KCTA -[Kansas City timing Assc.]

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here. I thought just for the record I would write my memory of the history of the KCTA here in K.C.,Mo. I might be off a little on dates or something ,but here goes----In 1952 the KCTA was a small hot rod club of enthusiasts in the Kansas City area.We contacted a lawyer & got K.C.T.A. name incorporated. Then held drag races at an old "World War 2 " emergency air field- This was a very large airstrip complex. We[the club] rented the the strip from the "Chamber of Commerce" in Edna,Kansas for $35.00 a month.-----------We held officially sanctioned & insured Drag Races , with classes of cars & saftey inspections.All sanctioned through "NHRA" the National Hot Rod Assc. --------We even held a " 4 State Regional Championship Meet." -----------------------------------------------------In 1955 Kansas city had a problem[as did many other American Citys]drag racing on the street!!!Obviously very dangerous.....At this time our club had the yearly elections & I was elected President of KCTA[then still just a club of about a dozen members[not including wifes & girl friends in the count]--------------------The K.C.Police Dept. had an official named Major Eugene Pond [CHIEF OF DETECTIVES]-- Who asked for a meeting at" Masonic Temple" at Linwood & Paseo in K.C.,Mo. to all interested partys & car enthusiasts to attend to discuss to the street racing problem .He said we needed proper clubs and One association of same clubs to deal with Police---Our club informed Major Pond that our Club was already incorporated & actually had the perfect name of "KANSAS CITY TIMING ASSOCIATION"- Which we gave our name & incorporation to the program.------WE then voted on proposed names for our club- Which became "THE CRANKTWISTERS"----Major Pond got "K.C. Southern Railway" to lease property to build a dragstrip on Front Street near the River. He then got "Midwest Precote"to build the drag strip. ---This was to be paid off from gate receipts collected from spectators at races.--At that time I was elected by vote of association club officers. to be Pres. & I was also Pres. of "Cranktwisters"-- things were kind of busy----Along with Major Pond signed a note for $60,000 to build the drag strip. -------In 1956 NHRA wanted to hold official "National Drag Races" In K.C. at our new strip.---However they wanted strip longer & wider . So-- Major Pond & I signed another note for $10,000 for improvements. The 1956 National drags were held very sucessfully with huge crowds.-------------In 1957 I declined renomination as Family & work were pressing me for time.---Many people for a number of years remember the old strip & good times. then & now.http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/my ocuments
------------ RAY here---"NEW MESSAGE"------[ STORY] --POSTED Wednesday,April 9th-----
Here is a picture of an accident that happened at KCTA drag strip--This guy came from Texas as I recall,-. His 34 Ford coupe did not have any roll bar gussets . My top guy -DON WILSON was in charge of "Safety Inspection" & he told the guy we were running NHRA rules & insurance --so he couldn't run until he had gussets install,,preferably 2/3 rd's up the roll bar... He was furious & cussed everyone out & said this was 'bull shit"--he ran back in Texas without any problem-- --So anyway he went to town ,found a shop & had braces welding in--Nuf said there--He came back, passed inspection, AND GUESS WHAT????? HIS FIRST RUN - He clocked 104 MPH,, right front tire BLEW just past the end of timing light [traps] --He careened off the strip to the right.--His 34 rolled repeatedly ,ended up setting upright on wheels-- the 34Body was scattered-- & HE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED-- Afterwords he came back to Safety committee and apologized and said he appreciated those guys saving his life--?????????????HOW DOES ONE MOVE THIS ARTICLE TO MAIN BOARD--{MAIN PAGE}????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????

[breeder]

welcome ray from another MO fellar!:)

[52 HenryJ]

Welcome!

[blacktopbuddha]

Thanks for sharing the history. Any pictures?

[TAXMAN]

Hi, Ray. Good to hear from ;you. You may remember me from Larry Bouldin and I reporting for Drag News in the "old days". Not too man;y of the old timers left. I'm not too good at navigating these "chat rooms" My e-mail is greenwooddon@comcast.net if you want to reach me.

Don Elliott (Taxman)

[GH]

Me and a friend went to US Trade School for auto mechanics in the fall of 1959 and winter and spring of 1960. We went to school until midnight, then we would go over in Kansas and drink beer, then we would go to North Kansas City to the drag strip, it was wide open, run anything ,anybody, 2, 3 or 4 cars at a time. My friend had a 1950 Chevrolet hard top with a Corvette 6 cylinder with the 3 side draft carbs. It sure was a blast. He could beat the Fords, Pontiacs, but not the V8 Chevvys.

[Kevin Lee]

Very cool.

[sodbuster]

Welcome to the HAMB Ray........I need to tape/write down your story's from every time that I meet you.

Chris Nelson

Oh yea, keep that "Nash" ah rolling......when ever I go to a car event and see the Nash I smile.

[KING CHASSIS]

Welcome aboard. Please share any photos you have.

[KCTA Chris]

So glag your on the HAMB now. There was so much history in this area and need original legends to tell us how it was and keep us inspired. Thanks so much for joining.

Chris

[Ray Erickson]

My rod is a chopped & channeled 1950 Packard 4 Dr. --Black with flames------------------Here is a pic of Packard when I bought it from a used car lot for $100-in 1987

[Prop Strike]

Welcome to the HAMB Ray. Got any pics of your Packard?

[TBell]

welcome !

[hotrodladycrusr]

Hi! Ray Erickson here. I thought just for the record I would write my memory of the history of the KCTA here in K.C.,Mo. I might be off a little on dates or something ,but here goes.

In 1952 the KCTA was a small hot rod club of enthusiasts in the Kansas City area. We contacted a lawyer & got K.C.T.A. name incorporated. Then held drag races at an old "World War 2 " emergency air field- This was a very large airstrip complex.

We[the club] rented the the strip from the "Chamber of Commerce" in Edna,Kansas for $35.00 a month. We held officially sanctioned & insured Drag Races , with classes of cars & saftey inspections.All sanctioned through "NHRA" the National Hot Rod Assc. We even held a " 4 State Regional Championship Meet."

In 1955 Kansas city had a problem[as did many other American Citys]drag racing on the street!!!Obviously very dangerous. At this time our club had the yearly elections & I was elected President of KCTA[then still just a club of about a dozen members[not including wifes & girl friends in the count].

The K.C.Police Dept. had an official named Major Eugene Pond [CHIEF OF DECTIVES], who asked for a meeting at" Masonic Temple" at Linwood & Paseo in K.C.,Mo. to all interested partys & car enthusiasts to attend to discuss to the street racing problem .He said we needed proper clubs and One association of same clubs to deal with Police.

Our club informed Major Pond that our Club was already incorporated & actually had the perfect name of "KANSAS CITY TIMING ASSOCIATION"- Which we gave our name & incorporation to the program. WE then voted on proposed names for our club which became "THE CRANKTWISTERS".

Major Pond got "K.C. Southern Railway" to lease property to build a dragstrip on Front Street near the River. He then got "Midwest Precote"to build the drag strip. This was to be paid off from gate receipts collected from spectators at races. At that time I was elected by vote of association club officers to be Pres. & I was also Pres. of "Cranktwisters". Things were kind of busy. Along with Major Pond, signed a note for $60,000 to build the drag strip.

In 1956 NHRA wanted to hold official "National Drag Races" In K.C. at our new strip. However they wanted strip longer & wider . So..... Major Pond & I signed another note for $10,000 for improvements.

The 1956 National drags were held very sucessfully with huge crowds. In 1957 I declined renomination as Family & work were pressing me for time. Many people for a number of years remember the old strip & good times. then & now.

Periods are your friends.:D

Welcome to the HAMB. Nice insight, thanks for sharing.

[ThunderRoad Garage]

Way cool to hear about local history.

is the KCTA still around?

[Cajun Kenny]

welcome to the H.A.M.B. fella..

[53sled]

Welcome. My uncles remember the old drag strip. I'll see if they can tell me some stories.

-David

[jpbanjo]

Ray,
Small world Dept. I went to school (Univ. of Mo. at Columbia) in '53 and met Larry Croswhite who was one of the early members of KCTA in those years. He drove a primer '41 convert and we became good friends along with some local Columbia, Mo. Hot Rodders. He bought a full race flathead from Bob Taylor back then that I wound up with years later. We all caravaned with about five cars from Columbia and attended the '56 Nationals there. Also wound up with a reprint copy of something called "The Kansas City Timing Assn. Guide" for 1956 which lists all the clubs in the area back then. I think I got it from a guy named John Povenmire at the Springfield, Mo. NSRA show a few years ago.
Welcome aboard

[thirty7slammed]

Cool story, welcome from Ky.

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Radical Ray Erickson here. Its a 1950 Packard. Its been called Hudson, Mercury, & Nash. Apreciate getting a response to my entry.

[Ray Erickson]

I haven't figured out how to attach pic's on the hamb. yet --- the KCTA is long gone. I think it died in the late 60's

SINCE I WROTE THIS , IV'E HAD A LITTLE BIT OF LUCK DOWNSIZING SOME OF THE PICTURES -HAVEN'T QUITE FIGURED IT OUT YET.--

[Ray Erickson]

Bob Taylor was in Our club.,Which was the KCTA. -Back then he had a "crotch high" 32 roadster. A deep stepped frame with that flathead in it. He died many years ago from a brain tumor. Speaking of John Povenmire, I pulled a silcione rubber mold off my original KCTA plague which I engraved Back in 1954 He then made a bunch of KCTA plaques & sold.-I have the original on my Packard .---"Radical Ray Erickson"- Pres. of KCTA [back then]---Bob Taylor was" Vice President' of K CTA back then...

[pecker head]

word from Corsicana Texas !

[Bumperdrager]

Hey Friends : Hello from Mid-Western NY We have a Small town Drag strip that has gone by a few names over the past 50 yrs at one time was a 1/4 mile Dragstrip called South Butler Dragstrip and I even think it was once Called Jacksons for the Man who installed the East coast timing associations and even WARRICKS Dragstrip It's actually out in some Corn field. anyway it went from a 1/4 mile to 1/8th because of a Dragster that didn't shut down and ended up in the Mud down to todays 1/10th where We have some pretty decent Old Gasser's and a few 572s that show up just to show OFF there cash Heavy high cost Operation with Crew of Like shirted proffesionals in Tow . But the big supprise came when I realized by total accident that We purchased this Old Hobby farm exactly 1hr and 10 minutes away from 4 Sanctioned Drag Strips That is to Me what A Topless Exotic Dancers Lounge is to a Lounge Lizard {type Guy} I couldn't have asked for More Unless of course the Topless Lounge was at the Drag strip !!!!! LOL LOL LOL NO just kidding folks please tell My wife I was just foolin . ...:cool:

[Ray Erickson]

quote=Prop Strike;2578389]Welcome to the HAMB Ray. Got any pics of your Packard?
This is my 3"chopped 52 Ford coupe in the "pit area "during the "1956 NHRA Nationals "here on front street in K.C.,MO . --The 34 cabriolet Was channeled in this pic., But previously highboy before .

This is me leaving for work during winter on My "Royal Enfield" Motorcycle in 1
947--I didn't have car yet!!
************Here is my 34 right after I channeled it

[Ray Erickson]

[quote=Ray Erickson;2619102]quote=Prop Strike;2578389]Welcome to the HAMB Ray.-- Got any pics of your packard --- THIS IS A "CROSLEY "POWERED 3 WHEELER I BUILT IN 1972. I RODE FOR 8 YEARS --"RAY FARHNER" TOOK IT ON HIS SHOW TOUR FOR A COUPLE SEASONS.
Crosley engine,Buick Opel 4 speed trans., - rear mounted Renault radiator..-------------------I made the Fork, fork covers -headlight brackets,frame, body.,tank nacel,engraved scroll gauge panel,"adapted' BuickOpel 4 speed trans to Crosley engine No driveshaft= coupled direct to Crosley rear end----Everything hand constructed-- For the paint I used clear epoxy over coarse silver metalflake, with red & blue candy-apple trim design

[Ray Erickson]

This is a pic of my 1950 Packard ---" Radical Ray Erickson" here I have tried to attach more pictures, But site won't accept download. I guess I am using more than allowed space.

[CTaulbert]

Ray is a great guy, you should see some of the stuff he has done. I'm fortunate to be able to say that we're in the Misfits Midwest car club together.

[sodbuster]

Ray, email the pix to me and I will post them for you.

nelsonspeedway at gmail dot com

Just fill in the at with @ and the dot with .

Chris Nelson
Kansas

[Ray Erickson]

Ray, email the pix to me and I will post them for you.

nelsonspeedway at gmail dot com

Just fill in the at with @ and the dot with .

Chris Nelson
Kansas I sent pics by e-mail- Radical Ray Erickson.[SIZE=1]Sunday ,March 16th at 12.00 PM


[

/SIZE]

[sodbuster]

Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........

--------------



Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------

--------

[Ray Erickson]

Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........

--------------

Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------

-------- This is my " ENGLISH FORD' & John Fields "DEVIN"-- the blue sports car. I had repainted the Ford red at this time-- It was chopped 5 &1/2" I did all the body & paint work on the Devin also. The Devin was Stude 6 cylinder powered

[Ray Erickson]

Thanks for sharing the history. Any pictures?

These are also pics of my vehicles The picture of " red Crosley " is an earlier model --But I modified picture to have big back wheels & tires Like I actually did on My Crosley--.--V/8 60 powered engine --'[,39 Ford trans,--40 Ford rear end "narrowed," -- 6:00 X 12""midget Ascot" rear tires on Front of car--,6/70 15" on rear.-- Rear end narrowed to fit inside wheel wells,raised wheel wells 6"--, 2 crosley radiators ,one for each bank of cylinders...I never got a picture ,if I did I lost it!! The other picture is my drawing of it!!---------- The other 2 pic's are of the 52 resized to download on HAMB ' Radical Ray Erickson" That Crosley would fishtail for half a block when you nailed it!!!!!!!!! WISH I STILL HAD IT!-- Hell ! I wished I had all of them

[blacktopbuddha]

That 52 is a sweet ride. I hope to see your Packard at a show one of these days. Any plans to make it to the HAMB-B-Q on the 19th?

[Ray Erickson]

[quote=sodbuster;2685402]Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........




Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------

I am too dumb to figure how to post a new separate message -so I will slide it in here! along with ARTICLE on same...! This was in 1957 HOT ROD Magazine posted in ,letters from individuals. This is Russ Taylors 1934 Tub, sectioned , height & length Full house flathead-- He ran in my class --"B" Roadster- I usually clocked 90:45-- Look at the time he clocked--He was a Member of our club The "CRANKTWISTERS'--He was a 'Braniff Airlines " Pilot....

[Ray Erickson]

[quote=sodbuster;2685402]Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........




Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------

I am too dumb to figure how to post a new separate message -so I will slide it in here! along with ARTICLE on same...! This was in 1957 HOT ROD Magazine posted in ,letters from individuals. This is Russ Taylors 1934 Tub, sectioned , height & length Full house flathead-- He ran in my class --"B" Roadster- I usually clocked 90:45-- Look at the time he clocked--He was a Member of our club The "CRANKTWISTERS'--He was a 'Braniff Airlines " Pilot....
SCROLL DOWN

[Ray Erickson]

[quote=Ray Erickson;2724241]
oooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooo

[Ray Erickson]

Ray Erickson here--not sure these pic's are clear enough to read---These pic's were taken at the" Liberty Memorial " grounds here in K.C., Mo.-It was written & pic's taken by -Grier Lowry-He sent this article to "AUTO CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE"

[PurplePearl50]

This is a great post im from Sedalia about 80 miles from KC. ive always wanted to see some local area styled customs and hot rods!

[Ray Erickson]

That 52 is a sweet ride. I hope to see your Packard at a show one of these days. Any plans to make it to the HAMB-B-Q on the 19th?

To tell you the truth, I can't afford the gasoline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Bill H.]

Just looking for members in Kansas City area.

Bill

[Ray Erickson]

I had a 1971 Pinto & installed a 289 Ford engine ,3 speed top loader-- I lengthened the complete front end 6-1/2"- It would topout at 138 MPH ..3:40 rear end gears ,13" wheels & tires- The flamed picture was before extending front end & 289 engine-It was fast and a lot of fun. . I switched complete roof For Hatchback & sliding sun roof. I drove for 15 years...

[Ray Erickson]

Here is a couple PEDAL CAR PIC'S I did-- I think they are part of the hobby--

[Ray Erickson]

This is the" Cranktwisters " club in the pit area in 1956- I wrote names below cars- These guys were original members of the "KCTA club" that put on the Drags at Edna ,Kansas---

[Old Bowtie]

welcome to the board from south TEXAS!
Your stores are cool Mr. Ray

[Ray Erickson]

short story - from the KCTA drag srip in 1956--I was driving down "Front" St. ,coming in to the strip on a sunday morning For our weekend "dragmeet" & a car pulled up along side me--It was- Lee Dorrell-He was our POLICE liason for "everything "to do with the strip & KCTA--He grinned & popped the gas pedal & I responded likewise-- BUT -we only did it for a couple seconds--Then we both proceeded to pull up to starting line of the strip ...One of the guys ran over & picked up a green starters flag, Came back over in front & pointed at us -,whipped the flag up &&& off we went-[[[ a little preface here- Dorrells car was a new 56 Ford 2 Dr.--312 "Y" block, Chet Herbert cam,,And a McCullough Blower-- The car probably weighed about 3,550 lb's--- my 34 cabriolet about 2,450 lb's-----I usually clocked 90.45 --He mopped my ass by many car lengths- The 56 was really a fast son-of-a-bitch=--He was really grinning when we went back over in the pit area...---thats it!!

[SlowandLow63]

Wow those are some awesome stories. Have any more? Its so nice to have people like yo hear on the HAMB.

[Ray Erickson]

This picture is in the "KCTA GUIDE''booklet from back in 1955.. Quite a crowd---Apparently There was plenty of interest In a legal place to race & not get in trouble--"Major Pond "-- [ our benefactor for getting the strip] --stated that in a very short time the street racing had decreased Considerably-- Not stopped -but making the city streets a lot safer!!!!!!

[Ray Erickson]

:Hi! Ray Erickson here--A short story-In 1956 at one our weekend dragmeets, I was standing in the staging area about 40 ft. back from starting line-over near the left side-- And I heard someone holler out Hey RAY--I looked at the cars lined up waiting to make a pass.-I didn't recognize any of the cars-- The voice called out again & then an arm came out the window of a new 56 "Studebaker "GOLDEN HAWK" ---[ These had 289 Stude engine & Factory "McCullough"supercharger] --I walked over their & it was a friend of mine,,I said whos car is that-- ITS MINE he said-I said- its brand new, why are you running it so soon-- you don't want to hurt it racing, do you--HE said 'hell , it ain't gonna hurt it!!!-- He said ,in fact, would you like to take it thru the quarter--I SAID HELL YES!! -He says, well, try not to take it over 5 grand, like you say it is NEW-- Well-----I pulled the 40 ft. up to line --nailed it- DAMN-- I went 1000 rpm over every shift--IT CAME UP SO FAST --It turned 96 M.P.H.-in the quarter--How about that for a new stock factory built car-- I was pretty impressed-----------:

[Ray Erickson]

Here is picture from the- K.C.T.A. Guide- booklet published back in 1956-It is officers back then--- ---- [they got my middle name ]wrong--It 's not "Lee"--Middle initial is "G"-for Gustaf-my Dads name--ERICKSON -I am half Swede-- My dad was a full swede-His folks came over from sweden-He could cuss you out in swedish & you didn't know what the hell he said-- He would just laugh-------------Bob Taylor was Pres. when we held drags at Edna ,Kansas- Which still was the club -KCTA---------------Lee Dorrell liason, K.C.,Mo."Police Officer"[Answered to Major Pond--"Chief of Detectives of "Kansas City Police force"] --------Lee Williams & Bill Rogers were members of the "DRAGSTERS" club--Myself- Ray Erickson- & Bob Taylor were members of the "CRANKTWISTERS"club --The name we chose for our new name when we donated The incorporated name of "KCTA "for the new drag strip and associated clubs----{We had already paid for a "lawyer' to become "incorporated" so we could have Drags in Edna,Ks.}---------- The Dragster club had other members Bob Sullivan,Bob Rodgers-Bob Reid, Bill Crutchfield Don Schliecher, Dave Waldo & Bob McConnell,Don Broderick--Dons SON is Kevin Broderick of--"FABRICATIONS UNLIMITED--STREET ROD SPECiALTIES"---Im sure
I've forgotten some of their names after all these years----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lee Dorrell was a member of the "DynoBusters" club-- along with "Wayne Colby" ,Buzz Pond [Major Ponds] son--MAJOR POND & his son had a" Hemi powered '36 Ford 3 window coupe--

[Ray Erickson]

H1! Radical Ray Erickson here--Back during the "OJ"trial -glancing at a"TV"on the work bench I chopped "Jim Whitesides "[ a member of the MISFITS]- 1953 Chevie coupe & as well as lites ,door handles ,trunk , hood -,etc-- ----Jim was helping in anyway he could---- Here are some in progress pics of chop -I thought" you all "might get a kick out of them---attached below---------- HERE IS ALSO PIC'S -IN FINAL FINISH--SATIN BLACK --Hope you enjoy!!:--------------------------- He used to have a "sweet sounding" 6 banger,---Now its got a 'mean sounding' 350--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A COMMENT HERE-------All welding done with "Acetylene Torch"------- Thats still the way I do it !!!!!!--Bought the torches & bottles back in 1955"Sears-Roebuck" torches--

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here-----At the" BACK TO KANSAS NHRA DRAGS"- in 1994 --I had the good fortune to meet & talk a while to WALLY PARKS-- What gentleman and a nice guy -- IT WAS A REALLY HOT DAY & he was doing just fine--He was 77 years old then...This event was held in Topeka , Kansas-------He had come over to look at my PACKARD --COOL, HUH!!

[Ray Erickson]

Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........

--------------



Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------:D:D:D

--------Heres some more" TRACTOR' pic's I forgot I had!

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here-- I found my old issue of the 'WHISTLEBAIT" article-- here are copys of cover & inside magazine.-----

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson--These are pic's of second version of my 3-wheeler------------------------------

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! -Ray Erickson here--I just realized I am labeled "Grenade Inspector" I was labeled "Newbie"--- what happened --I didn't change it??????????????-----What does that mean??????????

[Ray Erickson]

oooooo

[Ray Erickson]

oooo

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here--------Some of you might get akick out these pic's--They are from 1955 "' NHRA NATIONAL DRAGS RACES in 'Great Bend ,Kansas" this was an old airstrip-- Don Garlits & his crew were there,& at that time they really looked like -Swamp Rats- Thats what they called themselfs- Their car was of course very fast-There tow car was a old Chevie,I do not accurately remember their clocked times-- The Chrisman Brothers were their old sprint car turned dragster,with fuel injected "Hemi"---Ed Cortapassi ,with the" GLASS SLIPPER"-----------------------Dave Marquez "880" Bakery 32 roadster-Flathead powered-- Bright orange-Best appearing car & crew--VERY FAST-- here are the pic's I took---------------OH YEAH -- i FORGOT ?"Mickey Thompson " was there with his dragster'
during eliminations He blew a clutch--The officials gave his crew 30 minutes to pull engine & replace cluitch,, They got back to start line exactly in 30 minutes , &as I recall he won that part of race..

[Ray Erickson]

Here are some random pictures I downloaded--Three pic's of some of the 'MISFITS CLUB" ,that I am a member of--------------------------------A pic of my straight 8 Packard engine-,,,changed to a 350 Chevie later---------------------------------------------------------------------A pic of my packard early in the process of build---------------------Me painting my 52 in the street with cars driving by--Notice the tiny diaphram compressor in front of car on the street.********look behind rear window of 52 & you will see my 34 parked across the street.-------------------My merc chop in process---------------------------------------------- Me beside my chopped 52

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here------ A bit of nostalgia from the past-!952" HOT ROD " magazine- Featuring DICK FLINT'S 29 "A"roadster--Check it out----------- This cool grille & hood treatment is great

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here---I found this 1955 issue of "HOT ROD" featuring CHUCK PORTERS Ford pickup--Chopped,channeled.& sectioned --TOO COOL!!!!!!!

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here--I found this pic of Bob Sullivan At Edna,Kansas-- This is where our Club -"THE KCTA" HELD DRAGS AT--- EDNA ,KANSAS--- in 1954--"Sully " [as we called him]was running his "Olds powered" Deuce roadster--He was a member of the "Dragsters club"--THIS IS NOT A VERY GOOD PICTURE BUT IT IS STILL COOL A PIC. They also helped us with the drags- We had guys from Topeka,Ks. Do our clocking for us.. We held an"" NHRA 4 state regional "Meet there--as well as our regular drags..--------This article was in the May 1954 issue of HOT ROD magazine

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here--Here is a rear view pic of "My Chopped 1952 Ford coupe-"WHISTLE BAIT" As I built it -- the DARK COLOR WAS 1954 OLD'S BLUE TURQUOISE--

[SHRUM]

Nice!

[Tom davison]

Keep 'em coming, Ray.

[Ray Erickson]

Periods are your friends.:D

Welcome to the HAMB. Nice insight, thanks for sharing.ooooo

[the machine]

nice ride

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Ray Erickson here----I just remembered a short story from the early 1950's--I actually cannot remember the exact year,It was about 1950, maybe 51--There was a favorite "Drive-in"Where A lot of us kids went on Friday & Saturdays nights---The name of the place was"NUWAY" --We would go there with our girlfriend ,if we had one--Have Burger' etc....But especially to look at other guys cars to see what Modifications they had made during the week--Dechroming ,hopping up ,whatever----WELL ,at that time in the history of hot rodding evolution" LOUD "dualpipes were very big--Split manifolds, Blocked heat riser's to make pipes really rack--Porter & Smittys were really popular--AND The loud pipes were driving -Normal people-Crazy,---- People were up in arms for the police to do something---We had a POLICE CHIEF "JOHNSON" of the KANSAS CITY ,Mo. Poilce force. Issued a statement on all local radio stations That starting FRIDAY they would be giving tickets for loud pipes--They did a lot more than that=--- It was about 10:30, late evening------I was riding with a buddy on His Harley[With a FISHTAIL straight pipe & as we approached" Nuway Drivein" We saw all these blinking red lights--Police cars & tow trucks ---"If YOU HAD 2 PIPES ON YOUR CAR THEY WERE ARRESTING you & TOWING AND IMPOUNDING your CAR....We parked his Harley ..Down the block & walked down to NuWay--It didn't matter if your pipes were loud or not--It would require $50.00 bail or spend the night in jail--!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Well , there was a guy there that was very well off $$$ wise--He was driving a customized "Chevie convertible" He went bail for everyone arrested--The next day I poked a bunch of holes in beer cans & stuffed them with steel wool & hammered them in my chrome tips on my 49 Ford coupe, and drove that way for awhile till things cooled down-- Everyone kind of cooled it for awhile-- End of story

[Ray Erickson]

Ray here- I have entered this picture in full before- but,I am splitting it up to show better pic of A FEW OF the club members cars--"These guys were original" KCTA 'club members & 'Cranktwisters" when we picked a new name--------------the ist pic is Wayne Carters 34 sedan & Joe Millers A roadster--It was real fast-He could usually beat my 34---------------------------2nd pic is Walt cox [Olds powered ] 32 coupe == AN ANICDOTE ON WALTS COUPE == He had pulled up to THE STARTING LINE FOR A CLASS ELIMINATION, His engine" backfired Thru his carburetors & started a fire ,,,well an official [a young guy] Grabbed a "powder' fire extinguisher And proceeded to fill up the carbs even after the fire was out --Walt had take the engine pretty much apart to clean out all the powder- HE WASN'T VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!!"Mike Mauers channeled 32---------------------------------------------3rd pic is 34 cabriolet [idon't remember whose]and my 34{stripped down for drags only,Even no radiator}----------------------------- 4th pic is Russ Taylor[A Braniff airline Pilot] with his flathead powered & sectioned height & shortened also-NOTE -RUSS WAS TURNING OVER 100 MPH EVERY RUN WITH THE SAME SIZE FLATHEAD AS MINE- I ALWAYS CLOCKED 90 MPH-both 275 cubes--And the custom was my 52 Ford coupe "WhistleBait"--------------This picture was taken in 1956 ain the pit area at the "KCTA drag strip on Front street here in K.C.,Mo.

[Ray Erickson]

[quote=Ray Erickson;2926977]Ray here- I have entered this picture in full before- but,I am splitting it up to show better pic of A FEW OF the club members cars--"These guys were original" KCTA 'club members & 'Cranktwisters" when we picked a new name--------------the ist pic is Wayne Carters 34 sedan & Joe Millers A roadster--It was real fast-He could usually beat my 34---------------------------2nd pic is Walt cox [Olds powered ] 32 coupe == AN ANICDOTE ON WALTS COUPE == He had pulled up to THE STARTING LINE FOR A CLASS ELIMINATION, His engine" backfired Thru his carburetors & started a fire ,,,well an official [a young guy] Grabbed a "powder' fire extinguisher And proceeded to fill up the carbs even after the fire was out --Walt had to take the engine pretty much apart to clean out all the powder- HE WASN'T VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!!"----Mike Mauers channeled 32--Flathead powered, Turn 13 second ET's- back in 1954-----------------------------------------3rd pic is 34 cabriolet [idon't remember whose]and my 34{stripped down for drags only,Even no radiator}----------------------------- 4th pic is Russ Taylor[A Braniff airline Pilot] with his flathead powered & sectioned height & shortened also-NOTE -RUSS WAS TURNING OVER 100 MPH EVERY RUN WITH THE SAME SIZE FLATHEAD AS MINE- I ALWAYS CLOCKED 90 MPH-both 275 cubes--And the custom was my 52 Ford coupe "WhistleBait"--------------This picture was taken in 1956 in the pit area at the "KCTA drag strip on Front street here in K.C.,Mo.----************************************************** *****I really liked the way my 34 performed in street driving- That was more important to me than winning at the drag strip!!!!!!!!! With a Harmons -Collins SUPER "T" Cam & 4 Stromberg 97's carbs- I wasn't about to change it!!!!

[Ray Erickson]

What happened to Ray Ericksons 52 Ford-"WhistleBait"

[Ray Erickson]

Hi! Radical Ray here--Here is A couple of pic's of --"Tim Ryan" [NEWBIE]"s----41 Lincoln--I am putting them here , Just in case he may not want to put them on his thread----I think he is planning on SELLING it......It has A LATE MODEL Merc. flathead-in it.***********This car is in AMAZINGLY GOOD condtion----------------------------Tim is a 'Hot Rodding "Buddy of mine from KCTA drag strip days in the mid 50's here in Kansas City .Mo. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is "Tim Ryans "32 Deuce coupe back in 1956--

[blacktopbuddha]

Yeah, what did happen to Ray Erickson's 52? Are whereabouts known? Thanks Ray.

[Ray Erickson]

Here are some pic's fromThe KCTA strip in 1956--The club was "The Gear Grinders" A club of young guys-- This was a club project--- It was featured in "Rod Builder & Customizer " Magazine

[Ray Erickson]

Here are some pix from the email that Ray sent me..........ooooo

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Hi! Ray Erickson here. I appreciate your offer on pic's. I will take you up on that. These are pic's of My 34 in 1956 at the KCTA strip on Front St. --Side view of my Packard. & My Crosley powered Lawn Tractor ---Named -"The Blade" that was in The 1970 Oakland " Grand National Roadster Show" in The Oakland Collisium .It was one of the 12" Feature vehicles" in that show. It was a 10 day show back then.-------

--------oooo

[64afx]

I'm new on here so forgive me for being a virgin. Just wanted to say that my father used to race at the old KCTA with a then "new" '64 Plymouth Fury that was bought at Sites Bros. I have very fond memories as a young lad going to the strip with mom and dad. They're both gone now, but I still have a '64 Belvedere that dad bought as a father/son project in '76. It's white, not black, but it is a 4-speed car with red interior just like Dad's original Fury. Too cool for school! I have a picture from a World of Wheels car show from probably the early 80's where a KCTA sign was on display above an old bantam roadster if I recall? The old Sites Bros. Missouri Mule was also on display at this same show. Car still exists and is undergoing a complete restoration.

[BrerHair]

Strolling through the archives (man this place is rad) . . .

Found this amazing thread by an original hot rodder. This thread needs to be resurrected.

Ray, are you still out there? Awesome stories, you are a treasured original.
Hope you don't mind, but I'm re-posting one of your pics of ya'lls car club from back in the day:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8qEDwfHWKL0/TSxbtLrDLaI/AAAAAAAAHJw/8BowlioPZ14/s800/KCTA%20Ray%20Miller.jpg

Thanks for sharing your incredible stuff Ray!!

[BrerHair]

I have a series of magazine photos of the Dragettes car club. This is probably ya'lls wives and girlfriends, Ray!!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8qEDwfHWKL0/TSxdqFCG8kI/AAAAAAAAHKo/T191I-esFtU/s800/KCgirlclub9.jpg

[firstnomad]

Thanks for all of the post's...............It was appreciated by me very much, and by others as well !
welcome........to the H.A.M.B.

firstnomad
www.angelfire.com/jazz/flatlandstudio (http://www.angelfire.com/jazz/flatlandstudio)