Memphis Rodders Reunion RSS Feed

20K Presented to Al Chymia Shriners

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-12-26T13:07:58-06:00

The beneficiary is the Shriners Burn Transportation Fund, which directly helps pediatric burn victims in the local area by providing specialized medical transportation to Shriners Hospitals for Children that specialize in burn care. ...In short, while we all find the reunion to be an enjoyable time to reminisce and reflect on history, helping such a worthy cause is a community effort that depends on each one of you.

Clarence 'Hooker' Hood 1926-2012

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-12-24T15:11:05-06:00

We're proud that he was the 2009 Memphis Rodders Reunion honoree, but more importantly, he was a legend among his racing peers and a hero to many a speed-struck youngster throughout his decades long career. ...A beaming Hooker clutches a race trophy, all while still dressed for battle and seated behind the wheel of a race car. Like they say, a picture says a thousand words, and this one says more than most.

2012 Rodders Reunion in Review

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-12-24T00:13:55-06:00

Who would ever imagine that a young woman who didn't obtain a driver's license until she was 21 years of age, would go on to master the art of drag racing to such an extent that she would become an NHRA World Champion? ...The recently completed restoration of the historic 1960 Tennessee B0-Weevil (below) was among the display cars at this year's reunion, and to cap off the evening, Preston Davis rolled the vintage modified roadster in the parking lot and put Amy in the seat for a bit of nitro fueled cackle time.

2012 Delta River Crusin'

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-10-24T00:43:38-05:00

The Memphis Street Rods host the event, and since they've been an active club sine 1968, they've got a pretty good idea of how to do this sort of activity and keep it fresh. ...If your luck doesn't tend to work out in drawings, there's always the casino at Sam's Town to keep you occupied, or you can attend the rock-n-roll review on Friday night, the numerous on-site eateries will keep you well feed, or you might enjoy the games of chance and skill that occur throughout the event.

2012 NHRR Slideshow

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-09-30T01:27:06-05:00

I have my mostly lame and self-centered excuses for being tardy with this posting, but one of the biggest hitches to my web workflow was that I was regrettably not on hand for the annual hot rod hootenanny in central Kentucky. ...Since the Echo commenting system that is occasionally used by readers of this site is being ditched by it's creator (I'm trying to hunt down a replacement), I felt that a few thoughts recently revealed in a comment by Henry Perry would be worth repeating here, and kind of puts the whole thing in perspective.

Amy Faulk - 2012 Rodders Reunion Honoree

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-08-20T01:16:13-05:00

Amy grew up around cars, and her husband Kenny was a racer who found himself in need of a driver back in the mid-1970's, so he gave his wife an opportunity to get behind the wheel. ...She was the 1979 NHRA Super Stock World Champion, won recognition as a Car Craft Magazine All-Star driver in 1980, and was a honoree at the 2009 NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green KY.

1960 Tennessee Bo-Weevil Restored

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-06-13T01:03:51-05:00

Just in case you needed any further reason to to attend the NHRA Father's Day weekend festivities in Kentucky, be advised that the upholstery is now complete, and all four of the restored Bo-Weevils are currently in tow and headed toward Beech Bend Raceway. ...So if you can possibly get yourself to Bowling Green Kentucky for the 2012 edition of the National Hot Rod Reunion (June 14th - 16th), take in some local Memphis Rodders history, and appreciate the effort that former Tennessee Bo-Weevil driver Preston Davis expended in bringing this historical race car back to life in honor of his old friend and drag racing pioneer Ray Godman.

LIR Immortalized on Canvas

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-06-04T00:24:51-05:00

Coincidentally, so do a lot of the rest of us. Last Thursday, the civic minded folks at Trustmark Bank, felt it was time to acknowledge their bond with the Lakeland community whose financial needs they've served for the past 25 years. ...The unveiling of John's painting was made to a select audience that happened to include some of the very individuals that made Lakeland a special place so many years ago. Notice Memphis International Raceway PR director Glynn Williford as he enthusiastically recounts youthful experiences at the traction capital of the south, and acknowledges the presence of funny car pioneer Larry Reyes, and Lakeland co-owner Bill Taylor in the audience.

The Chameleon Camaro

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-05-15T00:06:30-05:00

Then with a bit of sleight of hand, and some good old fashioned factory parts swapping, they would head out the dealership door with a 425 HP L-72 427 cubic inch engine among other performance upgrades. ...This is when local drag racer and Memphis Rodders member AJ Lancaster bought the car and set about converting her into a class specific drag racer, that would compete in the then newly established Pro Stock category.

Bob Young

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-02-18T08:59:58-06:00

Bob was both a Chevrolet and a Street Rod enthusiast, and was a previous winner of the prestigious 'America's Most Beautiful Roadster' award, and also the prized 'Riddler' award with two different street rods. Yet Bob could still be found sharing his enthusiasm for cars at the Bartlett Cruise-in or at the annual Memphis Rodders Reunion where it was apparent that he set the bar of excellence very high indeed.

Demonized

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2012-02-18T00:20:27-06:00

The video features local mega-hot rodder George Poteet as he drives the Speed Demon to previously unrealized speeds, and it also shows the immense team effort required to pursue speed records at this level. I first saw this video posted to Dogfight Magazine, so it's not exactly brand new, but it's still plenty relevant to the saga of speed that the Speed Demon crew continues to write in the Bonneville record books.

Why Reunions Matter

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-12-11T09:58:49-06:00

On October 30th 2011, we lost Jake Moran (above), who spent many years as an active member of the Memphis Rodders, cutting his teeth on street driven hot rods, and full competition drag cars before becoming an integral cog in the fledgling National Street Rod Association in 1970. ...Check the previous post for more details about Arnold's tenure as a Memphis Rodder with a passion for drag racing, and note that we missed Arnold at the reunion this year just as we will for all the years to come.

2011 Rodders Reunion Donation Presented

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-12-02T01:43:17-06:00

These funds have a direct connection to benefitting patients in the mid-south area, as there are unfortunately too many instances wherein such services are required after a life-threatening incident occurs. Thanks to your participation in the annual Memphis Rodders Reunion, and the support of dedicated individuals and car clubs like the Memphis Street Rods, and the Memphis Classic Chevy Club, these donations continue to make such life-saving transportation available whenever a tragic and unforeseen fire strikes a family in our area.

2011 Rodders Reunion Review

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-11-27T01:11:47-06:00

The 1970 Chevelle SS shown above belongs to Claude McAttee, and was on display as a nod to the long running Chevelle build-up that Lunati Cams did in conjunction with Hot Rod Magazine in 1995. ...Larry Nolan (center) gives thanks to Danny Ford of the Memphis Classic Chevy Club (left), and Mike Lyon of the Memphis Street Rods (right) for their continued support of the reunion, and their contributions to the cause of raising money for the Shriner's Burn Transportation Fund.

Plan to Attend the 2011 Memphis Rodders Reunion

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-10-07T01:57:51-05:00

The usual Thursday before Thanksgiving date is fast approaching, and this year the Reunion will focus it's historical attention on the life and times of self-made performance industry magnate Joe Lunati. ...Joe's new business venture would soon become a dominant influence in the racing world and a main ingredient in the developing cottage industry of high performance companies that have flourished in Memphis since Lunati Cams first opened it's doors.

Delta River Cruisin' 2011

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-09-27T02:26:24-05:00

I noticed the hits to this site trended upward in the days preceding casino cruise-in, and many of those hits were to check out previous coverage of the Delta River Cruisin' event from a few years back. ...It's not a show in the usual sense with awards in every class imaginable, but is truly a big, organized cruise-in, with lots of door prizes being handed out with great frequency, and the added lure of the Casino with it's attractions being just a few feet away.

Arnold Bonner

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-09-22T23:45:37-05:00

He was a fixture at Lakeland Drag Strip, and staked a notable claim to having raced at Lakeland every year the track was in operation, and always with the same car, his black 1940 Chevy coupe that was a fierce competitor in the now defunct Modified Production class. ...Two weeks later, he was part of the panel at the Memphis Rodders Reunion, and was obviously happy to see his old race car again in it's 1970's 'Super Trick' livery, along with his many old friends who came out to help celebrate the history of the club.

Arkansas Speed

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-09-22T01:33:41-05:00

As it is, I received this photo via e-mail and just had to share it now because it just looks too cool for words with it's black paint, chute pack tail and four hole injector scoop on top of a 392 Chrysler Hemi. ...He also raced various altereds and later, this top fuel car. The ex-SAC airstrip at Carlise that became a drag strip was located in the middle of a rice field just off what is now Interstate 40.

Back on the Track

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-08-24T07:43:05-05:00

The place looks pretty much like it did the last time I was there almost two years ago. The most noticeable exception being the still missing section of pit side grandstands that were wiped out during a springtime mega-storm. ...Thursday has always been the primary tune up and grudge race night, and it just so happens they're going to do another one of these this coming Thursday, along with a "Midnight Madness" race on Friday, and a 10.5 inch tire "heads-up" race on Saturday.

The 2011 NHRR Starts Thursday

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-06-13T23:44:06-05:00

Of course, if you've been attending the NHRR, then you already know about the nostalgic trip down memory lane that you will enjoy when you see all the vintage race cars, hot rods, custom cars, and the familiar faces that are part of this eagerly anticipated annual event. ...Likewise, watching Roland Leong fire up his old 'Hawaiian' funny car with Larry Reyes in the seat is a choice memory, and seeing Ray Godman, and Preston Davis with the Tennessee Bo-Weevil race cars always does me good.

A Tourist at the Grand National Roadster Show

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-04-20T00:45:42-05:00

While I'm pretty sure that Tim didn't really go to California to drool over the chromed and polished AMBR contenders that are displayed like the Queen's jewels while they vie for the "big trophy", I do feel confident that Tim is a dyed-in-the-wool fan of traditional hot rods. ...For those of you that might like a little background regarding this event , be advised that 2011 marked the 62nd consecutive year that this historic show has awarded the title of "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" on a deserving winner.

Memphis ADRL Race Cancelled

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-04-13T01:28:43-05:00

The new track owners are putting forth a proper effort to upgrade MIR to the highest racing standards, and are currently involved in resurfacing the drag strip with the Penhall Company. ...Personally, I think it's a very good sign for the future of MIR that the new owners are making needed improvments before trying to conduct races on a track that has been inactive for over a year and a half, and I plan to be among the first in line to see the MIR go live once again when those upgrades are completed.

ADRL Returns to Memphis

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-03-09T01:04:47-06:00

In fact, if you pay close attention to the interview you will note that Rittenberry reveals some pretty serious plans of the PBIR group attempting to acquire the recently closed Gateway International Raceway in St.... The prevailing opinion of drag racing insiders has been that a large outstanding property tax bill would seriously hinder any potential sale of Gateway, but legal negotiations are underway that may give some hope to someday seeing the track become an active racing facility once again.

MPE Lands Parts Plus

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-03-07T01:11:08-06:00

Clay, and team owner Mark Pickens, have secured Memphis based auto parts retailer Parts Plus as their primary sponsor for 12 races in 2011. ...As most well seasoned drag fans know, Clay is a six time IHRA World Champ, and has been a contender in the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series ever since first setting his sites on a NHRA title.

Attention in the Pits

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2011-02-01T23:12:33-06:00

They have already set-up an internet pressence with a new web site located at http://www.racemir.com and a they have a built in layer of local racers who are eager to get back on the track. ...Memphis lost some traction in the racing world when the gates were padlocked back in November of 2009, so let's make sure we support the renewed efforts at MIR by buying spectator tickets as the new owners set about rebuilding the racing schedule.

Stepping Back in Time

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-11-28T22:59:03-06:00

We made an effort this year to focus on a display of hot rods that would reflect upon the history of the club itself, either by an association with the era, or as actual surviving hot rods with a direct connection to the Memphis Rodders. ...It was also a joy to see Arnold beaming behing the wheel of his old race car. Arnold raced all over the Memphis area for many years and always with this car. In fact, Arnold may be the only guy around who can lay claim to having raced at Lakeland drag strip on the day it opened in 1960, and also when it closed 19 years later.

2010 Reunion Tickets Now Available

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-10-24T23:41:01-05:00

It's time to reserve your seat at the 2010 Memphis Rodders Reunion, and this year we're focussing on why this was such an influential group of hot rodders from it's earliest days as a charter NHRA club. ...So this year we've assembled a panel of "experienced" rodders who were on hand when it was all invented, and subsequently nurtured Memphis area hot rodding into the "golden age" of drag racing, and onward toward the diverse automotive scene that exists today.

Wanna Race?

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-10-17T12:16:33-05:00

Not to stir up a pot of unsubstantiated rumors, but this tidbit of information revealed in the Memphis Commercial Appeal might just warrant further attention for those with an interest in the Memphis racing scene. ...While obviously not a finalized situation that is set-in-stone, this still feels like the most positive vibe yet that we might once again see a return to racing at the multi-use racing complex.

Back in the Saddle

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-09-22T23:50:06-05:00

It's been a tough couple of years to keep a fueler on the drag racing circuit, but with some additional support from former car owner Kenny Koretsky, local racers Clay Millican and Mark Pickens will return to the track at NHRA's upcoming Maple Grove PA stop after a sizable lay off from the tour.

Lakeland Drag Strip Reunion

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-09-15T07:30:35-05:00

We'll post more information as it become available, but for now, the flyer posted above should provide the basics of what's being planned for the first weekend in November. The race date is coming up pretty quick, but these guys have done this stuff before so it should be a fun time to see some on track action in our area just prior to the annual Memphis Rodders Reunion.

Speed for Sale

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-08-14T00:07:17-05:00

While those local venues fill a need for some regional racers, I'm thinking that the national recognition and the level of competition that goes along with competing at the national events of major racing organizations is going to be scarce around our neck of the woods without Memphis Motorsports Park in operation. ...You may also feel encouraged to know that there are over 5,000 fans clamoring for Memphis Motorsports Park to re-open with a Save Memphis Motorsports Park Facebook page that appeared shortly after the track was shut down.

The 2010 NHRR Hits High Ground

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-06-28T02:32:48-05:00

Only this year the event was held soon after a once in a century flood put vintage Beech Bend Raceway under so much water, that the top of the covered grandstands was just about the only thing still visible at the historic drag strip. ...The racing was good and the memories of the old days were easily recalled when you looked across the drag racing pits and cast your eyes over the huge quantity of show cars that came to be a part of it all.

Hidden Treasures

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-06-04T00:33:50-05:00

It seems that David Kelley, who has already returned the late Jimmie Fulghum's timeless 32 Ford coupe to regular street duty with a traditional re-do, found this modest 34 Ford hiding in a Dallas area garage some years ago. Originally hot rodded in North Carolina sometime in the mid-twentieth century, this 5-window was simply biding it's time until it's owner regained enough interest in the car to put it back into service. ...It was described as a "barn find", and had the obligatory surface rust, but otherwise appeared to be a pretty good foundation for a proper project car. The 10K price tag was a bit of a shock though, so rehearsing your negotiating skills might be advisable before you hit the swap meet scene in earnest.

Pineapple Power

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-05-12T01:54:17-05:00

It's a blast from the past, as 2007 Memphis Rodders Reunion honoree Larry Reyes enjoys some seat time in the restored 1969 'Hawaiian' funny car, just prior to the "Cacklefest" portion of the 50th anniversary NHRA Winternationals. ...Recently, Larry arranged for the 'Hawaiian' to get some studio time as he and the famous funny car were featured on a PowerBlock TV promo in advance of the upcoming 8th annual NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green KY.

The Memphis Motorcycle Club

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-04-01T01:53:28-05:00

Local hot rod enthusiast and reunion attendee Morris Caraway was the source of the "Hooker-racing-motorcycles" photo, and surprisingly, he has a very intact and well preserved leather bound photo album chronicling the activities of the Memphis Motorcycle Club during a time frame that appears to stretch between 1947 to about 1949. The album originally belonged to Morris' late father, who was a member of the MMC, but we don't know much about the contents of the album except for what we can see and take at face value.

A Showpiece for the Strip

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-02-23T01:00:02-06:00

It's probably the hard afternoon lighting that reveals a more angular looking mid-section, but there's no mistaking that the nose and tail of the car are decidedly tank-like in appearance. ...So feel free to leave a comment if you have some insight into Damfino, and if you like searching swap meets for old magazines, look up the August 62 issue of Rodding & Re-Styling for a few more pieces of the puzzle.

The Big Wheel

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-02-03T00:27:20-06:00

flashvars='config={"key":"#$b6eb72a0f2f1e29f3d4","playlist":[{"url":"http://www.archive.org/download/TheBigWheel/format=Thumbnail?.jpg","autoPlay":true,"scaling":"fit"},{"url":"http://www.archive.org/download/TheBigWheel/TheBigWheel_512kb.mp4","autoPlay":false,"accelerated":true,"scaling":"fit","provider":"h264streaming"}],"clip":{"autoPlay":false,"accelerated":true,"scaling":"fit","provider":"h264streaming"},"canvas":{"backgroundColor":"0x000000","backgroundGradient":"none"},"plugins":{"audio":{"url":"http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.audio-3.0.3-dev.swf"},"controls":{"playlist":false,"fullscreen":true,"gloss":"high","backgroundColor":"0x000000","backgroundGradient":"medium","sliderColor":"0x777777","progressColor":"0x777777","timeColor":"0xeeeeee","durationColor":"0x01DAFF","buttonColor":"0x333333","buttonOverColor":"0x505050"},"h264streaming":{"url":"http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.h264streaming-3.0.5.swf"}},"contextMenu":[{"View+TheBigWheel+at+archive.org":"function()"},"-","Flowplayer 3.0.5"]}'> ...The film is kind of corny, and pretty cliched, but it's also a tolerable story of youthful expectations that also happens to have some great racing footage.

New Look

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2010-02-01T07:05:45-06:00

I think it's a bit easier to navigate, and looks a little more "retro", so we're going to go ahead and adopt this freshened appearance...... We'll have some more blog updates coming post haste just as soon as this new paint job gets polished.

2009 Reunion DVD

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-12-26T01:56:49-06:00

We have one chapter devoted to what was shown the night of the reunion, another chapter features previously unseen interviews with one of Hooker's earliest crewmen (and former Shelby County Mayor) Jim Rout, and yet another with a slide show featuring various photos that were collected of Hooker's storied driving career. ...We also have received word that Richard Self has edited a video of the Reunion itself, showing many of the guests who attended and joined Hooker for the evening, as well as the displayed race cars.

George Ray

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-12-08T02:17:32-06:00

...George wanted his track to soldier on after he passed, and now that he's gone, the intent is to keep the track operating just like it has been for five decades.

2009 Reunion Update

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-12-03T22:16:39-06:00

Support from local car clubs and individuals was again strong, the display cars were outstanding, the presentation was well received, the food was good, and as the attendees steadily came through the doors, it was soon apparent that we would once again have a memorable evening on our hands. ...We've had lots of positive feedback from this year's reunion, and the Hood family has expressed their appreciation for the many attendees that came by to greet Hooker and share their memories with him during the evening.

Tennessee Tornado T-Shirts

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-12-02T05:51:34-06:00

Well now is your chance to correct that oversight and help defray some of the sizable medical expenses Hooker has incurred since suffering a stroke last year. The 'Tennessee Tornado' T-Shirt will be available on the Rodders Reunion Merchandise page and the proceeds from the sale of this shirt will help with Hooker's rehabilitation.

2009 Rodders Reunion

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-11-21T10:31:03-06:00

1980's era pit crewman Dennis Kelley, who has been helping with many aspects of this years reunion, was on hand with his restored 'B' car. Dennis and Larry Nolan both received recognition plaques from the Hood family for their restoration efforts. ...When one considers that Rickey started driving quarter midgets under Hooker's guidance as a boy, it should be no surprise that he now has an accomplished driving career that is almost as lengthy as Hooker's own.

Shut Down

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-10-31T23:15:50-05:00

...Dover has recently made an 8K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, they have suspended the payment of a quarterly dividend on their shares of common stock, and a major shareholder has been applying pressure to Dover to "sell their racetrack assets in the Midwest US which could result in an increased stock price to around $7.50 to $8.50 per share."

Note Schedule Change

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-10-29T01:39:45-05:00

The doors to the Al Chymia Shriner's Temple will open at 5:30 PM, and dinner will begin at 6:00 PM this year. ...Dinner will be available whenever you care to enjoy the meal beginning at 6:00 PM, which should also make the lines for food more tolerable when you're hungry.

Bobby Rowe

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-10-19T21:21:55-05:00

The Taylor & Wolff 'Super Duster' was his first nitro ride, and when he hit the scene with the new car, he promptly ran heretofore unheard of numbers with it including a very impressive for 1970 7.18 ET at 203 MPH during the inaugural NHRA Gatornationals. ...After Schumacher snagged the Wonder Bread sponsorship in 1973 and revamped his racing operation, Rowe moved on to the seat of the Ed Willis & Art Whipple 'Mr. Ed' Plymouth Satellite funny car. He set the NHRA national record at 6.29 232 MPH in this car, and almost won the 1973 NHRA World Championship in the process.

2009 Reunion Plans Announced

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-10-02T01:46:39-05:00

Before long, he added stock car racing to his resume, and ventured forth with his 1954 Oldsmobile to the beaches of Daytona Florida, and the short-lived predescessor to today's NASCAR Superspeedways known as Memphis-Arkansas Speedway that once appeared in the farmlands near Lehi Arkansas. While Hooker also raced on pavement, he was a dirt track racer at heart, and would eventually amass some 700 victories in sprint cars, and super modifieds on race tracks throughout the southern and midwestern US. In 1967 he had an incredible win-loss record of 57 wins in 63 starts.

Arthur Trim

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-09-10T23:27:01-05:00

Arthur was also a valuable resource of information for some of the articles on this website, and provided much appreciated commentary whenever he felt it was justified. ...Arthur made the journey from street driven hot rods to being a partner on a C/Gas dragster that was a competitor at the 1967 NHRA Springnationals, where the Memphis Rodders were a dominant force to be reckoned with.

The Bonneville Experience

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-09-05T01:37:10-05:00

This link to an essay by Ben Wodjyla at Jalopnik provides a pretty complete explanation as to why otherwise garden variety gearheads become obsessed with the great salt lick. ...Since I get all inspired to go salty every year at about this time, I thought it might also be good to reflect upon some common sense suggestions to survive on the great white way.

Congratulations!

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-08-19T00:46:10-05:00

George Poteet interview 401-MPH at Bonneville ...Something tells me that that a 400+ mph run is destined to be etched into the record books soon, but there is a pretty strict process of back-up runs required to get an "average" that can stand as a record at Bonneville.

Holly Springs Hot Rods

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-07-27T02:48:12-05:00

no real tie-in to the Memphis Rodders history or any such thing, but it was a pleasurable way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and I thought some of the sights would be of interest to the hot rod afficanados that frequest this site. ...The Memphis Street Rods got involved in this laid back deal and augmented the small town cultural expo by displaying some of their rides in the Holly Springs MS town square.

What's All the Noise About?

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-07-11T11:54:26-05:00

So now, after 60 years of racing, there is a core group of nearby residents that does not seem to be inclined to consider the history of this racing venue or the fact the racetrack was there first... ...I'm not sure who in West Memphis needs to be made aware that the track has an audience and a place in the local economy.

The Kentucky Time Machine

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-07-01T21:12:52-05:00

At the National Hot Rod Reunion, you're much more apt to encounter a moldy oldie that has been recently revived and put back on the highway, or a freshly built hot rod that was put together in someone's garage from found parts instead of whittled out of an ingot of billet aluminum on someone else's CNC machine. ...Also make note on your list of significant drag machinery...the Mooneyham & Sharp fuel coupe, Bobby Langley's "Scorpion" (number 1 & 5), Ray Godman's "Tennessee Bo-Weevil" fueler & funny car, Don Garlits and his newest cackle car, Tom Ivo's 4-engined exhibition machine, "Big John" Mazmanian's Corvette gasser, Bruce Larson with his USA-1 Camaro funny car, Roland Leong's 1970 "Hawaiian" funny car with it's driver Larry Reyes, and...

Dad's Day Doin's

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-06-15T23:58:04-05:00

You can expect a recounting of events on this web site after the fact, but if you get cracking, you've still got enough time to hit the road and take in the sights of this event first hand. Amy Faulk, who is a regular attendee of the Memphis Rodders Reunion and a champion Sportsman racer beyond reproach,having competed in racing catagories ranging from Stock Eliminator to Top Alchohol Dragster, will be a featured honoree at the NHRR along with Jerry Baltes, Chuck Nelson, Bob Creitz, and Vance Hunt.

Damfino

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-05-22T00:31:11-05:00

Considering that the remaining blue paint on the shell is a darker shade than what is seen in this photo, we're pretty confident that this is the coupe's "yellow-green" look, no doubt adopted for the indoor car show season somewhere around 1958-1960. ...As impressive as many of today's professionally built street rods are, I find this ethic of building a choice car from found parts to be most appealing and true to the original concept of what this whole hot rodding thing is actually about.

Time Traveler

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-04-29T07:21:34-05:00

It seems that Greg Sharp has a pretty good stash of original, early Rod & Custom magazine photos from the days when R&C was one of the digest magazines that high school kids could read while the "little page" were stuffed inside their textbooks. ...He is a talented metal-smith, and I noticed considerable repair to some rather crude construction methods that were fairly commonplace almost 60 years ago. The body is in decent shape after having received appropriate rust repair, and Jeff is now giving attention to some of the iffy welds that were made during the earliest days of this hot rod, when purpose was more important than presentation.

Nostalgia in Oil & Canvas

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-04-13T00:57:20-05:00

Vic Edelbrock Sr. by ~ubermustang on deviant ART ...
The Sailor's Girl by ~ubermustang on deviant ART

Two-Lane Blacktop

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-03-10T18:05:28-05:00

...Arguably, the 55 Chevy is probably the real star of film, and it would later become the iconic Black 55 Chevy seen in American Graffiti a few years after Two-Lane Blacktop was released.

Gone

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-03-05T07:44:27-06:00

Yes, I've already written a lament about how the former Lakeland International Raceway was slated to become a "multi-use development"... ...So navigate over to Greg's historical homage to Lakeland International Raceway and visit this page to see what the re-do presently looks like and renderings of how Lake Forest will be realized.

Turning Left

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-02-13T01:11:52-06:00

Note that the shop is equipped to handle the needs of all of the various levels of sprint car racing and even managed to squeezed in some specialized fabrication work on a soon to be wild 67 Chevy Nova street car. ...The RET crew has also performed restoration work on vintage race cars, and they keep a nice trophy room that houses a pretty thorough history of the local Memphis area racing scene and high performance industry.

Tri-5 Guys

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-02-01T20:03:11-06:00

He also held the NHRA National record in his class with this car. In more recent years, Larry has plopped a streetable Chevy small block between this 57's fenders and returned the unrestored racer to highway duty.... The 'Chomper' made an appearance at the 2008 Rodder's Reunion as a display vehicle, and may have caught many reunion attendees off guard with the history that is associated with this locally familiar 57.

The Road Runners

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2009-01-11T08:27:26-06:00

...This does not set well with Mel's pride, so he throws his all into claiming bragging rights as the king of the hot rods.

Life Photo Archive

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-12-27T09:30:03-06:00

These images are just a few of hundreds of early hot rodding photos released to Google as part of the Life Magazine Photo Archive. ...Regardless of whether or not you want to hang these on your walls, you'd be hard pressed to find a more diverse collection of historically significant photographs anywhere.

Sound Advice

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-12-18T00:43:02-06:00

While there's nothing quite like being there, it should be noted that one of the most notable experiences one acquires while attending a full zoot drag race is the sensory overload. ...You'll find some of the original NR articles posted within, and even a full version of Coonce's Land Speed Record saga Infinity Over Zero can be had with the same Creative Commons license that now gives us the The Big Sounds of the Drags 2001.

2008 Reunion Donation

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-12-06T01:00:06-06:00

The MCCC holds an annual poker run and cookout each October, and this year the club spent considerable time and effort to rebuild a Chevrolet 350 engine, and sell tickets to win the motor as a prize at the Fun Run. ...If you were there, and there were just over 400 of you this year, that means you brought in the bulk of the donation by purchasing admission tickets, participating in the 50/50 and lucky number drawings, and taking home memorabilia offered for sale.

1957 NHRA Nationals

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-12-01T00:43:54-06:00

Although NHRA continued to resist with their infamous nitro ban until 1964, the hand writing was on the wall if you wanted to go real fast, and Howard felt that nitro was not in keeping with the amateur status that drag racing held in the 50's. ...He kindly allowed use of his film in our presentation (we used a clip from Caddo Mills) and has also allowed me to share some of his stills of the 57 Nationals with you on the Memphis Rodders site.

2008 Memphis Rodders Reunion Recap

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-11-23T21:52:25-06:00

The 2008 edition of the Memphis Rodders Reunion is now history, but the evening should provide good memories for years to come, since it was once again an enjoyable gathering of the Memphis hot rod community, and a true reunion of Memphis' original hot rod club. ...Also present at this year's reunion were drag racing notables Ray Godman, Preston Davis, the aforementioned Larry Reyes, Herb McCandless, Gary Henderson, Amy Faulk, and Clay Millican to mix it up with other reunion attendees.

2008 Reunion Update

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-11-15T22:57:11-06:00

So naturally, I'm real pleased to inform you that this vintage nitro competitor will be a part of the display of cars at this year's Rodders Reunion, which is rapidly approaching in just a few days. ...Also, make sure you bring some mad money to the dinner as Larry Reyes will once again offer a selection of T-Shirts for sale, and the net proceeds from shirts sold at the reunion will contribute to the Shriner's Burn Transportation Fund.

Once a Hot Rod...

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-11-02T18:35:05-06:00

this car, and it's owner, were part of hot rodding lore before the NHRA had legs, from a time when Wally Parks enlisted the aid of organized car clubs nationwide to give his vision of making hot rodding a legitimate pastime a reality. ...BTW: I tried to talk my way into being the third owner of this car since it became a hot rod, but David didn't want to hear it, and I don't think I'm included in his will.

Bill Taylor Enterprises

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-10-30T10:54:50-05:00

Since Bill is an honoree at the upcoming Rodder's Reunion, along with his brother in-law and one-time partner Larry Coleman, it only seemed fitting to get an insiders view of how a famous Taylor prepped Powerglide and 8" race convertor are created. So when Bill provided a proper tour of his manufacturing facility and high performance warehouse to John Troxel and Chris Schneider, I just had to hitch a ride with Larry Reyes who escorted the race promoters on their visit, and was also the driver of Bill's funny cars for many years.

In Pursuit of 400 MPH

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-10-13T21:50:41-05:00

The point of all this was to bash FIA and FIM speed records into the nether regions at the TOP 1 Oil World Land Speed Shootout, an event conceived expressly to pursue land speed records via these special purpose machines. ...

100 Years Ago

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-10-01T20:37:27-05:00

In 1913, Ford opened a manufacturing plant in Memphis that produced wheels and wooden body foundations for the popular car. The Model T was now the first automobile being produced on a moving assembly line, and Memphis was a part of the equation, supplying parts to the factory in Detroit. ...I was never hugely impressed with some of the over-the-top T bucket builds that were standard fare through much of the 70's, but the look seen in the trendsetting Norm Grabowski & Tommy Ivo cars a decade earlier fits real well among today's nostalgia driven retro rods.

The Mother Road

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-09-30T12:54:22-05:00

It seems Jack and his family had made a memorable trip to California during 2007 to participate in the 75th anniversary of the 32 Ford celebration that was held at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. ...A delay that should have been an aggravation, actually turned out to be one of his more memorable stops along US 66 when an almost complete lack of resources transformed into a herculean effort by the local mechanic to assist him in getting back on the road.

Delta River Cruisin'

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-09-15T01:36:55-05:00

I arrived on a Saturday this year, and noted what looked like the largest crowd of hot rods, muscle cars, and customs, I'd ever seen at Sam's Town Casino.... However, the crowd was still robust, and I kind of wonder if Tunica had not become a refuge for some who wished to escape the wrath of 'Ike' and keep the hot rod out of harms way.

Competition Update

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-09-02T01:44:50-05:00

...Plans are to pursue the remainder of the 2008 NHRA race schedule, and in fact, the team got started a bit earlier than the Indy Nationals target date when Kenny Koretsky stepped up with additional sponsorship dollars to bring the team to the NHRA race in Reading Pennsylvania.

Speed Week

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-08-18T23:32:32-05:00

On my 'must do' list is to someday visit the Bonneville Speedway and take in the last bastion of hot rod competition at it's purest during Speed Week.... I've yet to visit the hot rodder's version of the great white way, but if photos do it the slightest bit of justice, then it's akin to visiting another planet.

Lakeland Speedbowl

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-07-29T00:37:01-05:00

Sure, Riverside Speedway has been around since almost the dawn of time and has a grand history all it's own, but this place seemed to serve a most basic need for speed as homemade race cars competed on this almost flat circle of a racetrack. ...After all, it's all part of the bigger story of how these hot rods and their drivers became the seriously organized racing scene that exists today, and it's also a part of what was a diverse array of racing competition that was contested around the Memphis area in past years.

The Saga of Zot

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-07-01T19:51:14-05:00

It came to be known as 'Zot' during this time frame, as most self respecting drag cars of the era had to have a cool name, so this racer was named after a popular character in the B.C. comic strip. ...His rebuild gave the car a new purpose as a nostalgic street runner complete with flathead power and remnants of it's last paint job still intact, and we can be glad that he did.

NHRR Recap

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-06-23T00:23:58-05:00

As shown in the photo above, all manner of unusual machinery was seen at Beech Bend, including a replica of the very first Ramchargers drag car. Yes, the headers are from outer space, and take the notion of "fenderwell exit" to a new dimension, but it is what was. ...The King and Marshall top fuel dragster did one of these short sprints as they usually do, but the grip on the track surface must have been real good this year as the car almost did a backflip as it teetered on one slick immediately after hitting the loud pedal.

Push Start Down Memory Lane

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-06-20T00:32:53-05:00

It appears that there are four such clips of the restored Stephens & Venables top fuel dragster over at the video repository known as You Tube, but I think this one says it all in hand held video camera glory. ...

Last Call for NHRR

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-06-11T02:22:26-05:00

It's simply a well cared for 30 year old flopper that has received just enough re-hab to appear periodically and remind us what a real funny car was before they became the brutally fast but mostly unrecognizable cars that compete today. ...So just in case you haven't made long range plans to be at Beech Bend Raceway this weekend, you still have a couple of days left to make it happen.

Last Minute Thrash

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-06-01T00:17:31-05:00

Now that the 2008 National Hot Rod Reunion looms as a targeted goal for completion, the wick is being turned up to complete the paint, lettering, and install various minor detailing pieces so that the car can make it's debut in Bowling Green.... As you can probably tell from the photos I made today, the tape has been laid out, and the painter is on his way, so it should be fully clothed by mid June if all goes as planned.

Gopher State Twin

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-05-15T23:22:50-05:00

There were occasional twins in Top Fuel, but they found more success in the Top Gas wars, a hotly contested category of drag racing which emerged in the post nitro ban era and lasted until it was unceremoniously nixed in 1972. ...Yet this is the car that drew Ted to race car restoration, and the nobility of preserving the history of drag racing for future enthusiasts to enjoy.

Digest Magazines

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-05-06T01:51:17-05:00

Follow along for a few months, and you'll see coverage of the NHRA Nationals in Detroit wherein Ray Godman, and Red Dyer won the A/MR roadster class and went on to the runner-up spot in top eliminator. ...You can probably still hide them in your history book, just in case you don't want your teacher to know what you're really reading, but it's OK to look upon them with newfound pride and find out how something old can be new again.

Coupe de Cool

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-04-22T23:15:05-05:00

He's the same 'Captain' Jack that refurbished his late uncles 32 Ford roadster (built in the 1940's) and brought it to the 2006 reunion complete with a centrifugally supercharged flathead, Ardun style head covers and a bare metal finish. ...Built the way it used to be done before anybody had any money, and nobody but a true hot rodder cared about cast off Ford coupes that had been left for dead.

2008 Rodders Reunion Plans Announced

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-04-17T23:30:17-05:00

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Klyce Motors 1952

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-03-26T01:20:06-05:00

Not the average out of focus scrapbook image, this razor sharp photo is the result of the 4X5 inch negative that the Graflex press cameras of the day produced, and lends an almost surreal look back to see what a hot rod club did some 56 years ago. Many thanks to the Commercial Appeal for allowing this photo to be used on this web site. ...It was always a well maintained hot rod with a history that never strayed far from the look seen in the photo, but David has raised the bar and made subtle changes that have returned it's appearance more to it's mid 1950's look.

Return to Thunder Valley

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-03-07T02:23:17-06:00

Robilio, Gilbert Bugg - B/Altered Charlie Edgin & (partner not remembered) - C/G Dragster Arthur Trim, Pat Williams, Albert Scipper - C/Gas Dragster Bill Davis & (partner not remembered) - B/Gas Dragster Leland Stanton & Ralph Freeman - D/Gas Dragster Tommy Calhoun & Gene McClanahan - AA/F Dragster ...After the 1967 edition of the NHRA Spring Nationals, things changed as the customary spring race weekend moved on to Englishtown New Jersey for one year, and then on to the new but short lived super track known as Dallas International Motor Speedway.

Ingenuity in Action

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-03-06T18:21:34-06:00

...

Two-Lane Memories

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-02-25T21:55:58-06:00

Although not unexpected, and the hand writing has been on the wall for years, it looks like this old haunt is finally about to be "re-developed" into something that will erase all evidence that it ever existed. ...It looks like it's up to us that frequented the place to keep some memories of the old track alive, because it's bones are being scraped away and the strip is being paved over to make room for a new condominium or some such.

Shop Till You Drop

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-02-25T00:43:40-06:00

Larry also has a web store on his site, where you can obtain the wicked cool 'Hawaiian' T-Shirt that was available at last year's reunion, as well as a poster of the famous flopper. More goods to come here as well, so add Larry's site to your bookmarks, and note that it's also on the Memphis Rodders links page.

Mr. 4 Speed

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-02-05T00:12:09-06:00

Local Memphis area drag racer Herb McCandless made a name for himself as a serious threat in the Super Stock wars of the 1960's and by the time 1970 rolled around, he was in on the ground floor of the Pro Stock era.... He then opened Herb McCandless Performance in Burlington North Carolina where he served the drag racing community as a Hemi engine expert, and did considerable development work on Chrysler small block engines for the next 22 years.

1967 NHRA Springnationals

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2008-01-19T03:37:31-06:00

I've poured through all the articles about the race that are in my stash of moth eaten magazines, and they pretty well confirm that the Memphis Rodders left their mark at the Springnationals. ...I know that at least a few of you occasionally look at this site who have the inside scoop on the spring of 1967, so consider passing some of that information along via e-mail or a blog comment and shed some light on what happened for those of us who are curious.

Reunion Donation Presented

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-11-29T00:46:29-06:00

Those of us that weren't there when the Memphis Rodders made the whole rodding and racing scene happen around Memphis get a great look back at our local hot rod history, and have a chance to mix it up with some of the true pioneers of our pastime. ...A hearty "Thank You" to every attendee for making the reunion a continuing success, and insuring that donations like this are possible for such a worthy cause.

NHRR Returns to Bowling Green

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-11-19T21:53:21-06:00

The event left last year for the larger grounds of National Trail Raceway in Columbus Ohio, but apparently some infrastructure improvements to Beech Bend, and a general fondness for the rustic Kentucky track has caused a change of heart. ...You'll see restored race cars you thought were long gone at this event, and many of the people that shaped hot rodding and drag racing into what it is today.

2007 Memphis Rodders Reunion Largest Ever

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-11-19T00:47:57-06:00

It's now Steve's personal hot rod, but both Steve and Don were present at the reunion and everyone was impressed with the quality of the restoration, and with the original ideas Don used when he created this stunner some 48 years ago. A big thanks to Steve for bringing this red beauty in from Martin TN for everyone to enjoy. ...Ted was kind enough to tow the fabled flopper to Memphis for this years reunion, and Larry Reyes was on hand to visit with anyone and everyone who recalled his days as the driver of this once feared drag racing icon.

Larry Reyes & the 'Hawaiian' to be Featured at Reunion

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-10-17T23:28:06-05:00

Larry Reyes was on hand to reclaim his old seat for the 'Cacklefest' and the cars original owner and event grand marshall Roland Leong, was also present before legions of admiring drag race fans. ...Seeing the notorious 'Hawaiian' flopper is enough reason to make this years Rodders Reunion a "must see" event, but an added bonus will be a photo slide show prepared from images made at both the CHRR and the NHRR of the 'Hawaiian' just for the Memphis Rodders Reunion audience.

Brasfield 36 Ford Restored

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-10-17T02:14:57-05:00

A competitor at drag races on the airstrip at Halls TN, and then given the show car treatment in 1958 and returned to street duty, this exceptional car blends hot rod and custom touches into one special machine. ...Chrome reverse wheels with wide whitewall tires, a louvered hood, and custom nerf bars round out the most obvious nostalgic features of this car. The perfect red paint just screams "hot rod".

Memphis Rodders Website Online

lkkphoto@gmail.com — 2007-10-17T01:38:40-05:00

Visit this website to keep abreast of all the latest news regarding future Memphis Rodders reunions. You will also find coverage of past reunions, historical information, and items of special interest on these pages.