It’s All the Gearhead News You Can Use! Vol. 12 - Issue 10
Price: Always Free
A Hot Rodder Goes Back to School EVENT COVERAGE: SMOKIE’s Style Hot Rodding LOU-ViLLE’ - The BIG ONE West Coast Nationals
Every Month: Car Show Listings Cruise Night Listings Swap-n-Sell Road Rumblings The Finish Line
HOT RODDING IN THE MID-SOUTH: Dempsey Hunter & Hunters Custom Automotive
It’s All The Gearhead News You Can Use!
Issue # 10-2012 inside Detailing your Cool Ride
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Shades of the Past #30
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Hot Rods in the Mid South
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They call it “Lou-VILLE”
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Behind the Scene’s @ RTM
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West Coast Nationals
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S’Cool Days
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every month
Cover photo by Jimmy B of Paul Shauck’s 1933 Ford Coupe that Santa has requested to use for home deliveries this Christmas season…Good Choice Santa!!
Contents page artwork of Merc Christmas sled found while surfing the internet. Upper contents page art work by Williams Graphic’s of the latest “TOON” off the drawing board.
The Staff Jim “Jimmy B” Brandau Ed Woodard, Sam Compton Jim “ Jimmy B” Brandau “Jimmy B” & Butch Pate – P8 Photography Jack Cobb - tnhost.com Contributors Brian Baker, Steve Longacre, RTM Productions, Sam Compton – MOTHERS BROTHERS Ed Woodard, Woodard Photo Collection, www.129slayer.com, Zach McNary, Land Speed Photo, Publisher / Editor Feature Writers Art Director & Designer Photography Web Producer
Editorial content is the sole property of the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE. All information contained in each issue is the sole opinion and comments of the editor. The opinions and comments expressed in this issue do not reflect in any way either written or implied on any of the Sponsors or Advertisers in each issue. No portion of the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE may be reproduced in any form, without written permission from the publisher .All information relating to dates, times and locations of events is only as accurate, as provi ded to the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE. The GEARHEAD GAZZETTE will not be held responsible for any errors in the information provided.
The Fun Starts Here
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Road Rumblings
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Shows at a Glance
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Cruise Nite Listings
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Garage & Shop Scene
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Car Shows & Events
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Car Clubs
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Swap & Sell
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Net Surfing - Shops / Services
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FINISH LINE
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gearheagazzette@gmail.com www.gearheadgazzette.com www.facebook.com/gearhead-gazzette Send submissions via email or direct mail to GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 8739 Horton Hwy, College Grove Tn 37046 Advertising Publisher Jim “Jimmy B” Brandau Car Show & Event listings, Cruise Night Listings, Personal FOR SALE/SWAP ads, Car Club Listings are all listed for free. For all other advertising cost & availabilities contact Jim Brandau at gearheadgazzette@gmail.com or call 615-300-2003 from 9am – 5pm CST www.gearheadgazzette.com
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“ Ya Gotta know where to Go….The FUN Starts Here….”
“ thousands of you reading the Gazzette each month” It’s coming….you know it is…you can hear it running at you getting faster and faster with each passing day! What is it you ask….the end of 2012 that’s what! Hard to believe the year has gone by but it has. Seems like we were just getting going with all the great shows and cruise nites and now we’ve hit that timeframe when there are no real “gearhead type” events going on. That’s ok though. Time for a little downtime and a chance to catch our breath and get ready for everything that 2013 is going to bring to us. As you look through this issue, You will see that the events section is filling up already. Not with just a few events, but a lot of them. For everyone that hosts or produce’s a car show, whether it’s a one day deal or a multi-day event, start sending the info to us now. Remember the earlier you get the word out about the event, the better attendance you can have. A lot of Gearheads start planning early and making reservations too. If you host a cruise night event, the same goes for you folks too. If you car show or cruise night info you want to have us let all the gearheads know about email the info to us at gearheadgazzette@gmail.com . It’s best to send us a copy of the flyer too. A lot of times we get an email with very little info
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GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
and we’ll post it, but we get questions that we can’t answer due to very little info. The event flyer has all the good stuff on it and we can use that info to help make your event as big a success as possible. This is the last issue for this year. Having said that, there are some “thank you’s” I need to say. We close our 12th year with more readers than we started the year with. To the thousands of you reading the Gazzette each month…Thank you!! Without you all of you, there would be no Gazzette. Thank you to all of our FACEBOOK fans. Over 500 of you have hit the LIKE button on our page. We have FACEBOOK fans in the USA, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Italy and more!! We are blown away by that…worldwide!! Who would have ever guessed that. Larry, Ed, Brian, Butch, Steve, Sam and everyone who either write’s articles every issue or sends one in every so often…than you. Your stories, pictures and articles help make the GAZZETTE inviting and interesting to all our readers. In closing for this year, I want to wish each of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Healthy Happy New Year. May 2013 be the best for you ever! Please remember our Military protecting us in far off lands. They would love to be home with their families but they are serving our country. Remember the reason for the season…there’s a birthday party for someone very special on Dec 25th.
Jimmy B.
We Hit 500 Like’s!!! We want to say thank you to all of our 500 FACEBOOK fans! We thank you for hitting the LIKE button on our page. We have folks from all over the world who have hit the LIKE button…USA, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, U.K., Germany and more!! If you haven’t been to the Gearhead Gazzette FACEBOOK page yet, head over and check it out. We keep all kinds of ‘gearhead stuff’ on it and cool car pictures and a lot more. Join the other 500 plus GEARHEAD GAZZETTE fans and hit the LIKE button today. Click the link to go there now! >> https://www.facebook.com/pages /GEARHEADGAZZETTE/100893159957234? ref=hl
Here at the Gazzette, we believe in and promote all the Gearheads DRIVING their cool cars & trucks. If you have been following our FACEBOOK page ( and we think you should be!) We declare that EVERY Friday is Hot Rod Friday. If the weather is nice, even if it’s cool out, take that cool ride of yours out of the garage and drive it everywhere you go on Fridays! While you are driving it, take some pictures with your smart phone or camera and send them to us and we’ll post them to show everyone how much you like driving your ride, instead of just showing it off in the garage!!!
Click the link below and go on a ride with George! http://youtu.be/Le6aCV_CRvQ
http://youtu.be/Le6aCV CRvQ And remember to tell em’ ya saw it in the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE cause THE FUN STARTS HERE!!
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GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
Car Craft Street Machine Nationals Returns to the Motorhead Mecca in the Countryside of Southern Illinois. Get ready motorheads, it is finally back....Gear up for the return of the Car Craft Street Machine Nationals coming June 28-30, 2013 to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. This event was legendary for its hardcore horsepower, cool classics and plenty of big block engines. This national celebration of horsepower and dream machines will be no different as the grounds will swell with beautiful, highperformance street machines, hot rods, and street trucks from across the nation. In addition to the cars, witness the tuned-up Performance Marketplace for the latest aftermarket parts, Burnout Competition, Dyno Challenge, Meet the editors of Car Craft, Miss Street Machine Contest and more. There will be 40+ Pro Judged Awards given including Car Craft Editor's Choice. Be a part of this historic return and register your ride today. For more info head to www.streetmachinenationals.net
And remember to tell em’ ya saw it in the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE cause THE FUN STARTS HERE!! www.gearheadgazzette.com
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HOT RODS & THREADS Full Service Hot Rod Shop is expanding!! After many, many requests since they opened in 2005, HR&T is adding Specialty Vehicle Paint Work to the long list of services available. If you have a hot rod, muscle car, cool truck or restoration that you need to have painted, give them a call or stop by to let them help you out. If your “Specialty Vehicle� needs some repair work due to an accident or it got scratched or dented, they are ready to help you with that too! Give them a call.
_________2012 SHOW INFO AT A GLANCE_________
DON’T SEE YOUR EVENT LISTED…SEND US THE INFO!!! Check the CAR SHOWS / EVENTS/ GEARHEAD STUFF section for ALL the details on these shows. •DEC 1: ATHENS AL: CBI PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE & CRUISE IN. •DEC 1: POMONA CA: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIONS DRAG STRIP REUNION. •DEC 1: GOODLETTSVILLE TN: GOODLETTSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE:
2013 Events Info
•JAN 5-6: MURFREESBORO TN: 2ND ANNUAL TENNESSEE MOTORAMA: •JAN 11-13: CHATTANOOGA TN: 45TH ANNUAL O’REILLY AUTO PARTS WORLD OF WHEELS. •JAN 11-13: CINCINNATI OH: 53RD ANNUAL KOI AUTO PARTS CAVALCADE OF CUSTOMS. •JAN 19-20: NASHVILLE TN: 22nd ANNUAL NASHVILLE AUTOFEST. •JAN 25-27: POMONA CA: 64TH ANNUAL GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW. •FEB 3: NASHVILLE TN: STONES RIVER REGION AACA SWAP MEET •FEB 8-10: BIRMINGHAM AL: 42ND ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. •FEB 8-10: INDIANAPOLIS IN: 54TH ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. •FEB 17: LEBANON TN: 3RD ANNUAL WINTER SWAP MEET. •FEB 23: LEBANON TN: 3RD ANNUAL COLLECTORS SWAP MEET. •FEB 22-24: LOUISVILLE KY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELBRATION OF THE CARL CASPER CUSTOM AUTO SHOW. •MAR 1-3: CHICAGO IL: 51ST ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. •MAR 8-10: DETROIT MI: 61ST ANNUAL MEGUIAR’S AUTORAMA. •MAR 15-17: CLEVELAND OH.: PISTON POWER SHOW “A CELEBRATION OF SPEED”. •MAR 23: SHELBYVILLE TN: 11TH ANNUAL SPRING THAW. •APR 27: COLUMBIA TN: 2ND ANNUAL “CRUZIN FOR THE MUSIC” CAR SHOW. •APR 27: CLARKSVILLETN: 65 ROSES CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW •APR 27: SHELBYVILLE TN: INDOOR MOTORCYCLE RACES. •APR 27: ATHENS AL: ANNUAL CARS & BIKES ON THE SQUARE. •MAY 3-5: KNOXVILLE TN: 39TH ANNUAL STREET RODS NATIONALS SOUTH Plus. •MAY 24 – 26: SPRINGFIELD MO.: MID-AMERICA STREET ROD NATIONALS Plus. •JUNE 1-2: LEBANON TN: JUNE JAM MUSIC & MOTORS FESTIVAL. •JUNE 28-30: DuQUION IL: CAR CRAFT STREET MACHNE NATIONALS: •AUG 8-10: HIAWASSEE GA: GEORGIA MOUNTIAN MOONSHINE CRUIZ-IN •SEPT 27-29: LEBANON TN: 24TH ANNUAL MUSIC CITY MOPAR CLUB CAR & TRUCK SHOW. •OCT 6-13: MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST: CRUISIN’ THE COAST 2013. •OCT 25-27: DAYTONA BEACH FL: 2013 DAYTONA BEACH DREAM CRUISE. •NOV 2-3: CARTHAGE TN: HORSEPOWER BY THE RIVER CUSTOM CAR, BIKE, RATROD SHOW AND SWAP MEET.
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY to send in your cruise nite, car show or event info to the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE. As soon as we get the event info, we’ll list in the 2013 SHOW INFO AT A GLANCE section. Then at least 3 months before the actual event we’ll list it in the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE in the CAR SHOWS – EVENTS – GEARHEAD STUFF section. Remember, the earlier you advertise your event, you will increase your attendance levels. What are you waiting for? Send us your event info now to gearheadgazzette@gmail.com
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In the last article, we covered the waxing of the vehicle. Careful washing prepping of the finish led us up to that. Show cars will now reside in the garage until the next event. A good car cover is suggested for extra protection against bumps and dust during this period.
We recommend a quality cover from Covercraft and your choice is a dust or an outdoor cover. The outdoor cover may be your best choice, because you can take it to the event for protection there. An indoor cover will not resist water and should only be used in dry conditions. The Ultra’tech fabric is a breathable material. While it turns water on the outside, moisture from condensation will evaporate through the material.
Condensation collects under the cover in the night air. When the sun comes up it super heats that moisture and turns to steam. As the steam crawls around looking for a way out, it damages the paint.
Ultra’tech comes in four colors and embroidery is available to personalize your cover. Black, Gray, Blue and Tan are the colors available at no extra charge.
It’s also advisable to spend a few extra dollars on a custom fit cover instead of a universal cover so there’s no loose material to flap in the wind and chaff the paint. You have a lot of money in your ride and protection like this is critical. We recommend a storage bag and a cable lock be added to your purchase.
Covercraft has Ford licensed logos available. These logos are silkscreened on the hood and even your storage bag. These features make your vehicle stand out in the crowd and help protect your investment. The video link below will demonstrate the proper way to install your cover. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzjV6o Z5GwU&feature=plcp GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
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Words : Jimmy B / Shots ; Staff
30 years…WOW!! Where did the time go. First it started in Gatlinburg. Then it moved to Pigeon Forge. Hotel parking lots were show sites. More growth and the move to the Smokey River Ranch. More good times, sometimes a little soggy if it rained. Now its DOLLYWOOD and it’s bigger than ever. Every time a change was made the Shades of the Past club has thought it through and done it right!. That’s why this event is so popular with hot rodders from all the USA and even further. 2012 saw the 30th anniversary event take place with a outstanding assortment of hot rods, street rods, customs, originals and more. Throw in the Car giveaway, $10K cash giveaway, a HUGE 50/50 Drawing ( Like over $20k closer to 40K) and those beautiful Smokie Mountains and it’s a great time in the Tennessee Hill’s. Have a another shot of ‘shine and check out these cars.
ME”1 ring Hill
The Giveaway ‘32 Ford
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__________“CRUISE NITE FUN” FOR 2012_________________ FOR ALL OF THE CLUBS & CRUISE NITE HOSTS, OR IF YOU KNOW OF A CRUISE NIGHT HAPPENING IN 2012, BE IT WEEKLY OR MONTHLY, SEND THE COMPLETE INFO TO ME AT gearheadgazzette@gmail.com
1ST MONDAY NITE CRUISIN’: THESE CRUISES ARE HELD THE 1 ST MONDAY NITE OF EACH MONTH:
LEWISBURG TN: CRUISE IN AT THE SONIC DRIVE IN. CRUISE LOCATED AT THE SONIC ON ELLINGTON PKWY. THIS CRUISE STARTS IN APRIL. FOR MORE INFO EMAIL TO 56fordmainline@att.net
FRIDAY NITE CRUISIN’: THESE CRUISES ARE HELD EVERY FRIDAY NITE:
LEBANON TN: SNOW WHITE DRIVE IN CRUISE. CRUISING WILL RUN ALL SUMMER LONG ON FRIDAY NITES. CRUISIN HAPPENS FROM 4-9PM. THE SNOW WHITE DRIVE HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 1953 SO YOU KNOW THEY ARE DOING IT RIGHT!!! BURGERS, PULLED PORK, SHAKES AND MORE. DOING IT OLD SCHOOL STYLE. CRUISIN IS AT THE DRIVE AT 1714 WEST MAIN ST. FOR MORE INFO CALL 615-443-4299
SATURDAY MORNING CRUISIN’: THESE CRUISES ARE HELD EVERY SATURDAY MORNING:
FRANKLIN TN: CARS & COFFE CRUISE IN. BEING HELD AT THE CARMIKE THOROUGHBRED 20 THEATER PARKING LOT, CLOSEST TO THE McDONALDS RESTAURANT. ADDRESS FOR THE CRUISE IN & YOUR GPS IS 633 FRAZIER DRIVE. IF YOU WENT TO HIS CRUISE LAST YEAR, THIS LOCATION IS BASCIALLY ACROSS COOL SPRINGS BLVD. CRUISE IN STARTS MARCH 24TH AND RUNS UNTIL MID NOVEMBER. START TIME IS 8AM AND RUNS UNTIL THE LAST CAR LEAVES. THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! LAST CRUISE IS NOV 3RD!!!
SUNDAY CRUISIN’ – THESE ARE HELD EVERY SUNDAY:
LEBANON TN: Starting June 10th and every Sunday after that, there will be a Cruise In at Toms Blue Moon BBQ at 711 Park Ave. Cruising happens from 2pm until 5pm Located directly across from The Wilson County Ag Center/Fairgrounds. Door Prizes, D.J. Music, great food and more. Come on out June 10th to help us kick off this Cruise In.
GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
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HOT RODDING IN THE MID-SOUTH Words & Picture’s by Ed Woodard Assisted by Hannah Woodard
Guess I should be mentioning Dempsey Hunter & Hunters Custom Automotive where I was working in the early 70’s. This was just about the time he was building the store on Main Street in East Nashville. You know about the time gas prices went from 23 cents a gallon to 80 cents almost overnight. Playing with vans, hotrods, drag racing almost stopped and at times we could hardly even find a gas station that had fuel. Luckily I lived about 200 feet from Hunter’s at this time. I could go almost a month on a fill up. Several performance distributors were having open houses to develop new business contacts & show manufacturers goods. Well one afternoon just after closing the discussion came up about having our own open house. There was great concern about how to get people to attend, so I suggested have a car show at the same time. There were few words said and Dempsey said put it together. I suggested using the Nashville Municipal Auditorium & use the whole building, both floors. I guess the planning started about the spring of 1975 for the show to be held the following spring.
Woodard Historical Collection
After many conversations I booked him for feature, for our open house car show for the spring of 1976. I got him on a couple of TV morning shows and he entertained at an open house the night before the show opening. It all worked out pretty good as we had almost 400 cars & trucks show up and lots of people.
Woodard Historical Collection The HENWAY at the first Hunters Car Show
The manufacturers had a good show displaying their parts & goods. Hunter sales definitely increased, so we did another show at the State Fairgrounds in the fall and invited high school students in on Friday from the surrounding counties. We did a couple of other shows that even included the Batmobile & the Bat Cycle as feature attractions. Why we even brought a couple of low riders all the way from the west coast for the fall 1977 show. I guess I should mention the roadsters being built in the Nashville area during this period. Seemed like every week another would show up at local street rod meet. Woodard Historical Collection
The HENWAY & Norm G at Memphis
It seems that Appliance Wheels was just releasing their new wire wheels, so I said let’s show them at the 1975 NSRA Nats in Memphis, along with a complete display of all Appliance Wheels. As we were setting up the display I could not help but notice the Henway truck, along with you know who across the floor. Yep, it was old Norm Grabowski hisself. I could not help but go over & remind him of our conversation several years ago, when we were looking for Jim Street’s phone number to secure the Kookie Kar for our show. That is how it all started with my friendship with Norm.
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Roadster Fever in Mid 70’s>>>>
<<<Mitch Lewis Roadster
Woodard Historical Collection
HOT RODDING IN THE MID-SOUTH cont. I will have to tell you about Evel Knievel and the Snake River Canyon jump. Well it seems that Dempsey was big into selling iron on Hunters Custom Automotive T-shirts throughout the year at the store so when the Snake River jump came along he was ready. I will never forget that day, I believe it was on a Sunday. Dempsey asked me what I was going to do Sunday afternoon. I said nothing so he ask me to give him a hand as was going to sell Evil shirts at the auditorium during the televised jump. Well we sold T-shirts with Evel Knievel on the back. In fact we sold more t-shirts than you could count. We all left there with more money than you can imagine with hundreds of people flashing more money for shirts, but we were out. Dempsey was a real showman & his pre-mature passing was a real loss to a bunch of us. He was really good to all his employees, Johnny, Orville, John R, Tony, and myself. I am sure he is still missed by all of us. I think it was about this time that I took several trips with Norm including Winston Salem, Birmingham & a couple trips to Gatlinburg. I am enclosing Winston Salem pictures including one at the school a street rodders daughter went to. Norm never minded going to see the kids as this was about the time he was still doing movies. I will tell the story about Missy at Gatlinburg next month that involves a famous street rodder you all know. You will love it! I am going to put together an on going series of article’s about Grabowski & his influence on Street Rodding in the coming issues.
I learned a lot working for Dempsey as I did with J.D. Eatherly at Tennessee Speed Sport. All in all I must give the large portion of my experience in the auto aftermarket along with my father’s salesmanship. It has gone a long way to my success in the aftermarket. When I left Hunters I set up a distributor operation selling Meguire’s polish throughout Arkansas & Mississippi. It was sort of having the best of three worlds with the Mississippi Gulf Coast at one end of my run and the beautiful Ozarks (With Norm Grabowski) at the other end and in the middle Memphis where my mother lived. Got to see her every 2 weeks or so, pretty neat huh? Got to see Norm several times a year when he was home. I even got pulled up on stage at Silver Dollar City on my birthday. How embarrassing! On one trip Norm took me up to see his lot overlooking Bull Shoals lake and nearby the site of his mothers gravesite and later where his friend Trapp was laid to rest. I understand Norms memorial was to be held at the same site. There is not a more pleasant spot on earth. While selling Meguires I was able to make several trips with friends of mine like Richard Jones. One such trip we trailered a primo restored 1931 2-dr Ford Phaeton Deluxe to the Fall Kruse Auction on Labor Day weekend at Auburn IN. This annual get together is a must on your bucket list, with the gathering of the Auburn, Cord & Duesenburg’s. Richard was starting construction of his 1931 4door phaeton but was a little confused as to the details for engine, interior, etc, but that trip set him in the correct direction. Getting inspired to do something different like a DuesenFord, now don’t laugh if you have never have seen one. A subcompact Duesey that gets 30 miles to the gallon and rides like a classic car. It really turned heads when we took it up to Auburn a few years later. Typical hot rodders just doing their thing! But the best part was the story line that went with the car when someone would start questioning the car. The cars details just seemed to verify the story line, but the key was to tell the story & explain the cars features with a straight face. The slightest smile or grin would blow the deal, very similar to the Henway story. A straight face was essential!
_____“GARAGE & SHOP SCENE” _____ SEND THE PICTURES AND INFO ON YOUR RIDE OR YOUR FRIENDS RIDE AND WE’LL SHOW IT OFF RIGHT HERE!! SEND US YOUR SHOW INFO AND PICTURES AND WE’LL SHARE THEM WITH ALL THE GEARHEADS!!
Jimmy Lowe of Thompsons Station TN sent us a couple of pic’s of his, as he calls it, “my latest bucket of rust”. Underneath the wonderful "organic patina" every thing is new except motor and trans. He says “he kinda likes that rumble from the last truck, so I’m keeping it”. He is waiting on the narrowed 9 inch rear end to finish every thing up. Now when he steps on the go pedal it should be a little easier to control!!
Here’s some shots of mark & Rhonda Delks latest project. They finished it up, broke it and and then went driving! Cool!!! The Cobra is the latest toy in the ALL FORD garage at their house. They are seen cruising here on the “Tail of the Dragon” or Rt 129 on east TN / NC border. What a great way to check out your new suspension on a performance car. Just look at that smile on Rhonda’s face…tells the whole story …FUN with cars!! 18
GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
Every summer in “Derby City”, NSRA hosts the biggest hot rod get together…anywhere on the planet. The formula works. Great people, cool cars & trucks and a BIG place in the middle of the country to park 10,000 plus hot rods of every kind, style and color. Throw in the biggest gathering of vendors(in the Cool A/C!!), great entertainment nightly, the Builders Showcase, a swap meet and a lot more and you call it “LLLoo-Vill”. Here’s just a few of the 10,000 plus for you to check out. Make plans now for 2013.
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GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
Words : Jimmy B / Shots ; Staff
It’s simply… “Lou’Ville”
Words by Jimmy B / Pic’s by Steve Longacre Art Director – POWERBLOCK Magazine / RTM Productions
As we have showed you over these past issues, there are a number of really cool rides in the Middle Tennessee area. We’re back this month with another cool ride from Thompsons Station TN. Being located in this area of the USA, we have the good fortune of having RTM Productions in “our neighborhood” as some would say. Accordingly, some of the good looking vehicles from the Mid-South are fortunate enough to be seen and featured on the various RTM shows and POWERBLOCK TV. How cool is that! Here’s one “Bitchin’ & Bad Ass” hot rod that was seen in 2011 on POWERBLOCK. Owned by Paul Shauck, co-owner of Hot Rods & Threads Full Service Hot Rod Shop in College Grove Tn. The 1933Ford Coupe features a blown & Hilborn injected Big Block Chevy. With its scoop poking out of the hood, the “big–n–little’s” making it sit just right, and the MOON tank out front, this ride screams Drag Strip!!! If you look close, you can almost see it running LIONS Drag Strip back in the early 60’s in the fuel coupe drag wars!! Looks like Courtney really likes the “Smokin Bones” coupe too!! We heard Paul still hasn’t cleaned the seat since she sat on it for the POWERBLOCK Magazine cover shot…We agree!!! You’ve probably saw it on POWERBLOCK TV, but here are a couple of shot’s, courtesy of RTM Productions and Steve Longacre, Art Director for POWERBLOCK Magazine. While the cars are being filmed, they are also being photographed by Steve for use in the on-line POWERBLOCK Magazine (www.powerblocktv.com/magazine/) . Here’s some shots that you haven’t seen yet, that were taken “BEHIND THE SCENE”….
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GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
_CAR SHOWS – EVENTS – GEARHEAD STUFF_ EVENTS & SHOWS ARE LISTED FOR THE UPCOMING MONTHS.
DECEMBER 2012:
DEC 1: ATHENS AL: CBI PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE & CRUISE IN. BEING HELD AT 13750 MOORESVILLE RD. FOR MORE INFO CALL 256233-8602 OR GO TO www.cbiperformance.com DEC 1: POMONA CA: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIONS DRAG STRIP REUNION. Celebrating the last drag race at “The Beach” in 1972. Event being held at the NHRA Museum at the L.A. County FAIRPLEX. Nostalgia dragsters, gassers, fuel coupes and a whole lot more. For more info call 909-622-2133 or go to www.museum.nhra.com DEC 1: GOODLETTSVILLE TN: GOODLETTSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE: The GOODLETTSVILLE Cruise-In is planning to be in the parade and is inviting anyone who wants to have their car or truck in the parade to join them. For more info and to coordinate contact Dave Ferguson at ddfergie@gmail.com
JAN UARY 2013:
JAN 5-6: MURFREESBORO TN: 2ND ANNUAL TENNESSEE MOTORAMA: Being held again at the MID-TN EXPO Center. HUGE Swap Meet. Car 7 Motorcycle show. Memorabilia & Parts Auction. For more info call 615-364-1828 or go to www.bothbarrelspromotions.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! JAN 11-13: CHATTANOOGA TN: 45TH ANNUAL O’REILLY AUTO PARTS WORLD OF WHEELS. Being held at Chattanooga Convention Center. For more info call 706-861-4555. JAN 11-13: CINCINNATI OH: 53RD ANNUAL KOI AUTO PARTS CAVALCADE OF CUSTOMS. Being held the Duke Energy Center. For more info call 859-282-0624 JAN 19-20: NASHVILLE TN: 22nd ANNUAL NASHVILLE AUTOFEST. Being held at the Nashville Expo Center (formerly known as the TN State Fairgrounds). All indoors. Great new Events, New attractions, New show car classifications, increases in awards, cash and prizes. 8am – 7pm Saturday or 9am – 4pm Sunday. For more info or to register your vehicle call 270-765-5833 or go to www.nashvilleautofest.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!!
JAN 25-27: POMONA CA: 64TH ANNUAL GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW. Being held at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. This is the Grand Daddy of all Indoor Shows!! See the Best of the Best Roadster, customs and so much more. For more info call 877-7637469 THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!!
FEBRUARY 2013:
FEB 3: NASHVILLE TN: 25TH ANNUAL STONES RIVER REGION AACA SWAP MEET. Being held at the TN EXPO Center ( State Fairgrounds). Vendor setup on Saturday. Doors open Sunday at 630am. For more info call 615-890-1144 or go to www.stonesrivercarclub.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! FEB 8-10: BIRMINGHAM AL: 42ND ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. Being held at the B.J. Convention Center. For more info call 205644-4950 or go to www.theisca.com FEB 8-10: INDIANAPOLIS IN: 54TH ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. Event being held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. For more info call 317-272-7750 or go to www.theisca.com FEB 17: LEBANON TN: 3RD ANNUAL WINTER SWAP MEET. Hosted by the Middle Tennessee Region of the AACA. Hot Rods, Rat Rods, Antiques, Tools, Toys, Parts, Literature, Art, Accessories and more. Indoor and outdoor spaces. For more info call 615-556-8160 or go to www.midtennaaca.org FEB 22-24: LOUISVILLE KY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELBRATION OF THE CARL CASPER CUSTOM AUTO SHOW. Being held at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Celebrating the GREATEST HISTORICAL CUSTOM AUTO SHOW in the WORLD! Lots of special attractions and features all weekend long. For more info go to www.carlcasperautoshows.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! FEB 23: LEBANON TN: 3RD ANNUAL COLLECTORS SWAP MEET. Being held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. All things auto related swap meet. For more info call 615364-1828 or go to www.bothbarrelspromotions.com
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_CAR SHOWS – EVENTS – GEARHEAD STUFF_ EVENTS & SHOWS ARE LISTED FOR THE UPCOMING MONTHS.
MARCH 2013:
MAR 1-3: CHICAGO IL: 51ST ANNUAL O’REILLY WORLD OF WHEELS. Event being held at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Il. This is one great show. Show cars. Some of the BEST and Baddest Bikes in the country. The Motorama show and lots more. For more info call 708-361-2665 or go to www.theisca.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! MAR 8-10: DETROIT MI: 61ST ANNUAL MEGUIAR’S AUTORAMA. Being held at COBO Hall. Competition for the RIDLER Award dominates this show. Over 700 custom cars and hot rods on display. Don’t for get “the basement” and the traditional action and cars down there. This event is one not to miss and should be on everyone’s bucket list to see and do. For more info call 248-689-8799 or go to www.theisca.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!! MAR 15-17: CLEVELAND OH.: PISTON POWER SHOW “A CELEBRATION OF SPEED”. Event being held at the I-X Center. A broad display of Piston Powered vehicles under 1 roof. See the actual B-17 from the movie Memphis Belle. Show car classes for cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycle’s and aircraft. For more info go to www.pistonpowershow.com MAR 23: SHELBYVILLE TN: 11TH ANNUAL SPRING THAW. Bike Show, Swap Meet & for the 1st time ever…RATS IN THE ARENA! Multiple awards to be given out with cash. Live music. For more info call 615-364-1828 or go to www.bothbarrelspormotions.com
APRIL 2013:
APR 27: COLUMBIA TN: 2ND ANNUAL “CRUZIN FOR THE MUSIC” CAR SHOW. Event is being held at the Spring Hill High School. Open show. Craft, food vendors welcome. Swap meet vendors welcome. For more info contact www.cruzinforthemusic.com THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!!
APR 27: CLARKSVILLE TN: 65 ROSES CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW. Event runs from 9am – 2pm. Event located at 1600 Needmore Rd. Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. First 100 entries get Dash Plaque and Goody Bag. For more info call 931-980-8837
APR 27: SHELBYVILLE TN: INDOOR MOTORCYCLE RACES. Being held at the Calsonic Arena. Indoor Races / Bike Show / Swap Meet . For more info call 615-364-1828 or go to www.bothbarrelspromotions.com APR 27: ATHENS AL: ANNUAL CARS & BIKES ON THE SQUARE. Meet Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods and see his latest creation "Thundertaker“. Cash and Prizes-No Judging. No Pre-Registration For more info contact: tschuman@comrep.com or call 256-457-9179 THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!!
MAY 2013:
MAY 3-5: KNOXVILLE TN: 39TH ANNUAL STREET RODS NATIONALS SOUTH Plus. Hosted by the NSRA. Being held at the Chillowee Park. Open to all vehicles 30yrs old & older. For more info call 901-452-4030 or go to www.nsrausa.com for more info. MAY 24 – 26: SPRINGFIELD MO.: MID-AMERICA STREET ROD NATIONALS Plus. Hosted by the NSRA. Event being held at the OZARK Empire Fairgrounds. Open to all vehicles 30yrs old & older. For more info call 901-452-4030 or go to www.nsra-usa.com for more info.
JUNE 2013:
JUNE 1-2: LEBANON TN: JUNE JAM MUSIC & MOTORS FESTIVAL. Being held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Watch for more details on this new event. For more info call 615-3641828 or go to www.bothbarrelspromotions.com
JUNE 28-30: DuQUION IL: CAR CRAFT STREET MACHNE NATIONALS: Car Craft Street Machine Nationals®- Returns to the Motorhead Mecca in the countryside of Southern Illinois .Gear up for the return of the Car Craft Street Machine Nationals coming June 28-30, 2013 to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. This event was legendary for its hardcore horsepower, cool classics and plenty of big block engines. This national celebration of horsepower and dream machines will be no different as the grounds will swell with beautiful, high-performance street machines, hot rods, and street trucks from across the nation. In addition to the cars, witness the tuned-up Performance Marketplace for the latest aftermarket parts, Burnout Competition, Dyno Challenge, Meet the editors of Car Craft, Miss Street Machine Contest and more. There will be 40+ Pro Judged Awards given including Car Craft Editor’s Choice. Be a part of this historic return and register your ride today! For more info go to http://www.streetmachinenationals.net/ JULY 2013: AUGUST 2013:
SEPTEMBER 2013:
SEPT 27-29: LEBANON TN: 24TH ANNUAL MUSIC CITY MOPAR CLUB CAR & TRUCK SHOW. Event being held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. If you own a MOPAR, this is where you need to be!!! Saturday is Show-N-Shine day for al the MOPARS. Sunday is more Funday for the MOPARS. 50/50 drawing all weekend long. Vendors, Swap meet, Food, Door Prizes and lots more. Dash Plaque & Goody Bag to all entrants. For more info call 615-948-4204 or go to www.musiccitymoparclub.com . THIS ONE IS A GEARHEAD GAZZETTE PICK EVENT!!!
OCTOBER 2013:
OCT 6-13: MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST: CRUISIN’ THE COAST 2013. Event runs from Bay St Louis to Ocean Springs. Live Bands. Reserved parking for cruisers, vendors swap meets and more. For more info call 888-808-1188 or go to www.cruisinthecoast.com
OCT 25-27: DAYTONA BEACH FL: 2013 DAYTONA BEACH DREAM CRUISE. It’s Big! It’s Fun! & It’s FREE!!! tremendous numbers of terrific collector cars & trucks will be gathering at all of the locations that were popular during the 2012 Daytona Beach Dream Cruise. For more fun, there are some new activities at added venues as well. Check out the website at www.daytonabeachdreamcruise.com for all the details and locations of activities up and down the beach.
NOVEMBER 2013:
NOV 2-3: CARTHAGE TN: HORSEPOWER BY THE RIVER CUSTOM CAR, BIKE, RATROD SHOW AND SWAP MEET. Event to be held at the Smith County Ag Center. For more info call 615489-3236
DECEMBER 2013:
Words –Jimmy B / Shots - Staff
The GOODGUYS West Coast Nationals is one of those events, that just puts a smile on your face. It really does! The whole deal is so laid back, but yet so fun filled. It starts out with Hot Rod Week. Touring the Northern California country, checking out hot rod shops and other very cool “neat to see” attractions. Having done this in the past, there is nothing like cruising with 50 100 of your hot rodding friends to check out all this cool stuff. Nightly entertainment is always great and bring a lot of Goodguys together at night.
The hotel parking lot at the host hotel is always filled to capacity with great rides to check out. The fairgrounds are full of trees for shady places to park and walk around checking out the hot rods and customs. Add in a swap met, LOTS of vendors, tether cars, minature engine show(they really run!) and a whole lot more, just makes for a great weekend of hot rod fun. You get to do all this, but yet you feel laid back and in no hurry, but yet you want to see it all, because there is so much to see. GOODGUYS has been doing this one for 26 years just this way, and we see no reason to change now or in the future. 26
GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
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_STUFF YOU MIGHT WANT, NEED OR SWAP FOR_ Send Ad Info to gearheadgazzette@gmail.com ADS RUN FOR 2 MONTHS
FOR SALE: 1950 Chevy Styleline -- Mileage 49,050. Black, 2 Door, straight 6, 3 on column. I have the rear skirts. REDUCED to $13,000.00 Make me an offer, you never know, you might get lucky. Serious enquirers, please provide your phone number via email to mannmail@united.net. (Vol 12-10) .
FOR SALE: 1974 Chevy Vega Wagon. Originally set up for big block Chevy. No motor or trans. The car has no title for it as the owner died about 25 years ago and its been used as a race car since. Have everything to make it streetable. In real nice shape. Asking $1500.00 For more info call 931 451 7622 (Vol 12- 9)
FOR SALE: 1989 CHEVROLET IROC CAMARO. 5.7L TUNE PORT INJECTION V-8. T-TOPS. IROC RED. ALPINE CD PLAYER WITH BUILT IN CD CHANGER and ALPINE FRONT & REAT SPEAKERS & ALPINE 400 AMP. FAIR CONDITION. NEEDS PAINT, INTERIOR WORK & UNDERCARRIAGE PANEL. WOULD MAKE A GREAT RESTORATION PROJECT. ASKING $2000 OBO. CAR IS LOCATED IN SPRING HILL, TENNESSEE. For more info call 931-486-1802 (Vol 12-10)
32 GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
Words & Pic’s by: Brian Baker
Editor’s Note: We would have paid attention in this class if we had it in high school!!
At some point in our lives, we begin to look for a greater sense of satisfaction. This satisfaction comes in as many forms and levels as there are individuals, which is part of what makes life so darn interesting. As we age, our definition of what is fun or satisfying changes and matures. I know plenty of folks that believe satisfaction comes from great sums of wealth, and others that have much less complicated needs and are satisfied with less money. Unfortunately, in our society, a little money helps when you have an expensive hobby like a love of cars but in the end it’s the decisions you make along the way that enable you to find satisfaction. Enough of the philosophy, I found the key to satisfaction. It’s red and only comes with a Boss 302. The better news is this red key opens other doors to satisfaction.
The silver key is the street key. The red key changes over 600 engine and drivetrain parameters and prepares the car for track use.
May 14, 2013 the same day my son turned 27, I took delivery of my 2013 School Bus Yellow Mustang Boss 302. I’ll try not to bore you with all the cool stuff about this car; you can read about these awesome cars yourself online. What I do want to talk about is one very cool standard feature every 2012 or 2013 Boss 302 comes with. A feature you can ONLY get on a Boss 302; the Boss 302 Track Attack program at Miller Motorsports Park (“MMP”) in Tooele, Utah. After reading lots of posts about how cool this one day driving instruction program is, I signed up as soon as I could, fearing the Track Attack would only last 1 year
Because of the accelerated release of the 2013 Boss, I got my name in for the school the day after I took delivery. The October 30, 2012 class was open, I signed up. Recall I said the school is a feature on the car? That means it’s included in the price of the car! No charge. I can afford free!
My wife Amy reminds me often that she owns 50% of the Boss and takes every opportunity to use up her 50% and drive it hard. So as any good husband would do that is lucky enough to have a wife that appreciates fast cars, I asked if she wanted to take advantage of the guest slot each Boss owner gets. She took the bait and I signed her up for the guest program. The guest program is done alongside the Boss cars in track prepared Mustang GT’s with the same suspension and brakes as the Boss along with a cage and a 4.6L instead of the 5.0 Coyote. Also, when taking the one day class, you can upgrade to a second day of instruction in the Mustang FR500S Race Car. This qualifies as the first step in getting a NASA driving license. This second day is a mere $995 plus the $400 upgrade to the FR500S. These are spec cars built by Ford from about ’06 to ’08 for what was the Miller Cup Series. Now racers use them in NASA races across the US. Miller has about 50 of these cars for use in their training programs.
Ford Mustang FR500S at Speed on MMP’s very fast West Course. Day two class for me. Utah is a clean and beautiful state. Tooele, (the locals pronounce it to-willa) just 30 minutes west of Salt Lake City is no exception. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this arid plane with mild elevation changes GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2012
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is the perfect spot for a racetrack. Opened in 2006 by Larry Miller, this world class facility has something to offer every gear head. An offroad track where the Lucas Oil Off-Road Trucks series is run, a rock climbing course where they offer a Ford Raptor program similar to the Boss program, a cart track, no less than four road course configurations and finally a couple hundred garage bays leased by race teams and other related shops all on 500 acres. The newest edition to the museum is the camera car driven by Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie LeMan’s. The Miller family recently paid $11 million for that one alone.
Larry Miller even had the wisdom to offer space in the three story business offices to the small city of Tooele to use as city HQ when he was building the facility. So it’s also City Hall for Tooele. The Evening Before Day One. We arrived for the Boss owner’s reception October 29, the evening before our big day. The weather was perfect, lows in the 40’s, high around 70 and not a cloud in the sky. Amy and I arrived a couple hours before the six pm start of the reception to have time to explore the museum. Hands down, for a Mustang / Ford fan, this is a must see. While it’s relatively small with about 25 cars, you can spend hours soaking up the deep history of these famous cars.
Bill Reinhart Bill Rienhart is the lucky caretaker of the museum in addition to being one of the instructors at MMP. His history includes racing bikes with Steve McQueen back in the day. A wealth of knowledge, he blew our group away sharing a detailed history of the museum cars down to their serial numbers and why each one is significant. I wish Bill had more time to spend with our class of 14. There is so much to learn from him. But not this time, he was off to SEMA to give the press and dignitaries high performance rides in cool Fords the rest of the week. I only wonder if he was going to drive the 2013 School Bus Yellow Boss marketing car to
Vegas for SEMA. Bill said it already has over 12K miles on it. It’s a terrible job, but someone has to do it!
MMP’s 2013 Boss Marketing Car During the reception in the museum, we enjoyed dinner with several of the instructors, vintage racing videos and some lively conversation learning what each participant owns, their driving experience and getting to know one another. Early to bed that night, we had to be back ready to suit up and learn at 7:30 the next morning. Day One – Sweaty Palms. While I’ve had some experience racing dirt bikes, go-carts, drag racing and several open track events including competing in the Optima Batteries Invitational (Speed TV), I have never had any formal driver training. Amy, on the other hand, has no performance driving experience or professional training. The prerequisites for the class are simple. You must own a 2012 or 2013 Boss 302 (or be the guest of an owner), a valid driver’s license and an ability to row through the gears. In addition to fresh coffee, juice and breakfast snacks, waiting our arrival in the classroom is a personalized folder for notes including track layouts to study and a name tag. Six instructors are also waiting to greet us. We start promptly at 8:00. A welcome video from the three engineers responsible for the new Boss program get us started and encourage us. Their message is clear; The Boss Mustangs were built to drive…on the race track. They expect us to do just that taking full advantage of the cars this in this class. I cannot wait! A session on driving basics get us started. Our instructors begin by explaining the basics from seating position to how to hold the wheel and manage steering inputs. At first I think this might be a little
elementary but I am wrong…again. This review of the basics is designed to establish the ground rules for driving at speed in a properly prepared car on a proper race course. Lesson learned. Surrounded by Professionals. Our instructors were the consummate professionals, each with his or her own unique credentials. They bring real racing experience and insights and are not shy about sharing it with you. The level of and detail to their experience is humbling. I’ll realize that even more clearly later as I sample their driving.
My Boss 302 School Ride This day our instructors include: Johnny Kanavas, Johnathon Start, Ronnie Swyers, Donnie Edwards, Tyler Dahl and David Andahl. These guys are not household names but each has impressive credentials. Plus they are each down to earth easy going guys. After less than an hour in the classroom, we get fitted for driving suits, helmets and load in vans up to head over to the garage and our Boss 302’s; with each of our names on the windshield, waiting for us. Professionally prepared, roll cage, 4 point harnesses, and full of fuel, these cars are ready to rock and roll. Fire them up boys and girl, it’s time to hit the track for some lead follow to learn the racing line on the East track.
The fourteen of us head out onto the track in several groups of three or four split up and follow an instructor car. Two laps at low speeds to get us all acquainted with the track follow. The East track is 15 turns and 2.2 miles with names for sections like Agony, Satisfaction, and Attitude. MMP is billed as the safest racecourse in the US but the East course is the most technical we are told. Even at slow speeds listening to the Boss side exhaust talk to you is a rush. A Boss 302 on a track…I must be dreaming. Back to class, this time in the garage classroom so the instructors can fuss at us and debrief. Our instructors politely tell us to follow them. “Snow tracks” they say. “Trust us, we know how to get around this place. You may not think the lines we take at slow speeds matter, it will once you are up to speed.” We’ll see later how important those instructions really are. The remainder of the hour is used to discuss in detail the attributes of each corner. How to get in, get out and go fast exploring on a whiteboard, every turn and elevation change. Buckle up and head back out to the track for more lead follow and to stop and walk sections of the track dissecting every nuance was next. It’s all of 9:30 now and the class is split in two. Five of us head back out on track, Amy is included in my group while the other half heads to the skid car. We do four much faster laps now. At this point, the track is beginning to become familiar. I use the time to also practice my heel – toe technique and listen to the side pipes the Red Key or Track Key enables on this trip out. The Boss comes to life. Back to the garage now so we can head over to the skid car. Jonathan tells me the skid car, a Ford 500 sedan, is one of the most expensive (nonmuseum) cars at the facility. It is set up with hydraulically controlled sub-frame and outriggers that adjust the weight and contact patch each wheel of the car carries. They have this front wheel drive car set up so it drives like a rear wheel car with over-steer on slush. Not ice, not snow. Slush. It’s amazing technology. I want one for Christmas. Ladies first; Amy climbs behind the wheel. We are asked to navigate a small and simple autocross course designed to give drivers a feel for over-steer and how to correct and drive through it. Amy
promptly spins the car. What fun! Then in less than a lap, she quickly gets the hang of it, drifting the car, at a mere 15 mph around the course. Every single driver in our car, including me, spun it on the first lap! Jonathan, our instructor, could control the hydraulics at the touch of a button at all times. I think he “allowed” us all to spin on purpose to humble us. He denied it but I don’t believe him. He insistently helped us work on our ”eyes up” technique and steering input habits. “Wheel shuffle, no overhand moves” he encourages. It worked, we all feel sufficiently warned of oversteer and car control when we complete this very cool class but are also much more confident with that sideways feeling. Help me out here would you Santa? I need one of those to play with.
A Boss 302 Sneaking up on Amy as she shows off the stylish “three sizes fit most” driving suit. No High Heels Allowed. After another classroom session to learn the proper heel–toe technique, it’s back in the cars. A section of the facility has been set up in a triangular course and instructors are positioned at each corner with radio’s. Their position allows them to listen to the heel toe downshift of each driver as they approach each corner and then coach with instant feedback. So what is heel toe shifting? Since there are three pedals in these six speed cars and we only have two feet, one of our feet has to operate two pedals. When driving at speed approaching a corner, you want to get your braking done before the turnin in order to maximize traction. As you are braking you need to also
be prepared for the correct gear once you are slowed for the corner. If you were simply to down shift and let out the clutch, engine braking would cause the rear wheels to go slower than the speed of the car causing a loss of traction and upsetting the balance not to mention potentially over revving the engine. By revving while down shifting so engine braking does not happen when you let the clutch out in a lower gear, you slow the car with only the brakes while also preparing for the correct gear in the corner. Proper heel toe technique involves using the ball of your right foot on the brake pedal and while braking, rolling your heel to the right over the accelerator and blipping the throttle to rev the engine as you downshift. Then once the lower gear is selected, the braking is completed by rolling your heel back over the brake pedal as you smoothly engage the clutch again. If you need to slow more than just one gear change, the process must be repeated. A smooth and accurate heel toe maneuver will reward you with a rapid and smooth corner transition and exit. Plus it’s a riot to listen to as you come off of a 120mph straight and heel toe down to third for a 70 mph corner. It makes you feel like a hero to execute that kind of car control once you learn it. Tie it all together. After nice lunch back in the museum, we were cut loose to get some track time under our belts with instructors leading, following and coaching. 20 minute sessions were broken up with more technique refinement and feedback in the classroom. At some point someone in our group asked why the 20 minute blocks of track time? The instructor team revealed that as a result of driving school experience from across the industry, they determined that is the ideal timing. Any more at this level of experience starts to cause mistakes from fatigue and allows bad habits to form. The last ride of the day was with an instructor. Now I know why they saved that for last. These guys were talented and fast. Had we ridden with them earlier in the day and experienced what fast really feels like
some may have pushed too hard and, not having enough car control experience, got themselves into trouble. What was amazing is how much I learned from the right seat during this ride. These pros are smooth, calm and consistent. While I “generally” followed their line when I drove, their minor line differences allowed for so much more speed. Combined with what seemed like buttery smooth braking, shifting and steering inputs, these guys allowed the car to do what they wanted. The biggest lesson I learned was a fast lap is a boring lap and a slow lap is an exciting lap likely due to mistakes. Reward. As we all came down from the adrenaline rush of riding with the pro’s, we were hauled back to the museum classroom for the graduation ceremony and gifts. One of the gifts was an ultra-cool trophy consisting of a chrome base and a Boss 302 rod and piston assembly straight off the assembly line. We also get T-shirts and a pair of G-Force driving gloves. Thank you Ford and MMP for such a well-run program!
All in all it was an unforgettable day that I would highly recommend for anyone who likes anything about cars. But wait, it only comes with a Boss 302 right? Yes and no. MMP offers several driving schools all featuring track prepared Mustangs you can learn the same lessons with. Only Boss owners get to drive a Boss. Amy was so smitten with the whole experience in her track prepared GT, she announced to me during dinner afterwards that she wants a track car to go play with. For a girl that was not excited about taking a driving school, that is evidence of how much fun and adrenaline inducing finding the right satisfaction can provide! Go do it!
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Finish Line….
MERRY CHRISTMAS to All and to all a good night Since it’s the last issue of the year, and it’s Christmas time, I thought it would be appropriate and pretty cool too, to use this piece of artwork from Larry Williams at WILLIAMS GRAPHICS. ( www.larrywilliamsgrapics.com )
Larry did a take off of a Kenny Youngblood (“Blood did it”) drawing of a T/F dragster taking off. Larry put a pretty cool spin on it if we do say so ourselves! Nothing like more horsepower at Christmas!! Go Santa Go!!
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...Holy Crap... what a ride!!!"
My Christmas wish for each of you, is that you are healthy, have lots of family and friends that care about you, and that you enjoy life to the fullest each and everyday. Anything on top of that is just icing on the cake! Merry Christmas and please remember the real reason for the season!
Jimmy B. www.gearheadgazzette.com
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