SOCIETY OF LAND SPEED RACING HISTORIANS
NEWSLETTER 111 - May 14, 2009
Editor: Richard Parks [email protected]
President's Corner: By Jim Miller (1-818-846-5139)

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Some Names To Look For In This Newsletter:
 President's Corner, Editorials, Recently I received a large number of rejections from AOL, Don't forget the start of the SCTA season this weekend at El Mirage, Don Arivett passed away on Tuesday 5 May 2009 No details, The Fabulous Fifties reported that the following have passed away..., Book signing is on May 30 2009 between 10am-2pm, My dad was Bud Miller a Mobiler from the start, I have been collecting articles and information on my dad Joaquin Arnett, There have certainly been numerous articles written on Arfons and Breedlove etc but nothing devoted specifically to the subject, ECTA_Newsletter April 2009 Final Edition, I am writing a book about the Club Mecca murders, We have had Tom Shannon working on the history of the USFRA, Bonneville Racing News, I just saw the latest newsletter with my query in it, Your last newsletter (No. 109) contained a name that really "popped" out at me...the "Battlebirds”, Please find attached a list of tire sources, I just called Leslie Long and he informed me that there will be another Santa Ana Drags reunion in late September, The book I put together last fall "Racing Corvettes - the Early Years" has been reprinted, I just checked my spam box and found a bunch of your e-mails in there, "The ranch is a private residence", I thought you might enjoy the following - In light of the current situations and conditions of our economy, To be announced at the East Coast Timing Association meet in Maxton NC, The notes from last evening's Road Runners meeting are now available on our website

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President's Corner:  
   We lost another one. Yep, one less car company for the Feds to kick around and one less source for a hot rod in the future. It started out as a spinoff of the Oakland back in 1926 and grew into a well respected car company. In the early fifties to enhance its image, they hired former racing great Peter DePaolo as Director of Performance. Before you could bat an eye Pete made arrangements with an old friend to drag his salt flat racer back to Detroit for the big wigs to look at. Luck was on his side as the racer was powered by one of the companies flathead sixes. The race car did its trick and by the next Motorama the company had constructed a two-seater show car. The engine looked like a copy of the racer with its multi-carb setup and wowed audiences from coast to coast. It was called the Bonneville. By 1955 they had joined the modern world and built a new V8 for their passenger cars. In '54 they had sold 287,744 cars and the makeover resulted in sales of 553,808 rides for '55. Impressive. It was a great car, as I knew it from first hand experience. A two-door hardtop with 4 speed hydro was my first car. Too bad I stuffed it into a hill on Coldwater Canyon being a boy racer or I might still own it today.
   For '56 DePaolo had arranged for more friends to take the car to the salt and break some speed records. Ab and Marv Jenkins did just that in June, but without Pete as he had defected to Ford by then. NASCAR Tech Director Norris Friel picked two cars off the assembly line, checked for rule compliance, sealed and shipped them off to B-ville. The Jenkins boys set 54 records with standing and flying starts in the Pontiac's. Considering these were stockers running 118 mph for 24 hours is pretty impressive back in '56. Fastest speed listed is a flying start for five miles at 130.26 mph, over 15 mph faster than the previous record. Over the years Pontiac raised the bar for performance fanatics. They brought you Wide Track, the GTO, the Judge, the Firebird and the Fiero. The saddest part is that they're going to kill the V8 engined Solstace. Sad indeed. Talking about the Jenkins, Ab was the guy who put the salt on the map for racers, first with his own exploits and then when he talked the Brit's into coming. Here are two old postcards that show who came to play in our salt box.

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Editorial:
You will notice in the newsletters that we create a blog-like structure. Sometimes the questions, letters and responses are redundant or they go over old ground. The newsletter isn't like a newsstand magazine that is slick, short and interesting to read. While it would be nice to have a polished publication, that isn't what we are all about. Our goal is to find, save and publicize all the history that we can and so sometimes what's in the newsletter is information that we have discussed before. Maybe there's a correction or another explanation. To a historian it is important to see a fact or an event from many different perspectives. For example, the fuel ban of the late 1950's created a lot of discord and dissension in drag racing. Everyone sort of believes that nitromethane came about by 1956 and got out of control. That wasn't the case. Nitro and many other compounds that contained added oxygen molecules had been known prior to World War II and had military applications. Vic Edelbrock Junior tells the story about how his father used nitro in oval track race cars in the 1940's. Joaquin Arnett was very skilled in using various compounds by the late 1940's and early '50's. Nitro wasn't the problem, but safety equipment and track development were, according to many. So the more people who tell us about this ban from their own perspective, the better that we understand it. Some tell me that the Detroit Automakers paid off the NHRA to ban nitro. That may or may not be true, but as historians we don't go on assumptions if we can find facts. Also, we have to keep a logical mind and ask the logical questions. We are not conspiratorialists who see Detroit executives lurking behind every rock and tree. We want to interview those who were present and find documents backing up the assertions.
Another topic of interest is book and movie reviews. There are very few reviewers, but they do exist. I do reviews for www.hotrodhotline.com and often Motorbooks will ask me to do a review. I'm not a professional reviewer, but you can judge my skills at HRHL. I write like an SCTA Tech inspector. I have my own list of things to look for and I tear down a book and let you know what I think, then it's up to you to go down to the book store and take a look and see if it fits the needs of your library. I'm an ardent believer in a library. A person is known by the library he keeps. A book or a video is like a good friend; you meet up with them every so often and re-make old friendships. Four of the books that I use a lot are: “Drag Racing Yesterday and Today”, by Wally Parks; “Roy Richter, Striving for Excellence”, by Art Bagnall; “Legion Ascot Speedway”, by John Lucero; and “Every Saturday at the Santa Ana Drags”, by Tuttle and Long. There are many more valuable books, especially Don Montgomery's collection of pictorials. Unfortunately, Don didn't do an index and that makes it very hard to use his books as a resource for historical research, but at least they're available and the price is very reasonable. For videos I sometimes contact Ron Martinez, who owns www.Hotrodmemories.com. I don't have a catalog and therefore I have to ask Ron about the movies and find out details that way. Ron goes through these movies over and over again, so he's the index. There are other people who have catalogs and indexes on various topics. Ken Berg put together an index for all the articles, stories and historical research projects that he worked on. There are many others who also have indexed resource material. Part of the reason for the newsletter is to let the readers know when I've come across an archive or museum. They exist everywhere, in people's garages, shops, homes, sheds, etc. The richness and variety of what's available is truly inspiring.
So don't expect entertainment or great writing here in the SLSRH Newsletter. Our job is to get the word out as we receive it and find new interesting facts. Then it is up to you to track it down and use it to write that history or make your video. Of course, things change as we've been reminded of from the young people in America. Perhaps we will evolve into something slicker and more entertaining. Someday there will be a new President and a new editor. But for the present the newsletter is simply a huge "Letter to the Editor" format, which if you ask me, I've always liked best. Especially when editor's like Dave Freiburger, Dick Wells, Don Francisco and others responded with their hot rodders "in your face" answers. Some of those early day letter writers were fictional, made up by a bored staff I'm sure. The purpose of our unstructured procedures is to involve our readers into the conversation. We want you to pipe up and add your opinion, facts and point of view. Neither Jim nor I want to be the last word on the subject, which too often happens when we accept "positions of responsibility." We don't want to hear anyone say, "He's the editor (or president) so he must be right and I must be wrong." The Society is just as much you as it is Jim and I. You, the readers, can't write in enough. We want all the history that you have to give us. So when you have news or history to relate, send it on to me.

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Editor's notes: Recently I received a large number of rejections from AOL. It wasn't any different from any other correspondence that I've sent out, but for some reason this server decided not to forward my mail. This situation arose once before in the past and meant that I had to end my car racers newsletter. Since this server has such a large share of the market, once they refuse service, it makes it very hard to continue to send out my newsletters. Those with this server even tried to contact them and explain, but this large company simply refuses to budge. They have said that they are the arbiters of content and that's that. Since you all know what the content is in my newsletter, you would have told me long ago if it was offensive to you. My five newsletters are historical, genealogical and current topics. Jack and Mary Ann Lawford put the newsletter on their website and this bypasses having to transmit this completely by email, but it does impact my ability to find and process news for the newsletter. If I can't effectively do that, then what I send to the website will be diminished. I'm not saying that this will end the SLSRH Newsletter, but it will be a seriously blow to effective and efficient communication between the members, Jim and myself.

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Don't forget the start of the SCTA season this weekend at El Mirage. It will be a two day event, with inspections starting on Friday and inspections and racing on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2009. Jim Miller

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Don Arivett passed away on Tuesday, 5 May 2009. No details, but the SCTA web site has contact information on the health and welfare section. Glen Barrett
Glen: Thank you for the news about Don. I checked the website and the information came from Nick Arivett, son of Gerald Arivett. Nick left a website and contact information at http://www.westwindstudios.net/arivett. If anyone has a bio for Don or special stories about him, please send them into me as soon as possible.

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The Fabulous Fifties reported that the following have passed away; Dave Mericle (April 21 2009), Chet Herbert (April 23 2009), Lloyd Ruby (March 24, 2009), Art Riley (May, 2, 2009), Peter Bryant (March 31, 2009), Ray Rairdon (February 22, 2009).

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I wanted to give you a heads up about a book signing. You may already know about the book, “Harrell Engines and Racing Equipment Jim (White) Harrell and Nick Harrell”. It was written by Roger, Richard and Alec Harrell. I just got done reading the book, it really captured the era, the creativity, the focus and the longevity of Jim and Nick's passion for building race car engines and their love for drag racing. Roger Harrell recently sent me some information about a book signing in Burbank on May 30. I thought I would pass along the information to you. If you think your readers may be interested the information is below. Thank you, Susan Foshee
“A THIRTY YEAR JOURNEY THROUGH HOT RODDING”, at AUTOBOOKS-AEROBOOKS, 3524 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. 818-845-0707. The signing is on May 30, 2009 between 10am-2pm. ISBN: 1439225753. ISBN-13: 978-1439225752. Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4, Trade Paperback: 154 pages. Authors: Roger H. Harrell, professor emeritus, California State University, Northridge, lives in Hermosa Beach, California; Richard C. Harrell, retired drag racer, lives outside Cedar City, Utah; Alec R. Harrell Carlson, docent at the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, CA., and a young "Old School Hot Rodder," lives in Hermosa Beach, California. Richard and Roger are Jim and Nick Harrell's nephews, and Alec is their great grandnephew. The book and additional information about it are also available at: www.HarrellEnginesHotRodding.com.

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My dad was Bud Miller, a Mobiler from the start (of the SCTA in the late '30's) until World War II. I know he went over 100 mph many times in the 1930's. Anyway, I came upon this certificate that I thought you might enjoy.  Jim Miller (Another Jim Miller, not our Society's President)
   Jim: I thought you were the Jim Miller that is the President of the Society of Land Speed Racing Historians. That Jim called me to tell me that there are TWO Jim Millers. He mentioned the name Zach, does that sound familiar? Please tell us about your father, Bud Miller, and if he had any connection to Lawrence, Zeke and Ak Miller? We would like to know more about your father and if you or your family is also interested in land speed racing.

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Thanks again for putting all of this stuff together, it's terrific! Racer Bud Delauer, in Sonoma, California.
   Bud: While Jim and I love the praise, what we would rather have is your bio and the bios of all our other members.

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I have been collecting articles and information on my dad (Joaquin Arnett). I want to authenticate his stories, so I have been talking with the older Bean Bandits. I plan on meeting with them individually in the next month. My mom received a call from a woman named Judy Dean. She mentioned that her husband died on the dry lakes, but mom cannot recall any details. Do you know of a "DEAN" racer? Just thought I would ask. Thanks for your time. Dad is the same, he is doing ok, he remembers he has some race cars and he does remember some of his old time friends. It is nice when those guys go and visit him. Jackie Arnett/Sonka
   Jackie: We are all waiting for your stories to reach us so that we can publish them. The Bean Bandits of San Diego were HUGE in land speed racing and early drag racing. Modern drag racing owes a big debt to your father and his fellow Bean Bandits. The decade from 1950 to 1959 was a very special one, the Birth of Drag Racing, and those that created the sport by simply getting out there and finding out what would work and what wouldn't, were the pioneers and trend setters. Joaquin Arnett, Paradise Mesa, Bean Bandits, why those are legendary names in drag racing. Judy Dean is most likely the wife of Pete Dean, a long-time volunteer, racer and SCTA member who died at Bonneville, I believe. Mike Cook, Dan Warner and some of the SCTA Board members of the 1980's could probably tell us more about Dean. They changed the Art Tilton Perpetual Sportsmanship Trophy into the Pete Dean Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy to honor Pete, but in so doing they dishonored the efforts of the Tilton family to have a perpetual sportsmanship trophy in the name of the first SCTA Secretary and a co-founder. Both Dean and Tilton are deserving of recognition and praise for all that they have done for the SCTA and BNI. I hope we can get a bio on Pete and Art from some of our members. Send us the address of the nursing home where Joaquin is living and we'll post it for our members in case they are in the area.

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There have certainly been numerous articles written on Arfons and Breedlove, and there have been chapters and sections in more general LSR books. But there hasn't been a book devoted specifically to the subject. I was surprised to discover this when I first started researching, for in my opinion it is the most exciting episode in LSR history. What I'm proposing to write isn't just a straightforward retelling of what Arfons and Breedlove did. I want to write a literary nonfiction account (one that reads a bit more like a novel) that will appeal to a wider audience of readers than just LSR aficionados. As a parallel I would suggest the recent movie The World's Fastest Indian. It wasn't really about the motorcycle. It was about this interesting guy, Burt Munro. You didn't need to know a thing about motorcycles or racing to enjoy the film. To write a compelling story like that takes a lot of detail. That's why I trying to contact people who were actually there. Anyway, Kay, if any memories or details come back to you, even ones that might seem inconsequential; I'd love to hear them. Every little bit helps. Sam Hawley, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
  Sam: Periodically write in and keep us informed as to your progress. Such emails have a way of triggering memories in our readers and the more input that you receive the easier for your project. Best of luck and let me know if you want me to review the book when it comes out.

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Editor's notes: Recently I emailed the East Coast Timing Association to get a history of their organization and to see if they have any history on Daytona Beach. Here is one of the responses.
"We do not have a mailing list as such for updates...but check in at the website. We add feature articles from time to time. I'd suggest you check this page, as it is a very brief history of the organization: http://www.ecta-lsr.com/?page_id=2. If you want detailed information on the organization and its history, the best thing to do is to talk directly with Joe Timney or Keith Turk, our President and Race Director, respectively. Contact information for both of them is on the website here: http://www.ecta-lsr.com/?page_id=13. Other than that, the history is written more real time as interesting stuff happens, since it is a fairly young organization. You might peruse the side bar on the right side of the home page, especially under the heading Feature Articles for some interesting recent events." Mark Amrhein (Webmaster).

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I am writing a book about the Club Mecca murders that took place in Los Angeles on April 4, 1957. This is still the worst mass murder in Los Angeles history. Six people were murdered when Clyde Bates tossed five gallons of gasoline on the floor of the Club Mecca and Manuel Chavez threw in a lighted book of matches. Two of the victims, Gilbert Gonzalez and Joe Maytorena, were members of my wife's family. One of the other victims, Tony Smaldino, had a brother named Vic Smaldino. I am trying to reach Vic Smaldino so that I might speak to him about his brother. John Lovell, [email protected]
John: I hadn't heard about this tragedy, although in our researches as historians in auto racing, we have come upon tragedies. One of them was the Mickey and Trudi Thompson murders. I will post your request and ask any one of our members who has any knowledge of the people involved and especially the whereabouts of Vic Smaldino, to get in touch with you. This sounds like a very interesting topic and if Tony was a hot rodder and drag racer, as Vic was, then that will be of interest to us.

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We have had Tom Shannon working on it (history of the USFRA). Cris Shearer had info but it is all packed and they are moving to Kanab, Utah! We will start with the current stuff and see if we can build on it! Take care and appreciate your efforts. Gary & Ellen Wilkinson, Utah Salt Flats Racing Association. See www.saltflats.com - See you on the Salt! World of Speed September 16-19, 2009.
   Gary and Ellen: We are very interested in all of the histories of the various sanctioning bodies, including the USFRA. My father and brother David participated in a World of Speed meet and found the people very nice, helpful and friendly and the weather great. Our group, The Society of Land Speed Racing Historians would like to publish all the history on your group that you can make available to us. Our purpose is completely historical and non-commercial. Please write in as often as you want and tell us what your group is doing. Use our newsletter to promote your organization. What is Cris doing in Kanab? It is close to the end of the Earth, but very beautiful.

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Thanks for thinking of the Bonneville Racing News (BRN). I don't know about weekly reports, but when something is going on like:
Bonneville Racing News - I just finished an issue which reports on the Dry Lakes Racers of Australia's annual meet and the East Coast Timing Association's first meet of the year, Nick Nicolaides, the 83 year old 200+ mph biker finishes his interview with Bill Hoddinott. Bill also starts interviews with John Renwick, known for racing Vincent's in various venues. He set an FIM record with his new streamliner in 2008 and will be back at the BUB meet this year. New items are building an air powered car and the new timing association in the North East. They are scheduled to have their first meet in August at the old Loring Air Force base in Maine.  Call 951-926-2277 for subscriptions ($24 a year -7 issues). Have clicker - Will travel. Wendy Jeffries, admin Bird-Click & Cat Clicker @ Yahoo. 
   Wendy: Thank you for the articles that will be appearing in the BRN. We hope that many of our members will join and subscribe to the BRN, which is a very worthwhile publication, and take out ads to support the newspaper. The SLSRH Newsletter is not a commercial publication. We are simply an on-line clearing house for historical news as our members find it and report it to us and you may use whatever articles that you find in our archives if it benefits the BRN. Please continue to send us updates so that we can tell our readers what your newspaper is doing

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I just saw the latest newsletter, with my query in it. You land speed people move fast! Many thanks. I've contacted Greg Sharp re. Nathan Ostich, as you suggested. I've also tracked down Al Bradshaw, the only surviving full-time member of Ostich's team, and he has agreed to an interview. Here is some information that you might find it interesting. I had a long talk over the phone last November with the writer Harvey Shapiro, author of Man Against the Salt and a friend of Art Arfons. Harvey was on the scene in 1966 when Art had his big crash at Bonneville, and he told me about it. He said that he had his 8 mm movie camera with him and shot a lot of footage, including of the aftermath of the crash. He even put together a little documentary about it later. This film, Harvey told me, has never been shown, and is sitting in a box in his basement. I thought at first that it was this footage of the Arfons crash that appeared in the BBC documentary In Search of Speed, but Harvey says no, that it has never been seen. Sam Hawley
  Sam: As you research your subjects, let us know about your progress as that helps to spread your message and get responses from our members. You have done us a great service by locating Bradshaw and Shapiro. Please let them know about our newsletter so they can also be a part of our project to save the history of land speed racing. Whenever you need assistance, write to us and we will see what we can do.

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Your last newsletter (No. 109) contained a name that really "popped" out at me...the "Battlebirds”. I hope I can add something to your archives or at least get the ball rolling that will shed some light on a very interesting subject. A few years ago, through a good friend, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with one of our area's (Fairfield, California) original and still active hot rodder and car guy, Gil Baumgartner. Gil is a Tri-Five Thunderbird restorer and expert serving as the Authenticity Chairman for the Classic Thunderbird Club International. Several years ago he restored the only remaining 1957 Battlebird that at that time was part of the Bo Cheadle collection in Alamo, California. I'm not exactly sure where the car is today. Unfortunately, that is about where my knowledge of the Battlebirds ends other than what has been written by Gil. However, for your enjoyment and that of the SLSRH members, I am sending several digital photos and a digital copy of a Battle Bird brochure that Gil wrote and signed for me. The brochure explains the Battlebird story in great detail. I'm sure there is much more to the story than he writes about and maybe one of these days I can get him to tell it on video tape. If and when that happens, I'll be sure to pass it along. I'll send the above photos and images to you via the HRHL.com photo submission site to your attention.  Bob Choisser, Vacaville, California
   Bob: Thanks and we'll look forward to hearing more about the story and to view the photographs.

Battle Bird Pics from Gil Baumgartner collection.

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Please find attached a list of tire sources (S - H - Racing) for 36hp Challengers and VW 130 Mile Per Hour Club racers. Hope it is helpful. If you know of more, contact me and I will add them to the source list. Thanx, Burly Burlile
TIRES and the 36hp Challenge (and 130 Club VW Racers) Common Question Answers
NOTE: ALWAYS refer to the sanctioning body (USFRA, ECTA, TEXAS MILE) rules and regulations for the most current and up to date guidelines. Information listed below is for general information only and may not represent the most up to date rule changes! 130 Mile Per Hour Club (USFRA) and similar ECTA and TEXAS MILE categories require H-Rated (to 130 mph) marked tires in very good condition to be fitted to all four wheels when running in land speed racing events. 36hp engine powered Volkswagens that have not achieved a speed of 100 miles per hour in previous time trials are allowed to run S-Rated (to 112 mph) tires up to the time they exceed 100 miles per hour, at which time it is necessary to switch to the higher H rated tires for all remaining passes.
For 2009, rule changes have mandated that all 130 Mile Per Hour Club racers including ALL 36hp Challenge racers install METAL VALVE STEMS in wheels equipped with tubeless tires or TUBES with METAL VALVE STEMS with NUTS inside tube type tires. Be sure to bring your car ALREADY equipped with these updates so you will be able to pass tech inspection. These types of components are NOT READILY AVAILABLE for purchase in the small towns where racing occurs so please come prepared.
Where to find: S-Rated 165/80 x 15" tires- Usually 165 x 15 S rated tires, the most common VW size tire can be ordered through your local tire dealers (R-Rated tires are NOT LEGAL in 36hp Racing! Do not order R-Rated tires!) Allow a week or more for delivery of special order tires (and metal valve stemmed tubes if needed!) Your nearest EMPI accessory dealer can also order S rated tires in 135/145 and 165 x 15 sizes. Contact EMPI at www.empius.com for local dealer contact information. Many tire sources can also be found in HOT VW"s, Ultra VW, Volks World and VWMA magazines. S-Rated 165/80 x 15 tires can also be purchased from www.tirerack.com and www.cokertire.com via the internet if not available locally.
H-Rated 15" tires- If your VW is not a 36hp Challenger or you expect to be running your 36hp Challenge VW above 100 miles per hour, street legal Hoosier H-Rated tires are available in a selection of narrow sizes for 15" wheels. Hoosier's Pro Street Radial series tires are designed for rim widths of 5-6 inches and come in diameters from 22.5 to 25.9 inches. In addition, five different manufacturers of drag racing "Front Runner" tires legal for use on all four wheels in 130 MPH Club street car type events are available through a variety of other sources via the internet and mail-order. The two most common are www.jegs.com and www.summitracing.com. NOTE: Front Runner style tires should NEVER be driven on the street and are NOT LEGAL for street use!
Front Runner 15" tires- Front Runner tires for 15" wheels are available in a wide variety of overall tire diameters ranging from 22 to 27 inches. All Front Runner tires are designed for rim widths of 3.5-4 inches (most VW rims are 4 and 4.5 inches). When installed on the wider VW rims, the slight spreading effect will make the tire "slightly shorter" so measuring the circumference of the tire when determining your actual gear ratios will provide greater accuracy in determining theoretical top speed and shift points than using the published diameter alone. Front Runner tires also provide a narrower front profile along with less friction (i.e. traction) which will improve your top speed when compared to wider more common street tires. Again, these tires are not street legal and should "never" be used on public roads or highways!
Listed below are sites where you can view the tire information on available H-Rated and Racing tires:
Hoosier Racing Tires - www.hoosiertire.com: Both street legal 15" radials (H-Rated), Formula V and drag racing Front Runners available in a wide variety of heights and widths. Hoosier provides the best overall selection in sizing, application and fitment information!
Good Year Racing Tires - www.jegs.com/p/GoodYear: Front Runner tires for racing only.
Mickey Thompson Racing Tires - www.uprproducts.com: Front Runner tires for racing only.
M&H Racing Tires- www.mandhtires.com: Front Runner tires for racing only.
Phoenix Racing Tires - www.jegs.com/p/Phoenix+Drag+Tires: Front Runner tires for racing only.
Moroso Racing Tires - www.jegs.com/p/Moroso: Front Runner tires for racing only.
Tire Diameter Formula: 165 / 80 x 15 tire
165(tire size) divided by 25.4 (formula) = 6.49 inches
6.49 inches times 80 (sidewall profile) = 519.2
519.2 times 2 (two sidewall heights on each tire) = 10.38 inches
10.38 inches plus 15" (wheel rim diameter) = 25.38 inches (tire diameter)
Moon Disc Hubcaps: Legal in all classes but must be securely fastened with 6 screws if mounted to wheel rim or 3 D'zus fasteners if mounted to tab welded to inner wheel lip. Caution: If moon disc style hubcap is mounted with screws, inner tubes (with metal valve stems) are highly recommended to prevent slow air loss where tire bead contacts mounting screws. Wheel rim size: Although 15 inch VW rims are most common, other wheel diameters (13", 14", and 16") can be used in all classes except the 36hp Stone Stock category. Aluminum rims are allowed (except Stone Stock). Optional rim diameters also allow additional H-Rated tires selections.
TIRE PRESSURES: Tire pressures on the salt should be set at 50 P.S.I. for racing (front and back). Be sure to adjust your pressures up before coming to race if trailering or adjust PRIOR to tech inspection if driving your VW. This is a SAFETY item to insure tubeless tires do not separate from the wheel bead and also reduces the tires rolling resistance for higher speed.

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I just called Leslie Long and he informed me that there will be another Santa Ana Drags reunion in late September. My dad grew up on First street a few doors down from Hunter Oil and Creighton gave him a cast iron oil tank truck toy in the late 1930's that he just gave me a few weeks ago. My dad and late mother both went to school with Joan Hart and my mom and she sold hot dogs together in the early '50's. I have an original unused window decal and the 1st anniversary stick pin from 1951 which I was going to bring with me if there is another picnic.
Leslie asked me to look through the pictures my folks took at the races to go with his race result clippings. He isn't on line but wondered if there is any interest in posting pictures of the Hunter promo toy, decal and stick pin. Regards, Daryl Boothe, Morro Bay, California
   Daryl: Our group, The Society of Land Speed Racing Historians, is interested in everything since our goal is to save and preserve whatever we can find and let future historians use it as they see fit. Yes, send us scanned photographs of the objects. But better than that, get your family to write down a history of everything they saw and remember from the Santa Ana Drags back in the 1950's, then get some peel off labels from a stationary store and have a Caption Party. Ask those in your family who have the best printing to write down what your dad remembers about the past photo, on the labels and then stick the labels to the back of the photographs. Check the newsletter for the time and date of the Santa Ana Drags Reunion in the Fall. I will post it as soon as Leslie Long and Marie Jenks give me the news. I attended the reunion in March, 2009 along the creek bed in Santiago Park and had a great time. Leslie and Marie organized a simple and effective reunion. It didn't cost anything to come, and guests brought their own food and drink. We all had a great time. Bring all your family, photos and memorabilia to share. I want to hear more about your family's experiences at Santa Ana.

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The book I put together last fall, Racing Corvettes, the Early Years, has been reprinted, and is now available. If you want a copy signed by me, mail me a check (Art Evans), for $19.95 + $5.95 s&h. Be sure to let me know what you want me to write. If you want a copy signed by John Fitch, send him a check for $40 to 433 Salmon Kill Rd, Lakeville, CT, 06039. For an unsigned copy, call 800-289-3504 or go online to www.enthusiastbooks.com.  Art Evans

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I just checked my spam box and found a bunch of your e-mails in there. When my mailbox gets overloaded it sends them there automatically. That's not good. I'll check more often. Jim Miller
   Jim: I'm using your email as a warning to everyone else. I sometimes fail to check my email boxes as well, so this is a reminder for everyone to make it a habit to clear out their email boxes periodically.

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"The ranch is a private residence. In spite of numerous requests, last year one person posted a story and photos on the Internet. That person's name and address has been removed from our snail mail and email rosters. That person and guests are no longer welcome." Richard, it wasn't you! We found out who it was. You are more than welcome at the ranch. Art Evans
Art: I am using your email as a warning to our readers.
Readers: Some events have special rules to follow. In our enthusiasm we sometimes forget that when we are invited to someone's garage, home or museum, and that these collections are at risk for theft or worse. When someone asks us not to write or take photographs and put them into magazines or on the web, there are good reasons behind their requests. I always ask the person that I am interviewing if it is alright to publish photographs and stories about their collections and memorabilia. In fact, I stress to them that by opening up their collections, they are inviting risks and are they comfortable with that. If they then tell me that it is fine with them, I defer to my partner, Roger Rohrdanz and ask him for his opinion. If we are all in accord, then we publish the photographs and article. We want to make a record for history's sake, but we don't want to cause injury or harm to someone. Collectors should also have adequate insurance and security systems to protect against fire, flood, theft and natural disasters. Your collections are special to you and they are special to us. Keep them secured and safe. Also, Jack and Mary Ann Lawford have been dedicated and diligent in publishing lost and stolen news broadcasts on their website at www.hotrodhotline.com. If a valuable car or artifact has been taken, notify them immediately as well as the local police.

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I thought you might enjoy the following. In light of the current situations and conditions of our economy. It seems to be 'in vogue' to question whether capitalism or the free-enterprise system stills works. As you know, my family is proof that the free-enterprise system works. A gentleman by the name of Phillip Gary Smith got a copy of a half hour documentary that was made on my dad and uncles, appropriately named THE JUSTICE BROTHERS STORY. After watching it he wrote the review at the link included. This just appeared on the website go2geiger this past Sunday (Mother's day). It can be found at the following link.
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=61
Now I understand this is about my family and the company that I run today, but he so captures the underlying messages in the film, I thought I would share this with you. Capitalism is NOT dead and the free-enterprise system STILL WORKS. Enjoy his review. It's a great film to share with young people starting out in their lives. In fact it's a very important message to share. Thanks for your time. Edward R. Justice, Jr. President & CEO, Justice Brothers, Inc. 2734 Huntington Drive, Duarte, California 91010. Website: www.justicebrothers.com.
   Ed: The history of the Justice Brothers is tied closely to the history of racing throughout the country. I hope the readers look at the company's website and glean a bit of information about your family's importance in racing.

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To be announced at the East Coast Timing Association meet in Maxton, North Carolina, this weekend on May 16th, 2009, "The 1 Club", an exclusive club for drivers, owners and team members whose Volkswagen 36hp land speed and drag race vehicles have exceeded 100 miles per hour in sanctioned racing events. More news to follow! Burly Burlile, International 36hp Land Speed Challenge

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The notes from last evening's meeting are now available on our website: http://www.ussarcherfish.com/roadrunners/news.htm. Information regarding our upcoming Annual Road Runners Banquet/BBQ to be held on June 6th is included in the notes. Jerry Cornelison - Secretary, Road Runners - SCTA (est. 1937)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, May 12th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - The Road Runners held their regular monthly meeting last evening. We welcomed two guests, Sarah Burns, member Wendell Burns's daughter and Ricky Rogers, prospective member. Ricky told us that his membership application in on temporary hold. Unfortunately the bike that he and racing partner Dean Jigamian planned to race had an unfortunate meeting with a guardrail. Dean is ok but the motorcycle was not as fortunate. Details for our annual Road Runners Awards BBQ/Banquet have been finalized. We will meet at Mike and Dusty Fergusons' home on June 6th. The event will begin at 2pm and steaks go on the BBQ at 5:30pm. Drinks and steaks will be provided by the Club and members will bring pot-luck dishes. Door prizes and awards will follow dinner. Price for members is free and guests will be charged $5. If you plan to attend and did not already RSVP at last night's meeting, please call 951-683-8276 or e-mail us at [email protected]. It looks like we will have a lot of Road Runners participating at the opening El Mirage meet this weekend. Hope to see you there. Look for the Road Runner flag flying near Patrol #3 on the Return Side of the course. See you there! If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes. Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted May 13, 2009). Jerry Cornelison

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Land Speed Racing Websites:
www.hotrodhotline.com, www.landspeedracing.com

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Members:

Jonathan Amo, Brett Arena, Henry Astor, Gale Banks, Glen Barrett, Mike Bastian, Lee Blaisdell, Jim Bremner, Warren Bullis, Burly Burlile, George Callaway, Gary Carmichael, John Backus, 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, Eric Loe, Dick Martin, Ron Martinez, Tom McIntyre, Don McMeekin, Bob McMillian, Tom Medley, Jim Miller, Don Montgomery, Bob Morton, Mark Morton, Paula Murphy, Landspeed 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, Gary Svoboda, Pat Swanson, Al Teague, JD Tone, Jim Travis, Randy Travis, Jack Underwood and Tina Van Curen, Richard Venza.

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