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SOCIETY OF LAND SPEED RACING HISTORIANS
NEWSLETTER 82 - October 22, 2008
Editor: Richard Parks [email protected]
President's Corner: By Jim Miller (1-818-846-5139)

Click On All Images For Larger View

Some Names To Look For In This Newsletter:
Retraction, Ralph Foster, Elden Titus, writing book on “Jim McMahon”, Road Runner Important Notice, Estes Gable and Harlow, Don Montgomery books, Goodguys 2009 Event Schedule, “Shelby, the Race Driver” now available in print, Petersen Automotive Museum October / November Events

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President's Corner:
Jim Miller is on vacation looking for more historical events to write about.

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Editorial:
You've heard me say on many, many occasions that I got something wrong, or you will have seen a retraction that I've made. Some editors and publications get very sensitive about this issue and will go to great lengths to defend their positions and tell the accuser that they must be wrong and give all sorts of explanations for what they wrote. The truth is, we all make mistakes and we do so for many reasons. The proper course is to print the other view, research the event and go back to original sources to find out the truth of the matter. If we are wrong, then we want to right the false statements and provide the correct account. If we have injured someone by our statements, then we must provide an apology to go along with our public retractions. The retractions must be in a prominent place, usually in an editorial or at the front of the newsletter, next to the obituaries, which seems appropriate, for we are apologizing for statements that we must now bury. Each statement that is not corrected is perceived over time as being true and accurate and so we must do what we can to correct those misperceptions before any big damage is done.
However, we cannot fixate on our mistakes to the point where we refuse to continue to do research and put forward our statements, opinions and facts. Historical mistakes cannot be avoided. Let me repeat this again. Historical mistakes cannot be avoided and here's why. They occur because of error in how we perceive the world, because we copy a mistake or because we deliberately want to deceive. I know of no one who is a member of the Society of Land Speed Racing Historians who chooses to willfully make a mistake or mislead someone. Therefore the errors and mistakes that creep into what we do comes about for lawful and reasonable reasons. We simply see, observe or base our histories on an error. This is all correctable and that's what we intend to do when we find out that we were mistaken. You might ask, "How can someone NOT see what's right in front of them?" Well, they can and we all do. In law school they recognize this human trait of seeing something and yet believing something else all together different. They conduct experiments in law and psychology classes where assistants to the Professor will do something unexpectedly, like enter the classroom, shout something, then run out. Afterwards they ask the students to record what they saw; the color of the clothes, what they said and what the intruders did. Invariably, the students always saw different things and no two students agreed on the chain of events.
I found that out at Black Rock Desert in 1997, when the Brits and Craig Breedlove were trying to set the unlimited land speed record. All the incidents that I remember do not necessarily coincide with the recollections of others who were there. Why? Part of the reason was location. The lake bed was spread out over 600 square miles, or roughly 20 miles wide by 30 miles long. The actual course was only about 13 miles in length, but our patrols and posts covered a much wider range. Another factor was fatigue. The security guards probably got 7 hours of sleep a night, but the mechanics worked almost around the clock. There were days of constant boredom as the cars were being repaired and the events of one day merged into the next. Then there were days of panic as people rushed around trying to solve major problems. Sometimes there wasn't another human being within 5 miles of my post and all that I could see was a rooster tail of dust as the car went by, miles from where I was stationed. We had radios and could hear what was going on, but the constant chatter from unknown sources only added to the confusion. The bottom line is that I can tell you about the events that I saw, but only guess at the events that actually occurred at that time trial. So we make mistakes for a variety of reasons and when we find out that we are mistaken, we correct the errors. The worst thing that we can do is to stop trying to write, research and observe events because we might be fearful of an error. Push forward and do the best that you can and make amends later, if you find out that you have made an error.

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Retraction and apology department: Angela Bain sent in an email, which she meant only for me, but I misunderstood and published it in Newsletter #81. Please disregard it and postpone contacts with her until she notifies us that the project is ready for public notice. At that time we will publish the news as it is provided to us. I have sent a corrected version of Newsletter #81 to the website operator to put in place of the old version. My sincerest apologies to Angela for the mistake.
Also, to the readers, sometimes it is difficult for me to know exactly what you would like put in the newsletter and what shouldn't be. I often send you a note that I am publishing it so that you can respond and tell me it's okay or it's not okay, but I can't do that on every email that I receive or I would never have the time to put out the next issue. If you can, please mark "Personal and Confidential," or "Don't publish" in the Subject box. Anything that you can do to help me in this regard saves me a great deal of time. Thanks
.

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Betty Foster called from Missouri to give us the news that her husband, Ralph Foster passed away this week, October 15, 2008. Ralph's story is on www.landspeedracing.com and www.hotrodhotline.com, Richard's Corner.

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We were sorry to hear this week of the passing of one of the Kustom Kulture's icons ... Elden Titus of Titus Brothers in Illinois. His Talent and Creativity will be dearly missed. Our condolences go out to Tammy and his family. Fuzzy Fuerholzer sent in a nice tribute to Elden. See www.hotrodhotline.com. From Mary Ann Lawford

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Hi, I'm writing from Australia. I was wondering if you could help me find someone in the States who might have some information about the Australian speedcar racer Jim McMahon who died at the Carpinteria track in 1948. I believe he knew Rosie Roussel. Rgds, Damian Kringas
Damian: Evelyn Roth, from www.oilstick.com, sent me your request. The first thing that I would suggest that you do is to write a biography of Jim McMahon and make it as long and complete as you can. This might only be a few sentences or it could be several pages. It might seem odd that I am asking you to list facts when you have asked us for those facts, but there is a reason that I am doing this. Whenever someone writes in to the newsletter and includes a lot of facts, it triggers some of our readers' memories. The more facts you have about McMahon, the more chances we have of getting someone to remember some stories and events that they haven't thought about for years. The more names that you have of McMahon's associates and friends, the easier it is to track down those people who are still alive who may have known him. We also need to know exactly what kind of racing he was involved in and what associations that he ran in. Rosie Roussel was one of my favorite sources, but he has since passed away, though his daughter is very much involved in racing. Another source is Walt James and if there is anyone around who might know, it's Walt. Have you tried googling Jim McMahon's name on the internet? Send us what you have on McMahon and tell us if it's all right to post your email address in our newsletter. Maybe one of our members might know.

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I am writing a book on Jim McMahon. Jim McMahon (known as Jimmy or James) was an Australian actor and speedcar racer. He arrived in America in 1947 (living in North Hollywood) and during a special 3 car race on the 11th of July 1948 at the Carpinteria Thunderbowl he was killed shortly after the start when the throttle in his midget jammed. Rosie Roussel said that McMahon was driving the Spike Jones Special car #15. McMahon's friend Tim Hocking said he was testing an engine that McMahon had designed himself. This engine is described as based on a V8/60 crankshaft with 4 twin piston air-cooled Triumph motorcycle barrels and heads. It has 2 Amal carburetors. The motor described is at the Speed Museum in Nebraska. Basically I would like any information on McMahon while he was in the States and most importantly, confirmation that he actually built/designed the motor in question. Kind rgds, Damian Kringas [email protected].
Damian: The Schroeder family might know something, as they mentioned the Spike Jones Special. I will post your request and see what our readers remember.

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Readers: The following was sent out by www.hotrodhotline.com and www.landspeedracing.com as they were testing their new systems. I spoke to Mary Ann Lawford and it's quite a challenge to run a huge website. We really appreciate their continued support of our small group of land speed historians, fans and hot rodders. While I didn't send out the report, I did receive some of your answers and this was perfectly okay with me, as it gives me a chance to see who is out there in Inner Space that I don't normally know.
"We are now experimenting with some new software for the Landspeed Racing Newsletter and some of you receive it just fine but others may be having trouble. We ask that you just "bear with us" as we work to bring you the best newsletter possible. Please let us know if you receive the newsletter number 81 and if so how it worked out for you. Sincerely, Mary Ann Lawford"
a) Yes, I received #81 and it worked just fine. Dennis Mahan, Powersports Business Manager, K&N Engineering, Inc.
b) Are you still looking for bios of us ole racers? Derek McLeish, Team McLeish Bros.
Derek: We are still looking for bios and I know that the readers will enjoy your bio especially.
c) # 81 received AOK via AOL.com. JS Wilke
d) LOOK'S GOOD. Thanks Dick Bennett, Bennett Engineering
e) It came through just fine. Great job as usual. I am working on my bio and it's very rough right now and I need to make a few changes. Don't give up on me yet. Glen Barrett
Glen: We haven't given up on our "Speedtimer." When you get it semi-done, send it to me and I will edit it for you and give you some suggestions on what to add to it.
f) #81 came through just fine for me. For what it's worth, I'm on an iMac computer using the Mail program. I know some folks have problems getting on to web sites when using a Mac but I don't. Wes Potter
Wes: My brother David is heading for Utah for this week's BYU game, so be sure to say hello to him. Also, we have a serious lack of knowledge of the history of the USFRA and other Inter-Mountain racing organizations. Be sure to have the USFRA members send us some of your history and also do your biographies and caption your photographs. The Society of Land Speed Racing Historians has been focusing too much on Southern California dry lakes racing and we need to branch out and pick up some history in other areas of the world.
g) It worked for us. Thanks, Tina Van Curren
Tina: Please let us know what you are doing at Autobooks/Aerobooks. The SLSRH Newsletter needs to have updates on the interviews and book signings that you hold at your Burbank bookstore. Our members often go over there and they tell me how much they really enjoy the active efforts that you put into promoting authors and photographers. Autobooks/Aerobooks is one of the sources that I quote frequently to people when I write book reviews, because I know that you'll have the books or can get it for interested readers. Autobooks/Aerobooks has supported the racing and hot rodding communities for years and we want to make sure that we support you.
h) Just read issue 81, and only now realized how to get the pictures. The text comes very well, Thank You! The problem is, I went to www.Landspeedracing.com to see the pictures and the latest I could get were from issue 36. I like what you are doing, it takes way more time than most folks realize. Again, thank you. Don Cyr, Professional spectator.
Don: There really are no spectators in land speed racing and hot rodding. Each of us impacts the rest of us and it could be said that we are all sponsors in a way. If you can, start on your biography and captioning your photographs. It is so hard to understand what's in a photo if there are no captions. My brother and I are starting to slowly go through our father's photos and they are mostly uncaptioned and we may never know who is in the pictures. So caption today and then work on your bio.
i) Everything was fine with #81...thanks for experimenting/making it even better yet! -- Ron Richardson
j) 81 is here and very much appreciated. THX, Jack Dolan
k) Yes, received the news letter perfectly. In it Richard says that he couldn't open my story on Estes, Gable and Harlow. I sent it to you so I hope that he got it. Like so many others, biography seemed like too much self adulation but, as soon as my wife comes out of intensive care, I shall write some aspects that could be of interest to your motorsport readers. Herb Jones, Menorca, Spain
Herb: You always raise such great questions and give us such a rich history. I send the newsletter out on Wednesdays, though sometimes I am a day early or late. If there is a great deal of information and the newsletter gets a little long, I might send out two issues within one week, or conversely, if there is little news, the Newsletter might only go out every 2nd week. Then Mary Ann's staff has to find time to re-edit the newsletter and get it fitted into their system and then mailed out. They have been experimenting with computer programs that will do this effectively so that those who want the SLSRH Newsletter emailed to them can get it with the least amount of trouble. So you may get the newsletter long after you send in your news or stories. I actually did receive your story on Estes, Gable and Harlow on your second email and put it into this newsletter. The second point that you raised is this; is a biography or history excessively self-adulation? The answer might be yes to you and to other hot rodders, who for the most part don't like to brag about their lives. They got that way because their friends would josh and kid them whenever they did something that made them stand out from the crowd. But we are supposed to be historians, professional or amateur, and we need to know things. You can't be a historian and live in ignorance. So we need details and lots and lots of details. If we could get you to write a hundred biographies about yourself, it still wouldn't be enough to satisfy us. You may not think what you have to say is important, but future historians will definitely want to have every word and every event that you saw and lived through. There are ways to write your biography so that it doesn't look like bragging. One way is to send it to me to edit, because I will change wording, nouns, verbs and pronouns to be a little less first person and more from the perspective of an outsider. Yet, what if one of our racers wrote something that was mostly braggadocio? Is that bad? It tells us something about his personality as well as his or her life. The only problem with telling a story with a self-centered twist is that the biography is often discounted as false, when in fact it is true. I tracked down a lot of stories about Ak Miller that people said were untrue, only to verify the account as correct. In other words, truth is stranger than fiction. Write as you normally would, and then send to me to edit it for you. It might take more than one editing before you finally agree to have your story published. The average rewrites and edits that I do on every story that comes across my desk is 2. Some biographies have had 4 or 5 edits and rewrites.
l) I did receive newsletter #81. Thanks. Richard Sisich
m) Mary Ann, I received #81 and it works perfectly. Roger Rohrdanz
n) I did not receive email for newsletter #81. Larry Taylor, Kauffman Engineering Inc, Lebanon, Indiana
Larry: Try emailing Mary Ann Lawford at [email protected] and explaining your situation. She is very good at working with computer programs and problems.
o) Got number 81, keep up the good work! Thanks, Ken Gilmour, Vice President, Wingate Dunross, Inc
p) Received just fine: all it's OK. Franco Canina
Franco: Are you from Italy? We are trying to cover all aspects of land speed racing, so if you have any history or observations from other areas of the world, please let us know and we will publish what you send us. Our president, Jim Miller, gives us updates on land speed racing from Europe, Daytona and other areas, but we can never have enough information.
q) Received #81 just fine. Thanks! Dave Humphreville
r) Just got it and it looks just fine. Gary C Hensley, 200 MPH Life Member.
s) I received all but the final article and the "end credits." The e-mailed version I received stopped at the end of the Article 13 Caption note: "
Caption: Winkel & Trapp AA/FD at the 2007 Cacklefest, Bakersfield, California. Photo and article courtesy of Bill Groak." Jerry Cornelison
Jerry: I checked with the on-line website and there is a 14th article on it that you may not have gotten on your emailed version. It was another article with photographs by Bill Groak, concerning the cacklefest at Bakersfield.
t) I did receive the #81 newsletter today, 10/21. Thank you, Dave Clemens
u) Received and it works. Rob Davison
v) Appears to have been received in Utah in good condition. Best of luck. Burly Burlile
w) Yup, got ole #81. Thanks. Capthwk
x) Did not receive newsletter number *1, Dale Pulju
Dale: To see back issues of the newsletter you have to go to www.landspeedracing.com and view the issues on this free website. To get the emailed newsletter version, all you need to do is go to the website and sign in.
y) Things come in great all except photos, but I don't really mind it because of all the great info! Doug McHenry
Doug: There are no photos on the emailed newsletter. To see photos you have to go to www.landspeedracing.com and view the pictures.
z) 81 came thru fine. Thanks for your interesting web site. It's always read and always enjoyed. Phil Smith
aa) YES!!! BC
bb) Working well for me. Thanks' John Knaack

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Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, October 14th, 8pm at Ed Martin Garage - Important Notice: Effective November 11th, the start time for Road Runner's monthly meetings will be changed to 7pm. Bench racing will begin around 6:15 and burrito orders will go in at 6:30pm. We welcomed two guests to our meeting last night: Prospective Member David Minder attended his first meeting. Dave's son Josh Minder attended his first meeting as a Prospective Member. Josh will be building a motorcycle sidecar as his high school Senior Class project. Josh will be doing the riding and his dad will be Crew Chief. President Mike Ferguson recognized and congratulated Pat McSwain for his new B/DT record set at the September El Mirage Meet. Pat has raced twice since joining the Road Runners, once at Bonneville and once at El Mirage and set new records at both events. Nominations were made for 2009 Road Runners Officers: President, Mike Ferguson, Vice-President, Jack Masson, Secretary, Jerry Cornelison, Treasurer, Reece Adams, Sgt at Arms, Bill Harris, Willie Martin, Records Keeper, Amanda Ferguson, and Mark Saxlund. Voting will take place at our November meeting. Richard Ross told the group that plans are being made for the Second Annual Road Runners End of Year celebration to be held at the November El Mirage meet. Rachel Ross will be contacting members regarding the pot-luck menu. For those of you who attended last year, you know it was a really great event! If you would like a report on the entire 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, November 11th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! Jerry Cornelison, Road Runners - SCTA, http://www.ussarcherfish.com/roadrunners, posted October 15, 2008

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Regarding your response to my question re: Estes, Gable and Harlow. The following is as told to me some 50 years ago by Bob Estes: Bob was pumping gas at a station in west L.A. and Clark Gable pulled in to the station in his Duesenberg. Clark noticed Bob's hot rod parked over on the side and took a close look at it. He was quite impressed and said that he would like a run against it with his car. Bob said that he was quite willing, but had to wait until he was off work. Gable came back and the two proceeded to a traffic light at the start of La Brea through the oil field area. Bob was waiting at the end and Gable said that maybe he missed a shift and would like to race him back. Again, Bob had wiped him out. Gable then said that he would like to buy the car, but against a lot of persuasion, Bob said that he had worked so hard on all of the facets of the car that he was not willing to part with it. A few weeks later, Jean Harlow drove in and said that she wanted to buy the car for Clark for his birthday. Since Bob could be weak when a beautiful lady was involved, he gave in to her. She said that there was one request along with the purchase and that was Bob was to deliver the car to the Bellaire Hotel and help to bring it into the lobby on the night of the birthday party. A huge ribbon was placed on the hood and Bob had done his part. I do believe that the purchase price put Bob into the car sales business and he soon was the biggest Ford product dealer west of the Mississippi. He, of course, continued on with big time racing with a sponsored car, the "Estes Special" at Indy.
Herb: Fantastic story. I don't know that I've ever heard this one, though maybe it was in print somewhere else. Nevertheless, it is a great story of the early days of hot rodding and Hollywood, when the stars were more human and approachable than they are now. If you have any more stories or memories like this, please share them with us. Also, you can send them as a regular email and not in an attachment if it is easier for you that way.

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I was surfing the net and viewed your Boat Racers Reunion. I thought it was pretty neat because I knew most of the guys. I clicked your Oil Stick and see that you have something to do with the annual Gas UP. I have never been to one, but I was a charter member of the G.C.R.R.C., and I was the first to get them points. I rode A/PGM. I believe you knew my late brother Bill Mathews. That said I have the list of charter members and will give you a copy if you like. Respectfully, Weston Edd Mathews
Weston: Yes, we would enjoy having the early list of members of the Gold Coast Roadster and Racing Club and any history that you may have on them. Our group is called the Society of Land Speed Racing Historians and our newsletter is posted to www.landspeedracing.com, with further articles on www.hotrodhotline.com. In addition, Tina Van Curren at Autobooks/Aerobooks may also post some of our issues and Evelyn Roth, the owner of www.oilstick.com posts some of my stories on racing and is the main website for the Gas-Up Party and Dry Lakes Hall of Fame. Evelyn also has a section devoted to the Mendenhall Gas Pump Museum. I was never a member of the GCRRC, but my father was an honorary member and I have many friends who are past and present members of the club. They do a fine job of honoring dry lakes and land speed racers, volunteers and officials for their past service to the sport. The club members work very hard to put on the Gas-Up party and they help Mark and Vickie Mendenhall in maintaining and staffing the museum for the party each year. I used to go up and visit Jack Mendenhall when he was alive and we shared many projects, one of which was the Gas-Up Party. One year I made up 6 dozens hats with Parks Racing Team logo and gave them out. Jack Mendenhall, Barry Shulman, Don Edwards, Chuck Small and I created the North America Timing Association in order to work towards gaining access to Vandenberg Air Force Base. Only one small land speed time trial event was held there before the 9/11 terrorist attack doomed our efforts. I still have the hat that we made with the NATA logo on it. I wish I had one of those old Parks Racing Team hats, but I gave them all away. I met your brother, Bill, on a few occasions. That was usually when I was with Jack Mendenhall or Don Edwards and we were out looking for old barns with cars stored in them. I was always amazed when we would meet some of the ranchers and farmers in the Gold Coast area of Santa Barbara County and the treasures they had stored away. Mendenhall and Edwards knew every nook and cranny and all the rich racing history of the area. They took me to Goleta to see where the first drag race took place and to the old Santa Maria drag strip. Two other famous Santa Barbarans were Danny Oakes, the midget champion and Bob Joencks, whom my dad considered one of the founders of hot rodding in your area. I need you to start on your biography of your life and your brother, and if I'm not mistaken, Edwards told me that your father was also a racer and mechanic. Then start on captioning all your photographs, because a photo that isn't captioned is almost a worthless picture.

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I enjoy your work with the newsletter. I thought I would add some to your latest article on early drag racing. Here is my understanding of the Santa Ana drags story. The original guys were C. J. Hart (repair garage and car sales), Creighton Hunter (Hunter Oil) and Frank Stillwell who was involved with motorcycles. I was told that Stillwell was involved because he could provide insurance for the events. Perhaps some of the old Orange county guys can advise the accuracy of this. Incidentally the races were known as the "Orange County Drags" for years, as marked on the trophies. As you know C.J. became the sole owner after a short time. As to the dates, as you noted the Santa Barbara Acceleration Association drags at Goleta were the first organized official drag racing events. They were started in October, 1949. The actual start of the Santa Ana drags was July 2, 1950. The SCTA, members only, meet was held two weeks later on the Santa Ana (Tustin) Blimp base on July 16,1950. Previous to the opening of the Santa Ana drags unorganized drag racing had been going on for some time at the nearby Mile Square emergency strip (before the military blocked it off). I was able to run at Goleta (I got my first drag racing trophy there) and I raced at the 3rd week at Santa Ana and many times after (I missed the first two meets because I was not aware of them). C.J. did a great job at Santa Ana. There were some of the big meets where there would be almost 400 cars in the pits. The eliminations would start after lunch and were completed by about 5 to 6 pm. That was a real achievement considering that the races were not set-up in a ladder as they are today; the cars just came up and raced another car in the class until there was only one left. The action was swift and it was great fun. Keep up the good work. Don Montgomery
Don: Thank you for adding a lot of details that I was not aware of. For a fuller account of the early days of drag racing our readers should contact you and purchase the fine books that you have written. I gave them very high ratings in my book reviews and you would have gotten perfect scores if there would have been indexes in the back of the books. Otherwise, books by Don Montgomery are about as good as any of the books that I've ever read on early hot rodding, dry lakes and early drag racing. There are about 50 books that should be in any land speed racers library and any book by Don Montgomery is one of those fifty. I have to be honest with the members of the Society. I rarely was a first hand witness and therefore, I really appreciate having biographies and original documents to set the record straight. You see, I thought that the SCTA race was a combination race pitting SCTA members against a motorcycle association and that it came two weeks before, not two weeks after the opening of the Santa Ana Drags, aka the Orange County Drags. I've never heard from anyone before that they called the drags at the airport the Orange County Drags and that is a new source of information to me. Now you have to get busy and write your biography and share it with us and also tell us more about the people that you associated with and raced against. I can't tell you to caption your photographs, because you did and you put them in your excellent books. I hope you come out with another book soon as I can't wait to review it. For our members, all reviews are on www.hotrodhotline.com, Movie and Book Review section.

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The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's 2009 event schedule is now available. Please publish our event dates in your calendar sections. If you have any questions please write back or call. Thank you! John Drummond (650) 393-5699, [email protected].
   Goodguys Announce 2009 Event Schedule www.good-guys.com.  (925) 838-9876.
March 14-15  Costa Mesa, CA OC Fair & Event Center.
March 28-29  Pleasanton, CA Fairgrounds.
April 3-5     Del Mar, CA Fairgrounds.
May 30-31   Pleasanton, CA Fairgrounds. 
June 5-7     Loveland, CO The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds. 
June 12-14   Indianapolis, IN O'Reilly Raceway Park 
June 26-28   Nashville, TN LP Field, Tennessee Titan Stadium. 
June 26-28   Rhinebeck, NY Dutchess County Fairgrounds. 
July 3-5      Des Moines, IA  Iowa State Fairgrounds. 
July 10-12    Columbus, OH Ohio Expo Center. 
July 24-26    Puyallup, WA Puyallup Fair & Events Center. 
August 14-16 Spokane, WA Spokane Fair & Expo Center. 
August 21-23 Pleasanton, CA Fairgrounds - Pleasanton. 
August 28-30 Norwalk, OH Summit Motorsports Park. 
Sept 4-6     Kansas City, KS Kansas Speedway. 
Sept 18-20   Joliet, IL Chicagoland Speedway. 
Sept 25-27   Pocono, PA Pocono Raceway. 
Oct 2-4     Ft. Worth, TX Texas Motor Speedway. 
Oct 16-18   Bowling Green, KY Beech Bend Raceway Park. 
Oct 23-25   Charlotte, NC Lowe's Motor Speedway. 
Nov 14-15   Pleasanton, CA Fairgrounds. 
Nov 20-22   Scottsdale, AZ WestWorld of Scottsdale

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It gives me great pleasure to announce that my latest book, Shelby, the Race Driver, has been printed and is now, available. I have been working, with Carroll's assistance, for over three years on this project. For the most part it has taken that length of time to accumulate the photographs. Before a Cobra was even a gleam in his eye, Carroll Shelby was a great race driver, one of the very best Americans during the fifties. His career behind the wheel is told for the first time in this new book. It includes, remembrances by Shelby himself along with more than 250 photographs, many rare and never before published. Among other achievements, Shelby won Le Mans in 1959, was twice the Sport Car Club of America National Champion and was chosen Sports Car Driver of the Year two times. The book details a large number of his races as well as his relationships with Juan Fangio, Phil Hill, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and John Fitch among many others. Shelby had World Championship ability, but unfortunately, his racing career was cut short after the 1960 season due to his heart condition. The book concludes at the end of that year. The book is soft cover, in 8�x11-inch landscape format with 192 pages. The book is printed on first-rate paper and the photographs are reproduced in high quality I think it's a bargain for only $29.95 and a sure to be a future, collectible, especially if autographed. If you want me to autograph it, I'll be glad to do so without extra charge. Just fill out the form in this mailer. Shelby, himself, will autograph it for you on the condition that you donate $150 to his personal charity, the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, which helps indigent children with acute coronary and kidney care whose lives would be cut short without financial assistance. Of course, your donation is deductible. Art Evans

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Shelby, the Race Driver, Reviewed by Michael Lynch. Art Evans, with significant contributions from Carroll Shelby, has written an outstanding new book that chronicles Shelby's racing career. Evans has assembled his material in yearly chapters that cover Shel's career from, 1952 through 1960. The bulk of the text is told in Shelby's inimitable own words, with additional comments by Evans, elaborating on matters Carroll discusses. This format works extremely well, since nobody can tell a story like Shelby and Evans' following comments elaborate on any subtext that may leave a reader wanting to know even more. The pictures are outstanding. Carroll's daughter, Sharon, provided many that have been previously unseen, and they flesh out the text, providing an even better feeling for the period. The book features more than 250, many rare photographs. They are worth the price of the book. Shelby, the Race Driver, besides being a great read, is an important documentation of the racing career of one of the greatest racing personalities of the second half of the Twentieth Century. Long before Shelby combined the two major automotive romances of the 1950s, sports cars and hot rods by creating the Cobra, he was learning the tricks of the trade that allowed him to be a successful team manager and manufacturer. He perfected these skills and met the players who helped him along the way while he was racing on the circuits of the world. These ranged from the classic European Grand Prix courses to all the major American road courses, many of which were built during Shel's career. He also raced at an Illinois dirt track and in a shopping mall parking lot on Long Island. The entire story is told in Shelby, the Race Driver, in Carroll's own words and an appendix provides Shelby's entire race record in tabular form. Art Evans continues to add to our knowledge of the era. He is a prolific chronicler of the Southern California sports car racing scene in the 1950's. This book is one of Art's best. The book is soft cover, in the large 8� x 11 landscape format and has 192 pages printed on high-quality paper. The price is only $29.95. You can get a copy autographed by Art by contacting him at [email protected], or fax 310-373-5988, or send a check to Art at 800 S. Pacific, Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach CA 90277. You can get a copy with Carroll Shelby's autograph for an additional $150 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. For unautographed copies call 800-289-3504 or on line www.enthusiastbooks.com

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"Blood Did It" Christmas CARtoon Special. An original "CARtoon." These one of a kind, personalized creations of your car are hand drawn by Hot Rod Artist Kenny Youngblood, in full color and on heavy weight, acid-free 15x20 inch watercolor paper. Price $199.95 plus 9.95 S/H, through December 10. (USA only). This includes an 18x28 inch, 2008 "Bakersfield Fifty Years" poster, suitable for framing and signed by me at no extra charge. Or go to www.YoungbloodArt.com and click the "order" button under the sample "CARtoon" on the homepage. You can also send an e-mail picture of his or her car (or their favorite car, race car, truck, bike or boat) to: [email protected], or 888-367-9830. "Blood Did It" celebrates 40 years in motorsports art, 1969-2009. Kenny Youngblood

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For Immediate Release, Contact: Chris Brown, [email protected], 323-964-6320
THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM IN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2008. The Petersen Automotive Museum, a 501, nonprofit organization, a pioneer in automotive education and one of the nation's largest and most preeminent automotive museums, presents an exciting lineup of education programs and events for the entire family to enjoy during the month of July.
NEW EXHIBITIONS, LIMITED TIME ONLY. LEGENDARY CORVETTE RACE CARS. Now on temporary display, as part of our Tribute to Corvette Racing event, a select group of top racing Corvettes from the dawn of Corvette's illustrious racing career up to the modern era will be "unofficially" on display in our Racing Corridor and the Bruce Meyer Gallery. Some cars are already on display, but they won't be for long. This is a temporary exhibition. These Corvettes will be gone before Thanksgiving, so if you are a Corvette fan see this never-before-seen collection before they race off.
GENERAL MOTORS ART. Opens 11/15/09, General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary. With a history rich in style and innovation, artists have found a great deal of inspiration for their work in the lines and forms of General Motors Automobiles. The Automotive Fine Arts Society will be honoring GM in an exhibition of artwork commemorating General Motors' long history.
IMAGINING THE FUTURE: The Southern California Automotive Design Studio, Presented in Cooperation With Art Center College of Design, Opens 11/22/09. Permanent Exhibit, Southern California has been home to more automotive design studios than anywhere else on the planet. The Petersen Automotive Museum is teaming up with world-renowned Transportation Design School, Art Center College of Design to showcase the history of the local design community and its contribution to the world. Visitors will see a comparison of a 1930's studio with a modern-day studio with various examples of the creative process in 2-D and 3-D form from different points in California's rich automotive history. Design demonstrations by Art Center students will occur in the exhibit on select occasions. Check the calendar at www.petersen.org for dates.
NEW EVENTS, NEW EVENTS, TRIBUTE NIGHT: TRIBUTE TO CORVETTE RACING, Petersen Automotive Museum, 10/23/08, for the tenth annual fall gala honoring great legends of motorsports, The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will present its "Tribute to Corvette Racing" on Thursday, October 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. This much anticipated evening will be a distinctive celebration for all who join the Petersen's honored guests and friends and colleagues, along with their viewing gallery exhibits of historic and contemporary Corvettes associated with more than five decades of spectacular Corvette racing heritage. In addition to the evening's "Tribute to Corvette Racing" dinner extravaganza on October 23rd, there will be-on this same day's afternoon at 2:00pm, for a separate ticket fee of $25 per person for those who wish to participate-a very special "Panel Discussion" with the event's invited drivers at the Petersen Museum, moderated by distinguished author and Corvette aficionado, Tim Considine. Because previous Petersen Museum tributes have been sell-outs, early ticket purchase is an absolute must for those who won't want to miss our "Tribute to Corvette Racing." To guarantee your admission for this one-time dinner and full-course of activities, please call The Checkered Flag 200 office at 323-964-6325 for reserved ticket purchase at $100 per person for Checkered Flag 200, Concours, and Classic members, $125 for Motorhome, Roadster, Station wagon, Vintage members, and general public. Ticket price includes dinner, the evening's complete program, and parking. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are not mailed, your reservations will be held at the door.
BONHAMS AND BUTTERFIELDS AUCTION, 10/25/08, Bonham's & Butterfields' annual vintage motorcycle, custom car and sports-racing collectibles auction at LA's Petersen Auto Museum - now referred to as the `Classic California' sale - will feature a wonderful assemblage of early Steve McQueen memorabilia from the collection of his first wife, Neile McQueen Toffel, and a selection of fine American muscle cars from the private collection of Hollywood great, Bruce Willis. Also on offer will be a number of motorcycles and artwork to be sold to benefit the Love Ride charity, as well as an extensive array of exquisite automobilia, including a diamond encrusted Hot Wheels model, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Mattel's iconic brand. Auction Preview on Friday, October 24th from 10am-6pm, and Saturday, October 25th, from 9am-11am. Auction on Saturday, October 25th begins with memorabilia at 11am, followed by the motorcycles and automobiles at 2pm. For more information on the auction, call 415-391-4000, email Eric Minoff: [email protected], or go to www.bonhams.com/petersen., 2nd ANNUAL CHECKERED FLAG 200 CAR SHOW, Petersen Automotive Museum, 11/16/08, In addition to our cars on display within the museum, we will have a car show featuring the classic, exotic, and high-performance cars from our Checkered Flag 200 members. Viewing the car show is free with regular admission.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS, FROM AUTOCAMPS TO AIRSTREMS: THE EARLY ROAD TO VACATIONLAND, on view through February 8, 2009, Second Floor Gordon R. Howard Gallery, World renowned for recreational areas as diverse as the coast, mountains, and deserts, Southern California is equally well known for the distinctive vehicles used by vacationers on their journeys. This exhibit traces the evolution of motorized leisure travel in Southern California before World War II. Pre Recreational vehicles and camping trailers are brought to life in a rustic campsite setting complete with authentic equipment and accessories. Objects in the exhibit show the evolution of the hobby from truly "roughing it," to the sleek streamlined luxury trailers of the late 1930's.
TREASURES OF THE VAULT, on view through June 7, 2009, Second Floor Gordon R. Howard Gallery, The Petersen Automotive Museum collection contains one of the most diverse samplings of important vehicles ever assembled. Thanks to the vision and generosity of founding benefactors Margie and Robert E. Petersen, we have been able to acquire a number of important vehicles that we have not yet had the pleasure to present to the public. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this extraordinary exhibit, it has been extended to June of 2009. This gathering of some of the rarest, most exquisite and most expensive automobiles in history is one not to be missed. From the elegantly outrageous styling of the super-sized "Round Door" Rolls Royce, to cars from heads of state, and cars of beauty and speed - including the Bugatti Veyron, there is something for everyone in this exhibit.
MAKING AN ENTRANCE, on extended display, First Floor LA Autotude Gallery, Getting to a destination in an exotic, classic or ultra luxury car communicates a great deal about an individual's financial means, personal flair, and attitude toward life. Yet the simple act of opening the door to step out of a vehicle in a stylish or unexpected manner can add immeasurably to the drama and impact of arriving., Manufacturers and coachbuilders have experimented with a variety of door configurations in an effort to give their vehicles added glamour and mystique. The "butterfly" doors on a 2006 Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the "scissor" doors on a 1994 Bugatti EB110, and the "gull wing" doors on a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 deftly illustrate how departing from one's vehicle can be just as important as arriving at one's destination. This three car exhibit is an exciting part of over 150 unique vehicles on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum for an extended stay., El Arte, On view through November 9, 2008, Second Floor Art Wall, The lowrider car has been enthusiastically celebrated in the works of many Los Angeles based Chicano artists, including Magu, Mister Cartoon, and OG Abel. Magu, who combines Mexican folk art traditions with fine art, recognized early on the aesthetic and artistic value of the lowrider car. Mister Cartoon and OG Abel celebrate the imagery of the urban lowrider lifestyle through the use of calaveras, graffiti, tattoos, and pinup girls. The younger generation of artists has focused on the regional perspective of lowriding. El Moises blends Chicano, American, Native American and Mexican artistic traditions to depict the lowrider lifestyle in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Shizu Saldamando, a Japanese/Chicana from San Francisco, references her everyday world through portraiture and lowrider/urban art. Using oils and pastels, Vincent Valdez captures his daily life in San Antonio, Texas and documents important moments of Chicano history, such as the Zoot Suits Riots and Chavez Ravine. This art exhibit examines the diverse viewpoints of artists who visualize and celebrate the lowrider car and lowrider lifestyle.
THE ART OF CARS CLOSING SOON. On view through November 2, 2008, Second Floor Hollywood Gallery. Now is your last chance to see this exciting exhibit! The Art of Cars exhibit gives film fans and art lovers a behind-the-scenes look at Pixar's animated feature CARS. Numerous pieces of original art will illustrate various phases of the movie's development. Museum visitors will learn how computer software programs are used to create movement and how backgrounds, lighting and sound are added to create the final film. Also scheduled for display are two life-size depictions of the primary movie characters: Lightning McQueen and Mater. Together they show how Pixar combines art and technology to develop animated feature films that appeal to audiences of all ages.
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS, HOT WHEELS® HALL OF FAME. The Hot Wheels Hall of Fame reopens at the Petersen Automotive Museum, featuring Hot Wheels® full-size and die-cast cars. Visitors get a look inside the highly prolific Hot Wheels® design studio via original models, wooden patterns, injection molds and drawings of original vehicle designs.
HOLLYWOOD STAR CARS. This exhibition features significant cars and memorabilia of Hollywood lore including the Batman showcase featuring the1966 Batcycle and the official Batman suit worn by Michael Keaton in Batman. The exhibit also features "Black Beauty" driven by Bruce Lee in The Green Hornet television series, the "Hannibal 8" driven by Jack Lemmon in The Great Race, a replica of the "Mach 5" from Speed Racer, "Grease Lightning" from the hit movie Grease, and more.
ALTERNATIVE POWER: LESSONS FROM THE PAST, INSPIRATION FOR THE FUTURE. Responding to our visitors' overwhelmingly positive reception to the first Alternative Power exhibition, the Petersen Automotive Museum has opened a long-term display of Alternative Power vehicles. This latest exhibition continues to explore the history of automobile power using a wide array of vehicles equipped with innovative propulsion systems. On display will be vehicles powered by steam, electricity, turbines, fuel cells, and other sources. From the highly styled 1963 Chrysler Turbine to the recently recalled-and now extremely rare-General Motors EV1, automobiles will be presented that illustrate the growth of alternative vehicle technology. Together, these vehicles offer an interesting contrast to those being developed today, and may even inspire modern engineers in their pursuit of the next technological breakthrough.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES, MAY FAMILY DISCOVERY CENTER. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm. Designed to spark a child's interest in science by way of the automobile, the May Family Discovery Center is an interactive learning center that teaches basic scientific principles using the fundamental elements of the car.
DISCOVERY DAY: Car Bookmarks, Saturday, November 1st, 2008, 1-4pm, Discovery Days are drop-in arts and crafts workshops offered on the first Saturday of every month, anytime between 2 pm - 4 pm in the May Family Discovery Center on the third floor. October's Discovery Day features car bookmarks. Come and make your own bookmarks. The program is included in Museum general admission. Call 323-964-6308 for more information.
SPECIAL FEATURES AT THE PETERSEN, MEMBER'S OPEN HOUSE, October 30th. Join us on Thursday, October 30th for our annual Member's Open House. Members may go behind-the-scenes and take an exclusive look at the vehicles located in the Museum's "Vault." Enjoy complimentary refreshments and children's activities while meeting the Museum staff and the Pit Crew volunteers. Since this special event is only open to members, be sure to renew your membership so you won't miss this once-a-year opportunity for a very special insider's look at the Petersen. 323-964-6359 [email protected].
SPECIAL EVENTS AND FILMING. Please call for event and production requests 323-964-6348.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Please call for details, pricing and scheduling 323-964-6373.
SCHOOL TOURS. Taking a field trip to the Pete is an excellent way to teach your students about the history of Los Angeles and its intertwined relationship with the automobile. Students learn basic scientific principles and their applications as they explore hands-on activities in the Discovery Center. School Tours focus on history/social science, visual arts, and science & technology. Call 323-964-6358 for information and reservations.
GROUP TOURS. A docent-led tour is available to groups of ten or more. 323-964-6346.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. Come and be a part of the Petersen's "Pit Crew." New Docent Training Class will be held in the fall of 2008. For an application or more information call 323-964-6358, email [email protected], or visit www.petersen.org.
MUSEUM STORE. Excellent souvenirs and gifts for auto enthusiasts and museum visitors 323-964-6328
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS, WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? Opens 2/28/09. An in-depth study of the truly bizarre, the poorly developed, and the unfeasible ideas that people have seriously attempted to sell to the general public. Learn where they went wrong! An autotorium of automobile oddities from around the globe, and certainly the only assembly of vehicles where the Edsel is the "normal" car, these vehicles are sure to amaze and amuse.
MUSEUM INFORMATION. The Petersen Automotive Museum's education programs and special events are FREE for Museum members. For non-members, events are included in the price of Museum admission: $10 for Adults, $5 for Seniors & Students, and $3 for children 5-12. Programs and events are subject to change without notice. RSVP is recommended. Please contact the Education Department at 323-964-6347 for confirmation of program dates and times. The Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Parking fee is $8. For general Museum information, call 323-930-CARS or visit the Museum's web site at www.Petersen.org.

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BAKERSFIELD, California, October 12, 2008. It was a championship day of nostalgia drag racing at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, literally. A gorgeous, blustery autumn afternoon brought the fans in out in droves to see the final day of nostalgia drag racing at the 17th California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. It also was the finale of the inaugural NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series. In short, it was a day of champions and the fans loved it. In the Heritage Series, Troy Green, Purcell, Oklahoma nabbed the Nostalgia Top Fuel title over Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa, California. Green, who clung to a slim 5-point lead over Murphy, appeared headed for a championship-deciding final, but both were beaten in their semi-finals contests. Green lost to Rick White and Brett Harris took Murphy out, thus giving Green the title. White, from San Diego, California then beat Harris, from Kaysville, Utah, whose car broke down at the starting line, to win the Hot Rod Reunion race title. White's winning time was 255.89 mph with a 5.819 ET. "I'm proud to win the first Hot Rod Heritage Series Top Fuel title," said Green. We lost the battle (the Hot Rod Reunion race) but won the war. I'm tickled to death." For White, it was the first time he'd won the Reunion in Top Fuel. "We had the perfect car for the weekend. It ran consistently strong." In Nostalgia Funny Car, Bucky Austin, from Fife, Washington hit the daily double, clinching the Hot Rod Heritage Series title and winning the Hot Rod Reunion race. In the finals, Austin (244.03 mph, 5.749 ET) defeated Kris Krabbill from Orange, California who ran 245.83 mph with a 5.942 ET. "I really feel fortunate to have such a great crew," said Austin. "They did their homework and had a great game plan - all I did was drive." Austin gave props to Krabill as well. "I've know him since he was a little kid. He's a scary-good driver. I was fortunate to beat him." Sent in by Bill Groak

funny car final

 CAPTION: Funny Car Final, sent in by Bill Groak.

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