White Hall Drag-O-Way Reunion

[ORIGLS6]

Well, it took a while to get things loaded and ready. We had ISP problems over the weekend making it difficult to upload these shots to Photobucket. Hopefully that's behind us for now.

Pretty good turnout this year considering we were up against Monster Mopar Weekend at Gateway. Too bad because I wanted to be there too. Until I figure out this cloning thing I guess I'll have to make choices. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Some surprises in the way of old faces we hadn't seen in years. David Graham and his one-owner '55 Convert were a team to be reckoned with in the '60s at most of the local tracks in our area. Dave just finished the revival of his car and this was their first time out. The car looks exactly like I remember it with the addition of the AC unit. Lots of memories here.

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And another guy who was pretty much a regular at our early tracks, ALWAYS with a '57 Chevy. This is a fairly recent purchase and to my knowledge never ran at White Hall, but still pretty cool. Dual quad 283 with Stahl fenderwell headers.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0065-1.jpg

And there were a few true race cars in attendance. This car belongs to the son of one of our original club members.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0054.jpg

And a JR fueler......

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0053.jpg

And a door slammer.....

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0056-1.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Since the actual strip is now used for storing gravel and round hay bales, ( http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif) we hold this event at the local City Park. Here's some shots as I walked around to check what all was in attendance.

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Sweet little '67. I think this car made some passes at SCR X.

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http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0226.jpg

And these two came in together.

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http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0244-1.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

And then Annie showed up with her latest 'Body Guard'! That's my son in the Fred Gibb shirt. He and his friend with the '69 Road Runner brought their practice tree for everyone to hone their skills. Kinda fun to watch the smiles on the faces of some of the old racers when they took their turns.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0300.jpg
And more cars......

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0219.jpg

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http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0068-2.jpg

And I thought Mark Johnson might have made it afterall........... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0134.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Something we started a couple of years ago was a Tribute to some of the racers who are no longer with us. One of our members, Louie DeShasier, passed away three years ago. He had been with the club almost since the inception and was quite a character and legend around our two little towns. Sometime in the mid '60s Louie was standing at the starting line one night when one of the cars launched a clutch disk out of it's preferred location. The disk bounced off the ground and hit Louie in the chest. Miraculously, it didn't hurt him badly and he stayed with us for many years afterward. To honor Louie and some of our fallen friends, we created the Louie DeShasier Memorial Award. This year we were proud to add Keith Bacon's name to this award, which is fittingly a vintage Scheifer Aluminum Flywheel. Some of you may recall when I posted the notice of Keith's passing. Keith held a number of NHRA and AHRA records a few years back and still had his '62 BelAir sedan that he faithfully brought to our events. Keith's family brought his car this year with no knowledge of what we had planned. It was a heartwarming sight to see his wife and family accept the award. Lots of damp eyes.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0255.jpg

Some shots of Keith's '62 Bel Air.

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

[ORIGLS6]

With the serious part of the program behind us, time for some more fun.
Another of the local gentlemen (and I mean that in the truest sense) has supported us for,......... well, for as long as I can remember. John Early never raced at our strips that I recall but he was always around and has attended all of our Reunions. He has a beautiful little 29 pickup that he enjoys every time he gets it out. One of John's favorite parts of our Reunion is the burn-out contest. Last year as he was leaving the park, we asked him if he would join in the contest this year. He replied that, it we could find him some slicks, he would indeed participate. Well, through the wonders of Photoshop, we had a nice shot of John and his truck the way he wanted it.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0163.jpg

Speaking of burnout shots.........

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0264-1.jpg

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[ORIGLS6]

Oh, and just for all you Camaro purists.........

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0221-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0223.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Dennis,

Now that is a car show. Great coverage! Thanks. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Pretty good turnout this year considering we were up against Monster Mopar Weekend at Gateway. Too bad because I wanted to be there too.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, you like them MoPars too eh? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Now for my personal highlights (Yep, two of 'em) of the event.

FIRST; Most anyone with as much 'experience' as me (read that, age) who attended ANY of the dragstrips in our area would know the name Art Badgley. Art is something of a local legend in the Godfrey/Alton Il area, and one of the best engine builders of his era (or for that matter, this era). Art has attended the past three of our events, and this year came in style.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0080-1.jpg

How 'bout this for some serious motivation!

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0079.jpg

And here's the man himself.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0081-2.jpg

BTW, Art celebrated his 87th Birthday on Sunday, September 9th. What a guy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

During one of the many conversations on Saturday, I thought I heard Art tell someone he had attended ALL BUT TWO of the events held at Alton Dragway. Can you imagine????? If memory serves us correctly, Alton was in operation from around 1958 through 1972? If those numbers aren't correct, at least they're close. And Art only missed two races!!!

After I heard this, I asked him if he remembered a big guy from the Chicago area who used to run a '49 Cadillac at Alton. He looked at me for a second and said, "Yeah, a big guy. I think his name was Kenny. Maybe played football or something. I never believed that car was stock." Then I showed him a picture of our beloved Ken Barnhart. "Yep, that's the guy."

Legends...............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/grin.gif

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
And then Annie showed up with her latest 'Body Guard'! http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0300.jpg



[/ QUOTE ]

The way Darryl is looking at Hollywood I would say it is working. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Oh and Cumby, nice partial tailight shot.......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[ORIGLS6]

And now,.................... again, if you're from our part of the midwest and you've been around as long as I have, you know the name Stan Lomelino. Stan is as much a down-to-earth, grass-roots racer as you'll ever meet. I mean that with all the respect I can muster. I remember as a kid in high school watching Stan pull into the old dirt strip just West of my hometown. Stan's tow rig was a '48 Merc four door and his trailer was a home built two wheeler. In the back of the Merc, where the seat should have been, was a built-in tool box and sometimes a couple of spare engines. (Did I mention Stan ran a flathead dragster............ an F/Fuel flathead dragster!) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
We had invited Stan to all our previous Reunions but his health usually prevented him from attending. He has some breathing problems and the heat and humidity are a little too much to handle.
I was standing at the South part of the park and saw this pair of cars pull into the entrance. I noticed they were pretty neat, but relaly didn't give it much thought. One of our other members came running up to me and said I needed to get to the North end and get some pictures before they disconnected the pair. He said it was extra cool because the '40 Sedan towing the "Rat Rod" belonged to Danny Lomelino,................ and he had his Dad, Stan with him.
Well, we weren't quuite quick enough, but we did get around to a few shots of these two classic pieces of iron. Danny had flat-towed his latest creation with his Super http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif '40 Ford Sedan. And with them was their good friend and former competitor, Joe Hendricks. Joe still has a flathead dragster but is better known at present for his Nostalgic AA/FD slingshot.
At this point I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Danny's tow vehicle. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

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And the CREATION! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif This was built using a ton of parts from Stan's actual race car.

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[ORIGLS6]

We had Stan and Art come up to the pavilion we were using as 'Party Central' and did a little impromptu interview. That was the main attraction of the day in almost everyone's opinion. These two guys still know their stuff and I could have listened to them share their stories for the entire weekend. I heard Danny ask Stan later in the day if he was tired and needed to leave but Stan assured him he was fine and enjoying himself.
What a treat to see these three guys together and still enjoying this sport.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0182-1.jpg

Art Badgley, Paul Fansler from WHD, Stan "The Man" Lomelino and Joe Hendricks.

Thank you Gentlemen. You made my day! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
So, you like them MoPars too eh?

[/ QUOTE ]

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




I'll try to post a few more tonite.

[ORIGLS6]

"Oh and Cumby, nice partial tailight shot.......... "

Yeah, well that's about all you get of her. You know how she LOVES cameras. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Xplantdad]

Awesome Dennis! Thanks for sharing the pics and your memories http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[kwhizz]

Dennis.....Great Shots and more Importantly......Great Stories......Thanks for Posting.....
The Picture below shows that there are correctly "Trained" women in the Middle of Illinois....Look what the "Trainer" is doing and look what the little Lady is doing http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0053.jpg

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[70 Forest Green Zee]

Great pics Dennis....Thanks for sharing. Make yourself a photographer credential card! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[sYc]

Cool pictures and stories..thanks for sharing. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

That really does look like the place to be.
Thanks for the narration & pics Dennis. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]

Oh and Cumby, nice partial tailight shot.......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I'll let Annie explain this shot. She was standing beside me when the camera suddenly took on a mind of it's own. (And BTW, my wife wasn't anywhere close either!)
We were all somewhat speechless at that moment. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/000350.jpg

I SWEAR, there's no Photoshop work here. WYSIWYG!!!

[Salvatore]

Great pictures and looks like great people too. Hey Dennis, Is the track still there? Any part of it at least? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif Sam

[ORIGLS6]

Sam,
The ribbon of asphalt is still there but everything else is gone. Kinda funny though; the land owner was approached just a couple of months ago. Someone with some experience in operating a strip called me and asked about the possibility of reopening it. The land owner showed absolutely no interest in selling. Probably just as well because the investment to bring it up to today's standards would be prohibitive.
Pretty sad to drive by and see the gravel and round hay bales sitting on the pavement.................... surrounded by soybeans. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

But on a brighter note (no pun intended) we just came in possession of the lights used along the length of the old strip. They had been moved to a ball field in the North end of town and that property has now been purchased for the construction of a new business. The contractor doing the site work just happens to be one of the original club members. He and his son now have the lights. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
The ribbon of asphalt is still there but everything else is gone. Pretty sad to drive by and see the gravel and round hay bales sitting on the pavement.

[/ QUOTE ]
Sounds a lot like the old drag strip over in Morrison's neck of the woods just north of West Plains, MO...except they've piled junk cars and scrap metal on their piece of history.

[AnnieHartweg]

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I'll let Annie explain this shot. She was standing beside me when the camera suddenly took on a mind of it's own. (And BTW, my wife wasn't anywhere close either!)
We were all somewhat speechless at that moment. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/000350.jpg

I SWEAR, there's no Photoshop work here. WYSIWYG!!! [/quote}

Yea, Thanks Dude, I get to "explain".....To all reading this; please notice a prior picture Crumbly posted of me in a pair of JEANS not a dress. I feel the need to mention this as I have had two phone calls asking if that was me in the above pic. Obviously these people can't read as Crumbly clearly stated I was standing NEXT to him when he took the shot. Unlike me, this Lady(?) obviously had no inhibitions and seemed quite proud of her attire and what said attire didn't cover. As for your camera Crumbly, I saw the calculated look on your face seconds before you took the picture....mind of it's own.....yea sure, next you will be trying to sell all of us a bridge or two and likely a slightly used one from Minnesota.

And damn lucky for you Vickie wasn't there yet, she would have decked you and your camera.

[markjohnson]

Mr. Cumby, I had planned for the last couple of weeks to get up to this event and had the car all together (now that's rare!) and ready to go. Finally got it back together after ripping out the rear suspension at the Supercar Reunion. I had even polished up the magnesium Americans over several days in hopes of making it up there. I hate that job but it's a small price to pay when you have REAL mag wheels. Anyway, my ol' 55 sat outside in the rain all day Saturday waiting for it to let up which never happened. Downer, but we'll try it again next year. Love the old drag car '62 Bel Air sedan car! I see the Alton winner stickers in the side windows. Please tell a little more about it.

[Verne_Frantz]

Hey Dennis,
Thanks a LOT for all the posts and pics. Made me feel warm to see the work and attention that went into the special "geezers" awards. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

BY the way, that '62 Belair was originally a two-tone car. Notice the paint divider at the bottom of the C pillar. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gifVerne

[markjohnson]

Sharp eye there, Verne. I don't think that I have ever seen that trim divider before on a '62 sedan car before. Dennis, it's great to see that photo of Art Badgly. He and I have some mutual friends and I have some great home videos of him racing a 37-8 Chevy at Alton and Nashville, ILL. in the early sixties.

[Xplantdad]

Annie...that's too funny! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Obviously these people can't read as Crumbly clearly stated I was standing NEXT to him when he took the shot.

[/ QUOTE ]

As in politics; people only read/hear what they want!

"LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR;............the woman in the picture IS NOT Annie!!!!!!!!!!!"

Annie, Willie and I all looked at each other in amazement, shook our heads, laughed, said "Nah", .............. but I just couldn't walk away. As I put the camera to my eye, Annie said "Oh, you gotta be kidding." All I could think of was Kasey's response when he saw it here !

"This Butt's for you Kasey!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Kim_Howie]

I still think thats Hartweg!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Love the old drag car '62 Bel Air sedan car! I see the Alton winner stickers in the side windows. Please tell a little more about it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mark,

See here.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat...true#Post229263 (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=lounge&Number=229263&Searc hpage=4&Main=229263&Words=ORIGLS6&topic=&Search=tr ue#Post229263)

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
I still think thats Hartweg!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Hey, how was that nap today Kim? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SS427]

Sounds like she got his thong all in a wad. Persistant little b!tch isn't she Howie? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Sounds like she got his thong all in a wad. Persistant little b!tch isn't she Howie? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


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

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Sounds like she got his thong all in a wad. Persistant little b!tch isn't she Howie? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm Telling......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[AnnieHartweg]

Poor old Shortcake didn't get no stinking nap today....should have been smart enough to unplug his phone.

Tag; you're it Babe.

[Xplantdad]

You guys (and gals) are WAY too funny! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Kim_Howie]

I STILL think it's Hartweg. 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/beers.gif

[Kim_Howie]

kinda like a bitting sow!!! 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/rolleyes.gif

[Belair62]

Whats all the fuss about ? Those aren't even real thongs.

[Xplantdad]

Bob...quit looking at her feet http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif