Sylvanson presents...

The relationship between the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, and the prestigious Good Festival of Speed continues to prosper. The Museum has been supplying cars to the event for a few years, according to Tony Thacker, executive director of the Parks Museum. “We took Ak Miller’s El Caballo over in 2005,” he said, “and last year we shipped the Mickey Thompson Challenger along with several other significant land speed record holders. This year, it’s the turn of the dragsters so we’re coordinating the shipment of 11 cars.”

The 3-day festival runs from July 11-13 and is held at the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. “Thacker said the first American dragsters shipped to England were the Mooneyes dragster and Mickey Thompson’s Harvey Aluminum Special in 1963. “My dad took me to see them and I’m honored to be a part of this celebration of American horsepower. And the Mooneyes dragster will be a part of the team returning 45 years after it first raced in the UK.”

Other dragsters taking part in the “cricket pitch” display, which will give a snapshot of the history of Top Fuel drag racing, include: Art Chrisman’s #25 car, the Glass Slipper, Chrisman’s Hustler I, Tommy Ivo’s Barnstormer and 4-engined Showboat, the Howard Cams Rattler, The Addict, the Beebe & Mulligan car and the Over The Hill Gang car. It is also expected that “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, who raced in England several times, will ship a car as well.

“To display the land speed cars, Goodwood built a replica of the Bonneville Salt Flats using ground marble imported from Spain,” said Thacker. “This year they plan to recreate an early dragstrip, much like Lions, and ‘cackle’ the dragsters several times throughout the festival. It should be pretty spectacular.”

For more information about the Goodwood Festival, visit www.goodwood.co.uk.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary and named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. Current NHRA members are admitted free and Auto Club members enjoy a $2 discount. Admission for non-members is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and older, $5 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.

SEASON OPENER! April 30, 2008

Check out the Nostalgia Pro Comp Association at their season opener in Muncie!

FACT FROM FICTION - THE TRUTH! April 30, 2008

Many racers and enthusiasts have heard the rumblings and controversy surrounding the upcoming NHRA Heritage Series-Speed Spectacular at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) and the Nitro Funny Car Association (NFCA). Over the past week the drama has hit a new high. Vintage drag racing being my passion and having a vested interest in the success or failure of the sport prompted my digging deeper into a situation I would have typically steered clear of.

Let me begin by sharing a snap shot of the timeline of events leading up to this weekend’s Speed Spectacular. Two – three months ago Las Vegas Motor Speedway sent out racer entry forms; the entry form included the classes, prize money, and schedule of events. March 31, 2008 the LVMS $12,000 purse was posted on NostalgiaFunnyCarNews.com by Mark King the photographer and webmaster for the NFCA formerly known as Nostalgia Funny Car Association. Also on March 31, 2008 Rocky Mountain’s Funny Car Fever III was announced along with a purse matching that of the 619 Promotions’ Funny Car Fever race in Sacramento - $22,500 for an 8 car field. Although I do not have the precise date, I do recall discussing the Tucson Funny Car Fever II event around that same time frame, which also has a $22,000 purse for an 8 car field. April 5, 2008 Monaco Las Vegas and LVMS announce that entry fees for all funny car entrants will be sponsored by Monaco Las Vegas. April 26, 2008 I receive a phone call about the LVMS event and that only 2 Funny Cars are attending. The situation continued to escalate; who is attending, who is not attending, and the messages boards absolutely overflowed with posts from Funny Car drivers, crews, owners, and enthusiasts. As a result the truth has been lost and buried beneath opinion, speculation, assumption, and misinformation.

One individual’s name that has been thrown into the mix is Steve Gibbs. For the record, the Heritage Series is in the hands of racers and tracks. Steve donated his time and energy to connect tracks and nostalgia events for the good of the racers and track operators. The future and success of the series is therefore determined by the racers and track operators involved. Steve only had this to say, “I regret that the situation has come to this but I will not and have not been involved.”

I contacted Jim Broome, Vice President of the N.F.C.A to ask how the situation arrived here and if some of the rumors were true. One rumor in particular was that any member that runs the Vegas race is automatically expelled from the NFCA. Jim’s response, “Speaking on behalf of the 33 LLC members, the purpose of the Association is to support nostalgia Funny Car racing and each other. As a group we have voted on and implemented a set of bi-laws to govern the association. There is a bi-law that a member can be expelled by majority vote if he/she acts in a manner harmful to the group. In the case of the Vegas event, we are currently negotiating purses with other tracks and we do not feel $12,000 is a fair purse. If a member races that event it can potentially harm our negotiations with the other promoters thus prompting a vote to expel them.”

Another point that has been brought up is that the Funny Cars are not a proven entity and especially not at a mega facility like Vegas. Broome responded, “We have been racing across the country for 4 years and believe we have proven ourselves. I don’t think Vegas is a good market for us anyway because they are accustomed to John Force and the pro show. Simply put we cannot race for nothing. I am sorry to not be attending but we need to protect ourselves and our members.”

In all the controversy and message board posts you may have noticed LVMS has stayed away from comment. A Speedway representative did share that they have stuck with their commitment to the NHRA Heritage Series and the racers choosing to participate in the series. The schedule, purse, classes, and entry fees have not changed and have been public since early March.

The truth is the NFCA is lead by elected officials that in their respective positions represent the entire group. They are doing what they feel is best for their members. The bi-product of their actions is what has the greatest impact on the series, racers, tracks, sponsors, etc.

JOIN THE SHOW! April 24, 2008

NOSTALGIA RACERS HEADING TO VEGAS...you are invited to join Vintage Fuel for an evening of fast cars, luxury coaches, and a fantastic BBQ at Monaco Las Vegas. The Labor Day celebration starts at 4pm on Thursday, May 1st at the Monaco Las Vegas Showroom located at 7445 Dean Martin Drive. Coming off I15 exit West on Blue Diamond Road, turn right on Dean Martin Drive (the first light) and Monaco is on the left a couple blocks down! Racers interested in displaying their gorgeous vintage ride please RSVP to Christy Thom via email EDITOR or call (702) 382-0004.

If you are unable to join the prerace activities please come by the Vintage Fuel pit on Saturday evening, May 3rd after 6pm for a Monaco Las Vegas FIESTA!

Vegas test and tune change April 23, 2008

Attention: Heritage series competitors coming to Vegas May 3 - 4...the Friday test and tune start time has been changed from 3pm to 5pm.

Adolph Licensed April 14, 2008

Jim Adolph drove the Nitro Charger tuned by Jeff Gaynor to a 6.85 ET in Sacramento to wrap up his licensing requirements for nitro nostalgia Funny Car. We hope to see Jim back in the seat of one of the famous rides he piloted before becoming Mr. Publisher! Congratulations Jim!

Heritage Series in Fontana April 14, 2008

Nostalgia Eliminator, A-D Gas, Jr and A Fuel as well as Hot Rod competitors are gearing up for this weekend's NHRA Heritage Series race in Fontana, CA. Load in begins Thursday 8am-7pm, $75.00 Test and Tune Friday (no qualifying), Saturday qualifying and Sunday eliminations. If you are in the area drop by and see Vintage Fuel in the pits.

Index Adjustments in Vegas April 14, 2008

Nostalgia Eliminator index adjustments...7.60 = 7.70, 8.60 = 8.75, 9.60 = 9.75
A-D Gas 7.60 = 7.70, 8.60 = 8.75, 9.60 = 9.75 and 10.60 = 10.75
Be sure to join Vintage Fuel and Monaco Las Vegas at the Monaco Showroom on Dean Martin Drive and Warm Springs for a Thursday pre-race BBQ! Bring your coupon from Vintage Fuel March edition for a free gift! Check Vintage Fuel News for event details and updates.

Daryl Rogers and Bill Jordan of Monaco Las Vegas confirmed that they have committed to pick up the tab on all nitro Funny Car entry fees for teams participating in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Speed Spectacular May 3- 4, 2008. When asked how the decision came about Daryl Rogers commented, “Our new relationship with the NHRA Heritage Series and the nostalgia drag racing community made it a natural to help Las Vegas Motor Speedway with the event. We have valued customers in the racing community and this is a prefect opportunity to show our appreciation.” Being racers themselves Daryl and Bill understand the key to growing a new series is support on many levels. Their contribution to nostalgia drag racing, the Heritage Series, and the Speed Spectacular are helping ensure nostalgia racers continue to run FEDs, Funnies, Altereds, Gassers, and Hot Rods with fans in the stands at beautiful facilities!

7.0 Pro President and Competitor Mike Cross (yes, THE Mike Cross) confirmed the April 12th Season Opener at Sacramento has 22 pre registered competitors with more yet to come. Go 7.0 Pro!

Howard Haight to pilot Bothello, Compston & Patterson nitro digger April 3, 2008

The 426 Hemi powered front engine nitro dragster of Bothello, Compston, & Patterson is proud to announce their new pilot Howard Haight. Howard hails from Brownsburg, IN and is a veteran shoe. He plans to test with the team following a match race at Speedworld Dragstrip, April 12th and will make his 426 debut in Boise, ID at the Ignitor. Howard is the reigning Nightfire Champion as he won the deal in the Fugowie car last August.

7.0 Pro Season Opener April 3, 2008

7.0 Pro opens the racing season with a stout field of more than 12 cars expected to compete Saturday, April 12th at Sacramento Raceway. Yes folks, that means wicked fast dragsters and center steer nostalgia racecars will be running the Funny Car Fever event! What a day of racing!

Mark Kaiser hired at Indy Drag Strip April 3, 2008

Midwest Performance Hardware owner Mark Kaiser was recently brought on to consult at O'Reilly Raceway Park drag strip. Kaiser is an Indianapolis native and has been entrenched in motorsports the greater part of his life. Having racing and business experience makes him a valuable assest to the track.

Gasser legend “Ohio” George Montgomery will be honored as the official “Hot Rod Hero” of the Goodguys 7th Blue Suede Cruise, September 5-7 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. This marks the first year Goodguys will stage the popular event.

Montgomery will be on hand throughout the weekend to meet & greet fans and sign autographs. They will have an opportunity to purchase “Ohio George” Memorabilia as well.

No supercharged Gasser racer shined brighter than Montgomery on the big stage. “Ohio George” racked up a total of four US Nationals titles among several other NHRA National event victories in a variety of supercharged coupes and sedans. His pale blue entries were always the car to beat at the big races.

The Goodguys 7th Blue Suede Cruise is a weekend-long celebration of vintage hot rodding. A full scale vintage drag race will feature 12 classes of competition including front engined top fuelers and nostalgia funny cars and serves as a pivotal points race for the Nostalgia Pro Comp Association (www.nostalgiaprocomp.com). A special exhibition of Nostalgia Super Stockers and Geezer Gassers will also participate in the event. Thousands of rods, customs & classics through 1972 vintage, vendor exhibits and a swap meet also make the Blue Suede Cruise one of the country’s largest vintage hot rod events.

For additional event information or to pre-register your hot rod or race car visit Good-guys.com

The 4th Annual Standard 1320 drag race and reunion is right around the corner! Excitement is building as fans and racers alike will line the fence to see recently licensed Funny Car pilot Mendy Fry throttling the Bothello and Patterson 426 Hemi top fuel Front Engine Dragster up against former top fuel VRA champion Rick White. If you are in the Southwest you do not want to miss this drag race! Not to mention the event is packed with nostalgia entries from all original Standard 1320 member cars to modern day FEDs. Saturday, April 12th, Speedworld Dragstrip, Surprise, AZ or visit Speedworld Dragstrip.com.

Doug Duell wins Mopars at the Strip Nostalgia Super Stock March 31, 2008

Vintage Fuel's first nostalgia super stock featured racer, Doug Duell, cinched the Mopars at the Strip Nostalgia Super Stock title when Glenn Willketts red lit. Although a competitve group of cars they seem to have the most fun no matter who wins!

American Nostalgia Racing Association season opener this weekend March 31, 2008

The American Nostalgia Racing Association launches its third year of operation with the season opener on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, CA. If you want to see great nostalgia racing in a relaxed atmosphere and happen to be in the area drop by.

Jeff Utterback and the Boardwalkers in downtown El Segundo, CA March 31, 2008

Pisano Funny Car Driver and DRO's nostalgia drag racing expert Jeff Utterback and The Boardwalkers will be performing Saturday, April 5 at the Purple Orchid Exotic Tiki Lounge in beautiful downtown El Segundo CA. The Purple Orchid is located at 221 Richmond Street, El Segundo, CA (310) 322-5829. Tickets are FREE.

Legendary motosports pioneer and driver Pat Foster passed away on March 27th. For more information and a tribute visit NHRA.com. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the racing community that will dearly miss him.

Donnie Couch looking for driver March 27, 2008

Rumor has it Donnie Couch is accepting resumes for an open nostalgia nitro Funny Car seat (unlicensed drivers need not apply).

BR MOTORSPORTS introduces the elite 5.60 Club

BR Motorsports Ignitioneering (The Nations Leader in Performance Blueprinted racing Magnetos) is proud to announce the introduction of the... NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL 5.60 CLUB! This exclusive club will induct the first 10 cars and drivers that run a documented E.T. of 5.69 or better. Each driver and Crew chief will be awarded a beautiful wool and leather jacket with the 5.60 Club logo embroidered on the back as well as their name and inducted E.T. on the front. Each team will receive a beautiful commemorative plaque detailing their monumental 5.60 run. After the clubs FIRST 10 TEAMS have been inducted, A SPECIAL DRAWING WILL BE HELD and the winning team will receive a FREE MSD PRO 44 AMP MAGNETO, 44 AMP COIL, 44 AMP TIMING BOX AND WIRES. The first presentation was held on March 8th at the Bakersfield March Meet honoring Driver Brad Thompson and crew chief Steve Faria for their stellar 5.63 exhibition run at the Winternationals in Pomona this past February. Join us in congratulating the first inductees into the BR MOTORSPORTS IGNITIONEERING NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL 5.60 CLUB.

Questions can be directed to Brock Robertson or Bob Wyman Jr. @ BR Motorsports Ignitioneering 1-800-328-3333.

The National hot Rod Association recently unveiled a portrait of its founder Wally Parks, during ceremonies in conjunction with the 2008 Winternationals. The nearly life size painting was created by drag racing artist Kenny Youngblood, as a fitting tribute to the man who took drag racing from it's humble beginnings to the major motorsport it is today.

"We wanted to do something very special, and Kenny's painting exceeded our expectations; it will be on permanent display at the Wally Park's NHRA Motorsports Museum", said NHRA's Jerry Archambeault.

Parks, who passed away September 28, 2007, was the Founder, President, and the Chairman of the Board of the National Hot Rod Association, or better known by the acronym NHRA. Parks was also an accomplished automobile writer and hobbyist, and co-founder and first editor of the magazine Hot Rod in the late 1940s. He was also instrumental in the founding of Motor Trend magazine in 1948. As editor of Hot Rod, he began to promote safety in the organization of drag racing, both in the magazine and by organizing "safety safaris," which taught drag racing organization and safety at several tracks around the country. This was the first concerted effort in getting racers off the streets and into controlled race tracks.

In 1951, he founded the National Hot Rod Association, which stands today as the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the world, and became its head for several decades after leaving the magazine business. His wife, Barbara, who preceded him in death in 2006, worked for the NHRA as its Chief Secretary in its formative years.

Prior to his death, he was Chairman of the Board of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California.

Winners of National Hot Rod Association national events are awarded a trophy statue nicknamed the "Wally."

Youngblood's painting appropriately depicts Mr. Parks with his own "Wally" trophy at his side.

March Meet Full with 500 Racers

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2008) – Five-hundred drivers are signed up to race at the famed March Meet, Mar. 7-9 at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, filling all available race slots. More than 40 drivers remain on the waiting list in hopes of a last-minute opening and a chance to compete in the 50th running of the March Meet and the first NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series event.

“The response from racers and race fans has been astounding,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club Famoso and producers of the March Meet. “Everybody wants to be a part of the March Meet because it always delivers excitement and great memories – this year we’ll celebrate 50 years of them.” Three days of drag racing action will include 30 nostalgic Funny Cars and 25 nostalgia Top Fuel cars, which travel a quarter-mile in less time than it takes to read this sentence. Fans, vendors, car show, and swap meet entrants can purchase event tickets online or at the track beginning March 3.

“We’re expecting a massive turnout from national and international race-fans, as well as the loyal Bakersfield community,” said Blake. “Fortunately, the Auto Club Famoso Raceway can accommodate even the biggest crowds.”

Prudhomme, Armstrong to be Honored at Goodguys Del Mar Event This April

Pleasanton, CA - Funny Car legends Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Dale Armstrong will serve as the official Hot Rod Heroes of the Goodguys 8th Eagle One Del Mar Nationals, April 4-6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Both Prudhomme and Armstrong will be on hand Saturday, April 5, to participate in a special Meet & Greet with fans as well as sign autographs. Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Prudhomme and Armstrong during the Meet & Greet, which is scheduled for 11am at the Fountains inside the Plaza de Mexico.

Both men have been fixtures on the drag racing scene since the 1960s. Prudhomme is a four-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion and two-time NHRA POWERade Top Fuel championship-winning team owner while Armstrong won the 1975 NHRA Pro Comp World Championship and five more NHRA titles as crew chief for Kenny Bernstein’s Budweiser King Funny Car and Top Fuel teams. Armstrong is responsible for breaking the last great barrier in drag racing when he tuned Kenny Bernstein to drag racing’s first 300mph run in 1992 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida.

Messenger Names Mendy Fry for Hot Rod Heritage Series

Gary Messenger, owner of the “Future Flash” nostalgia nitro Funny Car, announced today that popular nitro dragster driver Mendy Fry has joined his team to compete in NHRA’s 2008 Hot Rod Heritage Series events. Throughout her driving career, Mendy Fry has handled racecars ranging from Quarter Midgets to Top Alcohol dragsters to modern front-motored Top Fuel dragsters.

When told of her new ride, Mendy and said, “Gary has a first class operation and I feel it is time for me move into the nitro funny car arena, a drag racing class that is growing faster than anyone anticipated just a few years ago.”

In the off-season, Messenger added nitro veteran Donnie Couch as a tuning consultant, “This is also a chance to work with Donnie, a tuner I’ve always wanted to race for,” Mendy continued.

Pomona, California, resident Messenger, who started racing dragsters in the 1950s added, “Mendy is a great driver whom I’ve been watching since the early ‘90s. I’m just really happy it worked out that Mendy is driving my car. But be careful on the starting line because she’ll cut a light on you!”

The “Future Flash” nitro Funny Car team receives sponsor support from MFM Building Products, Rapid Set Concrete Products, BAE, Glendora Dodge and the Pomona Condors, Inc.

Photo and Story by: Darr Hawthorne

NPCA Announces 2008 Schedule

Carmel, IN - The Nostalgia Pro Comp Association returns for its third season bringing nostalgia racing to the Midwest. The NPCA has partnered with Goodguys for three of its four points meets. The fourth is the Muscle Car Reunion and Nostalgia Drags in Kansas City, MO. Also on tap are some good old Saturday night match races at the new Muncie Dragway and Route 66 Raceway.

Full NPCA schedule for 2008 is as follows:
May 3 - Spring Warm Up – Open Test
Muncie, IN
Muncie Dragway

May 17 - Rick Krafft's Match Race Mania – Closed Exhibition
Joliet, IL
Route 66 Raceway

June 6-8 - Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals - Points Meet - Open
Indianapolis, IN
O'Reilly Raceway Park

August 9 - Night of Fire – Closed Exhibition
Muncie, IN
Muncie Dragway

August 23-24 - Nitro Blast '08 - Open
Havana, IL
Midstate Dragway

September 5-7 - Goodguys Blue Suede Cruise - Points Meet - Open
Norwalk, OH,br> Summit Motorsports Park

September 20 - Rick Krafft's Match Race Mania II - Open
Muncie, IN
Muncie Dragway

October 3-5 - Muscle Car Reunion & Nostalgia Drags - Points Meet - Open
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City International Raceway

October 17-19 - Goodguys Nostalgia Nationals – Points Meet - Open
Bowling Green, KY
Beech Bend Raceway Park

For more information on the Nostalgia Pro Comp Association, visit For racing info, tech inquiries and other racing related matters, or call Troy Coker at (317) 496-9056

Southwest Superchargers Committed to Close Racing

Running on a 7.60 1/4 mile (4.70 1/8 mile), the Southwest Superchargers is super competitive; most fields qualify eight cars within two-tenths of a second! The SWCS is dedicated to supercharged heads-up, non-electronic racing. We are a “spectator-committed” drag racing organization running the high altitude tracks of West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. After having nine successful seasons, we are looking forward to a tenth successful year!'

Floyd Stringer
SWSC Announcer

“The Snake” and “The Mongoose” Named Grand Marshals for the 50th March Meet

Two of drag racing’s greatest rivals, partners, and friends, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen, have been named Grand Marshals for the upcoming March Meet (Mar. 7-9) at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, outside of Bakersfield, Calif.

It’s no surprise that the March Meet, nostalgia drag racing’s premier event and celebrating its 50th year of racing, is honoring Prudhomme and McEwen. “Both are former March Meet winners and part our rich racing lore and drag racing history,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club Famoso and producers of the March Meet. “It’s an unbelievable honor to have them here as Grand Marshals. What a treat for the fans!”

“The March Meet really means a lot to me,” said Prudhomme, who was named the No. 3 driver on the NHRA’s top 50 Drivers list. “The 1962 Smokers March Meet was my first race driving a fuel car for Kent Fuller and Dave Zueschel. It was THE race to win back then and I still have my March Meet trophy, which is one of my most prized possessions. Winning that race really kick-started my driving career, so to go from an unknown racer back then to being named a Grand Marshal this year along with Tom McEwen is something that I never thought would happen. But then again, Grand Marshals are usually old, so I guess it makes sense!”

McEwen, listed at No. 16 on the NHRA’s Driver’s list, added, “This is a big thrill for me. I grew up on the March Meet. It’s always been a big race, and I can remember winning it back in ’72. I’m really looking forward to being there with Prudhomme. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

The March Meet is a three-day speedfest that enthusiasts call “the jewel of nostalgia racing.” It attracts drag racers and spectators from around the world and also includes a hot rod car show, swap meet, and vendors’ midway. Super 3-Day Passes are now on sale at www.famosoraceway.com for $75. Individual day tickets for the event will go on sale Mar.3, but will only be available at the track. Ticket prices are $25 for Fri., Mar. 7; $30 for Sat., Mar. 8; and $30 for Sun., Mar. 9.

Auto Club members also receive a $ 2 discount off daily admission tickets by showing their cards when they purchase tickets at the track. Daily tickets for children ages 7 to 12 are $10 and kids 6 and under are free when accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

The 2008 March Meet is also the inaugural race of the Hot Rod Heritage Series, NHRA’s new 7-race nostalgia racing series.

MANNY PADILLA JR.'S LAST RIDE February 1, 2008

This past Saturday (Jan 26, 2008) afternoon at precisely 3:30 PM Manual Padilla Jr. was treated to the ride of his life in John Ewald's "Bank-Americar" Top Fuel Dragster. For those of you that are not familiar with his name, Manny was one of the youngest cast members in the George Lucas classic "American Graffiti". He played the role of "Carlos" who was one of the "Pharaoh's" car club members. .

The film hosted an all star cast of individuals like Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Bo Hopkins, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Summers and Wolfman Jack just to name a few.

While covering the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA; Vintage Fuel magazine photographers Darrell Conrad and Pamela Schavrien stopped by the "Pharaoh's" booth to meet Bo Hopkins and Manny Padilla. In the past Hopkins, like several other cast members, had previously experienced the thrill of sitting in Ewald's car while under-fire. With this in mind, it only seemed natural to extend Manny an invitation to sit between the frame rails and enjoy the magic. Without hesitation he immediately accepted the offer. .

After Manny's most memorable experience behind the butterflies was done and over with he candidly expressed the passionate excitement that overwhelmed him. Climbing out of the vintage tin he also expressed his sincere appreciation for this once-in-a-life-time opportunity. Though it was a thrill beyond expression to Padilla, the greatest aspect of the session was experienced by those that witness the spectacle of it all.

On Tuesday night, January 29th, 2008 Manny entered into eternity without warning. In doing so he left behind many wonderful memories that touched the hearts and lives of everyone that he came in contact with. No doubt, his presence here on earth will be greatly missed. The Vintage Fuel magazine staff extends our sincere condolences to his loved ones, friends and fans world wide... you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Padilla's acting career started when he was eight years old. He played "Boy, Jai and Pepe" in the several Tarzan movies. Throughout the years he also stared in dozens of various other movies and television productions.

Manny... until we meet you again, thank you for blessing our lives with your warm smiles and for touching our hearts in the way that only you could do!

Ride slow and low my friend... we love ya!

By: Darrell Conrad
Photos by: Darrell Conrad and Pam Schavrien