Jim Sorenson Foto
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Unfortunately we begin this major series of updates with some
very sad news.
Larry, It is with sadness that I write to you of the recent passing
of my friend, Sean Miller from Portland, Oregon. Most of you probably don't
know Sean by name, but if you attend Division 6 races on a regular basis, then
you would undoubtedly recognize him. In the nearly ten years that I knew him,
Sean made almost every single race on the Division 6 circuit, traveling throughout
the northwest in a big "Caddy" that often doubled as his sleeping quarters.
Sean was a big, outgoing fellow, friendly with many of the racers, and always
eager to show you the latest addition to his unbelievable racer handout collection
that he seemed to carry with him at all times. He was one of the most loyal
and ardent fans in Division 6, his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of
Drag Racing will be very much missed. Sean died of a heart attack. He was 37.
- Jamie Clerf ET#6530
On the tech side of things, next week will be the 'real' Xmas period for people like me as two of the biggest shows of the year promise to introduce many of the coolest toys you can imagine. Down at the Las Vegas Convention center the 2000 Consumer Electronics Show goes Jan. 6-9 featuring everything from the video games to camcorders, and much, much more. This is where I hope to see my new camcorder...not the Canon GL-1 that I previously mentioned though...maybe. Then over to the coast and north a bit is Macworld Expo 2000 in San Francisco, where rumors tell me I may finally get the Powerbook I have dreamed so long about. 'Pismo' will have built-in Firewire, for total video editing power, along with wireless Internet capability. Put this all together and you get the one thing I have longed for since I first cranked up Mosaic on the www: HHTV! Don't think it's possible? Check THIS out, and realize the future of broadcasting a drag race is not with network or even cable television.
Speaking of NHRA, did you all notice their recent help wanted ad? Looks like the 'official' Divisional sites are getting closer and closer to reality. If you're interested you must be ready to relocate to SoCal. So much for the foward-thinking 'work from home' model that is supposed to be the future of this stuff. My opinion is that Glendora should get off this centralized crap and let people in the field who are familiar with the regions do this kind of thing. Hell, just supply a place to upload to, communicate via the web, and trash the idea of having to live in beautiful downtown east LA? Also makes one ponder the fate of all those 'unofficial' divisional sites out there eh. Have no fear for if they are run like the big site is, I promise anything they can do, we can do better!
As we come upon the local car show scene it becomes quite evident that Vancouver BC enthusiasts now have quite a choice of venues to choose. In one three week period from Fe. 26/27 to Mar. 9-12 three shows are on the list. As HH is the 'unofficial' host to the Vancouver Motorsport Show March 3-5 at the Pacific Coliseum, we are rather biased. We ARE biased for a very good reason: This is the only local show that has done anything for us. Each year, going back more than a decade, this show has provided HH with many, many perks. Therefore we must support those who support us. No other show has ever done anything for us, so why should we for them? I will however recognize a couple of American shows that are worthy of mention: A/SA Camaro racer Dan Cyr of Seattle has become THE man in the Western USA show circles. This year his fleet features the first annual Seattle Roadster Show March 9-12. In the spirit of the legendary Grand National & Portland Roadster shows (that Dan also has) it should be a giant. For more info on the biggest shows in the west USA go HERE. Another neat show is put on by Ron Johnson in Lynden Wa. The Great NW Rod & Custom Show is small but good, always featuring some great cars that are often only seen here. Mark April 1/2 or call 360-428-4340. Then there is the wonderful Boise Roadster Show March 9-12. Go HERE for more on that one. LP
12/29/99
Subject: Funny Car Years Final 1999 update!
For the last update of 1999, we've
added over 50 photo to the Funny Car Years website! Two whole new pages,
with some minor additions to the Pat Foster and Jungle Jim pages, and a couple
of tweaks on the links page! Check it out!
More Funny Cars than you can eat!
As we prepare the HHY2Kayloooza experience this little item for Mac users pops up. Time to update that browser troops. Which reminds me, I wonder how many of those older race computers, weather stations, etc. AND track timing systems are Y2K compliant? Has your local race track even thought to check? Good recent updates at the Vine and Wilson's place. Click the links to the side eh. Bigtime fun coming here real soon. LP
Larry,
Merry Christmas! Great interview with Glen May! Do you still have the RealAudio
interview that you did with Chuck Rayburn a couple years back? Think people
would really enjoy that. And once again, props to you for the BEST drag racing
site on the whole damn Internet. Look forward to the year end review. I've
got a new e-mail address: jamie_clerf@telus.net
Cheers Larry
JC
Thanks for reminding me Jamie, that Interview link with Chuck is now up and running. Click here.
Larry,
Sad to hear about Grant. Brings back memories of Western Speedway and his garage
down on Government Street. I use to work the tow truck with my brother at Western
back in 1964-65. Those were the glory days of roundy round racing on the island.
By the way best of the season to you and your family see you in the new year.
My memories of Western Speedway are endless. One of these days I'll pull out some of my old fotos from the place. One of may favorites is going out on a Wednesday nite practice to watch Roy Smith in the Vantreight Farms Daffodil Special 7 car scoot around wearing only a helmet and plaid work shirt. That supermod was the most successful and memorable pavement open wheeler to ever come out of western Canada. Ah yes, the good old days. LP
12/24/99 As you can see, the year-end site cleansing has started here at HH, but that's not to mean we didn't save a little bit 'o stuff for our annual Xmas eve special (That has basically become a Xmas day special). This time around we are presenting some new car images, the foto contest winner, as well a very cool RealAudio interview with the one drag racer all us left coasters missed seeing in 1999-Glen May. The page also includes some images of his Ranger Pro Mod along with some neat things we saw in the CC Racing shop, so please take the time to check it out by clicking on the link.
GLEN MAY REALAUDIO INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
For seasoned visitors this update is more like a Feedback one, but it's all you out there in cyberland who make this site what it is...I just throw it all together, so consider this one 'our' update.
In the coming days leading up to that Y2K thingie we will be preparing a bunch of exclusive year-end stuff as well as the beginnings of our Northwest Dragschedule 2000. Come January 1 we'll give ya all kinds of 'entertainment' here, and in the meantime, please feel free to send in your plans for next season. Also of interest is that I have saved all the cool stuff from this page from the past year and will soon post links to everything. As for the links that were atop this busy page, they are now all on the FEATURES PAGE. More of the weirdness from '99 will appear there soon too.
As for the Christmas season, I must say that I wish I had the energy to reply to the many, many emails Xmas greetings that have come in from friends all over the globe. I hope you can understand I dislike those 'generic' greetings, so as I have done the past couple of years, give you all an equal blessing of HH Xmas cheer.
Bingle Jells from your fine host!
Jim Sorenson Foto
The photo contest
This one brought in all kinds of uh...'interesting' comments and guesses. Sorenson came closest very early when he came up with the correct name, and the fact this guy gave us a special treat this past August when he flag-started the Aweful Awefuls at the Nightfire Nats in Boise. It took an old buddy of mine to come up with the place-the original Mission Raceway. Anyway, here's what he sent in:
Yo Larry,
Well...you must be doing something right if you can persuade a lurker such as
myself to actually send you an e-mail!! As always yours is the first page I
read most days before checking out Northern Thunder, the Grapevine and Header
Flames. Plus that awesome up to date MRP site.
The guy in the silver suit (HH Trivia Extravaganza) Photo looks to be at the old Mission track, could it be the "wall to wall" driver of the Bad Bossa Nova wheelstander - Richard Schroeder?? The same guy who was the honorary fuel altered flagman the night the lights went out in Boise? And will perhaps be featured on your upcoming HH99 Drag Video?
Oct. 8, 1967 (Foto courtesy Doug Harder Collection. Photographer
unknown)
I may also have a lead in your ongoing search for John Dutton,
the old photographer from the 60's Van Isle Dragway era. A few years ago there
was an old Austin gasser for sale locally (see attached photo) called Fatboys
Folly; it was raced years ago against Jim Rockstad, Terry McHardy and others.
I phoned, but it had already sold to Don Wilson (Low to No Buck Racing.) Well,
the seller of the car was a guy by the name of...John Dutton. Try this number
525-xxxx. Still listed in the current phone book - hope its the right guy as
I'd love to see more nostalgia photos.
The audio files are great especially this time of year! Nice to hear Flyin' Phil is back in these parts, I still have most of the old magazines he produced which are some of my most treasured drag racing items.
Phil
Elliott (R) & Rich Carlson (L) Dec.
99
Finally I'd like to wish you and yours a great Christmas and New Years. Many thanks for all the great work you've had a part in over the years both in print and on the net. There are a lot of folks out here who appreciate it. See ya around... - Steve Miller
'Lurker' Stevie will recieve the first HH99 drag video which will be available in late January (fer sure). Nice to hear from you after a few years and thanks much for the info and fotos. And for the many who have asked, I found...then again lost Phil's email address, so will post it soon as well. PS: send me your mailing address in a month or so Steve. LP
Larry...
*GREAT* hearing from you!
Have a bitchin' solstice...
Here's hoping our paths cross in 2000.
C'ya at the digs, --
+------------------------------------------------------+
| Cole Coonce mailto:colecoonce@nitronic.com
|
| NITRONIC RESEARCH http://www.nitronic.com
|
+------------------------------------------------------+
The man...a continuing source of inspiration and one guy I very much hope to finally meet in 2000.
Hey Larry - thought you might enjoy this pic of Ken Kennedy hard at work on that traditional drag racer physique! You folks have a great hoilday season - see ya in March!! --Pat Harden
Thanks Pat...just remember Ken's bigger than you are...
Happy Holidays!
The Drag Racing List (http://www.draglist.com) has been updated with all the drag racing action from 1999! We have hundreds of updates and additions for all our racers, both new and old, as we continue to build the lists both into the future and into drag racing's rich past. We now have detailed information on over 35,000 pro, semipro, and quick sportsman racers since 1950.
There are two new Danny White stories in this update. Danny lists the quickest 25 Small Block doorslammers of all time and runs down the quickest NHRA Comp cars of all time. Neat!
Special thanks to Curt Swartz for radically updating our historic fuel funny car lists.
Our DRL Links page continues to grow. We now have over 5,100 SEARCHABLE links to drag racing and motorsports sites. Check it out and be sure to 'Suggest a Link' to your own site if I don't have it listed yet...
Click HERE to see the latest edition: www.draglist.com
As always, we are asking for current and former racers, crew persons, owners, or fans to provide any updates or additions to the list. If you were involved with any pro, semipro, exhibition, or quicker sportsman car at ANY period in drag racing, we want to list you at Draglist.com! Come on up, see what we have on your team already, and let us know what else we can add or fix.
Our intention is to list every driver, in every car they ever drove, in every year they drove it! That includes "hired guns" who drove four or five cars a year AND it includes those racers who perhaps only made one run down the strip -- EVER. We want them ALL! Please help if you can...
To all our online friends -- have the happiest of holiday seasons and a healthy and happy new year!
Bill and Denise Pratt
Danny White
No need to ad to this, as I know you will all be surfin' over to this still amazing site immediately!
They are on my site at http://www.67ss396.com
Stay tuned for our street legal Pro Mod (true).
Derek Spratt
If the local street hitters thought 2000 would be tough, they will have had no idea before this. Consider the bar raised.
Mark your calanders for August 18-20, and make plans to attend the Heartland Hot Rod Reunion IV at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Ok. This should be even a bigger event then the last one, and it was great! Front engine Top Fuel, Jr. Fuelers, Blown Altereds, Nostalgia Eliminator, Slingshot/Altered, Gassers, and much more.
Sponsors to send HH to this event can start sending money now...
Hi larry
We too have a new "skin" on our chassis for the 2000 season. The '92 olds cutlass
f/c body is gone {now in Vernon} A '48 Fiat is the new ride, and hope to travel
west with Don McGowans new association.
Thanks, Paul Villeneuve
Now THAT'S a racecar!
Larry,
I saw your mention of HorsePower Heaven on the alt.autos.sport.NHRA
NG. We really enjoyed our visit to your WebPage and the great video about Wally's
Cruise In, and would like to invite you to add your page to our "Links, Rings,
and Things" page. While you are there be sure to visit the other pages on our
site and make any comments you like, send us email and please sign our guestbook.
Kurt Johnston - Team Manager/Webmaster The Speed-O-Maniacs Jr. Drag Racing Team http://speedomaniacs.com EMail: Linkmaster@speedomaniacs.com
An interesting site guys...Kenny B better watch it as the next gen of 'promotional' minded racers are coming on strong from the looks of this.
Hi Larry,
Just got a call from Bill Larson and he told me to check out your web page for
the Wallys' re-union. Keep up the great work, looks awsome. Just thought I should
let you know I'm putting on "Norhwest Deuce Day" on July 30, 2000 in the Oak
Bay village in Victoria. The main street will be shut down with all Deuces angle
parked on one side while the other side will be cars up to 1950. Should be a
great event, hope you can make it.
All the Best:
Al Clark
Deuces Northwest Streetrods
Victoria, B.C.
Even though it's the same weekend as the NW Nats, can anyone guess where I will be with my VIDEO camera? Hmmm?
Hi Larry,
I talked to Larry Foster yesterday and he said yes to posting his new Merc project
on your web site. The car started out as a 1949 Merc 4-door. Larry added 10"
to each front door to make them the same length as 2-door ones. He had to move
the door post back 10" as well. Here are some pics I took last week, I hope
you can use them.
Regards, Barry Watson
Larry is the guy with the flame-throwing Merc on the Langley Goodtimes Cruise-in video (on the verge of becoming our best selling tape ever). This new ride may not see the 2000 event, so I think he should call it '20001 a Merc Odyssey'. Thanks Barry!
This should cover 'em....right down there, at the bottom of this here missive...guess I shouldn't move to private servers....but them pop-up windows got to me....secure server site for online shirt ordering coming in the next couple of days...finally figgered out.
MY BRAIN'S ON FIRE!!!! Yeah, right.
Later Jim
Ringleader, Mysterion
Screenprint: http//nitronic.com/mysterion
Awful Awful Fuel Altereds website: http://www.mysterion.net/AAFA
ps-best caption to this photo was "That long black thing, the cars go along
there, and you point your camera at 'em when they go by." Jim Sorenson and Mike
Boersma at the 1999 CHRR...
Hey lookie those flames comin' out Jimmy's ears!
Dear Larry,
Just a short note to say thankyou for the support and encouraging words that
you had for our son Michael JR during the voting of bracket driver of the year.
It was an honor to be part of such an elite group of people and the end result
was absoluely wonderful.
Wishing you and your family a merry christmas and a very prosperous new year.
Sincerely Yours Michael & Wilma Peck.
PS.Your video at the NHRA banquet was absolutely outstanding.I am unable to download the 99 dragracing video,Wilma would like to purchase a copy, please advise.
A ton of people have asked about the video and although it was not exactly designed to be sold, if you want one...or two, please email me and I will give you the details. LP
A couple of sad notes include the passing of a pair of west coast veterans: Grant King was originally from Victoria and was killed in an auto accident in Indianapolis, where he had lived for many years. A member of the Western Speedway hall of fame, King was one of the leading Indy car builders of his day back in the 60s & 70s. So great was his work that a plastic model kit of a 'Grant King' Sprint car was made.
Lower Mainland moto cross people lost a true legend in the passing of Walter Levy earlier this month. He was instrumental for many, many local events and will be missed greatly.
Looking for a killer deal on a large format 6 color photo inkjet? MacZone has refurb Epson EXs (serial & parallel ports, NOT USB) for $130 US !! An AWESOME deal, I ordered two! 12.17.99 UPDATE: Got it today...one day shipping, not cheap, but saved me on at least one Xmas project. At this price it really is the best inkjet buy in the world today...works on PCs and Macs. Full year warrantee.
BUYING A VIDEO CAMERA? A number of you are, and have asked me what to get. Without a doubt, the Sony Digital 8 models (about 4 of them) are the way to go at this time. A good price range, great Sony quality, and perfect for everything you will ever want a tape camera to do. Batteries are cheap and last longer than on any brand and tape prices are as low as you can get. Be aware Sony camcorders rarely go on much of a sale, but savings of a few bucks can be had if you look around. Top model also does stills very well. The person I use for all of my video camera purchases is Ian, manager over at London Drugs in Langley (604-533-4261). In most cases he can price-match anyone else in the lower mainland. (No retailers I'm aware of compete with web stores) He knows his stuff, has been on the fringes of the the local drag scene for years (Heck, he's Darlene Evans' son) whatever you get INSIST on digital. Best ones are Sony (always most expensive, rarely worth that much more) , Canon, Panasonic (some) and JVC (some). Big 'should I wait' rumor is that Sony will have a digital disc camcorder of some kind sometime in mid to late 2000. My motto, wait as long as possible, and remember there will always be a better deal later.
BEST HH COMPUTER BUY OF XMAS '99 iMac DV. With built in Firewire and editing software, this thing can do exact same quality my system does. For less money than my tower cost just a very short time ago. About $2300 for you Canucks. Extra good deal as it includes 128mb of the good RAM. Want 128 more??? yard out about $700 Cdn. Makes this system an even better deal. Order one from back east, try for cheap shipping, and save 7% PST. Local places probably won't price match. And from the FER SURE, NOT A RUMOR dept. comes quite solid word that by this time next year the same price will get you a 17" iMac running well over 500MHz, & a bit better graphics card. Remember the motto. UPDATE: 12.17.99 This configuration of iMac may be in stores as early as May.
NOTE: Sony and Apple Boxing Day killer deals are very rare in Vancouver.
Xmas Is Heck
12.22.99 Xmas finally caught up to me as you could probably guess. Have a ton of good stuff including a number of new track schedules for 2000 to post in next few days. Hope to do our regular Xmas Eve special for all the lonely people out there, as this time of year can be pretty hard on a lot of folk who are not as fortunate as I am with family and all that.
Congrats to Steve Miller winner of the foto contest....who was it? All that and more coming soon!
Could Steve Lord of Redwood City please email me. LP
Wilson is at his best on the new 90%, 'jet-dryer' rulz....I can you hear the ads now: "The year 2002 Extreme Nitro Drag Championships brought to you by those fun people over at the World Wrestling Federation! The ONLY place on the Pacific Rim you can still see 'outlaw' Fuelers running 100%!" The announcer will scream, the crowd will go wild......
Seriously, the rulz are not totally described as best as I can tell. The oil down thing is gonna be fun to watch when it's borderline 'jet'. I hope they try it on Connie first. Semi finals Winters. That'll be fun. The time between rounds? "Maybe if ya don't kill 'em with parts, you'll nail 'em with a tow vehicles in the lanes." That's how one person put it to me today. Wonder what 'Big' will have in the tank two weeks tonite?
I can see this scenerio be played out over the next five years. NHRA DOES get just like NASCAR. Everybody runs close, but nobodys goin' very fast. Then again, aerodynamics will now get some serious attention from more than just a few flopper guys. Turbos replace blowers? I had a quick turbo car once, so you don't have to convince me.
While you're there you'll be sure to read the latest on Jim Grant's trip to Oz. The Dart has been down the track and is looking good. Congrats Jimmy! Just for your info, this is NOT the Jim Grant of topless Valiant fame. THAT Jim Grant is a local street rodder these days. Anybody know if he's online?
Got some really neat new car news and fotos to bring you this weekend too. LP
It's pretty obvious it must be rainy out there as the email is pouring into the HH box. Here is a small sample of what we get on a weekly basis around here, along with some other neat stuff:
NHRA BRACKET NATIONAL CHAMPIONS TO BE CROWNED IN 2000! That's right boys and girls, NHRA and Summit Racing have got together to give you all that chance you've wailed about for decades. Get this: Divisional champs will get expenses paid to go to a National Championship event where NHRA will crown Bracket NATIONAL Champs! It's the biggest sponsorship deal in bracket racing history, and the first time title holders will be Gods. GO HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL POSTING.
STILL TIME TO SPONSOR HH 99 DRAG VIDEO Our 1999 Drag Video will now be ready in January. That means there is still time to get some awesome exposure on this hot product. HH is looking for one and one only sponsor for this two hour tape. You'll get 'forever' exposure on this website, big mention on what is certain to be the greatest Northwest drag video ever produced, and much more. The price is right, and please be aware this tape will go to all the right people besides those racers and fans who purchase them, including Speedvision. Another bonus is that the sponsor also gets a promotional video for their company! Money from this project will go to pay for the first steps of HH becoming an eCommerce-ready site. Please email Larry Pfister for complete details. Also-If you or anyone you know have a kewl drag video from '99 it's worth bucks. Email LP for details!
STREET LEGAL VIDEO...MAYBE Due to a number of requests HH is now considering a two hour video from the season-ending Street Legal weekend at Mission. (After the HH Drag Video is complete) It was the only time in 1999 when all the quick local street cars from both sides of the border were in one place at one time. The grudge races were monumental, the times turned supreme. We have interviews and all the quickest runs from all the quickest cars. The only catch is: I must be assured I can flog a minimum number of them. So let me know people, if you respond that you would pay $20 for one...and enuf of ya actually can convince me...I'll do it. OR If somebody wants to sponsor 100 copies you could sell it as your video at a 25% profit. Please email Larry Pfister for complete details.
And on the local streets...Yesterday a couple of local racers met to 'swap' cars. Glen 'Bigfoot' Norman and Roy Moznik (The beautiful red Nova that did the giant wheelstand at MRP this past summer) are reported to have exciting plans for their 'new' rides. Norman's wild shoebox racecar (not the street one) will be Moznikized with a bigger engine, new paint, and probably some stock interior parts in a street legal configuration. The nitrous piece has run seven sixty something, so with more power imagine the possibilities. With Braid and Murray both expected to step up (maybe considerably) in 2000, the local CPSA Pro Street scene (complete with new rules for weight breaks among other things) will get much quicker and faster. Meaning, to be a contenda, you better step up...BIGTIME. As for 'Foot', he may well remove the big tires on his 'new' Nova in an effort to smoke 'em all in the little tire class with even more cubic inches than the Yenko'd Chevy II already has. Roy's bro Dale will also soon hit the streets. How 'bout the wicked 396 that used to send Merkley's SS/F car wild in a big tire '69 El Camino...Rumors of grandstands on certain roads in Glochester Estates and Chilliwack have not been confirmed...and in breaking news, it looks like the Modified Plate deal is a GO! Much more on this very soon, but in the meantime check out the SVA site...
DRAG STUFF More Eagle Plex news comes in the form of a big bash...(sorry boys) uh 'party' at Cruisers Pit Stop Diner early in the new year. Could well be right about the time the HH Drag video 99 is released, and if so could be quite a party. Again, more later...and in case nobody knew, Cory Thompson is teaming up with John Heida to drive the Super Stock Mustang. And all you Pro bracketers cheering that you won't have to face the Quality Time '56 Ford in 2000, take a breath. Cory will continue to drive it as well. The team is seeking sponsors, so if you know anyone interested please have them email HH as they are a few weeks away from being online...and what the heck is that big blower doing in John Evans shop?...Leeland King of Racers Finishing Touch Crew Uniform out of Shelton Wa. has emailed HH to say that he will be teaming up with 'super' Mike Scott in 2000. "Mike should be sporting a new ride and I will be riding my nostalgic Kawasaki in my first year at the divisional level." says King. The two will also soon post a new website combining both companies. You'll get the URL here first...here's an update from a new friend of HH:
Larry, I thought your readers might like to see what a brand new
funny car body looks like. This is our new '57 Chev body as it was being delivered
to our shop. Our good friend, George Sitko, who works at Gale Banks turbo's
in California, made a rack for his truck, and picked the body up for us in L.A.
He drove it up here just like this! Special thanks to George for all his efforts.
We also have a brand new FMFC chassis to go under the new body. We will run
with 7.50 group in 2000. Hope to make it to most of the western Canadian tracks.
I will keep you updated with interesting build pictures if you would like.
Jay Mageau,
Mageau Family Racing
1957 chev blown alcohol funny car
1923 t blown alcohol altered
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Sure Jay send them in, love to have them...and anyone else's newcar pics!
...THIS from Chad Barclay when asked about something new for next year: Well, let's just say that it's 6 years newer. Alot more wind. A second faster. Nearly 1000 pounds lighter, and still all the fun and excitement you could expect from a racecar...and nice to hear from John Preston who says the Pepsi-sponsored Super Comp T-Bird "might get a bigger bullet next year and I'll run TopComp"...This is all the kind of thing we want to hear about so get to it and email your 2000 plans into HH! And I just know I've forgotten somebody, so please excuse me if I missed it and remind me. Tx.
FIRED UP MINI VERSION Caught a brief portion of Inside NASCAR this weekend on that gun/truck/infomercial channel and was amazed at what I heard. While discussing the new multi-billion dollar television contract with NBC and Fox, the topic of 'objective journalism' came up. I damn near fell out of my chair when these corporate peeons actually conversed on this (still in many places) 'taboo' topic. They compared their sport to NFL football and said this kind of 'constructive criticism' is one of the things that must happen, and will help the sport of stock car racing to rise to the levels of the major stick and ball sports. I can hear it now: "Live from Palmdale, the 2017 WHRA Apple Computer Winternationals with our regular play-by-play person Bob 'nice toupee' Frey and our new color analyst, veteren alky holdout Bob Wilson from the Cambodian Drag Racing Association". "Greetings fans and welcome to the all nitro season opening classic of the new reduced 40 event World Hot Rod Association season. The home team Pomona Pounders, remotely driving the 2 second Honda powered spec cars under the crystal-clear carbon fibre domed track, lead by veteran Christian Powell and coached by 'GramPa' Warren Johnson vs. my favorite, the E-Town Taxi Squad under the watchful eye of rookie coach Rusty Wallace and his assistant Scott Cannon. Wadda ya say Wilson?". "Thanks Bob. Get ready fans as I have a revealing interview with Pounder owner Jim Rockstad during the hour long half-time show between round one and the finals regarding the hill and golf course that is no longer at the end of this track. Then after the game...like that Frey??? Game?? I'll take you to Canada and show you how those countrymen are up in arms as government officials continue to disallow ESPN44 into their sacred land. "Thanks Bob". "Yer welcome Bob". "Now to the opening ceremony and here's WHRA president Pete Rose"..........
And last, but certainly not least, it sounds like inflation may be forcing the shaky hand of a local drag strip or two. Then again, if you're in this gig you obviously crave spending money anyway...Heck, the only thing that ever gets cheaper is me. LP
12.11.99 The Eagle Motorplex Poster is going to print very shortly. The schedule is 99% complete. Anyopne interested in an ad on the 2000 poster is urged to contact Bill Kraus (250-453-9310) before Xmas. Prices start at just $200. LP
12.10.99 12:00noon NOTICE TO ALL CUSTOM DRAG VIDEO CUSTOMERS Due to overwhelming response to the Langley video, as well as some promotional work for a number of local racers, some of the custom videos may not be to you in time for Xmas. Also, the HH 99 DRAG VIDEO will have to be pushed back to January due to all of this. Am trying my very best to keep this site current, take care of my clients, pay the bills, and have a life.
Spent a wonderful evening with my friends in the BC Hot Rod Assc last night as, once again, they all met at the CC Racing shop of Glen May and team. It was an eventful time as I finally got to see the new Pro Mod Ranger pickup and actually dragged Glen away for a great interview that will be posted here soon in RealAudio. In that same vein, HH picked up an exclusive interview that tells about the very latest developments on the eight year project that is the B.C. modified vehicle plate. Both interviews were done in typical HH style...ie: no BS, more fun, entertaining and revealing than you'll get anywhere else. It's a continuation of our commitment to become leading multimedia drag site on the web.
Touched base with our friend in Alberta Don McGowen of Quicktimes Classified. I hope to soon have some announcements on how we will work together with Don and crew.
On the subject of web video, a major announcement from Real yesterday shows more promise than ever that web video for the masses may be closer than the three-to-five years all the pundits are spouting these days, and made Gate's opening keynote at the Streaming Media West conference in San Jose seem rather lame in comparison. Together with the announcement that Real is investing in WebGlide, I would bet that company's stock may be one to consider for all you rich investors out there, though I'm not aware they are even a public company...but if they ever are...
Also available now is Dreamweaver 3, the program we use to build HH. A 'must have' update that we will go for in the new year.
In my longtime wait for Telus ADSL web access, I finally have a hookup date of mid January. Got to play with John Evans Roger@home system recently, and was quite impressed, but after listening to a local talk show yesterday wonder if that service is very reliable...or consistently fast. This one show probably turned off more potential customers than anything before it ever did. Not a good deal as every single person who called in during the hour had negative reports of downtime, slow speeds and more. Best part, for me, was the extremely lame responses by the in studio guest, Rogers top @home manager.
The other local websites continue in the tradition that Vancouver leads the world in active, take-no-prisoners dragsites. Although I had access to it about the same time as Bob Wilson, his decision to post the rumored new nitro rules for NHRA on Northern Thunder News makes for fascinating reading. While he may question his source, mine is rock-solid with everything pointing to this radical move very soon.
And an interesting little BCCCA comment over on the The Grapevine. I could comment, but I have promised to only post positive stuff about MRP/BCCCA. I will say however, that those who do not know how to utilize the web to their advantage will forever be at the mercy of those who do. LP
12.08.99 11:00am Major changes to Sportsman Motorcycle and Div. 6 FMDRS events now posted on the D6 page. CLICK HERE
12.07.99 4:30pm The PDF version of the 2000 Vancouver Motorsport Show Entry Form is now available HERE.
12.06.99 9:30pm Together with a first-hand report on the VINE, here's all the HH dirt the HH spys could dig up.
From the "nobody's supposed to know, but everyone does" dept. comes the super group of people who have (can you believe?) 388 acres crossing two counties of northwestern Washington state, and are already getting ready to build a drag strip on it? Still appears years off, so cannot be called anywhere near definite, but a good tale nonetheless...now about those other track stories...Sorry, I'm still sworn to secrecy....get it?
Big winners at the emotional 1999 Leaders banquet are now posted on our totally unofficial NHRA Div. 6 awards page.
Am getting nice feedback regarding the 'Champions' video. Huge thanks go to the Thompsons for delivering them for us on very short notice. The one day project came together pretty well, with a planned, but never even started second banquet video that would have featured dozens of other Div. six cars. Sorry, but time was not on my side. All I can say is just wait until D6 2000 THE VIDEO hammers your senses about this time next year...Cory missed out on the big Bracket Award, but didn't mind too much that one of his best buddies, Jim Behnke, took the title home to Canada...Both Pat and Walt Austin were highly emotional, seeing this was the night Walt was honored with a place in the Div. 6 Hall of Fame...A totally blown away Jay Livingston accepted the Track of the Year award for Woodburn Dragstrip. It's always nice to see track operators as into the sport as people like Jay are. This division is damn fortunate to have a few very professional, but 'still in tune with the people' like him running the leading tracks...One prediction though. This will be the last time ever a track without a website wins this award...and how 'bout our host J. Glenn taking Sportsman Driver of the Year. The guy flat rocks on that bike, and could give Angelle fits. Now there's a thought...You can thank a bunch of folks, but thank Bill Kraus more than anyone else for Ashcroft getting the "Most Improved Track' award. Thanks as well to all the people who voted for them. No offense my American friends, but this place and these people needed this one, more than any other track...Michael Peck was awarded the HH Most Popular Driver Award. Ya, so I put 'em in with the bracket guys...heck, the darn kid got more votes than any other one person by a hundred fold. Gotta get something for that alone. But his record in '99 was amazing, and deserved recognition. I believe it's a first 'special win' for the Jr cars at this banquet, and if tactics like what I did is what it takes to give those neglected kids some more press, then I'll do it anytime...I don't know Jerry Darien, but have known of him for decades. His win in the Crew Chief selection was a definite hilight of a long and hallowed career in this sport...Sponsor of the Year: Kent Chalfant of Federal Mogul Kent is 'THE MAN' at Federal Mogul, and he LOVES Div. 6. Regardless of your corporate stance, Kent is a guy more of you should take the moment to thank once-in-awhile. His company supports you guys more than any other. And that's the bottom line...The Ernie Hall Memorial Person of the Year went to everyone's friend Elvon Kaufman of Woodburn. It was a tough year for many Div. 6 drag racers. If there is one person who went beyond the call more than once in 1999, it was Elvon. It was great to hear that our friend got that clock. I imagine it will be mounted close to what Elvon holds close, for many a perfect spot for it...O Baby-Darlene Evans finally wins 'Gracious lady of the Year'! Our local DRAW rep has done so much for so many over the years. Did you even notice that bonerack of a husband beside her?
Like I said, complete 'unofficial' results are on the D6 Awards page.
Now about that lil' pOlice auction up yonder in Everett last Saturday. Tha lil' ole Hemi Cuda started at a measley hunart grand. Seventeen bids later it was at $350 big ones, before bid number 18 locked it up at four hundred thousand dollars. Wo. Then the exclusive 'double H7' spy was positive the telephone buyer whispered 'Lyn Vaughn' as they buyers secret identity. That's right folks, you heard it here first. Possibly with her latest employer's blessings, LINDA VAUGHN could well be the owner of one of the 'hootterinest' MOPARS (is that a word?) ever ...uh...built. Kinda gives the line 'take it thru the gears' a whole new meaning huh? LP
12.01.99 9:30pm There is only one place where you can actually experience 1972. Only one place where you can LISTEN to 1972. Only one place. THIS Place.
Then go HERE for the only existing audio of the 1972 32 Funny Car show at Seattle! PLUS rare radio ads.