Homepage banner images courtesy Rich Carlson & Doug Harder.
Horsepower Heaven FEEDBACKOk people, here's your chance to sound off. Unless you state in your email that you DO NOT want it (or your full identity...and/or email address) posted, or it's just plain obvious to me, it's fair game to post here. Even if you post from ANY email link to me on this site. Be aware that everyone from NHRA brass to my mother read all this on a regular basis, so be nice... NOTE: newest from top
From: "Bob Behnke" Hi Larry Could not agree with your statement to Quote you "PS: Don't phone Bill and whine about YOUR ideas. He's burned out on THOSE, and he's already sick of drunks calling him at 2am. Just send your damn money. It's that simple. LP " more. To lose the Eagle would be a large step backwards for all racers in B.C. Billy was at Mission this weekend with the Old Kennedy car that they are raffling off. For $20.00 and only 1700 tickets printed this is one hell of a great raffle to be in as the car has to be worth $10,000 U.S. I know they still have lots of tickets left as it was quiet at Mission this weekend with the F/M event on at Seattle. Billy said that He was going to try and get the car back down for the Pro-Mod event at Mission also I am sure if anyone mailed Billy the 20bucks and told him to put it toward the car fund which will be used to help repair the track once they sell all 1700 tickets. Of course you could send 20 for the car and a hundred for the track. I am on a pension and I found a way step up racers.
Thanks Bob, I forgot to mention the race car draw. it is a super deal, and I understand comes with a bunch of parts to make the beautiful piece street legal. I made sure my cheque was $120. LP From: "Brent Murray" Hi Larry, For anyone interested in the Coke/Lordco Super Quick series, we have posted the point standings on our homepage at nanaimo.ark.com/~untamed, and will continue to post the points standings as soon as they are available, ( as Missions site hasn`t been updated since March 31). See ya at the races! Thanks Brent, it's great to see a racer step up and support the races like this! LP Date: Sat, 26 Jun 1999 Perhaps a day late, maybe even a dollar short but the *Drag City News* section of Nitronic Research has been updated: http://www.nitronic.com/dragcitynews This update includes four features about the 1999 front-motored fueler wars: MURPHY SLAYS 'EM AT SACTO 23 Annual Nitro Nite of Fire/WCTA Fremont Reunion/Jim Herbert Memorial, Sacramento Raceway, CA, June 19-20,1999 THUNDER AND LIGHTNING TAKE TOP ELIMINATOR AT INDY Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals, Indianapolis Raceway Park, IN, June 11-13, 1999 DUNLAP TAKES A BEWILDERING WIN IN TUCSON Pro Nitro '99 Points Series Race, Southwest Int'l Raceway, Tucson, AZ, May 15th, 1999 McLENNAN TAKES NO GUFF, CLAIMS TOP FUEL AT SPIR Goodguys 11th Nitro Nationals, Sears Point Int'l Raceway, CA, May 1-2,1999 Be there or be somewhere else. . . Cole Coonce mailto:colecoonce@nitronic.com
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 Subject: Prince George Web site Gee, I almost missed it. Try linking thru the NHRA pages under member tracks online. too long an address for me to remember. Grant Thanks Grant, I'll check that out. LP From: Terry McHardy Subject: EAGLE MOTORPLEX Larry: We do not want to go back to one racetrack for the lower mainland. Believe me. Bill was right, the plex needs to run flops and pro mods, to keep the fans. But who says it has to be a divisional points meet. Ashcroft/Cache Creek had a very successful Old Timers Meet last month without NHRA being present (and collecting their large piece of the pie}. Get the track up to snuff, and get FEATURE TYPE meets going for the future. Terry p.s. Look to Firebird Raceways. They make their monies with special races. I cannot agree more. Go to the HH SAVE THE PLEX PAGE for details on where to send your investment in the future. LP Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 From: Neil Fedderly Organization: Fedderly Racing Heads Subject: Who's really coming? A safe bet would be Wyatt Radke and Jim Cavalieri in the Impulse funny car. Neil Naaaa, I hear Don Garlits is coming out of retirement to race John Force in his new Top Fueler... Hey if you're gonna start rumors... LP From: "Gerry Frechette" Subject: Nitro at Mission Hi Larry, Re: Terry McHardy's prediction on which nitro cars are coming to Mission. In this case, a cop doesn't know. I am asked to confirm with you that McDowell and Jackson are definitely not among the nitro cars booked to run at Mission on July 24-25. That is not to say they, and any other T/F - F/C - Pro Stock teams, would not be welcomed if they would like to come up and run. Gerry Frechette for Richardt Scholz ...but I bet this cop DOES know who to give a break to next time he pulls one of you guys over... LP Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999 From: David Larson Subject: RPM Larry: I want to thank you for your support in my attempt to help make things better. I have determined that there is insufficient racer interest to proceed. I found that NHRA and the tracks, although contributory, are not the real problem. Both the tracks and NHRA immediately got on the bandwagon. I wish I could say the same was true for the racers. I have cancelled the fantasy sponsorship program and I am not proceeding forward with RPM as a group approach. I again owe a debt of gratitude to you for your support. Thank you. Dave Larson. That was a tough go, and I commend you for giving it such a big effort Dave! LP Date: Sat, 19 Jun 1999 Subject: Top Comp Hi my name is Kyle Gryte and I was just wondering... I heard there was some money put up for the first 6-second Top Comp car. Is this true??????? I heard like $1000.00 ????? Well thanks for any info. Hi Kyle. No, I have not heard this, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. Anyone else? BTW, how's that diesel dragster coming? LP From: Terry McHardy Subject: who's really coming Date: Sat, 19 Jun 1999 Larry: McDowell and Jackson........flops. do not know re rails. Terry Well I guess if a cop doesn't know who does eh? LP From: "Dean Kilback Hi Larry.. Late night surfing....Here is a rumor about Nitro at Mission. Randy Parks and the Fluke car are considering making an appearance, as Fluke Canada wants to set up a display ...More fuel for the fire... Dean I have heard that one from others too...LP Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999
One of the all time great drag racers, Jesse Douglas Cook passed away Wednesday, June 16th at 5 pm of complications from double pneumonia. Born in Little Rock in 1932, "Cookie" migrated to the Los Angeles area as a teenager and was one of the original drag racers at the Santa Ana Drags, which historians consider the first commercial drag strip. Later, as the driver for the infamous "Stone, Woods & Cook" gasser, a blown on gas Willys coupe, his career was notable for two reasons: 1) The fear that the team struck in the hearts of their competitors as they dominated the "Gasser Wars" on Southern California's drag strips in the 1960s and 2) the fact that Cook was Caucasian, but both Fred Stone and Tim Woods were African American. Their partnership was the first competitive multi-racial team in drag racing. Cook's family requests that instead of sending flowers, donations be made to the El Mirage Ladies Auxiliary. This is an organization that helps racers who are injured or ill. Please send your cards and donations to: In Memory of Doug Cook El Mirage Ladies Auxiliary c/o Mike Cook 2955 Bronco Ln Norco, Ca 91760 USA --Rhonda Strickland & Cole Coonce Cole Coonce mailto:colecoonce@nitronic.com NITRONIC RESEARCH http://www.nitronic.com
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 Subject: re: Wyatt Hi Larry, If Wyatt McMurray stops being track operator, I'll let you know. As it is now, Wyatt's still in there as track operator. His involvement has changed somewhat, in that Bill is doing more. Bill is presently laid of from Highland Valley Copper and therefore has a ton more time than we do. Bill's calling himself the Assistant Track Manager. Rumours are great, aren't they? As far as the track goes, we need the track surface to be better than it is, plain enough. Whether or not we still chose to host a FMDRS is not my decision (it's in the hands of Wyatt McMurray and the council of the Ashcroft Indian Band). We would like input as to the concerns, complaints and desires of anyone reading this note. What can we do to improve people's fun when attending Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex? Rob (the starter guy) Well, that answers a few questions. Thanks Rob. And for even more on this, check out Bill Evans' Grapevine. LP Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 Poor spectator turnout, poor ashphalt, poor facilities and poor car turnout. Whoa, you must be talking about ASHCROFT. Let me bring to the table the LONGEST [shutdown distance] strip, the most scenic drag strip and THE BEST KEPT SECRET of the last few years. So many of your readers seem to be interested in giving money to Ashcroft, a strip that has seen it's day come and go. Let's race at another drag strip in B.C. Save that money and spend it to come to the biggest drag race the Prince George facility has ever had. It is in August and it will be BIG. Yes, Wallys will be awarded. The facility is extremely well maintained and meets all the latest NHRA standards of safety and performance. Sure it is a few miles up here but very scenic to say the least. It is about 8.5 hours from Mission and can easily be done in one day. We are looking forward to showing our hospitable selves off to the 'southern' folk and to show our competitive spirit as well . Again, the 'racer support' is needed all throughout our province not just in the lower mainland. For further information and photos please contact me at Thanks for the info Grant. I hope I can make that date but it comes the same weekend as two other major events I may attend. Anyone else online interested in going up, I can assure you Grant is correct in that PG is a wonderful, fun place, and well worth the effort to get to. PS...you got Mr. Cowie to spring for a website yet? I KNOW how he LOVES controversy, and what better way to crank some up than with an online presance...he's gonna kill me! LP Subject: Eagle Motorplex Hi Larry I've been seeing lots of info on ashcroft having track problems (and money) it also was the first track I raced on and will hate to see it go. So I am doing my part and sending a cheque in. I strongly urge other racers to send in somthing (you don't know what you have till its gone). Bill said they only need $10,000 from the racers. Thats only 100 people with $100.00 each. Sounds like a cheap way to keep going racing. Keep up the good work Larry! Chris Fryer Thanks Chris, though I have not heard that his money is to keep the track itself, just the FMDRS. Since you also mentioned Bill, I hear a rumor that Wyatt McMurray is no longer track manager. Anybody else got anything on that one? LP Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 Subject: NW Nationl Open SIR 1975 Are you sure of the McCulloch F/C run at 220.04 mph and ET of 5.58? This would then be the first 5 Second F/C pass in what year? Only Kidding! Interesting comments on the Eagle Motorplex Fund Raising for re-paving. Personally I do not care how they do it, whether it is their own money or by fund raising. They are not the only facility to ask favors, gifts etc. to get what they need to stay in business. There are other facilities that do what it takes to get what they need to survive. Too bad someone does not show on paper what it costs to run a facility race by race - not showing the SPECIAL SHOW EVENTS (these ones let the tracks recoup on the loses of the others cause everyone one wants everything back - they do not sit back and think of day to day operation costs). Oops, that Seattle page was done many moons ago and is loaded with...uh...inconsistancies...but it's still fun to screw you guys around though eh? As for the rest, it speaks for itself and I have respected the emailers request to post it without a name. LP From: tom posthuma Subject: bellhousing rule Larry , tell me that bellhousing thing is a joke and that I really don't need another new scattershield. 4th one in 5 years!!! I am not running a 5 disc slider clutch by the way. This sucks. Tom Ok, I'll tell you. You don't have to. Then again I don't have a sanctioning body, so I guess I can't make the rules... Mr. V? Is this true? Or am I assuming wrong from Tom's email? Has he REALLY had to replace the scattershield four times in five years? LP Subject: Ashcroft What a concept, if you want a points meet, pay the track more money. I really think this is going in the wrong direction. If the track can't afford to upgrade then maybe they shouldn't have the meet. As sad as this is, I don't think resurfacing the track will bring more cars or fans to the gate. These things have to be run like a business. If they are not making money or breaking even, then there is something wrong. Maybe we should steal a page from the NDP and start taxing everyone who owns a race car to pay for upgrades. Or how about the Motorplex applying for a grant from the lottery fund? Sounds like an amateur sport to me. What will be the request next year? Bill Evans I must agree with Bill. I don't feel that just resurfacing the track will be enough for long term stability. NHRA is on a solid course to (Bill's favorite word) 'Mainstream' drag racing, even at the Federal-Mogul level. Drag strips that require the racers to give money for it to survive, are not exactly 'mainstream'. The 'Plex' does not have any major sponsors, and the fan base no longer seems to be what it once was. Unfortunately I do not see either situation improving. This track sits square in the middle of a region that has been devastated by forestry and mining cutbacks, in one of the most financially-strapped provinces in the country. A situation that will takes years to repair. I also see racers who for many reasons would, for the most part, prefer to race as close to their homes as possible. Most of the racers are Americans, despite the fact there are a good number of terrific Canadian strips (seven) in the Div. 6 total of twelve. Like another poster here already said, this has been ongoing for years at this track. Unfortunately, this time it appears to be for real. I feel it's time for a new direction. I'm afraid 'too-little-too-late' cries for cash now are doomed to failure. Especially when the Eagle FMDRS outcome is NOT in the racers hands, but in those of, mostly American, officials. There is no doubt that the opening of Mission went hand-in-hand with the eventual demise of Eagle. Without the hundreds of BC Lower Mainland and NW Washington regulars, the cash flow simply dried up. I have heard how much private cash has gone into Eagle over the past few years. Tens of thousands of dollars that will never see a return. All I can say is Medford lost this race once-upon-a-time, now they are front-and-centre to get it back. Here is a track that has strong financial backing, and a massive urge to 'mainstream'. Despite the fact it has drawn few racers over the past few years, neither has Eagle. I feel it's time for Eagle to sit back, regroup and look a few years into the future to see how the place can be brought back to life. I sincerely believe it can be done, but I don't think it can be done overnight with a quick influx of cash. BUT...Is that even worth it when you have two strips in Alberta with proven fan support and corporate backing? But that's another story. One that may prove even more difficult for the 'Eagle-FMDRS-backers' to combat in the future. Though we did see the Alberta cars at an FMDRS in force for the first time this year. hint...hint. I feel Eagle should move in another direction. Forget trying to compete with major marketing areas. It's being done with great success at a few forward-thinking strips in small centres in the U.S.A., but that too is another story. Don't simply go off the deep end if the FMDRS goes away. Don't whine, bitch and complain about it. Look towards other events. Don't let what you still have suffer. Think positive, as tough as that may be just now. This was once the most fun place in the entire division to race. Try to remember why that was, and why it isn't any more, then work towards making it so again. It can be done, It CAN be done. Take a browse through any major drag racing publication and have a good close look. This sport is changing. An FMDRS does not a successfull drag strip make. Realize that and you will be on course to the future of drag racing. An FMDRS is only a small part of that overall picture, and the quicker one realizes that the quicker they will be on track to grow. Change is difficult, but as always it is a constant. Ignore it, or fight it and you will not survive. Did losing an FMDRS kill Medford? NO, it only made them try harder. Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 Subject: SHOW ME THE MONEY Ok due to the fact Ashcroft was the first track I raced on ( Chevy power AMC not a Ford ). To me Ashcroft is a RACERS TRACK and it just might be the RACERS of Div. 6 showing that we can not let this Canadian track this B.C.track fall short. I really hope the funds can be raised to resurface this track . You will be given a receipt for any thing over $10.00 . If people feel they should give $100.00 to REV. CAN. than support the track , ( and get way more bang for the buck with the track ) that would SUCK ! I spoke to Brad Powell @ 604-888-1925 he will be at Mission on June 19th . I will be giving him a cheque for ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS and hope others will be donating as well . How many racers are going to be there ? If 300 racers ( or anyone that use to race or wanted to race) could chip in FIFTY BUCKS or more, this can happen DAM IT !!! 3W PS Larry it is, very unfortunate that it has come to this I feel I have put up and for now I will shut up! But I will be talking about it . The track does need it! After resurfacing it would be a better track and if certain people became involved it could be the place to race . From: ROBYN DALGLEISH Just thought I would tell you alittle more of what I heard regarding Ashcroft needing money. Apparently there is a deadline for needing the donations etc......30 days. The Indians have committed to help, Bill is hoping the community will help and the balance being us racers. If any of the Mainland racers are wanting to send donations they can send them directly to the track...Attn: Bill or get ahold of Brad Powell @ 604-888-1925, he is also taking donations to send up to the track. Anything over $10.00, you will be given a receipt. If it doesn't pan out and not enough money is collected, you will receive your money back. Be sure to include full names and addresses along with your donation and if nothing comes of this you will be sure to have your donation returned. Thanks Robyn I find it very unfortunate that it has come to this. LP Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 Speaking of the good life I saw one of the best car shows on Fri. June 11 Coming home from a mid B.C. trip. Stopped off for lunch at ZEE'S left around 2:45pm. We drove past the track & click the LANGLEY LOAFERS race. All the way down the canyon to Mission it was or seemed to be rod after rod DRIVING UP... super COOL... throw in 10 to 15 loud bikes riding together a large speed check TRAP in Boston Bar and Elvis 's{L.T.} car on a flat deck with two others on the same deck . A blue Ford Falcon following Johnny Cleveland towing his green Queen , it rhymes. I should say his Fearsome Ford Falcon and the canyon as a back drop I loved it . The best 150 min. of eye candy traffic . 3W Ok White Wall, now put down the Kokanee and write up a cheque for Eagle....LP Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 Subject: Drag Racer Magazine Camaro Hi, Larry, Also, I wanted to say thanks for myself and Sean for all of the nice pictures you have run on your Web page. It's very nice for Sean to get some recognition that reflects his skills and hard work. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to meet you at Seattle. Thanks again, and I hope to talk to you soon. Brian Cour Thanks Brian, I recieve more feedback from Stock and Super Stock racerss than anyone else, which causes me post as much of them as possible. It's been a long time since I shot that stuff for Drag Racer, and I'm happy for you guys and Alf that it's going to be printed at last. I'll look you up in Seattle! LP Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MASTERCAM AA/FD ON A ROLLER COASTER RIDE TO INDY by Cole Coonce, NR June 10, 1999, Los Angeles, CA--While campaigning his dragster on the various Prostalgia Top Fuel circuits this season, Frank "Root Beer" Hedge, tuner and proprietor of the Mastercam AA/Fuel Dragster, has gotten pretty used to riding roller coasters--at least in a metaphorical sense. And as he tows his powerful machine across America's Interstate Highways towards Indianapolis Raceway Park in preparation for competition at this weekend's Goodguys 11th Hot Rod Nationals, Hedge and his son, Ryan, have been patronizing every roller coast at any amusement park that crosses their path between Los Angeles and Indy. Hedge figures that no matter how hairy any given thrill ride may appear, it can't rival the dipsy doodles he has experienced this year while drag racing. . . "Root Beer" started the year by strapping his team into a gonzo ride that has provided plenty of thrills and amusement for everybody involved... Indeed, at the season opener, the prestigious Goodguys March Meet, Hedge tuned up his driver, "Wild Bill" Alexander, to his career best 1/4 mile e.t. of 6.08 seconds (no mean feat since Alexan der has been shoeing front-motored fuelers since the days of flag starts) as well as score a runner-up finish. The team wasn't satisfied with those numbers, however, and sought even bigger thrills particularly in light of "Swingin' Sammy" Hale setting the world on fire in the Champion Speed Shop/Juxtapoz fueler with a precedent-setting 5.87, also at the March Meet. Hedge then implemented a bonzai tune up that focused on improvements in both the clutch can as well within the fuel system. That's when the ride *really* bottomed out and roller coaster reached a series of wicked corkscrews. . . These changes culminated in a couple of loop-de-loops that had the entire Mastercam team hanging on to the safety bar and tightening their sphincters. At the subsequent event, the Goodguys Nitro Nationals at Sears Point, the adjustments to the tune up provided entirely too much power to a frigid track surface that lacked bite. After finally calming down the car enough to record a semi-final loss in the show's B main, the team prepared the digger for the next event on their itinerary, the Pro Nitro Points Race in Tucson, AZ. After qualifying conservatively at Tucson with a 6.60 at 209 mph, the Mastercam bunch began to get more aggressive, like they intended to do right after the March Meet: more weight in the clutch and a leaner fuel volume on the big end of the drag strip. Alas, they never got a chance to discover if these changes would take: While "Wild Bill" performed a burnout in preparation for his first round joust with Larry "Soapy Sales" Huff, a short in the magneto switch triggered a blower bang and wiped out Hedge's meticulously circuited fuel lines. So: After all that, this topsy-turvy ride has led the Mastercam dragster back to the same tune up used at the March Meet. And while subjecting himself to a battery of high speeds on steep, sharply curved railways, you can be guaranteed that Hedge will be meditating on how to claim Top Fuel Eliminator this weekend at Indy... His advise to the competition as well as his own team? Hang on. Mastercam Notes for Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals: Team entered into Top Fuel Eliminator: http://www.nitronic.com/rootbeer Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 Subject: Cdn open Hi. I have been watching / monitoring Horsepower Heaven since I discovered it.{Its exellent by the way} Are you planning to come out to Edmonton for the National Open? If so I would like to bench race with you.I believe we meet a few years ago when you did a photo shoot on crusing in EDM, I had the 427 Biscayne. Keep up the good work! Attached is a photo of my 7.50 F/C.
Paul Villeneuve Thanks Paul, I can recall that trip and the night a great group of people took me cruisin' throughout Edmonton. I hope to get to the National Open, but it's not looking real good right now. The hoped for event sponsors I have advertised for have come up a total blank at this point in time. Edmonton is a long ways away, and as much as I want to go, just don't have the money to do it. Thanks for the pics, and hopefully some company will come through before the event goes off. LP From: "Wes Garvin" Subject: great job Dear Larry, I would like to commend you on your photos of all the divisional races in division six your doing a wonderful job keep up the good work !glad to see your support of topcomp as it is a new class with many exciting things going on including such a bright future in division six. Keep up the good work and we'll see ya in Seattle. Wes Garvin 6217 Top Comp Nastyboys Racing Hey no problem Wes, the Top Comp class is looking good to me, it's fun putting dragsters, door cars and roadsters all together. It's not for everybody, but enough of you guys are putting in a considerable effort to make it worthwhile. I must say however, I agree with Steve Wong, and would love to see those throttle stops go the way of the toilet... LP Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 Subject: your website Suggestion: all us freeloaders lookin at all your cool stuff for free, got to be able to buy at least 1 of your non existant T shirts or tank tops [make em low cut , the tank tops that is,] maybe the BUD babes will wear em! oooohhh!! Larry great stuff!!! this my starting point if I go online. keep it up!!!!! by the way, I hearby give you my order for 2 non existant T shirts in ad- vance. Just an idea Larry, your probably working on it already. PS. large. John Heida I wish...I'm just working on trying to get to all the races. Unfortunately the shirt thing is a loaded gun. I tried the hat thing a few years ago and ended up having to give so many away for 'old times sake' that I lost my ass (NO, John wasn't one of them). The shirt deal would be even worse...unless I could get a (ya right) sponsor. LP Sender: webmaster@calgarydragracing.ab.ca Subject: identified roadster I was just checking on the photos from Mission. The "unidentified" S/Pro roadster that hit the tree is one of our drivers. Bob Elliot #6203. During today's test and tune he got some ribbing from the track announcer about that little crash. Something to do with too much VHT in the water box. Stephen Scott Webmaster/Newsletter editor Calgary Drag Racing Association NEXT.... From: "Leslie Elliott" Subject: May 8 - Car on Tree I was wondering if I could get a copy of the photo, you have of my car leaning on your tree for my photo album. Although, I'm sure you remember the incident, it happened on May 8th in Mission. Kind Regards - Bob Elliott I just got off the phone with Bob this morning. That was quite the deal ending up with Bob having to replace the entire front end and straightening out the rear. A bunch of coin later he tells me it works better than ever. Maybe see you in Edmonton... LP Date: Sun, 06 Jun 1999 Subject: Hi, it's me! Hi Larry, I'm gunna try ta answer some of yer questions. The guy in the pickup, that won Sportsman over Brad Potter was Mike Bride (usually drives a Nova and used to have 'BC's fastest Taxi'). Mike's wife, Lorna, works in staging. I think Mike and Lorna are from Richmond. The snowmobiles; right lane and event winner, Chris Butler of Kelowna, left lane and r/u Luc Duchene of Kamloops. Single snowmobile in the photo below is Chris Butler ... look for him to get back into the nines with that toy! The El Camino is Geno Reda, from Kamloops. Pro G642 Dodge is r/u Grant Gordon, from Vancouver. The bike guy you 'owe' (he's on a Harley) is Greg Cohen of Springfield, Oregon. I spent another 7 hours at the track today, working on the %^*&$ scoreboards and I'm going back tomorrow. When I'm there, I'll get the Harley Pro Sportsman bike info for you. Are you coming up for the Langley Loafers OldTime Drags and Rod Run? I hope this helps, see ya. Rob (the starter guy) UPDATE! Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 After literally months of effort, they work! We now have the scoreboards operational again. What was the problem? It wasn't hardware. Software configuration within the CPU was the culprit. To say I was a happy camper when those boards finally lit up is an understatement! Thank you for your patience and see you at the races. Rob (the starter guy and sometimes computer guy) "Pssssst, the scoreboards work. Pass it on!" Good news!...and thank you for the info on all the photos. I should have known a bunch of 'em, but what can I say? I won't be at the Loafer's race, but hopefully somebody can send me some pics or results. LP From: Jeffsery@aol.com Subject: local car shows Where can I find info on shows in the lower mainland?
Here: www.boyzunderthehood.com Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 Subject: I just got one quick question Hi Larry, this is Kyle Gryte I was just wondering if you could tell me when that event at Firebird is going to be the Nightfire Nationals or the Inaugural National Nostalgia Top Fuel Nationals or is that the same event ???? The T/F Nats is a major event within a GIANT event. From my view this will be the best drag race in the west if not the entire country for1999. If you are thinking of attending one or two major events this summer, go to the Nightfires...just GO to the Nightfires! For complete go to Firebirdonline. LP Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 Once again...good job on the site. Heather and Pam will fix up your own special packet that will include bracket stuff in it. They have been giving you the typical press kit that they hand out to everyone and it doesn't include those. Also, we don't ladder brackets so all you will get is a final results sheet. Bracket races rejoice! LP Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 Hey Larry great site glad to see the great division six gang on the net, and thanks for the pic from Mission. I'm in the H/SA Camaro doing the burnout!!!!!!! Thanks again...Todd Gale Now how do you spell Radabanziacle??? or something like that...LP Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 Subject: Video Hi Larry. Do you have the rounds of stock on video from Ashcroft? Thanks, Bob Gullett I know I have all the finals from all the races I've been to, beyond that, I honestly don't know, as logging tapes takes more hours to do than shooting them, and I have just not got to that point yet...sorry. LP From: "Caughlin, Jim" Just wanted to send a quick note and thank you for the effort you put into this website. While discussing it with various Stock & SS racers at Ashcroft, I was suprised at how few knew about it so I did my best to spread the news and will continue to do so. Might want to post a note on the S/SS forum page to let people know more specifically what Horsepower Heaven is all about. I know you spend a ton of hours putting this together and just wanted to let you know it is appreciated, keep it up! Thanks Jim, it's support like that from you racers that will help this deal grow! LP Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1999 Larry, I saw you at the Ashcroft event, but you are always busy taking those beautiful photos which I look for after every race. As usual, great coverage and I hope that people buy your videos in tremendous volume as they are GREAT! Just a note here to let you know that I have finally got around to actually putting something on my "What's New" page at 1320racing.com which includes some pictures of the progress on the car and some text explaining the extensive (and expensive) modifications. I have had several inquiries about this so I had to actually do something! Anyone who's interested can check it out. Keep up the good work. FYI, your site sent me 11% of my 9,000 hits last month, or almost a thousand visitors. For the thousand visitors, thanks a million! The sponsors love it! Jim Ok potential sponsors. You want the Div 6 web market? For a few hundred bucks you got it! Call me...let's talk...we'll do lunch and all that other 'netwroking' jazz...You can bet I'll treat you right and all these wonderful potential customers of yours will know it! LP Greetings Gang, Awhile back RACE CAR ART sent out a series of DRAG SPAM emails telling of the progression of Brian Kohlmann's S/FX-1 altered wheelbase '65 Dodge from semi-nostalgia drag car to the most convincing retro-repro nostalgia type match racer on the scene today. Brian's altered wheelbase Belle Dodge has been testing for the past couple of weeks on mild nitro loads with great results. Last Wednesday, May 26 at Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove, WI a series of photographs of the car were taken by pro photographer Mark Bruederle. The following link will take you to a small selection of the pictures from that session. It is amazing to think that these shots were just taken a few days ago in 1999. The idea was to recreate many of the classic sixties magazine shots. This car and Brian will bring the fans right back to the glory days of 1965 more so than any other nostalgia car. So far at the local test-n-tune outings the car has thrilled old and new fans alike. The younger fans have never seen the likes of this and the older fans have been longing for a return of a car and driver that truly looks, acts and performs as those select few did in the great legendary Mopar hemi days of the middle sixties. The mid sixties are back with the Belle Dodge and Brian Kohlmann the "Heir to the Era" This car and Brian are doing nostalgia racing like it can and should be done, don't miss a chance to see them run this season. Brian and the Belle Dodge are scheduled to appear at the following meets so far... Good Guys Indy Meet weekend of June 11, 12, 13; The S/S Reunion in VA July 4th weekend super stock reunion, nostalgia drag racing, n... ; and the following week, July 10-11 at the Supercar Showdown at Maple Grove, PA. Enjoy the photo series. For bookings and T-shirts Brian Kohlmann's number is... 414-637-5772. Mark Bruederle, the photog can be contacted at 414-377-5916. Tell them Joel from RACE CAR ART sent you. Plans for a new shirt design are in the works. By the way, I do some flagstarting for some of Brian's runs and plan to be at the two events in July. Hope to see you all at one of the meets. Brian would like thank his sponsors... Belle Dodge, Racine Harley Davidson, Cost Cutters Hair Salons, Radir Wheels, Crane Cams, Dynamic Converters, Mancini Racing, Performance Head Service, Kilpatrick Racing, RACE CAR ART Associate sponsors always welcome. Regards, Joel F. Naprstek RACE CAR ART From: "Michael Peck" Subject: I.D. JUNIOR DRAGSTERS HI LARRY , I'll give this a try: MOM'S COUPON MONEY DRIVERS LAST NAME IS BARTON , DON'T KNOW
FIRST NAME . From MICHAEL PECK ''JR.'' Well, there you have it folks. Mike Jr wins the contest and will recieve a free video of his car at the Seattle FMDRS June 25-27th! I know he didn't get them all correct, but since he was the only one to send in a reply (makes me wonder if I should even DO any Jr. stuff here...) he wins...see how easy that was! LP Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 Subject: points race Larry I would have a substantial amount of money in my account if every rumor about the Eagle not having a points race had been true. I've lost count. I've even stated myself but wrong again. We will see. Casey Yes we will...LP From: "George and Karen Adams" Hey Larry, Did you make Ashcroft? Heard my buddy Brian Barling broke out by a bunch in the first round. Spent this memorial day morning with a few cups of coffee and a visit to your site,your tribute page to Bill Phillips was great . To tell you the truth I never heard of him until Pat & Brian told me of his passing, after looking at the pages you had on him I found myself in awe of this man ,thanks for putting it together. We have made some changes our site,added and removed photos and made a new page. Looking forward to your updates , I don't know how you do it but I for one appreciate your efforts. Good luck and see you at the track. George I managed to get a couple of George's 'nostalgia' video from Woodburn. Great stuff! He should market them...LP Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 Subject: Coos Bay Schedule Larry, we had a problem here in Coos Bay with our timing equipment and had to cancel our first event. I have since been able to repair the computer and everything is back up and running. We will not be able to do a make up event for that weekend. There have been many rumors flying around from Medford to Woodburn, and I just wanted to let everyone know that we were very sorry to have to cancel an event. Our next event will be a Street Legal event on June 12 and our next Bracket race will be on June 26 & 27. If anyone has any further questions please feel free to e-mail me at jburkleo@mail.coos.or.us. If you could post this on your site Larry, we would really appreciate it. Joe Burkleo, South Coast Drag Race Assn. Coos Bay, Or There is a link to the site on the HH Links page. Have a boo. LP Sun, 30 May 1999 Subject: '99 World Finals @ Spokan? Larry, I'm curious if there's going to be a '99 version of the AHRA World Finals @ Sponake; any info is appreciated. Thanks, MB Anybody help Mike? LP Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 Subject: Les Davenport: Dear Larry: Thanks for the great reporting from Mission. We certainly were treated to one of the most beautiful and user friendly facilities we've ever seen. I read you comments on Pete Swayne regarding Les Davenport in our pit area and his horsepower, etc. and am prompted to write to you. Les Davenport is a great guy, however, he has nothing to do with the performance of our car. The only time Les comes in our pit area is to stop by and say Hi. Same with Ora Vasquez, Steve Boggs, or anyone else for that matter. This is my 10th year in FM/FC. I drove until 1997 and elected to quit for financial reasons. Pete Swayne was a member of my crew and expressed a desire to drive. Pete purchased the car from me and has quickly adapted after initially struggling. In 1998, Pete and I purchased a new truck and trailer and decided it would be a learning year for him as a driver and me as a tuner. With the financial constraints I had when I was driving, I was unable to run the car enough to develop a tune-up. Pete has become a very consistant driver with a significant budget which has allowed me to develop our tune up that continues to evolve. The last half of 1998, Pete decided he was ready to step up the performance as he was feeling more confidant. I made several changes to the fuel system and clutch for Dallas last year resulting in our first 5.7 at over 250. Since then, we've qualified no lower than number 3 at any event and have scored number 1, runner-up'd Pomona and Phoenix (where we had low et of eliminations at both races including a 5.69 in the heat of the day at Phoenix), won Bakersfield and now Mission. We won Mission by keeping it soft for consistancy with runs of 5.66, 5.66, 5.64, and a wounded engine 5.78 at only 235 in the final. At Bakersfield, we reset the track record twice, ran more than a tenth of a second faster than the next fastest car and never hurt a part in the process of winning the event. Someone once told me it was obvious we're doing it ourselves. They said that if supertuner "A" was tuning our car, he'd also have whatever other car he's tuning at the same event running just as fast as we are, but they're not. I hope I haven't come on too strong. I get a little upset whenever I hear someone asking if so-and-so is tuning for us. Pete and I have worked very hard to get to the point where we are now. Pete has spent many hours practicing his driving routine at home and I've spend many sleepless nights pondering ideas and theories. We go to the races and put all this to the track. Thankfully, we've had some success. I think we make a good team and that's what it's all about. The car may slow down tomorrow, but it won't be anyone's fault but our own. Sincerely, Randy A very interesting and informative email. I thank Randy for taking the time to do it and will look forward to seeing them in Seattle and Woodburn! LP From: RACECARART@aol.com Greetings Gang, The latest edition of Drag Spam is out of the can and has arrived on your plate... er... monitor? As usual Drag Spam is a news bit of sorts to let you all know of a great new drag history related item. COOL CARS SQUARE ROLL BARS is a new book by A.B. and Bernie Shuman that provides a history lesson heretofore untold of the magical time that was the golden age of hot rod drag racing. The hardcover book chronicles in words and pictures(over 500, most previously unpublished) over 192 pages the hot rod & drag racing sport as it evolved in New England. The NE scene ran concurrent with the Westcoast development of the hot rod and often in greater numbers. It also reveals, in it's unique two- books-in-one format how the NE scene affected the sport nationally.
The book covers the beginning pioneer days on up until the early sixties. There are numerous interviews with local backyard rodders and innovators on up to the likes of Marv Rifchin(M&H tires), Ed Sarkisian, Farmer Dismuke, and Cy Sidebotham along with stories and photos of Garlits, the Greek, Speed Sport Special etc. as they relate to the New England drag scene and in turn the national one. New England was rich with car clubs such as the No-Mads, The Drag-Lynx and the Ty-Rods which played an important role in setting the tone and organizing the running of events. COOL CARS SQUARE ROLL BARS as one of the first, if not THE first regional histories of the sport and ranks up there with Robert Post's book High Performance in it's value as a scholarly study of the sport of hot rodding/drag racing and unique Amercan youth car culture. The brothers Shuman set the standard for further regional books. Let's hope we see many more as good as this one in the future. A.B. and Bernie Shuman were involved deeply in the scene they write about as reporters, competitors, club members, and keen observers of the sport. A.B. has since been an editor at Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Motor Trend as well as director of Mercedes Benz Public Relations in North America. Bernie is a professional illustrator. The book, in limited edition hardcover, numbered and signed, are available from A.B. and Bernie Shuman via Hammershop Press, Inc. 6 Huckleberry Lane, Sharon, MA 02067-1054. The cost is $29.95 plus $2.95 S&H... total of $32.90 each. They accept check, money order and credit card. You may also contact them via email at the following... < GunnerBern@aol.com > and/or < squarerollbars@yahoo.com > Attached is a cropped version of the cover of COOL CARS SQUARE ROLL BARS. Next and final Drag Spam will contain a scan from the interior of the book. Tell 'em that Joel from RACE CAR ART sent you... Joel F. Naprstek RACE CAR ART P.S. No need to reply to me... buy the book!
To: From: "Don Macgowan" Subject: Bill's T's Larry, Thanks..............................Don Quicktimes is available throughout Western Canada at speedshops and related stores. I get mine at TCS in Langley LP Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 Subject: Bill Phillips Memorial Page Larry, Just wanted to say that although I never met Bill, I'd seen him run at SIR in the 70's and your pictures brought back those times. It's good to see some of his talent and ideas presented the way you have for those of us that didn't have the chance to know Bill. Thanks for the insight on the "Madman", I am now able to see why Bill is to be so very missed. The coolest thing at the Ashcroft FMDRS was seeing three of the four cars left in Top Comp all with Phillips huffers on 'em! LP Subject: Drag Racing List Online Updated - 5/24/1999! Greetings racers and fans! Drag Racing List Online has been updated with all the times from the NHRA, IHRA, Independent Circuit, and Match Race drag racing through the middle of May 1999! We've recovered from Danny White's computer meltdown and we have rebuilt all the info from January through May. We still have a month of email updates to capture, but we are most of the way back! In addition, we continue our quest to build the DRL lists "backwards" as well, with lots of new historic listings. Our information is growing by leaps and bounds both in quantity and quality. We now have over 32,000 entries! If you haven't surfed by in a while, come check out our new navigation scheme and on-site search engine! As always, we are looking for our racing friends to update us on any info we are missing for their racing efforts. Whether we are missing whole years, certain cars, crewchief names, or are just a few cubic inches off, it's all important to us. We want the lists to be as complete as possible! This applies to you whether you raced ANYTIME from the '50s to the late '90s! We have lots of new features also. Our Event Calendar has dozens of new entries that list all the heads up drag races from all over the country and world. We are becoming THE place race fans can go to see WHERE THE MATCH RACING IS! Track owners, race circuit directors, racers, or fans: let us know where the action is this year and we will publish it! Our Quick Quotes section features great bench racing stories and little known facts from dozens of the sport's legendary racers. The Hill Files provide a hard core technical view of drag racing history. Drop us a line and let us know what is going on! Thanks. Bill Pratt Drag Racing List Online http://www.draglist.com Like always, a too cool website to visit. LP From: "Loney, Dave" Larry, I just wanted to thank you for the professional job you did video taping the Pure In$anity Funny Car. All the taping I or my team mates have ever done was always shaky, and the slow motion was very poor quality. The footage you took was crystal clear, and steady as a rock. We were able to see things that the car was doing that were impossible to see at full speed. If you ever come down to Woodburn I know of a few guys who could use your services. I would think suspension cars could benefit a great deal from the slow motion footage you provided us. Thanks again! Dave Loney Thanks Dave and the entire McGlone team! I am slowly starting to get people to have their runs video taped, and if I could get just ten racers per event I could attend nearly any race in the Division...It's just one way you racers can help support this website....and get something worthwhile in the process. LP From: "arthur cimilluca" Subject: Stormfront update Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 Hi LP,
From: "Brent Murray" Subject: Bill Phillips decal Hi Larry, Do you know where we can get the '' In memory of Bill Phillips'' decal as seen on Brian Barlings car? Are you going to be at Mission next weekend? (Super Quick race) Check out our web site at:nanaimo.ark.com/~untamed (it's the best we could do with the 2 free MB that our server gives to their clients). See ya at the track Thanks Brent, and if any other racer has a website, send in the URL and I'll post it for all to see! LP From: "steve buchanan" Subject: GREAT WEBPAGE!!!!. Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 Greeting from RedDeer Alberta Canada!!! I was just lookin around yer site and man that Ernie Hall dragster pic really caught my eye!!! That picture is FAST!!! nnyhow we're headin up to Labbat Raceway for PRO-MODS if it don`t rain this weekend!!! I have a few pics you might might wanna look at from Calgary Intrnational Raceway R.I.P....and some racecityspeedway ones too!! I pretty much grew up at C.I.R. Check `em out if yer bored at.....http://24.65.152.44/racepics.htm the captions are at the very bottom (my buddy is tryin to get me computer SMRT!!..goodluck!!..HAHA!!)..well these turned out OK!!! LATER AND A VERY COOOOOOOOOOL WEBSITE!!!!! steve Yo Steve MORE LABBATS! LP Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 The Handler's Racing Assoc. has launched an official website: www.bremertonraceway.com I was wondering, since Bremerton is now an NHRA track again, do you think you might venture out to a couple of the major events there to do some coverage? It would be great to see some of our cars on Horsepower Heaven.
Bob Another one to put on my list. I'll ad to the schedule homepage today! LP From: "gtoracer" Nice page, I wish more people took the time you must have spent to make it that nice, too bad you don't live down here. Jay Cason Div 7 super stock racer An old story I love to tell is that I actually got hired on by Apple in Cuppertino in 1981, but since Ronny Regan had 'downsized' the American civil service it would have taken over a year to get a green card. So the Southbay's loss was Vancouver's gain...cough, cough, choke, choke...Imagine HH in California eh? Scary thought. Hey if NHRA allows me in I already have a ride to Sonoma in August...we'll see. LP From: "Don Macgowan" We have lost a great pioneer in the sport of drag racing, Bill "Madman" Phillips was just that. I've only known Bill for a few years but learned a great deal from his wisdom. Always the innovator, the conservator and even the articulator, there was no doubting Bill when he spoke. I'm sure he forgot more about racing than most of us will ever know and I will place great value on his wisdom for the future. I hope theres nitro in heaven Bill. Don Macgowan @ QUICKTIMES Date: Thu, 29 Apr 1999 Subject: long time no see or hear Hey Larry, Clint Van de Kamp here(690 S/C). Haven't seen you in awhile!!! 1993 to be exact. Mike Brown and I will be up there at Mission Apr. 30,31& May 1 with Mike Brown's (1992 Super Pro Champion, Remember?) Brand new AA Alcohol Funny Car. A couple more Lic. passes and we are off to the FMFC races. We are coming up to run the bikes in some match races/exhibition whatever. How 'bout some of your filming, excuse me, your GREAT filming talent getting attached to Mike's F/C. Hope to see you there. Look forward to seeing you guys! LP From: "Tommy Nilsson" Subject: New site Press release Copenhagen, 21 April 1999 The European Drag Racing Database is now on-line! www.eurodrag.com On this site you will find a lot of data from the european drag racing scene. * European records * Personal best ET´s * Championship results * Calendar * Pictures * Link to driver sites * and there are more to come. See you on the site... Tommy Nilsson European Drag Racing Database Now that would be a roadtrip eh? The HH Nitro WORLD Tour?? Gotta nice ring to it. LP Date: Wed, 14 Apr 199 Subject: Cranberry Update Hey larry , long time no hear !! I just read about Lloyd & Fay and would like to send regards on behalf of the whole team ....... Finally home after the first leg on gruelling tour which has already taken us 4000 miles . I.H.R.A. racing is unbelieveable.We are doing quite well for "The New Kids ". Made a ton already , and we even got welcomed to " THE CLUB" officially .We have taken the long distance award at two out of three tracks (Darlington & Rockingham ) so far and expect more great races to come down there .( Looks like we do the whole national tour now !!!!!!!! Call Me .... Grant Husdon Crew-Chief Extrordiare ( HA HA ) I feel so bad not getting back to you guys yet. The CC Racing Update is now officialy near the top of my list! LP Subject: Gasser Madness! website Just wanted to let those who might be interested know...I've been updating the Gasser Madness! website. There's now a bunch of pix from the March Meet, lots of new links, and a new page featuring cars driven by members of the Gas-F/X maillist. They have some pretty stout rides! Byron Gasser Madness! and Two to GO! are at: http://www.hotrodder.com/gasser Geez, one more dude who got to go to the March Meet...I feel like somebody from another country...LP
|
All images and stories on this website are Copyright Larry Pfister © 1999. Any reproduction of images and/or stories in any form without the expressed permission of Larry Pfister is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. Some images are copyright property of others and are posted on www.horsepowerheaven.com with permission of the copyright holders. If any copyright images or words are posted to this site in error, please inform the webmaster via email and they will be removed immediately.
