White Hall Drag-o-way Reunion

[ORIGLS6]

For anyone in the area, you're more than welcome to attend.

This Saturday, September 6th.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDflier08.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Well, I don't really know where to start! I've had two consecutive weekends with some of the best people and coolest cars anyone could ever hope to be associated with. Last weekend we were in Collinsville at SCR 11, and just finished up another couple of days with our Dragstrip Reunion.
We put this thing together six years ago thinking it might possibly be a one-time shot,........ just a chance to see if we could gather together some of the old racers that ran at our strip. Wow, did we ever underestimate the friends we've made over the years. This nostalgia thing has become an epidemic,.................... Than God!
I got an e-mail from Mark Johnson late Friday afternoon saying he wouldn't be able to bring either of his cars, but that he had convinced a couple of his buddies to come up. Mark showed up just after lunchtime with a Very Cool Blown SBD front engined dragster AND one of the sickest AWB cars you can imagine. I won't even try to describe it here, but stay tuned later this evening for some pictures. This thing is Crazy!!!
Saturday morning I had driven the truck and trailer with my Chevelle to the park, and about 9:30 went back home to get my Nova. When I pulled back into the park one of the members told me I had just missed my friend from Arkansas with his Chevelle. No idea who he was referring to until he said, "You know, the guy who does the Supercar show". (OK so it's not Arkansas,..... but close.) What a terrific surprise to pull around the corner and see "Red Alert" backing out of the trailer!!!!!! Tom had left home at 3 AM for the seven hour tow to come to this little podunk town and be a part of our party. Not only to participate in our 'show', but he also donated a diecast for our auction (which brought a VERY generous amount of cash!), he bought at least one item at the auction, AND after watching a couple of contestants in our Burn-out competition, looked at me and said, "If I can get Red down here, I'll jump in too!" Which he did!!!!! (again, stay tuned for pix,........... it's worth the wait!) Then back to his parking spot where he signed and passed out pictures and opened Red up for photo opportunitiew with some of the young guns who attended. And after all that, he still hung around after the show to help us celebrate with a meal at the local restaurant. He didn't get back to his truck and trailer 'til around 8 PM, and still had the long tow back home.
I gotta tell you, I always had a ton of respect for Tom and the entire Clary family, but after what he did yesterday, my level of respect and admiration has jumped to a new level. The Clarys truly understand friendship and I for one am proud and blessed to call them friends.

To Tom and to Mark Johnson, our sincere Thanks for attending our little gig. You guys are the BEST!

Now I'm gonna go play in Photobucket for a while. Be back soon.

[Xplantdad]

Very cool Dennis! You can feel the enthusiasm and excitment in your post...

Can't wait to see the pics... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[sYc]

Thnaks for the kind words. My pleasure.

I had a blast, not only showing Red Alert, but visiting with folks who used to race at Whie Hall, and other area tracks. I had never really known much about drag racing on dirt, until now. And all of the old photos, priceless, some of the biggest names in the sport at the time. Of course, the best part, the fine folks who put on the show and the fans who support it.

[mockingbird812]

PIX -PIX-PIX-PIX-PIX-PIX......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[SS427]

Yeah Cumby............PICS!!!

Nice to know that I can now add yet another car event to the calender, http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif but of course Car Craft Nationals is now out............. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[CC Rider]

[ QUOTE ]
PIX -PIX-PIX-PIX-PIX-PIX......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

X2 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[1970Ls6]

X3 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
X3 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

What they said! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

I'm working on it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0130.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Can you imagine?

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[ORIGLS6]

And the front engine rail.

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with a vintage tow vehicle. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0136.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Random shots

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[ORIGLS6]

Continued.....

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[ORIGLS6]

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This car was one of the regulars when we ran our strip. Sherman Devening owned the car then, sold it years ago, tracked it down and bought the car back in 2001-02. He now runs in the Nostalgia Super Stock circuit. The old 413 Max Wedge sounds even better today than it did back in the 60s! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

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[SS427]

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0113.jpg

Sweet looking Nova. Thanks for sharing the show with us. Ilook forward to it next year.

[ORIGLS6]

Another car that spent time on our strip is this Gasser of Leroy Moss. Leroy bought the car new and has all the original paperwork. After spending over 17 years tucked away in a garage, he drug it out a couple of years ago and the car became his therapy while battling the C word. Thankfully, the therapy worked GREAT. Both Leroy AND the old Ford are doing very well. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0111.jpg

Then there's Peat Dickerson's 6 cylinder powered Henry J. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0101.jpg

And the recently completed (almost) Plueger & Griffis AA/FC restored by Vaughn Bright. Vaughn went to extremes to ensure this car has NOTHING but vintage parts. It's done RIGHT!

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[ORIGLS6]

OK, here's someone we all know doing his Good Will work. Tom not only opened the doors to Red Alert for people to see, he even strapped in some of the kids for pictures.




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And spent tons of time signing pictures and answering questions.

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Thanks again Tom. You put smiles on a lot of faces this day.

[Bill Pritchard]

Great pics DC http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Looks like it was a fine show http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Then he fired her up and went to play. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

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Yep, he's really in there..................somewhere! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0261.jpg

And when the smoke cleared............. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

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You're a tough act to follow Sir. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[SmallHurst]

Fire 'em up!!!!

That took a little life out of those Good Years!!!!

I guess you will find the weak link of your engine builder soon!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

I think every City Park should have a designated tire frying area http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[ORIGLS6]

That's one of the FEW advantages of living in small towns. We even had the local Fire Department on hand most of the day.................... and the local Police kept themselves busy at the other end of town. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The first couple of years we did the burnouts on a large, heavy steel plate. Then last fall some of the members approached the Lions Club and asked if we could pour a concrete pad. "No Problem" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[mockingbird812]

Nice and NICE! Wonderful coverage Dennis. Great show. Great showmanship Tom.


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[ORIGLS6]

Part of the fun is listening to the old stories..... (no pun intended Mike). Here is Mike Story (son of John Story who built and operated Alton Dragway) chatting with Mark Johnson while Bob Fink, the Voice of midwest drag racing, listens. Mike was telling about a phone call he took when he was 16 years old. The person on the other end asked to speak to John Story. When Mike asked who was calling the reply was "This is Mickey Thompson". Mike smiled and said "Can you imagine how I felt? A 16 year old kid talking to Mickey Thompson. My Dad actually knew Mickey Thompson."

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0202.jpg

Bob Fink was the track announcer for many of the midwest tracks at one time or another. Bob not only has a great voice; he knows cars and he knows the drivers. And Mark has tons of old photos and memorabilia from Alton Dragway. These guys were cool to talk with.

[Xplantdad]

Awesome...simply awesome! Thanks for the pics and the commentary Mr. Cumby! I enjoyed every minute of it!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[markjohnson]

Mr. Cumby, my friends and I had a great time at the reunion Saturday! Thanks for having us and everything else you did. This was a great event with several important St. Louis drag racing figures present. As much as I'm into drag racing history, the St. Louis area drag history is at the top of my list and this was the place to be! This event will now be a "must-go" on my calender. All I can say is wait 'til next year! We're gonna bring a whole fleet of vintage drag cars up from St. Louis. Be there!

[CC Rider]

Excellent coverage and pics! Wow! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[amuseme]

As a '2nd Gen' WHD-O-W member, I just want to say a HUGE heart felt 'THANK YOU' to all those who attended Saturday http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif! I had a nice talk with 'Mr. Clary'(that's respect right there! thanks, again, Tom!), what a great guy! This thing has grown a little every year but this year was a leap! Next year will be the 50th anniv. of the strip (makes Mr. Cumby kind of old, huh? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif)ought to be even better.

[ORIGLS6]

OK, for starters, that's probably the FIRST and ONLY time I'll hear the words "Mr. Cumby" from you! (I can't say what he usually calls me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) And since you're still holding my car hostage, I'll let the "old" comment slide. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Like Jeff says, we owe a tremendous debt to all of you who attend this event, and an even greater one to all the businesses and individuals who have supported us since the first gathering. Even with the tighter economy, we received more donations for door prizes and took in more $ for our 50-50 Drawing this year than any of the past years. Like we hear more and more in this hobby; The People make it fun!

Nearly every penny we take in at this event goes back into our community, holding back just enough to keep things rolling for the next year. Heck, it's just like running the real Drag Strip! We never made a penny when we ran then, so what's the difference now!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But in all sincerity, it's still fun or we wouldn't be doing it, and I know I speak for all the members, old and young, when I echo Jeff's sentiment. Thank You to everyone and we hope you all come back next year to help celebrate 50 Years of this Dis-Organizated Mayhem! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif





(BTW, I have more pics I'll try to throw on tonite. The ISP was giving me fits at home last night. Maybe tonite will be better........ and maybe Jeff has some too.)

[amuseme]

This just in...approx. 145 cars! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Dog427435]

Great shots and stories Dennis - Looks like it was a BLAST!

Thanks for bringing us along! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif





This looks like it would be fun to drive!!
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[ORIGLS6]

Pretty interesting story with this car that maybe Mark Johnson will relate,.............since he was there when it happened. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you look closely at the scrapes on the header and the bottom of the door.................. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif........... chime in here Mark.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/WHDR6/DSCF0224.jpg

And here it is in action.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/n8inks/wheelstand.jpg

[Salvatore]

Great pictures Dennis! I love the Corvette funny car. Amazing how simple they looked in the old days! That looks to be a real nice and correct resto. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[markjohnson]

Actually, I wasn't there the night that this happened, but anyway, this was the maiden voyage in front of Wild Bill's shop. We all knew the thing was gonna wheelie in the typical Altered wheelbase tradition, but if you just so happen to look at the gas pedal with the motor running, it will go on the back bumper! And please, if anybody has any ill comments about doing this on a public street, please keep them to your righteous self. This occcured in the ghetto of North St. Louis, only one block away from world-famous Hall Street, the street racing mecca of the free world for the last 50 years or so! Click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1G9XypOCpE&feature=email

[396L35]

Well put Mark about the GHETTO!!!!