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Chevy454
02-01-2006, 07:29 PM
<p align="center"><font size="6" color="#FF9933">February 2006 Feature Car:</font></p><p align="center"><font size="5" color="#FF9933">Ken Barnhart's 1969 ZL-1 Camaro</font></p><p align="center"><font color="#FF9933"><span style="background-color: #000000">http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken3.jpg</span></font></p><table width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" width="100%"><p align="center"><font size="4" color="#FF9933">SPECS:</font></p></td></tr></tbody></table><table borderColor="#FF9933" height="150" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Engine (factory):</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">ZL-1 427/430hp</font></td></tr> <tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Trans (factory):</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">M-21 (4-speed)</font></td></tr> <tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Rear (factory):</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">4.10 posi</font></td></tr> <tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Exterior color (factory):</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Hugger Orange</font></td></tr><tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Interior color:</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Standard Black</font></td></tr>

<tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">COPO option:</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">9560</font></td></tr>

<tr><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Selling Dealer:</font></td><td vAlign="top" align="center" width="50%" height="21"><font size="3" color="#FF9933">Fred Gibb Chevrolet - LaHarpe, IL</font></td></tr></tbody></table>

<p align="center"><font size="2" color="#FF9933">Still resides with the *original* owner, 1970 US Nats @ Indy winner, still racing today!</font></p>
<p align="center">
http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken9.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken2.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken5.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken10.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken7.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken6.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/features/2006/ken11.jpg </p>

[Phote credit to Jeff Murphy and Darren Costello]

Mr70
02-01-2006, 08:07 PM
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Mr. T
02-01-2006, 08:25 PM
I had the privilege to see Ken take his 69 ZL1 COPO down the quarter mile at SCR8. There is one pass I will never forget, and it will always be a great memory. Great car and history, and a great owner. Awesome, totally awesome. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

SS427
02-01-2006, 08:33 PM
That was indeed an exciting pass. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

Not enough can be said about the man, his wife and his career. Good people and great for the hobby.
Rick

Xplantdad
02-01-2006, 08:45 PM
It is indeed an awesome car...and quite a gentleman of an owner. Shall we mention *someone* who fell off the wall at the track? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

By the way, are we going to get a write up, Rob? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Chevy454
02-01-2006, 08:50 PM
I've been itchin' to do a feature on this car for some time, as this car is *special* to me...from being in the opposite lane from it and watchin' it do it's thing up close, or breathin' in the history of this thing while it's sitting still, to Ken givin' me crap about my lazy lights...THIS is why I'm this hobby! Had I been around in '69 and had the resources, the path would've been eerily similar...same color, same build, heck probably even the same tow rig! Words can't describe how deep this car goes with me...simply awesome... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

JChlupsa
02-01-2006, 08:53 PM
What can be said about the car and its owner except THANKS for doing what you do best Ken, Bringing it out for all to see and watch as you take it down that 1/4 mile. The lettering on the rear QTRs say it all " <font color="red"> it's somethin' else </font> " so very true! Again Thanks.

DarrenX33
02-01-2006, 08:56 PM
This feature is long over due. He and the car in my eyes are legendary!

We should really have a SCR diecast modeled after his car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

Xplantdad
02-01-2006, 08:59 PM
Jeff,

It would be cool for people not familiar to know where he bought the car...how much it was new...some cool memories of the car that he has...whether it's always been a race car or was it ever street driven...you know, stuff like that.

I know the answers to some of those questions, but I'm sure people would like to know. It would make fascinating reading http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

bilede
02-01-2006, 09:00 PM
Awesome car and owner!! worth the trip to St.Louis alone just to see Ken run. never seen the ladder bars pull the threads out of the mounts quite like that before.. shoot for the moon!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Z-11 396
02-01-2006, 09:24 PM
&lt;&lt;&lt; KEN &gt;&gt;&gt; YOU HAVE ONE ''' FANTASTIC '' CAR, AND I HEAR YOU ARE ONE GREAT GUY...THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR CAR HERE ON THE SITE, AND BRINGING IT TO THE SCR FOR ALL TO SEE IT +++PERFORM ++++.....KASEY.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

ANDY M
02-01-2006, 10:03 PM
OUTSTANDING! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Stefano
02-01-2006, 10:16 PM
Ken and his ZL1 are local folklore around these here parts. It was an honor getting to meet you and your wife at previous reunions/events and even more so to be able to line up against him.

Thanks for all your contributions and constant participation in our hobby.

Congratulations on a well deserved feature.

See ya at SR9 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Kim_Howie
02-01-2006, 11:11 PM
I met Ken at Vette Fest around 90 -92 He walked up to me and started giving me crap about my Gibb nova. Nothing has changed he still is giving crap. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif Ken it stills sounds like a 6cyl. to me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif Kim

COPO_Anders
02-01-2006, 11:22 PM
I went to SCR7 to look at beautiful supercars. But what I really remembered afterwards, was meeting super nice people like Ken and Jerry.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
I love your wheelies Ken. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Alss
02-02-2006, 01:21 AM
All these kind words about all these great people really making count the days even more to this years SCR. PIctures are awesome..stories are cool..people are real. Cant wait. Looking forward to seeing everything and everyone in person.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif
ALbert

Steve Shauger
02-02-2006, 06:41 AM
It doesn't get any better than this; a great guy, car and history. Its always a pleasure seeing and talking with Ken, and like others I am in awe of his accomplishments.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

hvychev
02-02-2006, 07:09 AM
What can I possiably say about Ken that has not already been said? If god had a mold of how to make em' it would be Ken! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Motion Camaro
02-02-2006, 02:49 PM
<font color="blue"> http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

That's all I have to say. </font>

396L35
02-02-2006, 05:27 PM
[ QUOTE ]
I had the privilege to see Ken take his 69 ZL1 COPO down the quarter mile at SCR8. There is one pass I will never forget, and it will always be a great memory. Great car and history, and a great owner. Awesome, totally awesome. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Tony here are a few more shots of the aftermath of that ride... http://www.yenko.net/attachments/157141-MVC-382S.JPG
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/157142-MVC-383S.JPG http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

PeteLeathersac
02-02-2006, 06:48 PM
Love it....especially how it's no trailer queen! . I see it's got one of the Yenko cast ZL1 motors....is the original motor long gone? . In that old pic of it sitting on the back of the '65'ish truck....is it unlettered and with it's steelies and dog dish caps? . Looks like the truck could be a wheelstander itself when loaded? . Hats off to you Ken!!! ~ Pete

Mr70
02-02-2006, 07:28 PM
Kens Tow vehicle is Just as deserving. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/92559-130-3034_IMG%20%282%29.JPG

PeteLeathersac
02-02-2006, 08:31 PM
Hey cool! . I think that's a '66 w/ the side emblems down on the fenders? . Is that the same rig he had shown in the old photos....looks like a bit longer wheelbase? ~ Pete

396L35
02-03-2006, 12:16 AM
[ QUOTE ]
Love it....especially how it's no trailer queen! . I see it's got one of the Yenko cast ZL1 motors....is the original motor long gone? . In that old pic of it sitting on the back of the '65'ish truck....is it unlettered and with it's steelies and dog dish caps? . Looks like the truck could be a wheelstander itself when loaded? . Hats off to you Ken!!! ~ Pete

[/ QUOTE ]
"I see it's got one of the Yenko cast ZL1 motors....is the original motor long gone?" It sure is long gone!!! I say its about 20 feet from the car on an engine stand with about 100 miles on it... I could be wrong about the mileage but I know its low. Sweet car, nice guy, and fun to watch at the track. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gifMark

sYc
02-03-2006, 12:33 AM
[ QUOTE ]
I've been itchin' to do a feature on this car for some time, as this car is *special* to me...from being in the opposite lane from it and watchin' it do it's thing up close, or breathin' in the history of this thing while it's sitting still, to Ken givin' me crap about my lazy lights...THIS is why I'm this hobby! Had I been around in '69 and had the resources, the path would've been eerily similar...same color, same build, heck probably even the same tow rig! Words can't describe how deep this car goes with me...simply awesome... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Ditto.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif


http://www.yenko.net/attachments/20031-run.jpg

Draginwagon
02-03-2006, 04:32 AM
ZOOM ! Very Nice http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

TimG
02-03-2006, 04:47 AM
Great car, owner and story. I've seen the car twice and hope to see it race someday.

farone
02-03-2006, 05:43 AM
Really great guy, awsome car, just a real pleasure to be around him.... Also he indirectly saved my a$$ by buying a low mile red Camaro with a super clean white interior... It's amazing how it all comes around.

Frank

ORIGLS6
02-03-2006, 05:55 AM
I've told this story to a few people but would like to share it with
everyone now. I was at a local car show in October of 2001. As I walked
down one of the streets lined with cars and trucks of all descriptions, a
little LeMans Blue Camaro caught my eye. Bowtie on the grille; very plain
but extremely clean. I walked toward the car to see who owned it and the
card in the window said "Ken &amp; Anita Brown, LaHarpe, IL". There were two
people sitting behind the car so I approached them and asked if they were
the owners. We sat and talked for a while and I told them my reason for
asking; that I had a car I purchased from Fred Gibb in LaHarpe. Kenny
asked more questions, then told me about their show. He was surprised to
hear that I still had a car I bought new from Gibb and then told me about
two other fellows who still had cars purchased from the Gibb dealership.
He said I should meet them, that we had something in common. He also told
me I would never meet two nicer gentlemen than Ray Morrison and Ken
Barnhart. I made plans to attend my first Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show the
following August.
As we pulled into the show that day Kenny met me with a big smile on his
face, as he usually greets people. He directed me to a spot to unload the
car, then asked me to pull it into a big tent. I was taken by surprise and
told him that I was quite happy to park the car anywhere but he assured me
he knew what he wanted. Well, I was placed right next to Mr. Barnhart's
ZL-1. I honestly don't recall exactly how we were introduced but I do
remember WHO was responsible for it. Dennis Hartweg was there with the
Gibb/Harrell Nova, now owned by another good friend, Tommy Kusmiesz. I was
first introduced to Dennis by a common friend. We talked for quite a while
and exchanged addresses, etc. when we discovered we lived within 45 miles
of each other. Dennis then introduced me to Ken and Ray. Within a matter
of hours Mr. Barnhart had insulted and irritated me to his hearts content;
eventually asking me to move my 'rust bucket' so he could get his car out
of the tent for a photo shoot. I had no choice but to comply. After all,
have you checked out the size of this guy?
Ever since that day I've been abused, insulted, treated
like................... well, like he treats everyone. But that's why we
love him. Fortunately, I am blessed to have seen another side of Mr.
Barnhart. It was my misfortune to have to call Ken the following January
and tell him of the passing of someone who had quickly become a very good friend,Dennis Hartweg. I called the house and told his
wife, Jerri. She thanked me and said she would tell Ken but that he probably wouldn't
call back since he doesn't do phone calls or e-mails. According to Jerri
"that's her job". Later that evening my phone rang and it was Ken
Barnhart. When I told him that I was surprised to hear from him because of
what Jerri had told me, his response was, "We make exceptions for certain
people. Dennis Hartweg is one of those people". We both had tears in our
eyes, and our hearts that night. That's when I met the real Ken Barnhart.
I'm very proud to call Ken and Jerri Barnhart friends. For those of you
who haven't met either of these people, PLEASE do yourself a favor and stop
someday to say hello to them. It is a treat you'll never forget.
Everytime I see Ken &amp; Jerri Barnhart or Ray &amp; Cynthia Morrison it's a gift. Ray is the consumate Gentleman, and Ken..... well, he's
Ken. Thank God, he's Ken! And their ladies are exactly that; Ladies, and a
treat to be around. Thank you Kenny Brown.
I’ve enjoyed many hours with these folks and pray that I can spend countless more. Every minute has been both enjoyable and educational, not to mention entertaining. Mr. Barnhart, one of the neatest things about you is the fact that you
don't know, or care, how COOL you are. Both these gentlemen are 'just car
guys', at least in their own minds. We know better, but we'll leave
well-enough alone.
Mr. Barnhart's age is no guarded secret, but what many of you may not know is
that Ken's Dad is still around and still going strong. Hopefully Ken will
take after his Dad and we who know and love him will all enjoy many, many more years of abuse. I’m looking forward to seeing many more wheels-up launches and gear-grabbing runs from MY HERO, Ken Barnhart.
These cars we covet, love, hate, fight over, yet ultimately enjoy have
brought many of us together. Shows and gatherings like the Gibb Show and
the Supercar Reunions may bring together some of the rarest and most
popular cars on the planet, but to many of us it's the people that keep us
coming back. People,...................... common, yet very uncommon people like Ken and
Jerri Barnhart. God Bless you both. We love you.


Rob,
Thank you for featuring Ken and the car, and especially for the timeliness
of it. Just one day after the anniversary of Dennis Hartweg's passing.
We still miss him. Godspeed my friend.

Dennis Cumby

DarrenX33
02-03-2006, 06:03 AM
Dennis. That was a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Chevy454
02-03-2006, 06:06 AM
Perfect, on so many levels, Dennis...Godspeed indeed...

SS427
02-03-2006, 05:26 PM
Dennis,
I have heard the stories several times and it is still great to hear them again. You introduced me to Ken, Jerri and Ray several years ago and they are all exactly as you stated. Ken is always available to talk, never serious and always good for a lift.

Fred Gibb must have produced some pretty special new car owners because all of the original Gibb Supercar owners that I know are all the same. Great individuals and friends.
three special guys (http://www.1967z28.com/gibbsite/)

Godspeed to Dennis and thank you Annie for your time and dedication in keeping his dreams alive and strong. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
Rick

Charley Lillard
02-03-2006, 06:41 PM
Yes Ken bought the ZL1 from Fred Gibb and yes he still has the orig. engine to the car. And yes he is a pain in the ass. I remember a few reunions ago him unloading the ZL1 out of his trailer at the drags. It was a downhill slope on grass and the car got loose and down the hill it went with about 5 guys chasing it...Priceless..

Kim_Howie
02-03-2006, 07:52 PM
Been there done that!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

SS427
02-03-2006, 08:21 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Been there done that!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah only problem is all we have is a mental image of yours. No one actually got to see that stunt! However, that "image" likely well surpasses what it actually looked like. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif
Rick

68TopStock
02-04-2006, 02:15 AM
Here's something I found a while ago. Ken has so many neat stories about his racing past. One of my favorites is his win streak in his '39 Cadillac, which he still owns! A real gentleman, and all around fun guy.

Belair62
02-04-2006, 05:32 AM
Now that is cool stuff !!!

KnoxvillePig
02-04-2006, 11:41 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Jeff,

It would be cool for people not familiar to know where he bought the car...how much it was new...some cool memories of the car that he has...whether it's always been a race car or was it ever street driven...you know, stuff like that.

I know the answers to some of those questions, but I'm sure people would like to know. It would make fascinating reading http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree w/ Bruce. Would someone in the know please do a write up on this Awesome piece of history for people like myself who have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Barnhart. I would love to hear some history.

Hopefully, one day I will have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Barnhart and see his car make a pass at a Super Car reunion.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Darrell

Z-11 396
02-05-2006, 06:24 PM
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Jeff,


Hopefully, one day I will have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Barnhart and see his car make a pass at a Super Car reunion.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
BYE THE WAY... WHEN WILL THE REST OF US SEE.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif YOUR CAR, AND READ ABOUT IT.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif;;;;KASEY... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

bbbenny
02-06-2006, 02:22 PM
ken, you a true gentleman and hobbist. to the sport. you take the time, to share your stores and and your car. not like some people in the hobby. you got my vote of a real person!!!!!!!thanks ken. bbbenny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

396L35
02-06-2006, 05:04 PM
bbbenny just dont fall off the wall next year!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Casey Marks
02-06-2006, 08:07 PM
I've got a October 2, 1970 National Dragster with the Nationals Class winners. I got it because it has my uncle's H/S W-31 Olds running a 12.34 for the class win. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But ....

It also shows Ken's SS/B Car# 1581 as a Super Stock class winner, running an 11.61 @ 121.13 ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Going down the winners list is the Ray Allen Chevelle as the SS/EA winner (Car# 1511), running an 11.37 @ 119.68 ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

SMGCO
02-07-2006, 06:25 PM
I've seen Ken's car in person. Very impressive.

68TopStock
02-09-2006, 05:14 AM
I count myself very fortunate to have been on the same track with Ken at one time. Probably the only time I will get to "race" a ZL1.

sYc
02-09-2006, 06:19 PM
BTW, because of his drag racing success, Ken is a member of the Elgin, IL <font color="red"> HALL FO FAME </font> . http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

MosportGreen66
02-09-2006, 08:04 PM
I would imagine it must rather intimidating to race against Ken's Camaro
I am always envious of his launches... thanks for sharing.

Chevy454
02-09-2006, 10:18 PM
The key is to get out first (see below)...right Ken?! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/20031-run.jpg

bkhpah
02-10-2006, 03:58 AM
Great car big fella, Next time I see you I'll shake your hand http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

COPO PETE
02-16-2006, 08:22 PM
Got to meet Ken at the last two reunions. Truely a honour. Tops all the way around!
Peter

bowtie3168
02-24-2006, 05:21 PM
Ken and his wife are the type of folks that make The Supercar Reunion a special experience, having them as members of the club is so important because they actually are living the Supercar experience.

J_D
02-26-2006, 02:52 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken and Jerri for the first time at the Berger ZL1 Special Delivery in May of 2003. We had lunch upstairs on Sunday and got acquainted. What a guy (and gal). They treated me just like they had known me all my life ! ! ! !

Most recently we (Nancy and I) had the pleasure of dining with them last Labor Day weekend at SCR8 at both the Banquet and then also Breakfast Sunday morning after SCR8 before all of us left to depart for home. At breakfast that Sunday morning, he shared with me another story from his past. This particular story involved "Big Daddy" Don Garlits helping him change out his clutch in a motel parking lot before a big race in Texas. After completing the change, it was so hot they went to the motel swimming pool, stripped down and jumped in. The motel manager was furious as it was late at night and the pool was closed. Kenny said "Big Daddy" jumped out of the pool and confronted the Manager. He asked the Manager if he knew who he was. He said that he did not. "Big Daddy" told him that he better find out because that he "Big Daddy" would own the motel tomorrow. "Big Daddy" stopped by Kenny's room the next day and asked him if he had been down by the pool. Kenny asked "Why, did they close it?" "Big Daddy" told him that no, they had extended the hours ! ! ! ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

After this story Jerri asked Kenny "Is your throat sore yet?" This was Jerri's attempt to get Kenny to stop telling us these old stories. He just smiled.

Kenny my friend, I hope your throat never, ever gets sore. We love hearing these stories from your past ! ! !

I think Cumby summarized it correctly above. Kenny, you are a true gentleman and a treasure and credit to our hobby.

If any of you here on the board have not met Kenny, you really should. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget. And you should also see him make a pass down the track as shown below in the photo I took at last years SCR8.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/SCR8/8thAnnualSupercarReunion2005-J.jpg

Ciscomania
02-02-2007, 09:58 PM
So picture this.....It's September 1970, I'm 14 years old and I'm getting to go to my first drag race ever. I'm all fired up because my (now ex) brother in law is running his blue 69 ZL-1 Camaro in SS/B and as far as I'm concerned "we" have no chance of losing!! We're gonna win the whole thing! We all drove out from Pennsylvania, camped at a drive-in where Clint Eastwood was starring in "Hang 'em High", got tear gassed by the national guard when a riot broke out there.....I even bumped into "Miss Hurst", Linda Vaughn and had her pat me on the head. Between all the hot cars in the pits and the other life changing experiences, I was in heaven!! This was all about to change.
I figured, we just get through class and we have a shot at winning the whole thing! Well, Ken Barnhart was up against him in the SS/B final. Ken strapped a light on him that <u>I'll</u> never forget and just like that it was all over!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif The car went back on the trailer and just like that we were headed back home. I wanted to stay and watch the rest of eliminations but it didn't happen.
So thanks Ken for RUINING it for me!.....but obviously, you didn't ruin it, you just showed me what it was all about! Would I be on this website right now if I wasn't hooked for life on that fateful week?
Right now I'm not running anything other than my mouth, but someday....
From what I have heard, that Camaro that lost to Ken has been fully restored to original showroom condition after being tubbed out with a full cage by Ed Quay in it's evolution. It's in the hands of it's 3rd or 4th owner now. That's another reason I check out this site from time to time. That and all of the old names stirring up old great memories. <font color="blue"> </font>

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY
02-02-2007, 10:20 PM
I assume you are talking about the dusk blue car from Lafferty Chev.?

At what drag strip did this event happen?

Hatboro.... is it 'Moonlight Memories' or 'Under the Lights' in July - been awhile since I moved out....

bbbenny
02-03-2007, 03:09 PM
Ken, Your a super person and a gentlman. NOT one of those guys who brags about what he has. Your past record needs no words, that speaks for itself! Your a hobbist and racer, not a B/Ser. Thanks for sharing your hobby with us!!! BBBenny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

ORIGLS6
02-04-2007, 07:13 PM
I think we could say the same for you Benny! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

JoeG
02-05-2007, 03:29 AM
Classic Photo for a Class Act.............

Seattle Sam
02-05-2007, 04:16 AM
Let's make Barnhart's car the February 2007 Feature car! Or maybe, Feature Car of the Year!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/sbesser/barnhartrear.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

SS427
02-05-2007, 05:02 AM
[ QUOTE ]
Let's make Barnhart's car the February 2007 Feature car! Or maybe, Feature Car of the Year!


[/ QUOTE ]

I second that. How about featured "Hobbiest and Gentleman of the Year!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Rick

Ciscomania
02-05-2007, 08:53 PM
Yes, It was the dusk blue one from Lafferty. I think it went for about $7200 back then. Locally it used to run at Maple Grove, Englishtown and (ugh) Atco pretty often.
The race was at the "original" Nationals in Indianapolis.
They do still have "Moonlight Memories" every year in the summer. They block off a mile stretch of York Road between Horsham Road and County Line Road. It still gets bigger every year.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY
02-05-2007, 10:04 PM
Hey Cisco,

This link will give you the full lowdown on the resto of your ex-bil's ZL1. The car is now in the St. Louis area. Do you have any old pics of the car?

http://www.69zl1.com/

Ciscomania
02-06-2007, 01:31 AM
They're buried in storage somewhere. If I can come up with them I'll forward them.....

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY
02-06-2007, 04:40 PM
Keep looking, I'm sure the current owner would be thrilled to see them! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

L72COPO
02-08-2007, 12:10 AM
One of my more memorable memories of SCR's was of last years SCR9. My wife and I had the pleasure and honor of sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart at the Friday night banquet. The stories never stopped and were enjoyed by all. So thanks Kenny and congratulations on having the forsight to hold on to those cars (and truck). Most of us didn't. They and you are truly one of a kind.

Don