BACKFIRE!
Now it's your turn. Tired of reading all my stuff and want a chance to respond ? Well, fire away with your BACKFIRES. Just remember, no major profanity, libel or slander, but aside from that . . . almost anything drag racing related is invited. So what are you waiting for, here's your chance to respond. New submissions will be posted nearly every day, so stay tuned. Postings are listed from NEWEST to OLDEST. Happy scrolling !
NOTE: I've managed to do it again . . . Get more people "p-od" at me for posting messages that were NOT meant for publication. So, to save the few "friendships" that I have left, please indicate whether or not any or all of your e-mails can be used in "Backfire!"
Subject: Website search
Date: Saturday, April 13
From: Stephen Currie
Hello. It seems your name is actually Bob. (Yes, the last time I checked it certainly was). I found your website while looking for a website that used to be called "Northern Quarter". This was a website about drag racing in Northern Queensland, Australia. I'm from Canada and searching for my long lost Aussie correspondent Peter McFarlane, a drag racing reporter - photographer.
We both switched internet providers at approximately the same time a while back, thus we both have different email addresses now. He was also considering moving to the U.K. or Europe. My father now has started a drag racing web page with a photo gallery and could use a few more good pictures on it. I came across your website while searching on a search engine. Looks like a great website! (looks can be deceiving...)
I was wondering if you happen to know Peter, or if you know of his website. Our web page is on Yahoo Groups and it is for drag racing people and classic car people. The web page address is Currie Competition. Anyhow, if you could help me get back in touch with Peter McFarlane it would be great. Thank you for your time.
I don't think I'm going to be much help in your search, Stephen. There was a link to Peter's former website, Northern Quarter Reflex Photography, on my website, but it's long since become a dead player. Perhaps someone out there in cyberspace will see this message and be able to provide you some clues. In the meantime, I'll pass along an email address to someone in his area who may know of his current whereabouts, if he's still in North Queensland.Subject: High strength 12 point nut manufacturer
Date: Friday, April 12
From: John Brockus
We are a leading manufacturer of high strength (180+ ksi) 12 point, and flange style nuts. Our product line is designed for use in the aerospace, high performance automotive, and marine applications. Please visit our website by clicking on the provided link. www.premierheading.com.
We look forward to hearing from you, and answering any questions. We will be happy to respond to all requests for quotation.
Looks like you've got some good parts there, but the website is seriously lacking in info. Can I assume that you're a wholesaler only?Subject: Payroll Correction
Date: Friday, April 12
From: Lou Padula
(Rob) Ristau paid the wrong Wilson for that shift. I've corrected the timesheets.
More of the same old, same old, from my major "sponsor" (aka: the company I work for). At one point earlier this year, they were more than $1400 behind on my paycheque, but now we're down to only one shift per week... usually.Subject: 392 Stuff
Date: Friday, April 12
From: Ian Gellately
Do you know the best source for all 392 gaskets (race). Thanks.
Good question, Ian. Sorry that I don't have any good answers. Since I sold off all my '92 gear, I've pretty much erased all that sort of information from my mental hard drive. Mr. Gasket did make intake, exhaust, and valve cover gaskets, but their stock may me minimal or nonexistent by now. The head gaskets (solid copper) were made by several manufacturers of specialty head gaskets. Hey, just remembered, Mike Kuhl stocked gaskets for Donovans and '92s. Give them a try.Subject: Andy Carl
Date: Friday, April 12
From: Mike Perry
I've been searching for Andy Carl, the fellow that worked with Mert Littlefield on the "Retro Blower" that's discussed in the "Turning Screws" article you have provided on your website. I called Mert, and he hasn't heard from him in years.
Thought maybe you or one of your site "regulars" may have some info on him. He seems to have dropped off the face of the planet. Please let me know if you hear anything. Best regards.
Mike Perry
Champion Speed Shop
Nostalgia Top Fuel Car
Subject: CNN reports worst virus
Date: Thursday, April 11
From: Doug Parke
WORST Virus Ever: CNN Announced
A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive ever! This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon by McAfee and no vaccine has yet been developed. This virus simply destroys Sector Zero from the hard disk, where vital information for its functioning is stored.
This virus acts in the following manner: It sends itself automatically to all contacts on your list with the title: "A Card For You".
As soon as the supposed virtual card is opened, the computer freezes so that the user has to reboot. When the ctrl+alt+del keys or the reset button are pressed, the virus destroys Sector Zero, thus permanently destroying the hard disk. Yesterday in just a few hours this virus caused panic in New York, according to news broadcasts by CNN. This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself.
So don't open any emails with subject: "A Virtual Card for You". As soon as you get the mail, delete it. Even if you know the sender. Please pass this email to all of your friends.
Forward this to everyone in your address book. I'm sure most people, like myself, would rather receive this 25 times than not at all.
I, for one, wouldn't want to receive the above email 25 times... especially since it, like so many before, is just another virus hoax. Okay, I'll check the latest news on the Microsoft, McAfee and CNN websites just to be sure. Hang on a second folks.......................Yep, just like I knew I'd find, there's no mention of it at all. Do the
math: if everyone who receives this email forwards it to everyone in their
address book (or Outlook contact list, or whatever) then the millions, or
billions of emails generated will have the same effect as many viruses. Namely,
to clog up the internet with more useless junk. Hey Doug: next time you get
some garbage like this, think for a few seconds about just whether or not
it's real before forwarding it to everyone you know. You might even want to
check out the aforementioned websites for verification before you hit the
panic button. Okay?
Subject: Group One meeting
Date: Thursday, April 11
From: Frank Intini
To all Group One racers:
I would firstly like to thank all of you who filled in the response forms and would like to advise you that the meeting date will be the 4th of May and in Brisbane. If you are able to attend, please let me know ASAP. (Some people's priorities may have changed allowing them to attend).
If possible I'd like to hear back from interstate racers (all states other than Queensland, unless you need to fly within Queensland) straight away so flights can be arranged.
Looking forward to your reply either by email, fax or phone. With thanks.
PS: If you haven't filled in your form please do so as we can keep you up to date on a regular basis.
Oh, oh, more paperwork, and more deadlines. For those not quite sure what Frank is getting on me about, it's an association of the Group One (Pro) racers formed by the racers themselves, to address some of the problems facing the sport of drag racing in Australia. Looks like I'll be missing the next group meeting in Brisbane as it falls on the Mission Raceway LODRS race weekend. Hey Frank: what's the group's policy on alternates filling in for "qualified" racers? More news about this group and its goals will be on the What's New page.... soon... er... or later....Subject: Drag Racing
Date: Wednesday, April 10
From: Brett
I saw a television show on a real life simulated drag racing track down in Southern California. Have you heard of this and if so, please let me know where it is and if you know the name of the place.
Heard it was extremely cool. You get into the car and it goes 0 to 300 mph in less than five seconds; all you have to do is push down on the gas pedal. There is an automatic braking system and steering. Sounds like fun and we would like to do it this summer.
Please let me know if you know the place that I'm talking about.
I guess my answer can best be summed up as YES and NO. Yes, the place does exist. It's called SpeedZone and is located in Los Angeles and Dallas. The cars do accelerate along a guided track (so you can't crash), BUT they don't quite go 0 to 300.... more like 0 to 70 mph in 3.5 seconds. It's still fast, especially if you've never driven anything faster than a street car, but it's nowhere near the Top Fuel experience. If you're interested in something along those lines, plan on spending about $1000 (or more) per second.Subject: Top Alcohol All Stars chat set for Tuesday night
Date: Wednesday, April 10
From: Will Hanna
The InsideTopAlcohol.com Top Alcohol All Stars Chat Night is back. Next Tuesday night (April 16th) at 8 pm CDT (6 pm PDT), chat with the top racers in the Top Alcohol categories. Past chat sessions have brought out some of the biggest names in the sport such as Mark Hentges, Shelly Howard, Paul Jones, Duane Shields, Marty Thacker, David Wells, Lee Callaway, Marc White, Randy Fleming, Laurie Cannister and more. Our last Top Alcohol driver's chat had over 45 drivers and fans in attendance.
Hands down, there's no better alcohol bench racing on the net! Catch up with the latest scoop straight from the racers next Tuesday night! BE THERE!!!
Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest on the 'entry list' for next week's chat!
Hey Will: what about that infamous alcohol racer from the land downunder (or the great white north... depending on the season); you know the guy, Bob Whatisname... er, Wilson. Oh, you've got to actually enter to be on the list. Yeah, okay, I'll try to get around to it. Next Tuesday's the deadline, eh? Hmm... tough ask with my track record. Seriously folks, make sure you tune in; you just never know who's going to turn up -- or what they'll talk about.Subject: Check out Mark Hentges Top Alcohol Dragster website
Date: Tuesday, April 9
From: Mark Hentges
Still in the works... but looking good so far: markhentges.com.
Hey, you've finally joined the web, big-time, Mark. Even if you had to get someone else to do the site for you. Just kidding, as I know you're busier than I'll ever be with a real race car, a real business and a real family to deal with. The site does look good and thanks heaps for putting up a link to good 'ol Northern Thunder too. And congratulations on your second final round appearance in two races this season.Subject: Dave Wilson
Date: Tuesday, April 9
From: Anthony Cohen
Dear Bob:
Can you please change the link to Dave Wilson (UK Top Methanol Dragster racer) to read www.americancarimportsracing.com. For your information, we just ran a new UK record of 5.597 at 252 mph at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. This is also a European best! Regards.
Thanks for the update on the new website for Dave. Congratulations also on the quickest and fastest run by an alcohol (methanol) fuelled dragster outside of North America too. Quite an accomplishment, especially considering that you bought the car from a Canadian. Yes folks, it's the ex-Bob Haffner car from Mission, BC.Subject: Mike Janis AC-Delco preview
Date: Monday, April 8
From: Rob Kozak
Janis looking for a repeat of last season at the AC-Delco Nationals
After an uncharacteristic first round loss at the IHRA season opener, Mike Janis feels that there is some room for improvement for his racing team as they head to the AC-Delco Nationals, presented by Chevrolet. "We had some clutch trouble in Rockingham due to lack of testing and we also had some other weird things happen that held us back. Really, we had only one good run there, but it was enough to get us in the show. We've made sure that those weird things won't happen again and we think we may have a handle on the clutch. That is before they threw the lead at us," said Mike Janis.
With the latest rule change from the IHRA penalizing the supercharged cars, crew chief Mike Janis Jr. feels that the new rules was unncessary. "I'm not real comfortable with the added weight. I mean, from a safety standpoint it just doesn't make sense. There are other things that could've been done to slow the cars down, yet keep them safe. Also, why did they make such a quick decision after one event? If you look at what happened at the (NHRA) Gatornationals, it proves that the weather can be the equalizer. You can take a look at the Rockingham event to prove that. When it was cool during qualifying the blower cars ran well, but when the air changed, the field was level and it was a nitrous vs. blower final, just like at Gainesville. I hope something can be done about this," said the younger Janis.
Mike Janis enters the AC-Delco Nationals as the defending Track Champion as well as the defending World Champion. "We hope VMP (Virginia Motorsports Park) holds the same magic it held for us last year. Virginia was where our season really took off last year. We'll do our best for our sponsors and hopefully come home with a win. That way we can keep going to events. Without a major sponsor we really need to get some wins under our belt or this will be a short season for us," said Mike Janis.
The AC-Delco Nationals will be held at Virginia Motorsports Park on April 19-21. This is the second IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series national event of the season.
The first race of the 2002 IHRA season from the 32nd annual Holley Spring Nationals, presented by Castrol GTX, in Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, North Carolina will be aired on TNN, Saturday, April 13th at 3pm EDT.
In other Jan-Cen related news, Jan-Cen Motor Sports, at 3161 Transit Road, in Elma, New York, will be holding a Grand re-Opening and Open House on April 13th from 9am to 2pm. Come see the 2001 IHRA Pro Modified World Champion and premier engine builder, Mike Janis.
Subject: What's New at The Drag Racing List
Date: Monday, April 8
From: Bill Pratt
PhilZone: Phil Elliott has been busy this past few weeks and here are the results:
2002
Las Vegas: Saturday Morning
Phil's coverage of Saturday qualifying at The Strip, complete with photos.
Check out the new paint for Todd Paton and Whit Bazemore
Friday
Morning from NHRA Las Vegas
Phil provides early coverage of day one action at The Strip
Phil got several great shots at Gainesville Potential Jim Dunn Funny Car Driver Replacements
Phil makes his own list and cites the reason for each choice April Fools Follies
Phil welcomes April with some late breaking news and thoughts on the drag racing season so far
The 2002 Gatornationals. Phil offers notes and reflections from Qualifying and Da Race at Gainesville
Drag Racing Story of The Day:
April 8
Dixon,
Densham Krisher Claim Victories at NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
NHRA Communications provides final results and points standings after Las Vegas
April 7
Force,
Dixon, Krisher Top Qualifiers for NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
NHRA Communications provides final pro qualifying and first round pairings
from Las Vegas
April 6
Dixon,
Force and Krisher Lead Friday Qualifying at NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
NHRA Communications provides day one pro qualifying results from Las Vegas
April 5
Gatornationals
Photo Review, Too
Greg Gage sent in these great shots from Gainesville
April 4
Steve
Reyes: Through the Lens of a Natural
Brian Wood wrote this terrific article covering the career of legendary photographer
Steve Reyes. Includes several amazing Reyes photos
April 3
Cannon
Eyes First Career Victory at NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
Worsham
Set for Fight to the Finish in Tough Funny Car Category at Las Vegas
Troxel's
Persistence Pays Off with Top Fuel ride in Las Vegas
NHRA
Las Vegas Notes, Quotes, and Facts
Viva Las Vegas! NHRA Communications came through with four stories to get you
ready for the big SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip this weekend
April 2
Time
To Work the Bugs Out: Top Fuel Technology vs. A Hornet's Nest
Gary Peters tells us what happens when he decided to use "racer's ingenuity"
to take out some hornets in his back yard
Drag Racing Picture of The Day:
April 8
Jake
Crimmins' Mustang II Fuel Funny Car
Berserko Bob Doerrer and Dave Milcarek team up to showcase one of the major
players in Northeast funny car match racing
April 7
Bill
Pratt Goes Nostalgia Super Stock Racing
Hey, there are two Bill Pratts in drag racing, one a wanna-be racer (yours
truly) and the other a Super Stock Ford racer. Robert Briggs caught up with
the racer at Bakersfield
April 6
Tony
Schumacher tests new Michelin Air Suit
Rick Menges entertains us with another great cartoon
April 5
Don
Prudhomme Racing: The Snake Cars Face Off
Greg Gage got this shot of the two Skoal Camaros racing each other at the
Gators -- a secene the Snake only wants to see in the final
April 4
Cesar
Degreas' Twin Turbo Brazilian Bomber
Fabio Felix Pascoal checks in from Brazil with some shots of an awesome machine
unlike any you've ever seen
April 3
Urs
Erbacher's Fat Attack Top Methanol Funny Car
Lorenz Tschumi sent in this Tog photo of one of Europe's best alcohol racers
April 2
Dan
Horan's Top Fueler on fire at Tulsa '73
Dan Horan sent in this Steve Reyes shot of Dan's inferno at the National
Challenge event in 1973
Drag Racing Movie of The Week:
April 8
The
Fastest Volkswagens in the World
Ocean Street Video offers this seven minute video of three bad hombres. Are
you ready for six second VW powered diggers and a 7.20 second, 182 mph VW
doorslammer?
April 1
Bill
Golden's Little Red Wagon Wheelstander
Lee Ecker created this panoramic "movie" by pulling together a series of
photos of the Little Red Wagon heading down the strip in 2000
Southern Fuel Coupes
Draglist.com signs as title rights sponsor of Southern Fuel Coupes for 2002. We have joined Bob Gettys of Computer Magic Online in promoting Jerry Davis' Southern Fuel Coupes circuit for 2002. Look for hot southern fried funny car, altered, and pro mod action to grace the pages of the DRL soon.
The DRL is on Cable baby! We are all set up with our Comcast Digital Cable Internet and it ROCKS! As the saying goes, "I never knew it could be like this." Took a bit to get running, but what combination doesn't need to be flogged a bit before the numbers start coming around? Believe me, this will help us immensely in bringing you the DRL.
Subject: Hot New Site!
Date: Friday, April 5
From: Dan Conner
Hello, I just wanted to mention a relatively new site that has "taken off" in the past four months: www.topsportsman.com
The only site dedicated to the fastest sportsman doorslammers of IHRA... plus a bunch of other cool stuff. If you would not mind, can you add us to your links page? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for sending in your link, Dan. Now about the links page(s)... hmm, the best I can say is that they're under construction at the moment. And that's putting it mildly. It's been nearly a year since they were last updated, and in the meantime I lost most of my bookmarks - including several hundred new links that have been submitted during that time - so the best I can say at the moment is that I'll get around to it "soon".PS: If anyone has sent in a link in the last year or so, and it's not on our links pages, please send it in again. And accept our apologies.
Subject: Jim "Superman" Nicoll
Date: Thursday, April 4
From: Shawn Nicoll
Hi, my name is Shawn Nicoll and I'm 15 years old. Jim Nicoll is my grandfather. I'm looking for all the pics and info I can get on him. I see you have a little info on April 3rd, but if you have any more info, please contact me at the email address I've provided. Thank you very much.
This is a surprise in more ways than one. Firstly, I didn't think I had anything on Jim Nicoll on this website, and secondly, how the heck did you ever find us? I know I've got at least one article on him from the early 70's, and probably a few pics of his unreal clutch explosion in the Top Fuel final at Indy in '69 or '70. Be patient and I'll see what I can dig up and scan for you.Subject: Press Card
Date: Thursday, April 4
From: Allen & Amy Butler
Hello. Me and my husband are really into racing. We were wondering if you have a press card or photo and if so, would you send us some! Thanks.
Well Amy, we don't really have any press or handout or hero cards yet, but we do have a few copies of a neat calendar with a great colour pic of the car in it. The only problem is that without a stamped envelope to put it in, the cost of mailing them out to folks would kill our marketing budget. So we'll have to turn down your request at this time.Subject: Lost Dragsters
Date: Thursday, April 4
From: Tom Posthuma
I'm thinking this historic car is probably a Division Six Super Comp car minus the front wheel pants and Hemi. Anybody recognize it? See photo and request below.
Subject: Detective Work requested
Date: Thursday, April 4
From: Bill Pratt
Hi folks. Does anybody have a line on the old Diamond Jim Annin 5.97 fueller? Steve Gibbs is trying to find it for Jim so they can restore it.
Here's some history on it: Mike Snively made the first five second run in it. It was a very early Woody Gilmore rear engine car with approx. 260" wheelbase. Jim sold the car to Dominic Cardoza. Cardoza doesn't have any information on who subsequently bought the car from him, but thinks it went to the Washington or Oregon area.
Annin would like to find and restore the car. It would be a great addition to the "Cacklefest"... even though the driver sits in the wrong place. Hopefully the car still exists, and we can get it into Jim's care.
I'll second the request for any information or clues leading to the discovery of a very important piece of drag history. While Tommy Ivo was credited (in some circles) with the first 5-second pass, the first truly legitimate one came from this car -- in a losing effort -- during eliminations at the 1972 Supernationals at the late, great Ontario Motor Speedway.
Subject: AA/FD 5-Second Club
Date: Thursday, April 4
From: Cole Coonce
Brush Groucho aside: Nitronic Research Unveils the AA/FD 5-Second Club!
Groucho Marx once one-lined, "I would never join any club that would have me as a member." Well, roll over Harpo and tell the 5th Beatle the news. There are some clubs you just cannot say NO to. As in the instance of the just-now chartered Nitronic Research 5-Second Club. Yes, it is with spine-prickling pride that we premiere the Nitronic Research AA/Fuel Dragster 5-Second Club; an elite group of the first 16 drivers gonzo enuff to tame a front engine fuel dragster to a five-second time slip.
Eleven drivers have already completed the feat. The first was Paul Romine, who broke the barrier on April 21, 1996 and the latest (and the quickest to date) was Jim "Holy Smokes" Murphy, who, last month, blistered the asphalt and the minds of the nitromaniacal with an unprecedented 5.81 at the 43rd March Meet held in Bakersfield, California.
Murphy's blast underscored what we at NR had felt since Romine's moonshot. The time to showcase the heroics and exploits of these dragster drivers is now. It may take years for the list to be completed but it could possibly happen at the next event. (Sears Point on April 20-21). The mood is transcendent and momentum is at a fever pitch....
So: To be acknowledged within the AA/FD 5-Second Club, cars must be "VRA legal" (12-inch slicks, 6-71 blower, 3:90 rear gear) at time of the five-second pass. ET's will be accepted from qualifying or elimination runs only, and from a Nitronic Research recognized event. The AA/FD 5-Second Club will consist of the first 16 5-Second runs that meet our criteria.
Ergo, if you see Goucho in the staging lanes, let him know that membership has its privleges, sir. As part of the spoils that membership in this club affords, Nitronic Research will present each driver in the club with a "cock of the walk" letterman style wool jacket, complete with the AA/FD 5-Second Club logo embroidered on it.
We bet you are asking, how can you, the racefan and scenester, get involved? And what's in it for me? Pride, schwag, awareness and a sense of history, homeboys and girls. To solicit participation from its worldwide audience and its patrons, NR has developed a program to administer and fund this program with a combination of donations. For complete details, please visit the 5-Second Club Fund and pony up and show your support. Keep in mind, ANYBODY can belong to the 5-Second Club as a supporter.
Current 5-Second Club info. For complete driver bio and photos please visit the 5-Second Club.
| POS | DRIVER | E.T. | DATE | TRACK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Romine | 5.96 | 04/21/96 | U.S. 41 - Gary, IN |
| 2 | Gary Ritter | 5.98 | 05/05/96 | Sacramento Raceway - CA |
| 3 | Bill Dunlap | 5.98 | 05/19/98 | SPIR - Sonoma, CA |
| 4 | Sammy Hale | 5.87 | 03/16/99 | Famoso - Bakersfield, CA |
| 5 | Roger Lechtenberg | 5.98 | 06/11/00 | IRP - Indianapolis, IN |
| 6 | Bill Alexander | 5.99 | 10/28/00 | LVMS - Las Vegas, NV |
| 7 | Jack Harris | 5.95 | 10/28/00 | LVMS - Las Vegas, NV |
| 8 | Rance McDaniel | 5.95 | 10/28/00 | LVMS - Las Vegas, NV |
| 9 | Gerry Steiner | 5.97 | 10/06/01 | Famoso - Bakersfield, CA |
| 10 | Lee Jennings | 5.99 | 11/04/01 | Famoso - Bakersfield, CA |
| 11 | Jim Murphy | 5.81 | 03/10/02 | Famoso - Bakersfield, CA |
This list will be maintained online at the 5-Second Club, so please visit for the latest updates and driver bio information. We will keep you informed every time a new entry is made to the Club until all sixteen positions are taken.
Subject: Too much!!
Date: Wednesday, April 3
From: Harold Campbell
Harold, you should know better than giving a Polar Bear a half empty bottle of Bundy. And what are you doing disposing of a bottle before it's empty? PS: There's TWO O's in TOO... or was that just two much to ask?
Subject: TeeVee
Date: Wednesday, April 3
From: Tom Posthuma
It's ON!! Right Now. I hope you're all up watching TSN. Drag racing on Canadian TV again.
Thanks for the update, Tom. Thankfully, I remembered to set the VCR before I went to work and came home to find some drag racing on it (the Gatornats) instead of a stock car race or a dog show or curling or darts, etc. Since this first broadcast was delayed or pre-empted, what hope can we hold for the balance of the schedule? Knowing TSN's track record, it's going to be pretty hit or miss... and my money's on mostly miss.Subject: What's New at The Drag Racing List
Date: Tuesday, April 2
From: Bill Pratt
PhilZone: April Fools Follies Phil Elliott welcomes April with some late breaking news and thoughts on the drag racing season so far.
The 2002 Gatornationals: Phil offers notes and reflections from Qualifying and Da Race at Gainesville. Photos are on their way
Drag Racing Story of The Day:
April 1
The
Rocketman Checks In: One of a Kind List of Rocket Cars
Ky Michaelson has been behind most of the rocket cars in drag racing history.
Here are his thoughts on some of the cars and an unreal list of all the rocket
motors he has built for racing
March 30-31 - Draglist.com Network Under Construction
We were down from March 30 through today because we are upgrading our internet access and network from the Starband Satellite system to a speedy new cable modem. You know my luck with these things... what looked like a two or three hour deal actually turned out to be a 24 - 72 hour process. (Note to Comcast Digital Cable -- you need a LOT of work on your customer setup communications!) At least everyone I've talked to at Comcast has been pleasant, if not completely informed.
To keep going, today I cobbled together a system that allows me access via a 26.4K modem. I can transfer files over our network the old fashioned way -- by DISKETTE! Look for updates in a few hours. Sorry for the delay, but "Bleeding Edge Bill" strikes again. This new deal will pay off as soon as its running. With the volume of data I move on the internet, I was wasting at least an hour a day waiting for the Starband system to pass the data. Now I can use that hour to add more content or to sleep, which will benefit us both in the long run! Talk to you soon.
March 29
How
to Build a Winning, Low Buck Nitro Flopper
Fred Vosk describes how the Kens' Speed Shop Corvette finished #2 in NHRA
Division 6 on a shoestring
March 28
Go
Fly a Kite: A Story of a Drag Racing Showman
Gary Peters tells a hilarious but scary tale about one particular drag racing
sideshow performer
March 27
Building
the "White Elephant" U/Stock Automatic Malibu
Danny White on the trials and tribulations of building a competitive Stock
class drag racer from scratch
March 26
Interview
with The Pros: Larry Dixon
NHRA Communications catches up with the Top Fuel points leader and gets his
thoughts on competition in the sport's leading category
Drag Racing Picture of The Day:
April 1
Jim
Adolph and the Shady Glenn Fuel Funny Car
Berserko Bob Doerrer and Norman Blake team up to showcase one of the best
looking funnies of the '70s
March 29
Walt's
Puffer Fuel Altered Shines at Cobo Hall
Wally Knoch and his famous altered won the prestigious Historical Preservation
Award at the country's biggest auto show. Congratulations, Wally!
March 28
Jungle
Jim Liberman: Photographs and Memories
For true JJ fans only: Bob Frey found these Jim Liberman snapshots in his
trunk and Berserko Bob brought them to life
March 27
Top
Fuel Motorcycles at Maple Grove, 1971
Guy Wills caught these two fuel bikes on side by side burnouts back in '71.
These things look like modern STREET bikes -- no wheelie bars, no extra length,
nuthin!
March 26
Danny
White's DRL Texas Terror U/SA hits the Strip
DRL Research Editor Danny White has built and is testing a U/Stock Automatic
Chevy Malibu. Here is the first action photo
Drag Racing Movie of The Week:
April 1
Bill
Golden's Little Red Wagon Wheelstander
Lee Ecker created this panoramic "movie" by pulling together a series of
photos of the Little Red Wagon heading down the strip in 2000
March 29
Alan
Dobson and the Greene Machine Funny Car burnout
Luke Nieuwhof sent up this awesome half track burnout clip from downunder
Subject: Western Speedway
Date: Monday, April 1
From: Tom Posthuma
Here's a dragstrip for ya! The picture obscures the banked slope on the strip and the photographer is standing on a big cliff right behind the burnout box. Make do with what's available, eh?
Gotta go there this year to see it again. They say it's 500 feet; it used to be 380 feet; can't imagine the shutdown is 120 feet shorter! Even in a 100 mph car (like Super Gassers that run there) it's gotta be a thrill.
From the looks of that "track" it's going to be quite a while before the Northern Thunder car makes an appearance. Heck, even a burnout could put me out the back door before I'd get it stopped.
Subject: AirLine Male Quick Disconnect
Date: Monday, April 1
From: Ken Lowe
Since I have scores of air fittings in use in the workshop I would prefer to keep the same one on all tools to make interchangeability easier. The one I use is not available in Australia and I was wondering if you could stop by the local auto parts store and put a few of these items in the trailer for me.
Please get me at least 12 (more if they are cheap) of the male connectors. See photo attached for details. The one in the photo is 1/8" NPT (I'd take 1/4" NPT if nothing else was available). This one is a Foster brand with a part number stamped on the side 210-12, but other brands are interchangeable.
Press the print button now and put the copy in your truck so you have it with you the next time you are passing an auto parts store. By the way, I know Princess Auto would have them....
Do you know when the trailer will ship? Are all the parts located in the trailer yet?
Are you trying to give me a hint, Ken? You didn't mention which aisle or shelf they're on at Princess Auto though. Okay, I'll work that part of the equation out myself.
FastCounter by LinkExchange