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: |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LSR & Drag racer Chauvin Emmons has passed away. Chauvin was prepping his car for Bonneville when he apparently fell off the trailer and broke his leg; the break caused another complication (infection) which ended his life. His son will drive the car out of respect to his dad. A real innovator and hot rod pioneer. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bob Young - Aug. 5, 2009, reprinted from an article in The Arizona Republic. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I was very excited last week-end to film the final scene of DEUCE OF SPADES. This morning I edited the opening sequence and so I am now officially in the last phase of post production. I hope to have it completed within the next two months and if all goes well, the movie should be ready for release by year end... I just can't wait to share it with all of you!!! FAITH GRANGER, Filmmaker. www.deuceofspadesmovie.com , and www.theparkbenchmovie.com. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If any one knew who Jack Houttes was, it would be Pete Petersen. I was invited over to his place 15 years ago, just after meeting Costella. When Houttes learned that I had D'Angelo's Track T, he did not hesitate to invite me over. The location of Scotts Valley is just before Santa Cruz, which was once a drag strip. Jack Houttes was a police officer who was the flagman at the time, to assure good responsibilities for the racers. At around the same time I got connected with Dick Williams of Poli-Form. Not the same Dick Williams I knew who was the 1949 Grand National Roadster show winner. It was late at night as I recall and I went the wrong way and ran into the Wrigley's chewing gum factory, lost and drenched from the rain. The security guard came out with a brick of chewing gum and just gave it to me with some help to find the right address. Finally I came to Houttes spectacular house with a view. We were bench racing prewar style at first about track roadsters. He told me about some dangerous races and never to wear green with a number 13, as it was a bad combination. He also used to have a Porche that looked just like James Dean's car, and how he would take it to the special Monterey shows. Williams told me that in the past, he and Pete Petersen developed a manifold together for the flatheads and named it "Petersen & Houttes" manifold. Afterwards for some reason they went separate ways. Pete sure made things happen for everyone to enjoy. Jack gave me a copy of the Rod Dust article from November 1, 1950 Volume #1 no.4. I remember him telling me that Ken Fuhrmann printed this article, and he won first place at the drags in the class B section. D'Angelo and Les Joseph were in the race also. I faintly remember that I believe it was Mike Dobrin or Dick Liebfritz that told me where Fuhrmann was. When I told Houttes of this, the world started to change. Vern Hart, who was in charge of Scotts Valley Nostalgia Knights Event coordinator asked me to bring my T in whatever condition it was in, to the town. I told him it was in pieces, but he said that was OK. This was a monthly show on a Thursday if I remember right. They had the show on the Fourth of July in 1996. They made a grand opening for Ken Fuhrmann. I was told by Ken that he was the first guy to make a Plexiglas hood on his hot rod. He also designed the logo 'American Racing Rims.' Quite inspiring to me was his father being an engine caster for Harry Miller. It was great to see Ken get some fame in the papers. I can also remember giving Gene Winfield a copy of the article, because his name was in it as well when he was racing in Southern California, winning in first place. I will give some names of the people that I have got in contact with that were given to me to find connections on the history of the car. Some were good and some were just a no go on my next article. Spencer Simon |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sorry...too tired and lame to do that now...my ill health... (name with-held on request) |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thank you for sending this back to me. I wrapped up everything down to the part where you ask for my inputs on all my paintings. I'll make an effort to keep on top of this. I notice your request for "6 representative photos." Are you looking for photos of me? What size (either megabytes, pixels, resolution are you looking for? I'm also working with Faith Granger on developing some posters for her movie. Shall I include a mention of them in my bio somewhere? I have a feeling that the movie will be HUGE. Early last year I completed a project for the xxxxx service, that I really can't release at this time. Will this bio be published before 2010 somewhere, or is it just for a historical collection. If its digital, I suppose I can update it as my career unfolds, correct. Tom Fritz |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Autobooks-Aerobooks, 3524 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. 818 845-0707 Tina Van Curen |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I will be attending my first Speed Week at Bonneville next week. We are really excited (a good friend is going for his first time also). We are traveling with a group that includes Vern Tardel from the Santa Rosa and other veterans from the North Bay and S.F. Bay area leaving on Thursday, August 6, 2009 in the morning and arriving in Austin, Nevada for the BBQ Thursday evening. Then on to Wendover and the salt flats for the good stuff. I plan to take a ton of photos of our journey and the racing which I will be happy to share with you at SLSRH. Bob Choisser Vacaville, CA. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have been working with Ken Berg to establish some form of repository for American auto racing history and memorabilia. My vision is some sort of registry of collectors and museums so that at least the world will know who has what. I have always appreciated your kindness and generosity to some of my old heroes like Danny Oakes and Rodger Ward. I remember you bringing them to several Legends reunions. All the best, Roy C. Morris |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I just saw this review of our book (Harrell Engines & Racing Equipment) on www.amazon.com and thought I would share it with you. It was clearly written by someone who was there, then. Roger H. Harrell |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In just over one year, beginning in 2011, the mandatory helmet requirements will be updated. If you do not currently have a Snell approved helmet to race in the 36hp Challenge, I would recommend you purchase (or borrow) a Snell 2005 or newer approved helmet (Current rules thorough 2010 require Snell 2000 or newer). The Snell 2005 helmet becomes mandatory on January 1, 2011 and must be full face with a visor over the face opening. Please keep this in mind if buying or borrowing a helmet for the Challenge. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earlier this week I was in a tire shop here in Riverside. I noticed a "vintage" picture on the wall of a neat looking streamliner/roadster. The caption said "'Modified Cragar' 100.00 M.P.H. Harper Dry Lake." There was no date or other information. The owner of the picture, Dave Kuma, said he purchased it at a swap meet years ago. The seller at the swap meet had purchased it at a swap meet or garage sale and had no other information other than it was an enlargement of an original. The picture is matted and framed in a nice old wood frame. I did not recognize the car but started a www.Google.com image search and in fairly short order recognized the car as possibly George Rybsch's "Skipit" Streamliner due to the distinctive side pipes, tail fin and hubcaps. I sent a picture of what I found to Jim Miller. In short order, Jim worked his magic and confirmed the car was "Skipit" and to my amazement identified the custom hubcaps and that they were designed and produced by George DuVall. Now, armed with that information, I did some more investigation on my end, and found some info in the SoCal Speed Shop book written by Mark Christensen, that identified the DuVall hubcaps as his "Hollywood" hubcaps. More info about some of DuVall's work is on page 23 of the aforementioned book. Oh, I failed to mention, Dave, the current owner of the picture we're investigating bought the picture because he liked the hubcaps. He is a collector of vintage "stuff" and had been trying for several years to find out what they were and if available. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Force RaceStation - All Ford car show, Sunday, August 9, 2009, from 10 am to 4 pm, Yorba Linda, California. The Mustang Club of Orange County is producing this show, presented by the Auto Club of Southern California and Ken Grody Ford. Bring a can of food for the local food bank and receive a ticket to win a TV. Craig Hoelzel, director of special promotions, John Force Racing, Inc. 22722 Old Canal Road, Yorba Linda, California 92887. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear friends, crew, supporters and LSR followers. Please click on the link below to read the latest project update from Rosco and the Aussie Invader 5R team. See http://www.aussieinvader.com/newsletters/aussieinvader_aug09.pdf. Best wishes, Mark Read, Proud member of the Aussie Invader 5R Team. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sorry I've been remiss in finishing my bio; it's been a busy summer! I spent the better part of the month of June on a big cross country adventure in a '32 Ford Flathead powered roadster a friend and I resurrected a couple years ago after sitting in storage for over 40 years! We went out to the LA Roadster show to try to find the previous owner, George Kirk. A friend of ours bought the car from George in Santa Monica in 1959 then brought it back to Ohio. Three local guys went out to California in '57, '59 and '61 each time bringing back a roadster- two '32s and one Model A roadster pick up. If you would like to read about my adventure I posted it all on the HAMB (remember, I'm ChevyGirlRox on there), you can read about it here: |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am looking for the following items for my Hall of Fame Museum, which will open late this year in Auburn, Indiana. I need information on anything speed equipment or cars built by Grancor Automotive Specialists (Granatelli Corporation) like Ford Flathead motors, heads, manifolds, etc. Also, looking for any racecars I owned or built, including Indy cars, street rods, Bonneville cars or a Fordillac. I would like to have any information on the whereabouts of any of the above. I will consider a loan, a donation or I will purchase the items. No matter what, I would like to know what's out there. Contact Andy at [email protected]. Thank you. Andy Granatelli |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I sent an updated version to you in April, May or June. Mom had written it all down & I typed it out for her & sent it. My 2 computers don't date back that far for sent mail. Mom will go on dad's computer this afternoon and see if his computer will date back that far. Will we see you at the CHRR? Hope so....We can sit & sign autographs together!! Robin & Orah Mae Millar |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Checkered Flag 200 Car Show and Family Fun Day Petersen Automotive Museum, Sunday, August 30, 2009 11 a.m.-3p.m., 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. See www.petersen.org. Chris Brown |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm working on an article about stock car road racing in Southern California during the 1950's. There were two races at Paramount and one at another location, I think perhaps Pomona. I have dates on the two Paramount's, but not the other, also promoted by JC Agajanian, I think. Do you have any info? Do you have any photos? Thanks, Art Evans, Phone 310-489-5330. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Moldy Marvin's "Doin' it In the Dirt" Aug. 8th 2009! Drag Racers! If you end up bringing out your Race Car, I'll set you up with special parking for your trailer and tow vehicle. There is NO Race but we could do a little Cacklefest of our own during the show! Also I'll be announcing some of what is going on with the street racing program we're working on! Your support is highly valued so come on out and join us! |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I haven't forgotten your request for information about Jimmie Jackson. Have done some research but need to have a few things verified by Donald Davidson. I have his full Indy driving record but cannot recall his DOD and COD but I know Donald will have those. After he ended his driving career he was a fixture at IMS working as a representative for an after market auto parts manufacturer. He was a former riding mechanic in the two man cars. Bob Falcon |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WMUR recently aired a thoroughly enjoyable segment on their Chronicle program featuring New England Dragway and they have been kind enough to archive it online. See http://www.wmur.com/chroniclevideo/20266508/index.html. Mark Hovsepian and Gil Coraine |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On Saturday, August 29, 2009, starting at 10:00AM, there will be a Bean Bandits reunion and car show at the Point Loma Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA. The theme is to honor the 60th year of the San Diego BEAN BANDITS Racing Team, and to honor Joaquin Arnett. Joaquin is suffering from Alzheimer's, but is expected to be in attendance. Also featured will be the famous $5.00 donation lunch. If you can attend, please do, and extend an invitation to any and all that may be interested. Jack |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am looking for help with a project. I need a central location to host a reunion for the founding drag racers, land speed and sprint car guys. If I can get a venue I can establish a tentative date. Jim Miller and I have tossed around a few novel locations but we are hoping someone might step forward with a better idea. The venue must be free and hopefully it could get done later this years, perhaps in the next couple of months. As a few of you know, I was the National Director of Microsoft's X Box Cup Racing Series. I am volunteering my time and I will help pay for the |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To honor Phil Hill, a Formula 1 World Drivers Champion who had an unceasing passion for all manner of automobiles, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, working through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, has established the Pebble Beach Phil Hill Scholarships. Hill passed away a few days after the last Concours, at age 81. Kelsey Durkin |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I received a phone call last evening from Jack Mickelson confirming that my son's roadster was, at one time, his. Due to his advanced age he could not remember when he bought the roadster (sometime in the mid 1940s), but he did confirm that he sold it to the automotive writer Don Francisco. I thank you for your forum that allowed us to put another piece of the puzzle together on this historic vehicle. Jack also confirmed that the deuce was wrecked by Don prior to selling it to Gene Scott of Antique Auto Parts. John & Chris Julis, Riverside, CA |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I noticed the post regarding the Jack Mickelson roadster. I spoke with someone's father about a car they believed was Jack's and I gave that person Jack's mailing address. I spoke with Jack this evening and he told me that he sold his roadster to Don Francisco and a neat side note was that your dad, Wally Parks, drove Don over to Jack's place to pick it up in your dad's A V8 roadster. The man told me his son was given Jack's roadster by Gene Scott, founder of Antique Ford Parts. He had said Gene Scott had bought it from Don Francisco and it had been sitting at Antique Ford Parts for years and that it was turned into a street rod by Roy Brizio, or something along those lines. I made a call to Jaime Gonzalez at Evans Speed Equipment and had him ask Gene Ohly, who was at that time the owner of Evans Speed Equipment and Ohly was a long time friend of Scott's who remembers Scott opening his doors for the first time. Ohly's Evans Speed Equipment race cars were sponsored by Antique Ford Parts and Ohly possesses an excellent memory. Gene Ohly said that he never saw the Jack Mickelson roadster at Antique |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thanks for contacting me. I will make sure you receive monthly updates of Aussie Invader 5R project. I am not sure if you have visited our website www.aussieinvader.com, we have a lot of information about the car and Rosco, the driver, his racing career and his past LSR cars. For information about LSR racing in Australia, please visit www.dlra.org.au. Kind regards, Mark Read |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are all at Louisville at Street rod Nationals. so will not get the newsletter on until next week. Mary Ann Lawford and the staff at www.hotrodhotline.com. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following email was sent to the SLSRH by Burly Burlile. "Just had Darrell Vittone here for 3 days at yearly Re-union and he had Dry Lakes image for me of rare early Pre Inch Pincher at El-Mo Dry Lake, use it as you wish, the Dude was a salesman at Econo." Glenn Millstok |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The third guy from the left in the white shirt and wearing the white cloth helmet appears to be a former Culver City neighbor, Dave West. I know Dave worked for the "Skip's" dad at his shop and was involved building this car. Dave served in the Navy during WW2 as an aviation machinist mate (aircraft mechanic) on Iwo Jima where he met a Marine aircraft mechanic named "Swede" Lindskog, a race car driver of note on the west coast. As the war was winding down, Swede needed to hone his race car driving skills, so he and Dave built a Midget Race Car, powered by a Japanese motorcycle engine. Swede wrote Dave a letter of introduction to John Balch telling him of Dave's race car fabrication and maintenance skills and Balch hired him to attend to his Midgets. Dave was instrumental in getting Jim Travers involved in oval racing as his helper. That was Travers introduction to the racing big time regardless of whatever has been written about his career. I am still in touch with Dave's younger brother Wayne who was a hot rod buddy of mine. Dave taught me a lot about fabrication. I tell all that he taught me how to THINK. Bob Falcon |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ August 8, 2009 Speed Demon returns to the World Famous Bonneville Salt Flats. Ron Main collection. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kenny Duttweiler, Duttweiler Performance: Kenny Duttweiler has one of the best names in the business when is world renowned for his engine building. He has been on the cutting edge of since opening Duttweiler Performance in 1984. Longtime "Turbo God" Kenny Duttweiler has a well-established reputation as the finest turbo tuner in all of drag racing. His Grand National is legendary for being the first to hit single digits and eventually 6s. Both as an engine builder and a racer with 45 years of experience, Kenny has achieved many more accolades--too many to list here. The name Kenny Duttweiler is synonymous with mega horsepower and forced induction. Kenny knows what it takes to make really big horsepower numbers and has just completed our newest power plant, the DemonFire V-8. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] [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] [2009 Shows] [Stolen] |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |