Geezer Grumblings

» November 12, 2013

A quick note for all who follow us and our activities.

As most of you know, John Swick took and unexpected and a potentially racer ending "thrill ride" in August 2012 at Muncie Dragway.

Within 2 weeks of the accident, he had located a replacement car and was in the planning phase of replacing the car.

What you see here are the results of his efforts, persistence, and patience to get things right. Look for him for a return to complete involvement and participation in 2014.

Also, shortly after the Hot Rod Reunion in mid June, Greg Burge sold his "WEE HAULER" Willys pickup to a new racer in Illinois. He's been on the hunt for something to replace it ever since. The first choice of a Studebaker coupe was eventually abandoned after a couple of false starts......a rust bucket from Craigslist and later a response from Racejunk.com where the "seller" never called back or supplied the promised photos.

Eventually, this '38 Chevy was located and acquired from a long time Mississippi racer. Parked since the '80's, it's on the path to a redo and upgrade.

Finally, Jerry North just completed the purchase of this Willys pickup. Initial plans call for it to be used as a "support" vehicle for his "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" Willys coupe.......hauling pit supplies, maybe towing the coupe, and whatever else. Who knows, this thing might also see the track.....time will tell.

Welcome back guys.............

» October 22, 2013

Hello friends, fans, supporters, and gasser fanatics.

This update is way overdue, and apologies for my tardiness. I have no excuse, just losing track of time and dealing with things in general.

As I write this, it's obvious our season is finished. There were possible dates for mid and late October, but mother nature and gearhead gremlins reappeared and cancelled them. We are all in the process of winterizing things and looking forward to 2014.

A couple of quick updates from the events we did participate in from August, September, and October.

August 3rd found us at Muncie Dragway for their Night of Fire, and man alive was it a kick ass program. In the past, the Night of Fire always followed the track's weekly bracket program. Well, after this year's car count as well as the fantastic spectator response, that's probably going to change. I never heard the final numbers, but last I heard, this was Muncie's top draw in the last couple of years.....in excess of 5500 spectators.

The overall car count was over 260. GREAT NUMBERS for the track operator, on both sides of the track. I (the group) would like to take credit for this great turnout, but we had a lot of help from the other racers and exhibition cars. And, a big Geezer shout out and thanks to Randy Addington. Not only for his organization and involvement in the lead in to the event, but to him and his family and friends for the Saturday night feedbag. Once again, efforts above and beyond. Long Haul Geezers Jesse and Bertie James (Gunslinger), Al Chernik and helper Doug (Acme Racing), Bill Sworm and helper Henry (PT Willy), and new guy Jerry North and family (Shake Rattle and Roll) all made the tow to strut their stuff.

September 7th brought us back to Muncie for their annual Nostalgia Nationals. Once again, the bracket guys were on hand all day to lay the groundwork and to stir up the spectators in preparation for us and the rest of the old guys. Dave Mullins and a bunch of his guys from the NDRL had the spectators and the other racers hootin' and hollerin' for more. Just like the Night of Fire, a good time was had by all. So much so, there is talk of expanding the programs in 2014 for more track time for the nostalgia guys.....maybe an additional event, or more days for the original event. And of course, Addington and company made their presence known, once again in the pre race promotion, during the event by helping with the O'Reilly Auto Parts sponsored car show, and the Saturday night community feed. Thanks to all. And last but not least, thanks to the long haul Geezers for making the tow......Jesse and Birdie James (The Gunslinger), Charlie and Donna Long (Charlie's Speed Shop), Randy Tavoletti and brother Joe (Tavoletti and Gerhardt). All are dedicated to the Geezer program and you the fans that support us.

Lastly, September 20 &21 , we finished the season at the brand new Beacon Dragway, a little east of Paducah, KY. The inaugural nostalgia event honoring our mentor and track "guardian angel" Byron Edwards, was a rousing success, in spite of Mother nature's attempts to wash us out/away. The Friday evening car show and active cruise and the track test and tune was seriously rained out....like starting in the early afternoon and continuing all night....2+ inches. In spite of all night rains on Friday, the cruise was rescheduled for Saturday morning, and was well attended. We were able to get on the track early Saturday afternoon, after non stop Herculean efforts on the part of the track personnel. The gates opened at 1pm, though at 5pm, saw the bulk of the crowd settle in. We were well received by the crowd, with the group of us surrounded all afternoon and evening. The track had bite, the air was good, and we had 'em on their feet in the stands. The super stock guys were there in force, and they too were on their game. Things went so well, the track operators are already planning for our return in 2014.......possibly to include a 2nd event. I must mention the track and its operators at this point......they treated us like celebrities, worked non stop to keep the track in perfect shape, and were always available for questions, concerns, and conference. And the track/facility in general........holy cow!!!!!.......think "little Norwalk." Spotless inside restrooms, gourmet concessions that include inside dining areas, paved, rocked, or grass pit parking areas, and A BEER GARDEN! If you have the opportunity, put it on your calender for 2014 to attend BeaconDragway for our event. Our official photographer, Martin was on hand to record everything. He sees a lot of tracks through the year shooting for www.Nostalgiadragworld.com and it takes a lot to draw a response about a track or event.......Beacon got two thumbs up. Thanks again to the long haul Geezers, Randy Addington and his driver Shane Bowman (Addington Speed Shop....both cars) and Bill Sworm and his helper Henry (PT Willy). Couldn't have done it without you guys.

Word has it that Mississippi Greg Burge is about to embark on a new project gasser for 2014. Last I knew, he was turning over rocks, snooping old buildings and trolling for a '39-'46 Studebaker coupe. If anyone knows of one that's NOT a rusty derelict, get with Greg or me.

Finally, in attendance at both Muncie events was Geezer member John "Crash" Swick. It was at last year's Muncie Night of Fire where John went one on one with the pit side guard rail, the guard rail being declared the winner. John, after some R&R and and a lot of TLC from Sue, has fully recovered and is good as new. Good thing he was at Muncie, because members of his own impromptu fan club were concerned about his welfare and return. All were assured he was fine and back to normal.....whatever that is. He saved the passenger door and some of the powertrain from the coupe, starting on a rebuild and return just 2 weeks after the thrill show. Great news, the car is close to being finished, and should be ready for some test runs and return to the Geezer ranks in 2014. The pictures show the attention to detail, and the quality of the build. Welcome back John...............

Apologies for my laxness and tardiness for the updates.....I'll try to get better. Look to 2014 for more Geezer track action. We all are. Keep checking here for news and updates, especially the rules page, we're contemplating a couple of changes. Best wishes to all and stay safe throughout the winter, we're all looking forward to seeing you next year.

Chuck, Marcella, and all the Geezers....and of course drag strip Sophie, the wonder dog.

PS I mentioned Martin and Nostalgiadragworld earlier. The Beacon deal is upcoming in it, and if you haven't yet been to the site, you're missing out. Pictures, feature articles, celebrities.......only thing missing is..............can't think of anything missing.

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