Motorhead December 2022 WEB MP

eally no other felling like taking deliver y of your first Mustang or Muscle Car, especially when e in your early teenage years. The first time you essive stance, the first smell of , the first feeling of that rumble that happens after your first tur y one of us ecall what seemed like the greatest day of our life when we got behind the wheel of our ver y own piece of American Histor For Jason Pjojian of Cranston RI, that amazing sense of ownership and pride came to eality this past summer when he got his hands on his immaculate 1997 SVT COBRA.

Jason is the third owner of the car, but both of the first two owners were ridiculously obsessed with keeping it clean, garaged, and well maintained. As of this ar ticle the car only has 34,000 miles and doesn’t seem to have a single chip, scratch, or fingerprint anywhere on it. Jason credits the car’ ent appearance and brilliant shine to his father Bob

Pjojian, who shared many of his detailing secr ently in ch of a new 2015 Mustang GT Conver tible, which will be his four th Mustang. So we know that Jason has ole model to follow om the outside, the car appears to be mostly stock, with visual enhancements coming from only a handful of tasteful modifications. A Saleen S281 spoiler eplaces the factor y pedestal spoiler and 18 inch Steeda Pentar wheels shine brilliantly at each cor ner

APPETIZERS

Smoke House Poutine French fries, smoked brisket, jalape no, scallion, cheddar cheese curds, poutine gray 10.49

Philly Poutine

French fries, shaved steak, peppers, onions, cheddar cheese curds, poutine gravy 10.49

Fried Ravioli

Served with marinara 6.99

WINGS!

A dan’s place specialty, we take the time to slow roast our wings in our own special blend of spices, then fry them to perfection & toss them in your choice of sauce.

9.99

Classic Buffalo, 5-Alarm, Bourbon, Sweet Teriyaki, Salt & Vinegar, BuffA-Que, Thai Peanut,k Sweet Asian Chili, Garlic Parmesan, Classic BBQ,k Korean BBQ, Mango Habanero, Honey Garlicm Sweet Cajun Rub, Old Bay Rub

SOUPS

New England Clam Chowder

Cup: 4.49 Bowl: 5.99

Chili Our homemade beef chili topped with scallions & cheddar cheese.

Cup: 4.99 Bowl: 5.99

French Onion Crock: 5.99

Chicken Soup Cup: 3.99 Bowl: 4.99

PASTA Parmesan

Topped with tomato sauce, and melted provolone cheese, served with garlic bread, and your choice of pasta.

Chicken: 15.99 Veal: 16.99

Eggplant: 12.99

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Choice of pasta tossed with our homemade creamy alfredo sauce, served with garlic bread.

16.99 +Sub Shrimp: 2.99

+Salmon or Steak: 4.99

Pasta & Meatballs Your choice of linguine or penne topped with our signature marinara and two meatballs & served with garlic bread. 11.59

Mac-N-Cheese

Our house cheese sauce tossed with double elbow pasta and finished with a ritz cracker topping.

12.59 +Pulled Pork: 3.59

+Buffalo Chicken: 4.49

Asian Stir Fry

Roasted red peppers, broccoli, onions, mushrooms and green peppers tossed with egg noodles and General Tso’s sauce

11.99 +Chicken: 4.49

+Shrimp: 5.99 +Steak: 6.99

Roasted Garlic Shrimp

Pan seared shrimp with red onions and spinach in a roasted garlic cream sauce, served over linguine. 15.99

Chicken Fra Diavlo Chicken, hot pepper rings and olives in a zesty marinara Served over linguin 15.99

Lasagna

Seasoned ground beef layered with ricotta, mozzarella, marinara and noodles, piled high and served with garlic bread and a side salad 13.99

Gluten Free Baked Ziti Gluten free penne tossed with our house marinara and layered with ricotta cheese and mozzarella 13.99

PASTA

Linguini Aglio

Herb and garlic infused oil with broccoli and olives then tossed with linguin

9.99 +Chicken: 4.49

+Shrimp: 5.99 +Steak: 6.99

Beef Stroganoff

Tender marinated steak tips grilled to your liking and sautéed with mushrooms and egg noodles in a creamy beef gravy 17.99

Veal Marsala

Pan seared veal scallopini with mush rooms in a marsala wine demi glace, served over your choice of pasta

Chicken: 17.99 Veal: 17.99

Short Rib Spezatta

Slow braised short rib tossed with bacon, mushrooms, peas and egg noodles, finished with shaved parmesan 15.99

ENTREES

Add Two Baked Stuffed Shrimp - 6.99

Rib Eye Steak*

Our 14oz. Rib eye lightly seasoned & served with your choice of two sides. 23.99

+mushrooms & Onions: 1.99

Sirloin Steak

Our 12oz. strip grilled to your liking, served with your choice of two sides 20.99

+mushrooms & onions: 1.99

Black and Blue Sirloin Our 12 oz sirloin grilled to your liking and topped with Cajun spices, crum bled blue cheese, chopped bacon, and a sweet port wine reduction drizzle. Served with mashed potatoes and vegetable 22.59

Tenderloin Steak Tips*

Tender marinated tenderloin medal lions finished with sauteed onions, & peppers, served with your choice of two sides. Available bourbon style. 19.99

Dan’s Fajitas

With onions, peppers, fajita season ing, served sizzling hot with warm tortillas, lettuce, tomato and cheese Chicken: 15.99 Steak*: 17.99

Surf & Turf Choice NY strip plus two baked stuffed shrimp, served with your choice of two sides. 12 oz: 24.99 8 oz: 20.99

Chicken Fried Steak

Breaded, fried steak topped with a white sausage gravy, served with your choice of two sides. 14.99

Fried Chicken Cutlet

Two large chicken cutlets with brown gravy, served with your choice of two sides. 16.99

Short Rib Shepherds Pie

Slow braised short rib layered with corn and mashed potato, then baked golden brown 14.99

Sesame

Honey Garlic Salmon* Fresh

Baked

Fish Tacos (3)

salsa picante. 12.59

SPECIALTY PIZZA

Make any small pizza Gluten Friendly - $3.99

Taco

Baked pizza shell with taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions & cheese. Served with sour cream & salsa. Try adding jalapenos & olives.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

+Guacamole: 2.39

Town Special Meatball, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions & peppers.

Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Dan’s Special Meatball, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions & peppers, bacon & hot peppers.

Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Meatlovers Ham, sausage, pepperoni, meatball & bacon topped with extra cheese.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Vegetarian Delight Eggplant, spinach, tomatoes, mush rooms, olives, onions & peppers.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Chicken Pesto Pesto sauce with chicken, garlic, tomatoes & parmesan cheese. Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Southwest BBQ Chicken BBQ sauce, chicken, bacon & red onions.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Sweet & Tangy BBQ Chicken BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions & pineapple.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Chicken, broccoli, bacon, & alfredo sauce.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Buff-A-Que Chicken

A blend of our house bbq & tangy buffalo sauce, chicken, & red onions.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Buffalo Chicken

Frank’s buffalo sauce & chicken, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Twisted Buffalo Chicken Our classic buffalo chicken with red onions, banana peppers, bacon & crumbled blue cheese.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Mac & Cheese

Topped with bacon, and scallions, finished with ritz cracker crumb Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

SPECIALTY PIZZA

Pulled Pork

BBQ pulled pork, and cheese

Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Dirty Hawaiian BBQ Pulled pork, pineapple, bacon, and cheese

Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Chicken Bacon Ranch

The name says it all with a touch of parmesan cheese.

Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Four Cheese White pizza with a blend of mozzarel la, cheddar, feta & parmesan cheese topped with garlic & sliced tomatoes. Small or Calzone: 10.59 Large: 15.59 Square: 18.50

Shamrock

Pesto sauce, sliced potato, feta, red onions, corned beef & cheese.

Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Loaded Potato

Cheddar cheese sauce, sliced potato, broccoli, bacon & cheese. Small or Calzone: 10.59 Large: 15.59 Square: 18.50

Moussaka Eggplant, meatball & roasted pep pers, topped with extra cheese. Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Greek White pizza with a blend of mozza rella, cheddar & feta cheese topped with banana peppers, tomatoes, olives & garlic.

Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Traditional Greek White pizza with a blend of mozzarel la, cheddar & feta cheese topped with spinach, tomatoes, olives & garlic. Small or Calzone: 11.59 Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Mediterranean White pizza with artichokes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, garlic

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Philly Cheese Steak

White pizza topped with seasoned sirloin steak, onions & roasted peppers.

Small or Calzone: 13.59

Large: 21.99 Square: 25.99

Southwest Steak

Seasoned sirloin steak, BBQ sauce, onions, and banana peppers

Small or Calzone: 13.59

Large: 21.99 Square: 25.99

Thai Chicken Chicken, thai peanut sauce & scallions.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Cheeseburger Deluxe

Cheese sauce with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, pickles & red onions with american & pizza cheese.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Big Dan’s

Cheese sauce with ground beef, lettuce, onions, pickles & thousand island dressing with american & pizza cheese.

Small or Calzone: 12.59

Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

King Ranch

Cheese sauce,

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

SPECIALTY PIZZA

Margherita

Sauce, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

Ball Park

Mustard, Sausage, Roasted Green Pepper, Roasted Onion, Provolone, Mozzarella Cheddar Small or Calzone: 10.59

Large: 15.59 nSquare: 18.50

Picka-Dilly Pizza

Roasted garlic infused dill oil, mozzarella, cheddar, pickle Small or Calzone: 10.59 Large: 15.59 Square: 18.50

Pesto Inferno

Pesto, parmesan, tomato, jalapeno, Cheddar, mozzarella Small or Calzone: 10.59 Large: 15.59 Square: 18.50

General Tso’s

Fried Chicken, Broccoli, Green Pepper, Onion, Scallions, Mozzarella, Cheddar, General Tso’s Sauce Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Cuban Pizza Horse radish dijonaise, ham, pulled pork, pickle, swiss, cheddar, mozzarella Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Antipasto Pizza

Ham, genoa, provolone, tomato, red onion, green pepper, pepperoni, banana pepper, roasted red pepper Small or Calzone: 12.59 Large: 19.99 Square: 23.99

Scallop Casino Pizza Alfredo, bay scallop, bacon, scallion, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, ritz Small or Calzone: 14.99 Large: 25.99 Square: 32.99

BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZA

Toppings: pepperoni, meatball, sausage bacon, ham, chourico, ground beef anchovies, taco meat, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, red onions, olives, pineapple, eggplant, broccoli, spinach, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers, roasted peppers, green peppers, ricotta cheese.

Cheese

Small: 7.25 Large:11.59 Square:13.99

One Topping

Small: 8.00 Large: 12.59 Square: 15.25

Two Toppings

Small: 8.75 Large:13.59 Square:16.50

Three Toppings

Small: 9.50 Large: 14.59 Square: 17.25

Extra Thick Crust

Small: +2.25 Large: +3.75

Extra Cheese

Small: +2.50 Large: 3.25 Square: +4.25

Gluten Free Crust Small: +3.99

Swap

Meet Special Chourico, ricotta, jalapenos, roasted onions & peppers.

Small or Calzone: 11.59

Large: 18.99 Square: 22.99

BAYSTATE CORVETTE CLUB

Corvette vs Mustang Shootout

By ED YESSAIAN

Over the past few years, the Baystate Corvette Club’s “Corvette vs Mustang Shootout” has quickly become one of my favorite events to attend. In the first couple years of the event, I could never get my schedule to align with the dates and always wished I could partici pate in such a fun, laid-back day of racing with two great groups of car enthusiasts. The event centers around the Baystate Cor vette Club and The Mustangs of Massachusetts, however all are welcome if you happen to own one of the two Iconic American Muscle cars.

My first time racing the event I entered the Street Class with my wife’s 2003 Mustang GT and had an awesome day, eventually get ting eliminated in the semi-finals by the man they call Mean Steve. For 2022 I brought my Outlaw 10.50 car to the Pro Class and right off the trailer ripped off a new personal best elapsed time and new personal best sixty-foot time. I knew from there that it was going to be a great day!! Eventually I would be eliminated by Rocco Derrigo’s 2011 Corvette

Grand Sport, which would send me to the bleachers to watch the last few rounds. Heading into the final round we saw some very good matchups with the following gentlemen raising their automotive

STREET CLASS

My favorite opponent from last year was the 1991 ZR-1 Corvette of Tom Schroeder. In my youth, this car was the pinnacle of American automotive excellence. Every kid dreamed of the ZR-1 and few had the chance to experi ence one. I was lucky to have an uncle with a 1990 ZR-1, so these cars hold a very special spot in my childhood memories. Tom would meet up with Bob Baker in the final round with Baker taking his showstopping 1969 Mustang to the Winner’s Circle.

PRO CLASS

Rocco Derrigo would find himself in a famil iar matchup from our Fast Street days, up against the deadly consistent Geno Picozzi. Picozzi came in fresh off back-to-back wins in Fast Street and carried his streak to both this event and a Gambler’s race on the same day.

BEST REACTION TIME

Last year’s winner in PRO Class, Brian Stew art would hit the tree with a .004 to capture the award this year. Stewart made another impressive showing in PRO, eventually falling to the winner Geno Picozzi.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A FENDER-BENDER

By JOSEPH R. DAIGLE, ESQ.

Low impact crashes happen all the time. Even cautious drivers may occasionally have a lapse in judgment or be distracted momentari ly. Maneuvering in a busy parking lot, waiting in line at a drive-through ATM, stuck in stop-and-go traffic, the odds of being involved in a low-speed collision is high for all drivers.

A surprising number of these collisions may result in per sonal injury claims between the drivers even when there is no visible damage to the vehicles. In 1971, the federal government issued the first passenger car bumper standard requiring that pas senger cars, begin ning with model year 1973, must be able to withstand 5 mph front and 2 ½ mph rear impacts against a perpendicular barrier without damage to certain safety-related components (such as headlamps and fuel systems). As a result, the insurance industry frequently deals with personal injury claims in which neither vehicle has sustained visible damage.

Though it is possible that a low impact collision could cause injury, frequently such claims are exaggerated in the hope that it will lead to a monetary settlement. There are a few things you can do at the scene that lessen the potential damages and discourage the other driver from making a claim.

First, there are certain things you need to do in every accident:

• Check to see if anyone is hurt, call 911, to request any needed medical assistance

• Move your car to a safe location, but do not leave the scene

• Contact the police. They will send an officer to the scene

• Exchange information with those involved (names, phone num bers, mailing, all vehicle occupants, and witnesses)

• Take photos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved, including license plates numbers. If you can do so safely, take photographs before the vehicles are moved.

• Gather insurance information from others involved: company name, policy number, and phone numbers

Second, don’t let your actions at the scene become evidence against you later if the other driver decides to bring a claim.

Even when the collision caused little or no visible damage to the vehi cles, personal injury attorneys may be tempted to make a claim on behalf of the other driver, if your actions indicate that you are liable for the collision. First, don’t apologize if the cause of the accident is

unclear. Many people instinctively apologize to the other driver even when they are not to blame.

Next, don’t offer lengthy details about what led you to being where the accident occurred. Explaining that you were stuck in traffic and 15 minutes late for a dentist appointment may be your way of letting the other driver know that you didn’t intend to bump them. But the same statement can be used by the other driver’s attorney to show you were distracted and no longer proceeding at a safe speed.

Don’t promise the other driver or passengers that your insurance will take care of everything. Offering to pay through your insurance may be used in court to demonstrate that that you believed you were at fault.

Finally, don’t flee the scene!

What a driver says at the scene, to the other driver or to the police responding to the accident, may be used to strengthen an otherwise weak case. But that doesn’t mean you should say nothing. Rather, you can provide the facts, while omitting commentary and superflu ous information.

As Sgt. Joe Friday used to say on the old Dragnet show, “Just the facts, ma’am.”

(Joe Daigle is an attorney in North Kingstown, Rhode Island handling personal injury claims in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The informa tion provided on this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.)

JOE’S MYSTERY MACHINE

JIM WEICHERDING

rims and 15 X 10 centerline rims in the rear, giving this van a wicked looking stance. This Mystery Machine was built for cruisin’ not for speed. Joe removed anything, and everything, that could be unscrewed and unboltContinued Next Page

ed and replaced it all. He even purchased a brand-new crate motor. Then, the search was on to find custom van parts. Fortunately, Joe found places still making fiberglass parts like, Mark Hann at Van Crazy Customs who made

produced by an artist he found on Instagram artist. He will take any color combo you want, They are both located in North Kingstown, RI. bed with dark brown paneling. He picked up wife left the van in their garage, and it stayed drove it as a camper vehicle from 2000-2001. and was great at what they did. Unfortunately, most of the shops around the area wouldn’t touch the van or were scheduled with other work for years. Joe’s wife actually found the shop for him. They are a family run business in Londonderry, N.H., called AK

Rods & Customs. It’s a father and son team; Andy & Keith Lefebvre. The guys at the shop are all absolutely amazing at what they do. Their knowledge, passion and talent are truly unmatched. They helped Joe turn his dream

air horn, bubble tubes, lava lamp, and paint ed silhouette on the dash. And let’s not for get the stereo system; Kenwood deck with 2 sets of kicker 6X9 speakers in the side doors, 2 sets of kicker 6 ½ in the front doors, and 2 12” kicker subwoofers in the rear. Everything is powered by 3 1500-watt Kenwood amplifi ers. The van charging system is a marine style

with bamboo flooring in the center of the van. Along with vinyl bamboo for the door panels and rear doors. Matching bamboo poles divide the middle of the van with 3-inch bubble tubes. The 2 front captain’s chairs are also burnt orange with the vinyl baboo on the underarms and skirt. The interior also sports orange LEDs above the windshield, under the seats, back vent and

They finished the paint with 8 to 10 coats of clear coat.

The Mystery Machine is considered by Joe to be an iconic vehicle, just like the Batmobile, Ghostbusters, Ecto-1, Monkeemobile and countless others. Joe has loved Scooby Doo since he was a kid. He wants to keep this popular cartoon character alive for others to enjoy. He wanted to make something to make people smile and bring back good memories at times when everyone seems up set and angry. He often has people ask him with disgust, “Why did you do that? And what do you do with this van?” He just laughs and replies, “Because I love it and it’s part of me. I take my Mystery Machine to car shows and charity events that are benefitting veterans and animal shelters.” Joe’s biggest dream is to have his Mystery Machine displayed at Rhode Island Comic Con in Providence, RI and actually meet Matthew Lillard and the other live action actors and have them autograph the bamboo floor. To this day, if Joe is having a bad day, he gets himself a Scooby snack, turns on Scooby Doo, sits back and laughs at all of their crazy and scary filled antics.

Who doesn’t love a Scooby snack?

OCTANE LIMITS

By DAVE MccLAIN

Most of the country has a maximum of 91 octane pump gas. We are lucky to have 93 octane available here in Rhode Island. Some areas of the country have pump E85 also available, but we will focus on our local 93 octane fuel. E85 is a great fuel to have but also has issues that many people are not aware of.

I tend to recommend brand name 93 octane from companies like Shell and Mobil. Most pump gas today has about 10% eth anol added. There are many factors that limit the power of any fuel you use. Cylinder head design, compression ratio, camshaft design, and exhaust system design, and inlet air temperature are limiting factors. I have had many different combinations on my dyno and have observed that good quality 93 octane is good for about 600-650 RWHP.

A good example is Justin’s 2010 Dodge Challenger. He has a stock 6.1 Hemi with a small 224 cam package, ported stock heads, long tube headers, 10:1 compression, and an air-to-air inter-cooled Procharger Supercharger system making around 11.5 psi of boost. While tuning his car it would show random blips of knock in boost near peak torque. Justin’s car made 651 RWHP / 565 RWTQ on 93 octane but had 1-2 degrees of random knock. Justin and I discussed trying a fuel additive called Octanium to see if we needed more octane. We added just enough Octanium to achieve an octane rating of 96 octane. Ultimately, I wanted Justin to add methanol injection to his car and this Octanium was a test to see what a little more octane could do. Octanium resulted in 677 RWHP / 572 RWTQ. A nice 26 RWHP gain and the random knock was eliminated. This test was

water. Even with this small amount of methanol we made 701 RWHP / 591 RWTQ. As you can see the methanol and additional tuning added 50 RWHP and 26 RWTQ. No changes to his combination...just having the proper octane to get the most out of his combination.

Precision Dyno offers tuning solutions for late model GM LS, Ford, and Dodge Hemi engines. Contact Dave at 401-996-2166 for dyno tuning services.

Pump 93 vs Octanium

Octanium

SHOW NATIONALS

PODCAST

JIM WEIcHERDING

His name is Mike Linner. He resides in the state of Minnesota. He started http://www. carshownationals.com back in 2001. His web site advertises car show flyers from around the United States for free. Several years ago, Mike was contacted by the Discovery Chan nel to produce podcasts featuring automo tive people in the car world as guests from their own television network. That is how the

popular, “Let’s Roll!” Podcast began on a national level. Mike started the pod cast show with Ed Golden as his co-host. Ed is a well known and established car customizer based out of the state of New York. His automotive company is called; Golden Customs NY. After they hosted several podcasts together, Ed told Mike that his automotive shop was just getting too busy so he had to unfortunately leave the podcast show. Mike then reached out and asked Jeff Thisted if he would like to co-host the “Let’s Roll!” Podcast with him after Ed decided to focus more on his own business venture. Jeff agreed, then became Mike’s current co-host. Mike said that Jeff has been a perfect fit and has been an awesome co-host. Jeff is also the spokesman for the Hot Rod Power Tour. He also hosts events for Goodguys and MotorTrend and many other car shows nationwide throughout the year.

They have had some great guests on their show featuring Richard Rawlings from Gas Monkey Garage, Bogi from All Girls Garage and Garage Squad. Also appear ing on the podcast with Lou Santiago, formally from Car Fix, Shag from Iron Resurrection and Heather Storm who is a very well known tv personality. “Let’s Roll!” Podcast special guests also includ ed Diesel Dave with Bari Musawwir the driver of the Zombie Monster Jam Truck and so many other great guests. The podcast also promotes many automotive television shows, networks and YouTube programs and automotive industry celeb rities throughout the year. They also sup port and promote Motorhead Magazine, OUTLAW RUN The Book, OUTLAW RUN Beyond The Book Series, The SAFE And The SERIOUS Teen Safe Driving Campaign and the popular Buckleupallofus Child Passenger Safety and Vehicle Safety Cam paigns on their podcast and on the Car Show Nationals WebSite. If it’s automo tive, they are a part of that car show and

Website

https://carshownationals.com/carshownationals-com-lets-roll-podcasts

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Lets-Roll-Podcast-101702121637210

Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRIk06fD454va9qzlFXSOSOz9CywLZhr4

Iheart Radio http://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-carshownationalscom-lets-r-92536085

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/7ioiWic0ubIN10YdUpEro4

Itunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/carshownationals-com-lets-roll/ id1443358595?mt=2&uo=4

We Can’t Drive 55.

By ALLEN HARRIS, @VIPPRIMO Executive Automotive Society

A few days ago, I received an interesting article. Police were cracking down on speeders on the highway and what they call aggressive driving. They were pulling over drivers going 20 mph over the speed limit. I think it’s important to point out this was a 55-mph zone, so they were traveling only 75 mph. Over 150 drivers were pulled over and sighted in a 5-hour period the article read, all in the name of safety. That’s a pretty impressive number at 30 drivers per hour. My first question was what did they do the other 19 hours of the day? I hate to break it to them, but nothing changed and it’s not because there are a bunch of out-of-control street racers on the roads. I would venture I could find any highway right now and discover that

surmise that is actually low because some drivers still do their best to follow the legal limits. In places like Nevada and Utah that have higher speed limits, the average is 77.67 mph (according to TomTom data), even in areas where the highway speed limit is 70 mph.

Even with this information many highway speed limits are the same numbers set in 1974. I’ll quickly point out that was when a car’s rear suspension was the same as a horse drawn carriage, drum brakes were a thing, and internal safety features were, at best, a lap belt (although the first airbags would be implemented that year). Even though many sight the speed limit targeting safety, it’s important to clarify, speed limits were originally not set for safety. They were incorrectly set to overcome a fuel

going 55 mph would leave many of my fellow drivers fairly frustrated by my actions and may even risk my safety. If nothing has changed, why was this done? Better question is, if you can catch 150 drivers, is the driver the problem or is the speed limit of 55 the real culprit?

I think the first hurdle is to be completely transparent and admit, everyone speeds. We’ve all found ourselves in traffic court, even if you have a squeaky-clean record still. Effectively it’s a way of life now. Are we to believe that everyone is simply out of control? If so, the real question would be, why?

Simply put, in most cases the speed limit is too slow. In fact, it’s painfully slow! People say don’t dominate the left, but to pass in that lane should be a guaranteed speeding ticket at highway speeds. Studies (including the NHTSA) have clearly stated the average driver speed is 70 mph, and my

embargo, believing that they’d save both fuel and the environment by engaging these limits. What it did prove was it would fail miserably in all those endeavors.

Today’s cars are much safer and capable of much faster speeds while still maintaining that safety and the comfort by which people feel they can maintain. An Institute of Transportation study in 1996 stated the biggest factor of traffic accidents wasn’t the speed limit, but the differences in speeds between other vehicles on the road. Meaning that a slower speed limit did not always result in lower fatalities. It also cited that drivers travel at the speeds they feel safe, not the speed limit. An 18-month study in New York changed the speed limit from 55 to 65. The average speed remained 68 mph regardless of what the sign read. Some reports say that lowering the speed limit means that you create two groups, one that tries to obey the limit and others that now completely ignore it, creating a guaranteed

In Fact, Nobody Can.

dangerous situation.

The Institute of Transport Engineers have set what they call the 85th percentile, meaning the speed should be set at or below the speed in which 85% of the drivers use. Still, state and local officials continued to drop speed limits and ignore the data. Even worse, if you put in a quick Google search, you’ll find the first page won’t support any of this data regardless of what the science and engineers have repeated ad nauseam. Instead, simply applying a blanket ideal that going faster means more deaths. Which is candidly untrue and ignores everything we’ve learned over the past 100 years.

If your concern is also the environment, many reports say that going 66 mph provides the best fuel economy with the majority of vehicles on the road.

In most of the Northern states that set a priority for environmental concerns, the speed limits are also the lowest, meaning the best fuel economy would actually be breaking the law.

So, let’s look at the argument that slower speeds did reduce fatalities. They sight between 1973 (54,052) and 1974 (45,196), when the first speed limits were lowered, the fatalities dropped by 16.4%. What’s important to also understand is that in 1974 General Motors also started implementing airbags in their vehicles. It was also the same year that federal law required a new interlock device that prevented engines from starting without the lap belt being engaged, although that was rapidly repealed. The fact is by 1979 the fatalities had increased back to 51,093 without any change in the speed limit.

As the ‘80s came to a close more restrictions were lifted. In 1987 congress passed the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act, allowing states to raise speed limits to 65 mph. 41 states did so, and the fatality rate went from 46,390 to 47,087 in 1988, an increase of only 697 even though drivers were allowed to go faster.

In 1995 congress passed the National Highway Designation Act, which removed all federal limits, returning the power to the states and still there was no big increase in fatalities. Fatalities hovered around 41,000 for years until 2005 when it steadily declined to 32,744 in 2014 and began to rise again. By 2016 it was 37,473. Even during the pandemic (2020) we saw an increase to 38,824 and by 2021 it had jumped back to 42,915. If the speed limit was truly in play, we would’ve seen a marked increase in deaths in both 1987 and 1995 and we just don’t see that. Conclusion: The speed limit didn’t play a roll.

If we’re going to be completely transparent, speed only accounts for a smaller percentage of overall fatalities. According to the NHTSA crashes where speed was a factor accounted for only 29% of the traffic fatalities. What this doesn’t take into account is what the speed limit was. Are the roads consistently congested or in poor condition? What were the weather conditions? How many accidents was speed a secondary factor? It simply says speeding is the cause and warns that road conditions can become bad. How many simply failed to use safety equipment or the equipment failed? I could go on for an hour. Why? Because I think there are bigger fish to fry, such as poor roads, but that’s for another discussion.

I also want to make this clear, this is not to judge police officers for simply following the law. Although it has been proven that officers are not given ticket quotas, some higher ups still do set performance ratings on tickets written. That being said, I’d venture that as they cruise down the road at 90+

mph they don’t agree with the limits either. I do, on the other hand, point a finger at law makers who know all too well, but still turn a blind eye. Why would they do that you ask?

Truth is, none of this is shocking to most. Why haven’t politicians talked about increasing the speed limits, even just in passing? Instead of considering the issue, many of the states with the lowest speed limits adhere closely to the safety angle and end the topic there. Whether you could prove or disprove the matter there is one giant elephant in the room. A lower speed limit increases revenue. Revenue in the form of speeding tickets. When you have a great deal of social systems to support, that income may be a priority if you want a ballooning budget to stay strong. A raised speed limit could cost millions, especially in smaller cities and towns that rely on that additional income to stay out of the red.

What you also don’t see is the secret business of traffic safety. According to Rand Corporation, on average the federal government provides approximately $579 million to states for traffic safety. Add in the $260 million in January 2022 that was added to the pot, and you have yourself quite the budget boost to those that report excessive speeding and distracted drivers are plaguing their highways. Suddenly that 5 hours of work pulling over people traveling what is considered by experts as the average speed, or the 85th percentile if you were paying attention, can turn into quite a pay day for someone’s bottom line.

Did this happen in the particular case that started this article? I can’t speak to motive. What I am assured is that the system is rigged to punish drivers unfairly. Add in concepts like speed traps, where the speed aggressively changes to capture unwary drivers, and it doesn’t take an engineer to put two and two together. It means the speed limits haven’t changed because they were set to perpetually stagnate and the reason is one that isn’t advertised. So that sweet ticket money continues to flow, and the coffers don’t dry up.

What I would like to see is something that would truly help drivers. How could that funding provide services that offered more advanced driving schools for those that would like to take them or rewarding drivers that continually represent safe standards and successfully avoided accidents. A special license for advanced drivers that both passed advanced driving schools and also maintained exceptional records similar to how you get discounts on car insurance after continued good driving. We’ve seen that increased safety standards and low speed limits don’t decrease fatalities, so let’s look at some liberal options to reward drivers for good driving instead of punishing someone who is simply driving with the flow of traffic.

As many drivers continue to question why they are judged for a speed limit that literally no one adheres to or agrees with they must come to terms with the reality that the battle isn’t one of logic, but of money. It’s also one they’ve already lost as it seems. They’ve come to terms with it and simply chosen to ignore it, paying whatever fine goes along with that thinking in what equates to a mass show of defiance on our highways. While our roads become more and more congested and filled with potholes it’s still somehow their fault for the failure and they continually become more and more desensitized to the large white rectangular sign with the arbitrary number stickered onto it. Not because they aren’t capable of driving faster, not because they would be safer, and not because it would help the environment, but simply put, the budget can’t afford to change it.

Photos provided by Ed Yessaian

MICHAEL VERDOLOTTI’S 8.53 SECOND

By JOHN CONTI, SR.

In 1965 I met Frank Verdolo� in Hugh B. Bain Junior High School and gained a life�me motorhead buddy, who later married his lovely wife, Paula, who delivered their son Michael in the Fall of 1987 on October 1st. Watching Mike growing as a young man winning soap box derby races constantly, while dialing in all the tricks necessary to win, with his dad’s precise guidance, he became the 2000 Rhode Island Superstock Champion. From my view point I knew then that this young man was going places, and applied himself constantly in everything he did, which resulted in mechanical and electrical engineering degrees that allowed him to acquire his current profession,

VERDOLOTTI’S TOTALLY STREETABLE SECOND CAMARO

as a research and development engineer at Chase Machine. Mike was constantly asking ques�ons to his father’s friends, always related to cars and drag racing, including hydraulic, pneuma�c, electrical and mechanical func�ons.

I blinked my eyes one day and this seventeen year old acquires a somewhat beat up 1995 Camaro. He built the en�re vehicle with his dad and ran the naturally aspirated LT1 engine in it for about fi�een years and went from 12 second quarter mile �mes all the way down to the mid 9’s, winning two LTX shootouts. Mike had his friend, Bobby Cazzani, at Passport Auto Body paint the car.

Photos by Kayla Con�

Always looking for improvement, he decided to build a mid 8 second car, which could be driven easily on the street and also participate in Drag Week, which should occur next year, but has made numerous runs down the quarter mile in the 8 second range this past summer. His best time of 8.53 seconds at 16 pounds of boost on E90 ethanol calculates to roughly 1450 HP, with a 3880 pound car. On the dyno, at 14 pounds of boost, it made 1100 HP at the rear wheels. The engine combination includes: a 427 GMPP LSX Block with Callies crank and rods, Wiseco 10.25:1 pistons and Brodix BS7 heads from Late Model Engines. Since Mike has his own auxiliary business, namely “Black Label Tuning”, he had his own custom ground solid roller cam made, which activate Crower shaft rockers. Mike also modified the Super Victor LS7 4500 intake and built an air to water intercooler with the hot and cold side tubing all welded up by him also. The twin Borg Warner SXE 476 76mm Billet T4 turbos put the pressure on when Mike’s right foot goes down.

The dual exhaust system is designed for street and strip, since

pound of boost, which allows the 4 inch dumps at the front fenders

exhaust gasses run through the full system until the engine makes slightly over one

to open automatically when the EFI triggers the pneumatic set of valves-then

To

the

After teaching himself to tig weld a short time ago, Mike built himself an NHRA certified cage, along with all the plumbing in the car, previously mentioned. The wiring in the car was not a totally “plug and play” situation-he did it. With his parents behind him 100% from day one, this vehicle is a testament to applying himself with the results seen here. Not to mention in the meantime, he is working a full time job and running Black Label Tuning while raising a family with his gorgeous wife, Melissa, and his beautiful daughter, Melania, while their dog Rocky looks

Recent conversations with Mike indicated a third fuel pump and larger injectors with a modified tune should get him in the 7’s with more boost. Check out last end of summer’s time slip.

it’s party time. Black Label Tuning’s owner, Mike Verdolotti, made the custom hydrostatic methanol injection system, which is controlled by the Holley Dominator ECU, which he also tuned-complete with the digital dash.

get

crazy power to the rear wheels, Mike incorporated an FTI Reid Cased Powerglide and a bolt together Neal Chance converter. The PST chromoly driveshaft connects the ‘glide to the Strange S60 rearend, which encompasses a 3.54 ring and pinion mounted on a spool. The Mickey Thompson X275 Drag Radials are mounted on Billet Specialties Win Lites.

By ROB MAY and LES FARR

Continuing multiple favorite themes just in time for Christmas, this month we feature Les Farr’s 1969 Blue Mercury Cougar. The Cat makes its den in New Hampshire. Les, 53 years old from Sarasota, Florida is married to MJ Farr.

“We celebrate our 30-year anniversary next June. We have three boys, Nicholas (28, married to Amber with three children), Christopher (26), and Jack (23, married to Makayla with two children). Our family absolutely comes first before anything. The grandkids are my world, but that Cougar…she is my girl. I love that car! My boys share my passion for old cars with my middle son, Chris, owning a Mercury Cougar just like Dad. Jack is a chip off the old block. That boy will work on a car all day if he could. He has a few project cars of his own.” In his younger days, Les was a certified ASE Ford Mechanic. He moved his family to New Hampshire 11 years ago and works as a 5Axis CNC Machine Maintenance Technician for an International Company.

“On my 14th birthday, my parents gifted me with a ‘48 Ford Sedan that had

seen many, many better days. I had my first project car at 14, beyond excited, but without cash! I managed to earn money working for my parents as they each owned their own small business. My mother did upholstery work and my father did water treatment.” That car was worked on, but never finished, and eventually sold as a project car to someone else. Several cars came and went after that, including a ‘69 Torino GT Fastback. Another

notable one was a ‘65 Mustang Fastback. She was all original and purchased from the original owner. “I owned that car for about 7 years. Once my first child was born, the car needed to be sold. As time went on and we found ourselves in a better situation, a ‘67 Fairlane 500 came to me. I still talk about that car.” That Ford received a complete drivetrain rebuild before being sold as well. “Next, I purchased a ‘48 Mercury 4 door Sedan. The boys and I tinkered with this car in my garage for several years. That was more of a teaching project, and introduction to mechanics for the boys.” The move to New Hampshire came and soon after Les went looking for his next car.

Once they were all settled in their new home in New Hampshire, Les knew it was time to find an old car to work on in the old barn. “It felt like I was looking forever and would never find a decent deal.” Finally, he checked out Craigslist one day and saw the Cougar there. “It seemed like an ok deal, but I would need to travel to see it.” And so, a road trip to Rhode Island began. Les rented a trailer on the way knowing he was buying the car that day. On the way back home, he stopped at a gas station. “A few people asked about the car and told me it looked nice as well as wished me ‘good luck’ with my project Cat. One gentleman was interested enough to talk to me for quite a while and asked all kinds of questions. Before we departed, he ended up offering me almost double what I had just paid for the car. There was no way I was selling this car, I mean, I hadn’t even brought it home yet! When I pulled up to my house with the car and told my wife about the guy at the gas station, I thought she was going to choke me. She saw a hunk of metal worth some money, and I saw a beautiful car. She does support my car addiction...to a point. There’s definitely a limit to what is allowed to be spent.” There

been taken out of the car, all stock parts. Only normal maintenance parts have been swapped. A couple of the car’s most unique attributes are the hideaway headlights as well as the sequential tail lights. Both of these items were unique to this car in 1969.

Les drives the car when he can on good weather days. In New Hampshire, this means part of the Spring, most of Summer and part of Fall. “My farthest drive has been to Carlisle, PA two years ago for the car show. As for how she handles, this Mercury is smooth as silk. Nothing better than going through the country roads of NH with the windows down and radio blasting.”

This Cougar has entered a handful of shows a year throughout New Hampshire. Carlisle was the only show entered out of state. That was a huge show, tons of cars to see. Les currently belongs to three clubs, Mercury Cougar Club of New England, New Hampshire Muscle Car Club, and an honorary member of Central California Mercury Club (CCMC). Note: This ’69 Cat was built in San Jose, CA and initially sold in Santa Monica, CA!

2022 SEMA SHOW

JIM WEICHERDING

The 2022, SEMA SHOW, officially began on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, but the festivities began on Monday, Halloween day and night in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. SEMA Award Presentations and SEMA Exhibitor Appreciation Party followed a daylong showcase of the hottest vehicles being showcased at this year’s event. November, 1st, SEMA hosted their Annual New Products Awards. The competition recognizes outstanding achievements and development of new products in the Automotive Specialty Equipment Market at the show.

There were 18 Awards Categories being judged. There is 1 winner and 2 runner-ups in each category. Day 1 included the (ARMO) and (HRIA) vehicle unveiling and showcases also included new upcoming resources within the automotive industry. (SBN) had the AllFemale build reveals with the Business Women’s Network and their 2021, Ford Bronco build. Wildtrak modifications emphasized vehicle suspension, wheels, tires, electrical system, lighting, exhaust, intake and graphics wrap.

The (Battle of the Builders) “Top 40”, showcased their hot rods, hot rod trucks, sport compacts, imports, performance, luxury and exotic vehicles. The (Young Guns Division), included any year, make and model vehicles built by builders aged 29 years old and younger. More than 50% of all vehicles showcased at this year’s SEMA SHOW were trucks. Wednesday,

Pitch ideas are submitted with a prize package worth $92,000 given to the winner with the best pitch idea. Participants included; Dustin Golat, co-owner of GolaT Taylor Tools, Jacob Hawksworth, CEO at Hypercraft, Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO of DMOS Collective, Inc., Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC. and Frank Terlep, co-Founder and CEO of Auto Techcelerators, LLC. The five judges included; Chip Foose from the television show, Overhaulin’, Jared Hare, Founder of Addictive Desert Designs, Myles Kovacs, Founder of DUB Magazine and TIS Wheels and last, but not least, Alex Parker, CMO of 2022 SEMA, Manufacturer of the Year, Redline Detection. Also on November, 2nd, was (Gear Up Girl), recognizing the all-female industry automotive builders. Thursday, November, 3rd, SEMA hosted the (ETTN) Tech N’ Toast Breakfast, with industry tech and engineering leaders and developers gathering together to discuss new products. (WTC) Wheel & Tire Council, Coffee and Conversation Event, allowed manufacturers to discuss new and exciting innovations in their industry.

During the course of the event week, The NHRA Breakfast included NHRA Drag Racing personalities at this standing-room-only venue. Talking drag racing and new developments over the coming months and near future for this popular events series beginning in 2023. The HERTZ (CREF) Art Meets, included colleagues, leaders and enthusiasts all involved with making creative strides in the Automotive

Photos Courtesy of CarShowNationals.com

November 2nd, SEMA hosted their (Launch Pad) “Top 5” Competition.

Aftermarket Industry. Also, on November, 3rd, SEMA hosted their “Person of the Year” Award Banquet, recognizing GEN-III “Innovator of the Year” and “Highest Automotive Influencer of the Year”.

The SEMA SHOW featured live music provided by URIAS Family Wheel of Death, automotive company and aftermarket manufacturing showcases and exhibitions, food trucks, 100’s of unique and customized vehicles and driving performances formula drift. (TORA) Booth “Happy Hour”, announced the industry network truck off-road overall champions on Friday, November, 4th.

Awards were also presented at 4pm to the (Battle of the Builds) Champions on the last day of the SEMA SHOW. There were awards, give-aways, entertainment and crowd seating at this venue.

Also on the last day SEMA hosted their (Annual SEMA Cruise Parade), with many unique and customized vehicles on display for everyone to watch and enjoy before heading back home for another year. The 2023, SEMA SHOW, will be hosted from October, 31st, until November, 3rd, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. That will definitely be the place to be next year!

By

You know the about the series, it is the bond between the car and the owner or driver. They are built by them with friends and fam ily. Each case is different in their own special way. This one I have been following for years, it is one of my personal favorites.

This article is about a father and daughter team, Scott, and Grace Veracka and the 1963 Chevy Nova they call “Apache II”. You might ask why is this once special? Well watching this car for years, I have been watching this team every single weekend. What struck me was a beautiful young woman learning from her father. Seldom do I see this happen with a gasser type car. The younger generation living out their dream with Dad and with a gasser car? Unheard of these days, but there it was, right in front of me every month at the Nostalgia Days at New England Dragway.

As I got to know the family, I was drawn to them every time they showed up. Why was this happening? It was simple, they just wanted to have fun and race. So many times, people have this mindset that they must win. “I must win” and they forget to have fun and experience the day at hand. Every single time

they were smiling after each pass, even when they lost a round, they would still be smiling. That was the answer to my question. Figure #1 big picture on top please

Let’s look at the journey they have gone through with the Apache II. Scott being a motorhead was always working on cars. He started Veracka’ s Speed Shop in 2006 and was looking for a project. Little did he know that the “Apache II” was going to be Grace’s ride in the future. Grace will tell you as a young girl she was always going for a ride in their Chevy pickup with the open trailer looking at projects. The day had come when Scott rolled up on the “Apache II.” It was a project - and I mean a project - it was a roller that needed some loving for sure. Scott had the vision; Grace was a young girl at the time and did not see what Scott saw. As the years went by, Grace started to see what her Dad saw. She started to get creative and inspired and saw the vision.

The team rolled up their sleeves and dug into it bigtime. The car needed some body work, a roll cage and, of course, a small block Chevy. Looking at the pictures you will see all the gasser traits on the “Apache II.” The metal flake orange and bronze paint. The fan paint

on the side of the roof, all details just scream ing Nostalgia Gasser. The metal flake paint job is just bitchin’. The motor is a 355 that runs in the mid 10 second range consistently.

Scott got his NHRA license and Grace, who had just turned 16, got her driver’s license. They where just testing and tuning the car for a while. The one thing they will both tell you is they were not alone. They thought that they would not get any help at the track. Well, if you know New Engalnd Dragway or drag racing in general, that is NOT the case at all. They learned very fast that racers help racers. They could not believe the comradery that was going on in the pits. Grace will be the first to tell you that the race car will teach you the good, the bad and the ugly lessons. They learn for everyone what to do and what not to do. The car was getting very consis tent, and they both knew it was time to jump into a class. Figure 2

They decided on the Amateur Competition class. Scott and Grace where ready and so was the “Apache II.” Scott was getting a good handle on the car, and it was very consistent. Grace had the racing bug bigtime and was begging and pleading with Scotty to let her

drive the car. Well, ask and you shall receive. Grace at the time was only 16 years old and Scott said it was time. That winter Scott had done some work to the small block Chevy and let’s just say it was making more power than the year before. Grace was counting down the days to New England Dragway’s opening day.

The day had come, and Grace was nervous. Think about this for a minute, a 16-year-old girl’s dream was going to come true, the waiting was over, and this was real. The car was on the trailer behind the truck waiting to get into New England Drag way. The beautiful orange and bronze metallic gasser was right behind her and the dream was about to become reality and it was going down today. They set up camp in the pits and then they heard “the words” from the tower: “you can start your engines and warm them up.” The car got through the tech department,

gets it. She gets it because she understands the big picture that her father passed down

the family. I always see them smiling or just having a good time. They both take in the moments, good or bad. You can’t read about this, you can’t teach someone this, you must feel it for yourself. Hopefully by reading this article, you will go to a track and experience this for yourself. Talk to the racers and the people at your local track. Even if you don’t want to go down the track, just go to have a night of fun. Even if it is your daily driver, you can take the car down the track on a street night if you just want to try it. I promise if you do this you will get hooked as well. Get in volved and give it a try, you don’t know what you’re missing. Nothing ventured nothing gained right?

I hope you enjoyed the article of Scott and Grace and the “Apache II “

ble and the raw truth… “I got this spike of nerves and it hit my soul. Believe it or not, strapping into the car making the two of us a unit washed these fears away knowing that I needed to trust the car as this car has to trust me. Becoming one, turning the corner from the staging lanes looking down the barrel of the side-by-side 1320 strip. The staging of the car, stomping of the gas pedal to the floor and the chirping of the tires had me hooked. That is right, I got the addiction and instantly understood what all the racers were here for. The pure love of drag racing.” Figure 3 and Figure 4

Grace learned fast that it is just not about winning or losing those counts. As all real racers know, it is the time, the bonds that you receive when you become a racer. The lessons and what other racers will tell you or help you, and before you know it, you’re teaching a new racer and passing on what

Article written by Mark LaBranche Founder of New England Grudge Pictures by Mark LaBranche Media & Primetime

Remembering “Crazy Chris” DiPaola

JIM WEICHERDING

This is a very difficult article for me to write. Chris DiPaola was one of my best friends. He recently passed away on Thursday evening, October 13th, 2022, of an apparent heart attack. He was only 49 years old.

Chris owned and operated multiple radio stations along with his friend and business partner, Steve Conti. They co-owned DiPonti Communi cations together as business partners and were also close friends. Chris knew at an early age that he wanted to have his very own radio station. He would only order water at the local diner when out with his friends because he was saving every dime he could save to purchase his own radio station in the future. That dream eventually came true on December 8th, 1997, when he did his first broadcast on his new WBLQ radio station locat ed in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Chris resided in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island. He was quickly given the nickname he is recognized for when he became known as “Crazy Chris DiPaola”, around the area.

He was such a great person. I never saw him down and I never heard him say anything bad or negative about anyone at any time. Over the past five years, Crazy Chris and I spent a lot of time together broadcasting live radio shows, attending multiple radio shows at community events, festivals, fairs, auto dealerships and businesses across Rhode Island and Connecticut with my Buckleupallofus giant balloon showcase attraction passing out thousands of Bucky child passenger safe ty coloring posters, stickers and fridge magnets to kids and families attending these venues throughout the entire year. Crazy Chris was also the voice of Bucky at these events and on hourly kids safety radio promos that are still being broadcast on his radio sta tions.

We produced our own Kids Safety Zone Radio Show that aired every Tuesday afternoon after the school day ended during the 4 o’clock hour. We discussed safe ty topics related to the seasons and holidays during the year. I approached Chris with the

idea a couple of years ago and he fell in love with the creative radio concept. His imme diate response was; “Let’s make this happen, Jimmy!”

We co-hosted each show together at the Coventry based radio studio. Special guests

ers and child safety advocates all discussing safety topics related to my award-winning, “Seasons of Safety” Campaign for kids I devel oped for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in 2015.

Chris was not only my friend and child safety radio partner, he was also a strong supporter of my community kids and family safety outreach ef forts. He was dedicated to his family, friends, co-workers and communities that he served. He gave everyone a voice in all of those communities. He was very energetic, always had a great big smile on his face and loved his work on his radio sta tions and attending live radio broadcast and podcast events.

Chris also owned and operated the coolest classic rock radio station located in Coventry, Rhode Island. I-105.5 FM Kent County Classic Rock is a great radio station and I spent a lot of time working in that radio studio alongside Crazy Chris. I miss those days and times that we spent together in the radio studios and on the air at live radio broadcasts and podcasts. Especially, on Saturday’s, when we hosted “The Time Machine” oldies live radio shows air ing on WBLQ. Waking up on Saturday mornings is difficult for me right now because we were together almost every Saturday from the month of November thru the end of April doing these live radio shows playing our favorite oldies songs, talking about kids safety, exchanging banter and having a wonderful time. He would often be the Bucky character voice during these live radio broadcasts and pod casts events as well as regular ly on his live radio broadcasts on the air every single day. He had fun being Bucky for all of the kids listening to the radio with their families. We also had

I am going to miss spending time with him.

Be grateful for those people in your life because you never know when you will lose them. Crazy Chris was one-of-a-kind. He will be missed by many of us who knew him and were fortunate enough to have him in our lives. I will do whatever it takes to help keep his memory and legacy alive for years to come. I miss you buddy. We all miss you.

included area fire chiefs, police chiefs, fire fighters, first responders, police officers, teachers, daycare staff, librarians, pediatri cians, grade school nurses, community lead

Westerly-Chris DiPaola on the air at WBLQ 2-12-08. Photo by Daniel Hyland (Source: thewesterlysun.com)

(Source: wblq.net)

“Dear

CHRISTMAS CATS

By ROB and GEORGINA MAY

‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the garage, not a vehicle was stirring, yet their chrome created a moving mirage. Their car preps were stored in the rafters with care, in hopes that car show season soon would be there. The drivers were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of trophies danced in their heads.

Soon the day will arrive to shout, and call them by name: “Now, Mustang! now, Pinto! now Bobcat! and Studebaker! On, Comet! on, Capri! on, Cyclone! and Cougar! To the end of the driveway! to the end of the road! Now drive away! drive away! drive away all!”

Speaking of Christmas, December is the perfect month to remind all about Mercury Cougar collectibles. They make the best gifts to add to a Cat fan’s museum. Items are formed from metal, plastic, paper, film, cloth, vinyl, glass, wood, and other material. Diecasts, plastic miniatures, model kits, promos, books, cereal premiums, dealership memorabilia, stuffed animals, jackets, hats, hat pins, owner’s manuals, vehicle documentation, magazines, stickers, bumper stickers, iron-ons, buttons, postcards, cards, anniversary editions welcome material, and much more comprise the vast range of items to be acquired.

Let’s see how many manufacturers of Mercury Cougar collectibles we can name…AFX, AMT, Animal Fair, Arii, Asakusa, Aurora, Auto World, Bachmann, Bandai, Bandi, Corgi, Cragstan, Dinky, Eidai, Ertl, F&F, Hot Wheels, Gay Toys Inc, Jacky, Johnny Lightning, JVZ, Lindberg, MARX, Matchbox, Mego, Monogram, MPC, M2, Nakamura, Palmer, Procter and Gamble, Revell, Scalextric, Sunstar, Taiyo, Thunderjet, Topps, Vinylline, Welly, Zee. Of course, this is just a brief list with more items representing 1967 to 1997 Mercury Cougars available.

One never needs to worry if you are giving a duplicate gift or a gift of something already in your friend’s museum. Every collector must have boxed and loose items of every item available. Doubles and triplicates are preferred.

Thanks to Georgina Garcia May Photography for the view of these museum examples.

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Vinylline made in West Germany 1967

Mercury Cougar Promo line by Gay Toys Inc

Kumpf Denver Mercury

5th Gen Cougar iron-on

1977 Cougar bumper sticker

Alpha Bits cereal box 1967 Cougar

Hallmark 1970 Eliminator

Film and records formed the Sales and New Product Training

Story

2022 NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY MOTORCYCLE RACING REVIEW

and Photos

By TOM McCARTHY

On October 30th 2022, the New England Dragway competition season ended for the three motorcycle/sled classes of point’s competition. These three point’s series are the main stays of mo torcycle drag racing at NED and have been a part of the tracks supporting pillars since it opened in September of 1966. In the more than five decades of drag racing at the Epping, NH, facility, the motorcycles and now drag sleds, have long been a part of the action. Here’s a topical look at how this season ended up.

In Fast By Gast Top Bike class racing; the 2022 T/B winner, Keith Mathews comes from the great northern state of Maine. The 36 year old native of Lebanon, ME has been racing eleven years now, initially on a Jr. Dragster, then advancing to motorcycle competition. Keith accumulated a total of 321 championship points this year to outdistance the series runner-up, Matt Noonan who garnered 297 points. Keith races a 1980 KZ 1000, outfitted with Suzuki body work. 

30 year old Matt Noonan, of Westport Mass, has been racing for six years now. His drag bike of choice is a 2018 Suzuki Hyabusa, and he generally runs on an 8.98 second elapsed time dial-in. There were ten races in the FBG, Top Bike series this year, with

Continued Next Page Matt Noonan began MC drag racing in June of 2016, as seen here at New England Dragway.

Tom McCarthy Photo

Kevin Mathews of Maine won the 2022 Top Bike championship at New England Dragway.

Tom McCarthy Photo

21 entries into the points chase. Roy Resendes, who has been the T/B class champion for the last three years consecutively, finished 3rd this season with 297 points. Special thanks to Bob Thompson, who has done a ton of work in sup porting the class wile interacting with the New England Dragway track staff. Also a BIG thank you to Paul Gast of Fast by Gast, who sponsored this series.

In the Motorcycle/Snowmobile Eliminator class, 70 year old Mi chael Ducharme, of Taftville, CT outdistanced Emilee Anger for the Motorcycle/Snowmobile champi onship this year. Emilee, who is 19 and has been racing now for only four years, did well to accumulate her 205 championship points and be only 6 points behind veteran racer Michael Ducharme, who’s been drag racing now for five years.

Michael, hails from Connecticut, where he’s been working for Pratt & Whitney for quite some time now. Michael races a 1975 Kawasaki KZ 1000 and enjoys racing bracket racing. Emilee races a 2001 Arctic Cat snowmobile ZRT 800. She races brackets and also in Pro Stock 800 Sled class.

There were seven entries in the point’s series this season, with ten competitions set for the 2022 calendar year. Tom Peterson, who won the series championship last season, finished 6th, this year.

In the New England Dragway Street Fighter series, the 2022 points champion was Carl Cicchetto of Barrington, NH, with a point’s total of 387, outdistancing the runner-up, Dave Nadeau who accumulated 320 championship points this year.

39 year old Carl Cicchetto is a mechanic/service manager at Roches ter Sports Centre. He races both drag sleds and motorcycles. He won the 2022 Street Fighter Series on his 2022 Arlen Ness Vision Victory bagger. Carl has been drag racing for 13 years now and this is his first point’s championship win. That’s why this is a big one for Carl: as he’s been in the runner-up spot many times now in various classes. Always the bride’s maid, never the bride – no more!

The runner-up in the 2022 Street Fighter series was 50 year old Dave Nadeau of Raymond, NH. Dave is employed at Nadeau Gas & Oil

Service and has been drag racing for over two decades now. He races a 2001 Suzuki GSXR 1000 in the Street Fighter Series. There were 21 racers entered into the series for the year. Keith Corriea, who won the series last year, finished 4th this season.

The 2023 season will commence during the first week of April, 2023, and will conclude in October of the year, next fall.

Mike Ducharme pilot’s this beautiful old Kawasaki drag bike, with style & grace. Tom McCarthy Photo

Dieter and Emilee Anger are a father/daughter team to be reckoned with in drag sled action. Tom McCarthy Photo

Carl Cicchetto makes bagger racing look easy on this Arlen Ness Vision, Victory motorcy cle. Tom McCarthy Photo

Dave Nadeau on his Suzuki GSXR 1000 is a tough customer every round of racing. Tom McCarthy Photo

MOTORHEAD REAR VIEW 2022

JIM WEICHERDING

What can I write about the year 2022? I can’t possibly address everything in detail in a single article, so here is a brief overview.

It was definitely a year to remember and not always in a good way. We are just on the recovery end of dealing with the Covid pandemic after two and half years of wondering and waiting to see what will happen next. I was taken out of commission myself for nearly six weeks when I contracted Covid in July and was sick until the end of August. And when I say sick, I mean sick. Bad month and a half to say the least.

Our weather conditions were extreme with five months of temperatures so hot many of us could barely stand being outdoors for any length of time. We endured drought conditions we haven’t seen in more than forty years. Electric vehicles have taken a stronghold on our lives with more and more television commercials being shown every single day by every automobile manufacturer in the United States promoting their brand new EV’s.

Just when we started to regain ourselves and return to our jobs and our careers the government decided it was time to increase interest rates to help the growing cost of living increases. I should write cost of surviving, not cost of living. Taking the word (living) out of the equation altogether. Oil prices are currently sky high. Utilities rates increased by double digit percentages. Grocery prices are unbelievably high leaving one-third of Rhode Island families food deficient and going hungry every day. The cost of gasoline is higher than its ever been before in our history. The gasoline prices, I believe are intentionally high, because the government wants us to switch from gasoline fueled vehicles over to electric driven vehicles as quickly as possible even though there is no infrastructure ready to accommodate all of the EV’s that will be on the road in the near future.

The world has taken a dramatic turn and it’s not a very good one. I’m wondering why every vehicle that will soon be manufactured is going over to EV anyway. Why not just skip EV and go directly to solar powered vehicles instead? Seriously, what are they thinking? If everyone is so concerned about going green then what’s with the speed bump in the road first with the introduction of EV’s. I will never understand how the government thinks because I don’t believe they think at all. It’s all about the money. It’s not about the environment and it’s definitely not about you, or me. On the other side of the coin, we did see a lot more classic car and truck owners and spectators this year at car shows and cruise nights.

When we lose two years because of a virus it’s nice to see so many automotive enthusiasts come out and rejoin the living again. Motorhead Magazine was very popular at these events once again and I couldn’t

couldn’t find anymore left at all of our drop off locations across the region. Motorhead goes fast once they are delivered to those drop off locations and retailers. 2022 will soon be in our rear view mirrors and that’s good for many of us.

One thing is certain, regardless of the economic state we are facing and the unknown future ahead of us, there will always be a passion for our automotive culture, hobbies and lifestyle. Nobody can ever take that away from us if we don’t let them. Let’s put this past year behind us and plan on a better year ahead regardless of what they throw at us. Automotive enthusiasts are the strongest group of people

a passion that they can’t take away

Etch notices ashing blue lights behind the approaching ambulance. He observes a town department work crew dragging the dead cow carcass from the middle of the road and placing it onto a low level atbed truck in order to remove it from the scene. The atbed truck has a lot of dried blood on it’s surface area. For a brief moment, Etch thinks this crew must be called to quite a few dead cows and wild animals strewn across roadways throughout this community on a regular basis. He watches as the ambulance pulls to a stop near one of the crashed vehicles on the side of the

road. It’s becoming darker outside as the minutes pass by. Etch hopes this plays out to his advantage as he is patiently waiting completely stopped behind other vehicles on this backroad. They all hope to be allowed to travel through the crash site as soon as the road is clear to do so and do so safely. Etch sees two state troopers pull up behind the ambulance. They have obviously arrived to help clear the scene and then evaluate the crash site once the stopped tra c is allowed to move on. He has vehicles in front of him and he has vehicles behind him. It’s dark now. All Etch can see now

are lights and vehicle shapes illuminated by those lights. Headlights, taillights and ashing lights are visible. Everything else is shadows and shapes. A state trooper starts signaling to the stopped drivers to move ahead with his ashlight. Etch follows the vehicles in front of him until he pulls up next to that state trooper. The state trooper looks into the driver side window and Etch looks back at him with a smile on his face.

To be continued...

OUTLAW RUN Author, Jim Weicherding, Contact jwpisces14@aol.com

TASCA MODSHOP .COM

Tascaparts.com

AUTOS FOR SALE

1963 T-Bird Monaco Limited Edition, #77 of 2,000; white/parchment top, P/S, P/B, P/Seat, P/W, 118,551 miles, white interior, wood grain trim; garaged since I bought it in 1982, now 80 cleaning garage, wife says must go before I do. $8,500 OBO. 401-821-0016

Garage facility for lease! Three lifts, located at 1108 Park Ave, Cranston, RI, next to Auto Zone, high traffic count, great opportunity for ambitious mechanic. Call 401-946-1070.

1965 T-Bird Convertible; needs restore, ran in 1989 when I parked it here as a future project, never did get to it, now 80, cleaning garage, must go. $4,000 OBO. 401-821-0016

tires $650. C10 5 lug mags with tires $875. Kaiser Jeep rims tires $950. More original parts. 860-535-9034

1971 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, garaged, 50,000 miles. $3,000. 401-647-5690.

1970 Chevy straight six 250 cubic inch engine and two speed Powerglide trans., $100.00 Also four Oldsmobile 14 inch rims circa late 60’s FREE! Richard 401273-4329

1989 Corvette Coupe, excellent condi tion, red with saddle leather interior, all original, 35K miles, always garaged, Z51 suspension, everything works, $12,000

OBO. Have both tops. 401-480-4756

1950 Packard, straight eight, four door sedan, three on the tree, former Califor nia car, starter may need to be rebuilt or replaced, two tone brown, asking $14,000 or best offer. 508-336-0663

1980 Corvette, T-tops, red, white interi or, P/S, BR, auto, A/C not working, new tires, new brk, new exh, new frt susp, trail good, runs well, needs rugs. Asking $12,000. 508-639-9786

BOATS FOR SALE

Boat, aluminum 12 ft flat bottom, 8hp, Johnson never used engine $950. 401837-2477

PARTS FOR SALE

82 Corvette collector edition rear hatch glass complete with hinge, pistons and latch. $2,500. 401-965-0341

For sale: 4 M50x1.5 Pro-Tracs on and incl Ansen mags, good shape $450 cash, pickup body 1973-1978 Ford 250 $750, needs minor body work. 401-439-6052

‘78 Chevy Camaro rust free front fend ers $100 each; doors w/glass $150 each; front bumper w/grille, ultra marine blue $100; rear bumper same color $60; tail lights $50; some other parts, same car trunk, front rear glass not new, etc. Call Howard at 603-424-2364

Vintage Mercedes grill for mancave or

garage. 20” high, 26” wide. $225. Call 401-647-5690.

Chevy 1969 Bel-Air front bumpers grills dash pads rear lamp hsg’s jack hook sold car parts must go. Gary: 401-349-3031

Pressure washer, Honda, heavy duty, Simpson pump, like new, all equipment $500 firm. 401-837-2477

105.5 Classic Rock www.kentcountyrocks.com 50

A.R. Bucci Insurance (401) 354-8700 43

AAMCO East Greenwich (401) 471-7397 30

Ace Powder Coating (401) 578-4016 4

Allstate Sealcoating (401) 826-2999 24

All-Tech Painting & Plastering (401) 378-7765 42

American Steel Works (401) 965-7791 60

Apache Automotive (401) 648-8655 65

Asia Grille (401) 334-3200 6

Auto Armor (401) 378-1645 IBC*

Auto Rust Technicians (401) 944-4444 60

Bob the Builder (401) 332-5957 28

Brazilian Grill (774) 202-4220 10

CB Truck Tire Services (401) 490-0090 31

Conti’s Auto Service (401) 781-5770 19

Daigle Law, P.C. (401) 379-9675 15

Dan’s Place

Dee’s Deli

(401) 392-3092.........7

(401) 942-0151.........9

East Coast Restoration (401) 739-7711 38

East Killingly Auto Care (860) 412-9127 32

ECC Chimney Services (860) 336-1517 43

First Stop Autobody (401) 434-2874 55

Generator’s M.D. (401) 527-3074 62

Harold Crook’s Garage (401) 942-6070 33

High Tech Engineering (401) 723-0404 43

Hillview Equipment (508) 498-0777 40

Hook & Reel (401) 828-0451 9

Hope Service ....................................... (401) 828-2626.......30

InterCity Contracting (401) 231-5025 55

International Horsepower Auto Sales (401) 346-4631 1

J & S Scrap Metal & Recycling (401) 946-3477 63

J Poulos Automotive (401) 941-6440 33

John Cooper Asphalt Paving (401) 270-5621 32

Junk Cars Wanted (508) 857-8890 4

Kayros Auto Tech (401) 481-3870 63

Key Storage (508) 278-3846 44

Laferriere Classic Cars (401) 651-2295 3

Lil’ Rhody Storage (401) 615-5100 25

Mason’s Racing Engines (401) 934-9877 61

MPE Racing (508) 824-6322 5

Narragansett Auto Repair (401) 822-4465 5

Newport Propane (401) 847-6878 23

Oaklawn Auto Service (401) 942-9748 62

Okee’s Auction (401) 942-9449 44

One Way Recycling .............................. (857) 266-6329.......54

One Way Removal ............................... (508) 857-8890.........4

Patch-It Paving (401) 785-9693 63

Patriot Auto Glass & Undercoating (401) 231-4100 IFC*

Paul’s Custom Exhaust (508) 822-1066 32

Performance Cycle (401) 318-7721 65

Performance Powersports Storage (401) 602-1483 55

Phil’s Propane (401) 624-6395 41

Philip Maxwell Auto Body (401) 353-7118 45

Precision Dyno (401) 996-2166 21

Precision Home Lending ...................... (401) 487-7379.......30

Premiere Tint & Auto Salon (401) 320-8528 39

Providence Lacquer (888) 943-1700 38

Quality Overhead Doors (401) 317-8964 65

R&R Machine (401) 732-3505 65

R1 Indoor Karting (401) 721-5554 3

Reinbold Insurance Agency (508) 695-0314 65

Rhode Island Repair (401) 946-2142 32

RI Dent Guy (401) 226-3515 49

Rob’s Transmissions (401) 432-7535 2

Sacchetti Classic Insurance (401) 461-0900 60

Shea’s Towing/S & D Road Service (401) 724-1111 20

Silva Funeral Home (508) 822-0081 43

Smitty’s Auto Service ........................... (401) 821-3220.......63

South County Repair (401) 295-7360 4

Souza Wholesale Trailers (860) 924-0887 43

Stone Ridge Grill & Bar (508) 316-0725 11

Superior Bakery (401) 738-6444 9

Tasca Mod Shop (888) 729-7778 64

Terminal Velocity (603) 402-9579 50

Tool & Equipment Connection (888) 594-7800 50

TSR Racing Products ............................ (800) 394-5889.......51

Twin Cedars Garage (860) 535-2822 50

Twin Oaks Restaurant (401) 781-9693 8

Wood & Wire Fence Co (866) 736-8226 OBC*

Yankee Supply (800) 232-7225 38