When the smoke cleared at Indy ( and the rain stopped) there were 6 vehilces in our pit area. 4 Hamb HA/GR cars and a couple of gerbils. The "Gerbils" are a car that looks like a HA/GR car ( and may have even been one) that have removed all HAMB decals and added automatic transmissions. Now dont take this post wrong , this dont make them bad guys at all, in fact i consider these guys my friends as well as anyone. However these are NOT HA/GR cars anymore. Modern carbs and automatics have made them " Gerbils" Bob Hindsman has started a Tulsa based race series called the SDRA and they are having a ball with there cars and Dave Lewis ran a 12.15 at Indy. I may even install a glide at some point later down the road just to race with these guys myself, but for now i have built a car to the rules and the "No Automatics. HAMB Decal and banner" certaintly apply to me and it appears the other four guys at Indy will do the same. With that said and done we need a NEW HA/GR record as "gerbil automatic" records dont count. I think Ryans thoughts concur with mine that only HA/GR cars can compete in the Hambster cl*** at his races as well. So who has the new record for HA/GR ? Mr Mac is that your record now ??? All in all we all had a great time at Indy , I will post more as time allows and tell the story of my first outing with a HA/GR car soon. Still trying to stop grinning !!!! Too much spam and Knob Creek...
Hi Bubba, Thanks for the great post and comments. Do you have the times and speed, I know we would all like to see those. It looks like you all had a nice time. My congrat's to Ted and the Rams.
Bubba, Thanks for the early report and pics. Is the black car a hambster or gerbil? Interesting expressions on the faces of the observers. I don't recall any pics or info on this car in previous coverage of the HA/GRs. really looking forward to a complete report and especially the blow by blow on the performance of the Waffle House Special! Ted
Come on. Quit teasing. I want a full accounting of alll the rails and match-ups. There are a few cars pictured I haven't seen before. I've decided to stop *****in. I have a '55 Chrysler Hemi block in the back of my truck right now. Bubba, do you think you can help me get a period correct injection setup for it?
Great photos, how 'bout some more details to go with'em? Sounds like a good time was had, and that's what it's about. And the "Gerbil" spin off cooks! Two ways to go can only broaden interest in the cl***(es) and the concept. 'Course the "pure" way'll always be better ...............
The black car is a real HA/GR car as well as the other (flamed) flathead car. Way too much going on for me to have all the numbers etc. Both these cars were from Wisconsin ( cheese head racing ) and maybe they can sign in to this post and tell the particlulars etc ?? Both cars are well built and the black car has a killer flathead in it with a real steel T body etc. The cooling system alone will keep ya looking for a while. VERY nice work! On lookers were all over these cars from start to finish. Full report on the Waffle House special tomorrow etc.... A couple other pics....
I too have quit *****ing , in the spirit of the "Bug" i have built my car to the period rules without a automatic ( i dont even have a trans at all just a clutch)and without new holley carbs etc. it is designed to be a fun only cl*** and if we forget the win lose issue it can be!!! My first run was 68 mph ( car hooked, up then bogged ,then shook with bouncing right front tire.) but i had a blast , still have the smile from ear to ear. Crown aplauded when we came up the return road and people on the fence was giving us the thumbs up! My second run was 90.50 mph and a blast !!! ( details later) If we all just race and hold this kind of at***ude the cl*** will grow! If we let others ignore the rules we will divide quickly! The pics say it all, thats me in the car wondering what the hell i am doing before the first run ever in the car, and the other pic is my grandson Jacob figuring out how to drive the golf cart and my son Scott (lindross). Cant wait to do the again !!!
The point has been made over...and over...and over again. It is even clearly stated here...the crowd DOES NOT CARE what kind of carb is on the engine...or what kind of transmission is being run. They just enjoy the show that these little cars put on. Isn't that really what it is all about. These threads with all the crying and *****ing aren't making a difference. Not one of these "outlaw" cars has made one change because of it? They are not going to change their car just to make you happy. While they do not conform to the HA/GR rules...they are contributing to the future of the cl***. I personally have seen them handing out rules for the HA/GR cl*** both at a car show and at the race track. Picking up little kids and sitting them in their cars...while mom and dad look on with big smiles. They are great amb***adors for the cl***. They are not hurting the HA/GR cl*** at all...they encourage others to get involved and build a car to meet your rules. Why don't you try to find a way to live with the situation...instead of writing a bunch of boring comments and putting these "outlaws" down.
The auto cl*** is a great idea... And I am glad it is around... I know there were a few guys that were bummed when we decided to make the HA/GR cl*** a "no auto" cl***. Now, those folks have some fellas to race. I think that is good. That said, the HA/GR cl*** will remain the same at all of our events. We won't be allowing auto trannies or modern carbs in the cl***... I just like the idea of our guys banging gears and dumping clutches too much....
No, that's not what it is all about at all. "The Hemi is a period correct engine. Fuel injection was common "back in the day". I like Alky. No real racer cares to learn how to shift gears, I'll build what ever I please. I'll show up at a race where a bunch of Rubes followed a strict set of lame, dumb*** rules. They thought they could have a fair (boring) race. I'll blow those ****ers away. The crowd will love it. They'll love me. Skrew the other racers. The crowd won't care about them. The crowd won't know the diff. They'll get a great show from me. They are all that matter." No thanks. I'll stick to the rules for HA/GR. When I decide to build something different, I'll build to a different set of rules. Fair play is what it's all about.
Godzila , ya got it all wrong. Bob Hindsman is the guy that got me interested in building a car , and i just spent the weekend with him and consider him a friend. I have no problem at all with the SDRA and the automatics thats great, may even race some with them. I have found a way to live with the situation, USE THE RULES WE HAVE AND HAVE FUN!! By the way those rules were created by the car owners and will continue to be directed by the car owners. Bob just hooked up a series and seen the ease of running the automatics. We all had a great time this weekend and when those dudes get home from the trip they will chime in and tell ya so. We now have two cl***es SDRA ( no hamb) and HA/GR ( Hamb) thats all. BTW the crowd does care, i too have handed out many copies of the rules at shows and have gotten a couple groups building cars, they love the pre 62 issue m the 6 inch tires and the period correct carbs etc. They didnt build autos because the rule sheet says no autos. The crowds get to see the Jegs catalog car run all the time, it is the period stuff they can relate too. Mailorder catalog cars , kinda like some of the tuperware cars , see one see them all.
I for one completely understand your point of view. Ryan has spoken...you have all the HAMB races to race your cars as long as they meet the HA/GR rules. What more do you want. If the guys with the "outlaw" cars want to race at a HAMB race they will have to change their cars to meet the rules. That rocks...you know they are gonna do it.
This was one of the most memoriable experiences of my life. Meeting the Ramrods and the Hornets after studying the pics of the 2 rails posted on hamb was quite an experience. I ran in the house many times to fire up the laptop to see how they did this or that as I was building. We were all pitted in the same spot which was great, everyone hit it off from the start. I could not help but think of how much fun it had to of been back in the early 50's doing this. Watching those guys tinker looking for another 10th of a sec. was truly fun. Well maybe not that much as I got stung by the Hornets in our 2nd round on Fri. Larry Jones had just done a super tune on the 3 single barrel carbs how can you beat that. Hindman had been working on the rear tires, looked like he was scuffing them up. The Cheese Head racers were trying to pick up any tips we could, but after getting to know them, I have wonder if they are not playing with our minds some of the time, I did notice a nitro fuel can in there pit. Bubba's Waffle house car is a real unique rail, very excellent built and finished of nicely. I'm sure he will put up some great times as they get somes more runs in. We went to Bubba's SPAM-O-RAMA and open house on Friday nite, if you missed this you missed the time of your life. Bubba and his son Scotty put on the best and interesting party's you will ever go to. Bubba gave us all a tour of his business and is a exceptional speaker. There hospitality can not be matched. Babba also made sure we got the directions over to Tom Culversons shop on Sat. nite for a brat fry (him and Scotty were cooking the brats). Another great memoriable time, we grew up on brats here in Wis., so felt right at home. Tom also did a great job of making sure we were having a great time. We did see a real neat old time flathead dragster in the back garage there. Bubba says they have super plans for that. I could really go on and on, make plans for this event next year you won't be let down. We had real good racing for the 3 days, the stuff you dream about doing. I had 7 runs on my car before coming here so I had some seat time, but my friend Cowboy Bob had none. He has never drag raced before and is catching on real quick. He had 2 runs in the 13.1 et range and had hoped for a 12 sec p***. I raced him on Sat. and we were neck and neck for the first 1000 feet and I did manage to pull him a little on the top end. I kept seeing him in right next to me and was actually pulling on the steering wheel so I could push harder on the gas pedal. That was the best race of my life, we have known each other for over 40 yrs. so bragging rights are inportant. His car is the new black HA/GR and is a work of art. Made with all old parts, no Summitt special here. He will be bringing this to Mo-Kan so watch for it. Another special highlight happened on the trip home. We were on the Chi. Toll Road when my friend poked me and motioned to look at the car next to me. Here was Don Purdhomme and everyone else in the car laughing and giving us the thumbs up, sure made our day complete. They were racing in Chi. I'm sure it brought back memories of his youth in racing. What a thrill that was. Thanks to the gods of speed for a great safe weekend, 2b-banjo
Oooh yeaaah, Thanks 2b, sounds like it was then, all over again. Man, you gotta get the Cowboy to show & tell on his build, it's perfect. Wife & I have a kid, some grandkids and great grandkids not far from the Brickyard (yeah, I'm a Hoosier - there, it's out), think I just may need to schedule in a visit "sometime" ( ) next year.
Dang.......it's a shame you guys ain't having any fun. Sure makes us look forward to getting ours together.
Bubba, what caused the bouncing front tire? You did not leave anything loose, did you? Sounds like you guys had a blast. Making me look forward to the HAMB drags even more!! I will be taking mine to the local track this weekend and hopefully get to make a decent p***.
1. I like the fact there is effectively 2 cl***es, one for the guys out to have some fun, and one for the guys who want to go really fast (whilst having fun). 2. I do believe that the original rules are 'in the spirit', and give people a 'foot in the door' to racing, the rest is evolution from that. 3. At***ude, that's the biggest element to people having fun, and I really hope that, despite the differences, we build bridges and cheer each other on, as we're all in 'it' to have fun..... I'd really like to see some photo's/details of that black beast, that looks mega sweet. Anyhow, looks like you guys had a ball, great to see, what sort of times/speeds by all. Cheers, Drewfus
The front tires are new ( but old) they came of the 37 Morris ch***is i had and still had the ***s on them , had never really been ran. I did balance them but i think i need to put some fresh new ones on the car. I have a couple extra wheels i am sending out to clean up (strip), true up and install new tires etc. Only got two runs but still have the grin from the experience. I will do a first drive story as soon as i get over this weekend.........
THE HORNET REPORT lets start with the FH cars 2b ran 12.70s with abest of 12.69 mph 106+ cowboy bobs car ran low 13s mph 102+ Both of these cars can be described with one word NIFTY Ienjoyed visting with both of them RAMRODS they had so much bad luck if i told you would not belive me they have to tell that tale GMC BUBBA had new car blues ran about 90 mph et 17s this wont last long expect to see himin the thick of things shortly After touring his business and hobby shop a first cl*** operation He must be breaking the law it cant be legal to have that muchfun RED BARON GMC ran a12.15 mph 108+backed it up with a 12.20 mph 107+ the other runs high 30s low 40s THE HORNET 12.82 mph 103 missing on top end new plugs jet change 12.45 mph 102 jet change 12.87 mph102 still missing in last 300 ft check every thing replace coil last run with red baron line BOB up in tracks of fuel funny car baron stages bob stages slowly tree goes down baron red lights turns 12.30 106 hornet runs 12.38 106+ hornets front wheel even with barons rear wheel no miss got top speed back and thats the way it ended if i made any mistakes i apologize i did this mainly from memory and at age 70 its not as good as it once was
Wow, they're some kick **** times.....great to hear.....the race will be on to see who is first past to get 110 mph and 11's Wow, you guy's have some fast billy carts.... Any 60 foot times? Cheers, Drewfus
sixty ft run 1 2.109 -1.720 -1.829 -1.938 -1.737 a little to much launch rpm or air pressure and your either a hero or a zero 2b had 1.836 -1.825 red baron 1.783 onlast run every car is differnt even though we are running the same tire
after much research i find that Gerbils are quicker; better looking smarter;more alert ,clear eyed,more industrious thanthe lowly hambster who just lays aroundand eats peanuts I find it interesting that 50 per cent of the cars where from Tulsa and that 33percent were autos Car count is the issue and to just elimate a whole group because they dont have a clutch pedal seems foolish to me
Eliminate is a bit harsh, I tend to think of them as comparing a 1929 roadster to a 1930 roadster, both are great, but different flavours to cater for different needs. I tend to think we are our own failure if we allow it to be an devisive issue, as despite the differences, we all are traveling in the same direction. Any more photo's? Cheers, Drewfus
Kinda like a fairy tale i guess. One upon a time 6 cars showed up to exibition race at the Hot Rot nationals in Indianapolis. 4 were built to the HA/GR rule sheets with Hamb decals per Jalopy Journal and two wasnt. The two cars ( known as gerbils) had No hamb decals and ran automatic transmissions. They ran under the SDRA banner (decals on the car). All six cars ran together and ALL had a great time doing so. The gerbils were much faster and no one even seemed to care because the hambsters knew the automatics make the car easier to deal with and should be faster. . 34% Gerbils and 66% hambsters. In reality we were racing against each other, gerbil to gerbil ( the Lewis GMC wins) and Hambster to hambster ( 2B Banjo wins). Looking forward to a summer of fun with these cars !!!!!!!!!
I don't have a problem with the fact that auto cars are built and raced. I've said there should be separate cl***es all along. I'll be running with them in a couple weeks. I plan to have a good time. We really haven't had a chance to open ours up. I'll be doing most of the driving, because Brad plans to bring the new Top Fuel FED. Driver error should slow us down a lot. That's all I'm concerned with.
I wonder if anyone would be upset if a top fuel fed showed up to run in a jr fuel fed event. They are both fed's and other than the very small difference of nitro and blower they both "look" the same......
This no longer sounds like "bench racing"...it sounds like a bunch of old women sitting around complaining. Is all this rhetoric really all that much fun...or are you just bored?
The Jalopy Journal
