HotRodder.Com Blog
1/18/08 - Don't miss the Winter Conroe Swapmeet in Conroe, TX ...
Hosted by Hot Rods of Texas, this is the largest and oldest 2-day Swap Meet in Texas! Register now
for your swap meet space or car corral. Find more information on this event plus many others in our
Event Calendar!
1/10/08 - Torco Race Fuels taking 1 year off in sponsorships of race teams ...
In an announcement that rocked the world of racing, Evan Knoll stated that due to personal and fiduciary issues,
he and his Torco brand would be taking a one-year sabbatical from sponsoring racing teams.
They will still be sponsoring events and they have plans to return to team sponsorships in 2009.
12/16/07 - Member Spotlight - Real McCoy's Toys ...
Joe McCoy of Gaffney, South Carolina drag races at various tracks in South Carolina, North Carolina,
and occasionally Tennessee. Check out his Chevy Nova in the HotRodder.Com's member's pages.
11/7/07 - HotRodder.Com partnering with "Just Answer" ...
Did you ever
need to ask an expert about a mechanical problem you're having with your car? Just Answer provides a service where
you can ask an expert a question for a small fee. Just type in your question in the box below and click the "Ask an
Expert" button, choose the fee scale and you can expect an answer by a qualified technician within a day. For more
information on how this works, click HERE
8/10/07 - HotRodder.Com Drag Strip Stories message board ...
We invite all old drag racers to relive the early days of drag racing by posting their stories and
pictures on our Drag Strip Stories message board. Racers have found old friends, shared information with new
owners the history of their former race cars, got together for reunions, and so much more!
Register & start posting your stories at Drag Strip Stories forum.
8/2/07 - 54th Annual World Series of Drag Racing ...
Don't miss one of the biggest drag racing events of the summer at Cordova Dragway in Cordova, Illinois on
August 24-26. See Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars, Top Fuel Dragsters of Chris "The Greek" Karamesines and Brady Calivoda,
Jet Cars, Altereds, and Animal Jim vs. Arnie Beswick. I was there several years ago and caught some incredible moments
on video. You can read about it at www.dragracingonline.com
7/30/2007 - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza ...
AUBURN - The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum has announced the eighth and final car to be offered at the Second
Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza to be held at the museum on Thursday, August 30, 2007
at 7 p.m. A 1933 Packard Eight Dual Windshield Phaeton (Model 1002) will be offered during the second annual
museum benefit. This Packard Eight was originally delivered new by the Denver, Colorado Packard dealership on
May 20, 1933. It is believed to have spent the majority of its life in California and has been correctly restored
over the years. This is an opportunity to own a rare 1933 Packard Eight Phaeton. Fewer then twenty Packard Eight
Phaeton’s were produced in 1933. Many automotive historians consider the 1933 and 1934 models to be the ultimate
classic era Packards.
Also offered at the Extravaganza will be a 16-time award-winning 1935 Auburn 851 Super-Charged Phaeton that will
be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year, an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club certified 1933 Duesenberg
Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton, a 1938 DeSoto Custom Convertible Limousine, a 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible,
a 1940 Pontiac Special Six Station Wagon, a very rare 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Mulliner Drop-Head Coupe,
and a 1954 Reliant Regal Deluxe Roadster. The Rolls Royce and the Reliant will be offered at NO RESERVE!
Last year’s First Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza was a success, hosting 265 people and
providing $108,000 in funding for the not-for-profit museum’s operating fund.
Bill Parfet will again serve as the celebrity auctioneer and will be accompanied by celebrity ringmen. Dean Kruse
will donate licensed auction services in addition to supporting the event through sponsorship. Cars offered at the
museum benefit are not part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Extravaganza activities include a live auction of original automotive art featuring premium pieces from the nation’s
finest automotive artists, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and after-hours museum touring. The Extravaganza will be an evening that classic car enthusiasts will not want to miss. It will take place in one of the finest classic car museums in the world, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.
A limited number of tickets are available at $125 per person. Proceeds benefit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.
Call Jan Schippers at (260) 925-1444 to reserve your tickets.
Second Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza sponsors-to-date include: Kruse
International; RM Auctions, Inc.; The Worldwide Group; Hagerty Insurance; Do it Best Corp.; Eddie Merlot’s; Sandra
and Gene Davenport; Gooding & Company, Inc.; Valeo Financial Advisors, LLC; Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance; and
Therma-Tru Corp., a museum corporate partner.
The not-for-profit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is located in the restored 1930 art deco administrative building
of the former Auburn Automobile Company. The museum displays 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest
cars in eight galleries. The museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1997, is a National
Historic Landmark. The museum is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit
www.acdmuseum.org
 |
Pictured is a 1933 Packard Eight Dual Windshield Phaeton, one of eight cars to be offered for sale during
the Second Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza. |
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 - Match Race Mania ...
Plan now to attend one of the biggest drag racing events of the summer at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL on May 19th!
Special tribute celebrating 50th anniversary of the old U.S. 30 Dragstrip. The race has old gassers, nitro altereds, fuel
funny cars, top fuel dragsters, top fuel bikes, Pro mods, Top Sportsman, the Nostalgic Pro Comp Association, The Chicago
Wise Guys.
Saturday, March 24, 2007 - Eric Medlin succumbs to injuries ...
Eric Medlen, 33, who had emerged as one of the most popular young drivers in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing
Series, succumbed March 23 to injuries suffered when his race car crashed into a guardwall during a Monday
test session at Gainesville Raceway. The talented Funny Car driver never regained consciousness.
View the tribute page at NHRA.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - Eric Medlin, team member at John Force Racing, injured ...
Eric Medlen was injured Monday when his Funny Car crashed during a testing accident at Gainesville Raceway. Medlen
suffered undetermined injuries when his entry crashed heavily into the rightside guardwall. He was transported
via ShandsCair helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida medical center.The six-time NHRA tour winner, who participated in Sunday's 38th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, was being treated in the surgical intensive care unit at Shands. He was listed in critical condition while being further evaluated by medical personnel.
Medical staff will provide a condition update at midday on Tuesday according to John Force Racing sources who emphasized that, at the present time, Medlen is not permitted to have visitors, phone calls, cards or flowers.
"Eric's extended family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers," said Kelly Antonelli,
spokesperson for JFR. "At the same time, we would ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time and
allow the medical staff to do its work."
A former crewman on boss and teammate John Force's championship-winning Funny Cars, Medlen began his own
driving career in 2004, winning a race his first year. He won three more times in 2005 and two times last season
in a Funny Car prepared by his father, John Medlen.
Monday, February 26, 2007 - HotRodder.Com announces affiliation with eAutoRepair.net ...
 Are you a "do-it-yourselfer" gearhead who would love to get your hands on all the auto repair info, wiring diagrams, and service
bulletins for your 1983 and newer vehicle that repair shops & dealerships have access to? Mitchell 1 has been providing repair information to the professional auto industry for more than 80 years and now they have
launched a website just for the do-it-yourselfer. With more information than a printed manual, eAutoRepair's website provides professional instructions and illustrations that guide you through step-by-step mechanical repair
procedures, maintenance service schedules, and the latest service tips (Technical Service Bulletins & recalls) to help you repair and maintain
your daily driver. The "one vehicle per subscription" is available to purchase on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.
Thursday, February 19, 2007 - "Hot Art - Cool Wine" Event Free to the Public ...
Free Event Features Exhibit of Acclaimed Automotive Artist.
Automotive Artist Michael Goettner will be featured at the Fourth Annual Museums’ Choice Award Art Exhibit. The exhibit will display 40 of the artist’s paintings. The exhibit opening "Hot Art - Cool Wine" will be Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in the Metal Technologies, Inc. Education Center located on level II. The public is invited to attend the exhibit opening at no charge. Goettner will be on-hand at the opening to discuss his paintings. Free wine, cheese and a coffee bar will be served. As always, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum galleries will be available to view during the exhibit opening, also free of charge. The Goettner exhibit will continue until March 31st with each paid museum admission.
Goettner, of Sylvania, Ohio, earned the honor of a one-artist exhibit as the Museums’ Choice Award winner at the 2006 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Invitational Art Show and Sale, held over Labor Day weekend at Kruse Auction Park. He is the fourth recipient to win this award. Goettner is a nationally acclaimed artist that has exhibited in art galleries across the country and is a regular at many classic car events, with numerous invitational exhibits and awards to his credit. Goettner’s work will soon be featured at the Pole Position Gallery in Paris, France.
Goettner is known for developing realistic, highly detailed paintings with a special emphasis on surface reflections and lighting. Goettner uses the car’s surface to almost create a painting within the painting. He prefers watercolor paint as his medium of choice to create these illusions, but is no stranger to other media.
Goettner’s artwork has brought him many unique associations and acquaintances throughout his career. His list continues to expand and includes such names as Carroll Shelby, Luigi Chinneti, the Lamborghini family, Lee Holman, and the Wood Brothers of NASCAR® among many others.
The not-for-profit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is located in the restored 1930 art deco administrative building of the former Auburn Automobile Company.1600 South Wayne Street, Auburn, Indiana. The museum displays 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars in eight galleries. The museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1997, is a National Historic Landmark. It is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - Partnership with the CarDomain ...
HotRodder.Com is thrilled to announce that we have joined forces and formed a partnership with CarDomain, the largest
community of car lovers on the internet! Now car enthusiasts on both sites are able to join each other’s communities to meet others who share the same interests and exchange information to further enhance their online experience!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - HotRodder.Com Events Calendar ...
Please help fill our Events Calendar for 2007 by sending us information on your event or at least let promotors know where to find
us! It's easy to send us your information. Just fill out the Submit Event form
and we'll get it listed in our Calendar at http://www.hotrodder.com/events.htm
Friday, January 5, 2007 - Goodwin convicted in Mickey Thompson murder ...
It's been a long 18 years for the family of Mickey & Trudy Thompson who were murdered back in 1988, but they finally have closure.
Thompson was a briliant innovator and a legend in the motorsports - from the dragstrip to the Baja off road. In 1960 he had a world-record run of 406.60 mph at Bonneville.
You can learn more about Mickey & some of his amazing accomplishments on the Wikipedia website.
Thompson & his wife were ruthlessly gunned down outside their home in California.
Monday, January 1, 2007 - Happy New Year! ...
I just wanted to wish all our members, friends and visitors a safe and prosperous New Year.
Did you make any New Year's resolutions? I try, but never get too far in to the year before they are just distant
memories. Some time over the holidays .. maybe it was when I was at the office Christmas party filling my face from platters
of yummy appetizers and sweet holiday treats ... someone broke in to my house and I swear they shrunk all my clothes!
Rather than tossing them all out & buying new ones that fit, my resolution was to lose those extra pounds.
Maybe your resolution is to complete that hotrod project you started last year that fell by the wayside when you
got too busy in the summer doing outdoorsy things with the family. Perhaps you resolved to attend more car shows or
races this year. I don't know how I did it at the time, but when I was drag racing, I rarely missed an event. I was
there on my birthday. I was there when it rained. I was there when I was nursing a nasty hangover. Now that I don't race
anymore, I find that my days at the track are dwindling rapidly. Last summer I didn't make it to one race! This year
I'm definitely going through some serious withdrawal so I'm already marking my calendar for some seat time at the track.
I'm also looking forward to the Chicago Auto Show in February. I'll fill you in on that all goes. Cheers.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 - Press Release -
Gasoline Alley’s Eighth Annual Birthday Bash,
May 26th-27th, 2007: Event kickoff party will be held on Saturday, May 26th, from 12:00noon to 10:00pm at The
Cannery Casino and Hotel and includes live bands, dedicated parking, vendors, trophies and drawings. Sunday,
May 27th, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, we’re on the grass at Eldorado Park. As always, this event is open to all
vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, low riders, racecars, etc. Register by May 16th for only $25.00 and also qualify
for a series of drawings at Eldorado Park! Registration is only $30.00 on site. Registration includes great
goodie bag, event T-shirt, drink cooler, and dash plaque. In addition to trophies at The Cannery Casino and
Hotel, there will be numerous trophies also awarded on Sunday at Eldorado Park, including Best of Show, Top
Twenty, Participants Pick, Kid’s Pick, and People’s Choice. HUGE amount of items for drawings throughout the
day at Eldorado Park, including Mario Andretti Racing School, dinners and shows on the Strip, NHRA memorabilia,
and many, many, more. All proceeds to benefit The Lili Claire Foundation, which assists children with
neurogenetic defects, including Autism, Downs Syndrome, and Williams Syndrome. To learn more about the
incredible services offered by The Lili Claire Foundation, please visit The Lili Claire Family Resource Center
at UNSOM, located at 522 East Twain Avenue, Las Vegas, NV, or call (702) 862-8141. For more information
regarding Gasoline Alley’s Eighth Annual Birthday Bash, please contact Mike at (702) 371-7469,
gasolinealley@cox.net, or visit our event website, www.birthdaybash.net. Since the inaugural event in
2000, Gasoline Alley’s Birthday Bash has generated over $80,000 for local children’s charities! With your
support, this will prove to be the biggest, and best, Birthday Bash ever! We are truly changing children’s lives!
Sunday, November 12, 2006 - NHRA champions crowned in Pomona ...
The National Hot Rod Association season ended with titles going to Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, John Force in
Funny Car, Greg Anderson in Pro Stock, and Craig Treble in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Read all the highlights at
NHRA.com
Saturday, November 11, 2006 - Happy Veterans Day! ...
Announcement from Ray Taylor of the San Diego Auto Swap...
"I want to wish our Military a Very Happy Veteran's Day. I am so grateful for all they do for us. They make the
ultimate sacrifice a person can make for another. They are willing to put their lives at risk for us. We can never
do enough for them as far as I am concerned. All my shows are "Salute Our Troops" events. That meaning All Active
Military get into my events for FREE. It's my small way of saying Thank You! I hope to see lots of our military at
our Toys For Tots Show & Swap on December 16, 2006"
"Speaking of the December 16 event, I have some Great News! Skip Hedrich (336 MPH Senior) called me and he will be
attending the Toys For Tots event. He will be bringing out his world famous,record-holding Streamliner. Skip
is 72 years young and still looking to break new records. There sure is no slowing Skip down!!!
Read more about Skip at www.CarsNet.com."
"Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids to the December 16 Show & Swap and I will treat you to FREE food
as my Thank You!"
"Remember, if you have a vehicle to sell, do it for FREE at www.CarsNet.com."
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 - Drag Race Canada launches new line
of apparel ...
Canadian drag racers and fans are stylin' in the new line of apparel unveiled by
DragRaceCanada.com.
The "NitroMoose" logo is the new official brand and apparel for Canada’s premier all drag racing website
designed by talented artist Stu Wotypka of ID Motorsport Design
Monday, November 6, 2006 - The Legends of Ascot 4th Annual Event a
Huge Success.
November 6, 2006, Perris, CA - The 4th Annual Legends of Ascot Event,
honoring the many people who participated at J. C. Agajanian’s Ascot
Park, from 1957 through 1990, once again set new attendance records
this year. Event founder and host, Don Weaver, joined hostess
Belita Michnowicz to welcome honorees, guests and attendees from across
the US and Canada, at the October 21st Event. The long sold-out
event gains momentum every year and has become the largest open wheel
racer’s reunion of its type in the country.
Drivers Jimmy Oskie, Lealand McSpadden, Jack Brunner, Walt James, and
Wally Pankratz; aluminum engine innovator and builder Ed Donovan, and
car owner Jack Kindoll were cheered on by the attendees as they, or
their families, received their induction into the Legends of
Ascot. Glenn Howard received the 1st Annual Lifetime Achievement
Award for his many years of involvement in motorsports. This
year’s Guest Honoree, Al Unser, was joined on the stage by his wife
Susan.
The always popular Vintage Car Display produced more than 50 WRA and
URA cars from all-over the United States, and included excellent
examples of midgets, sprint and champ cars of the era. The
vintage cars also had an opportunity to stretch their legs on the
Perris Auto Speedway half-mile dirt track later in The Legends of Ascot
Night.
After the ceremonies, the event attendees had an opportunity to meet
and greet the honorees and talk with the many other notables in
attendance, to relive the stories of the famed track and a bygone
era. Just a few of the sightings include Special Guest Parnelli
Jones, Shane Carson, VP of Race Operations at DIRT Motorsports, artist
Greg Tedder, sprint and Indy car driver Chuck Hulse, Dave Stewart of
Vintage Oval Racing Magazine, J.C. Agajanian Jr., Ronnie Shaver,
up-and-coming drivers Nadine Keller, Darren Hagen and Blake Miller, and
USAC/CRA veterans Robby Flock, Tony Jones, and Rip Williams.
In addition to the day’s activities, and included with their Legends of
Ascot paid admission, a full evening of USAC/CRA Sprint Car racing was
in order for the attendees along with the general-public, at The PAS.
Danny Sheridan in the Kittle Motorsports #18 won the Legends of Ascot
Trophy Dash, sponsored by Agromin Premium Soil Products. To
conclude the Event, Don Weaver awarded two elegant gold cup
vintage-style trophies to the winner and the sponsor.
With an outstanding show of nearly 50 USAC/CRA Sprint Cars in
attendance, plus the Legends of Ascot Night vintage racecar events, and
trophies awarded by Don Weaver for the Legends of Ascot Trophy Dash,
the 2006 Legends of Ascot 4th Annual Event can only be considered a
major success.
“Keeping with our tradition, our goal is to preserve the memories of
these great days of racing and of the people who participated, and pass
them on to future generations of racers and fans alike”, said Don
Weaver, “and we look forward to making next year’s event even better”.
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - Teams wanted for extreme cross-country reality race
show ...
Spike TV to produce Bullrun, a reality television show that reflects the fast-paced exciting
life of a team of two drivers making their way across country. For
thirteen days, thirteen teams will drive their cars coast to coast competing
for a big money prize plus bragging rights!
Think you’ve got the guts to win the most cutthroat car rally to ever hit the air? Wanna drive hard, party hard,
and compete for a big-money prize? Well get ready, because Spike TV is looking for drivers and their cars to
compete in Bullrun, Spike TV’s reality show that will redefine the American car rally!
Are you a fearless driver with a badass car who wants to leave the others in the dust as you master your way
to the next checkpoint? If so, Spike TV wants you to drive hard by day and party hard by night during this
once-in-a-lifetime television event! Guys and Girls, if you love the sound of a well-built motor then you
need to apply now! Spike TV’s Bullrun will be an epic journey, an action packed adventure and a ride to remember
for those lucky enough to compete.
If you are 21 years of age or older, have a passion for your car and a good driving record, apply now at
http://www.bullruncasting.com
Thursday, August 3, 2006 - Looking for past New York National Speedway racers & employees ...
Former racer is trying to locate racers, fans, and employees who were at the track in the late '60's.
For more info, visit HotRodder.Com Drag Strip Stories
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 - HotRodder.Com members updated websites ...
Check out the newly updated websites of our members! - Real McCoy's Toys, Tom's Lowbuck Bracketeering,
Nerf Bar & Grill. For a listing of all HotRodder.Com member sites, visit HotRodder.Com Member Websites
Sunday, March 12, 2006 - The Legends of Ascot announces its 4th annual event
to be held October 21, 2006 at Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, California ...
The 4th Annual Legends of Ascot 2006 Event, honoring drivers Jimmy Oskie, Wally Pankratz, Walt
James, Jack Bruner and Leland McSpadden, JFK car owners Jack and Wilda Kendoll, and aluminum block engine builder
Ed Donovan, with the possibility of a "special guest" honoree, will be held at the Perris Auto Speedway, in
Perris, CA, and will feature an expanded program. "Keeping with our tradition, our goal is to preserve the
memories of those great days of racing at Ascot and of the people who participated, and pass them on to future
generations of racers and fans alike", said Don Weaver, founder of the event.
Racing enthusiasts from all over the US and Canada have enjoyed what has now become the largest open wheel racers
reunion in the country. The event celebrates the people involved in the 33 years of operation from 1957 to 1990,
at Ascot Park, in Gardena, California. Ascot was the nationally renown premier ½ mile dirt track on the West
Coast, and many of the drivers of the era were starters of the Indianapolis 500 during the period. Past honorees
include Parnelli Jones, Hal Minyard, Allen Heath, Dean Thompson, Ted Halibrand, Bobby Hogle and J. C. Agajanian
to name a few.
The Legends of Ascot Annual Event draws Vintage Race Cars from all over North America. From Midgets, Sprints,
and Dirt Champ cars, to Indy cars of the era, some of the most historic cars from the USAC national circuit and
the CRA have been displayed. In all, the Event averages 30+ Vintage Race Cars each year. After the days activities,
the Vintage Race Cars will have the opportunity to stretch their legs on the ½-mile clay oval at Perris Auto Speedway
in the Legends of Ascot Vintage Car Exhibition Heat Races, during the USAC/CRA sprint car event that evening.
The event is open to the public, and gives race enthusiasts the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the best
drivers of the era. Admission to the Event includes plenty of "bench racing", snacks, the award presentations,
auctions, raffles, an excellent buffet lunch, collectable souvenir program, the vintage racecar display, and
admission to the USAC/CRA sprint car event. Every year the event sells out and Don suggests that attendees order
their tickets to the event as soon as possible.
Contact: Legends of Ascot at (310) 549-3562, or email legendsofascot@aol.com or visit the website at
www.legendsofascot.com
Friday, March 3, 2006 - Star of "All My Children" will be part of the
Mid-Atlantic Show Excitement ...
FORT WASHINGTON, PA MARCH 3, 2006 . . . One of the most popular soap operas on television these
days is ABC’s All My Children and one of the most popular cast members is Cameron Mathison who plays the part of
Ryan Lavery.
Mathison, a part of All of Children since 1989, will be appearing at the first annual Mid-Atlantic Rod & Custom
Show at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center which is set to take place March 31st through April 2nd. The veteran
actor, who has appeared in a number of movies and other television programs, will be meeting fans and signing
autographs of Sunday, April 2nd.
Perhaps one of his most rewarding sports accomplishments is the fact that he was able to tie former Philadelphia
Eagle Terrell Owens in an NBA All Star celebrity slam-dunk competition. He is also a member of the Celebrity Players
Golf Tour, which travels to 16 cities across the USA and is seen on Golf Channel.
Most recently Mathison appeared on a segment of ABC’s Hope & Faith. A nominee for the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding
Supporting Actor in 2002 he will be seen on August 16th in ABC Family Channel’s SEE JANE DATE.
Mathison will be joining American Graffiti star Paul LeMatt, drag racing legend Don Garlits, along with well known
industry celebrities Troy Trepanier, Boyd Coddington and Ken Finical (Posies) in appearances at the three day show.
More than 270,000 square feet, all on one easy to walk through level, will be dedicated to this first time event. At
least 300 cars will be on display representing hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars, exotics, classics, low riders,
pick-ups and tuners.
Event organizers have posted more than $10,000 in prize money, merchandise and awards to be paid out during the
three days with $5,000 going to the Best of the Show winner.
Proving to be a very popular area at the show is the Car Corral. This is an area set aside for those who have
rod and custom cars that they would like to sell.
“We are really excited about the response we are getting to the show,” said co-organizer Len Sammons. “For the first
year we really think this is going to be a huge success. And it is just the start of a long run for the show. We just
felt the area needed a show of this type.”
Many of the cars entered in the show can be seen at the
www.midatlanticcarshow.com website. The Happy Days truck,
featured on the hit TV show Happy Days, will be on display along with the Shark A.T.T.A.K., Posie’s Aeroliner and
many others. New entries are being added to the site on a regular basis. The website also offers complete information
on the three day show.
Information on sponsorship and marketing opportunities can be had by telephoning the show office at
609.888.3618. There is still some exhibit and car display space available.
Discount lodging reservations at area hotels are available through Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888. The discounts
are available only when reservations are made through the show agency, Plaza Travel.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center is located just a short distance from the PA. Turnpike exit #339.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - Choppers Hot Rod Association celebrates 50th Anniversary ...
 The Choppers Hot Rod Association, Cleveland Ohio, the oldest continually operated car club in Ohio,
will celebrate its Golden Anniversary with a Rod & Custom Show April 7, 8 & 9, 2006. The show will utilize 3 soccer
fields inside the huge Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, Ohio.
The club was founded in 1956 by a few members of the Road Phantoms who broke away to form the Choppers. The name was
derived because at the time most of the members drove chopped cars (and long before custom motor cycles became known
as choppers). At that time, hot rodders were considered to be hoodlums and not the kind of boys that most fathers
wanted their daughters to be associated with and the Choppers were determined to change that image with rules that
enforced 25 to 50 cent fines for "being the first away from a traffic light", "getting tickets for traffic
violations" or street "drag racing". Courtesy cards were printed to be given out to stranded motorists that
members stopped to assist.
In 1962 the NHRA and Hot Rod Magazine honored the Choppers Hot Rod Association in the August issue by naming them
as the Club of the Month with a pictorial and presented the club with a banner. Later in the 60's, the Choppers
fielded 3 Top Fuel dragsters and a Funny Car as well as organizing annual indoor Rod & Custom Shows and became
the first club to help promote the inaugural AutoRama in downtown Cleveland.
Over the years the Choppers bought their own "club garage" which starting with a 900 sq.ft garage, to their present
6000 sq. ft. garage which has 13 stalls, for repairs and car storage. It also sports a small machine shop and a
large meeting room and was a former Studebaker Dealership.
Since 1956, except when it falls on a holiday, meetings have been held every Thursday evening. The club, whose
membership is capped at 35, has many members with over 40 and 45 years seniority including Bill Goudreau who will
be celebrating 50 years as one of the original founding members. Presently, the club has more than 43 vehicles that
include hot rods, customs, muscle cars, a funny car and a top alcohol dragster.
The club is looking for any former Chopper's Rod & Custom Show winners to be included in their special 50th
Anniversary show. Please contact Jerry at 440-458-6886 and visit the website at
www.cruisintimes.org
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - Questions on your hot rod or race car??? ...
Check out the HotRodder.Com Message Board
and post your questions. We have some very knowledgable folks who'll do their best to help you out.
And if you have an inline engine question whether it's 4, 6, or 8 cylinders, we also recommend going on over to the
International Inliners Organization. This organization has been around since 1981
and it consists of people from all over the world who share an interest and passion for the inline engine.
Saturday, February 4, 2006 - Events for 2006 ...
Looking for a car show, cruise, or race this year? Keep an eye on our
Events Calendar for activities around your area. If you'd like to
send us information on your event, just Click Here!
http://www.hotrodder.com/betherecd.html
Thursday, November 17, 2005 - All I want for Christmas ...
Are you having a rough time finding a Christmas gift that the gearhead on your list will enjoy? Well, look no
further! HotRodder.Com has just the perfect item, especially if he's an old geezer of a gearhead. He'll no doubt
recall "the good old days" of hearing that radio commercial announcer scream at the top of his lungs to let listeners
know about an upcoming drag race at the local track ... "Be there this Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!! ..." Ahhhh, the memories.
Well, they've been preserved on a special CD you can find more information on at
http://www.hotrodder.com/betherecd.html
Monday, November 14, 2005 - Bruce Sarver ...
Just found out that Bruce Sarver, former Top Fuel & Funny Car driver, who was a two-time
winner in the Funny Car class, took his own life on November 10. I know only too well the heartache of a suicide in the family. My mother took her own life
when I was just three years old, and even though I don't remember her all that much, it impacted my entire life and still
affects me today. It's so hard to handle this kind of death because you never understand "why" and you always wonder if
somehow you could've prevented it. The "If Only's" run rampant and you want to believe that time will heal
all wounds, but really, it doesn't. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and close friends.
Sunday, November 13, 2005 - Rumor has it ...
Lately there's been some activity on our Drag
Strip Stories message board with some posts
speculating about a growing interest in resurrecting the old U.S. 30 dragstrip in Indiana. Well, in Saturday's
Northwestern
Indiana Times, there's an article reporting that there is actually a plan in progess to
rezone the land and possibly build a new track along with a museum and automotive repair shop on the property. Sure
hope that'll become a reality, not only for the historical value, but also for the new generation of racers who
need a safe place to drag race.
Thursday, October 6, 2005 - NHRA Nationals at Rt 66 ...
Spent a great weekend in Chicago! On Friday night we took in the NHRA nitro cars qualifying at
Route 66 in Joliet. I hope someday you'll have the opportunity to see the Top Fuel dragsters & Funny Cars run under the lights.
It's so cool to see those flames shooting out the headers, and combined with the roar of those engines, it makes
for a pretty awesome spectacle. Did you know that the nitromethane-powered engines of NHRA Top Fuel dragsters
and Funny Cars produce approximately 7,000 horsepower - about 37 times that of the average street car? And that
one cylinder (are you with me? ONE cylinder!) of the eight cylinders of a Top Fuel dragster or a Funny Car
produces 750 horsepower, equaling the entire horsepower output of a NASCAR engine? For more fascinating facts about
NHRA dragsters & funnycars, check out the NHRA Fun Facts
page.
Saturday we drove in to downtown Chicago to go to the Museum of Science
and Industry. Tons of exhibits for viewing and hands on experience. The neatest thing was touring the German U-505
submarine which was captured in WWII and is now a national memorial to the 55,000 American sailors who gave their
lives on the high seas during WWI and WWII.
On Sunday, we headed back to Joliet for the NHRA finals. Top Fuel's Tony Schumacher, Funny Car's John Force, and Pro Stock's Greg Anderson
were in the winner's circle. It was just a fantastic show! For all the highlights and race results, you can visit
NHRA.com
Tues, August 30, 2005 - World Series of Drag Racing ...
I had the opportunity to join the record-setting crowd at Cordova Dragway Park this last weekend for the 52nd Annual running of the World Series of Drag Racing.
Got to watch my buddy "Animal Jim"
race his famed Mammoth Mercury in a couple exhibition matches
against the Grocery Getter of Eric Larson. Headlining the
event were the Top Fuel teams of Tony Schumacher & Scott
Palmer and the Nitro Funny Cars teams of Frank Pedregon, Tim Wilkerson,
Jack Wyatt, and Dale Creasy. Jets,
wheelstanders, nitro fueled altereds, fireworks and more packed into
the evening's schedule. And, of course, all the action was announced from
trackside by Bret Kepner of ESPN. The Gardners sure know how to put on a
terrific event!
Mon, August 22, 2005 - Road America 500 ...
Wow, where is this summer going?? Been so busy
and time just flies by that I forget to post in the blog. I hate it
when that happens! Anyway, we just returned from a great day at
the track yesterday - Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI where we
took in the American Le Mans Series Road America 500
Couldn't ask for better weather to watch those Porsches, Maseratis, and
Vettes glide effortlessly through the tight turns. Some darn
close racing too! You can view the recap of the race at the ALMS website.
Sun, June 12, 2005 - The Secret to Drag Racing ...
If you're a drag racer, you've probably had some seat time
in your car already this season. Are you feeling a little
rusty? ...Or maybe you're new in the saddle and could use some
extra help to improve your racing strategies. I would
highly recommend the information that Tami Eggleston, Ph.D. has to offer. She's a professor at McKendree College,
but she's also veteran drag racer, a regular contributor to Drag News
Magazine, and the leading authority on auto racing psychology.
I've attended her seminars at the World Drag Expo in St. Charles, IL
and I've learned some amazing stuff. She's put together book
& video packages that can help you get your act together as a
racer. Visit www.racingsecrets.com to check out her instructional series on racing.
Fri, June 10, 2005 - Larry Carrier,
founder of the IHRA passes away ..
We're sad to report that on June 6, Larry Carrier, the founder of the International
Hot Rod Association and also one of the 3 men who built Bristol
Speedway passed away at the age of 82. The funeral will be Thursday at 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3358 Highway
126, Blountville, Tenn. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:45 p.m. prior to the
service. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission at 624 Anderson
Street, Bristol, Tenn. Weaver Funeral Home at 630 Locust St. in Bristol is in
charge of arrangements
Thurs, April 21, 2005 - Message Board ...
Our Tech Forum
here at HotRodder.Com is frequented by some great folks who are eager
to help you with your tech questions. Their specialty is Chevy
stuff, but they will certainly try & help you out with any make or
model. There are also boards for sharing information about old
drag strips or tech & safety tips.
Another very popular forum we have here is our Drag Strip
Stories. Visitors post their stories about past & present
drag strips. One this board, long lost racing pals have
discovered each other again to swap stories, racers have found out some
more history on their race cars, old photos and videos are being shared
& swapped. Visit Drag Strip Stories today!
Wed, March 16, 2005 - In the Summertime ...
Outdoor car shows and racing are right around the
corner as the weather starts warming up. Find events in your area
or submit your event to be listed in our calendar.
If you have a prized hot rod or race car, no doubt you
have several pictures of it in your photo album or digital media.
However, I know of one artist who can do one better for you ...
Kenny Youngblood, can whip up a custom "cartoon" for your prized
possession just in time for Father's Day . . . or any other day for
that matter. " Da Blood's" drawings are quite amazing & it'll
be a valuable & treasured keepsake for sure! Get one for your
vehicle or even as a gift for someone special. Visit youngbloodart.com for more information and to order.
 Mon, February 28, 2005 - Pete Millar ...
Today marks the second anniversary of the death
of legendary automotive cartoonist Pete Millar. We have a few of
Pete's cartoons he so graciously sent us for one of our features here
at HotRodder.Com at http://www.hotrodder.com/RodderMart/Millar Please take some time to view his work here and then surf over to his website laffyerasphalt.com which is still operated by his wife and daughter to check out fantastic collection of his work.
Don't know who Pete is? Dave Wallace did an interview with Pete back in March of '03 which is on the Northwest Drag Racing website.
Sun, Feb 27, 2005 - The History Channel needs your help. . .
They are looking for old home videos of Bill "Maverick" Golden and his
Little Red Wagon and Al Ekstrand and the "LAWMAN".. View the
post by a producer from the History Channel on our Drag Strip Stories message board
http://www.hotrodder.com/trackforum/messages/4496.html
Maybe you can help them out or direct them to someone who has.
Sun, Jan 9, 2005 -- New Year, New Design! ...
There's only one good thing about winter - I can spend some quality time in front of my computer catching up on all
my web work since there aren't any races to go to or watch on TV. I decided to work on an "extreme makeover" for the site.
I hope you all like it. It's still a work in progress, but should be all finished before racing season starts up!
Take note that we've also added the Code Amber alert news ticker. Keep an eye on the alerts for your area.
I encourage you to look around, participate in our 2 forums - the Tech Forum and
the Drag Strip Stories message board. We also have a
Classified Ads section where you can post your vehicles & parts for sale or look in the Wanted section to see if someone
is looking for a part or a car that you might want to sell.
If you're bored this winter, find a good book or purchase a new magazine subscription by checking out our
Amazon bookstore page. If you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms from
no racing, get a Steve Evans "Be There!" cd which features old
radio commericials from drag strip events. It's just a riot! And the last few tracks are actual burnout and racing
sounds from the the drag strip.
If that still doesn't get you through the winter, let me suggest that you head over
the World Drag Expo which is going to be in
Chicago .. actually it's in St. Charles, which is just west of the windy city ... on January 29 and 30. Get all the info
by clicking on the link. There's an indoor swap meet, seminars, and vendor's booths.
Wed, Dec 15, 2004 -- Larry Rossman - 1952-2004 ...
 A long time friend and fellow racer
called me with the sad news that his brother, Larry, had lost his battle with brain cancer on Dec. 8. Larry, pictured
a right with
me and Don Garlits at the World Drag Expo, was one of the nicest people I've been fortunate to know.
I remember a sermon at church one time where the pastor quoted - "The most important symbol
on a tombstone is not the date of birth, nor the date of death, but rather the dash between the dates.
For it is the dash between the dates that represents a life spent here on earth."
Larry's
dash represented a life that touched so many other lives especially
considering his 24 year career as a paramedic in Iowa. Makes me wonder
how many dashes Larry was able to postpone getting engraved on other
people's tombstones. Not only that, but he was instrumental in
developing first responder units around Story County in Iowa. He served
as president and board member of the Iowa SIDS Alliance. He helped
develop the Infant Death Scene Investigation Protocol for various state
agencies and was appointed to the Department of Human Service's review
team for abuse-related child deaths.
In spite of his busy schedule, Larry still had time to establish and be president of the Iowa Mud Runners
Association in his spare time. He loved the sport, he loved wrenching on his cars and trucks and he had been looking forward
to attending the 2005 World Drag Expo. Larry has left behind many heavy hearts, including mine.
Tue, Sep 21, 2004 -- Jack Halton, Inliners International...
Jack Halton, president of the Inliners International
organization passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack last weekend.
Jack, an easy-going, friendly guy, was very active in the organization
as president and webmaster. I had the pleasure of helping him with some
things on their website and it was always enjoyable to talk with him
on the phone. Jack was very special person and just browsing some of
the other member’s posts, he will be sorely missed by many!
The Inliners is a group of 1000+ members who love inline engines of all kinds. They have an active website
and a great little magazine. If you’re a fan of these particular engines, I would encourage you to check into
this group.
Fri, Sep 03, 2004 -- Cool Stuff ...
I was going through our Links database the other day in order to delete dead links. We welcome automotive-related
website owners to add their own link to our database and since we’ve been online for almost 8 years now, we’ve
accumulated quite a collection. Well, it’s been interesting to say the least! Many valid websites have closed down
and their domain name purchased by those annoying search sites with a gazillion pop-up ads that you can hardly get
rid of unless you unplug your computer. I hate those as much as I hate email spam.
Anyway, as I was clicking & testing links I came upon some really cool websites.
In the Accessories category there was - Too Cool Kits.
They build decorative panels to put on the refridgerator out in the
garage - or home if you’re a hardcore gearhead. These decorative panels
resemble a toolbox, gas pump, or just add a touch of flames to really
dress up a frumpy fridge.
Another good site - Auto Park 2000 Backup Safety System
offers a product that utilizes sensors mounted at the rear of the
vehicle which detect objects behind the vehicle while in reverse. A
series of beeps alert the driver if there is something in the way. What
a great product especially for parents of young children! These sites
& more are found in our Links section and from time to time, as I
stumble upon other slick sites, I’ll be mentioning them right here in
our HotRodder.Com Blog.
Tue, Aug 24, 2004 -- U.S. Nationals...
This weekend, Indianapolis Raceway Park hosts the granddaddy of all drag races - “The Big Go” - The Mac Tools U.S.
Nationals got underway on Thursday with finals to be on Monday. If you can’t make it to the event, keep up with all
the latest news from various sources, including WhoWon.com,
NHRA.com and Drag Race Central
at Summitracing.com. This
legendary event is celebrating it’s 50th birthday and if you’re interested in it’s history, NHRA has created a special
website 50th US Nationals.com which includes an extensive photo
and winners history archive.
Sat, Aug 21, 2004 -- Road Racing, et. al....
Although drag racing is my passion, I do enjoy other forms of racing as well. Last Sunday I went
down to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin to the Road America track for the Road America 500 an American Le Mans series race.
A nice turnout of Audi R8’s, Porsche 911’s, Lolas, Saleens, Vipers, and even a couple of Corvettes which placed 1st
and 2nd in their GTS class. For a full report, click here.
For you nostalgia drag racing fans, we noticed a post on
our Drag Strip Stories forum
that The Nostalgia Boys from Illinois will be at Midstate Dragway in
Havana, Illinois (just NW of Springfield) September 25-26. Over 100
dragsters, funnycars, gassers, you name it, will be there. Should be a
good show!
Going back even farther in automobile history, there’s an event for all
the vintage car nuts - Listed in our HotRodder.Com Events Calendar for this coming
Sunday, August 29, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline,
Massachusetts is hosting a Vintage Ford Day. If you can’t make it to the museum, you must at least make it over
to their website. To start it up, just place your cursor over the car. It’s a pretty cool website.
Wed, Aug 18, 2004 -- Make Your Car Show Memorable ...
Summer’s sorta winding down here in the “north”, but you’ll still find plenty of car shows and cruises going on in
the southern states. I didn’t make it to one of Wisconsin’s biggest shows this year.
The is a huge 3-day event
held in early July in central Wisconsin. But today, I’m headin' over to the
Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show.
This show is one of the largest in the U.S. There’s some pretty cool
old military vehicles on display. I had one uncle that was a
radio/gunner on a B-25 and another uncle that fought in the European
arena in WW II, so this is particularly interesting for me. Battlefield
re-enactments and living history displays offer fascinating “real-time”
history lessons. This year, they are proud to have on display the
traveling half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial “The Wall
That Heals”.
Getting back to the car show thing, if you’re on the planning committee for an upcoming car show, cruise or race
event, or you know somebody who is, you should let them know how they can customize their event to really make it
special. Direct them to Jack Francis T-shirts.
Jack can really do up some cool designs that’ll promote your event,
make you some money when you sell the shirts, and give attendees a
piece of memorabilia to take home with them when they leave!
And when it comes time to award the trophies, give show & race
winners something that won’t end up in a box stored out in the garage.
An award they’ll proudly display on their mantle. I’m talking about the
truly unique trophies found at Olde Tyme Trophies & Awards.
I just thought these were pretty cool!
These websites and hundreds more are found in HotRodder.Com’s Links section.
Car Buying/Selling Scams & Frauds ....
It was brought to our attention by a user of our HotRodder.Com Classifieds Ads
that there are attempts to defraud
people who are selling vehicles. Buyers are typically outside the U.S. & will contact you by email to say they’d
like to purchase your car. But here’s the catch ... they want to pay you several thousand “extra” dollars and after
you cash their cashiers check, they’d appreciate it if you’d send the extra bucks to someone else in the U.S. they
owe money to.
Of course the cashiers check is a phony, but your bank that deposits the money into your checking account doesn’t
know it until the “bank of origin” lets them know it’s a phony check, which may happen several days later ... after
the check you send out has been cashed.
It’s unbelievable that people fall for this, but apparently some have (none who have sold vehicles from our site,
thankfully!) which is why banks and credit unions are
posting information on their websites about this type of fraud.
There’s also an alarming increase of fraud on auction sites. Check out
several MSNBC reports.
The fake escrow deal is a popular scam... You believe you’re buying a
car from a reputable seller because he encourages you to use an escrow
company - A “middleman” that will hang on to the buyer’s money until
the vehicle is delivered to them & they’re happy with it. Then they
tell the escrow company to release the funds to the buyer. The scam
happens when the seller of the car directs you to a website of a fake
escrow company where you either mail them your payment or charge it
online to your credit card. While you sit waiting for delivery of the
vehicle, the seller and the escrow company’s website disappear.
Become an informed seller or consumer and you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. Keep up with the
latest scam & fraud info at FightIdentityTheft.com ... And pass this information on to your all buddies
Click Here
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