horsepowerheaven.com January 2001

Update 6pm Our Division Director replies to the 'Open Top Bulb' matter as seen below HERE.

As you can see, we are very pleased to welcome a pair of new advertisers, BCR Products and G&M Trailers. BCR Products is run by veteran racer Greg Henderson and features a variety of very well priced items for all kinds of drag racing applications. John Evans of G&M Trailers is a long time associate of ours. A good friend for many years we recommend his work highly. The company site is due to be updated very soon with the emphasis on custom trailer work. Please take a moment to check 'em out and support them if you can, and remember if you want to advertise on the Northwest's top drag site, send us an email and we can fill you in on a variety of packages.

Please use the navigation bar atop or at the bottom of this page to view previous postings.

I must admit the past couple of weeks have been very trying. While I continue to produce last year's video tapes, a massive amount of stuff coming in has made reviewing email nearly a full time job. I must say, if I could afford to, I could easily do large daily updates here. Our hits continue to climb proving what we are doing is working. Now on with the show:

Our man in Phoenix is back with all kinds of great images, but our planned trip down to Everett to do some biz with Rich Carlson has been postponed due to the fact we have just far too much to do here at home. With the Big Go West just hours away, the attention garnered from the first points race will be mute in the face of the first major drag race of 2001. Being in Canada, and stuck with 'legal' cablevision, the web will be our ONE and ONLY source for breaking news from Pomona. Of note is the large number of local drag racer types asking about pirate dishes, since our government continues to block American sports networks in this country. Also unbelievable...well not really, is the other fact that all THREE of our national sports channels have not picked up any drag racing broadcasts (that matter). We can view every stick and ball game three times every half hour, but not a lick of the digs. Proof positive that drag racing in Canada means absolutely nothing to the average person. Not a good sign for sponsorship hunters, and another reason why this site continues to pursue more and more American news and views.

Whenever Doug Murray's Nanaimo based yellow Hemi powered Anglia the "BOHEMIAN" ran at Van Isle, the Island Dragway Promoters could count on full grandstands. During the late 60's and early 70'S Murray's Anglia was probably the most popular Van Isle racer, especially when it match raced against paid guns like Jim Grants topless B/Altered "CANADIAN" Cuda, and usually won. Well folks, the "BOHEMIAN" is still alive and sitting in a garage in Nanaimo. Its now powered by a big block Chev but it still has the original yellow paint (minus the lettering) wheels and tires, frame and suspension, roll cage, and interestingly, the rear end out of Jack Dawes Superstock Acadian that was totaled at Van Isle in 67. The current owner says the car is not for sale because he is going to restore it to correct "BOHEMIAN" spec's. Stay tuned to HH, there's something brewing on the Island.

Now here is a subject I am getting more and more email on. Since I'm not a racer, I really cannot comment on it, but for anyone wanting to air their views, I can provide the forum. I know I do, and I hope many of you, appreciate somebody who has the jam to take the time and not only write about this in a clear, polite manner, but then sign a name to it as well. Remember these are just concerned racers, don't take this stuff too personal eh.

My thought on the open top bulb is it sucks. Being on the slower end of the Super Pro bracket, my feeling is that it gives the faster cars ($$) another advantage. With the slower car already having the possibility of red lighting first, the faster car ($$) equipped with a crossover now has yet another advantage. Perhaps the "worst red light" disqualification idea being floated around might help the situation, but I think the blinders were a fair way to help equalize the starting line. And just because all the other divisions use an open top bulb doesn't seem reason enough to me to implement it here in the Land Of The Leaders. But hey, I'm just a lowly local bracket racer who is unable to travel to race. So perhaps I'm not in a position to comment. While I'm disappointed to see the change, I can't wait for the 2001 season to begin! Thanks again. Keep up the great work.
Sincerely, Greg Rollin

Speaking of racer problems, the recent online implosion of the CPSA is being talked about by many. About my only comment on this is that it proves even moderated message boards can do more damage than good. Keep the radical stuff among yourselves CPSA...remember, not only you people read this stuff. Sponsors, track operators, sanctioning body officials, racers and fans all see this as weakness on your part. Trust me, I KNOW better than most, how going overboard online with your concerns can make or break past successes you have fought very hard for. Since most of it revolves around rule changes, my suggestion is to take the rule book from whatever street legal organization in the U.S. is considered the leading one and use it. Period. Making up your own rules when they already exist in far more experienced venues in the U.S. is the way to go IMHO. You people must consider things in a long term manner, not just what is of concern this week. Too many people want to see your group work. You put on a great show. We would hate to see it go away simply because a few people cannot agree on a few rules.

Larry, the Jan 29 Vancouver Sun story says they are hoping to get Winston Cup, Busch, and CART events. Dream On!!

No kidding. Talk is cheap at this stage of the game. The "I'll believe it when I see it" line goes triple for such claims. For more check this: http://www2.mybc.com/sports/fs.cfm?id=637359&category=cp_racing
When you're finished with that check out THIS for proof the chances of success in Merritt are very slim indeed.
And when you complete that one, have a look at THIS (rather biased, though well done) view of a sport the boyz in BCCCA (and the Merritt gang for that matter) may want to take a second look at....

Larry, Just wanted to let you know that Woodburn Dragstrip's 2001 schedule is posted at www.woodburndragstrip.com. Jonathan Adams

Larry, just a note to let you know we have added many updates to www. awesomeburnouts.com, particularly in the "members" area. We will be adding new members information throughout the week. Check back with the IBAA in the future, as we will be adding our 2001 Schedule of events!

Ok, to end today's update here are a few images that have never seen the light of day beyond one dude's inner circle. We'll simply call him 'Ralph' and thank him for sending us in a ton of nostalgia Mission Raceway photos. Among his great collection are the best color images of the famed Fuel Altered race that we have ever seen. Here are a few samples with many more on the way.

And listen, if YOU have some decent old pics of anything regarding drag racing in this area, please contact me regarding what we can do with them that will benefit present and future enthusiasts. Email me with details on what you have and I can help make sure your old photos, clippings, or whatever you have can become a part of an organized history, not just a box of old photos in a box somewhere.

Deep in the heart of the Fraser Valley on a very cool, cloudy day a few people got together to fire up a race car that has not run in over 3o years. Many of the original components were inside the engine from when it was built by Romeo Palamedes in Chicago during the mid 60s. From across the border in western Canada came a sound from another place, another time. We're only bringing you a few glimpses of this one on purpose. The plan is to have the car running on nitro by the March Meet. Needless to say we'll bring you that first fire with the pop...

For now have a look at a glorious restoration and a most welcome addition to this growing family of nostalgia fuel cars..

12:45 am A brief 'Hello and Good-bye' tonight marks the end of what will be remembered for a very long time as one of the finest web sites of it's kind. Bill Evans' Grapevine was many things to many people. From the man who coined the term: "Just Go There", Evans was classic British Columbia radical-journalism brought to drag racing via the Internet. Be you a whining Super Something racer, a pissed off official, or just some dude sittin' at home laughin' yer ass off, the Grapevine was a 'must-read' for drag racers across the Division, and far beyond.

He told me this was coming, but I didn't believe him. He is not however, completely gone from our midst. Bill Evans LIVES at the site of the Pacific Northwest Super Comp Association. One of my favorite groups of people are fortunate to have Billy banging the keyboard for them. He's back in the drivers seat too. Should be a fun year for he and brother John, Dar and all the rest.

I will miss some of that shit you posted Evans. Thanks for some outstanding work.

A packed former Casino room was the setting of the first official Mission Raceway Park function of 2001. With nearly two dozen cameras overhead (non-functional, we assumed) watching every one of the roughly 75 people at the Quarterback Pub & Eatery MRP brought forth their plans for 2001.

Jim Sibley was here. He and Ron Farmer jawed for a good spell. I was astonished when Sib mentioned he just turned 61 a few days ago. He says his leg is getting better and he's started to exercise for the first time in a decade or so. I overheard the words 'reactive clutch' mentioned a number of times.

A pretty basic 'go thru the schedule, anybody got any questions' kinda meeting. Regarding their Top Comp class. It is NOT the same as the Div. Six 7.99-6.30 version. It is exactly the same as what Super Quick was there last year. I'm sorry I don't know the numbers, but it's defiantly well into eight seconds. I disagree with calling it that. The press (and the spectators) have a hard enough time figuring new classes out. Don't confuse them more. Go back to Super Quick. That was fine.

I have no idea how this works, but for the first time "We run both Track and Division Points races right up to the second last one". In a schedule that is currently a bit different than what is up at their site, that second to last points race is October 6/7 I believe, and is a Jacket Meet. I don't know if MRP has run one of those in years, and like I said, I have no idea how those points work that late in the year.

Double headers came up, with a reply of. "We have four double headers, and FIVE non".

The idea of a big dollar bracket race had this thrown out: $75 entry, with $50 going into payout. No electronics, line-loc and trans brake only. By-backs to third round, pay back to semis. BCCCA would like to hear your thoughts.

"We're hoping to have Friday-night-street-type-racing" said Race Director Wally Duperon. "I personally would like to see it end at 10:00pm" said the man who is also a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.. The main holdback in the plan is currently the securing of lights. Some of the municipalities have expressed interest in donating street lights, or some kind of lighting. A murmured suggestion that "the R.C.M.P. donate some of those confiscated grow lights" received a hardy response.

"We need volunteers" was requested a number of times in regards to the Friday evening programs. "There's no pay, but there's perks" said one official.

The Friday night racing would be for muffled cars that "PASSED OUR REGULAR NHRA TECH". So much for the fast guys without cages. Classes would include Import, Domestic, Outlaw and Grudge, with the possibility of a bike class as well. What about the weekend racers who want to come in and pit somewhere between the food shack and the tower? They would have to move to the west to make room for the Friday night streeters. I would also assume the gates would be open beyond the usual 10pm closing.

Duperon also told of some of the changes to local law enforcement. Saying it may well come down to ''We catch you racing just once. We get your car' option, he stressed how pissed the cops and government are and how they want some power to enforce a few heavy duty rulez. He told of a number of video tapes that police are currently trying to get admissible in court.. Giving street racers a race track until 10pm means the dream test 'n tune for the 3am dudez. Then again if you blow a few of 'em up at the strip....

Will be VERY interesting to watch where this goes, as none of the track plans are a done deal. We were given no indication when this may happen officially.

The HH take on this: We think it should be done this way: One hit down the quarter mile then into one lap of the road course, just two cars at a time. Flag start and finish. No timers allowed. I doubt the races would be all that close for awhile anyway. Would that not be a blast to watch? To DO??? Two bozos blasting off for nearly a mile before heading into a TIGHT hairpin and some monster cement walls! BCCCA and SCCBC could sell TICKETS to that puppy. The kicker? Put up betting windows like at horse races. There would be a premier class that could be promoted heavily. Superchargers would be mandatory in that top class, sorta like K boats on land. A tube frame chassis, spec tires, fuel unlimited with nitrous and nitro ok. What would win? One that could be into the hairpin ten second before the other (remember this is only one lap), or an all-round speedster? Imagine a 1985 Formula Atlantic with a blown 2000 Toyota Truck V8 on nitro....

It was a good turnout this evening. Sadly, the setting of an eating and drinking establishment is something the Americans seem to be able to pull off far better than us Canucks. BCCCA holds the Canadian one in an old hall. I vote for a far more fun place in 2002! Nobody comes out for tech any more anyway.

The Mission video included most of our MRP crash and burn shots from 2000, some Pro Street and Pro Mod action, a bonus of some never-before-seen shots from that amazing points race in 1995 when Bobby Taylor was here. Santos too. A few other little diddies and it's now 1hr30min of never-to-be-seen-again footage went over well. Sorry if you missed it, for the tape is now retired.

This is something I have wanted to try for a long time. Put together a bunch of unedited tape and show it to a group of people just once. Keep the tape, just never play it again. Will only do this a few times a year, three or four max. They may be announced in advance, or they may just happen. I think It'll be a fun a way to showcase what I do in a more personal way.

Don't go to sleep yet....I'm callin' YOU out to Cruisers on Saturday night Feb. 17. I want YOU on that practice tree Evans! Maybe we can get Wilson and all have it out once-and-for-all. Perfect, the HH Netionals!

We will attempt to catch up on all our email later this morning. Regardless, I promise you the very first HH video treat of 2001 later Sunday. The re-birth of a forgotten AA/FD. Built in Chi-town, rebuilt in Mission. You will not want to miss this one.

Same day hi-quality RealVideo coming tomorrow night ONLY at www.horsepowerheaven.com!

It's supposed to rain in Phoenix tomorrow, but have some interesting items to report from the first NHRA Federal Mogul drag race of 2001. NHRA has coverage HERE, the Sportsman Report HERE.

As for the Federal Mogul classes, they need a bunch more to come in tonight to fill both fields. While Jason Rupert came in with the Chet Herbert car late Friday. Don't look for Larry Minor, as it's rumored he will be claiming Div. 6 this year. Pat and Bucky are in the pits and we hear Gasparrelli comes with a loaded trailer ready to get serious. Dale Carlson is here in his Shields car while the owner is on hand to view. Henkelman ran in the 50s to lead the breed that ventured out to test n tune.

Comp is a hoot with two Pro Mods (with the coolest new class letters: AA/PM) Number two in the '63 Corvette with a 6.453, -0.697 is Kirk Kuhns from Yorba Linda, Calif. Five is Danny Rowe from Laguna Hills, Calif. wheeling his '38 Chevrolet, to a 6.504, -0.646. Also of horsepower note is third qualifier David Cook from Magnolia, Texas with a 6.693, -0.667 in his A/D. In at the six hole is Wayne Ramay, from Simi Valley (perfect) , Calif., in a 1996 A/ND, 7.443, -0.627...that's an injected alky slingshot BTW. Down there in the rain, while it's sunny here, is Trevor Lowe and son spectating. The Pro Mod guys may make Boise and Mission pretty amazing. First AA/PM to get a Wally is now the game.

A pair of AA/SA cars include class leader Michael Ogburn of Mission Viejo, Calif., whose '68 Plymouth, SS/AA, ran a 8.984, -1.156. Number six is Dave Raybourn, out of Modesto, with his '68 Dodge Dart at a 9.081, -1.059.

Stock at this race marks the beginning of a journey that may well come to pass a few miles from where this website lives. The world is still yet to see an nine second Stocker. We have from a great source that Aluise and DeArmond have Boise....and get ready...MISSION defiantly on their traveling plans. They will MISS Pomona and be at Boise and MRP where we have the unprecedented opportunity to see the nine second barrier demolished at altitude in Boise then hit without question at Mission a few weeks later. Hold on this is gonna be good. No they won't run a nine here. Robert Pond? Hmmmm. We have yet to learn if he has the same travel plans as the auto cars.

An Omni Super Gasser did a giant wheelie today. Cross yur fingers we get the pics next week. Finally Marv Wiebe is here in the new truck running S/G.

Don't forget the Mission Meeting thing in Bellingham tomorrow. Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm. Talk to Brad for more info.

The Vancouver Motorsport Show has announced a very cool new drag racing nostalgia display. Read about it HERE.

I know it's about NASCAR, but an interesting site HERE has some television info regarding both Canadians and how the good ole' boyz tv contract will greatly effect what everyone will see....and won't see. I do believe there's a Firing Up column here...when I get time....when I get time.

Also had this link sent to me. If you watch motorsport on tv, you'll want to check out this site HERE.

Quote of the day from an unidentified emailer: Re: Opening the top bulb. "Why hasn't this been discussed on your site, this is being forced down our throats, or does nobody care?"

Larry, I was just tallying up after a few of us put our heads together and thought of all the dragstrips that currently exist or have existed in B.C.

Current-
Mission Raceway Park 1/4
Ashcroft 1/4
Prince George 1/4
Thunder Mountain 1/8
Fort St John 1/4
Sechelt 1/8
Western Speedway 500ft
Saratoga Speedway 300ft

Past-
Old Mission Raceway 1/4
Caleden -Kelowna 1/4
San Cobble- near Duncan 1/4
Van isle - Mill Bay 1/4
Castlegar ?
Kimberley ?
Cranbrook -closed late 60's
Penticton ?
Salmon Arm (a blocked road)
Kamloops (a blocked road 70's)
Terrace ?
Langley Airport late 50's
Boundary Bay Airport 70's
Abbotsford Airport 51-55

No ay can I ad to that list. Would be cool to create an online data base of all tracks in the entire Division like this eh? Send your stuff in, HH will create a special page for it if popular enough!

Forwarded via email: RealTV will air the crash Dave Uyehara had in Blanchards T/F car when we were at Bakersfield: OOPS! the Real-TV program featuring the Dave Uhara crash from the 2000 Calif. Reunion will be on Real TV on Tuesday Feb. 6th, and again on Tuesday Feb. 27th. Just check your local listings for time etc.. I think its Fox, but it may be syndicated and different in some areas? The footage is from both the start and from the top end, with interviews at Daves shop later in the year, should be pretty good. PASS THE WORD!

HH has received a few way cool nostalgia pics recently. I know more are on the way, so we're saving them up for a big posting soon. Keep 'em comin' people!

Don't forget to mark down this coming Saturday night as the date of the Pre-Season Racer's Meeting in Bellingham. You can attend either just the meeting at 7pm or dinner at 6pm. HH will be there with some cool never-before-seen videos. Location is the Quarterback Pub & Eatery Sehome Village, I5 exit 252 in Bellingham. We are told the final MRP schedule should be ready. We're looking forward to a bunch of fun-loving Americans to show up!

As for the Canadian meeting in Cloverdale on Sat. Feb. 17, this message just came in: Due to a conflict with Phoenix, Jerry Valentine will not be able to attend the Mission Racer's Meeting. Greg Park will represent NHRA with a chassis inspection seminar and answer any rules questions. Instead of attending this meeting, Jerry will instead be at the Vancouver Motorsports Show and will answer questions at the Mission Raceway booth/display. Should anyone have issues that need to be addressed prior to that time, please feel free to call or e-mail Jerry.

Madras Dragway, Madras Oregon has sent us their 2001 schedule. We will post it HERE for the moment, then let you know when their new site is up, in about a month or so.

Now here's a little teaser that we just had to post. HH is working behind the scenes on some exciting stuff, some of it related to the following. We'll let you in on much more soon...
In the mid 60's Chico Brancini of Walnut California piloted an injected small block powered B Dragster to an NHRA Record. After establishing the record the car was sold, minus the motor, to some Victoria racers who installed a wild stroked six cylinder Jimmy with five two's on a McGurk manifold. The car ran at San Cobble, Van Isle and Mission where it ran mid 11's under the Pearce McCron Pearce banner. The car was retired in 1973 and sat in a Victoria garage for 28 years. The car is complete, down to the Van Isle Dragways sticker on the cowl. The motor is being freshened up and rumor has it that it will see limited action, with a female pilot, on the northwest nostalgia circuit.

Carnage marks yesterday's testing session at Tucson. Uninjured drivers involved include Div. 6 Super Gas champ John Peterson and Johnny Gross...among others. Full story is HERE.

Recognized by many as THE place online to read the kind of 'news' the 'official' sites rarely report on is the commentary section of Speedvision.com. Thanks to JC for passing along these items of interest:

As we continue along still dealing with our year 2000 commitments, we're happy to announce a new site for Glen Braid. We're told there will be more to come down the road for the site, but for now you'll simply have to check out the videos there. http://www.glenbraid.com

Another slick piece of work from Stu at Intelligent Development is this wild two-seat dragster for Mike Mahon's Drag School in London Ontario. Now about that Jaguar...

In an ambitious endeavor the former NHRA Pro Stock Truck team, and current IHRA Top Sportsman team, Mahon Racing has announced the inception of Ontario's first hands-on racing experience. Mike Mahon's Drag Race Experience will begin offering race fans the opportunity to experience drag racing from the driver's seat as early as April 2001. Based in London, Ontario Mike Mahon's Drag Race Experience offers packages from a ride-along with a professional driver, to obtaining your own NHRA/IHRA competition license. To compliment the two-seat dragster the Drag Race Experience stable of racecars will also include a single seat dragster. The dragsters will be capable of eight-second elapsed times at more than 150 miles-per-hour. As chief instructor, Mike Mahon's eight years of competition experience is available to every student. Mike Mahon's eight years of competition has included Junior Dragster racing, seven-second bracket racing, NHRA Pro Stock Truck competition, and for 2001 a six-second, 200 mile-per-hour Jaguar. "Drag racing is no longer a spectator sport. So, stop dreaming about it. Come out and drive it!" Call now for details and pricing. (519) 268-0861

From the 'so what else is new' Dept. comes word of Larry Morgan's 6.79 Pro Stock run at Gainsville. Feel free to laugh out loud then say to yourself: "Let's see him do it again at Pomona'. Although these guys say they run legal at test sessions, it's funny how the times are rarely repeated early in the season at 'real' races. Also take the conditions into consideration as well. Gainsville in January is not a 'common' condition these guys run at National Events. This leads into an interesting commentary by Dave Densmore on speedvision.com HERE.

Word has come in that the BCCCA executive from last season has survived basically intact for 2001. Only change being a director with Jim Hinds replacing Jim Walker. Ray Grossmith is President, Rick Farmer is Vice, Joe Horvat is Treasurer, Richardt Sholz is Secretary, Ron Farmer is Business Manager, Ralf Ehlers and Jim Hinds are Directors, Bob Vallance is membership. Wally Duperon is Race Director.

New 'truck' news comes in from Jay Syvertsen of Mopac. His cool new piece is nearing completion.

Alberta news continues to come in. Here's some cool stuff from Don McGowan over at Quicktimes: Just acquired a new ride. The "66 Chevy II will run as a nostalgia 7.50 F/C with the NHREC and the IBAA, really looking forward to next season. Power will be a 460" Blown Alcohol BBC running with a powerglide transmission. Car came from Denver and was running very similar power and ran 7.30s @ 11,000 ft (corrected), should be a hoot!

A hoot indeed. All it needs is a bunch of nitro, a 'Goodies' decal on the door and voila...instant Jungle Jim...Hey I can dream can't I...LP

Good Monday morning everyone. As the new season creeps up on us I have to wonder how many southwestern photogs are out there right now trying to convince the racers testing in Arizona to use 'the shot' from yesterday on their2001 handout. I had the unique opportunity of going through this entire experience a couple of decades ago at a rained-out Winternationals. What a blast staying up almost all night in a bathroom/darkroom with Tim Marshall pounding out black & white 8 x 10s of the Hawaiian Funny Car to be delivered the next day to Roland. For some reason I don't think they do it like that any more...

Since we have AZ on the brain, a few more results, along with a few people sending in some info regarding Brian Hough. Seems he's in Mike Johnson's Olympia-based dragster. You know, the team that began 2000 with long-time shoe Dale Carlson, then switched to Gary Ormsby Jr. near then later part of the season. Rumor-laden email came in to HH over the weekend stating everything from Ormsby still seeking a fuel ride to him being seen around the Shields camp. It appears the Hough/Johnson deal came together a few weeks ago.

Other Northwest testers included John Hyland not having too much success with the flopper and Rick Distefano of Calgary not making it all the way under power in his Pro Stock Truck. Complete results HERE.

Before we leave this subject, some people are surmising that the decision of Div. 7 to go to 16 cars fields and probably no payouts for first round losers will mean more cars for Div. 6. Let's hope so. No offense Div. 7, but I know more than a few fans would dearly love to see that S&S car make a return to MRP...

Down at Seattle this report came in: "On the SIR front, the track was ground by Penhall construction last week and looks real good. It really wasn't that bad, just at the transition and in the left lane at 900' had three saw tooth bumps with depressions so the right lane was ground to match the two surfaces."

There will be a National Open at Ashcroft in 2000. The 3rd Annual Ashcroft Canadian National Open presented by Aurora Electronics will take place in conjunction with the Hot Nights Car Show in Kamloops. (The car show is Thursday August 16).

The event will feature a test n' tune, gambler's races, street rod parade, street rod grudge drags and a burn out contest on the evening of Friday, August 17. In addition, there will be a street rod show n' shine at the track presented by A&W of Cache Creek.

Saturday, August 18 will feature time trials and record runs with eliminations for the National Open starting at 6 p.m. BOTH Friday and Saturday's activities are under the lights. On Sunday there will be some sort of trophy races and play day to wrap up the weekend. It should be a much more enjoyable event and will give people a reason to come up for the whole week.

CALGARY? We understand officials at Race City are still debating as to whether or not they want to have a National Open this season. The event has drawn lots of support from Brackets over the years but has not lived up to the billing by the stock and super classes. Interested racers might want to contact Race City.

MISSION RACER MEETING - Saturday Feb. 17. Chassis inspection from 9-12, Jerry Valentine will be there. Meeting will be at noon

As I sit here dubbing a bunch of client videos, I have a few minutes to lay some interesting stuff that has just come in. And how intersting is it that nostalgia always takes over during the off-season.

First up is testing from a bit south of here, Phoenix Arizona, where a name from the not-too-distant-past popped up (for us anyway) in surprising form. Brian Hough was reported by nhra.com HERE, to have run a Federal Mogul Dragster. I have no other info on the ride, or if Brian is going to run Div. 6, so if anyone does, please let us know. Other Div. 6 testers included John Hyland, and a racer I hear we may see quite a bit of up here in 2001, Brandon Bernstein. Ya, Kenny's kid....and oh how I HATE the name 'Bud Prince'.

If you have not already heard of the great new nostalgia drag racing association out there, let one of the new ADRA staffers introduce you:

For all of you who have or are intending to build a nostalgia car - at least half of this will be VERY good news. Just kidding (about the half part - I hope!).

First: Yesterday (01-12-01) I was hired by ADRA as "Director of Racer Relations". Bill Chapman and his board have put together what I feel is an excellent and very capable team, and I'm very pleased to be part of it.

In a nutshell my job is to not only entice you to participate in this bold new venture that is not only well funded and very well intended, but to make sure your participation at any ADRA event is as enjoyable and smooth as possible.

I won't go into great detail of my exact duties at this point, but they will all be in the best interest of the racers.

I urge you all to include these events in your 2001 schedule. I will be attending all 9 events this year, so you can count on my personal attention to any problems you may encounter. Call or email me with any immediate or future questions or concerns you may have. Contact info is attached below.

Second (the real good news): My first salvo of enticements is two fold. (a) Every race will be televised (won't your sponsors and prospective sponsors love that!) on Speedvision in a post race (edited) one hour format. Each race will have three play dates. In the last three months Speedvision has entered virtually every cable market in the country. It's viewer base is in the millions. (b) TV's very cool but show me the money. Are you tired of running of chump change? How about $10,000 to win......... Get your jaw off the keyboard and check it all out below. You have my word that these purses are guaranteed. Just remember - no matter what we do - we need you to make this work.

Pro Top Fuel, Classic T/F, Classic F/C, Contemporary Fuel Altered, Classic F/A, These are our professional classes, payout for each of the professional classes is the same... $10,000.00 to win, $5,000.00 runner-up, and $1,000.00 per round based on a 16 car field.
An 8 car field pays half that amount. If three cars show up the first round loser gets $1,000.00, runner-up gets $2,500.00 and winner gets $5,000.00...

Pro Comp...$2,500.00 to win, $1,250.00 Runner-up, $250.00 per round based on a 16 car field.

Alcohol Altereds...$2,500.00 to win, $1,250.00 runner-up, $250.00 per round based on a 16 car field.

Jr. Fuel...$1,500.00 to win, $750.00 runner up, $200.00 per round based on a 16 car field.

Jr. Alcohol...$1,000.00 to win, $500.00 runner-up, $150.00 per round based on a 16 car field.

Ewald lives Medford, Oregon and since the closest race to the Northwest is probably the ADRA opener April 13-15 in Fallon Nevada, it would be neat if he could somehow help bring one of these races closer to our area. A very ambitious project, ADRA even has all of their races on Speedvision meaning even us Canadians will get to see them...are you listening Glendora? Hopefully their production staff does not clone all other drag racing television broadcasts. Damn, it would be nice if somebody out there in tv land could actually produce some quality, creative drag racing television...as there is NOTHING I've seen in YEARS that is worth watching...I hope the ADRA coverage is just a bit better than some of the low quality drag stuff Speedvision broadcasts (Those tacky all-Ford drags for instance. Great racing, BAD camera work). And don't even get me started on how those syndicated magazine shows make those (slow) Pro Mods with headlights...I mean 'street' cars, look sooooooo bad. AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!! Drag racing television. Why is it nobody has the two figured out yet? I wish the ADRA & Speedvision much luck and happiness. You are my latest hope, please don't let me down!

In the late 60's and early 70's my friend Frank Jones ran a very successfull yellow 68 Barracuda "The Barron" at Van Isle and at Mission. Frank sold the car in about 72 and lost track of it. You may remember Frank and probably have photos of his car. He currently lives in Blaine and still races at Mission with another Barracuda. About a month ago Frank asked me to help him find his old race car. Due to privacy legislation MVB and ICBC will not provide information re the current owner so, being an old retired cop, I went to work. I learned that the car had last been seen on Saltspring Island and that a sheep farmer may have it. Between Frank and I, we spoke to several of the Island locals (including Jim Loiselle who ran an unbeatable small block powered Model A at San Cobble and a Corvette at Van Isle) and we tracked down a possible car. Frank called the guy and the serial number confirmed that this was his old race car. We went to Saltspring today. The car has been off the road since 74 and is in surprisingly good condition. It has been repainted blue, but it still has the fire extinguisher on the consul, Smith tach on the dash, the original set of American mags, the original set of fenderwell headers and misc drag race trick stuff in the engine compartment, the same trick trans and rear end etc. Other than the fact that it has a different motor and paint colour, the car is as it was when Frank raced it 30 years ago. What a find!! Needless to say, Frank had to have the car back and fortunatly the guy was willing to sell. The car is now on its way to Frank's shop where it will be restored to its late 60's early 70's drag race trim

Hi folks! I wanted to drop you a short note to let you know that things are getting very exciting in the world of IBAA funny cars! Check out our "WHAT'S NEW!" section in www.awesomeburnouts.com to see just how lucky western Canadian and Northwest U.S. race fans are going to be in 2001. Nostalgia funny car racing is starting to be to be the next 'Thing' in Drag Racing, and it is at it's strongest right here in Western Canada! I can't remember such an original and exciting gathering of race cars in our region in a long time! Looking forward to see you all soon! Race season is just around the corner!
Jay Mageau, web slave @ www.awesomeburnouts.com

We neglected to recognize one guy in our recent foto thingie here on HH. Jim Sorenson is doing drag racing nostalgia such a service with what is easily one of the BEST drag photo collections currently online. A recent shot we saw (and will try to get) of Dave Hough beside Nanook at the 2000 SEMA show reminded us that it had been far too long since we visited the regularly updated Fuel Altered pages.

All excited about what 'Ginger' or 'IT' is? Most are pointing to THIS as the highly touted puppy.

An article in today's Vancouver Province newspaper tells of this being the final year of the Vancouver Molson Indy. Not exactly drag racing related, it's something of interest to all local motorsport people. Since their site has frames, we cannot give you a direct link, go to the homepage here and follow their links. Our take on this? There will be a CART race at Seattle if S.I.R is rebuilt to the extent we hear it will be. It's also an opportunity for other local racing venues to step up their marketing programs to try and fill the huge void this will cause. Needless to say, a ton of local advertising dollars will instantly become available. Regardless that 'other' forms of local motorsport cannot provide comparable exposure, opportunities WILL be there because of the Indy leaving. Those on the ball, will be putting their resulting marketing plans in gear right now...

Attention potential advertisers: Go figure...a bunch of people must have received new computers for Xmas as our visitor count is currently at an all-time high! I realize many of you come here daily, so will do my best to try and post as many new items as I'm able. Thank you for your continued support! We're currently seeking advertisers for the site, so if you have a drag racing related business anywhere in Division Six, there is but ONE website EVERYBODY visits. This one. Think about it, and send your advertising inquiries HERE.

I understand the Eagle Motorplex will soon have their 2001 schedule completed and has assured HH will get it as soon as it's done. While on the subject, a number of racers who have not attended in the past have sent us email stating they are coming to not only support the 'Plex, but to take home the top prize in the HH Practice Tree Nats at Cruisers Pit Stop Diner in Langley, Saturday Feb. 17. Last year we had the NHRA Div. 6 Bracket Racer of the Year Jim Behnke take home the gold, would be cool if the 2000 NHRA title holder could show up to take him (and everyone else) on! We are currently also working on a few special match races, so if you have a special foe out there, here's your chance to kick some reaction time butt in front of a very enthusiastic group.

In a surprising turn-of-events, NHRA has announced a number of Pro Mod exhibitions at selected (southeastern) National Events. Gee, wouldn't it would be neat if we got something 'unique' up here? No Pro Stock Trucks or Bikes....no nitro bikes...now no Pro Mods. There is even the still-unconfirmed rumor that both Phoenix and Sonoma national events might be void of Federal Mogul Funny Cars and Dragsters.

And while we're on the subject, how many of you realize the 2001 fields at all Division 7 Federal Mogul events will be 16 cars in both Dragster and Funny Car? It all begins in two weeks at Phoenix. An HH 'insider' was told today that in a recent phone call it was confirmed by officials at Firebird in Phoenix there will be NO payout to first round loosers. First round payouts are apparently being left up to the individual tracks. The official announcement regarding the fields as well as schedule changes is HERE.

I hear they are out prepping the track at Seattle today. Great recent weather (eat yur heart out L.A.) has resulted in the S.I.R. staff already getting ready for the 2001 season. BTW there's a good discussion regarding S.I.R. currently going on over at Header Flames. it's all stemming from a Jan. 8 Jon Asher commentary on speedvision.com HERE.

Larry: Since you already received Race City's schedule from Lynn Church I guess I can let you know that Edmonton's schedule is also online on their web page. Calgary racers can get a regional race schedule from the CDRA pages at www.calgarydragracing.ab.ca/schedule.html. It includes Calgary and Edmonton race dates plus a few of the special event races. It also includes all the division 6 races and the bracket finals in Boise. This will allow racers to decide what race they want to attend on each weekend. We're still trying to track down Medicine Hat's schedule since they will likely be our Battle of Alberta competiters this year. The CDRA is holding 2 raffle draws this year. The first draw in now under way. We will be sending 2 people to see the National race in Las Vegas in April. Package includes air fare, accommodations, rental car, tickets to the event and $200 US spending money. Tickets are $5 each with only 2000 being sold. The second draw will start after the first one ends. Same package deal to go to the Las Vegas race in the fall. The date also falls during a World of Outlaws race and the SEMA show. Not a bad vacation for $5 For information on how to get tickets you can contact the CDRA president. Mike Ferstl at (403) 254-9936 or e-mail him at mtferstl@home.com
- Stephen Scott CDRA webmaster

Gerry of Thunder Alley Transmissions up in Kelowna continues to keep us current of happenings at Thunder Mountain. He recently sent us their 2001 schedule:

Larry: Just got the schedule for Thunder Mountain Raceway for 2001. Race dates are as follows
-Test & Tune June 3
-Race 1 June 23/24
-Race 2 July 14/15
-Race3 Aug 4/5
-Race 4 Aug 25/26
-Race 5 Sept 15/16
-Rain Date Sept 25/26

We are still constantly getting requests to ad various links here on HH. I remind you to please be patient. The coming site rebuild will be the time we get into that stuff. We will let you know when that will be.

I understand Billy Evans is back from an extended holiday somewhere far to the south, and that is the reason the Grapevine has not been updated recently. Wilson and Northern Thunder? Still workin' too much for a planned trip to Oz later this year. Hang in there, I'm certain both dudes will be back with some regularity soon.

Thought I would let you know (if you haven't seen it) that Steve Taylor (famous footbraker) posted his Worse Redlight Option in our discussion forum. It is quite interesting to say the least. He has been pushing this for a while now, but needs to get his idea out even more to racers, to get their opinions. Take a look if you haven't seen it.

It's also been quite a week for us Macaholics. New computers announced at MacWorld San Francisco Tuesday have most of us drooling for the latest and greatest computers on the planet. HH however is still as up-to-date, hardware wise, as we need to be at this point with updated software on our current wish list. That new Titanium Powerbook is pretty cool though...

Finally today, check out this cool nostalgia drag site that includes restored cars, magazines and all kinds of good stuff. www.dragworldusa.com

And one more...a very well done site by a guy who races a very unusual, but WAY cool import. HERE

Ya, it's been one of those days. Once I started here, I got a bit carried away. I actually did get some video work done this morning, just needed a bit of a break eh...

HH advertising update: I'm more than happy to announce our call on Jan. 1 for potential advertisers here on the site has resulted in a large amount of interest. In fact, our very first full time deal will show up here in early February. I still have to get back to a number of folks, whom all hopefully understand the video portion of our business still takes precedent for the next few weeks. Most surprising to me has been the fact that every one of the interested companies are Canadian. And I though you Americans were such entrepreneurs...LP

ATTENTION: Can Dennis Chyborak of Selkirk, Manitoba (or anyone who knows him pls pass this along) email me regarding some confusion on the video order. I only have a mail address, no phone number or email. Tx: LP

Lynn Church, of Race Operations at Race City in Calgary was right on the ball and sent us their 2001 schedule. I have not checked if it's on their site yet, but we have it posted HERE. Thanks for the info, and if anyone else has any schedule info please send it here.

A very interesting online article from Dallas Texas regarding the possible move to from NHRA to IHRA. HERE

Here's one you may not believe, Glenn Miller will campaign not only his feared drag bike in west coast competition, but will soon take delivery of a brand new Super Comp dragster! This should be interesting. For more info check out Glenn's site HERE. Oh ya, he says he will try to make it to the GIANT horsepowerheaven.com Practice Tree Nationals Feb 17 (see below). At the rate we're going, this will be the biggest 'race' ever! If you think you're good....be there to PROVE IT you wussies! Besides, your $25 'entry fee' will not only feed you, and get you in on the killer door prizes, but become your ticket into eliminations, with all the proceeds going to the Eagle Motorplex. Don't forget the always unique prizes for winner and runner-up, in our unique 'must-loose-twice-to-be-eliminated' format. There's a Travelodge right next door for those of you who have too much fun to drive home, or come from out-of-town.

Last, but certainly not least is an announcement that the new 2001 Vancouver Motorsport Show site is now up at http://www.vancouvermotorsportshow.com Hosted by our friends at SuperWebHost.com this year's show is the 50th anniversary of custom car shows in Vancouver, B.C. We will again work with the show with not only a booth jammed with all our cool stuff to sell, but with video coverage for their site. Check back often as the new site is slated to have many updates from now to the big event March 2, 3 & 4. Click on the text link here or the logo link atop this page. At this stage, the entry form is up in pdf format, though we are told a smaller version is coming soon if this download is a bit big for you.

01.05.01 Nothing really major, except a new little toy for you to try. Notice the line in red atop this page. Just double click at any point on the page to return to the top. Give it a try, let me know if it doesn't work for you. LP

01.03.01 A bit of updating has started with the table to the left now including NW Strips and Associations. I don't want to do too much until our new software arrives, but there are a couple of announcements we must post:

2001 DRAG RACERS BELLINGHAM PRE-SEASON MEETING (Meeting and Tech Scheduled in February for Racers in Canada) MRP representatives will present the MRP 2001 Schedule
Saturday, January 27 Diner at 6 pm Meeting at 7 pm Kids Welcome Until 9 pm
At The QUARTERBACK PUB AND EATERY Pool Tables, Darts. Air Hockey, Foosball, exclusive to this meeting HH videos and more!
Sehome Village I-5 exit 252 Bellingham
Same location as last year.
Thanks. Brad Owens (360) 671-0875 home. (360) 734-3372

2001 Aschroft Drag Racing Fund Raiser Dinner/Bash Saturday February 17, 2001 featuring the THIRD ANNUAL HORSEPOWER HEAVEN PRACTICE TREE NATIONALS. That's right folks, it's that time again as HH and Cruisers Pit Stop Diner in Langley, B.C. come together for an evening in support of the Eagle Motorplex. You'll get to see some new videos, meet the people who run the track, learn of all the new improvements, hopefully get a copy of the new poster schedule, enjoy a deluxe buffet dinner, win one of a huge number of very cool door prizes, and bench race your butt off! Then end the night by taking on some of the best drag racers in the Division in our now infamous Practice Tree Nationals....Under the lights on the heated patio! Last year the 1999 Div. Bracket racer of the Year, Jimmy Behnke, mowed 'em all down. We expect an even more competitive field in 2001! Door prizes are many, fun is so intense here you may not believe it. Make your plans now to be at Cruisers (604-533-7223) on Saturday night February 17. Bench racing starts at 6:30pm with dinner at 7:00. It ends when it's over...

Well, it seems we had a bit of burnout happen here yesterday (and NO I was NOT hungover or anything related), but fear not, we now know where our creativity threshold ends and boredom begins. Despite a very small promotional campaign we set a record here at the ole site for unique visits yesterday, and I thank you.

A bit of a change of plan has come up, but until I start getting paying advertisers, I guess I can do whatever the heck I want...or am able. The Edmonton stuff is now posted on the 00Spectacular homepage and below is my 'State-of-the-Site' message.

We will soon be posting dates for a number of 2001 events, meetings, etc., but first have a look at what is being called the 'new proposed' Mission Raceway 2001 schedule.

PS: I have also fixed the bad links from last month's nav page, and the 2000 'best of' Video will now appear as part of the HH2000 Video promotion in late February. Sorry, but I have paying clients to take car of....

The FotoSpectacular Begins HERE

State-of-the-Site Address January 1, 2001

This marks the 6th year that some kind of horsepowerheaven.com presence has been on the world wide web. Amazingly back in those early days when Netscape was something revolutionary, and about the only decent search engine was Lycos, drag racing content was very difficult to find. A half dozen years later, that's no longer the number one online dilemma for drag racers.

Today with that so many sites to waste your time on, it takes a concerted effort to stand out in the drag racing web world. Fortunately this site took on the plan early to encompass mostly Western Canadian and Northwest United States drag racing coverage. When we began, local sites were very few indeed. Today there are so many I doubt anyone has seen every one of them. All most people do is find a few favorites for regular viewing, searching out the others when time permits.

Over the past couple of years this region, especially the Vancouver B.C. area, has spawned a number of standout drag racing web sites. The first up was Bob Wilson's Northern Thunder, and while Bob has mellowed a bit with time, his site is still among the most controversial, and popular, of them all. Bill Evans too is not shy to post something that may ruffle a few feathers, as his Grapevine has proven to be the place for NHRA Division Six to get, sometimes ugly, bottom lines on topics that before his site were relegated to 'nasty rumors'.

Though the area was quick to provide personal-type sites, the major drag strips have lagged somewhat. With the exception of Firebird in Boise, and the Eagle Motorplex in Ashcroft, regular detailed coverage with updated photos etc. has been slim over the years. This has proven, beyond a doubt, that web sites are not at the top of the lists of most local drag strip management. The largest problem here being, a lack of talented people willing to work cheap with often very busy management staffs.

Local association sites proliferated in 2000. From the wildness that is the forum page on the Canadian Pro Street Association's site to more 'street racing' sites than we can keep track of, to J. Glenn Miller's great Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing site, to his wonderful Team Mission effort, along with Bill Evan's Northwest Super Comp Association gem, many locals are providing very, very good coverage of association events. This will surely become a major growth market in the local Internet drag racing scene in 2001, as sites like these make it simple for people to get info on their favorite type of racers.

_________________________________________
Will 2001 be the year when one Div. 6 Federal Mogul Dragster or Funny Car team FINALLY comes out with a huge, killer site???? or since none of the PRO nitro guys can do much of anything online, will they follow that lead?

One year ago this site had many, many plans. Early in the year we updated to a new digital camcorder, than got a laptop capable of video editing in the field. I also took on a Division 6 site. It was all looking great until about March when some persistent computer problems caused a number of lengthy setbacks. That got handled just about in time to move on April 1, that put us back another few weeks. About June we realized a few things. Not just that we were behind in almost every aspect of our work, but the money coming in from a number of the 'big' jobs was taking too long to arrive to make ends meet. Suddenly we had to take on anything we could get (needless to say there was a LOT), and you can figure out what happened next...we get even more behind. It all started to come together in September when our newest (and most costly), video editing system died and was in the repair shop in Ontario for almost 4 weeks. As we complete our long-planned New Years Spectacular we stand with about three weeks worth of work to go from last year.

What we learned here was this. It's easy to take on work and keep to schedules if nothing goes wrong. Unfortunately something will always go wrong...sometimes more than one thing at a time. Live and learn. Don't make the same mistake twice for if you do it's not a mere mistake any longer...

Due to how things went in 2000, our idea of posting lots of video from lots of races did not happen on any kind of regular basis. The reasons for this were many, but it's something we have not totally given up on. We did however prove to the world that it is possible to post videos of such quality that they are indeed 'watchable'. We also discovered just how fast the latest crop of Apple computers are at processing this stuff. Between getting in from a number of races that went on longer than we would have liked, the prospect of all the computer work still to come (often at about midnight) makes for a dead project. We know we can produce it. Now we just have to figure out the 'regular' part.

Which brings us to 2001.

Despite being very busy for the past few months, 2001 has constantly been on my mind. We connected with some great new friends in 2000, many at the very end of the season. Though I had been looking into 'non-drag racing' related work, when a few drag racers stepped forward wanting to do more with us in 01 as they did in 00. I had to weigh the drag racing thing again.

Obviously two things will have to happen. Less clients and more money. Ya right...Then again...The one thing we have tried in the past, yet never been able to give enough time to is advertising on this site.

It's obvious to me that if my goal is to become (or as some people may feel 'remain') the one northwest drag site that best ties all the others together, advertising must work here. Enough people visit on a regular basis, be it daily, weekly, or just a few times a year to make it a viable plan.

Our first purchase of the new year is for Dreamweaver 4. Currently running version 1, the new one should make this place not only more efficient to operate, but with a bit more 'Flash' to it as well.

One of the coolest people we met in 2001 was Stu Wotypka of Intelligent Development (250.260.5976). Not only a world class artist, but a guy who is now getting into Flash...the program. I think we will be able to convince Stu to hang a few of his early efforts on this site in 01.

A rebuild of the site, both graphically (just a bit) and in terms of easy navigation is also something we hope to be able to accomplish asap, but it depends on what and how much advertising and work comes in.

Which leads me to the this.

This site needs a marketing guru...yes an advertising sales specialist! You'll work on a percentage basis, as a contractor. Email me for info.

For this site to continue through the next 12 months much as it has over the past 12, we need to generate more cash. We are all but committed to cover all of the Div. 6 Federal Mogul races this year. Together with a number of 'association' events, and a few big independent track shows, you will see coverage unlike you'll find anywhere else...or the best links to it. How much will depend on many things, with advertising number one.

Our goal is to bring in $10,000 U.S. in 2001. All I need is 10 companies, associations, race teams or individual 'enthusiasts' to spend a thousand bucks for 12 months on HH. It will come over the span of those 12 months that you will receive much more than simply a banner ad on these pages. You will be recognized on all of the many videos we will produce in 2001 along with proof to your customers you support that horsepowerheaven.com is pushing the webvelope to the edge with some of the most forward-thinking ideas in the entire sport of drag racing.

If you want to be there when thie online video thing explodes in a few years, having this much of a jump on most everyone else is your biggest reason to come on board with us right now.

Ten grand...hopefully half by April

That's the goal...right after those year 2000 projects are complete.

And that's the state of this site

Larry Pfister
Webmaster, horsepowerheaven.com
larryp@horsepowerheaven.com

Thank You

-to Chris Blair for continued unwavering support.

-to Rich Carlson for getting me there so many times in 2000.

-to Glen Braid for his never-fading enthusiasm and huge support.

-to J. Glenn Miller the host with the most.

-to The Peck family. Such awesome people.

-to Don Rhyne and Jeff Tucker, my biggest two racer supporters in 2000.

-to both the Pacific Northwest Super Comp and Northwest Super Street Associations for showing me how much fun this sport still is.

-to Bob Hunter, Bill Bushmaker, George Adams & Chuck McDonald for getting us some wonderful video in 2000.

-to the New Crew at Boise. A more professional track operation does not exist in this region.

-to John Evans who has proven over the years to be one great friend.

-to every person (especially the racers) who gave me a buck for a video. Every single one.

-to the people and companies I do bits of business here and there for outside the sport.

-to the people who enjoy this site or my videos, especially those who often go out of their way to let me know.

-to my parents and my wife Denise for making everything possible for me to have such a great life.

I know I have forgotten a few people here, but when someone is as fortunate as I and has so many people come together to help, it's very difficult to recognize tham all at once, despite how much I appreciate every little bit. LP

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