Projects Gene (Moonlighter) Cromer's A/G Willys Resurrection

124 mph at 9.96? I would guess Gene could run high 9.70's. Shoot, some cars only run 10.70's at 124mph.

 

Gene and the Moonlighter remind me of the famous winning racehorse Seabisquit and his jockey Red Pollard. They both suffered serious injuries and had to quit racing. Years later, they both healed, and came back to win again against all odds. Eventually they beat the fastest racehorse in the land "Warhorse" in a special match race. The poor old Moonlighter sat all rusty and disassembled and Gene suffered a bad stroke. Now they are both recovered, rebuilt, and back to their winning ways. I actually like the "Moonlighter Story" better. I wish Hollywood would make a "Moonlighter" movie. I'd be first in line at the box office.

--- Steve ---

 

Steve,wouldn't that make for a great movie!

George Lucas could do it in a big way ,or maybe a independent like Faith Granger...I would be the second in line! HRP

 

Yep, they need to read the Rodders Journal, or this thread. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to realize it could be the basis for a blockbuster Inspirational movie. Hopefully they wouldn't coarsen it up tossing in a bunch of cussing and sex and so forth.

--- Steve ---

 

I watched him make a pass today - pure cool!

 

I understand Gene won second round ran an .86 South is proving to be a little too much. Im sure Quain will jump in here with more.

 

Did I miss Okiedoker running or did he run?

 

I got to reading about the shootout and really enjoyed seeing Gene run the car and have really liked talking to Melvin and forgot what thread I was on ,didn't mean to hijack the thread.

 

The south has won in just 2 rounds no need for the 3 tomorrow. Not sure what we will do for the fans in the 3 round tomorrow. Word on the street tonight is that they want the Southeast gasser's to run each other and let the north cars run each other for some more even racing. That's fine with us if that's what they want. Gene Cromer won both of his rounds and went 9.86 in the second. Another note the North wanted to run a pro tree, Gene was dead on and had never run a pro tree before. When Gene raced it was flag or long tree. The man has not lost anything He is BAD.

 

Damn I don't even know where to start? First I gotta say way to go Gene, you still got it man! Running a good number and shuttin down early. You don't want to show them to much to early. Great to hear the Southern boys wooped up on the North. No matter what put on a show for the fans at the track and us here in HAMB land. This thread is only a small part of what could be the script for a movie. Thanks for the update Quain.

 

Quain, or Gene. Are y'all doing the cruise to the burger place thing at Byron? I don't know if they let full out race cars do that up there. Here in Nashville, Tn. you'd be surrounded by blue lights in no time. I was shocked when I saw the pics of that being allowed in South Carolina.

--- Steve ---

 

I like it.....

 

Steve,I don't think anyone ask for permission,it just happened! HRP

 

Steve, I saw a lot of pictures from Sam's Drive in on facebook. It looked like most of the South East gassers were there, but I didn't see the Moonlighter. I did see a pic of Melvin walking around though. Evidently the police don't care because all of the race cars drive the 2 miles from the track.

 

David told me last night gene didn't go. That would be great to stroll into town with the headers open breathing fire just like the old days.

 

I saw the rooftop of Quain's car in one picture at Sam's. Bet ole Melvin was hungry and hitched a ride with him.

--- Sad Steve --- (Cause I wasn't able to be there)

 

I thought you guys might like to see a pic of the trophy the South East Gassers won at the Meltdown Drags. Gene's grandson Geoffry posted this pic on FB. Congrats to Quain, Gene, and the rest of the guys for winning the North vs South showdown.

 

My wife Patricia just looked at this picture and says "Congratulations" to Gene, Quain, and the other Southeastern Gassers.

 

All of the south east gassers and the guys from the North side signed the trophy and gave it to Gene. He was so proud and was very thankful. We all thought it should be in his trophy case.

 

All you guys did the South proud,bragging rights for sure.

I'm am elated to hear of the good sportsmanship between the competitors which is sorely lacking in professional sports today..both the North and South Gassers should be proud of their showing.

I have said it numerous times but it bares repeating,thank you Quain for spearheading the Return of the Moonlighter..there have been so many people that were involved.

I honestly believe the entire Moonlighter team have more than exceeded their original expectations! HRP

 

Thought I'd share this from Cassandra (my1971buick) FB page.

 

Now, that looks like one happy man. Hope Ruth didn't get too jealous ... LOL

--- Steve ---

 

That's fantastic!!

 

Well done,..... very well done.

 

I really enjoyed talking to gene and quain, those guys were spot on! gene was smooth, car hooked and gone. sure hope the south group can make the trip again! it was a great weekend, if them south boys come up next year, everybody better come watch! if you dont' your missing a great show. thanks meltdown group!

 

I was pumping gas Saturday morning in Rockford Il at the local "Ranger" station. I was heading to the Meltdown drags and ofcourse had my "Return of the Moonlighter" t- shirt on. All of a sudden, Gene's daughter and grandson walked up and we chatted for a moment. I just wanted to say the pride, the joy, the grattitude and the good was ever present in the entire Cromer group. Nice people.

 

This is unbelievable. 6 hours of reading. Yeah, for sure a Hollywood treatment.....I see the World's Fastest Indian and Anthony Hopkins....all day long....with this great story here. Frekn' WOW. Mr. Cromer, I'm really glad that so many people enjoyed the thought of bringing you back to speed, in what I always thought was one of the prettiest Willys to ever run the tracks. Praise be to all of those thoughtful people here that have seen this through. Mr. Stott......unreal sir. You are an amazing person. Look what you did ! Started a large pay it forward here brother. Welcome to the Quain Stott Time Machine Service. Brought a car, a man, and a great crew chief back to some fun times....and all of us get to watch. This is bad effin' ass. I hope whatever you do, from here on out.....karma comes back to you with every inch of your steps. Thank you sir, and thank you to all of you that made my day.

 

it was great to see the car on the track doing its thing. it was also very interesting to see the scrap books that were brought for fans to go through. there was alot of history there. i really enjoyed going through them. thanks for bringing them. the whole group is a class act. i hope you can all make it next year.

 

We need video!!!!
Still have popcorn.

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

^^^^^The pic above, makes the Moonlighter look MEAN. I know a lot of "gassers" jack the front end WAY up, but I think that's just a cliché thing at the moment. In my opinion you can't be the stance of the Moonlighter in that pic.