Also notable are the names of some people whose names are still seen/heard frequently: Randy "Big Stuff" Payne, of Rome, Georgia. "Big" eventually became a part of the Platt & Payne Ford Drag Team and later made the switch to Generation 4 F-bodies. I ran him in class at Indy in 2002 where his LS1 Firebird ate my LT1 Camaro for lunch. His health is marginal these days but he's a legend! "Gentleman" Dick Baker, of Columbus, Ohio, is sadly no longer with us but his name comes up frequently amongst racers. He was a big player and highly respected in Division 3 Stock Eliminator battles. Dickie "Silly Bear" Ogles, of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Never met him but he and Beech Bend Raceway are legendary! By the way, if you've ever had an urge to be around Stock racing in about as pure and unadulterated environment as is possible to achieve, attend a divisional or National Open race in Bowling Green. I've been there once, on my way to Indy, and I hope to someday race there again before they close the lid on my box. Beech Bend is an throwback, iconic, small-town drag strip. To hell with "Motorplexes," and "International Raceways!" Find a place that calls itself a "drag strip" and that brings in spectators to watch real Super Stockers and Stockers from covered grandstands with theater-style seating that is barely twenty feet from the christmas tree! That's worth the price of the trip plus the ticket! Sorry about the rant. I just feel really connected when I roll into the water box at Beech Bend. c
Here's a link to a (*Hot Rod Magazine)piece on that amazing find! http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/69678_1961_drag_racing_dodge_dart/index.html ... Some guys just have all the luck!
Bob, he doing ok. He still enjoys drag racing as much as ever. He had a good time at the "old drag racers" dinner recently in Jacksonville. He rode down with Troy Dennis and enjoyed seeing old race friends. Thanks for asking. Ed
I did see a pic of Barbara Eden as trophy queen somewhere and some time ago, so this was no surprise to me. Pete
i would like any pics you have also i new pat my dad would always go to the part store when i was a little kid and then when i was 13 i inhereted a 57 hardtop from my aqunt and i still have it today at 45 i bought a blow proof bell from him back in the days anyways i dont live in nj anymore if you see pat tell him that dan from ky said hi...thanks dan
In case anyone's interested: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3879312#post3879312 Also: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=357795 Regards, Pete
P426 G.I.---JAKE here do any of the three N.E.D. mags 73-74-75- have anything to say about my good buddy JACK WORRELL ? thanks much ---JAKE
hi pete and yes i was talking about pat riccardi he helped me out a bunch with my 57 back in the days
p426/prosbad57 - pat is now a lurker on here, has registered as "pafoo57" now we have to get him to post - hes learning how to scan, and then will put up pics of the car as a K/S, F/MP and G/MP - yes, pats still at buy rite, still the best parts guy around, and a great friend!
I know, I know...they're Super Stockers. Still, it's a cool pic and the previous year (1971) they weren't! Is that MPH correct??
Pete,Were you or anybody else able to connect with Trip Marcel? Also, I think Vince Mele at the Park would be a good source of pics and info. Diane looks "Thrilled" ,dosn't she.
Bob Plumer was supposed to contact Marcel. Never heard anything back from him regarding this back at the 'other' place. Btw, I was told that Trip was actually Vince Mele's alias. Is that correct? Speaking of Trip, I can tell you Vince Mele doesn't have any pix from the good ol' daze. I asked him about that back when I worked at Raceway Park in 1992-96. He told me that he quit working for Raceway Park in 1976. I forget when Vince told me he returned. Anyway, ALL his photos taken for Raceway News prior to his departure (including those not included in the issues) were left behind in a file cabinet in the room next to Richie Napp Sr.'s office. He mentioned to me who he thought 'borrowed' all his pix but had no proof. Too bad...some really cool shots he took! Now, I know Norman Blake has lots of good stuff. I believe he started taking photos at the drags in 1971. Maybe someone reading this (who knows him) can mention this forum to him. Another name that just came to mind is "Beserko" Bobby Doerrer. He's gotta have some pix!! As far as Diane goes, she should've been happy! At least the 'job' wasn't boring. Pete
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