Lots of other places to go if I want to talk about my iron, but someone asked ;-), and I don't lie, and that's not why I'm here. I'm here to pass on the history and the photos of the old rods and dirt track cars that I have in my possession. Just being a good steward of the resource materials that have been entrusted to me by my dad. In 1997 my dad and I seriously talked about recreating his roadster, but he eventually, with input from mom, decided against it. That would have been the time to do it, while he had the fire. Instead, in 2002 we directed our efforts into restoring their '69 OHC 6 Firebird coupe (my car now) which was a more attainable goal for them, and she got to drive it too before she passed. It was a lot of work/fun for us. The only things we farmed out were the machine work & the paint. Believe me I would've have loved to recreate that roadster, but it just wasn't in the cards to do, then or now. Hopefully someone will get inspired by the rest of the pics I have of that car and make it happen. They will be up soon, God willing, and the creek don't rise. In so many ways today its 1941 all over again. Damn shame too. Been a regular participant at the San Diego Antique Drags (1976 & earlier now) at Barona and the RaceLegal Drags at the stadium (closed in March 2019) in Mission Valley since 2003 and had blast doing that. but decided to take a break from racing late last year and just run the cars on the street for now. Got some old radio gear to restore too. My plate is pretty full to be sure. Now someone go build that roadster I wanna see it running! LOL
PMD, I was one that asked about your collection of go fast...I was thinking albiet you had a modern go fast as an avatar you might have a mix of old and possibly something reaching back to the late 40s to early 60s Hotrods. You clearly have a diverse but newer collection. That's awesome. It seems your Dad and Jim found Sprint Racing to be a fulfilling form of go fast and put a lot of time and passion into that with much success it seems... I'm thinking you spent a fair bit of time around the racing events in some capacity and gleaned knowledge of both early Hotrod, Land Speed, Sprint racing and spent time with quite a few movers and shakers...in all facets of Autosport...your experiences have given you a very well rounded wide ranging view of the Culture of Go fast...I hope on top of your sharing the Influential Dry Lakes History and more here you will find the Hamb a place that can be a companion to some of your varied interests moving forward. There are many here that lived life around many experiences you likely still enjoy in some capacity...Thank you and your Dad, I look forward to the Dry Lakes and Hotrod experiences you are gracing us with. Maybe Dad might even find some fulfillment perusing the wide ranging content here.
Thanks for your efforts, a handful of pictures from long ago are much appreciated. Maybe a little history on the venue- Harper Lake for those of us not so familiar.
This is a good thread on the dry lakes that the hot rodders ran on. Harper was one that they ran from the 30's on up until 1946 probably outlaw meets during wwii since racing was was technically illegal during the war years. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=10503
did you see the hot rod in this vid? its at 3:36 looks to me like a quite low fenderless model a roadster with bumperettes, top up and spoked wheels.
@PMD406 This thread may interest you. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1940s-period-correct-hot-rods.422177/
My father in law made it to his 90s as well... Must have been something that the WW2 boys were doing correctly. He was a regular at the dry lakes events for over 10 years. I have some of his placards' that I will run on one of our cars for a Good Luck momento!
The Jalopy Journal
