SOCIETY OF LAND SPEED RACING HISTORIANS |
|||||||
Click On All Images For Larger View |
Some Names To Look For In This Newsletter: |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ President's Corner: |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Editorial: |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I feel the mention of Dave MacDonald's 308.98 record (311 mph down run) needs mention as the fastest door slammer. (Engine in the stock location and even the power windows work! John Julis |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Results for the Road Runners at the October El Mirage meet are now posted; http://www.ussarcherfish.com/roadrunners/results.htm. Jerry Cornelison |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard Noble has publicly announced another project aimed at breaking the absolute land speed record. The new car is called Bloodhound SSC. Current record-holder Andy Green will drive. The official Web site is at www.bloodhoundssc.com. On their Website they have a Supporters Club for 20 Pounds (about $32). When Craig Breedlove started building the Spirit of America Formula Shell in the early 1990's, that spurred Richard Noble into starting the Thrust SSC project to defend his record. After Steve Fossett bought the same car and began redesigning and rebuilding it, it again spurred Noble into beginning another project to defend Andy Green's record. Fossett is gone, but it appears that Richard is rolling right along. Charley Shaffer |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Additional readers comments on the new server and program to distribute the newsletter. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am a new "member" of your Society of Land Speed Racing Historians Newsletter. For about four years, I have been a regular contributor to Jack and Mary Ann's hot rod show and drag racing event photos at www.hotrodhotline.com. I live in Vacaville, California and am currently a grass-roots drag racer, '72 Vega Station wagon, reliving my youth and financing it with my children's inheritance! I love all types of cars with the exception of the Toyota Prius. I thought you would enjoy the story that appeared in our local newspaper on September 1st. Some local boys set the street roadster record, by about 10 mph, on the salt in August. See http://www.thereporter.com/ci_10355910. I don't know these fellows personally, but do know the car builder, Vern Tardel, who I went to H.S. with in Santa Rosa, California way back when! Have been to Vern's shop in Windsor, California several times and enjoyed every moment of it. I took some photos of our last visit which was now, two years ago. You can see them at my Webshots site if you are interested. See http://rides.webshots.com/album/554561866rJZbhl. Vern has held several Bonneville records himself through the years...mostly with Ford Flathead motors. You may or may not know this, but Vern and his buddies provided around 25 period correct hot rods for the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian"...a great movie for salt flat nuts! I am not a historian, but do love the history of old race cars. And when one is found in a barn or behind a garage, it is like finding a pot of gold. Enjoy, Bob Choisser, in Vacaville, California. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How many opportunities are there to run a streamliner (4 wheel) at Bonneville each year? Who promotes other events beside SCTA/BNI? |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well it's that time again at www.Hotrodhotline.com. Time for us to upgrade our Servers. As we continue to grow and have more and more visitors, our equipment becomes bogged down and we have noticed that in the afternoons and early evening we are sometimes running slow. We now have over 50,000 visitors a DAY. Next week we will be switching to TWO new very high powered Quad Processor Servers, it should all be very smooth and you won't even notice until it's done, and then you'll be ZOOMING again on Hotrodhotline. We want to thank all of YOU for the support you have given us over these TEN YEARS. We've had a great time and loved every minute and it's all thanks to YOU! Can you believe it? Mary Ann Lawford |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am writing you for a couple of reasons. One, my dad (Kenny Eichert) grew up in South Gate, California and knew both Wally and Kenny Parks growing up in the same neighborhood and running roadsters out at the dry lakes. He was a bit younger than both, born in 1931. My dad's cousin is Ray Pyle, who was a member of the South Gate Gaters back in the mid-40's and early 1950's and belonged to the same car club as Kenny. Although my dad never drove or was a full fledged member of the SCTA, he hung around Ray's garage working on the roadsters that they drove out at the dry lakes. My dad's nickname back then was Boone. The neat news is that my dad and I still have the same roadster that belonged to Ray Pyle. My dad has owned the roadster since 1964 after purchasing it from Ray. Before that, Ray's mother, kept the roadster stored in her garage in South Gate until that time. Another long time good friend from South Gate, Jack Stewart helped my dad pull the roadster from her garage and bring it to our home then in Downey, California. I am currently working to get the roadster back on the road as it sat all these years. If you're interested, I know my dad would love to talk to you and reminisce about those yesteryears and memories of interacting with Wally and Kenny. He'll be 77 years old this coming November 9th. |
|
|
I will follow up with my dad as you have stated and those that I come in contact with regarding my search. I don't have many photos of the roadster but I usually label photos as I receive them. I will make it a lot easier for you by capturing any stories my dad can recall about your uncle or dad and the early days of the dry lakes. This is the fun part for me. I've run into a Kevin, who makes the old Cook's Machine Ship, Cyclone head. His uncle was in the Gaters but I've yet to get any information to contact him. The persons my dad has been able to recall that were members of the Gaters were: Emil Dietrich, Regg Schlemmer, Kenny Parks, Ray Pyle, and the Cotton ??? Brothers out of Downey, CA. He couldn't recall their names. Also the Hersom Bros??? I've seen this name in the SCTA Time Trial booklets. I appreciate the help, the inspiration and the guidance for this endeavor. I look forward to staying in contact. I did read and liked your story about your uncle. I met him one time when I was younger. He worked at Bell Auto and my dad went in to say hello after so many years. My dad ended up buying these big red pillowy Bell Auto jackets for the whole family. Funny thing is, he was wearing his jacket not too long ago on a night out. I didn't know he still had his. Chris Eichert |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I wanted to know if you had any way to contact Mr. Otto Ryssman. I am the son of Edward Conkle, grandson of Edward "Tiny" Conkle and I wanted to contact Mr. Ryssman if possible. My father and grandfather shared a few stories with me about their racing past and Otto, but through the years I have forgotten most. Tiny passed away a few years ago so for me the stories are gone and I would just like to catch up on any info from back in the day with Otto. Please let me know either way and I thank you for your time. I still live in my grandfather's old house right behind CJ Hart's old house off of 1st street in Santa Ana. Cameron Conkle |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have met Jack Underwood and have been to "Jack's Garage" a number of times. I still haven't gone through all of his material. What a great guy he is. I can't say enough about him. From my first phone call to him, he has welcomed me and my dad and opened up his home to all of my inquiries. I was able to find the SCTA Time Trials program that mentions Ray and the roadster in July 16-17 1949. On this date, Ray was awarded the SCTA dash plaque that is still with the roadster. I live in Irvine and Jack is not too far North of me that I stop in once in awhile. I appreciate the encouragement. Beside physically working on the roadster to get it back on the road, I have really enjoyed searching for its history and my families history associated with it. What you've said couldn't be more true. As many times as I've talked to my dad about the roadster throughout the years, I've learned (and captured) more information in the past year than spread over all the times we talked about it previously. I will do as you suggest and start to write down more about my dad's stories and keep them in a journal. Thanks, Chris Eichert |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here is a Youtube link for my friend Jacin's first two runs ever of his FED. He built it himself over several years. It is 392 HEMI powered. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I received Landspeed Newsletter. Thank you very much. Red Greth |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On October 23, there was a unique racing Corvettes celebration at the Petersen Automotive Museum. It was unique because there were almost 20 legendary drivers present who raced Corvettes. I would venture to say that such a gathering has never happened before and is not likely to happen again. There was an afternoon symposium with most of the legends reminiscing about their glory days. In the group were Corvette Hall of Fame Members John Fitch, Dick Guldstrand (Mr. Corvette) and two-time SCCA National Champion Jim Jeffords. Others drivers included Bob Bondurant, Tony De Lorenzo, Joe Freitas, Lou Gigliotti, Doug Hooper, Davey Jordan, Bill Krause, Don Meline, Scooter Patrick, Bill Pollack, Andy Porterfield and Paul Reinhart. In addition General Motors sent Gib Hufstader (GM staffer in charge of racing parts and homologation.) and Doug Fehan, Program Manager for Corvette Racing. In the evening, there was a banquet. To help in the celebration, I created a book titled: CORVETTE RACING, The Early Years. It was printed in a very limited quantity, but there are a few copies left over. So long as they last, I am offering copies for only $19.95 each. To receive one, please use the form on the next page of this letter. Here's very special opportunity: John Fitch (who wrote part of the book and is featured in it) will autograph your copy personally for a $40 (or more) donation to his fund to fight the State of Connecticut that wants to take the home where he has lived for 50 some years. (John is a highly-decorated WWII injured POW veteran often asked by the State governor to participate in celebrations!) The book includes Corvette racing through 1960. The '56 and '57 Sebring's plus the '60 Le Mans are featured. The Sebring chapters were written by team leader and head driver John Fitch himself. Also included are remembrances by Dick Guldstrand, Jim Jeffords, Pete Lovely, Bill Pollack, Andy Porterfield and '57 SCCA National Champion Dick Thompson. There are loads of photographs including some from the GM Archives and others from personal collections. I want to emphasize that this is a one-time opportunity. There are no plans to print any additional copies. There were only 100 copies printed and quite a few were sold at the Petersen on October 23. You might want to think about giving a copy as a Christmas present in addition to one for yourself. All the best, Art Evans, 800 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, California 90277. 310-540-8068, [email protected] |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land Speed Racing Websites: |
|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
[www.hotrodhotline.com] [www.hotrodhotline.com] [Barn & Field Cars] [Blast to the Past] [Book Reviews] [Build Articles] [Buyers Guide] [Classifieds] [Club Directory] [Event Listings] [From our Friends] [Garage Shots] [Guest Columnists] [Hotrod MD] [New Products] [Newsletter Archive] [Order a Catalog] [Our Heroes] [Press Releases] [Rodders Forum] [Rodders Row] [Shop Tours] [Vendors Directory] [Advertising Info] [Young Rodders] [Modern Rods] [Site Map] |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |