NEWSLETTER 10 - October 18, 2007

President's Corner: By Jim Miller. Jim is at Bonneville this week. So much has come in that I've had to send out three (3) editions in one week. The newsletter is supposed to be weekly, unless more information comes in to justify another issue and this week is one of those busy ones.

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father. As a tribute, the AHRF has started running video clips from our 2001 interview with him. They can be seen at http://www.ahrf.com/video.php. Henry Astor

I can't tell you how frustrating this is. I had the copy for this article to my webguy Saturday morning at 11, and it finally got up last night. In any case, check my meager attempt to honor Wally Parks at www.speedmachinesmagazine.com, last item on the Index. Best Regards, Bill Moore

I had a few extra minutes while reading the last newsletter and though we might consider adopting a logo so I offer this as a candidate. Comments? Speedy Regards, "LandSpeed" Louise Ann Noeth Land
Speed: It looks racy and modern, yet reminds us of the past. What do the other members think? Should we call ourselves LANDSPEED RACING HISTORIANS or just LANDSPEED HISTORIANS?

I know you are very busy and overwhelmed but I wanted to keep you in touch with the people who are contacting us. The link to your father's page is www.Hotrodhotline.com/wallyparks. We have many sentiments and memories and I am keeping these emails for you so that you can have them when you are ready. Let us know if we can help in any way. Sincerely, Mary Ann & Jack Lawford www.HotRodHotLine.com, www.HotrodhotlineBIKES.com, www.HotRodTrucks.com. 877-700-2468, 208-562-0470.
Mary Ann and Jack: Thank you for posting the comments to your website. You perform a valuable service to the hot rodding community and we appreciate all that you do.

Editor's notes: Further tributes received concerning the passing of Wally Parks. The purpose of the newsletter is to receive and pass on news as it pertains to landspeed, dry lakes, salt flat and other straight-line racing news. It touches on the hot rod culture because landspeed and hot rodding grew out of the same heritage. Drag racing is a direct descendant of landspeed racing, but it is so huge a topic that our group has decided not to incorporate it into our purpose or research. There are a great number of fine societies and organizations that pursue the history of drag racing and we will leave the writing and record keeping to them. Wally Parks is the tie between dry lakes, Bonneville, landspeed racing and its descendant, drag racing. My brother and I asked him many times about what he thought of this issue. He was proud of both sports, but he recognized their unique differences and at no time ever criticized the direction that either of them took. He was in charge of both organizations to an extent that few people ever understood. Before WWII, his presence within the SCTA was everywhere, but his name was not prominently displayed. Like Julian Doty, Jim Lindsley, Kong Jackson, Bozzy Willis, Thatcher Darwin, Eldon Snapp, Tiny Tyler, Veda Orr and many other hardworking but often unrecognized volunteers, these men and women made the SCTA a permanent and durable organization. Dad was president for only one year, but his presence was felt for a decade. "The Quiet One," he influenced and was influenced by a group of men that included Bozzy Willis and Ak Miller. It wasn't important who was the President, secretary, recording secretary or General Secretary, four very important positions. These men worked as one, with a common accord, to make the SCTA a force for the preservation of landspeed racing and hot rodding in the country. Dad's book will be out as soon as my brother David and I can finish it. In the meantime, here are more tributes that I have received.

30 Sep 2007 We were very saddened, to say the least, upon hearing about your father's passing. There are not enough words or time to describe the enormous contributions that your Dad made in his lifetime for everyone involved in Drag Racing. He truly brought this form of racing from the dark ages into the present modern day sport that it is. At times I feel enough people do not realize the amount of sacrifices your Dad and his family made to make it possible for NHRA to reach the level that it did while he was running it. Thank God for your Dad's perseverance and the support of his family that has allowed a lot of us to make a living doing what we love to do. It is very much appreciated. On behalf of Jane Black, myself, and the entire crew at Keith Black Racing Engines we send you our sincere condolences. May God's blessings be with you now and always. Sincerely, Ken Black

30 Sep 2007 First and foremost I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Being hit with three is most traumatic for the family. And I hope you are feeling better physically. Would cookies help? Aurora Leveroni

30 Sep 2007 Art and I found out about your father's passing at the GasUp in Buellton on September 29, 2007, and both of us and all those who attended were deeply moved and each recalled their memories and contact with him over the years. Dick Martin, who knew about Wally interviewed Art for quite awhile at the Gas-up and is recording the interview and pictures for posterity. Our love and deep sympathy go to you all at this time and as the days go by, your memories will be good ones. God Bless you and keep you in his care--Art and Jan Male, Gold Coast Roadster and Racing Club--Santa Maria.

30 Sep 2007 I heard about your Dad Passing away this last week. I lost my dad in June, so I kinda feel like we both have gone down the same railroad track this year. I am sure that you loved your Dad from the bottom of your heart and he knows this. He was a loved man by not only your family but to us car nuts all across this land. There is nothing I can say to ease the pain, just hang in there!!!!!!! Love ya brother!!!!!! Scrub Hansen

30 Sep 2007 Thank you sir ... please know that you can rely on me for whatever you need. I have the unhappy duty of informing Gale, he was speechless, when he spoke his voice cracked, no one who ever met your father ever failed to fall madly in love with him (and you know what I mean by that). A hero for us all! TAKE CARE. Please let us know the plans when you can and know that my above offer is for real and ernest! Dave Mc and Leon had some very nice things to say about your dad on his show this a.m. Doug Stokes

30 Sep 2007 Please accept my condolences on the death of your father. Will there be a ceremony? Please keep me advised. We lost a great man. I admired him greatly. I worked under him for many years. We got to know each other very well. Eric 'Rick' Rickman

30 Sep 2007 We would like to pass along your sentiments to our visitors as so many of them loved your father and revered what he has done for hot rodding over his lifetime. We know that many of our visitors would like to pass along their respects to your family and share their stories with you. May we do that on Hotrodhotline? We can have them send their words here and we can forward them to you to keep your email address somewhat private or whichever you and David would like us to do. Again...let us know if you need anything from us. Jack & Mary Ann Lawford

30 Sep 2007 We are so sad to hear of Wally's death. It is such a loss. He was a true friend and one of the great hero's of the planet. Our condolences to you and David. We will keep in touch. Deepest sympathy. Al and Jane Teague

30 Sep 2007 I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father Wally. I had a nice talk with him 2 or 3 years ago at the Parnelli Jones exhibit at he NHRA Museum named for your dad. He was very cordial and I enjoyed my talk with him. Tim Kennedy

1 Oct 2007 This is Fred Lobello. Very, very sorry about your Dad Wally. We were long time friends. I worked in the first Hot Rod show in 1948. Please let me know when the services are going held. I don't drive long distances much any more. Is there some one from here coming. Maybe some one in the San Diego Roadster Club. I want to be there. I am 85 as of last Dec 31st. Fred Lobello

1 Oct 2007 God bless you and your family. Your Dad was a giant. We will all miss him, but his accomplishments will live on and on. I am on the Board of Directors of the Petersen Automotive Museum - if it appears that the NHRA Museum cannot handle the expected turnout to honor your Father, we can, and we certainly can and would be honored to help. With deepest and heartfelt condolences, Steven Young

1 Oct 2007 This iCard has been sent to you from DIANA LUNA

1 Oct 2007 My thoughts are with you and your entire family at this time. A legend in the annals of speed and safety. Thank heaven there is the museum to perpetuate his life and great interest in this famous sport. With love and sympathy. Alice Hanks

1 Oct 2007 We cannot fathom your pain in this loss but please know Mary & I; along with undoubted millions of admirers of Mr. Wally and your family are here to help you bear the burden. If I can be of any help in your history seeking for the book please feel free to contact me. Sincere Best Wishes to you all. Joe and Mary Mondello And our team at Mondello Tech Center

1 Oct 2007 I was very, very sorry about the passing of Wally, I worked for NHRA for 35 years and Wally is in the top five of people that were great. Great to work for, great to be around. I could go on and on but I want to keep this short, so once again I am very sorry for your loss it was also my loss too. Bill Crites

1 Oct 2007 I saw on the George Clintonopolis show, on ABC, Sunday, that your father passed this past week. I am so sorry for your loss. Please do not hesitate to call if I can do anything or be of any help. Richard and Sandie Forteville

1 Oct 2007 We all have a heavy heart dealing with the death of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts as you continue life’s journey, without him. I spent forty years in his company. We had memorable moments together as NHRA was transitioning to its current state. We had a close bond for most of those years. I have many vignettes of our time together. We watched you and David grow from little guys to fatherhood and beyond. It was a wondrous time for me...and now a chapter has closed. Sad that I couldn't have been there toward the end. Please continue to stay in touch…we send our regards to David and his family. With affection, Harvey & Penny Palash

1 Oct 2007 Seth and I were so very sorry to read of your father's passing. He lived at such an amazing time and achieved monumental accomplishments. Wonderful memories for your family. With deepest sympathy. Tanis & Seth Hammond

1 Oct 2007 Gale Banks extends his most sincere condolences at the passing of your father. He wanted to share with you his personal message on the following Banks website link, www.banksblog.com. The entire Banks organization wishes you comfort during this difficult time. With warmest regards, Sheri Adams on behalf of Gale Banks

1 Oct 2007 Eric and I would like to extend our condolences to you and your brother David and both of your families. We love your Dad very much and he will be greatly missed. If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. Again, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Kat Lotz

1 Oct 2007 I was very saddened to learn of your father’s passing. I first met Wally when I was the editor working to wrap up Dean Batchelor’s book The American Hot Rod after Dean passed away. Your dad, Alex, Greg Sharp, John Lawlor, and Mrs. Bachelor all gathered at Dean’s house to help me sort out photo details for the book. It was really an amazing experience for me to spend time with such historic hot rodding and racing figures. I wish I could have gotten Wally to finish writing his life story, but frankly he was just too busy living it, an admirable situation really. I know I join innumerable other admirers in wishing you and your family well. Best wishes, Zack Miller, Publisher, Motorbooks

1 Oct 2007 Bud and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Bud’s friendship with your Dad was always very special and I know he will be greatly missed by everyone that ever met him. We will look forward to seeing you soon. Your friends, Bud Meyer and Joan Denver/Meyer

1 Oct 2007 So sorry to hear about you loss. Your Father was a visionary and leaves behind an unequaled legacy. I was blessed to have gotten many pictures with him, each time holding a picture of him and me from a previous encounter. The last one I got was when he was presented the little red roadster. He will be missed, but to the NHRA and all those associated with it, he will never be forgotten. Take care, Mitch " Embo" Bowland- son of NHRA charter member Jerry Bowland #1550

1 Oct 2007 Sheri Adams forwarded a link to my blog about your Dad earlier today. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both. As always, Gale Banks

2 Oct 2007 Just a small word to say how very sad and sorry I am to hear about Uncle Wally. I know there is little that I can say or do but just want to let you know that my thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of yourself, all my best, Leila Livingston

3 Oct 2007 I am very sorry to learn from the SLSRH newsletter about your fathers passing away. You and your brother lost your father, but may I say we all, the LSR community, lost a father, no matter how far we live and how seldom we met him (once in my case), no matter whether we are racers, writers or just enthusiasts, we know we all owe him much. We will deeply miss him. Ugo Fadini

3 Oct 2007 Sending you our most heartfelt condolences with sincere best wishes...Much aloha. Bruce & Kolleen Wheeler

3 Oct 2007 I know you are very busy, but I wanted to keep you in touch with the people who are contacting us. The link to your fathers page is www.Hotrodhotline.com/wallyparks. We have many sentiments and memories and I am keeping these emails for you so that you can have them when you are ready. Let us know if we can help in any way. Sincerely, Mary Ann & Jack Lawford

3 Oct 2007 You have been hit hard by loss, my sympathy to you and yours. May you recover from all the losses soon. Regards, Jeanne Khan

3 Oct 2007 You've lost your Father and the rest of the racing world has lost a dear friend. Our deepest sympathy to both of you and to your families. We all knew it was inevitable, but it was way too soon. We were all looking forward to celebrating Wally's 100th birthday. Unlike Barbara who was so ill, it just wasn't time for him to go. We loved spending time with both of them. They had so many great stories. We enjoyed taking day trips around the area with one or both of them narrating the tour. On one occasion we visited all of the old NHRA offices. We toured all their old hang outs, places where they had lived, and we had lunches or dinners at all of their favorite eateries. We had great times with great friends. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and so mischievous. I still have a letter he sent me that he signed "the Mole." It was in reply to a card I sent him. He meant so much to us, he was like a favorite uncle, and we will surely miss his presence. He has left volumes of memories for all of us. He must have inherited story telling from his Indian Ancestors, because he was one of the greatest. If there is anything that we can do, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us. Wayne & Ruth McMurtry

4 Oct 2007 It must be hard having to share you dad with millions of admirers, so I send this note trusting you and your family find a measure of private comfort, solace among the publicity storm that continues to be whipped up with your dad’s passing. I recognize that behind the public face, he was your father, a mentor and hopefully all those things that others kids get with a “regular” dad. From that perspective I offer prayer and soothing thoughts for your hearts, your minds and your emotions. With deepest sympathy, Louise Noeth

4 Oct 2007 For all of the fame your Father accumulated regarding drag racing, in my opinion he also had a flame within his soul for Bonneville. I remember a time as I was walking along the starting line, we fell into step together. I took that moment to thank him for his contributions that also allowed Bonneville to continue for there were many that were never revealed. He looked at me and said, "I promise I'll do anything I can to guarantee this continues to happen." Nothing more could be asked of him regarding the assistance of NHRA and the LSR community. Not only was it a huge loss to your family but the racing community also lost a parent. Glenn Freudenberger

Members:

Jonathan Amo, Brett Arena, Henry Astor, Glen Barrett, Warren Bullis, Gary Carmichael, Jack Dolan, Ugo Fadini, Robert Falcon, Rich Fox, Glenn Freudenberger, Bruce Geisler, Stan Goldstein, Walt James, Wendy Jeffries, Mike Kelly, Dick Martin, Ron Martinez, Tom McIntyre, Don McMeekin, Tom Medley, Jim Miller, Don Montgomery, Mark Morton, Louise Ann Noeth, David Parks, Richard Parks, Wally Parks (in memoriam), Eric Rickman, Willard Ritchie, Roger Rohrdanz, Evelyn Roth, Ed Safarik, Frank Salzberg, Charles Shaffer, Mike Stanton, David Steele, Doug Stokes, Bob Storck, Al Teague, JD Tone and Jack Underwood.

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