Ask the East Side Gang 08-12-06

Ok, from Rob in Massachusetts, our next question(s) are:

1) Did we test at Fontana last week? 2) Is it true that Good Guys will NOT be running the March Meet in 07? 3) If not who will? 4) Have the Funny Car guys hammered out the rules?

Lets take this in order, that's "old guy" talk to keep from getting lost.

1 - Yes, we did go to the new California Drag way, located oddly enough at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. For those of you who don't follow our trials and struggles here in Southern California for a place to race - this is a track that was built in about…… well, the old track closed in April and the new track opened I think it was late June. Nice racetrack, flat, very smooth, plenty of shutdown. You throw in track staff that is more than helpful and you will be in for a good time. By the way, it is very clean. So, if you bring the family rest assured those problems you will not have to be concerned with.

Rob, what was the question? Oh yeah, we were fortunate to run on a weekend, Saturday only, with a very successful group call The Pacific Street Car Association (PSCA). You gotta' see street cars that can run in the low sevens ! Ninety degree weather no clouds, we ran our first lap at this facility, Nate stepped off a little early for a 6:44 at 186. Second lap in the heat of the day was a 6:45 at 221. I was happy with that, being our goal was to retrieve the old combination from two years ago. We hurt NOTHING! Drop the pan, bearings were perfect, leak down was excellent. 'Big Ray' and 'Diesel Mike' went through everything - no surprises. We would like to test a couple times again; however, Fontana is one busy place to race every week. 'Clutch Girl' went through the clutch and made only minor adjustments, we did not replace the pieces. Hey, don't forget to get a copy of the article on Michelle in this month's issue of Vintage Fuel. It can be purchased on line at Vintagefuel.com. A special thanks to Darr Hawthorne of Drag Racing Online for putting this testing program together. Thank you big guy…..

Question number two, I don't know but will find out and advise.

Question number three, I don't know but will find out and advise.

After answering the last two questions I feel like I could run for public office.

Question number four, and the answer is YES. We have formed an association, with some thirty plus members - Nostalgia Funny Car Association (NFCA). The start-up was more than a little on the rough side, as most new things are, but the teams are dedicated to making this happen and be successful not only for us but just as much for the fans who support us.

As most of you may know, there will be a twelve car invitational race at the 15th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield in October. This will be a Sunday only, Chicago Style event. Nate and I spent many a Saturday night at "The County" just to watch a race like this. Suggestion, don't miss this one!!!!!!! Plan now - Seriously rooms are hard to get.

Now back to revisit questions three and four. I can't imagine there not being a March Meet, that's like getting up and no sunshine, wait maybe if you live in the Northwest. I know no sunshine in Southern California. I'm sure there will be a March Meet ……there better be, we've already got rooms. You know I'll call and find out about next year and let you know where the NFCA, see above, will be next year.

Till next time, see you at the races……………………