1965 Like We Never Knew It

A couple of young guys, an old car and the American road. It’s not a new idea, and that’s what makes it so damn appealing. For the past few months, I’ve been formulating a plan to attend the 2013 Meltdown Drags and stream coverage for those of you who aren’t able to make the trek to Byron Dragway. Here’s the backstory…

When on assignment at Bill Bierman’s shop in the depths of North St. Louis, I happened to cross paths with Steve Bailey (Monsterflake here on the HAMB). After discussing the market price of Stag Ice tallboys and the not-so-notable career of hip-hop star Lil’ Romeo, the conversation shifted to my plans for attending drag races this summer. I gave him my shortlist: The HAMB Drags and the Meltdown.

“You still want to take the ‘Big Cat?’�? he asked.

“Without a doubt,�? I replied.

Steve and I had talked about a journalistic venture involving cutting class and driving his 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 down to Austin with Nick Giacalone (Nick32Vic) for the Lone Star Round Up this year, but schedules and academia ultimately prevailed. Not this time.

A few weeks later, I spoke with Meltdown Drags Association Vice President Paul Zielsdorf (InlawModelA) and got the green light for trackside coverage. Everything really came together.

As you read this, my brother, my two closest friends and I will have just returned from carving the highways and bi-ways in the Big Cat, attempting to live 1965 like we never knew it.

Follow our trip on our thread here, or on the Instagram/Twitter tag #HAMBMeltdown2013. I’m on the road back to Northville, Mi. now, so stay tuned for a full story (and tons of photo action) about the Meltdown later this week. It’ll be worth a look, I promise.

-Joey Ukrop

Lead Photo by Nick Giacalone