not trophies. YES we had to change the name. Seems as though Howard claimed the idea was HIS and Rick stole it. Rick thinks Howard "bought me off". They arm wrestled for a while and the title has changed for fear of 'the Spanish Inquisition". It's true one of them has graciously made available $250 ( of J. Bittle's money ) for two 8 car each eliminator classes. Rick said using Bittle's money might attract other fish( sponsors) and raise the "pot". While being a much accomplished road racer , Howard has always had a nagging question , who is the clubs fastest ( or best) drag racer? Now with the aid of JBA sponsorship money (Howard said you know Rick wouldn't crack his wallet!) he will finally know. The two categories will be......
"Original" cars MUST be 62-70 ONLY SAI ( LA ) or SAI (MI) produced vehicles. NO replicas , continuation, tribute, H&M etc. There will be LIMITATIONS to keep the field somewhat equal. 10" maximum rear tire width , PRE '70 induction systems ONLY produced by SAI or Ford. NO aftermarket induction. PRE 1970 FORD produced cylinder heads ONLY NO aftermarket. More information to come as I get it.
"OUTLAW" ANY vehicle built to resemble, and or ALL continuation , SAI (LV) , current Ford production , etc. Ford powered ONLY. ALL participants MUST have all NHRA legal safety equipment. "Starts" will be "instant green" like the popular TV shows are. This will allow late model guys to flex their muscle against the old school cool guys.
A small additional entry fee "may " be imposed to compensate the runner up and or semi finalists. Maybe Paradise wheels will put up contingency money for using a Paxton blower in the Original class. Cobra Automotive might want to put up a couple of bucks. I will be looking for others too. The more sponsers , the bigger the "pot" to win.
For those who want to simply do the "fun runs", check the lug nuts , leaks , seat belts, helmets , overflow "catch can" etc in advance. Doing the checks now allows us maximum use of our three hours. To ALL those who have participated in the past THANK YOU!!! Your courtesy to track officials and car preparation was THE reason the track allowed us back on the strip!!! They enjoy having us.
More to come and don't hesitate to email me with ANY questions regarding the Drag Race portion of this convention.
Randy Gillis
PS Wile I have had some "anonymous" donations pledged, Pardee will NOT buy his way into the "Original" class. You have my word on that