Bobbie Stancil in the hospital

Bobbie Stancil, former track photographer at Beech Bend Raceway Park is at the Medical Center of Bowling Green in the CCU.  I talked to Bobbie today and she said she had viens that had blockage.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobbie and her family. Get well soon!

No Stock Car Races on Friday April 1 Due to Weather!

Don't forget the radio show tonight!

On D93 tonight from 7-8 pm the Horsepower Racin' Hour with your host Spivey Williams and Smokin' Joe.

Sarah Jo White Hospitalized

Sarah Jo, wife of Bobby White has had some health problems today. Talking to Bobby,  he said that there was nothing that we could do and that she didn't need a lot of company now. The one thing that she needs the most now is our prayers. With that being said, our thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and the entire family.  If you would like to send you get well wishes by email or comment I will see that they get it.

The Horsepower Racin' Hour Radio Show

Join host Spivey Williams and Smokin' Joe Morris this Thursday night  The radio show is from 7-8 p.m. on D-93.  The show is now in the radio station's studio.  Special guest on the show this week will be Bobby White driver of the #7 Late Model for 2011 and me (Odell Turner) Track Photographer at Beech Bend Raceway Park and Owner of the Local Racing News and Rumors by ODELL blog site.   Bobby is making a return back to racing Late Model's.  The car can be seen on this site.  Be sure to tune in at 7pm on D93 and every Thursday night.
NOTE: Bobby will not be on the radio show tomorrow night due to his wife being hospitalized.  I talked to Spivey tonight, he hates that Bobby can't be on the show, but family is the most important. Spivey also said get well soon and sends his prayers out to the family.

AMRA Harley Drags and Rally Had A Great Show This Weekend.

The rain came this weekend. The weather was COLD! That didn't stop the AMRA from putting on a great show. It didn't stop some hardcore Harley fans from watching the drags.  I saw this guy standing at the fence while I was shooting photos of the bikes racing. I took his photo because I thought he said it all about the COLD air with his warm red fake beard.  After taking his picture I talk to him and he told me he picked up that red beard at Dallas. There was times I wished I had it. I know Marty and Jayne would thank the fans that did brave the cold, rain and elements to watch the bikes race. Again, thanks fans and bikers! See you all in June. NOTE: I don't have enough space for all the photos from Saturday and Sunday on this site. So you can view them on my other site by clicking on this link www.photosbyodell.photoreflect.com

Like the old rock song said "Girls just want to have fun too"

Photos Courtesy of PBO

Every weekend I try to do a featured story. This weekend I had the pleasure to interview Stacey Bortz of Uniontown, PA.  Her first race win - Hot Street with 144 MPH @ 9.69.  Stacey is sponsored by GMS Engines and JTS Auto Body.  Stacey has been racing 4 years. Her best time was 9.46 @ 144 MPH on a rigid 121 inch custom, first race with new chassis and swingarm.  **NOTE: Stacey is the fastest girl on a street ridden Harley without bars. (9.46) Thanks Stacey for your time. It was great to meet you and your team.  Good luck in 2011, hope to see you all in June at Beech Bend Raceway Park.

Young Gun David Burdsoll wins Thumper Class at the AMRA Harley Drags.

Photos Courtesy of PBO

AMRA Biker David Burdsoll of Indianapolis, IN. picked up the first win in the Thumper class for the 2011 season at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.  Congratulations David!

Oval Track **NEWS FLASH**

Former stock car driver making his return to the oval track in 2011 season. Bobby White will be in his Chevy late model #7.  He hasn't driven a stock car for years in a race. I had the pleasure to visit Bobby's race shop yesterday and had a little talk with him.  Here is our interview with Bobby.  Q: Why race now? A: Well for years I have worked on these old cars and I just thought if I worked on them I might as well drive and have the fun myself.  Q: Will you compete? A: Sure I would like to, but commom sense would tell you that at my age and after being out of a car for years I will need a lot of seat time. So I plan on running in the back staying out of the way and getting some time in the seat.  Q: But as competitive as you are don't you think you will challenge some of the other racers? A: Hey listen, You have great drivers like Sammy Sanders, the Willis boys, and so many others that have been running for years. Like I said this whole deal for me is to have FUN! However if I get the feel for my old car I might put her on up there in the field. That's not to say a win this year. I just want to stay involved in racing. I may put a driver in this thing at sometime this year, we just don't know at this point. It is all played by ear.

My Comments after the interview: I think Bobby is looking to have the time of his life. He has raced for wins, Championships and has gotten both in his lifetime. Now at this time of his life it is time for FUN. No points racing, no championship, just all about pure fun.  Bobby has bought his new racing suit and ready for them to drop the green flag. From my conversation with Bobby, he didn't come out and say this, but I think he would say don't expect too much from me. At the same time I think Bobby would love for you all to be a Bobby White fan! We here at Local Racing News and Rumors by ODELL would like to say good luck and have a great time Bobby.

AMRA All Harley Drags and Rally hits the track Saturday!

Rain, cool air temperatures, cloudy day and a wet track! All this and more trying to put a hold on this years March 2011 opening season for the AMRA.  However, with a little luck from mother nature and a determined group headed up by Marty and Jayne we were running Saturday.  At around 3:00 p.m. (CST) the rain came and it was over for the day.  Be sure to come out Sunday for the most awesome Harley's on the planet.  Be sure to bring warm clothes and/or a blanket.  See you there!

Day One at the AMRA all Harley Drags and Rally.

Photos Courtesy of PBO

I was at Beech Bend Raceway today and this is what I saw.  Not alot going on due to the rain and cold weather moving through Bowling Green, Ky.  However, there were several drag bikes in Bowling Green for the super bad fast Harley drags.  Teams from MI., IN., TN., and more.  Campers with tents and RV's in the camp ground ready for the races and party.  The last report I saw is calling for rain most of the day tomorrow (Saturday).  Sunday is looking better as of the last report.  On Sunday it is just going to be cloudy (maybe?).  So cross your fingers that we get to see the most awesome Harley's on the planet. Check back on this site for more updates as soon as we get them.

Beech Bend Rally and Race

This awesome all Harley-Davidson Drags and Rally is back in Bowling Green, Ky. Beech Bend Raceway Park will host the Spring Rally and Drags this weekend. Starting this Friday-Sunday (March 25-27) Bands, Bikes and Babes!  Get your ticket now at Beech Bend Raceway Park or pay at the gate.

Results from the Ken-Tuck Drags.

The Ken-Tuck Drags this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Beech Bend Raceway have come and gone.  Click on this link for March results, http://beechbend.com/tenntuckresults.htm

Race World to have Auction Sale.

could you please list the auction for me, it will be sat april 2nd and we will sell everything at what ever it brings. Spivey Williams

Balance Moto-x opening day results

Click on this link for results of opening day at Balance Moto-x, http://www.ballancemotox.com/Results/RACERESULTS%203-13-2011.htm

9th Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion

Justice Brothers Reunion Spotlight Shines on the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club of Indianapolis


Honoring the third-oldest, and still active, car club in the nation at the



9th Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by Auto Club,



June 16-18 at Beech Bend Raceway Park

BOWLING GREEN, KY. – This year’s Justice Brothers Car Care Products Reunion Spotlight will shine on the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club of Indianapolis for their contribution to drag racing history. Founded in 1948, the Cluster Busters is hailed as the third-oldest, active car club in the United States . They will be honored at the annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by Auto Club at Beech Bend Raceway Park , June 16-18.



For the ninth consecutive year, Justice Brothers will sponsor the “Reunion Spotlight” at the annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion slated for June 16-18 at Beech Bend Raceway Park . “We’re looking forward to another great Reunion in Bowling Green . It’s an immense joy to uncover some of motorsports history’s unsung heroes, and this year we are proud to honor one of the longest living car clubs in the U.S. , the Cluster Busters,” said Justice Brothers President & CEO Ed Justice Jr.



In 1954, the Cluster Busters became a Charter Club of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). They advocated safe driving and organized racing on the track instead of the street, and helped change the negative connotation of hot rodding. The Club also organized the first drags in Indiana in the summer of 1955, and formed the Indianapolis Timing Association. One of their tangible contributions was the club’s help in designing and organizing Indianapolis Raceway Park (now the Lucas Oil Raceway, home of the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals).



Since then, the Cluster Busters have continually remained active in hot rodding and drag racing. Some of their members race in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, including Mark Vaught with his potent A/Fuel dragster entry. The Club currently has over 30 active members. The Club’s mission has remained the same since their inception: to promote safe driving and racing for all ages and present hot rodding as a safe and responsible form of an automotive hobby.



The Cluster Busters along with Grand Marshal Bruce Larson and five other Honorees will be honored at a special reception on Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University Plaza , host hotel for the event. Admission to the Honoree Reception is always free and open to the public. For more information about the Cluster Busters, visit www.clusterbustershotrodclub.com.



The Cluster Busters members will roll out to the Reunion in some of their personal hot rods and a 28-foot trailer filled with Cluster Busters photos and memorabilia. Make sure you stop by the Justice Brothers Car Care Products tent in the Vendor Midway. They will be signing autographs and basking in Reunion excitement all weekend long.



In addition to the sponsorship at the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, Justice Brothers sponsors the Reunion Spotlight at the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. This year will be Justice Brothers, Inc. fourteenth year in a row that they have sponsored the Reunion Spotlight in Bakersfield , California .



Along with being a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of over 100 car care products Justice Brothers, Inc. is known for their one-of-a-kind racing museum. For more information on Justice Brothers, visit http://justicebrothers.com.



Three-day Reunion Spectator credentials ($60) are available by calling 800/884-NHRA or can be purchased online at www.nhratix.com. To purchase tickets outside the U.S. , call (626) 250-2497. One-day adult tickets will be available at the gate. Children 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. For more information on the Reunion , visit http://museum.nhra.com.


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Twitter: http://twitter.com/NHRA_Museum

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Photos have been posted on my site.

The photos from Sunday 3-13-11 NHRA Drags has been posted. Please click on this link to view or purchase all the photos. www.photosbyodell.photoreflect.com

Youth Racing on the Drag Track

Photos Courtesy of PBO Media Productions

On Sunday while shooting photos at Beech Bend Raceway Park I came across this young lady.  I noticed her while shooting each car as it hit the 1/4 mile track. Then she wins a couple passes and I start to pay more attention.  It's at that time I take a stroll down the pits to find this young girl.  After finding her I do an interview with her. Her name is Laine "Ladybug" Choate.  She is only 17 years old and from Pegram, TN.  I ask her how long she has been racing?   She replied by saying two years.  As I was talking to her, she wanted to share  with me that her Dad was at Beech Bend Raceway racing a motorcycle.  Looks like she is following in Dad's footstep's.  As I was preparing to leave she did tell me that the car she was racing was her Uncle's and it was a 1967 GTO.  I would like to say thanks to Laine for her interview and wish her good luck with her racing.

Photo's will be posted soon!

Photo's from this weekend should be posted by tonight. Sorry for the wait!

My first visit to Balance Moto-x in Warren County.

I got to visit Balance Moto-x track today. I really enjoyed myself. If you like motorcycles then this place is a must for you. It is a very family friendly place for the whole family to enjoy.  I hope to cover some of the races on through the 2011 season. I don't have the space to put all the photos on this blog, but if you want to see more go to www.photosbyodell.photoreflect.com

Beech Bend Raceway Park Test and Tune

Beech Bend Raceway Park had all kinds of drag cars,  And tomorrow (Sunday) will kick off the first NRHA race of 2011. We will have more photos on our site after tomorrow. Please check back.

Full Size Figure-8 Cars Are Back!

TOP: Ricky Johnson #77  BOTTOM: Mike Mason #M1

Opening Day at Beech Bend Raceway Park

Today will kick off the start of the 2011 racing season at Beech Bend Raceway Park. The Drag racers and the Stock Car racers will be on the track for test and tune. Come out to see them make runs and see all the new paint jobs and etc.  The weather is going to be great. I will be there with my camera looking to get some great shots to share with you. Check back tonight to view photos from today by PBO Media Productions at www.photosbyodell.photoreflect.com

9th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion News:

June 16-18, 2011 at Beech Bend Raceway Park

“Two-Lane Blacktop” Movie Car Coming to the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion


Bowling Green, KY. – This year marks the 40th anniversary of the theatrical release of the 1971 cult classic Two-Lane Blacktop, starring singer James Taylor and Beach Boy Dennis Wilson. One of the original 1955 Chevys built for the film will be on display at the 9th Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green , Thurs. through Sat., June 16-18, 2011.

“We’re very excited to have the Two-Lane Blacktop car joining us at the Hot Rod Reunion this year,” said Museum Executive Director Tony Thacker, “ Reunion goers will get a kick in seeing the actual car driven by James Taylor in this classic film.”

According to Walt Bailey, owner of one of the movie cars, three purpose-built ’55 Chevys were constructed by West Coast fabricator Richard Ruth for Two-Lane Blacktop – two identical main cars based on Ruth’s own ’55 Chevy street racer and a third stunt car. One of the main cars was sold to a studio employee and the other two sat on the back lot until they were reused two years later in American Graffiti. The ’55 sold by the studio passed through several owners as a street-driven hot rod and eventually faded into obscurity until located by owner Walt Bailey after a five-year search.

Bailey remembered seeing Two-Lane Blacktop at the drive-in in 1971 while sitting in his own big-block Chevy powered ’55 Chevy street racer. Twenty five years later one of the ’55 Chevys that appeared in both Two-Lane Blacktop and American Graffiti surfaced at a car show nearby in Maryland . Bailey located an old 1983 Car Craft magazine with a feature on the yellow ’32 Ford Coupe and black ’55 Chevy from American Graffiti. Included in the article was a photo taken on the back lot of Universal Studios shortly before filming on Two-Lane Blacktop began. The photo showed the two main ’55 Chevys with the GTO from the movie. Bailey contacted Richard Ruth who reported that he had constructed a total of three ’55 Chevys for the studio. Ruth, who had not seen any of the ‘55s since 1970, recalled that he had heard that the stunt car had been destroyed while filming American Graffiti, which left one of the two main cars unaccounted for. With Ruth’s assistance, Bailey began a nation-wide search for the “lost” Two-Lane Blacktop ’55 Chevy.

When Bailey located what appeared to be the lost ’55 Chevy from Two-Lane Blacktop in Canada , Richard Ruth authenticated the car as one of the two hero cars from Two-Lane Blacktop. Bailey brought the Chevy back to the U.S. where he and Richard Ruth returned the car to its Two-Lane Blacktop on-screen appearance. The famous ’55 is still equipped with a tunnel-rammed 454 big-block Chevy, M-22 Muncie rock-crusher transmission, and an Olds rear, fiberglass tilt front end, fiberglass doors, fiberglass truck lid, and Lexan side and rear windows. The Two-Lane Blacktop ’55 is street legal, driven regularly, and was featured on the extras disk of the 2007 DVD release of the movie. In 2009 the Two-Lane Blacktop ’55 Chevy was displayed at a James Taylor concert where Taylor had an opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the iconic ’55. When Taylor saw the ’55 Chevy for the first time in almost 40 years, he exclaimed that it looked just like it did when he drove it cross country with Dennis Wilson.

This car, plus hundreds of other cool rods customs, trucks and race cars will be on display at the 9th Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green , Thurs. through Sat., June 16-18, 2011. For more information and to buy tickets go to http://museum.nhra.com or, call 1-800-884-6472.

The 9th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm featuring loads of family-fun activities such as Hot Heads nostalgic drag racing, the sensational Cacklefest and SoffSeal Show N Shine. The Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion brings to life the sights, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing.

Three-day credentials ($60) are available at 800/884-NHRA or online, www.nhratix.com. Credentials purchased before May 29, 2011 will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag which includes a glossy Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion program, a commemorative dash plaque and a collectible souvenir credential. One-day adult tickets will be available at the gate. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. For National Hot Rod Reunion Information, please call 909/622-8562 or email themuseum@nhra.com. Proceeds of the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum®.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT BAILEY

Rain hits the Ballance Moto X Track!

BALLANCE MOTOX EVENTS

The March 6 & 7 MX event is canceled due a very wet forecast for this weekend!!

Sorry for any inconvenience!!

The rainout date will be

March 12 - 13, 2011



Media Day at the Rim

UPDATE -- As with any race day, a rain out on Saturday means the Media Day/Fan Appreciation activities will take place on Sunday! Activities on Sunday will be from 1 - 6 pm

It is official

The first test and tune for Drags and Oval Track of 2011 has been called off due to RAIN!

Looks like a rainout!

zip for bowling green is 42101 to check weather.

Tommy Hoover's new look for 2011

2011 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion Honorees

June 16-18, Thurs – Sat at Beech Bend Raceway Park
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monique Valadez, mvaladez@nhra.com, 909-622-3389

Hi-Res photos available on request.

CALL 1-800-884-6472

ONLINE www.nhratix.com

Bowling Green , KY. – Legendary Funny Car Champion Bruce Larson will be leading an extraordinary pack of NHRA legends to Bowling Green , Kentucky for the 9th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion slated for Father’s Day weekend, June 16-18, 2011. Joining Grand Marshal Larson will be former Super Stock sensation Dave Boertman, former drag strip manager Jack Doyle, Pro Mod legend Jim Oddy, Top Fuel Championship team Bill Pryor and Jim Naramore, and multi-talented racer Tom Raley.

“The Reunion Honorees are what makes the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunions so unique,” said Tony Thacker, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum , which produces and benefits from the annual event. “As part of our ‘living museum’ focus, we’re bringing together these legends in the sport with fans who may not have seen them for many years, as well as honoring these heroes for their contribution to the sport.”

Also, the Justice Brothers Car Care Products Reunion Spotlight will shine on the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club of Indianapolis, IN, founded in 1948. In 1950, the Cluster Busters became affiliated with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) advocating safe driving and organized racing. The Cluster Busters is the third oldest, still active, car club in the United States . This amazing lineup of Honorees and drag racing legends will be honored at a special reception on Thursday, June 17, 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University Plaza , host hotel for the event. Admission to the Honoree Reception is always free and open to the public.

Grand Marshal Bruce Larson began his drag racing career as a 16-yr. old in a chopped fenderless ’32 Ford coupe. He was a consistent winner on local strips in a ’54 Olds and a ’32 Chevy A/Gasser. He first gained national prominence in 1965 when he won the NHRA Winternationals, Springnationals and U.S. Nationals driving a Ford Cobra. In 1966 while working at Pennsylvania ’s Sutliff Chevrolet he built his first match race Funny Car, an injected ’66 Chevelle. It was the first of his familiar red, white and blue Chevys. In 1969 he won the prestigious Super Stock Nationals in York , Pa. driving a Camaro Funny Car. In 1985 Larson teamed with Joe Amato and raced with his first major sponsor. He won his first NHRA national event in Funny Car at the Cajun Nationals. In 1989 he led the points from beginning to end to become NHRA Funny Car World Champion. From 1992 to 1995 he drove Don Garlits Top Fuel cars. Now retired Larson enjoys restoring race cars, and has even restored his first ’32 Ford hot rod.

Dave Boertman is a household word in the ranks of Sportsman drag racing. He got his start when he and friends visited Central Michigan Dragway in 1962. It began his lifelong obsession with drag racing. Along the way he won 17 NHRA National events in Stock and Super Stock, five NHRA World Championships, and 15 IHRA national events all while acting as his own engine builder and tuner as well as driver. He was named to the Car Craft All Star Drag Racing Team four times as well as numerous regional honors. He has been a National Class Record holder more than thirty times. After a seven year retirement, he returned to NHRA competition and earned his fifth World Championship, this time in the Super Stock category.

Jack Doyle has been actively involved in hot rodding and drag racing in New England since the early 1950s. He was one of the founders of the New England Hot Rod Council made up of car clubs in and around the greater Boston area, southern New Hampshire , and southern Maine . The NEHRC rand races at the airport at Sanford , Maine and brought in big time professional racers to the area. As a competitor he was a consistent performer driving a competition coupe at the NHRA Nationals as early as 1959. He later turned to Top Gas dragsters winning Top Gas honors at the AHRA Nationals in Long Island with Don Roberts driving. When the NEHRC was dissolved his focus turned to New England Dragway in Epping , New Hampshire one of the premier tracks in the Northeast. He became the first strip manager then general manager. Content to stand in the background while others took the spotlight, Doyle is a giant in the history of east coast drag racing.

Now a legend in the Pro Mod category Jim Oddy has dominated just about every way possible on the drag strip. Since his first National event win in B/G in 1965, he’s won races, broken records, and earned championships. He’s been a champion driver, crew chief and team owner. When he wasn’t winning races, the chances are his engines were. After his unblown gasser, he showed his talents as a Renaissance man building a blown Chrysler-powered ’48 Austin on which he did the bodywork, paint, built the chassis, the engine, and drove. In the ‘70s he won Comp Eliminator at the U.S. Nationals driving his BB/GS Opel and started Oddy’s Automotive specializing in supercharged engines. In the 1990’s when the Pro Modified category was created his entries driven by Fred Hahn began to dominate. In 1996 they won six consecutive Super Chevy events and in 1997 they won ten. In their fifteen years together Oddy and Hahn won countless events and championships in both IHRA and NHRA. In 2005 Al Billes became Oddy’s driver running in the 6.0s at 238 mph until Jim’s retirement from drag racing in 2006. He moved from Buffalo to North Carolina and enjoys building street rods.

Pryor and Jim Naramore were three-time NHRA Division 3 Top Fuel champions in 1975,’76 and ’79 regularly giving fits to drivers such as Dick LaHaie and Shirley Muldowney. Bill started his drag racing career in the early ‘60s with MoPar stockers, a ’57 Corvette and ’55

Chevy C/Gasser. In ’68 he competed on the Midwest fuel circuit and in ’72 decided to go racing full time with a new Woody Gilmore chassis and an Ed Pink engine. Appropriately, he did his final Top Fuel licensing at Beech Bend Raceway Park . Following lots of match racing, he won Top Fuel at the AHRA Nationals in St. Louis and advance to the semi-finals of the NHRA Springnationals by beating Don Garlits and Clayton Harris. Jim Naramore bought out former partner Chuck Hurst in late ’74. In 1975 they had an unforgettable season culminating in the Division championship over Dick Rosberg, Dave Settles and Jim Bucher. Seeking a new challenge the team bought a former Plueger and Gyger Funny Car to match race while running the Top Fueler at National events. They were Division 3 runners-up in 1978 before winning again in ’79 while finishing sixth in National points. They parked the car after the ’79 season and Pryor worked throughout the industry and is now with a top NASCAR team. Jim returned to his motorcycle dealership in Illinois .

Maryland’s Tom Raley is one of the most skillful and versatile drivers in drag racing history. He actually began his career in oval track racing winning the 1963 Maryland state Modified championship. The following year he competed in the Autolite 250 Sportsman (now Nationwide) race at Daytona the day before the Daytona 500. In 1965 and ’66 he won NASCAR Top Fuel championships when they had their own drag racing program. He also raced in the NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint) series against Petty, Pearson, the Allisons and other greats. In 1968 Jim and Allison Lee offered Tom the seat of their first class Top Fuel operation. He drove for the Lees for six seasons winning 1969 and ’70 Division 1 Top Fuel championships and recording some of the sports quickest times including a 6.51 to 6.54 win over Steve Carbone at Indy in ’69 and a 6.53 No. 1 qualifier at the World Finals in 1970. In 1973 a car in the other lane drove over the top of his roll cage and broke the car in half ending his drag racing career. After recuperation he returned to stock car racing until accidents in Charlotte and Daytona knocked him out of racing for five years. He continued to run short track events until his retirement and move to Florida several years ago. Of racers today he says, “My quickest e.t. was in the high fives at below 250 mph. I’d love to go in the fours at more than 300 just once.”

NOTE: This year the Reunion has changed the days of the event to give spectators a day off to celebrate on Sunday for Father’s Day. The new days are Thursday through Saturday. No need to worry, the same great activities will remain including the free Honoree Reception on Thursday night and the sensational Cacklefest on Saturday night.

The 9th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm featuring loads of family-fun activities such as Hot Heads nostalgic drag racing, the sensational Cacklefest and SoffSeal Show N Shine. The Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion brings to life the sights, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing.

Three-day credentials ($60) are available at 800/884-NHRA or online, www.nhratix.com. Credentials purchased before May 29, 2011 will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag which includes a glossy Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion program, a commemorative dash plaque and a collectible souvenir credential. One-day adult tickets will be available at the gate. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

For National Hot Rod Reunion Information, please call 909/622-8562 or email themuseum@nhra.com. Proceeds of the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum®.

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