Horsepower Heaven FEEDBACK

Ok people, here's your chance to sound off. Unless you state in your email that you DO NOT want it posted, or it's just plain obvious to me, it's fair game to post here. Be aware that everyone from NHRA brass to my mother read all this on a regular basis, so be nice...

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Date: Mon, 07 Sep 1998

From: Bob Wilson Reply-To: NorthernThunder@mortimer.com Organization: Wilson Motorsport Marketing

Subject: Re: ...how do you beat a nitro car?

The worst thing about Nicholson beating Henkelman is that it will appear to justify NHRA's in-action on the changes I've been bleating for.

Interesting sidenote: One of Darren Nicholson's crewmen, saw my Money, Marketing & Nitro piece and was apparently quite impressed. He asked permission to show it around Indy this weekend.

Where's the rest of those scans from Firebird ? The first batch were great, and they load up fast too, even with my small-block (28.8) modem.

Bob Wilson PS: My little "crack" to the newsgroup in response to the throttle stop comment generated a bit of response. Good thing I wear an SFI certified firesuit and helmet all the time.

An 'edited' response to my email of Monday on 'How do you beat a nitro car?' -TREE IT!

Those Boise pics were pretty darn' big huh? Like I said, just a little diddy for the people with big screens. It was more a test to see how good i could them them look along with loading quick too. ImageReady really makes this a slick, simple task.-LP

From: Wrenchski@aol.com

Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 17:01:31

Subject: addresski

HEY LP-Please send any and all residual checks and/or tapes or manuscripts to my editor at these addresses:

CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSOREDCENSOREDCENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED (see below)

Should you require any cash or other compensations, just let me know.

Salaam, Ski

PS-Had NO idea that Forces comment that he was lookin' for a girl to drive for him hadn't reached ya in the great white north-last E-mail was just a comment on weather or not one's reproductive system was a good enough reason to be considered for a funy car ride...but then again, you knew that, didn't you? ...uh...of course. I dind't just fall off the back of the Molson's truck ya know!

OK all you guys from waaaaaay down south. I'll be offering Ski's home address to the highest offer. I figured since no fans had a chance at ole' #62 last nite, this would easly be the next best thing. Offer's need not be cash funds (although they are prefered), trades 'of interest' will also be considered. -LP

Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998

Sender: surfite@mail.halcyon.com

From: Jim Sorenson

Subject: AA/FA's?

Okay, now you've got my interest! Here ya go...

Attachment converted: Power HD:mob_T.jpeg.jpg (JPEG/8BIM) (0000AA35)

Larry, Feel free to use the photos, they're from the collection of Bob Thompson who did all the lettering on Nanook, and the Mob cars. I checked with him about a month ago, and he has no problems with having the photos posted. One thing about Bob, he also goes by "Big Bah".

If you remember the Shop Entry columns in Hot Rod, he did the illustrations of all those little guys with the big shoes, from about 1965-1970. And he's also a major collector of Drag News, Drag Sport Illustrated, Drag Racing and Drag Strip Magazines, along with all the other old drag rags out there. You should see the checkoff sheets he sends out to his collector pals. Minute details as to which issues were skipped, which were combined into a "Apr/May" issue, which ones have the wrong "Vol. 3 No. 6", he knows pretty much all the details on these things.

The HH site is progressing by leaps and bounds. Keep it up. I LIKE it.

And when are ya gonna jump into the Header Flames T-shirt contest? Buzz me, I'll send the tech sheet. Later Jim

I have to admit that I am a bad surfer. I don't go over nearly as often as I should. But as I say on the links page, I go there, spend so much time, get so damn would up wantin' to post a reply...Then I settle myself down, go back home, and send the rest of my life updating this place. I want to know about the contest though, how 'bout sending a URL and I'll post it for everybody.-LP

From: "Michael Ray" jmray@vallnet.co

Subject: Re: AAFA MOB...big file Date:

Sat, 5 Sep 1998 10:27

Carlson is 'de man!!

Michael Ray

No chit! Over at Header Flames the Ed of Pop Rod tells how some of the 'old' photogs are loosing their touch. This is proof that Rich is not on that list. There has been a noticeable improvement in Carlson's work in '98. It shows he's not anywhere close to be giving up on this stuff, and that's great to realize. PS: your stuff has picked up a ton since we first me eh pal?! -LP

From: "Dean Kilback" dkilback@direct.ca

Date: Sat, 05 Sep 98

HI LARRY....RE THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK.... I WAS WAITING FOR THE RULE PEOPLE IN INDY.....I THOUGHT THEY MIGHT COME OUT WITH A MPH LIMIT ON EACH CLASS.... RE THE PICTURES FROM RICH..... I AM GOING TO HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT THE COMPUTER ON MY TV SCREEN IT MIGHT BE BIG ENOUGH........ THE MOB IS STILL AROUND NOW THAT IS COOL....BUT IS IT A STANDARD STRAIGHT AS AN AROW PASS????????????I SAW THE MOB IN 86 AT THE WORLD FINALS.. SIDEWAYS THROWING OIL OVER THE SHIELD AND PEELING THE FRONT RUNNERS OFF..........

TALK TO YOU LATER.........DEAN

Geez, big Dean is yellin' at me...Fuel Altereds will do that to you though. -LP

Date: Fri, 04 Sep 1998

Subject: The Stranger

I'm borrowing my father's computer to e-mail you.

While in Indy I too had a "whole lot of stuff going down" at home (Kentucky). I had a uncle to pass away and my mother was taken to the emergency room so I bailed out of Indy to head to Kentucky to take care of personal matters. I will be back at the US Nationals on Sunday once things settle down. The good thing, if there was one, was that I was only five hours from home when this happened instead of 2800 miles away. So, for any D6 racers who e-mail you about me not coming by to see them I would appreciate that you let them know that I didn't snub them.

Thanks for posting my reply to you. I expect alot of replies both positive and negative but it is needed in order to get our mission done properly. Thanks for providing me with the use of your forum.

Regarding Mike Rice. Division six and seven work together on our schedules to avoid conflicts with the FMDRS races. Mike, along with Ray Rice, will remain on the starting line. I am blessed to have the two best starters in racing on the line. We will not let either slip away without a fight. The only races where Mike may be absent are the 1999 Mission and Medford National Opens.

Chris Blair

Thanks for taking time out from the serious family matters to send this in Chris. The feedback hss been a little slow around here lately(as well as on the NHRA newsgroup), but being the time of year it is, many people are not in front of computers. -LP

Date: Thu, 03 Sep 1998

From: BC Evans

Subject: Ferd

Glad I was right on this one Larry. Just trying to help make HH3 the best site on the planet! Will I ever get to race the guy? I really missed him and Henderson in Yakima.

Buy the way, here is a fact. Rick Chappel is selling the Nova and there is a very good chance I may be the one to purchase it. It all depends on the wife of course. She did say that if we did buy it she wants to license in it. Bankruptcy here I come!

Bill Evans

Date: Thu, 03 Sep 1998

To: larryp@horsepowerheaven.com, "nhradiv6@silverlink.net Blair"

Subject: Letter to Chris Blair - re:Advisors and Such

Thanks Chris, your response was very informative. It is hard to really get to know someone through the mail though, don't you think. Like I have said before, I support a lot (not all) of what you are trying to do. Never would anyone expect all to agree with you. It's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. As one of your many advisors, I would like to make a suggestion. Since you are always so busy at the races why don't you use the Div. 6 Banquet as an opportunity to meet the racers as a group. In one room (with body guards of course) with an agenda for discussion. Hey, maybe us "association" members could even vote on a few minor items. I wouldn't want this meeting to conflict with the Sponsorship & Marketing Seminar though, as I would have a hard time deciding which one to go to (honestly)!

Finally a division banquet that gives you more than food poisoning, a hangover and a sore butt. I look forward to "talking" with you Chris.

Thanks again, Bill Evans

Geez I wish more people would get into this forum as much as Bill! -LP

From: "Chris Blair"

Subject: News from Indy...

Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 21:01:34

Larry, My hotel long distance calls are expensive so I'll keep it short. We finished our rules meeting 10 minutes ago. The proposal to eliminate throttle stops in Super classes was withdrawn by the Super committee due to the tons of mail, calls and personal conversations that we had at the races. The feelings of the committee were that the people this would most affect have spoken and we support their feelings. I know some racers are unhappy but, it appears, that the majority of the racers want to leave the super classes alone. That's what they got.

I just got to read a few comments regarding Yakima. Yes, things went at a rapid pace and changes were made to meet the clock. Our goal going into the event was to give the racers as many time trials/qualifying passes as possible, begin eliminations at 3 p.m. and wrap up at 10 p.m. The show ended at 10:20 p.m. Due in part to a nasty oil down that took nearly an hour to clean up.

Some racers complained about the number of runs. However, one racer came up to me after the event and explained that he has been beaten in the first round every event this year. The eight hits he got at Yakima in time trials was more than he would get in two normal Division 6 events and three times what he would get in some divisions (we won't discuss nationals). He claims to have learned more last weekend than he had all season long.

When it all boils down to it everyone wants to go fast as many times as possible. That's what we tried to give them. The reason Stevie was saying "an update to the update" is because we had the opportunity to go a little farther in the program than originally planned and, to get those runs, we had to change things. We can put things on paper and hope that it pans out but we probably would have found ourselves standing around for a couple of hours.

We packed a bunch of people in the stands for the event and Tony's excellent ad buy brought a large number of people into the stands who are accustomed to the buy a ticket for a 7 p.m. show and leave at 10:30. I know the racers want to "race" but, if we want better purses, better tracks, better sponsors, etc. we have to ad some entertainment to get more butts in the seats. I think we may have opened some new doors for Yakima.

As far as my being a stranger... There are select events where things always seem to run smooth and we never have a worry. At those events I do get to float around, talk to our racers, and try to get the consensus of what's going on. At certain events it is full speed ahead "putting out fires" until the race is complete. Once all of the fires were put out at Yakima I was able to spend some time in the staging lanes talking to people. Unfortunately it was 9:30 p.m. Saturday night.

I've also never lied to anyone and claim to know it all. As 99% of our racers know I came from Supercross racing and before that dirt late models and sprints. I welcome any and all comments, commentaries, etc. As I have stated before the only way the racer will get what he wants is to let me know what he thinks. The same goes in saying that the only way you will get the division director you want is to let him know what you think (or by assasination).

I would like to point out however that sometimes I can go up to ten different racers and ask their opinion and all of them are different so I have to sort out the valid from the downright wishful thinking.

As far as advisors go I have more than 3,000 of them (racers, track operators and my certification team) and I do try to listen to them all. The day I do claim to know it all I would gladly ask that each of give me a wake up call.

With that said I have now run up a helluva phone bill out of my own pocket. Donations will be accepted.

-As far as the Canadian dollar question. It scares the hell out of me as we go into the bracket finals. I also fear what may happen next year with the Mission and Ashcroft FMDRS events if the looney doesn't make a rebound. The American racers will love it, the Canadian racers and track operators won't.

I hope you can print the entire letter for our racers. I welcome both comments and criticisms at my e-mail address. If you think I did something that was dumb as hell please let me know or if you just plain don't like me I would like to hear about it.

I would also like to dispell a rumor that has been rampant all season long. At this time I have no plan on leaving Division 6 or NHRA for either a position in California or for another sanctioning organization. I like where I live, I like what I do, and (believe it or not) I like the people I have to deal with at each and every race.

Take care. Chris Blair

I would assume this answers more than a few of your questions. It's been a rather overwhelming nite, so that's about all I can say for now. Thanks much to Chris for passing along this for all to read. I urge anyone with comments to send 'em in. -LP

Date: Tue, 01 Sep 1998

From: Bob Wilson

Subject: NHRA Yesterday

Larry: You're amazing; HH3 just keeps getting better and better. You better win the lottery one of these days so you can just sit back and do this full time. About NHRA today; My VCR blew up Sunday morning, about two minutes into the F-1 demo-derby from Belgium and when I regained consciousness at 10am, there was nothing to watch. Then I just sort of forgot to turn on the TV at 1pm for the repeat of nhra today... oh well....

Anyways, the RealAudio editorials are just great, it's quite an experience to be sitting here listening and reading to them simultaneously. Keep it up, it's definitely the way/wave of the future. Can't wait to see the revamped homepage (any day now?) - just hope it displays on my old "392" monitor.

Bob Wilson Northern Thunder - Top Alcohol Dragster

http://www.mortimer.com/northernthunder (for a few days yet)

http://www.northernthunder.com (soon)

Yes it is fun, and not nearly as time consuming as putting together a bunch of graphics, photos and stuff. (for me anyway) The new site is coming...maybe next week. And as I said, am trying my best to make this thing work and look good on everything from your little 640x480 gem to Sorenson's monster 1600x1200, 21 inch mountain monitor. -LP

From: "David Loney"

Subject: Question of the week:

Date: Tue, 01 Sep 1998 13:14:56 PDT

Will the dwindling value of the Canadian dollar affect:

1.) Canadian racers and fans going to events in the U.S.?

Larry,

This is a good opportunity to thank Richard and Darcy Soon from B.C. (I hope I spelled Darcy's name right...he's bigger than me ) They were able to make it down for our annual Turbo Thunder (Turbo Buick Race) at Woodburn July 24/25. There were many more Turbo Buick racers from the B.C. area that could not make it due to the high cost of coming to an American event (and that is understandable) But the fact that the Soon's made it, and did it in style showed their dedication and class.

By the way, (and this may impress some of those not familiar with the Turbo Buicks) Both Richard and Darcy drove their Grand Nationals the whole 6 hours down to Woodburn, Darcy ran in the 10.50's and Richard ran in the 10.30's then they both drove all the way home! Keep in mind, these cars are loaded! AC, Power Windows, Tilt, Cruise, etc. And both of these cars are loaded with chrome, and looking good.

So the exchange rate did impact our little "U.S. event" but thank's to Richard and Darcy, the B.C. Turbo Buick racers were well represented (to say the least)

Cheers! Dave Loney quarter_miler@hotmail.com

You certainly don't see too many legit ten second cars doing that in the heat of July in Oregon! Those things must be a gas out on the open highway! I think a new version (a GOOD one) of Vanishing Point is in order. Use a 10 sec. GN...and this time Kawalski makes it to Frisco!...and uses up a cpl dozen of 5.0 Hwy. Patrol cars along the way. (Oooo the Mustang guys are gonna love me for that one) -LP

Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 From: BC EvansTo: larryp@horsepowerheaven.com CC: "nhradiv6@silverlink.net Blair"

Subject: Yakima

Just another few things about the race at Yakima. Yes decisions were made at a rapid pace or as Stevie Wong would say "Here is the update to the update on the update." To be fair we don't know why he changed his mind so fast (and often) but then he didn't explain it to us either. Who knows, track managers sometimes put the pressure on and "maybe" he was trying to put a show on late at night. In the end though everyone got all the passes they needed, which is something we haven't been able to say often in Div.6 before Blair arrived. Chris has a lot of learning to do and he isn't going to do it by making himself a stranger. I think some of the stuff he is trying has merit, but don't try and do it without competitor input. I think he needs an advisor. I would be glad to volunteer.

Sorry for having a slightly positive attitude but I'm in a good mood right now.

Oh, here is a very unsubstantiated rumour I heard at Yakima. Mike Ferderer may be getting a Pro Stock Truck. There is very little smoke to this one but there is the possibility of a little fire being attached to it.

Bill Evans - 6035 S/G

I must say that after hearing it so often, I find it brave and refreshing that somebody actually came out and mentioned Blair being a stranger while at the races. Ferd in a truck...hammering gears...wonder if it'll be painted yellow? -LP

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 11:15:22 -0700

From: Bob Wilson Reply-To: NorthernThunder@mortimer.com

Subject: Bad News Department

Larry:

Bad things happen in Threes:

1) Glidden in a Poncho

2) Diggers vs. Floppers

3) Wilson gets licensed in OZ

Bob

...trust him. LP

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998

From: grant clerf

Subject: Canadian Dollar

Larry, Tough call as to the effect of the Canadian dollar on racing...

1)I know a lot of people who usually go to the NW Nations at SIR who either a)didn't go the race because of the dollar b)curtailed the # of days they went to the race to save on cost of tickets and hotels etc. Maybe it might affect the attendance of the casual fan moreso than the people who have gone for many years. I know I would hate to miss a national event so close to home. I am still planning my annual trip to the Winston Finals as well. It's a tradition I would certainly be very disappointed to miss. So I swallowed hard and booked my ticket. It's tough to get it out of your blood I guess. Plus I get to go and have IN-N-OUT Burger every night!

2)As far as more American racers coming I don't know how much of a positive effect it may have...after all the payout is in Canadian dollars ? --I think the biggest effect of the Canadian dollar actually will be felt for people contemplating changing classes, upgrading their cars, or starting racing as most performance parts come from the US and of course are subject to American prices

- Jamie Clerf ET#6530

One other thing JC. There are many Canadian people who do drag racing-type work for Americans. The Yanks are saving more money every day, and I have already heard stories of Americans getting their cars worked on for LESS THAN HALF what it would cost in their own country. (This goes for web sites, videos, and that kinda stuff too...) LP

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998

From: BC Evans

Re: Congratulations!

Every true win was on a holeshot Larry. I got a bye into the final by taking out the #1 qualifier and had the bonus of two red lights. My lights were .417; .401; .404; .417; .414 and a .456 against a red light.

In other words I got lucky once. I took out two Div. 7 cars (I love beating those guys).

In the final between me and Mike, I had a .414 against his .446.

I won't need a larger helmet because I didn't do it on my own. Watching John all those years really helped along with his timely advise before the final. Rick Chappel and Mike Pople did all the crew work so I could just pace and smoke. Holly Joeder pouring beer over her head was also an inspiration.

I'm still getting goose bumps. I can't believe it!

Please don't wake me up!

Bill Evans - 6035 S/G

Unofrtunately, I was unable to contact the crew before I posted this to hear what 'really' happened later that night...I understand a remarkable amount of brown liquid was consumed. LP

From: Wrenchski@aol.com

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 22:09:53 EDT

Subject: 3'S Bob Glidden in a Pontiac. Dragsters vs. Funny Cars. ...they say bad things happen in threes. Any guesses on numero trois?

HEY LP- I dunno- could it be- FORCE IS LOOKIN' FOR A DRIVER BASED ON HER PLUMBING, AND NOT DRIVING SKILLS?

SALAAM, SKI

I have no idea what this means...really, truly...honest. -LP

From: "David Loney

Subject: Video - gotta have one!

Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 12:51:26 PDT

Larry, I just saw the preview for your video on the website. I've got to have one! Where do I send the check? Is there shipping/Handling? This looks like great "winter-time" viewing. Hey, are you going to put up any video of the Nitro Tour?

Take care, Dave Loney quarter_miler@hotmail.com

I have sent Dave all the details, such as $20 U.S....that's it. And yes, the HH '98 tape will include Medford, Woodburn...and Seattle. LOTS of nite time nitro stuff, and lots of sportsman as well! LP

From: Wrenchski@aol.com

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 08:23:32

Subject: Sales Pitchers...

HEY LP-No problem with YOU using my name and likeness to try to offset expenses...should you make a few bucks on my endorsements, free samples would be in order...should my affiliation HURT sales, well, it WAS your idea, wasn't it? Salaam, Ski

Trust Ski to put it all into true reality. Now, what's your home address...so I know where to send 'it'...LP

From: "Dean Kilback"

Date: Fri, 28 Aug 98

Hi larry....just took a look at the old stuff you put on the board..........it is pretty cool..... dean

Yes, I guess my mandate of an all nostalgia site changes about every week. LP

Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

From: Todd Fredrickson

Subject: re: low hit counts

Larry don't despair I, for one have been rushed off my feet with work(I'm a logger...finally shut down) and family stuff. It's summer and people do other things. I have your page as my home page (thanks for the easy steps) so I check in every time the computer is on line. Keep the info coming. Todd

Thanks Todd. All you people surprised me again for since I posted that the visits to those pages have gone up tenfold. LP

Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

From: PGI Service Centre Organization: Platinum Grover Int. Inc.

Subject: Carlson's Alberta Report

Larry; Saw a banner on your site for a report from Rich on some races in Alberta. Just wondering if we will be seeing it soon? Nice site, HH Nitro tour was great.

Rich and I are playing tag, as we have had three planned meetings fall apart. I hope to get a bunch of his stuff in a week or so, along with Boise pics too. Hang in there, as Carlson is a hard guy to get to stay in one place for any length of time. I think he's been home three days total since July. LP

Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

From: "Robert W. Wilson"

Reply-To: NorthernThunder@mortimer.com

Subject: Re: nother test...ignore again LP:

Still trying our best to ignore you. But it's hard to do when you've got the audio to back up the text on "What's New". By the way, what has Bobby Hull got to do with drag racing ? BW

Well I finally managed to figure out that I had my configs all screwed up, hence my down time on the nhra newsgroup. As for Bobby Hull, you REALLY gotta read between the lines on that one. LP

Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

Sender: surfite@mail.halcyon.com

Subject: Real Update... Man, that could be scary...Renegade Canadians prowling the stands at Pomona...That's okay, though, I never go. Now, about the webmaster shootout...How many of you guys are going to Bakerfield in October for the hot Rod Reunion? I know that the Nitronic Research posse will pretty much all be there, could be a chance to start solidifying that second front.

Glad the feedback page is back, it's an interesting thing...I know you're more interested in the current state of the drag racing world, whereas my tastes quit about the mid '70's. And please, don't talk to me about Pro Stocks...can you say IRL? Cookie-cutter cars for happy sponsors. And their evil step-children, Pro Stock Trucks. Go away. There have to be more opportunities for something other than what's out there now...something where innovative racers can do things outside the law of the sanctioning bodies...where there's a little more risk...hell, mountain climbers keep fucking up and nobody gets real upset, what's the difference with drag racers?

Whatever. Like the fact that you're back, I'll do my best to keep the lawyers at bay, and just keep up the good work. Loved the realaudio thing. Gives the editorial a better feel, as there's some inflection there.

Oh, and just a quick plug, go to http://www.nitronic.com/mysterion/ and see what's up.

Thanks, Jim Sorenson

Man, all these Coonceites...they're gonna take over the world someday soon! I want a ticket on that ride! Although it may seem like I have more interest in current stuff, the oldies still grab me, but a little more so during the off season, when everone is all hot-to-trot over how much better next year will be. It's interesting how i keep hearing that dreaded 'I' word more and more arounf here... LP

From: Wrenchski@aol.com

Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

Subject: kudos

HEY LP-just caught your Canadian Chris Economaki act on realaudio...sure there ain't a radio announcer in yer woodpile? Between you and that Wilson cat, I think I see a wave of drag refugees headed north over the border...By the way, when's the video comin' out? If Matt Drudge can do it on fox network...mebbe they need a motorsports gossip columnist, too?

Grasias, Ski

Geez Ski...glad you asked. After a one year blow-out, the all new Horsepower Heaven '98 video will be released by this Xmas. It will include little diddies on all the events I went to in '98, (well most of 'em anyway, along with a bunch of '97 stuff never seen before). If anyone is interested in the old tapes, just bug me and I'll put up a new page on them. They include local drag race and cruise stuff going back to 1991. The all-time favorite 'Best Of 1991-95' crash, burn, blow-up, sideways runs tape is also still available. And it still carries the money-back guarantee for being the best sportsman drag tape you have ever seen. After three years of sales, I have not sent anyone their cash back!

Betcha never thought an email of yours would turn into a sales pitch eh?

As for the Real stuff. there is much more on the way. LP