Motorsports Newsletter 8/27/23
By Richard Parks
1) Hal Canode: Ohio George Montgomery passed away today, after a long illness, RIP George.
Mike Dakin: George passed away early this morning, August 24, 2023, pretty sure he was 90.
Jim Kerr: Sad to report that Facebook reports that we lost George today. Prayers and cards appreciated.
AND:
“’Ohio George” Montgomery,’ one of the first superstars in NHRA Drag Racing history, passed away. August 24, 2023. He was 90. Montgomery, who was voted #28 on the list of NHRA’s Top 50 Racers in 2000, was a dominant force in gasser racing for decades beginning in the late 1950’s and was the first driver in history to win the prestigious US Nationals more than once. Incredibly, by 1963, he had won it three times before anyone had even won it twice. Montgomery first won the event in 1959 in its first of two years at Detroit Dragway. Montgomery’s weapon of a choice was a baby-blue ’33 Willys powered by a supercharged 390-cid Cadillac engine bored and stroked to 414 inches." For the full article go to https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/early-nhra-gasser-star-indy-winner-ohio-george-montgomery-passes-away.
2) John Hunt (johnhunt.drn) of the British Drag Racing Historians Association wrote in about their group. Here are some of the articles that they have on file for UK drag racers.
Chris Pattison, part 1 (published 6th January 2023). Quote from Chris Pattison: "I’m very glad that John, Nick, Simon et al are taking the time and trouble to record these memories before they are lost in the mists of time. A privilege to be included with the Pioneers who put so much effort into kicking things off. I’ve never claimed great things for myself having been fortunate to win a competitive car and, with my father, won a lot in a short period."
3) GETTING TO KNOW OUR READERS DEPARTMENT: The Gorgeous Irwindale Racing Ladies “G.I.R.L” was formed in August of 2020. My husband, my friend and Co-founder Maria and I found so much joy, love, compassion, camaraderie, and encouragement at the dragstrip, we wanted everyone to feel this joy. I reached out to my daughter, and she helped me come up with the name and the logo. We didn’t really have a plan, but we definitely had a mission. Reaching as many people as possible. In the beginning, we had positions such as president, vice president, etc, but that route wasn’t working out too well. So, we just opened it up for ALL. Instead of being a Club, we are an organization. All are welcome, beginners, old timers, racers, spectators, young, and old. We love them all. The only requirement to be in our organization is the love of motorsports. We let God take the wheel and what a journey it has been. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future of GIRL. Kelly Anderson (Mavix Community Outreach, Founder Gorgeous Irwindale Racing Ladies CEO, @girlsofirwindale, @fullthrottlefabulous, and @mavixcommunityoutreach).
4) For all who are interested, Jeb Allen sat for a candid interview with Drag Racing’s Golden Era. When Jeb disappeared from the drag racing world, it left many wondering why… Jeb explains why. It was an outstanding interview about being on top of the drag racing world. Jeb also talks about his fall and what it took to recover and make it to the top again. Here are the links for parts 1 and 2. From Randy Herpel
https://drge68.com/2023/08/09/jeb-allen-the-comback-kid-part-1/
https://drge68.com/2023/08/18/jeb-allen-the-comeback-kid-part-2/
5) Gone Racin’ … Bud Meyer Celebration of Life. Story by Richard Parks with Ken Berg. March 1, 2014.
California is a nice place for auto racing. No one knew that better than the Meyer racing family. Louie Meyer won the Indianapolis 500 three times. His older brother was Eddie Meyer and they worked out of the shop in Redlands, California to build some great Model-T racers. Eddie and his son Bud went racing out on the dry lakes of Southern California. Together they built their own line of Ford V8 manifolds and heads. Bud drove his father’s car and set the roadster record in 1939 and held it until Vic Edelbrock Sr took the record away in 1940. Bud later went into boat racing and held numerous records and championships, surviving a crash that almost tore off his arm. When they weren’t boat or land speed racing you could find the Meyer family on the oval tracks of America or winning at Indy. The Meyer V8-60’s were consistent winners on the water and on the midget tracks. When Bud passed away the family decided on holding a Celebration of Life for him at the Auto Club of Southern California Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California. It hadn’t rained in months and the winter was unexpectedly warm and dry. Who would have guessed that an immense storm was headed our way on that March day in 2014? Friday the storm hit with a vengeance, and we wondered if Bud’s event would even occur. The next day my wife and I set out for the hour drive to the museum and the weather was perfect. Racers simply weren’t going to let the impending weather spoil a good party. (For the full article and two more on Bud just send me a request).
6) I saw Ron Armstrong’s name in your Newsletter. I think that he raced and won piloting Bud’s 5-liter Pontiac OHC 6. Can you give him my email address, or can I get his, I am looking for anything that will have pictures or stories about those days and the Pontiac OHC 6. Thank You in Advance, John Hatch
JOHN: I sent your email below to Ron, Doug Clem and Joan Denver and asked them to contact you. They may know more sources to help you.
READERS: If you want to contact someone send me a request and I will try to help. Normally I resend requests to others BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) to ask first if I can release their email or contact information. In some cases, if I feel I have permission, I will just send an email address back to you. I try to protect privacy wherever possible.
Regarding BCC, that is a tool where all addresses in the BCC box are hidden, except for the sender of the email. You should learn to use it, as it is respectful of others’ privacy. Using the CC or To box for group emails is impolite as you do not know who might re-send your email to people you prefer not receiving your emails.
7) From John Towle. EPA to Put Less Scrutiny on Emissions-Defeating Parts. Smog Police to Put Less Scrutiny on Emissions-Defeating Parts. The EPA falls back on its hard-core push to eliminate aftermarket “defeat devices.” See https://www.motortrend.com/news/epa-lowers-scrutiny-of-defeat-devices/.
8) Great to read about Tony Stewart and his success in drag racing. Karen asked about others who may have won in different types of racing. Probably the most diverse was Dan Gurney. He won NASCAR, sports cars, LeMans, CanAm, TransAm and even Formula 1. AJ Foyt won in damn near everything he drove as did Mario Andretti. Often overlooked is Graham Hill who won Indy, F1 world champ twice, LeMans, sports cars, sedans. Today, not many switch around and prefer to stay in their comfort zone. Frankly, it’s a shame. Dave Nicholas
AND:
Don Prudhomme introduced Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart which I heard that they were both at Glamis. Covid came in and hit everybody with lockdowns as they were dating. Seems the lockdown kept them together enough to set things going well. They got married in November 2021. He was on TV today, watching her runs at the starting line. It was Tony’s first marriage, and it was her 3rd. He is now 52. She is in her thirties. The NHRA tv coverage I have seen this year has shown him at the track with her. Particularly today -she went to the final round. They haven’t done any Alcohol dragster coverage, so I haven’t seen him on TV driving. Karen Nelson
AND:
The first part is a little off, Don, Tony and a large group were off-roading near Winterhaven, CA. Don was on a facetime call with Leah, Tony saw her face, grabbed the phone and as they say the rest is history. Lynn Prudhomme
AND:
From: Bob Storck. Just listing a few of those who won in each category:
Danny Ongiais – Drag fuel funny car, sports car, F1, Indy, NASCAR
John Andretti – Drag top fuel, sports car, Indy, NASCAR
Mike Hailwood – Bikes, F1, Sports car
John Surtees – Bikes, F1, CanAm World Champ in all
Dan Gurney – Sports car, TransAm, CanAm, F1, Indy, NASCAR
Parnelli Jones – Sports car, TransAm, Off road, Indy, midgets, Sprinters, Pikes Peak, NASCAR
Robby Gordon – Sports car, Off road, Indy, NASCAR
Sir Stirling Moss – Sports car, saloon cars, Monte Carlo rally, F1,
Jim Clark – Sports car, saloon car, F1, Indy
Graham Hill – Sports car, saloon car, F1, Indy
Art Malone – Drags, bikes, Indy
AJ Foyt – Sprints, midgets, Indy, Sports Car
Mario Andretti – Sprints, midgets, Indy, Sports Car, F1
BOB: What about Richard Petty? He raced in NASCAR and in 1966 in NHRA.
9) GETTING TO KNOW OUR READERS DEPARTMENT. Amy Smith from Gorgeous Irwindale Racing Ladies. "My name is Amy Smith, AKA LiL Lady, and I have been a muscle car girl since age 7. Chilton and Haynes were my favorite books. The smell of fuel and new tires, the feel of turning a wrench on an engine, and the sound of the exhaust, captured my heart and soul early. Being a ‘girl’ with this interest was frowned upon in my youth, I’m so thankful WE as women are finally accepted and earned our respected place in car culture. Passing this to my daughter, we will continue this tradition. See you at the track!"
10) A full field of pristinely restored stock cars, former NASCAR race winners and a competitive lineup of today’s top historic stock car drivers have arrived at Watkins Glen International for this weekend’s Inaugural HSR Historic Stock Cars at The Glen doubleheader. Former NASCAR star "Front Row" Joe Nemechek won the most recent HSR Historic Stock Cars race that paid tribute to NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary at last April’s 45th HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (MRRA). From Adam Saal at adam.
11) Drag Racing related books by Doug Boyce: Match Race Mayhem – Released 2017
"This book gives the reader a chance to relive or discover the exciting history of match racing through the cars, drivers, rivalries, events, and everything that was fun about match racing in drag racing’s golden era. The title speaks for itself: match races, match bashes, from coast to coast was how many top drag racers spent their weekend back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. This book tells the tales with anecdotes from the racers and those who were there. The approximate 350 photos help to draw the reader in."
AND:
Drag Racing related books by Doug Boyce: Dyno Don: The Cars and Career of Dyno Don Nicholson – Released 2019
"In this book, readers can relive the roar of ‘Dyno Don’ Nicholson’s iconic drag cars, from the Chevrolets, to Mercury, Ford, and beyond. This book takes a look at Dyno’s personal life and deep dives into his legendary career with detailed accounts. Photos, including many from the Nicholson family archives are second to none."
12) Just wanted to let you know I saw Elaine Koveleski this weekend (Uncle Oscar’s wife) and I gave her a copy of the Biography you did. Thank you, Cord Kisthardt
Cord: I was just the editor. It was all of Oscar’s friends that wrote so eloquently about a great man in sports car racing. I was honored that so many people asked me to work on this project. I learned so much about a subject that I wasn’t that familiar with. Please let me know what Elaine thinks of the story of her husband.
13) CALL FOR HELP DEPARTMENT: We are hoping you have a contact to get issues of Drive magazine. My wife would like to get copies for the goodie bags for the Women & Wheels participants that will be in the Costa Mesa building for. The September issue has a story on the Women & Wheels show within Cruisin’ for a Cure. Thanks, Tom & Cindy Brenneman at Tom_brenneman or 949-922-2931
READERS: If you have flyers, notices, goody bags, decals or any info to promote your organization contact the Brenneman’s. Cruisin’ For A Cure car show in Costa Mesa, California supports prostate cancer centers.
14) I would like to read the stories you have written about Bud Meyer. I had the great opportunity to drive a couple of Bud’s boats for him. He was a very special man. I think I was too young to really appreciate the time spent in Eddie and Bud’s shop. I do remember one picture that has stuck with me all these years, that was of Louie in the winner’s circle at Indy leaning against the car with his white shirt untucked and a Coke in one hand. A far cry from how it is today. Ron Armstrong
RON: You will find Bud’s three stories in the attachment that I am sending. If you would like to read about my father, the NHRA and other bios and stories, just let me know and I will send them all to you.
15) Here is the link on YouTube for Santiago High School called SBAC to your future (Corona, CA). SBAC to your Future Promo 2019-YouTube. This was in February 2019 and J.T. Cameron was the Vice Principal at this time. The Centennial High School invited me to her school also after seeing this video, her name is Alexis and she was the principal. It was back to school registration day. hiddenpioneers.
16) Competitors in NEOPMA (Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association) and PMRA (Pro Modified Racing Association) include Mike Decker Jr, Andy Jensen, Kevin McCurdy, Jack Grainy, Melanie Salemi, Bob Bauer, Matt Guenther, Mike Stawicki, James Beadling, John Camp, Gary Courtier, Mike Decker III, Matt Deitsch Jr, Tom Gray, Travis Gueguen, Tyler Hard, Tino Iandansi, Steve King/Gene Pilot/Jeff Miller Team, Kevin McCurdy, Fred Scriba Jr, Dave Texido, Team Vandergeld, John Vergotz, Derek Ward, and Jason White are scheduled to participate, along with some of the Canadian contingent, including Jay Santos, and Ken Lang. Bruce Mehlenbacher is at bruce.
17) GETTING TO KNOW OUR READERS DEPARTMENT: My name is Brittany Van Horn and I’ve been a drag racer for 16 years. At the age of 14 I started racing Jr Dragsters and eventually moved on to the family race car a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. I got to experience so many things from going to the ET Finals in Las Vegas to displaying my dragster at the John Force holiday car shows. In 2022, I attended the ET Finals for team Famoso and reached the semifinals. 2023 has been my most successful year in racing, getting my first bracket race win and racing for the championship in the Summit Series.
18) From Don Smith and Dragzine: Joe Castello, Kurt Johnson Provide First Tour of Flying H Drag Strip. Jason Lee Wins Brainerd, Takes Over NHRA Pro Mod Points Lead. Capps, Brown and Glenn Roll to Wins at Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Lizzy Musi Earns ‘No Prep Kings’ Win at Tulsa. Ashley, Tasca, and Enders Pick Up Wins at Menards NHRA Nationals. NHRA Pro Mod Series Opens Road to Championship in Brainerd. SEMA Garage Offers First Look at S650 For Parts Development. NHRA Factory X Now to Make Official Debut at US Nationals. Angelle Sampey trades in two wheels, sets sights on Top Fuel. Sampey announced today she will enter the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks under Antron Brown’s AB Motorsports driver development program. Her ultimate vision is a transition to Top Fuel.
19) You have one strange machine (PC) there Richard. I personally suggest an AI exorcism and a trip to the nearest Best Buy as soon as it opens. Doug Stokes
DOUG: The only people who knows how cheap I am is my wife and Jim Miller. I’m working on 1997 and 2003 systems. I don’t think I’m smart enough to work on the more modern computers.
20) Dick Martin, author and editor at Motor Trend provided a link for his story on Al Teague and his fantastic land speed record run at Bonneville in 1991. The photographs are outstanding. Here is the 1st paragraph. The rest of the story is on the website below.
"On August 21, 1991, the Los Angeles Times reported that Al Teague had broken a 26-year-old record for a piston-driven car, set in 1965 by Bob and Bill Summers, clocking a two-run, 409.8-mph average over western Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. What those few words didn’t reveal were the years of knowledge it took to build such a vehicle, plus the thousands of hours and dollars that it took out of Al Teague’s wages, from working at Evans Speed Equipment, to get there."
21) Following schedule is courtesy of SHERM PORTER fuely32.
NOVEMBER 4-5, Steve Gibbs’ NITRO Revival, Irwindale Dragstrip/Irwindale – 559-797-6176 or www.nitrorevival.com
NOVEMBER 2-5 Trail Along to Pismo, Vintage Trailer Rally, Pismo Coast Village RV Resort www.pismovintagetrailerrally.com
NOVEMBER 3-5 ANRA Season Finals, Auto Club Famoso Raceway. www.anra.com
NOVEMBER 4th 33rd Annual Cayucos Car Show, downtown Cayucos. Rick Roquet 805-995-3809 or 805-995-1200 or relax
NOVEMBER 5th 51st Annual Nojoqui Falls Fun Run, Central Coast Street Rods, Nojoqui Falls County Park/Solvang. For info: https://centralcoaststreetrods.com/.
NOVEMBER 5th Autumn Turlock Swap, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. For info: 209-579-4797
22) GETTING TO KNOW OUR READERS DEPARTMENT: "My name is Crafty Kate. I’ve spent most of my life at racetracks across the USA. As a spokes model, trade shows in the automotive industry, a promo girl on the road, a BUG with people like George ‘the Bushmaster,’ and the original Christine Pro Mod. I currently work for Rods West, Gasser Haven. I am a promoter of car shows, and race cars, promoting Ed Iskenderian’s Birthday parties and car shows. I do a fundraiser car show in the town of Inyokern every year. Inyokern was one of the oldest living drag strips. I am not racing, due to an injury, hope to see everyone at the races in my Gasser soon."
23) California State Championship Speedway Motorcycle races were held August 26, 2023, at Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, California. Phone 949-274-0836, www.industryhillsspeedway.com. This was the Finale of America’s best Speedway Motorcycle Racing at the beautiful Grand Arena, at the Industry Hills Expo Center. Broc Nicol made his bid to win California’s premiere Speedway Motorcycle race, the California State Championship.
READERS: Please send notices and releases at least a month ahead due to deadlines.
24) GETTING TO KNOW OUR READERS DEPARTMENT: "Racing has been a part of my life since I was born. My father worked on vehicles as a career but also as a hobby in the garage. The garage is where my highchair was, the garage is where I stripped the paint off my 1969 Camaro when I was 13. The garage is where my husband and I built our first ever race cars that we raced at Irwindale Dragstrip from 2004-2019. My husband and I opened our very own garage called Accelerated Racing Solutions. This is where we not only build our race cars, but we build our customers’ cars. For over 7 years we have been creating new drag racers, and new enthusiasts. Racing is competitive within our relationship, always challenging one another and also inspiring younger racers to get that drive to be faster and better on the track. I can say that my love for racing and building cars came from the men in my life." Tiana Weber.
25) This Week on Cars Yeah radio podcast are Mikael Wallin (Customikes), Neville Boston (Reviver), Brian Bossone (PowerTube TV), and Tim Silvey (Motormouth). Mark Greene is at Cars Yeah info. Contact Mark to sign up for his free podcasts or to be interviewed on his show. I did and it was a blast. You’ll enjoy Mark’s easy-going way of interviewing, and I didn’t have to do any retakes because Mark is that good as an interviewer. He should be, as he’s done 2377 podcasts.
26) DRAGSTRIPS in the USA and Canada. Courtesy of the National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, ILLINOIS, 60091
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona Location: Pomona, California. Category: Flat Track, Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Auto Club Speedway Location: Fontana, California. Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/4-mile Surface: Paved. Mentioned in my father’s story.
Avondale Speedway Location: Avondale, Newfoundland, Canada. Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile
Baileyton Good Time Drag Strip Location: Baileyton, Alabama. Category: Dragstrips Length: 1/8-mile Surface: Paved
27) From Rosco McGlashan; Aussie Invader Project is at rosco. Our mailing address is: AussieInvader5R 6 Karalundie Way, Mullaloo, Western Australia 6027, Australia. Hi to all, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and 1000 MPH Club members. Your belief in my team has finally come to fruition with the completion of our land-bound missile and our first international exposure opportunity at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria earlier in the year. This car build has taken a long time, but as we have always said, “If it was easy, everyone would do it!” The CFD, FEA and experimental components that were tested, scrapped then reinvented could fill a football field. Our car started life as an idea to build the world’s fastest and most powerful car ever to race. This concept is built around a simple idea of using a high-grade steel Di Candilo Steel City 10mm plate, then rolling it into a pipe with a series of 2mm radial grooves spaced at 300mm along the length of our pipe (mainframe). This design feature will reduce aero drag. This incredibly strong structure holds and supports all of our components and critical systems and rocketry hardware.
28) Rick Denver, Bud Meyer’s stepson, has a new business called Fish and Coral (pet store) in Orange County, California. See www.fishandcoralstore.com.
29) To C.S.I. Bill Montgomery and the Hidden Pioneers Project: "I appreciate you reaching out to me in person like the way you did. I have looked over what you sent me and … I am absolutely on board with whatever you wish. Let me know on any updates you have for any future events you have, and I shall see you tomorrow at the place we met." Sincerely, Christian Joe B Santos
READERS: The Hidden Pioneer Project tries to encourage motorsports and technology in high schools.
30) AEROSPACE, AUTOMOTIVE MARINE, MOTORCYCLE, CAREER EDUCATION AAMMCE The Future Begins with Our Students. This platform is built to successfully facilitate the employment and education for interested students and to assist in tech recruitment with education specializing in the aerospace automotive, marine, motorcycle industry by introducing the future tech students to the transportation technology industry clients with their needs and to support the future of tech education curriculum! AAMMCE (spagnani.
31) The Hidden Pioneers are in collaboration with the following Companies & Organizations that believe in our Cause/Purpose. Ad astra Magazine, Dupont Registry Magazine, NWNTV network, Ark Encounter, Creation Museum (Kentucky), Extreme Autofest, Prime Motivation, Skills USA, NHRA (YES program), Topping events (Show/Swap meet in Long Beach CA), 360 Waterless Technology products (5 Training Locations), Ignite Recruitment, Downey Space Center (NASA (Artemis program), FIATM (Riverside CA), Shelby American, Inglis Classics, Hillbank/Superformance (Irvine CA). Thank you so much for the support. "One day I Dream that all the Boys & Girls in High School will be able to take a Transportation & Technology Lab class Nationwide." Bill Montgomery
32) EVHNEWS: EVHNews Hybrid Innovative Technology News in E Automotive E Aviation E Marine & Future E VTOL Aerospace Tech Innovation Around the World. EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital technology publishing platform for EVVTOL a Global EV/Hybrid Vehicle, E Aviation, E VTOL, E Marine, EV Battery, Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV, E Aviation, E VTOL Aerospace, E Marine brands invest in Technology innovation for the future of transportation. EVHNews (spagnani.
33) Enjoy some great videos below of a Legend Hidden Pioneer who will never be forgotten. It’s an honor to be related to this "Cool" lady Katherine Johnson. NASA Trailblazer: Katherine Johnson, National Geographic/YouTube. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4j_LpKzcZQ. From Bill Montgomery.
34) Introducing Hidden Pioneer, Ronald Ferguson, Retired Engineer/Scientist/Producer of "The Glad Scientist." See: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=271197360251515&ref=sharing.
35) Don Smith sent in the following photo of "Ohio George" Montgomery.
The post Motorsports Newsletter 8/27/23 appeared first on Drag Racing List.