RETRO: A Brief look at Bob Gliddens legendary NHRA career

One of Drag racing’s All-time Greats!

 

Bob Glidden was born in Whiteland, Indiana on August 18, 1944. He worked as a mechanic for Ed Martin ford in Anderson, Indiana, who later would sponsor Him.

 

Glidden began drag racing in the 1960’s with a Ford 427cid V-8 Fairlane, before switching to a 428 Cobra Jet Mustang in 1968.

 

Beginning in the Stock class, Glidden moved up to Super stock, winning frequently before turning Pro in 1972. Selling His Super Stock Mustangs in order to purchase a Pro Stoc Pinto from Jack Roush and Wayne Gapp.

 

He quit His mechanic’s job at Ed Martin ford in order to tur Pro fulltime, and finished second in His debutante Pro Stock race in the 1972 final Supernationals.

 

Glidden scored His maiden National Pro Stock victory at the 1973 U.S. Nationals. With His ford Pinto scorching the track with a 9.03 seconds pass. With a record 152.54mph as the No. 1 qualifier., defeating Gapp in the finals.

 

For 1974, bob won a further three events, including the Springnationals and His second U.S. Nationals, along with a Division 3 event. As both Divisionals and National events were part of the series.

 

Setting a new elapsed time record at bowling Green, Kentucky and earning 400 bonus points. Along with defeating Gapp again in the U.S. Nationals, allowed Glidden to “power” past Gapp and Wally booth for that season’s championship!

 

In 1975 during a mid-season slump, Glidden reacquired His 1974 Pinto and ultimately won seven NHRA events enroute to His second straight Winston title.

 

A Fan’s street-legal tribute to the most famous Pro Stock Pinto

 

1976 was an off-year for Glidden, finishing sixth overall, followed by second in 1977 behind don Nicholson.

 

For 1978, Glidden began the season with wins in the Winter Nationals and Cajun Nationals aboard his Pinto. Bob then transitioned to a Ford Fairmont, which He went undefeated in. With five consecutive races at season’s end.

 

Glidden claimed his third Pro Stock championship that year, and his seven wins tied the legend us’ snake, aka don Prudhomme for most Nationals wins that year.

 

His seven wins broke the previous Pro Stock single season record of six wins by Bill Jenkins.

 

1979 would be the only year that Bob won a Pro Stock National Championship in a vehicle other than Ford. Utilizing a Plymouth Arrow to claim His fourth Winston Pro Stock crown.

 

Having retired His undefeated Fairmont, Glidden went on a tear in His Arrow. Winning the season opener winter Nationals, and going undefeated for 14 races and 50 rounds! With the streak ending in June in Denver. Winning another seven National events that season.

 

His 1980 NHRA campaign would be His most difficult, capturing an unlikely third consecutive Pro Stock title at season’s end vs. the dominant Lee shepherd in a Chevrolet Camaro.

 

Glidden’s corporate backer Chrysler filed for Bankruptcy, forcing Glidden to race on His own “Dime”. And by round three, had parked the Arrow for a uncompetitive 1980 Ford Fairmont.

 

Switching to an unconventional big block motor, the tide slowly turned in Glidden’s favour. With fellow competitors nicknaming Him Mad dog that season!

 

Yet Glidden trailed Shepherd by 250 points entering the season ending World Finals at Ontario, California. With Sheppard simply needing to win round two to clinch His first Pro Stock Championship.

 

Shepherd broke a transmission in Round-2. While Glidden went onto set fastest ET and win the finals from pole position to win His fifth career Pro Stock title.

 

Bob Glidden’s Unlikely Championship defines making of a legend

 

Glidden entered one last season in 1981 with His Boss 429 derived big block V-8 Fairmont.

 

Then at ford’s urging, Glidden endured a miserable 1982 season in a short wheelbase Ford EXP which was designed for a 351 Cleveland V-8 small block, before NHRA changed its rules to a straight 500 cubic inch displacement, catching Glidden unprepared.

 

Bob claimed that stuffing the big block in the EXP made it the worst car He ever raced! Although managing to win once aboard this unloved racecar. As Shepherd would reel-off four consecutive Pro Stock titles between 1981-84.

 

Going 500 – Early days of 500-inch Pro Stock

 

1983 saw Ford, Glidden and Ricky Smith debut the new Thunderbird, and the rest as they say is history…

 

Glidden won the first of five consecutive Pro Stock titles in 1985, claiming five wins enroute to His sixth Pro Stock crown.

 

1986 started off slowly, before winning six of the final seven races. Then in 1987, a further eight victories followed, including His 60th “Wally!”

 

Glidden qualified No. 1 for all 14 races, made the finals 10 times and won 42 rounds! Along with winning five straight races at season’s end.

 

He retired His championship winning Ford thunderbird after 19 Pro Stock wins. And won His fourth straight title aboard a Ford Probe, which I believe He campaigned until His retirement in 1997.

 

Glidden won nine times in 1989, enroute to His tenth and final Pro Stock Championship, winning 49 times during the 1980’s.

 

By His standards, Glidden won a paltry seven times between 1990-93, with His 85th and final victory coming in 1995 at the Mopar Nationals in Englishtown, NJ.

 

Glidden missed the majority of the ’95 season due to having six-bypass Open Heart surgery during the off season and retired in 1997 after two races.

 

Glidden attempted to contest the 1998 U.S. Nationals, a race He’d won nine times, but failed to qualify. Bob then worked on programs for Ford along with being a Crew Chief for multiple Pro Stock teams.

 

Glidden was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994. Ranked No. 4of the NHRA’s Top-50 drivers in 2001. And inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Bob and wife Etta had two sons, Rusty and Buddy. With Rusty also racing NHRA Pro Stock, even defeating His father once in 1996. Before Glidden died at age 73 on December 17, 2017, having been diagnosed with cancer the previous year… 

Haas’s F1 Gong show

As where’s the ‘Ol Cat-in-The-Hat’ when Yuhs need Him?

 

During the lead-up to this year’s Italian grand Prix, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed they were holding their own version of Jack Roush’s legendous’ gong Show for Esteban Ocon’s seat for 2027.

 

Back-in-the-day, Roush used to hold driver shoot-outs for His Trans Am team. As I still recall Robby dirtMann’ Gordon coming out on top for the Nasty Whistler Ford Mustang Trans Am car in the early 1990’s…

 

Ok, so my memory’s a little hazy. Since it was actually for Roush’s IMSA GTO entry, which Gordon drove that Nasty Whistler Radar sponsored Mustang in 1991, albeit He did run a Trans Am event in 1992.

 

“Ayao Komatsu says Esteban Ocon is competing with Ryo Hirakawa, Jack Doohan, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara for one 2027 Haas drive.”

 

Although its worth noting that Haas F1 driver Oliver “Ollie” Beraman, a Ferrari Academy member is set to retain His drive for next season.

 

Hirakawa, Fornaroli and Camara tested at Jerez previously. With Doohan set to test at Jerez following the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid.

 

Doohan is Haas’s reserve driver this year, while Hirakawa is backed by Toyota. Camara is a Ferrari Academy member, and Fornaroli is the reigning Formula 2 champion and McLaren F1 reserve driver.

 

Of these four aspiring drivers, I’d have to guess that Fornaroli is the leading candidate, but who knows, Eh? As politics could play a role in deciding. And who will Haas favour. Toyota or Ferrari? Both substantial Haas F1 backers.

 

As the latest scuttlebutt now puts Ferrari “Junior” Rafael Camara as the leading candidate at 90% certain, while only time will tell… 

F1: alpine Boss Briatore making Waves Again

But are we really surprised by this Italian’s panache for Controversy?

 

Once again, the man knowing no boundaries for controversy, HMS Monogram, aka Flavor Flav, nee Flavio Briatore is making waves again…

 

Recently, in the long running kerfuffle over the outcome of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, with Alpine having first successfully appealed Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly being stripped of third place. Subsequent appeal by rival Formula 1 teams McLaren and Red Bull saw Gasly’s reinstatement overruled prior to this year’s Italian Grand Prix.

 

The row centers over Gasly having had two five second time penalties for speeding in pitlane overturned on appeal by Alpine, being the only team to do so, albeit multiple teams were handed speeding penalties, regardless of apparent technical issues with monitoring equipment…

 

The ever colourful Briatore, best known for incurring a lifetime ban from F1 over Renault’s infamous Crashgate, before being overturned. Extraordinarily accused one of the FIA’s International Court of Appeals (ICA) judges of being “very linked” to McLaren.

 

Stating we have a very nice photo of American judge Filippo Marchino speaking at a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) function in Beverly Hills, California while holding up a picture. And then claiming that McLaren had given two, or three McLaren cars to His foundation.

 

Naturally, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella seated next to Briatore during the FIA press conference found Briatore’s accusatory comments inflammatory and totally denied such nonsense!

 

While subsequently, the ICA has hit out at Briatore’s accusations by saying it was very odd that Alpine hadn’t raised such allegations twice during the initial appeals process.

 

FIA Court says Alpine raise no objections to Appeals panel list

 

With the ICA having overruled Alpine’s appeal, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was reinstated as finishing third at Monaco, with Gasly dropping to seventh. A swing of nine points. With Alpine being sixth in the F1 Constructors Championship as of the Italian Grand Prix with 62 points, 13 behind now fifth place Racing Bulls with 75.

 

F1 Points standings after Monaco ruling – Alpine loses out

 

On a happier note, Pierre Gasly scored a shock, maiden F1 pole at Monza on His 189th Grand Prix start! The second longest streak for starts before a first pole. Surpassed only by Sergio Perez’s maiden pole on His 215th start at Jeddah in 2022, then driving for Red Bull.

 

Yet Gasly was swiftly overtaken by front row starter George Russell in the superior Mercedes and ultimately faded to seventh by race’s end.

 

The pole position at Monza’s renown “Temple of speed” was also Alpine’s debutante pole, in the guise of its latest team name. Since “Team Enstone” has a long, glorious and controversial history. Having won four F1 Drivers titles and three F1 Constructors crowns as Benetton and Renault, all under Briatore’s leadership.

 

Gasly was ranked 10th in the drivers’ standings following Monza with 41 points. His best finish being sixth at Shanghai International circuit. (China) With a total of eight top-10 finishes. (As of Round 13)

 

Teammate Franco Colapinto was 12th with 21 points. Also, with a best finish of sixth at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. (Montreal) With a total of seven top-10 finishes. (As of Round 13)

 

As Colapinto finished seventh at the new Madring circuit at Madrid a week later, with Gasly P12. Where thankfully, HMS Monogram’, (Briatore) kept his “Piehole” shut! And hopefully will just let the Monaco ruling stand and move along without stirring the pot any further this season… 

Markham Syrup

Now if I could only find some Canadian Bacon to put on my Flapjacks…

 

Yeah, I could try scribblin’ something clever about the Jersey barriers Cleco fasteners being in inches instead of millimetres or visa versa. Or those barriers getting held up in traffic on the Gordie Howe Bridge, or victims of our never ending deluge ‘O Tarif’s et al…

 

So I won’t spend any time upon Friday’s disappointment of being cancelled due to track completion issues, which has been covered ad nauseum!

 

Adding insult to injury, reportedly fans would miss the first thirty minutes of qualifying Saturday, unless they had the FS1 App, Seriously?

 

What happened to IndyCar being a priority for FOX! Yuhs know, one third owner of IndyCar, Buh-Buh-Believable!

 

As I’ll agree with The Pit window’s Mike Silver that this is inexcusable!

 

Marcus Armstrong’s prediction of Qualie’ being a red flag derby certainly proved correct! As when’s the last time we’ve seen thee Surgeon’, aka Alex Palou making a mistake and tearing up all four corners of His racecar after hitting the wall on both sides!

 

As Palou’s claims about the track being Wicked certainly played out over the weekend! Telling IndyCar Radio that the track felt like a road course, but the walls were waiting to get you!

 

Yet prior to Palou’s up close and personal liaison with the walls, Will Power did so during Saturday’s second practice session. Sliding wide in Turn 10 and Whamo! Tore off the right side of His Dallara.

 

A.J. Foyt’s Caio Collet also tagged the wall in practice two. As both Collet’s and Power’s crew had to scramble to replace their floor, bell housing )hybrid) and right side suspension, front and rear in time for qualifying.

 

But the mayhem was just getting started! As Will Power added insult to injury by spinning 180-degrees during His first round qualifying session, bringing out a red flag if I remember correctly? As DJ WillyP’ would ultimately start Shotgun on the field in P25 after a six place grid penalty for an unapproved engine change.

 

As several drivers were dolled out six place grid penalties for having their engines replaced. Including both ECR drivers Alexander rossi and Christian Rasmussen. Meyer shank Racing’s Marcus Armstrong is in a terrible funk. Having had tree engines replaced in the last four races, including the previous Portland race, Youch!

 

Power’s Andretti Global teammate “Kirk” Kirkwood joined the party, along with McLaren’s Pato O’ward. Seeing six drivers with new engines at Markham.

 

Collet’s misery continued, also bringing out a red flag during Round 1 Qualie’, reportedly having run out of fuel, Yikes! Before Josef Schlick’ Newgarden slammed the wall during Group 2’s first round qualifying session, Wham!

 

When  the dust settled, it was Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Louis Foster securing His second career IndyCar pole, with McLaren’s Bad Boy Christian Lundgaard alongside the Brit.

 

Row 2 saw Penske’s ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) third, with Andretti’s Marcus Ericsson fourth. Dale Coyne Racing rookie Dennis Hauger an impressive fifth and Junco Hollinger Racing’s Rinus VeeKay sixth.

 

Although I walked round Thy bungalow-by-the-Sea muttering what a Shit show during the flurry ‘O

full course cautions! I must say it was the most entertaining race overall! Even with the five, or was it six; “Well do Yuhs feel Lucky Punk?” Err however many full course cautions Thar’ were…

 

As Markham’s foreboding walls snatched many competitors, including pole sitter Foster, who got too excited trying to pass eventual race winner Marcus Ericsson. Along with others like Mick Schumacher and Kyle Kirkwood.

 

Marcus Ericsson charges to first win with Andretti at Markham

 

According to For the Love of Indy’s R. Hando, Ericsson’s victory drought of 63 races was the fifth longest. As not surprisingly, Graham Rahal has the longest at 124 races. Followed by Johnny Rutherford’s 97, Marko Andretti’s 77, and Grandpappy Super Mario’, aka Mario Andretti’s 73.

 

Best part of race was hearing Ericsson’s pit strategist saying Go Get ‘Em! Which the Swede dually complied. Even with a somewhat momentarily tense “cozy-up” with Andretti teammate Power when the two brushed wheels during Marcus’s pass for then third place.

 

Next Ericsson passed second place Alex Palou before tracking down and passing Romain Grosjean for an eventual 7.6 second win with five laps remaining.

 

And as much as I was happy with Ericsson’s win, I have to admit I had two sets ‘O fingers crossed for Grosjean. Who wryly commented afterwards something about it being a pretty good day when you’re ahead of the No. 10!

 

Yet Grosjean was in a massive fuel save mode the final 15-plus laps and couldn’t use any of His remaining 94 seconds of Push-to-Pass (P2P) extra horsepower. As IndyCar Radio pit reporter Joel Sebastianelli said one of Grosjean’s crew had told Him He felt sick when asking if Grosjean had enough fuel to finish the race…

 

And Nicky Salt’ Yeoman read out the crazy statistic of it being 5,469 days since Grosjean had won a race, Youza!

 

As I loved Romain’s reply to David Land afterwards. Saying Yes! I was in formula 1 for ten years – where if you don’t have the car, you don’t win!

 

As I do still remember Romain giving chase to ‘lil Syd viddle’ at the 2013 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit Of The Americas. With the Lotus driver being the “sausage” in the Red Bull bun with Sebastian Vettel winning and Mark Webber third.

 

David Land also said that IndyCar’s Kirk Cavin pointed out that Marcus Ericsson finished fifth in Grosjean’s 2011 Hungaroring GP2 win. And ironically, Ericsson’s last win three-and-a-half years ago at St Petersburg. (2023) Was just three races before Romain’s last runner-up finish at Barber Motorsports Park.

 

Further irony over the two former formula 1 pilotes history being intertwined, is the fact that Ericsson replaced Grosjean in the No. 28 Andretti Global entry for 2024 after Grosjean’s rocky, two year tenue…

 

Grosjean now has six runner-up finishes to date, moving one ahead of David Malukas. Now tied with Geoff Brabham for second most career runner-up finishes without a victory, and possibly could be His last in IndyCar? 

HYDROS: New Rules, Old Blues

Where another season comes to a close with last year’s same ‘Ol issues…

 

As previously mentioned, this year H1 Unlimited has introduced a new racing format for how long I don’t know?

 

For Mwah, a longtime Unlimited aficionado, the best part of the events final was the five minute milling period. As it was always fascinating over who’d outfox who for the preferred Lane 1.

 

The series even introduced a rule requiring the drivers to a minimum speed of 80mph, and effectively staying on a plane.

 

Having just watched the 1985 Miami regatta, this rule caught out Steve Reynolds in the Miss 7-Eleven. With Reynolds cheekily saying something about bill Muncey would have tried getting away with it, or something to that effect!

 

While boat owner Steve Woomer argued with officials to no avail…

 

Then H1 Unlimited cancelled the minimum 80mph rule, presumably from too many violations impacting race outcomes.

 

Thus for 2026, H1 Unlimited has introduced a points-based accumulation system, with every point counting towards lane selection. Beginning with the fastest qualifier assigned Lane 1 for the events first Heat.

 

Boats are then “split” (inverted) between Heats 1A and 1B on a odd-even basis, with the second fastest Hydroplane being in Lane 1 for Heat 1B. While I believe this 1-3-5-7; 2-4-6-8 “split”, or Heat draw continues for the remaining qualifying Heats up to the final.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

This new weekend points accumulation system only allows for each competitor choosing Lane 1 and Lane 2 once per season for the finals.

 

Andrew Tate chose Lane 2 for Madison, and Lane 1 for Seafair. BWR Racing teammate Jimmy Shane chose Lane 1 at Tri-Cities and Arse-sumedly chose Lane 2 at Seattle, since that’s the lane He raced in.

 

Therefore, I believe both BWR Racing skippers will only be able to choose Lane 3 for this weekend’s San Diego Bill Muncey Cup finale.

 

Also new this year, and for Mwah a breath ‘O fresh air. The H1 Unlimited livestream has replaced Tanner Foust with former Unlimited Hydroplane driver Dustin Echols. And I find it a vast improvement, with no disrespect towards Foust.

 

Echols brings a youthful, infectious manner to His “Driver analyst” colour commentator role, and the chemistry between Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce is excellent!

 

Not to mention, I appreciate how Luce doesn’t take Himself too seriously. Fessing up to His mistake of trying to make Dustin older than He was when asking Him what it was like transitioning between an open cockpit to racing an enclosed canopy Unlimited Hydroplane. Saying He noticed Dustin’s look at Him while taking one for the team and answering politically correct without throwing Luce under water…

 

That said, for another year in-a-row, the livestream’s volume level is simply Atrocious!

 

I really do not understand why I need to Jack Up the volume 30 levels in order to be able to hear Echols and Luce’s pre-race banter. And then turn it down 8-10 levels during race when Luce starts screaming…

 

Guessing its Broadcasting 101? Since All the announcers do this screaming trick, but I don’t understand why!

 

As Mark Gravelly’ James and Michael Screech’ Young’s screaming over Kyfinn Simpson and Christian Lundgaard banging wheels during the middle of Portland’s IndyCar race definitely woke me up while fighting over ninth place! But I digress…

 

Also, I don’t understand why H1 Unlimited cannot have a microphone to pickup the sound of the Hydroplanes on course. As they managed to do so for the gold Cup event in Madison, but the two Warshinton’ races, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle were completely devoid of any Hydroplane noise.

 

As I’ve come to enjoy the whooshing sounds of the Unlimited boats screaming by, and for someone who’s blind, I cannot watch any of the action onscreen!

 

Which is why without any mechanical race boat noise and trumped-up, manufactured Hype of screaming at me all race long, its pretty hard for me to get excited!

 

Yeah, I know Brad Luce says if that didn’t get me excited than I better look for some other sort of entertainment…

 

Yet I do love Hydroplane racing. I just wish I didn’t have to turn my Confuzer’ speakers up to 99 in order to hear the announcers and then down to 76 when one’s screaming and there’s no turbine whine of the Unlimiteds racing by! 

HYDROS: Will Jimmy Shane’s Magical season continue?

    

And can He win another APBA National High Points championship this weekend?

 

Think the IndyCar season is far too short? Then just try wrappin’ your Noggin around the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane season lasting a scant two plus months. Having begun on July 5th at Madison, Indiana, and finishing this Sunday at San Diego’s Bayfair on Mission Bay. With the season ending’s traditional Bill Muncey Cup just 77 days later!

 

As it seems a really, really long time ago since Gory Fourth ‘O July weekend Y’all!

 

Madison, IN Gold Cupp Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 Miss BWR Racing, Andrew Tate

U-3 Tahoe Miss, Cory Peabody

U-6 Miss Madison, Brandon Kennedy

U-11 Miss Flav-r-Pac, Jamie Nilsen

U-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runne

 

First off, I’ve been critical of the sport for several years now. And Arse-sumedly will continue to do so as long as their Youtube love stream audio continues to Suck!

 

That said, a very cursory look forty years ago, reveals that the 1986 Budweiser Unlimited season opener at Miami had ten boats entered; with Bernie Little, the Dom of Unlimited boat racing running two Hulls. Running two cockpit canopy boats. The U-12 revolutionary 1985 Bubble Bud piston powered Griffon “Monster”. And their very first turbine Hydro. With Scott Pierce in the Griffon Bud, and Jim Kropfeld in the turbine Beer Wagon.

 

Naturally, the top three qualifiers were the fleets trio of Lycoming T55 (Helicopter) turbine powered craft. The U-11 Bud being fastest at 122.719mph. Followed by Steve Reynolds in the (U-711) Miss 7-Eleven  and Chip Hanauer in the U-1 Miller American, with Scotty Pierce the fastest of the piston boats.

 

Ron Snyder was driving the oldest Hull; the lone, remaining conventional (Driver behind engine) 13 year old former Pride of Pay ‘n Pak. Now the U-6 Holset Miss Madison, with Snyder returning to the tiller after a year’s absence. While Jerry Hopp in the U-7 Riggin’s Crab House failed to qualify.

 

Thus my rudimentary math says this year’s season opener at Madison, Indiana, the prestigious Gold Cup no less. Had 23% less combatants, i.e.; two fewer Hydroplanes.

 

Yet the 1986 season opener had five boats in the final. both Miss Budweiser’s, with the Miss Madison sandwiched between the two Beer Wagons. Spoiling Bernie Little’s hoped for 1-2 finish,  with Kropfeld scoring a turbine boat’s first win on salt water. And the Pantry Pride and first alternate, Miss MerCruiser finished fourth and fifth respectively.

 

In comparison, this year’s season opening Madison regatta’s Gold Cup final also had five Hydroplanes racing, albeit four contestants with a fifth trailer boat. As the two BWR Racing boats lined up against the Strong Racing duo, with the Miss Madison the trailer.

 

Jimmy Shane, who’d retired from Unlimited racing at season’s end, 2022. Having won five Gold Cups and seven APBA National High Points championships, and tied for fourth overall in career wins with 25. Equaling the late, great Dean Chenoweth, was returning after a four year hiatus from the sport.

 

Shane replaced the retiring Dave Villwock, who has the most career H1 Unlimited wins with 68 at the sport’s new powerhouse, BWR Racing.

 

This year, the sport has a new race format, where driver lanes are chosen by order of the driver with the most points, which I’ll discuss my thoughts upon this later.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

Thus the two fastest boats got lane choice first ahead of the others, with BWR Racing’s Andrew Tate choosing first. With Tate taking what  He thought was the preferred Lane 2, and Shane taking the dubious Lane 1.

 

Strong Racing’s  J. Michael Kelly was in Lane 3, and rounding out the field was teammate Cory Peabody in Lane 4. With Brandon Kennedy in the Miss Madison trailing the field.

 

I said dubious Lane 1 since new H1 Unlimited Colour commentator and Driver Analyst Dustin Echols, former skipper of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Hydroplane aptly coined Lane 1’s “Hole” the Turf Monster! Even noting how you could see the darker patch of water in this hole.

 

As the Turf Monster reared its ugly head in Heat 3B when current U-40 Unlimited driver Dylan Runne raced down to Turn 1 in Lane 1 and promptly “Hooked” the turn, putting Him out of contention for the rest of the qualifying heat!

 

Yet Shane had won the (2021) Gold cup previously at Madison running in Lane 1 and as the four Hydros made a perfect start, Shane flew thru the corner and effectively never looked back enroute to His sixth gold cup victory!

 

Shane’s only blemish over the weekend occurred in Heat 3B when suffering from rudder “flutter”, with Shane noting the mechanical issue really tore Him up!

 

And although Shane and Tate ran deck-to-deck for three of the final’s five laps. With H1 Unlimiteds Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce noting how Shane was literally flying the boat! With Shane later saying He’d gotten eight feet out of the water on one lap before settling back down!

 

Nobody could touch Jimmy Shane! Who set two more milestones in His storied Unlimited career. Along with winning on return from a four year hiatus. The win moved His career tally to 26 victories, taking sole possession of fourth all-time. While His sixth Gold Cup win surpassed being tied with the great Gar Wood. And I believe also puts Him fourth overall for Gold Cup victories?

 

Since Chip Hanauer and Dave Villwock are tied for most Gold Cup wins with eleven apiece, and Bill Muncey has eight W’s.

 

Thanks to the three hours weather delay at the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, I got to “watch”, Err listen to most of Sunday’s Unlimited action. Even with one of the Heats being cancelled with 1:24 on the clock to going Green! As the same weather system was moving thru the Ohio river, along with causing large amounts of debris to clog the river and encroach upon the racecourse. With the final being delayed until 4:35PM Pacific if I remember correctly?

 

Tate was issued a Bearing Out penalty for encroaching on another driver’s lane, thus dropping from second to last. (fifth) Peabody finished second, Kelly third and Kennedy fourth.

MUSEUMS: My Most Excellent Docent

Tomaso and Martin Auto Museum Docent Jeff standing in front of Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As I’ve mentioned previously, I had the most awesome docent named Jeff during my personally guided three hours tour. Wayback’ this February

 

I really enjoyed Jeff taking His time and not rushing thru the museum. Along with inquiring if I was interested in whatever vehicle we were approaching or standing in front of? As Jeff quickly realized my tastes were quite broad…

 

For example, well into our tour, Jeff asked me if I liked VW’s? Briefly describing their 1973 23 window conversion van built in Brazil.

 

When Jeff had me feel how the windows “popped” out for ventilation. I mused they were exactly like ‘Ol blue’s, the 1980’s Ford Econoline Camper van conversion we’d taken to the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Can that really be a quarter of a century ago now?

 

As Jeff seemed genuinely surprised over my description of how it’s windows popped out exactly like the Volkswagen’s, and most interested in my description of it’s custom, unique sliding glass side windows aluminum conversion pop-top…

Jeff mentioned He was a member of the local Red Devils Car club and seemed quite proud of His 1962 and 1/2 Econoline pickup truck with electronic fuel injection.

 

Kudos to Jeff’s excellent presentation of the Martin Auto Museum and some of its vast array of vehicles.

 

Salute Jeff!

 

You can check out the Museo’s website at the link below.

 

Martin Auto Museum

 

Or visit Rick DeBruhl’s YOutube channel (link) below. Where He’s chronicled many of Martin Auto Museum’s cavernous 170-plus strong collection, Momma Mia!

 

Rick DeBruhl

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Martin Auto Museum Hidden Gems

Vintage 1929 custom popcorn truck. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

What’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about a diamond in the rough…

 

There’s simply just far too much to scribble about from my initial visit to the Martin Auto Museum. Which has a bit of everything on display.

 

Like that vintage popcorn & peanuts truck above. To the unheard of and unknonwn likes of the Streetnik Bandit tribute rod and the 1929 Franklin.

 

Yet of growing interest to Mwah after-the-fact is the Museo’s 1929 Franklin Model 135 Sedan. Since I just love the story about how the front radiator grill is fake!

 

Having been added to ease consumers thoughts of what an automobile should look like after dealers demands…

 

In 1929, there were three Franklin models to choose from, the 130, 135 and 137, all powered by the company’s air cooled six cylinder engine.

 

Ironically, there just so happened to be an article about the very 1929 Frankin in question in the April issue of the Martin Automotive Times Newsletter, Shazam!

 

So I’ll let the Museo’s unofficial spokesman Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting with His excellent 12 minutes video on this very car instead.

 

VIDEO: 1929 Franklin: Innovation, Elegance and the Crash that Killed It

 

While here’s another Youtube video I found detailing the Franklin’s unique air-cooled engine, ahead of its time.

 

VIDEO: Franklin’s last in-line 274cid engine

 

And thanks to museum Docent Gene, I learned that there’s a Franklin Auto museum in Tucson, Arizona, which I wasn’t aware of. With Gene claiming there’s some 30 Franklins on display, along with a cutaway Franklin air cooled engine.

 

Franklin Auto Museum

 

Lastly, albeit an earlier version of the Franklin. Here’s a good video upon their 1923 automobile, including actually driving said vehicle…

 

VIDEO: They beat Porsche to the Punch: Franklin’s Air-cooled Automobiles

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Two very different Pace Cars at Martin Auto Museum

The 1963 Chrysler Pace Setter on display in Arizona. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Remember Pontiac’s jingle about Winder’s Better, Y’all?

 

Like the Martin Auto Museum, who’s vast collection quickly outgrew it’s original building. With proprietor Mel Martin buying up an entire city block!

 

There’s just so Mucho to talk about that my story quickly outgrew its original footprint, which is quite typical here at No Fenders. So Y’all guessed it, I cranked out another story, Toh-Duh!

 

Somewhere past the one plus hour mark, my most excellent Docent Jeff steered me past two Pace Cars sitting side-by-side. The first peaking my Attention, being the 1963 Indianapolis 500 Chrysler 300, the year that ‘Ol Rufus Parnelli Jones became the first to qualify at 150mph.

 

As the feat was celebrated by awarding Parnelli 150 silver dollars, before Jones won the race in ‘Ol Calhoun. J.C. Agajanian’s Watson Roadster.

 

A 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible Pace Car was driven in the 47th Indianapolis 500 by 1957 Indy 500 winner Sam Hanks, with IMS owner Tony Hulman riding Shotgun. The last Pace car awarded to the team owner.

 

Thanks to Rick DeBruhl, who’s detailed many of these vehicles with His Auto Evolution series, I learned that said Chrysler 300 was a Pacesetter edition. With 1,861 convertibles being sold as celebratory models to commemorate Chrysler pacing that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

VIDEO: 1963 Chrysler 300 Pacesetter

 

Alongside this Chrysler 300 Pacesetter sat perhaps a Pontiac? Something that paced a NASCAR race, possibly the Day-Toner’ 500? But don’t remember what race it was from.

 

A follow-up phone call with Martin Auto Museum docent Gene revealed that it was indeed a celebratory 1988 Pontiac Pace car.

 

After a little more sluicing, err sleuthing. From the Museo’s website I learned it was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Pace Car edition of that year’s Daytona 500 Pace Car. When Bobby Allison won ahead of Davey, with the father-son duo finishing 1-2.

 

Although the sixth generation Pontiac Grand Prix won Motor Trend’s 1988 Car of the Year award, the actual Daytona 500 Pace Car was heavily modified. Since the Grand Prix came stock with an anemic 2.8-litre transverse mounted V-6 lump’ rated at 140Bhp, be still my beating Heart!

 

Rick DeBruhl completely describes this W Body front wheel drive sedan in the video below.

 

VIDEO: The Sleekest car of 1988 - The Pontiac Grand Prix

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Move Over Penske, we’re visiting the Martin Auto Museum instead

Tomaso taking a spin in His Daddy’s (1964) T-Bird at the Martin Auto Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As where’s ‘Ol Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen and that Hot Rod Lincoln when Yuhs need Him?

 

VIDEO: Hot Rod Lincoln

 

Thanks to Snowbyrd MJ’ signing up for a Senior’s guided tour, Wayback’ on January 15th. Inadvertently we learned about an unknown gem of an Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona. Which the Museo’s brochure proclaiming it’s the largest car museum in Arizona.

 

The museum has approx. 185-187 vehicles, obviously with something for everyone to see. As suddenly I was on the telephone talking with Bob, who’s a volunteer at the museum. Asking if they had any Ford Mustang Mach 1’s on hand?

 

Nope, we’ve got a 1968 Bullitt’ Replicar, a ’67 and ’64 I think He said? Although it would have to be a 1964 1 /2, since the Mustang became available to the public in April of that year. Which the early Stangs’ are designated, if memory serves me correctly…

 

While No Bob’s your Uncle jokes here, Hya! Also mentioning something about two Shelby’s. Telling me about hod one had only six miles on it’s odometer; having been assembled from parts in the 1980’s.

 

Then He asked me if I’d ever heard of a Tucker? Telling me the museum had number 20-something of the 51 built. Number 23 perhaps? Claiming it cost the museum $1.7m plus several thousand in paperwork. Think He said $11k?

 

This would coincide nicely with the number $1.8m bandied about during my later visit. While the Tucker 48 in question is No. 21 of 51…

 

Naturally I had to launch into telling Him about how America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA also has a Tucker in its vast collection, He mentioned something about another Tucker owner placing His prized on the second floor of His building…

 

When He told me He was a Chevy guy, I couldn’t resist and playfully said we were doing Ok until you told me that, Hya! Explaining how I’m a Died-in-the-wool FoMoCo’ (Ford Motor Company)  Guy!

 

As Bob wanted to tell me about His 1940’s Packard He owned and His next door neighbours cars, including a 2022 Shelby Mustang, which I think He said had 740 Ponies? (740Bhp)

 

Before we needed to hang-up, so Bob and His other volunteer Jeff could get back to leading the tour that Snowbyrd MJ’ and company were on. Telling us to come back and visit on Thursday’s, when they’re both there.

 

Naturally, immediately after hanging up, I “googled” a query for Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, AZ. As their website proclaims Martin Auto Museum and Event Center at 43^rd Ave. and Thunderbird Road.

 

A very cursory visit to the website’s About Us page mentions how they’ve now got over 170 vehicles in their collection, with the museum having begun in 2005. Quickly outgrowing its original premises, a new location was established in 2022.

 

As the museum is dedicated to the preservation of Classic Cars, Hod Rods, Customs and Imports. Along with an extensive Automotive memorabilia

Including vintage gas pumps, signage, etc.

 

There’s over 700 parking spaces for hosting events. Along with three separate “event” rooms.

 

There’s the Cadillac Class room, being 3,500 square feet. Seating up to 80 people. Plus Audio/Video equipment.

 

Next is the Mustang meeting room at 4,900 square feet. Which seats up to 150 people. With Audio/Video and a projector.

 

And then there’s the Bristol Ballroom at 12,500 square feet. Seating up to 500 people for weddings, etc.

 

As it sounds like its got friendly staff volunteers and an awesome collection of Automobilia, which I couldn’t wait to go visit when in Arizona this February…

 

Martin Automotive Museum and Event Center

 

To continue reading, please visit the following No fenders link below.

 

The most Awesome introduction to the Martin Auto Museum

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel.