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Chrisman’s Christmas Party
Santa Ana, CA
12-19-09
Story and Photographs by Roger Rohrdanz

 

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Roger Rohrdanz

 There is something very special about visiting Art Chrisman’s shop in Santa Ana, CA. In size it is about as large as most garages and the equipment is standard. But it isn’t buildings and tools that draw people to this site, but the man himself and the heritage of the Chrisman family. The Chrisman’s have been involved in motorsports for over 60 years. They set high standards for their work on cars and in developing driving performance that have inspired others. They are the team to beat, the top of the hill, the best to try your skills against. His Christmas Party is equally popular and looked forward to by his fans and friends. You never know whom you will meet at Chrisman’s garage. Stu Hilborn, Ed

Iskenderian, Jerry Kugel, Phil Remington, Roy Fjastad, Jim Dunn, Jack Underwood, “TV” Tommy Ivo, and many others drop by to visit and relive the Golden Age of Motorsports. 

Thanks for the Show!


Click on Photos to Enlarge

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Ted Radoumis gets his “Energizer” Willys pickup a great spot, but how will he get it out?

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Looking over the dash of Randy Fish’s Deuce Roadster, the crammed parking lot can be seen.

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Randy Fish ponders over his exit move.

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John Mearns snakes his very sweet ’36 Ford through the crowd.

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Bob Anderson probably has 80,000 miles on his classic “Offy” powered ’29 Ford Roadster pickup from Huntington Beach, CA.

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The yard stays full all day!

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Don Montgomery brought his wife and his famous Willys.

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Jim Miller (l) talks with Mr & Mrs Don Montgomery.

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In Roy Fjastad’s shop is his landspeed car.

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Some unique cars require a little guided tour.

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The originator of “Cruisn’ for a Cure” Debbie Baker.

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Carl Von Hof Gaarden (r),with his wonderful lady, Louise.

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Carl shows his good taste as he is surrounded by Louise on the left and Dorothy Chrisman on the right.

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The popular Mike Kuhl.

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A HUGH cake in honor of the start of restoration of Chet Herbert’s “The Beast lll”. In 1952 Art Chrisman drove it 235.91 MPH at Bonneville. The fiberglass body was on-hand for viewing.

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Drag Racer Jim Dunn(l), Steve Gibbs “The Hook” with his wife Gloria.

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Standing behind Chrisman’s “Hustler I” is from l-r, Jim Travis, Jim Dunn, Art Chrisman, Tom Pruffer and Pete Chapouris

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These guys need to be watched, (l-r) Phil Remington, Bruce Meyer, Charles Nearburg and Steve Beckman

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Jerry & Judy Kugel

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Motorcycle racer Red Nickels discusses “a plan” with Ed Iskenderian.

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Pete Chapouris talks old times with Chuck Lombardo.

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Artist Kenny Youngblood.

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Phil Wetstone with his HOT Deuce Roadster.

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Old friends, Tom Taylor(l) and Bobby Spere.

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Greg Sharp & Donna enjoy the party

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Dave & Caroline Kipp.

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Leslie & Betty Long.

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(l-r) George Steele, Keith Allen & Gene Barbee.

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The “very provacative” Don Rackmann discusses landspeed with Jack Underwood.

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Louie Senter with Dave Kipp.

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Ruth and Sparky Horaczko have “TV” Tommy Ivo sandwiched.

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Friends from Willbrook, CA. Jim Hoffman (l) & Art

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(l-r) John Ewald (WDIFL) with Donna & Greg Sharp.

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(l-r) Mike Chrisman, Art Chrisman & “Squeak” White discuss the “cackling” of the
dragsters outside.

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Pete Eastwood and Monique take in the party.

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(l-r) Jake Jacobs, Gene Barbee & Keith Allen.

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– 3 of the most famous cars in motorsports, from l-r, built in 1958 “The Hustler I”, the “Chrisman Coupe” ran at Bonneville in 1954, the “#25 Car” was built in the early ‘30’s Art won at the first NHRA National event at Great Bend, Kansas in 1953.

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“Squeak” White prepares to fire up the “#25 Car” as Art prepares to fire up his “Hustler I”.

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Nitro fills the night air and guests hold their ears, as Art “Cackles” his Hustler I.

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Here it is “The Picture of the Night”. (l-r) Ed Iskenderian (The Camfather),
Phil Remington (Cobra Father) and Stu Hilborn (Fuel Injection Father). These seasoned gentlemen are all still working!

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(l-r) Jake Jacobs, Stan Betz and Steve Davis.

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The delicious buffet went all night.

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Inside the shop was comfortably crowded.

 

 

 

 

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