History Drag cars in motion.......picture thread.

I'm guessing this may be a lesson for new owner?

 

Champion Speed Shop dragster . Bill Waters Ford. Gas Ronda. Cotai Drag Strip,

 

The guy holding the spark plug looks like a young Craig Breedlove.

 

Tom Jobe

 

Ritchie Bandel on the left here after purchasing the Surfer's II car....didn't end well, you can see the frustration on Tom's face.

 

Thanks for correcting my post. nick.

 

Thought it was one of the Bandel brothers, wasn't sure. Isn't that Surfers II car being restored?

 

The real deal, I was there ! Puyallup, Wa, June 8-9-1963

 

Lefty Mudersbach Lions '66...

 

Was sold on the Hanna auction - thought I read where it was going to a private collection.

 

Tripp Tatum bought the car, will be restored...

 

Thanks,
Hope it makes it to the CHRR someday. Sure would like to see the car.
John

 

Hi Marty,
Probably repeats. Oh well these are worth another look, maybe taken on the same day at Puyallup? The last two definitely not repeats, I took these at a Seattle nostalgia race back in the 80's. Gerry Steiner "The Mad Austrian" doing exhibition passes in the 554 car, smoking the tires pretty much the full 1/4! Bizio truck always one of my favorite gassers. Hope to see you at Toutle.
John

 

John, those 3 photos, are companions to the one I posted, were taken by Jim Cooper, at the race I attended at 14 years old. Tommy Ivo bested Don Garlits in a 2 out of 3 match, Tommy Groves in the Melrose Missile, blew the engine on his first run, but teamed with a local to race on. I remember it all like yesterday, and it was 60 years ago. Your photo, brings back fond memories as well, as that was the second outing with Tom Willford driving with the hand controls, I setup for him. I drove it at it's debut at Fremont, and the Labor Day race at Seattle. And Gerry Steiner always put on a great driving display in the Mooneyham Coupe. The last time I talked to Gerry, he lamented the fact that he could have bought the coupe from Brian Burnett for $12,000.00, on the easy payment plan ! I will see you at Toutle.

 

One word: OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wonder what a guy could have bought it for when it was just an old forlorn out of date race car in what looks to be some kind of industrial yard? That $12K works out to be about $33K in todays money. Think Don would take an offer of $35K for the car? Yeah sure!!

 

I remember when it was for sale in National Dragster in the late 70's, it was in the K&G Speed Shop livery. It was real cheap, but on the east coast !

 

Logghe Shop...

 

Where in Michigan were these guys located???.....

 

Fraser...

 

Looks like the AMT Piranha under construction .

 

Hello,

Where can you see the Winged Express up close and personal? It is at the Lion’s Dragstrip Museum display area, in all of its former glory, without the smoke. In its glory days, even with the later version of the enclosed overhead walkway structure in place.

Being able to walk around the whole complex was very enjoyable as there were no people other than the director and friends setting up various displays and materials for the show. It was strange and eerie at the same time. At times, it was looking at the prepping stage. Other times while walking, one could hear the roar of the motors starting up and running. Although no motors were being fired up. Memories play great tricks on the mind.

The famous “Winged Express” WITHOUT the wing and a sight line in front from the seat.

Thanks, Rob...
Haven’t we all wondered what is it like under that famous “Winged Express” giant aluminum airfoil? Wonder what it looks like to see the ”Borsch-eye” view of the surroundings? Prior to the final display installation and removal of the driveshaft, this is what it looked like for me.

Borsch vs Durfee Auto Modified Roadster 1961

The odd thing was, in the prep area, I was told that the missing drive shaft was standard operating procedures for drag racing displays. No drive shaft, no threat for accidental starting and any kind of power movement. As nice as that moment was concerned, the photos remind me of the weekly finagling to get into that single seat and get strapped in for that famous powerful, wild ride.

"Pssst...Hey... lets put the driveshaft back in and squirt some fuel in the injectors. We can leave some burnout tracks without anyone suspicious during the lunch break. Everyone will all be gone to lunch and no one will be the wiser...!!! HA"


Jnaki

Realism, but far fetched...although those Altered/Modified Roadsters can be run in any place, once they are set up again...

 

Thanks!...

 

Bill Tibboles Chev / Olds Twin up against an early unidentified rear engine dragster.