. Editor's notes: I reviewed LandSpeed Louise's book on Bonneville and ranked it as one of the best ever written on land speed racing. Louise has the ability to find and then capture the true facts and feelings of our sport and has been doing that for decades. She is a professional and committed writer.

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8) The 7th Annual B'ville NW Banquet will be held February 23, 2007, Shilo Inn Portland Airport, 11707 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97220. The cost for this years event is $48.00 per person. This includes a mandatory 18% gratuity imposed by the caterer. After February 10th the cost goes up to $55.00. There will be a registration limit of 150. Registration cut off date is February 17th. It will be by pre-registration only. No at the door registration. A flower and cash drawings for the ladies attending. If you have any questions send me an e-mail at Fotofreud@aol.com or call 425-337-4558. I'll get back to you within 24 hours. Doors open at 5:00 PM. The featured speaker is will be announced within a few days. A special Ladies only, no charge, feature Friday Night, 7:30 PM, will be an informal "girl chat" with Dr. Jeannie Pflum, http://www.hotrodhotline.com/cgi-bin/subscribe2/s.pl?which=35-01-8-2008-16-32&page=/www.drjeanniepflum.com/your.html. You are invited to ask Jeannie "any medical question" that you have. She will answer the questions that you don't want to ask your own physician. Botox, Liposuction, Breast cancer, Mamograms, Hormone Therapy, Osteoporosis and Obnoxious Husbands. This will be in a meeting room at the hotel. During the time of the Ladies Chat session there will be a similar event for the fellows. Lt. Col. BC Thomas, Retired. He has more hours in a SR-71 Blackbird than any other pilot. He will do a short Powerpoint presentation and then have a chat session. This is also a no charge event. Saturday morning will include a 2 hour tour of Steves Auto Restoration. The owner, Steve Frisbie, is excited to have you attend. It will start at 10 AM. The doors will be open from 9:50 until 10:00 AM. They will close at 10 AM and will not reopen. You must be there before 10 AM to be admitted. It will conclude at Noon. The company is about 12 miles from the Shilo Inn. Study these web sites. It is a tour to look forward to. The skin for the tail of Marlo Treit's 'liner was done in this shop. http://www.hotrodhotline.com/cgi-bin/subscribe2/s.pl?which=35-01-8-2008-16-32&page=/www.stevesautorestorations.com/, http://www.hotrodhotline.com/cgi-bin/subscribe2/s.pl?which=35-01-8-2008-16-32&page=/www.stevesautorestorations.com/about.php. Shilo Inn Reservations desk 503-252-7500. National phone number is 1-800-222-2244. We have a block of rooms held for us at a reduced rate.. I suggest you call the Portland location, and be certain to mention that you are affiliated with the B'VILLE NORTHWEST REUNION. This rate covers several days before and after the event. Refund policy; Up to Feb 4th all but $5 will be refunded. After February 10th, no refunding. I would love to see you, Thanks, Glenn Freudenberger

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9) Don Freeland, 82, died November 2 in San Diego after battling health problems for years. The eight-time Indianapolis 500 starter from 1953-60, was a long-time sprint car and Indy Car driver for Bob Estes, a Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Inglewood, near LA International Airport. Don, a long-time, resident of Torrance, CA, finished third in the 1956 Indy 500 for Estes. He finished, seventh in 1954 and 1958 and dropped out of the 1955 Indy 500 when his transmission failed 22 laps from the finish while he was in second place. Don raced CRA roadsters and AAA sprints and midgets before USAC took over sanctioning duties in 1956. He had ten finishes of second or third places in National Champ, Trail races and 36 top tens in those races from 1952-60. He finished third in points one season. Upon retiring from racing, Don became a member of the Champion Spark Plug Highway Safety Team. It used veteran Indy 500 drivers to visit high schools and speak to students about safe driving. Several years ago Don, his wife Jan and daughter Deana, of Torrance, attended the annual California Roadster Association reunion luncheon at Knott's Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park. That Walt James organized event might have been the final time most of his long-time racing friends saw Don in person. Tim Kennedy

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10) Shortly after the death of Shav Glick, fellow Los Angeles Times sportswriter, Jerry Crowe wrote a tribute to him. Crowe's page 2 column read, "The most inspiring thing about the late Shav Glick, whose writing and reporting entertained and informed Southland sports fans for 70 years, was that even though he was 87 when he died, he never really grew old. Apropos of a reporter best known for covering auto racing, Glick ran circles around younger colleagues right up until the day he retired last year." Tim Kennedy

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11) Mary Ann at www.hotrodhotline.com wrote to ask that we remember to always use the full www.hotrodhotline.com and not shorten it to www.HRHL.com, because there is no such website. I often use HRHL to save on typing, but it doesn't exist. Jack and Mary Ann Lawford also have a fine motorcycle website. They will have a booth at the Grand National Roadster Show, promoted by John Buck, in late January. Roger Rohrdanz and I will be covering the show for them and for any other magazine or website that would like photos and articles. There will be land speed racing cars at the GNRS in Pomona. John Buck is a progressive thinking person. Originally the show was moved from Northern California to Southern California in an effort to stabilize the venue site. The previous owners were running into conflicts with venue site owners and their terms made it difficult to keep it in one spot, or to find places where there was an enclosed building large enough to handle the show. The Cyrs sold the rights to John Buck and he increased the space considerable and made the show more varied and interesting. The advantage in having the GNRS at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona is that there are 7 enclosed buildings and plenty of outside space for additional displays. Buck added the Suede Palace exhibit and encouraged Traditional Hot Rodders to display their cars. He worked with Von Hot Rod on a Pinstripers Reunion that brought 30 of the best pinstripers in the country to the Show. Ron Main brought his Flat Fire Streamliner to exhibit and Ernie Nagamatsu entered his Max Balchowsky Ol' Yeller Hot Rod. Buck has talked to Roger and I in the past and would love to add more land speed racing cars to the show.

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12) Becky Summers, widow of Goldenrod builder and driver Bob Summers, passed away on December 27, 2007 after a short illness. Services are Friday, January 4, 2008. For further information, please contact: Tiffany Summers or Scott Summers 909-987-1496. Also, would you please add Maggie Summers to the SLSRH newsletter list? She is doing a crack job of gathering the family racing history and would benefit from seeing how others are doing the job of preserving the sport’s heritage. Speedy Regards, "LandSpeed" Louise Ann Noeth Landspeed: Please send Maggie's email address and we will add it to the list. Our condolences to the family.

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13) Just got the news from Bill Groak on Dick McClung's recent death and it's now in the News Section of www.speedstylemagazine.com with a mention in the intro column. Bill Moore Readers: Bill Moore is the past editor of DRIVE Magazine.

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Members: Jonathan Amo, Brett Arena, Henry Astor, Gale Banks, Glen Barrett, Mike Bastian, Lee Blaisdell, Jim Bremner, Warren Bullis, George Callaway, Gary Carmichael, John Chambard, Jerry Cornelison, G. Thatcher Darwin, Jack Dolan, Ugo Fadini, Bob Falcon, Rich Fox, Glenn Freudenberger, Don Garlits, Bruce Geisler, Stan Goldstein, Andy Granatelli, Walt James, Wendy Jeffries, Ken Kelley, Mike Kelly, Bret Kepner, Kay Kimes, Jim Lattin, Mary Ann and Jack Lawford, Fred Lobello, Dick Martin, Ron Martinez, Tom McIntyre, Don McMeekin, Bob McMillian, Tom Medley, Jim Miller, Don Montgomery, Bob Morton, Mark Morton, Paula Murphy, Louise Ann Noeth, Frank Oddo, David Parks, Richard Parks, Wally Parks (in memoriam), Eric Rickman, Willard Ritchie, Roger Rohrdanz, Evelyn Roth, Ed Safarik, Frank Salzberg, Dave Seely, Charles Shaffer, Mike Stanton, David Steele, Doug Stokes, Bob Storck, Zach Suhr, Maggie Summers, Pat Swanson, Al Teague, JD Tone, Jim Travis, Randy Travis, Jack Underwood and Tina Van Curen, Richard Venza.

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