Motorsports Newsletter 6/30/23
By Richard Parks
1) This Week on Cars Yeah will be Luis Da Silva Jr (Actor); Prescott Kelly (Porsche Expert); Jack Atkinson (Brumos Racing); and Woody Woodard (Penske Racing). 2340 interviews and counting and all free at Cars Yeah. All American Racers Dan Gurney’s 1967 Eagle Gurney Weslake Mark 1 Formula 1. Serial No AAR104 powered by a Twelve-cylinder 60-degree vee engine, twin overhead camshafts 2997 cc. When Dan Gurney won the Belgian Grand Prix with this car in June 1967, he became only the second American to drive an American car to Grand Prix Victory. Mark Greene is at Cars Yeah info.
2) Regarding, “OSCAR KOVELESKI Biography Final Version has been completed.” Great job…glad I could help. Martin Rudow, Author of: ‘Lost Road Courses,’ ‘Long Straights and Hairpin Turns,’ ‘Weekends of Glory,’ and ‘Pete Lovely, a Racer’s Life.’ COMING soon: ‘One Last Turn.’ At Rudo-mart.com.
3) Note from Chris Agajanian who is selling his Beatles collection, “It took more than 40 years to assemble this collection of over 2000 pieces of Beatles memorabilia. The collection includes record albums, concert tickets, posters, photographs, toys and clothing from the Beatles era. It showcases John Lennon’s collarless suit, Paul McCartney’s flowered shirt, George Harrison’s iconic glasses, and many other rare items. Chris is at contact.
4) Scott G. Parks Mini-Biography for Hidden Pioneers program:
Scott G. Parks is the oldest son of Richard and Epi Parks and the first grandson of Wally Parks, Founder of the NHRA. His early years were spent in Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley areas. Active in sports and the Boy Scouts, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 1987. He received an award from the University of California, Irvine Medical Center for his volunteer work there as a teenager. Scott served a voluntary and unpaid two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints from 1988-1990 in Wisconsin and Michigan areas. Upon his return he earned his AA degree at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, a Bachelor’s Degree at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah and a master’s degree in public policy at BYU. After his master’s degree he worked as a Congressional Aide for Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-California 45th District). He then earned a JD in Law at the University of San Diego, in San Diego, California. Scott married Stacy Rauch and they have one son and live in Chino, California where he works for various law offices. Scott’s hobbies include sports, traveling, NHRA and SEMA activities, speaking to groups about his grandfather’s efforts in motorsports and safety programs, and his volunteer service for his church activities. He is currently contributing to the work of the Hidden Pioneers program of Technology and Transportation at the High School level.
EDITOR: Biographies are important and should be left to one’s family as a heritage. They are quick and easy to do.
5) AirTech is having its 40th Anniversary. Kent Riches, news, AirTech Streamlining, 2530 Fortune Way, Vista, CA 92081.
6) I just donated to this GoFundMe for repairs to the Top Gun Dragstrip in Fallon, Nevada. Would you be interested in supporting it too? Even a small donation could help Daniel Schierholt reach their fundraising goal. And if you can’t make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word. Thank you. James Clark
https://www.gofundme.com/f/topgun-drag-strip-repairs?utm_source=customer-andr&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet.
EDITOR: Jim Clark and Bob Small were a drag racing team and their bios are in my archives. If you want to read them just email me.
7) ROAD RACERS AND FORMULA 1 FANS: The Oscar Koveleski is finished and John Gay is adding photographs and captions. I can send you the story now if you want to read it. I am working on the Book Review and story for Yves Morizot and Stand21 now and should have it ready by today, so email me for that story and I will send it to you by email. Your Editor
8) The recent virus did not stop us from moving forward to shoot one of the Hidden Garages in Lake Elsinore, California. We lost Randy Haapala and will remember him forever as he was a very Cool man. Please enjoy the video with awesome photos inside and out. Behind the scenes of great info on making of the “Hidden Garages” first trailer. See: hiddenpioneers.
EDITOR: Randy Haapala was a drag racing collector, and his wife had a fabulous doll collection. It was the perfect stop for husbands and wives, as the men admired the cars and the ladies marveled at the meticulous construction of dolls.
9) From John Towle and Don Smith on the Fannation article, “Another track bites the dust, should the NHRA (and its loyal fans) be worried? See https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/auto-racing-digest/nhra/another-track-bites-the-dust-should-the-nhra-and-its-loyal-fans-be-worried.
EDITOR: The short answer is NO. The Wuhan virus destroyed numerous businesses and upset the entire world and that’s what has set NHRA and other motorsports back, but they will recover. The loss of tracks is a result of Eminent Domain as tracks are shut down for roads, housing, hospitals and just about anything else the government deems more important. We have lost more tracks than I can ever count, and not only drag strips. However, as long as people want to go racing, promoters and track operators will find facilities to build for people to race on. The long-term danger is the changing habits of people. Will the future generations want to go racing?
10) The Woman Behind Project Mercury; YouTube Prime Motivation Auto Tech Expo; Prime Motivation Auto Tech Expo – YouTube; CSI Bills profile: Meet William Montgomery, Transportation & Technology Expert – SHOUTOUT SOCAL (20+). Bill Montgomery Transport & Tech is on Facebook.
11) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will participate with the NEOPMA and the PMRA at Empire Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Challenge IV and V, on June 30-July 1 and August 18-19, 2023. The merger of Pro Modifieds of the NEOPMA and the PMRA was successful in 2022, and it was decided by officials to continue with the two-race series. An added bonus for drag race fans is the return of the dragsters and door cars in the companion Quick 32 Sportsman Series. Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
12) CSI Bill Montgomery, Founder of Hidden Pioneers, brought Ed “Isky” Iskenderian to a car show and picnic, on Sunday June 11, 2023. Ed will turn 102 on July 10, 2023, and his birthday will be celebrated at the Lions Automobilia Museum, in Rancho Dominguez, on July 15th.
13) Royce Rumsey just published “Banking on Brandy.” Blue-eyed, blond-haired Brandy Banks excels in Auto-Fashion social media to revive the integration of traditional fashion and automotive photography. Royce is at roycer924_2.
EDITOR: Another fabulous photographer who handles 1930-’40-’50’s traditional photography is Mitzi Valenzuela at www.Mitzi&Co.
AND:
Royce Rumsey just published “LETTER PERFECT,” John Lazenby’s perfect example “Forward Look” 300B, pairs up at the Lyon Air Museum with WWII aircraft. In car enthusiast circles mentioning of “the letter cars” is immediately met with knowing nods of approval. There are few legendary cars that elicit such universal approval and the Chrysler “Letter Cars” of the mid-’50’s rightfully are among such. The Lyon Air Museum is located at Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, California. Royce can be found at roycer924_2.
14) E AEROSPACE TECH SUMMIT • E Aerospace Tech Summit is a high-level E Aerospace business summit based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the E Aerospace Industry, energy information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. This event is an excellent opportunity to learn about investing in the future of Aerospace and discuss the latest advancements in VTOL industry, and the energy challenges that remain. Invited presentations from all areas of E Aerospace industry will be discussed, from researchers and leaders in academia, industry, and government agencies from around the globe. E Aerospace Tech Summit; See spagnani
15) The IRREVERENT Reverend Scrub Hansen, known to many as a car show judge, wrote in with this request, “What happened to Greg Sharp?” The Editor met Greg at the Lions Automobilia Museum’s Nitro Reunion where Greg was a guest speaker. Greg, the long-time Historian, author and curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum retired and is now enjoying his leisure going to car shows, races and speaking to groups of hot-rodders. The Reverend Scrub Hansen received his theology degree from an on-line source and is known for marrying car couples in strange sites and venues, but to our knowledge does not conduct CONFESSIONALS. Rates are reasonable.
16) A common question is asked, “Why should I write a biography of my life and how do I do it.”
EDITOR: As the kids say, “It’s complicated.” I compile biographies and histories so that the facts won’t be lost. If someone has a book, bio or history I usually go on to those that don’t. Bios are encouraged for families first and for interested parties secondly. They are not commercial and stay on Word Doc or PDF, whichever I can figure out. Bios are tailored to the person, whatever they want and whatever they need. I keep a copy of the bio and send it out to those interested in Motorsports. I help people in all occupations. Some of the best bios are done by fans who simply witness events. Your bio is unique to you. Some people like short, resume-like bios and some go into great detail, but I always advise two versions, one for the public (shorter version) and another that you only provide to family and friends. They are meant to be informative and interesting. Fun but not onerous. Have you seen my father’s story and the bios I’ve collected? That should give you a feeling for what I do. I ask people to tell their story but not give away personal details that they don’t want the public to know. I work by email, use NOUNS to trigger memories and ask that people spend only 5-10 minutes at a time, send their bio to me to review or edit, and then I send it back with more questions. Total time is about 1 to 2 hours tops. Don’t go researching details, just use your memory. And did I say HAVE FUN with your bio?
17) Darryl Starbird’s “Big T.” In the early 1960’s, Starbird partnered with Monogram to create a series of scale model kits of unique hot rods and customs. His first effort was a 1/8th-scale 1923 Model-T Ford roadster pickup known as “Big T.” The model was very well detailed, and the parts were so authentically fashioned that it felt as though they were assembling a real car. Starbird built an actual “Big T,” and it was a major presence on the show circuit. After several years, the original “Big T” was awarded to a lucky model contest winner and was never seen again. To this day, the location of the original car is a complete mystery. The “Big T” was so popular at the time that it was featured in many magazines, including Car Craft, Rod & Custom, and Popular Hot Rodding. The Museum of American Speed acquired this car as a part of its merger with the Darryl Starbird Museum. The reconstructed “Big T” is now on display at the Museum of American Speed, in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more information contact museumstaff.
18) Don Smith sends in the Dragzine website magazine’s CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
June 30-July 1: Street Outlaws No Prep Kings at New England Dragway
June 30-July 1: Mid-West Drag Racing Series at World Wide Technology Raceway
July 7-8: Funny Car Chaos at Kearney Raceway Park
July 8: OSCA at U.S. 60 Dragway
July 13-15: Street Car Takeover at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
DON: An airplane body with wings removed on a chassis drag racing a doorslammer at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park? Dad was right, racers are ingenious in the ways they want to race.
19) About NHRA Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Top Fuel Harley Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 120 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Pat Wright, Museum Director
20) EDITOR: If you haven’t been to the LIONS then you are missing out on an automotive treat. Here is a letter I wrote to Lana Chrisman, Jack Chrisman’s daughter, and niece to Art Chrisman. Lana is the Director of the Lions Automobilia Museum.
Dear Lana and the wonderful staff at Lions:
The Lions Automobile Museum Gala on Saturday was truly awe-inspiring. Thank you so much for the work and effort to make this a memorable occasion. There is a value in keeping the past alive. America’s youth need to have a foundation in their lives built on tradition and history. It is sad when our youth forego that experience and have to create everything on their own. Of course, they will create new experiences in their lives, but having a proud tradition to hold onto will make their lives easier.
Lana, please let your staff know how much I appreciated everything they did. Your museum is top notch. It ranks up there with the Museums in San Diego, the Petersen Automotive Museum, NHRA Motorsports Museum, Segerstrom Shelby Events Center, Hillbank Motors and so many other fine institutions.
I want to thank all those that stopped and spoke with us on Saturday. You have no idea how important your enthusiasm was to us. You made us feel useful and important once again. The older generation has passed on the torch to the next generation, and we are proud of you all. Continue to bring your families, children, grandchildren out to such activities and keep the fire burning. My father, Wally Parks, believed that safety and youth activities were necessary to keep our young people on the right track towards progress and purposeful lives. You are doing that very thing and I want to thank you. I will add your email addresses to my Motorsports Newsletters, so look for them in the near future.
21) “DRIVEN TO CRIME: TRUE STORIES OF WRONGDOING IN MOTOR RACING,” by Crispian Besley. Other misdemeanors: Roy James (Great Train Robbery getaway driver); Bertrand Gachot (jailed after road rage in London); Juan Manuel Fangio (kidnapped by Cuban rebels in 1958); Colin Chapman (the unresolved ‘DeLorean Affair’); ‘Spygate’ (Ferrari design secrets passed to McLaren). Evro Publishing books are distributed in North America by Quarto Publishing Group USA. Books can be ordered from Quarto by email: sales; phone number: 800-328-0590; or website: jvstropus
22) Terry Cook’s “I WAS THERE Bench Racing Tales from the 60’s & 70’s.” Volume II Chopped full of nostalgic knee-slappers from Squires of Chatham, lurid never before told craziness from the vortex of custom van movement, the Cannonball Run, indoor drag races, 46.2 g’s of deceleration, the best car practical joke ever, Europe by lowrider, the incredible Car Craft Hemi Cuda, my ten favorite car events, 80 foot flamethrowers and more. Volume II ISBN: 978-1-7358046-1-3 $23.95 delahayeusa
23) Sunday AM, November 12, 2023, Long Beach High Performance Car Show and Swap meet. www.longbeachhiposwapmeet.com.
November 18, 2023, Hidden Pioneers/Inglis Classics Supershow Fundraiser (High Desert) www.InglisClassics.com.
Sunday AM, December 10, 2023, Long Beach High Performance Car Show and Swap Meet, www.longbeachhiposwapmeet.com.
TBA December Team Hidden Pioneers Christmas Party.
24) E MOBILITY TECH SHOW/EXPO: e-Mobility or electro mobility represents the concept of using electric powertrain technologies, in-vehicle information, and communication technologies and connected infrastructures to enable the electric propulsion of vehicles and fleets. • E Mobility Tech Show (spagnani
25) I have met some of the coolest Shelby people lately. I met 3 Shelby owners that know the history and agree with my passion and vision to bring back shop classes into our High Schools. One if the men from yesterday’s Father’s Day car show in Brea California is Bob Farris who raced with Ken Myles, and Allan Grant to name a few legends. It was such an honor to meet him as he shared some photos and stories you can’t get in a book or social media, it was face-to-face and REAL. We need both today & tomorrow. Most of you know how hard and long I have been at this but for a great cause and reason. I’m not starting at the beginning or halfway but we are more than 75% to changing the scope and perception in our schools with Government support. My recent Letter from President Biden has opened up doors for us to get meetings to show other companies and organizations that it is possible to do it. My past has FORD in my blood buying my first car (1965 Fastback 289 HP Orange color my favorite). I did not really know what I had back then, but my friend Jeff Kaiser did as he sold it to get a Shelby mustang. Anyways about 10 years ago things came full circle when I became friends with John Morton & Ed ‘Isky’ Iskenderian as they started telling me the stories of Ford and Carroll Shelby, I started doing more research on this Great Man CS. Today I know most of the Key people at Shelby and Love them as they really care about the Youth movement like I do. Together we make a good Team and can change America back to being COOL again with cars & lifestyle at a young age into High School. Please join me and stay in touch I’m blessed by God to be the guy leading the charge with other Hidden Pioneers. I’m not alone and don’t want to be so please help me FINISH THE JOB. I leave you with some cool photos and Video with the coolest car in the world. Blessings with Godspeed my friends!!! What else can I say about the Best race sports car in the world. It changed the world of motorsports and put FORD on the Map. Bill Montgomery, Hidden Pioneers Founder
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