It’s getting late, so here’s a few updates as far as completed events.

Congrats to John Swick as the winner, and Dustin Corn as runner up in the “A” field at the NHRA’s Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green from mid June. We had a great turnout of participants, lots of spectator feedback, and “acceptable” (for Bowling Green) weather. With 19 participants, the Racer field was broken down to the “A” field (closest to their respective index) and the “B” field. Winner of the “B” group was Eddie Welch, driving Randy Addington’s ’55 Chevy. The hard luck award goes to John Verde and his big block powered ’48 Austin. for a HOLE, not a crack, but a half dollar sized hole in one of the intake runners on his aluminum head.

As a side note, the pot luck group feed on Friday night was well attended, as well as well stocked. It was your own fault if you went away hungry.

On to mid July, courtesy of Hagerty Racer Insurance,several of us traveled to the number one track in the country, the Bader family’s Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The Blue Suede Cruise is a not to be missed event for mid summer…..a nice break from the heat and humidity of the lower midwest…..and the ever popular $1 a poundof ice cream. Oh yea, there was drag racing too. Unlike last year, with several of the Geezers winning their respective classes, it wasn’t meant to be this year. Kirk Dupre’s injected big block Chevy was testing its new injection, and with the help of Kirk’s crew chief, they got real close to having it sorted out. John Swick was elsewhere, Dustin Corn’s Corvette shelled a transmission, and the rest of us just plain stunk. Yours truly out in the first round of eliminations. Ah, but the ice cream helped soothe the loss.

Next up was Thunder Valley Raceway in Marion, South Dakota. Man that’s a long drive with little or nothing for scenery…..unless you’re into road construction equipment……it was everywhere. Built and operated continuously by Glen Rapp since the early 60’s, this is truly a time capsule and a step back to the “old days.” Just right for a bunch of old guys with old cars. There was no real racing/competition for this one, just get out there and run ’em. Pick someone from the group and show ’em what you got. We were VERY well received by the spectators and other racers alike…..even the track officials and helpers were taken with the cars. And as usual, the most common comment heard, was “what neat old cars” or some variation thereof. Don Moyer did what he does best with the “Rebel Reaper”…..that is launch it, stand it up, and try to stay on the paved track surface. The crowd went wild every time he came up to run. Pam Stine…..Wayne’s (Haymaker) wife outdid herself with all the food…..once again, leave hungry and you’ll be that way. It sure beats most track food. And, of course, there was the ever popular, after race bonfire and “bench racing” (I prefer “bulls–t sessions). Adult beverages are typically available……ask Randy Addington about the watermelon flavored stuff he consumed…….

Late August, and it’s time for a trip to the major overhauled Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio. What a facility….completely redone with stadium seating, the track being the lowest level. AND WHAT A TRACK! It’s concrete, smooth as glass, for the eighth mile. It changes to asphalt, and remains a top notch surface. The shut off area is just as nice. AND……the staging lanes are sloped DOWNHILL to the starting line. This means no more starting and stopping,restarting to move forward. No more pushing the car to save the battery.

Don Moyer put this one together…RockN’Race. Bands playing almost continuously for Friday and Saturday. A huge car show. A nice sized swapmeet. And of course the racing. Unlike the Bowling Green Reunion, this wasn’t specifically Geezer vs Geezer, though in a couple of cases it turned out that way. LOTS of nostalgia gas class cars in attendance to run with. Friday saw lots of open track time to sort things out in preparation for Saturday night’s throwback deal. NO indexes, NO bracket dial in, it was OLD SCHOOL CLASS RACING…..WEIGHT TO CUBIC INCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEHAAAA. The unblown cars had their classes and the blower cars their respective class. This was a HOOT. A real step back. I think I can safely say all the Geezers had a great time with this one. Kirk Dupre’ was the big winner, winning his class (A/G) and going back on Sunday to win overall on an index race. Congrats. Addington’s new hired gun Steve Klimkowski driving the blower car showed his stuff with a blast at 9.62. Both were hopping around like a couple of goofballs. And last but not least, yours truly was finally able to go more than 1 round. The Little Booger was class winner for the BB/G group. HURRAH!!!!

Eight of us are now preparing for a return to Dragway 42 on September 8 and 9. Thanks to calls from the ADRL to Wayne Stine and Don Moyer, we’ve been invited to participate in their inaugural event at 42. If you’re not familiar with ADRL, this is the association that does NOT charge for admission tickets to the event……..they’re free and available NOW on line. Google adrl and go to their website for further info.

Finally, some very sad news for all, me and Marcella in particular. The group mascot, Sgt. at Arms and affectionately referred to as the golf cart whore (’cause she would ride with anyone who would let her) Sophie has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. On August 23rd, what was diagnosed by the vets as a probable tumor on her spleen, took her from us. She was clearly not well, and in pain. Surgery was deemed a stopgap measure at best, and not a certain fix. It was HORRIBLE…and we made the decision to end her pain. We are still in a state of shock and mourning. Choked up and tears are always present. If you have a “fur baby” love them and spoil them, it’s a terrible terrible terrible hole in your life when they aren’t there. Think of Sophie, and include Kirk and Marsha’s loss of their fur baby Sally. Though Sally wasn’t as out front and well known as Sophie, it still is a hurt.

RIP Sopher Girl……..

Chuck and Marcella

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Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor….
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.

Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound….
then I remember,
It’s where your paws would joyously abound.

A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can’t be yours….
your golden voice is still.

But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.

I’ll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Rest in Peace Sophie