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FEATURES: The Spotlight ........................ 1,2 Rodding News ...................... 2 Drag Racing News ................. 3 New Products ....................... 4 New Allstar Products ............. 5 Circle Track Racing News ........ 6,7 Rodding Journal ................... 8,9 Manufacturers Spotlight ....... 10 Lane Happenings .................. 11 Lane Collectables .................. 12 The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! RACING AND RODDING Whenever we are enjoying ourselves and doing some- thing that we are really passionate about time seems to go by very quickly. Ask anyone involved in the sport of auto racing and they’ll agree. To longtime race car builder/owner Paul Fitzpatrick, it seems like only yesterday that he was 13 years old and building a car to go circle track racing. In reality, over fifty years of his involvement with racing have been entered into the history books since Paul first tack- led the task of turning a 1940 Chevy coupe into a race car, against his parents’ wishes we might add. Paul chuckles and relates, in his typical, soft-spoken style, how he was too young to drive the car himself, so whoever he could round up to drive the car to the track for him would also be the car’s driver during the race. This setup seemed to work quite well then, and to this day Paul still derives the greatest enjoyment out of build- ing and preparing his race cars so that other drivers can get behind the wheel and head for the checkered flag. It’s not that Paul doesn’t like to drive. In fact, he says he always enjoyed driving. In addition to seat time in his early, coupe style race cars, Paul spent considerable time at the wheel of his own midget race car back in the 1950’s. A humorous, but humbling experience early in his racing career made him begin to think that maybe his true gifts were in the building and preparation of the race cars. It seems that Paul had made what he felt was a particular- ly good qualifying run in his modified ‘55 Chevy one night when a friend who had never been behind the wheel of the car before asked if he could try it out. Paul consented. Two laps later, this fellow had significantly bettered Paul’s qualifying time. He decided, then and there, to hand over the role of driver while he would stay behind the scenes, handling the en- gineering aspects of winning races with the car. It’s a formula that has worked out very well. Through the years he has owned and wrenched several cars into the winner’s circle and on to track champi- onships with such notables as Bob Holley and Mike VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently on the sides of all the race cars that have come out of the Fitzpat- rick stable is the name of Paul’s longtime automotive repair business, Shelbyville Garage. Paul is still heavily involved in the racing scene, but now his car building activities have taken on a family flavor. He has been guiding the racing career of his grandson, Luke Krick, first through the pure stock and sportsman ranks, and currently in the Limited Late Model class at Kalamazoo Speedway. Luke has evidently been following his grandfa- ther’s wise advice because as this is being written he is in the top 5 in the Limited Late points column at the “Zoo”. When we first approached Paul about an interview and a story his response was, “Why me?” The answer to that question is easy. On a weekly basis, on short tracks all around the United States and Canada, people flock to the stands to be enjoy grass roots circle track racing. These are the very people who are reflected in statistics that inform “How time flies when you’re having fun!” “How time flies when you’re having fun!” RACING AND RODDING Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Photo credit by John Berglund Paul Fitzpatrick in a thoughtful moment. Luke Krick, Paul Fitzpatrick and his Limited Late Model. Paul at the wheel of his midget race car

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Page 1: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

FEATURES:The Spotlight ........................ 1,2 Rodding News ...................... 2 Drag Racing News ................. 3New Products ....................... 4New Allstar Products ............. 5

Circle Track Racing News ........ 6,7Rodding Journal ................... 8,9Manufacturers Spotlight ....... 10Lane Happenings .................. 11Lane Collectables .................. 12

The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve!

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Whenever we are enjoying ourselves and doing some-thing that we are really passionate about time seems to go by very quickly. Ask anyone involved in the sport of auto racing and they’ll agree. To longtime race car builder/owner Paul Fitzpatrick, it seems like only yesterday that he was 13 years old and building a car to go circle track racing. In reality, over fi fty years of his involvement with racing have been entered into the history books since Paul fi rst tack-led the task of turning a 1940 Chevy coupe into a race car, against his parents’ wishes we might add. Paul chuckles and relates, in his typical, soft-spoken style, how he was too young to drive the car himself, so whoever he could round up to drive the car to the track for him would also be the car’s driver during the race.

This setup seemed to work quite well then, and to this day Paul still derives the greatest enjoyment out of build-ing and preparing his race cars so that other drivers can get behind the wheel and head for the checkered fl ag. It’s not that Paul doesn’t like to drive. In fact, he says he always enjoyed driving. In addition to seat time in his early, coupe

style race cars, Paul spent considerable time at the wheel of his own midget race car back in the 1950’s. A humorous, but humbling experience early in his racing career made him begin to think that maybe his true gifts were in the building and preparation of the race cars.

It seems that Paul had made what he felt was a particular-ly good qualifying run in his modifi ed ‘55 Chevy one night when a friend who had never been behind the wheel of the car before asked if he could try it out. Paul consented. Two laps later, this fellow had signifi cantly bettered Paul’s qualifying time. He decided, then and there, to hand over

the role of driver while he would stay behind the scenes, handling the en-gineering aspects of winning races with the car. It’s a formula that has worked out very well. Through the years he has owned and wrenched several cars into the winner’s circle and on to track champi-onships with such notables as Bob Holley and Mike VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently on the sides of all the race cars that have come out of the Fitzpat-rick stable is the name of Paul’s longtime automotive repair business, Shelbyville Garage.

Paul is still heavily involved in the racing scene, but now his car building activities have taken on a family fl avor. He

has been guiding the racing career of his grandson, Luke Krick, fi rst through the pure stock and sportsman ranks, and currently in the Limited Late Model class at Kalamazoo Speedway. Luke has evidently been following his grandfa-ther’s wise advice because as this is being written he is in the top 5 in the Limited Late points column at the “Zoo”.

When we fi rst approached Paul about an interview and a story his response was, “Why me?” The answer to that question is easy. On a weekly basis, on short tracks all around the United States and Canada, people fl ock to the stands to be enjoy grass roots circle track racing. These are the very people who are refl ected in statistics that inform

“How time fl ies when you’re having fun!” “How time fl ies when you’re having fun!”

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Photo credit by John Berglund

Paul Fitzpatrick in a thoughtful moment.

Luke Krick, Paul Fitzpatrick and his Limited Late Model.

Paul at the wheel of his midget race car

Page 2: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

2 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266

The car show has come and gone, and what a show it was this year! With nearly 1,200 cars on display and ten times that many spectators, it was the turnout we’ve always dreamt about . The pleasant temperatures and constant sunshine, both of which were missing from most previous shows, gelled this year to make the event a standout. I’d like to think that the sun and warmth were nature’s way of rewarding all the folks who have turned out year after year, toting sweatshirts, towels and umbrellas and taking whatever hand the weatherman dealt us in stride. To all who brought show vehicles, and to all who came out to see them, we extend a heartfelt thanks.

That said, there is still one area of concern that needs to be addressed...again. Several years ago we decided to prohibit dogs at our show. Our reasoning at that time was exactly the same as it is today. Dogs do not belong at car shows. No matter how nice and gentle Rex or Poofi e may be in their own environs, they are programmed by a whole different set of codes at a car show. They may have a special spot on their owners’ property to “do their business”, but at a car show it’s OK to dump right in front of the registration table...where everybody can share in its bounty. They may love other people, but they do not love other dogs. When Ol’ Rex and sweet little Poofi e meet face to face, size means nothing. A pecking order must be immediately established, and often this process causes a fi ght. Don’t even mention dogs marking their territory, which at a show includes tires and other car parts.

Old arguments and reasons aside, there’s another danger at car events that dog owners should consider: ethylene glycol poisoning. The principal ingredient in anti-freeze, ethylene glycol, even in tiny amounts, is fatal. This year we witnessed at least ten radiator boil-overs, caused by big inch engines idling for a long period of time while waiting in traffi c. One supercharged big block blew its top radiator hose right as it was being guided into a parking space. After the show, we counted more than twenty spots where anti-freeze had seeped out on to the parking lot. Whether Rex or Poofi e lapped up any of this substance is not known. What we do know is that if they did, they are probably dead now. With Poofi e, at a petite 9 pounds, it would have only taken a tablespoon full to do the deed. Rex, at a robust 90 pounds may have had to partake of a half a cup or so to do the damage. The ethylene glycol forms crystals within the kidneys, causing complete failure and an agonizingly painful death. Enough said. Leave the dogs home! Let us rephrase that. Leave any-thing that is not human home! This would include iguanas, other assorted lizards, ferrets, goats, birds, and...yes, even alligators.

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Rodding NewsHow Time Flies When You’re Having Fun! Continued...

us that auto racing is the number one spectator sport. It’s not the race cars or the crowds at Grand National caliber race events, or any other national event for that matter. It’s the type of race cars built by men like Paul Fitzpatrick to entertain the crowds at local tracks. Men who perform their chosen tasks fl aw-lessly, for the love of the sport. Men who choose to stay out of the limelight even though that light would not burn anywhere near as brightly if they were not there.

Anyone who visits the Fitzpatrick race shop can’t help noticing the trophy shelves lining all the walls. Long time visitors may notice that several trophies are missing. In fact, about 200 are missing. Paul Fitzpatrick doesn’t believe in resting on laurels from past accomplishments, so he donated those trophies to the local Special Olympics. Like we said earlier, everything he does helps make someone a winner! R&R

Editor’s Notes: A Dog’s Life Does Not Include Car Shows

#17 Bob Holley #69 Mike Van Sparrentak

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S Drag Racing News Norwalk’s Blue Suede Cruise Set For July 28-30

Norwalk Raceway Park really outdid themselves when they originat-ed the Blue Suede Cruise. Now set to present the 5th annual version of this event, the Norwalk, Ohio drag strip is expecting a tremendous turnout for a weekend of just plain nostalgic hot rodding fun. Included in the program will be a super Car Show for 1972-earlier rods, drag rac-ing with 10 Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters and 4 Nostalgia Funny Cars, Nostalgia Super Stockers, fi reworks, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits making exhibition passes in one of his early “Swamp Rat” dragsters, and even a jet-powered ‘57 Chevy truck. Saturday night there will be a Rock-N-Roll Show. Throw in games for the kids, a swap meet, a cars for sale corral, manufacturers’ midway, women’s world and a fl ame throwing contest and there’s not much else a hot rodder could ask for. The gates open at 8:00 a.m. all three days and weekend passes for adults run $30.00 (Daily $15), ages 6-12 $10.00 (Daily $5.00). For more information, go to www.norwalkraceway.com

Jim Kaekel Wins His First NHRA “Wally” At Mid Michigan July 2 Jim Kaekel, Jr., our catalog information specialist, copped the Stock

Eliminator title at the National Hot Rod Association Lucas Oil Division III points meet at Mid Michigan Motorplex in Stanton on July 2. Jim and his immaculately prepped 1970 Olds 4-4-2 E/Stock Automatic machine survived seven frantic rounds and outlasted 73 other contenders to take home the coveted “Wally” trophy, named for NHRA founder Wally Parks, and presented to Eliminator victors at NHRA events.

Jim is no stranger to NHRA Stock Eliminator competition. His previous best performance was at the 1996 U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis where he held on to take the runner-up spot in Stock Eliminator.

Frantic Fueler Eclipses The 5-second MarkA week after welcoming the “Frantic Fueler” crew back for their latest nitro-fueled, ear-splitting

Noisefest appearance at this year’s show we received an email from crew chief, Scott Anderson. The message said that “Dragster Dave” Daunheimer, owner and driver of the hemi-powered Frantic car, had laid down some impressive test runs recently at Route 66 Raceway, the day after the conclusion of the NHRA National Event there. Impressive to say the least! On his first pass, with John Force and crew watching from the staging area, Dave tripped the timers to the tune of 5.87 @ 251.39 miles per hour! Needless to say, everyone present was ecstatic...and not one engine part was turned to scrap.

Buoyed by their initial success, the team decided to swap in their new short block for a half track pass just to see if everything was up to par. A few hours later Dave fired the car and pulled to the line. Another great launch and the car was under full power for about 800 feet before Dave clicked it off. The board at the end of the track said 6.20 @181 mph, however incremental times on the time slip showed that the car was quicker and faster at every point on this run than it was on the 5.87 pass. This could have been a 5.70 pass. “Drag-ster Dave” and Scott agree that they are “...on to something good.”

Page 4: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

4 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266

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New ProductsNext to the race car, the transporter and the tools, the most important piece of

race track equipment has become the portable canopy. These collapsible, easily stored items provide shade from the sun, shelter from the occasional cloudburst and a cooler, more com-fortable spot to work on the car between rounds or heats. We thought these fi re-resistant, polyester can-opies with rust-resistant steel frames were an ideal addition to our product line. Two series are available: The Legend, an economical 10’x10’ canopy available in blue or white and weighing in at 46 pounds; and the The Platinum Series with powder coated steel frames, reinforced with trusses for additional strength, and available in 10’x15’ (94 lbs.) and 10’x20’ (121 lbs.) sizes. Platinum Series canopies offer a choice of black, blue or red covers. Regardless of which one is chosen, the canopies go up and down quickly. R&R

Jones manufactures serpentine , HTD and V-belt drive kits that not only look good, but can stand up to the rigorous workout delivered by a hot rod, thanks to the extra care in design that assures

exact pulley and belt alignment. We stock complete kits as well as individual components.

Small Block Chevy Serpentine Crank-to-Water Pump and Power Steering Drive Kit (JRP1004-S-SB-NE)

Billet aluminum kit is the perfect accessory for small block Chevrolet race engines using short water pumps and running power steering. Kit includes pulleys, brackets, belt and hardware. The power steering pump is not included.

Small Block Chevy (JRP1025-S) and Small Block Ford (JRP1026-S) Serpentine Crank to Water Pump Drive Kits

For small block Chevys and Fords with short water pumps, kits include billet aluminum pulleys, brackets, belts and hardware.

Small Block Chevy HTD and V-Belt Alternator Drive KitsJones Racing Products’ HTD Alternator Drive Kit (JRP2041-RA) for small block Chevrolet engines using

short water pumps includes a single wire, 45 amp alternator, a shut-off switch, aluminum radius tooth HTD pulleys, drive belt, rigid aluminum mounting brackets and hardware. The kit does not include water pump and crank pulleys or a drive belt.

Jones’ conventional V-Belt Drive Kit (JRP2040) for short water pump equipped small block Chevrolets includes a single wire 45 amp alternator, billet aluminum pulleys, brackets and hardware. Water pump and crank pulleys and drive belt are not included.

Bellhousing Mount HTD Oil Pump Drive Kit (JRP2004-RA)Oil pump drive setup has radius style teeth, mounts on the bellhousing and is driven off the rear of the

crankshaft. Billet aluminum pulleys, belts and hardware are included. R&R

PST Carbon Fiber Driveshafts PST Critical Link Carbon Fiber Driveshafts are much lighter

and safer than aluminum or steel shafts. With 3.25” outside diameters and standard 1310 series U-Joints, the carbon fi ber units easily replace metal shafts. The transmission slip yoke is not included, but is available separately. Shafts are available in sizes ranging from 37” to 39.5” in half-inch increments. Slip yokes are available in 5.5” standard and 8.0” extended versions, both with 27 splines. R&R

Out-Pace Racing Products Greasable Rod EndsFor as versatile as rod ends are in all kinds of linkages, their life span has always been compromised by

a lack of adequate lubricant to help control wear. Now Out-Pace Racing Products, LLC has developed a rod end that distributes grease from the inside out. Grease is forced through an orifi ce that runs inside

the rod end and around the spherical ball. The beauty of this setup is that dirt and debris are forced out by the grease so that the inner surfaces stay well lubricated and clean of contaminants. Choose round or hex, aluminum or steel. R&R

Racing Products, LLC

Page 5: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

July - September 2006 5

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New Allstar Products

Right Hand Jack Post Kit ALL22111

Offset circle track chassis like those produced by Howe, Port City, Lefthander, Finish Line and others require a jack post that extends out from the right side of the chassis to provide a fi rm location to place a jack when the car needs to be raised. The Allstar Right Hand Jack Post Kit fi lls the bill and includes an assembled side door bar loop with lift post and pre-cut mounting bars that must be welded in place. Chassis tabs (not included) must be welded to the chassis for easy installation and removal of kit.

Universal Air Shroud Kit ALL30150

Nicely shaped shroud fi ts between the radiator and the nose on most circle track chassis to route maximum air fl ow to the radiator. Made of .040” thick aluminum, the shroud is fi nished in baked on white enamel with a bead rolled around the edge for added strength. Radiator end is hemmed over for even more strength. Kit is unassembled to allow for trimming for each individual car.

Small Radiator CapsRecovery style radiator caps by Stant fi t most sport compact and even some sprint car radia-

tors. Caps measure 32mm in diameter and are 16mm deep. Choose 16 PSI (ALL30124) or 19-21 PSI (ALL30125) ratings.

Carbon X Cool ShirtThe newest fi re-resistant fabric to come on the racing scene is

Carbon-X and now the Cool Shirt, an integral component of the Allstar Performance Personal Cooling System is available in this revolutionary material. Currently offered in three sizes, in black only, the Allstar Carbon-X Cool Shirt combines exceptional com-fort with unparalleled safety. Choose small (ALL13060), medium (ALL13061) and large (ALL13062).

Allstar Umbrella ALL99960

Yes, we know. An umbrella is kind of a strange item to be found in the Allstar Performance line-up...unless you’ve ever seen an open cockpit drag racer doing a slow parboil in the staging lanes during the worst heat wave in Midwest history while the clean-up crew cleans up an oildown on the track. Or, if you’ve ever sat in the stands during a long afternoon of circle track racing...or found yourself three hundred yards from your car during a sudden downpour. We thought about this and decided that an umbrella was just as important as the proper wrench or bracket, especially to those who have experienced one or more of our little scenarios. Pick up a few of these little numbers and keep them in the trunk, in the trailer or by your side. Compact, when closed the umbrella only measures 16” long, but it opens to a full 36” diameter “portable shade machine.” R&R

Page 6: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

6 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266CIR

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Circle Track Racing News

K.C. Foote

Bill Pierce

Jeff Rhoades

Jeff Vochaska

Burney Arnett

Scott Ross

M-40 Challenge Winners

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July - September 2006 7

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Al Thurston

Ken Lollar Jr.

Harry Foote

Ed Paul

Jerry Zachary

Rich Mersereau

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Dave Crane’s Dragster Party/ReunionEvery year, for

the past ten years, Dave Crane has held a dragster party/reunion on Memorial Day weekend, the same day as the Lane Automotive Car

Show. Dave’s party started in the afternoon, which allows the Lane Automotive show attendees a chance to do both events. The party is held in Dave’s fairly spacious back yard, the location of his drag racing museum, and centers around the oldtimers and the early days of local drag racing. Guests are former drivers, track owners and workers, and those involved or formerly involved in drag racing.

This year, the party was graced by Dick LaHaie, his lovely wife, Claudia, and their beautiful ‘39 Mercury convertible; Al Bergler with his newly restored “More Aggravation” AA/C hemi-powered Bantam coupe, the car that won the very fi rst Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama in 1964 and Ed Golden’s “Probe” AA/Fuel Dragster. Also making an ap-perance were the Carson twins, Brian and Bruce, and their two Chevy powered front engine fuel dragsters (that they fi red up twice during the party); the 426 Hemi bike of Steve Wright and the “F-Troop” 33 Willys of Steve Tomosyc, a blown AA/Gas coupe from the late 60’s. Add to that a back-yard full of hot rods, customs and classic cars and about 150 gearheads, good food, some brewskies and, for a change, beautiful weather and what more could you ask for? The party ended at 1:30 a.m. and the neighbors started return-ing to their homes later that day. These are the good old days. Party article and photos submitted by Dave Crane.

I usually see that the hatches are battened down here after the car show and then head east to spend a few hours at this popular get-together every year. I’ve only missed a few. Those invited to the reunion enjoy the opportunity to see the amazing collection of drag race memorabilia Dave has housed in his cozy little museum. Dave has amassed everything from old drag strip ad posters to complete,

nitro-burning drag cars and put them on display. The walls are lined with historic drag race photos, valve covers, intake manifolds and other equipment from vin-tage racing engines, old drag race car

model kits and...you name it. If it was used on a drag car, chances are there’s at least one in Dave’s museum. Floor space is divided between rows of display engines, all dressed up in racing equipment fi nery, and complete drag cars like Dave’s AA/Fuel Altered, two Chevy powered early front engine dragsters, another early T-bodied altered and several bare front engine chassis, most with an historical pedigree. In addition to those displayed, parts gleaned from Dave’s vast collection have played an important role in the restoration of several well known drag cars from the past including Al Bergler’s recently completed Comp Coupe and Maynard Rupp’s “Prussian” AA/Fuel Dragster, currently under restoration in the Detroit area.

Dave’s party being scheduled on the same day as the car show is no mistake. His event and ours here at Lane pleas-antly coexist. Many of the folks who come to Dave’s house each year stop by our place on the way. Many of the race cars that end up at his place have already been to our show earlier in the day. In fact, we owe Dave a debt of gratitude for connecting us with many of the racers who have taken part in our annual Noisefest celebrations at the car show.R&R

Rodding Journal

Photos provided by Dave Crane

Left to right: Al Bergler, Dick Lahaie, Charlie Johnson, Left to right: Al Bergler, Dick Lahaie, Charlie Johnson, Noah Canfield and party host, Dave CraneNoah Canfield and party host, Dave Crane

Steve Tomosyc owns Steve Tomosyc owns the restored Prock & Howell F-Troop Willysthe restored Prock & Howell F-Troop Willys

Fuelers and hot rods pose in Dave’s yardFuelers and hot rods pose in Dave’s yard

Dave’s Fuel Altered in a rare, quiet momentDave’s Fuel Altered in a rare, quiet moment

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July - September 2006 9

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On The Road Again...Refl ections on the 4th NHRA National Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY

RAIN DAMPENS EVENT SOMEWHAT. Well worth the drive, even with the high price of gas, the National Hot Rod Re-union just keeps getting better. Our hat’s off to Steve Gibbs and Greg Sharp, two guys who recognize the value of pre-serving the historical aspects of the sport of drag racing, for all their hard work and dedication in making the reunions the successes they have become...especially this year.

On a walk through the pits early on Friday morning we were treated to the sights and sounds of many cars that looked for all the world like they’d been carefully stored away in 1966 and just recently brought back out and dusted off to do what they did forty years ago. I don’t recall ever seeing as large a fi eld of nostalgic super stockers. Lined up four abreast in the staging lanes, there were enough competitors to renew the old Chevy vs. Mopar vs. Ford vs. Pontiac rivalries that were such a big part of drag racing in the sixties.

The only unfortunate aspect of this year’s reunion was the arrival of heavy rains at mid-afternoon on Saturday. The weather effectively ended the drag racing part of the show for the day, and nearly canceled out the evening’s Cacklefest as well. The rain did eventually subside enough to fi re up the dragsters at dusk, much to the delight of the huge crowd that hung around. The track was too wet to push start the vintage dragsters, so they were towed onto the track and blower started. Not as exciting, but, on the brighter side, nitro fumes hang much longer in heavy, moist air.

GETTING THERE IS MORE THAN HALF THE FUN.The road trip to Bowling Green was a lot of fun this year. Over the years my wife and I have learned that forty-plus year old Mopar station wagons (ours is a ‘62) are as scarce as hens’ teeth. When the opportunity arose to caravan with Rick and Beth Kirvan in another old Dodge wagon (a 1964), we jumped at the chance to really cre-ate a stir. The adventures that ensued more than justi-fied the decision to run together.

The trip was uneventful until we were just north of Louisville on the way to the event. Rick pulled over after noticing a vibration in the front end. It turned out that the vibes were caused by a tread separation on the left front tire. We found a tire shop, Rick got a new tire, and we were on our way in about an hour. There must be something about that trip to BG that takes a toll on tires. We’ve lost two to belt separations, one on our first trip the reunion in 2003 and another in 2004. An added problem concerning tires is that we both run early style 14” mags, and 14” tires are hard to find.

MORE FUN ON THE WAY HOME. The trip home on Sunday was no less exciting. We motored along without a care in the world until we parted company in South Bend. The Kirvans headed for the 31 bypass and I-80 East and we stayed with US 31. Less than five minutes after we separated, Rick called on the cell phone to say that his car had died a mile or so down the bypass. We turned around and headed back to lend a hand. By the time we got back to them, Rick had determined that the fuel pump was not doing its job. A quick return to an auto parts store a mile or so back yielded a fuel pump, but after it was installed, there was still no fuel. We theorized that the eccentric on the cam that drives the pump may have failed. At this point, a call to NSRA Rep, Mike Chrispyn got Rick in touch with a rollback truck. Just as the rain started in earnest, the rollback pulled up and the mighty ‘64 rode it the rest of the way home to Schoolcraft. Such fun...

I MEET A DRAG HERO FROM MY PAST. I’ve always considered myself very fortunate indeed to have been around when what we now call nostalgia racing was new and current. Who would be the first “local” drag racer to top 200 miles per hour was one of the most important questions for discussion among those of us who made weekly pilgrimages to Ubly Dragway, about 100 miles north of Detroit, over forty years ago.

One of the cars we all agreed would be most likely to top the double century mark was the “Probe” AA/Fuel Dragster, owned by the late Lou Smith and driven by Ray DiNoble. When Ed Golden restored one of the Probe cars and brought it to our Noisefest this year, the memo-ries came racing back. I recalled that, at some point during the summer of 1965, the “Probe” and Ray DiNoble did, in fact, turn in a top speed of just a nudge over 200...something like 200.08. I was one very impressed seventeen year old.

Ed Golden had the “Probe” at Bowling Green for the Cacklefest and I wondered who would be driving the car now that Al Bergler, who had driven at a number of previous fests, had his own car restored. It turned out that Ray DiNoble and his wife flew from their retirement home in Las Vegas to Bowling Green just so Ray could climb in the cockpit once again, after a 40 year absence. Having the chance to meet Ray and his wife was a high-light of this year’s Hot Rod Reunion. During our visit he confided that when that nitro Chrysler fired up during their practice start on Friday, he wanted to floor it and head for the finish line. Old habits die hard... R&R

Rodding Journal

Page 10: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

10 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266MA

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TManufacturer Spotlight

Impact RacingJust about everyone remotely familiar with racing safety equipment has heard or read

about Bill Simpson’s dramatic, real world test of his fi reproof driving suit. It bears repeat-ing here. It took place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway several years ago. After taking a good deal of ribbing from fellow race drivers, Simpson threw down the gauntlet and invited the naysayers to join him in turn one at the famous Brickyard.

Once they were in the turn, Simpson donned one of his fi reproof suits, had one of the others pour gasoline all over him and then instructed well-known driver, George Snider,

to throw in a lighted match. Simpson was immediately engulfed in fl ames. After several seconds, the fi re was fi nally extin-guished and Simpson emerged, uninjured. Everyone there became a believer that day.

That fi ery sales pitch proved more than one thing that day. Obviously, it demonstrated the driving suit’s fi re-resistance and its capability to provide the racer in peril a few precious seconds to scramble out of his burning race car without injury. It proved something else, too. There could be no more doubt in anyone’s mind that Bill Simpson was supremely confi dent in the quality construction of his driving suit. His demonstration was the embodiment of the “we use it ourselves” approach to sales. Racers became fi rmly convinced that Bill Simpson would never sell something that he himself would not use.

Today, Bill Simpson is at the helm of a relatively new company, Impact Racing. He is more dedicated than ever to the design and manufacture of high quality racing safety equipment. Impact Racing manufactures an impressive lineup of sleek, technologically advanced helmets, driving suits, gloves, shoes and other accessories. Each and every Impact Racing product refl ects Bill Simpson’s dedication to racing driver and racing crew safety. To quote Mr. Simpson, “I’ve lived, raced, laughed, and cried with my many friends in racing and always tried to make their jobs safer...But then I started to see too many people getting hurt doing something that they really loved, racing. I saw good friends hurt badly and I started think-ing about how some of these injuries and deaths could be avoided...This is something that I’ll always need to do. This is my job. This is my life.” R&R

Crew Draft Fueler

Open WheelGloves

Crew Gloves

EvolutionGloves

5 Pt.Harness

Air Draft

DrivingShoes

DrivingSuit

Page 11: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

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Lane Happenings

Mark your calendars on Saturday. On September 9 , 2006. We will host our fi fth annual NSRA Appreciation Day event. Again this year, the day will begin with a pan-cake and sausage breakfast put on by the Watervliet Fire Department. Rodders will once again have an opportuni-ty to have their vehicle safety inspected by NSRA offi cials. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. R&R

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast To Kick Off 6th Annual NSRA Appreciation Day

Great Hot Rods, Free Pancake Breakfast, Prizes, and Dash Plaques for registered participants(Dash Plaques are limited to the fi rst 100 cars).

Plus, NSRA Safety Inspections. Need Parts?Our Showroom will be open until 2:00.

Appreciation Day will be held at Lane Automotive Complex located at 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098Intersection of I-94 (exit 41) and M-140.

Lane Automotive Car Cruise and Show XVIII a BIG one!

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If this is so, then a couple of photos...and ten thousand people...should give a clear idea of just how large the at-tendance was at this year’s car show. Some of the folks in the crowd in the top photo have their fi ngers held to their ears, and for good reason. They had gathered to partake in Noisefest Number 6, and they were well aware that 90% nitro in a supercharged V8 makes some serious rack-et. The photo at right gives a dramatic overview of the nearly 1,200 show vehicles that came from near and far to make show number 18 an outstanding success. R&R

Record crowds and record weather combine to make Car Show #18 the best ever!

Page 12: The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve! ““How time fl …laneautomotive.com/images/newsletter/2006NLs/3 Summer.pdf · VanSparrentak at the wheel. Displayed prominently

8300 Lane Drive Watervliet, Mi 49098Phone 269-463-LANE • Toll Free 800-772-5266 • Fax 800-772-2618

PRESORT BOUND PRINTED MATTERPOSTAGE & FEES PAIDDOWAGIAC MICHIGAN

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