NEWSLETTER 13 - October 25, 2007

Editor's notes: My system crashed and with the help of many people we have brought it back up to line. The format may look peculiar for awhile as I learn what to do, or it may never be what it once was. Another thing is that I cannot forward photos. Maybe it's possible, but I haven't learned how. Thanks to my partner, Roger Rohrdanz, the photographer, we have uncovered 2413 supposedly lost emails under the [email protected] address. I'm using [email protected], but perhaps it doesn't matter if one has DSL now.

President's Corner: By Jim Miller.   The Beach Car. Perhaps the world's most technically advanced American built streamliner up until the early 1960's was hatched by a youthful driver at Muroc Dry Lake. That eventful day was April 11, 1927. The back-story. Two months earlier on February 4th, Malcolm Campbell had set the World's Land Speed Record at Pendine in Great Britain with two runs averaging 174.883 mph in his mammoth Bluebird. A month later a monster of a car called a Sunbeam visited Daytona Beach for an assault on the record. It was the first time in seven years that any attempt was made on the Florida sands. On March 29, Henry Segrave drove his beast to a new record of 203.792 mph, the first official record over 200. So now it's April at Muroc Dry Lake in Southern California. A straight-8 90.2 cubic inch powered board track racer with some special tweeks by its intrepid driver sets a new World Record at 164.84 mph. It then goes out on a Bonzai run and turns an amazing 171.02 mph one way, just a tick slower than the Bluebird record set two months earlier and 32 mph slower than the new week old record. A light bulb must have turned on in the young driver's head, if the Sunbeam record holder had a displacement of 2760 inches, all he needed to do was double his displacement to 3 litres and go kick butt. The car that emerged was breathtaking. The V-16 engine used two top ends like his board tracker that bolted to a special crankcase that housed two crankshafts. Aerodynamics were the word for this car as the body was only 24" wide and 46" tall and the frontal area was 10.8 square feet including the wheel pants. The axles had fairings and as far as I know it was the first car to incorporate fully enclosed wheels and a water tank for cooling instead of a radiator. Twin superchargers were used and a unique inter-cooling system that was part of the body like the Super-marine racing planes used. The CD was calculated at .22 and if the car was around today it could probably run close to 300 mph. To pay for the building of the car, finances were needed so knocking on doors led to the car being named the Stutz Blackhawk. After the initial monies were spent our driver reached into his own pocket and used his Indy 500 winnings to complete the car, said to be at something close to $100,000 in 1927 pre-tax dollars. Late February '28 was the date set for three contenders to go for the record at Daytona Beach. Campbell arrived with a revised Bluebird and grabbed the record at 206.956 mph. Our driver was next up with his untried machine. After a few disappointing runs over the next couple of days and some fixes it was time for a real run. Washington's Birthday dawned so the car was made ready. The weather was bad and the sand was wet but our hero driver didn't want to disappoint the thousands of spectators that came out to see him, so he went for it. Approaching the clocks at an estimated 225 mph Mother Nature struck. The car flipped and ended up in the surf on its wheels. Apart from nearly drowning, his only injury was a cut hand. They packed up and headed back to Indy to fix the car. Last up was Ray Keech in his triple-engined 5000 c.i. ride. It didn't run right so the event was called. On April 22, The Keech car was back and so was our hero. The Triplex as Keech's car was known ran 207.55 and got the record by less than a mile an hour. On the 24th the Blackhawk was again ready, so off it went. As our driver was again approaching the first timing light all hell broke loose. The right rear tire blew and sent the car into a long skid before the wheels dug in and started destroying itself in a series of flips and bounces. This time our hero didn't fair to well. He was thrown from the car and ended up 50 feet away from the tangled heap. Frank Lockhart lost his luck that day but his legacy lived on. The Germans ran their cars on the Autobahn in the late '30's using his ideas and Lockhart's engine was used at Indy in another car a few times. It's hard to find an LSR car today that isn't using some system pioneered on the young man's Blackhawk. The engine block still exists and there are rumors that the mangled car is tucked away in an unknown building somewhere in the Midwest. Only time will tell.

Editor's notes: The following photographs are from the files of Jim Miller. "Attached is a cutaway drawing done by C.O. LaTourette for Sports Cars Illustrated/Car & Driver over 40 years ago. The first photo is a never been published shot from my collection of Frank Lockhart doing a radio broadcast before his first runs in February '28. The second shot is after Lockhart crashed the first time in February '28. Photographs by Official Daytona Beach Photographer T. H. LeSesnf." Jim Miller

Note: No pictures were sent to www.hotrodhotline.com

..."picture with Veda Orr in the August '40..." WOW! There is a name out of the past. Karl and Veda lived a few blocks from us, in Culver City. They operated a speed shop on Washington Place, on the Eastern edge where the street split off of Washington Blvd. A guy named Sandy Belond rented the back of Karl's shop and he and his wife, Ruth, also lived in a small apartment that was part of the building. I was a high school kid at that time, but visited many times to the Orr, white with black trim, residence. I recall that Karl had ashtrays in his home shop, a practice I picked up during my smoking years. Bob Falcon
Bob: Write down more memories of Karl, Veda, Sandy and Ruth and send them to us. I hate to say this, but our knowledge of these pioneers in motorsports is so sketchy that we have almost no record of them. Your memories are a great start to uncovering our past in landspeed racing. Everything that you send will be posted here.

I made a mistake of what I ran at the Hot Rod show. It was a layout of Bonneville. I'll give Norm Grabowski a call. It would be nice to see him after all these years. I have a milestone coming up this Friday, the 19th of October. It will be 60 years ago when I ran my '32 Roadster, with a Winfield Head at 96.35 mph. I am going to run the same head, cam and manifold, next year at Bonneville. The tank Lakester is being updated with a new rear frame and up front a new roll bar cage. Fred Lobello

Editor's notes: Welcome to Fred Lobello, Lee Blaisdell, G. Thatcher Darwin and Pat Swanson. Please forgive me if I have not mentioned your names as you have joined. Thatcher was a secretary in the SCTA in the 1940's and went to Sacramento to argue against the Dill's Bill's that would have altered hot rodding by requiring fenders on all cars and forbidding any adaptation and enhancements on stock Detroit engines. Fred Lobello is a land-speed racer from the 1940's. Pat Swanson is a good friend of Jack Underwood and a collector and historian from Washington State. Lee Blaisdell was the official SCTA and CRA photographer, who later worked for Pete Petersen at Hot Rod Magazine from January to May, 1948. His treasure trove of photos were given to the SCTA and we are now trying to locate them. Don Garlits has some of Lee's later photos and has made them available for the SCTA Minutes 1937-1948 book.

I just wanted to express my condolences over the passing of your father, Wally Parks. I had gotten behind on reading your newsletters and just realized what had happened. I sincerely hope you are all doing pretty well...this sure isn't easy...and my heart and prayers go out to you. I kept hoping I would be able to come over for a visit to talk to him about my dad, Jack Parks, since they had known each other since boyhood. I had hoped I would be able to learn some things about my dad from your dad. And I'm really so sorry he's gone. My fianc�e and I are in fact coming to the USA next month (we live in Pisa, Italy) and I had it in my plans to make a point of seeing him if possible. Now I guess I won't get that chance. But it is a small lose for me compared to what I know you and your family and all those who knew him well must be feeling. Best regards, Patrick Parks

Could / would you please ad me to the list for SLRH info / activity? I have a pretty good size collection of SCTA info that I would be happy to share. Pat Swanson
Pat: Will do. You can share articles, stories and photos by sending the articles and small size photos to me here at the newsletter. Welcome to the SLRH.

OCTOBER 21, 2007. Respected Newspaper Journalist Shav Glick passed away early this morning after a year-long battle with melanoma. I have no more details than the fact that he died peacefully after what had been a very uncomfortable time for a man who had been so vigorous andseemingly so bullet-proof for 85+ years. Shav Glick’s work was always about the people. Covering the most tech-enabled sport there is, Shav always preferred to print the stories about the folks who made the tech work. Not that he didn’t understand or appreciate mechanical side of the racing sport, it was just that he understood that the real story always started with the first of the “5 W’s” … Who? Motorsports movers and shakers? Shav knew them all, and his calls were always taken, always returned. Not out of fear, but because articles written under Shav’s byline were considered important documents in his realm. One of only two journalists ever to be elected to the Motorsports Hall of Fame; his words, his views, his interviews, were all plainly important to the sport. He always understood that fact, but never let on that he did. By the way, he also got a lot of great mileage out of that last “W” as well: Why? On a personal note: I got my job as the PR guy at Perris Auto Speed way on a one-word answer to a one-question job interview. “Do you know Shav Glick?” “Yes.” I’ve previously noted the kind of respect that Shav had among the captains and princes of the industry. He was universally respected, never feared, always revered. He retooled Henry Ford’s famous dictum by always explaining and (almost) never complaining. He was approachable, open, friendly, but always a true, tough journalist in every way when on the trail of a good story. It seemed to me that he never broke a sweat, even while writing an exact number of column inches on a hard, fast-approaching deadline. In reality his work only looked easy. His stuff always read easily, one never had to go back into the copy to restring a thread of logic. I know that he worked hard on every sentence that he ever wrote but his true talent was getting it right the first time. Perhaps no other newspaper journalist ever had to publish fewer corrections, and, when he did, he did it was always in the same “size” type as his original story. Re-reading what I’ve written above about my dear friend Shav Glick, I notice the word “always” cropping up in just about every ‘graph. Bad writing at it's best. However, for my writing talent level, there’s no other way to explain this guy this morning. He was just an “always” kind of a person. Godspeed Sir, Godspeed! Doug Stokes 10/20/07

How would one go about getting a Wally Parks tribute t-shirt...thank you. Kari Teresa
Dear Kari: The T-shirt was originally going to be sold at the US Nationals in Indianapolis in 2008 to benefit the Museum in Pomona. I only know of it because the T-shirt maker contacted my brother and I to get permission to use our father's image, which we consented to. Call the gift shop at 909-622-2133 and they can tell you when they are in stock. The Twilight Cruise nights for the remainder of this year will be on November 7th and December 5th, and the open house during the races will be on November 2nd, from 6-10pm. My father was very hesitant about having his picture on a T-shirt, but his love for the history and heritage of automobile racing prompted him to let his good friend, Chick Saffell, make this T-shirt in an effort to support the Motorsport Museum.

Editor's Notes: NOTHING is ever lost on the internet. Once I got DSL, my partner and teacher, Roger Rohrdanz showed me how to bring up my old email address, which some of you are still using. There were 2413 unanswered emails waiting for me, including more tributes to my father. Here they are for the record:

Betty and I are very sorry to hear about you father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know you are very proud of your father and his accomplishments which will live with all racers forever. Dale Crossno

In 2002 I made the four-hour drive down to the Museum's monthly cruise to talk to Wally about the early days of drag racing at Santa Maria. He took me inside, where we found a deserted corner, and he proceeded to show me what living history really is. The facts he still had fresh were just amazing. I also told him about my buying a DVD of the original Dragnet TV series from the early '50s and discovering an episode about the NHRA. I kidded him about the Wally Parks depicted having a moustache, obviously an impostor!, Because we shared the same birthday I last year sent him a card. It had Elvis on it and like I told him, even if he didn't swivel his hips, he was just as much an Americana icon. With hot rodding and drag racing added on, few people get to say they are an icon, let alone icons of three separate worlds. Like everyone, I am saddened by Wally's death. It is a huge loss that can never be replaced. You and your family are very much in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Love & Respect, Joe "Blues Animal" Stephan

Wally Parks Tribute Part II: From Oklahoma to California. In the second video clip from our 2001 interview, Wally talks about his amazing trip to California as a kid in a model T and the conditions he found when he arrived. As he points out it was a real Grapes of Wrath story. http://www.ahrf.com/video.php
    I've been havin' some hard travelin', I thought you knowed
    I've been havin' some hard travelin', way down the road
    I've been havin' some hard travelin', hard ramblin', hard gamblin'
    I've been havin' some hard travelin', lord
Hard Travelin' by Woodie Guthrie  From the American Hot Rod Foundation, New York City, New York.

I am very sorry to hear about your dad. please accept our sympathies. I just read it in the paper this morning and then I received your e-mail. Billy Cruce

Sorry I have not contacted you sooner, but my husband had a very serious back surgery last week. I am so, so very sorry to hear about your dad. He did so much for the industry and I do remember meeting him personally a few times over at NHRA, even though I am sure he would not have remembered me, but was glad at least to have that opportunity. Just know that my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Any word yet on services or if donations of any kind are being accepted, if so, where? Hugs, Debbie Baker

Can you advise my family and I on services, Thanks again and god Bless, Jim Mac Monagle
Jim: The best thing to do is check www.nhra/museum, www.oilstick.com or www.hotrodhotline.com for details.

Please know that Betty and I extend to you and family our deepest sympathy with the death of your dad. As you know I met Wally on So, Figuroa St when his roadster overheated in traffic and I drove my black and white to the police garage and got him a container of water. He invited me to his 'office' which was behind a service station on Robertson. When I stopped by we discussed my work with car clubs and we were good friends from then on. It was his article in Hot Rod magazine called "Cops and Rodders" about LAPDs' work with car clubs that opened the way for kids all over the country to approach thier police department for help with thier activities. Several Departments in L.A. County formed the Police Advisory Council for Car Clubs and we were off and running. Wallys repeated articles in Hot Rod Magazine really spread the word about the cooperation between Cops and Rodders. Bud Coons and Chief Parker of the Pomona Police Department got permission to put in a drag strip. Others followed around the Country. It was your dad, Wally who organized the strips and he founded the Nationl Hot Rod Association. I replaced Lee as secretary when he had to leave the board. A lot of people have said a lot of wonderful things about your dad and they are all true. I will always cherish our friendship. Gordon Browning.
Gordon and the readers: See the article on Gordon Browning at www.hotrodhotline.com and www.oilstick.com. Browning bridged the time line between the dry lakes, street racing and the new sport of drag racing. One of those truly unsung leaders that we must rediscover and write about.

I wanted to let you know how saddened I was to hear of your Dad passing away. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I've been very bussy with work and getting the Studebaker ready for next year that I've not kept in touch....so please forgive me and I'll try and a least drop you a line from time to time...your friend Ron Phelps, Gear Grinder

Just wanted to let you know how sorry Vince & I are to hear of, your dad's passing. You & your family are in our thoughts &, prayers. Nab & Vince Davis, Rod Riders

Karen and I are very sorry to learn that your father died. He was a Giant! Regards, Bob Senior

Sorry about your dad's passing Richard, our prayers are with you. Ed Randall

Words fail me. We ALL loved and cherished your dad. He did so much for so many. Don Rudy

My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father...Sincerly, Larry Schwabenland

I am so sorry for all the recent deaths in your family. It is hard losing loved ones. Your dad, in my mind, was one of the most wonderful men in the world. He was always a gentleman and treated everyone fairly. As a woman, I had my ups and downs with NHRA, but it has all come out in the wash, as my Mom use to say. Again, Richard, my deepest sympathy. Paula Murphy

We have lost a giant motorsports statesman, the likes of which will not be seen anytime soon again. Pioneers with visionary conviction are hard to come by. I did notice how frail Wally was at the Winternationals and made it a point to sit and talk with him much longer than normal. From his response to my conversation I could tell he enjoyed the talk immensely – and it all about dry lakes racing. It was a bit surreal because we were chatting away trading historical notes and details halting only momentarily as the pro cars blasted off the line in the semi-finals. We had the best seats in the house for the drags but spoke of nothing but Bonneville and the dry lakes. I knew where the guy’s heart was. Speedy Regards, "LandSpeed" Louise Ann Noeth

Your father is the greatest person I've ever met. I was very fortunate to meet him. Albert Wong

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your dad. I know you'll keep up all the good work in his stead. Let me know if I can be of any help in any manner. Regards, David Scully

Sorry to hear about Wally. They say hospitals are unsafe. He was a good guy. I always enjoyed talking to him. He never talked down to us little racers. He was always cordial. Thanks, Ken Kelley

Shav's LAT column this morning is where I learned of your father's passing. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Richard. Wally Parks packed a lot of exciting experiences into his 94 years. He was truly a legend in the NHRA. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother David, and the entire Parks family. Sincerely, Linda, Linda McCoy-Murray

My condolences on the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Skip Young

Joanie and I were greatly saddened to hear of Wally's passing yesterday, I believe that no other man has contirbuted more to a sport, than him. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Dan, Joanie and Alex Warner

Sorry to hear the news of your father's passing. RIP WALLY PARKS, Sincerely, Jim Maxwell

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to you and your family. Wally was one great man. We will all miss him dearly. John Morehead

Editor's notes: Derek McLeish, a Gear Grinder, sent in these thoughts which he shared with many in the SCTA.

To quote the MC Board vision, and these are quotes I've heard over the last month.
...1. "We want competition between individuals not just against a number."
...2. "If I had my way we would not have the Production class."
...3. Ban all sidecars, "amen."
...4. "If you can't break the national speed limit you aren't racing."
...5. "The car guys want fewer classes for the motorcycles."
...6. "The minimums are all too low, wait till we raise them all."
...7. "Racing for points screws up El Mirage."
If we want more competition among people, not against records and minimums, we should have one class restrictor plate type racing. The SCTA could be just like NASCAR, devoid of flathead and roadster classes. The SCTA is the last stronghold of amateur hot rod racing. To me that means, we relish innovation and participation of the individual. Hot rods broke from the idea that the "factory" had the corner on innovation. That's why we race against records or minimums for speed by class and engine size. Does the FIA care who has the fastest flathead, or vintage four? No Does the FIM care who has the fastest pushrod motorcycle? No SCTA style racing gives us little guys a chance to compete and not just by buying the latest sport bike. A vision of the future has to consider the past, and rules should only be changed when there is a real reason to change them, not just an agenda which I believe is contrary to spirit of the SCTA. Derek McLeish

Hi Richard, its Garry Baker in Melbourne....just got some news that Rosie passed away. We used to dialogue quite a bit, quite recently too, because John Hyam at the South London press is currently doing a story on him. There's a few links and bits below which might be of use to you....all Rosie related. Cheers, Garry Baker
 England 1948 - http://www.speedcarworld.com.au/default.asp?Page=Release&Id=8958
 A local story - http://www.bakersfield.com/248/story/47406.html
 The Riley - http://www.kmrhr.freeserve.co.uk/rosie/restored/restored.htm

Members:

Jonathan Amo, Brett Arena, Henry Astor, Glen Barrett, Lee Blaisdell, Warren Bullis, Gary Carmichael, G. Thatcher Darwin, Jack Dolan, Ugo Fadini, Robert Falcon, Rich Fox, Glenn Freudenberger, Don Garlits, Bruce Geisler, Stan Goldstein, Walt James, Wendy Jeffries, Mike Kelly, Mary Ann and Jack Lawford, Fred Lobello, 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, Pat Swanson, Al Teague, JD Tone and Jack Underwood.

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