Welcome back Geezer followers. As you can well see, this update is the worst I’ve ever done, so far as being timely and up to date. I make no excuses, just that the older I get, the slower I am as far as everyday activities. And my overnight security job (that helps pay for my race habit) doesn’t do this poor old body any good. Add to this, the floods we experienced and the damage from the spring thunderstorms, it’s tough to stay focused and to keep up. So, with that out of the way, here’s a brief update as to what’s happened and what’s gonna happen.

First the bad news………we lost another of our members as a result of some type surgery. Erwin Adderhold of Woodstock GA ….owner, tuner, driver of the “Fistful of Dollars” ’51 Henry J, passed in March during a surgical procedure. A true old school southern gentleman, his soft spoken wit and enthusiasm is going to be missed. God Speed Erwin.

News from last fall and the epic journey west to the NHRA’s 25th Anniversary Hot Rod Reunion has been extensively covered all over the internet, as well as in the few remaining print periodicals. Take the comments made by a few as to the “politics” and finger pointing at the event, with a grain of salt. Yes, there were a couple of unhappy participants, and some “pot stirrers” trying their best to disrupt things, but all in all, it was a successful and enjoyable experience. We were greeted with open arms by the spectators, other racers, and the NHRA, and had a spectacular outing. No breakage, great weather, and a wonderful event. Congrats to Greg Porter from and his crew (all the way from Greenville, So Carolina) for a great showing and winning the Geezer portion of the race program. The other long hauler, Kirk Dupre’ (including Marsha and the pups) from Dover NH, was the runner up after a hard wheelstand start, necessitating a bunch of correction to keep it upright and going forward. And, last but not least is the hard luck award, for John Swick. Diesel tow vehicle issues plagued him shortly after leaving home in central Indiana, continued across all of Illinois, finally limping into St. Louis where we were join the caravan. Our early morning departure was delayed until late afternoon as a result of a visit to a local GM dealer for diagnostics and subsequent repairs. I won’t mention the final bill amount, but I’m sure it brought a bunch of discussion between John and Mrs. John for at least part of the trip. After fighting a 35+mph headwind across Oklahoma, Texas, increasing to 40+mph (gusts to 50 in the mountain passes) in New Mexico and Arizona, we were all pretty beat up and ready for some catch up time.

While speaking of kudos and the trip, Randy “Hollywood” Addington’s cars are to be featured in an upcoming issue of Super Chevy (I think). The editor and photographers were apparently impressed with his non stop (and futile) efforts to keep the cars in their usual spotless shape. But, with the drought plaguing Central California, the dust was non stop and not to be beaten back. Fortunately, the photographer showed up at just the right time, and got some nice shots. In addition, the NHRA chose one of Randy’s cars to be used on the advertising brochures for the Bowling Green Reunion. I’m pretty sure if you stop by his rig at Bowling Green he’ll be glad to sign an autograph…….bring your own Sharpie.

I’ve been asked about Geezer t shirts. The news is not promising on that front. The printer I was using has sold out, and the new owners (big corporation) jacked the price, so at $15 per shirt, I would be selling them at a loss of $2 per shirt. Big boy sizes……2X and up were $3-5 additional. I’m looking for a screen printer to do a run of them ) , but have had no success……still looking.

Last fall, Greg Burge was finally able to acquire his dream car……an all steel Willys coupe. It was a no history racer from the midwest back in the day, in the usual cobbled up and “unsafe at any speed” condition. He and his fellow gear heads have been thrashing non stop, along with the spending of $$$ for parts to make the thing a safe and dependable hot rod. Marcella and I have spent a couple of weekends since the fall, working on the car, chasing a donor sedan for badly needed sheet metal, and finally, getting the chassis set as a roller. Next is the move of the body to the frame and sheet metal surgery. The car won’t be out this year, but I’m confident 2018 will see a new addition to the Geezer ranks.

Speaking of additions to the Geezer ranks, welcome to Robert Walker of Chattanooga TN and his ’57 Chevy. He’ll be joining us at Bowling Green.

The schedule for us has been added to the upcoming events page. It’s not final by any means, but those events listed are for sure. Pay particular attention to the October deal in Mississippi. This is a full on benefit deal for St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Everything after expenses goes to St. Judes. Included will be a car show and probable swap meet. The Southern Gassers headed up by Dan Tackett have invited us……..probably gonna be a bunch of trash talk and attitude surrounding this thing. Come to the pits at Bowling Green for more info.

Last but not least by any means. A BIG thank you goes out to all the folks at Hagerty Insurance, especially Mark Briggs from the Motorsports Competition Section. They are back with us for 2017 as the primary sponsor for this craziness. If you need ANY type of specialty vehicle insurance, they are the “go to” people. The competition motorsports policies are especially attractive……..I speak from first hand experience after my engine compartment fire last fall at Tulsa……..29 days from the date of the fire to a final settlement.

‘Nuff said here……………….

Chuck, Marcella, and Sgt. at Arms Sophie the Wonder Dog.