I've always loved front engine dragsters and after sitting in one as a kid I've had the dream of driving one. Well I didn't really get to drive one but I got to run one in a cacklefest.....just as cool when your sitting on the track sarounded by the likes of Big Daddy, Bruce Larson and other big names. It all started with My father wanting to go to Bowling Green. Shortly after that Rich Venza asked if I could bring his Fiat Topalino dragster to Bowling Green for him. He's now in Georgia and the car was up here still. It was a perfect plan. Spend father's day with my father in Bowling Green and help a friend out. We did a litte pre cacklefest planning and Rich was having problems getting out of the car. A few old injuries were just not letting him twist the way he needed to to get out of the car. I was able to get in and out so I got to run the car. I really wish Rich could have....after all it's his baby! We found out we were going to have to push the car onto the track. With me in the driver seat we needed more than my father and Rich to push, so we recruited Ty (St515) and Denise (HRLC) to help. We started out with a parade lap which was cool. I got to trip the lights in a dragster....at wopping 15 MPH Then we were staged on the track between Bruce Larson in the USA 1 funny car and the Fred Hurst Opel. On the opposite side of the track was the Jngle Jim funny car, the Stone Woods and Cook Gassers and the S&S team. We fired up all at once. I could barely hear Riches car. There was such a rumble in the air. So cool!!!!! To sit there and be a part of it was just soooo coool!! I didn't get to see much of it but after we shut off the grand finally of Big Daddy, Tom Hannah and another car came in. I could see the Hannah car and it was cool. I don't have any pictures. Ty and Denise may be able to suply them. Thanks Rich!!! Clark
Was good to meet and hang out with you. Rich's car looked awesome. And congrats on getting the ride. Next time you need a period truck to tow you around...might know where we could find one.
Clark and I have crossed paths socially and in business for 20 years. But I'm here to say that after the Hot Rod Reunion trip we are now the best of buddies, and papa Bates is one great guy as well. Since EJ and Ed Kowalski who assembled Pinocchio in their shop couldn't make the trip this year, I couldn't have had a better pair of HAMBers to make my trip to Bowling Green so very special.
Sooooooooooo...Clark.....when are you gonna build one eh? Lucky guy you are. I'm hoping to go to Beaver for the nostalgia drags here in July. later shawn
Nope. We tossed a tarp over the engine just before the heavens opened up. Since it passed by pretty quick, I don't think the water hurt the upholstery.
can you get that shit eatin' grin off your face? i'm guessn' that metro needs drug out sooner than expected.
Hmmm that's what Clark looks like with out MUD??? I'll bet he cried like a baby when you told him he had to get out. Did he hold his breathe and pout for 2 days? Or will he have that "silly smile" till I get out there in August..... tt
Damn Rich I was hoping to see your car at the Beav....Well it looks like I'm headed to York after all
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