ANTIQUE NATIONALS- Great Sunday out.

Well Sunday was a bloody Hot day to be at the drags but for some cool rides and great racing, the Antique nationals is always a fun event.
Below Marky of the Shifters, puts his ” Purple people Eater” through it’s paces and this time the Altered is pretty much sorted and puts the power down to the Tarmac, I think the photographers were expecting that Epic 4 wheel Arial run from last year, but it was sweet, she hooked and launched, good job Marky.

Always great to see the Hot rods run and this time on the 1/4 mile so they can really stretch their Flathead powered legs.

Awesome atmospher and everyone is friendly at this Annual event.

I’m not the best camera guy but wanted to capture as much as I could in the heat.

Diane Branch gets into it and love seeing Girls race and she was quick too.

The staging lanes had some cool rides getting ready to let it all go on the 1/4.

Squeak Bell of the Shifters runs his Chopped rod and is sat right in the backseat area, so Nostalgic and fun to watch,albeit my wobbly filming but was trying to watch him and film at the same time.

Cragar powered Midget looked so awesome, but took too long to make a pass, but got hm sitting on the track.

Always love the Gassers and plenty of them to see at Fontana this weekend too.

Diane Branch takes the Win, great to see and of course hear.

My mate Charles Girlfriend Runs her coupe and gets away well, only to be pipped at the end.

I love Motorcycles as you know.

The WL surely was a fun and fast machine for its time and still running strong.

Always great to see a couple of Trumpys going at it.

Let’s hope next year we get more bikes to race each other.

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Plenty to see and love the step side.

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Pick ups are popular as ever and the weather was perfect for today’s racing at Fontana.

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Trumpy sits after going to Tech and ready to race.

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Tom Branch from Pasadena and his oh So Nice Roadster awaits his tech band and then he is ready too.

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Great to see a modified and it was fast fr a four banger too.

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Gassers, freight trains and mountains with the Sun out, superb day ahead.

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Love the little A-Bone and it was fun seeing this machine get a work out on the 1/4 mile.

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Love this and would be awesome as a shop delivery, Acme sponsored. ” American Company Making Everything”

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Diane Branch getting her ride Teched.

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Squeak Bell of the Shifters sits and awaits tech.

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Braver man than me, half naked and in an Altered too!

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Nice little Scalloped T awaits a check.

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Yes please, loved this Caddy- same color as my Triumph too.

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Loved these two just sat on the tarmac, the roadster is just right.

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I so wanted that Roadster just right in every way for me.

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Just chilling before the call to get o the strip.

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Cool 5 window with slicks, awaits the call.

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Loved this Midget and boy what a slick Mill.

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Nice to see still around.

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Three window on the strip at half gallop and sounded great.

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Such a Clean 29 Roadster and ready to take it for a blap up the strip.

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Great day to see so many rides stretch their legs.

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BLAAAAP!!!!!

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Roadster pick up was Blown, but not a fan of Yellow though.

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This 5 window was so sweet.

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How can you not love a Gasser, looks fast just standing there.

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Gimme, Gimme, Gimmee!

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Hanging out at the track.

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A Brace of rare tin that’s for certain.

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Bills three window is right on the money and a Genny 32 too, how rare is this these days.

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Yes please bill, I will gladly look after this for you.

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Such a period Hot Rod and was stoked to see and hear it.

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Would love to have this Coupe in my driveway.

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Dakota checks out the Roadster, hopefully we shall have another soon.

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Pheanton anyone?

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Sport coupe with a Rumble seat is classic.

 

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Little 8BA flatty with Copper water pipes is a great ride.

 

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Another ride that was great to see, as not too many sport coupes around as rods these days.

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I loved this little Modified.

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So perfect a find, see, they are still out there.

 

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Not a fan of the rim color but to each their own, but a sweet T though.

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Even the Grill shell is nice, be so cool to find something like this in an old abandoned shed.

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So much cool stuff to see that day.

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I love all the flathead motors.

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What a killer Rod, such a nice job and Black is awesome.

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1939 tear drops and even a quick change rear.

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The belly tank didn’t make a pass on Sunday, would of loved to see it go.

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Double engined Dragster was unique and Two 4 pots would of sounded amazing.

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Sweet.

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This is the only place you will see rare set ups like this and glad I was there.

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Track nose, nerf bars, dual carb four banger,the whole nine yards, yes please.

 

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Such a rare Roadster and seeing a 4 banger with all the speed equipment was a treat.

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A rare Four Banger powered 3 window, boy what a neat ride this is.

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Totally blown away with this set up.

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And more to see as you walked around.

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Hubba Hubba!

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What a great day to see all this.

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Cant wait for the nest one.

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These sounded so good when they were running, an unusual noise too.

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Some money thrown into this Bonneville runner deuce.

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Love the Motor in this Roadster  too.

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The little 5 window A Bone had a wicked engine too.

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Ton of work but it was a strong car.

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But I love the V8’s though.

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Staging lanes at the track.

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Pllenty of people turned up.

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Just cool to hang out and see some buddies I had not seen in many years.

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Here is where someone’s Grandad was this weekend

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Markys Purple people eater did well .

 

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Bit of British tin with the Anglia sit up and Beg Gasser.

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Marky sets up on the lane ready to hit the loud button.

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Nice step side with flawless paint hits the strip.

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Flatty powered Rail gets ready to run.

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A warm day for sure but remember, bring a Hat- I didnt.

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Little T awaits his time to have a go.

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This was aptly named the brick but the little Motor screams.

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Neat shoe box ford ran great all day long.

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More staging lane activity.

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Caddy powered roadster and this girl build that ride and races too.

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Such a great day here.

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Awesome T trackster was great to watch run.

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Both these cars ran and really well too.

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These both raced and was a close race too.

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Rob of the shifters, towing Squeak Bells rod to the lanes.

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Shugs Mrs ran her Roadster and Shug ran his, great couple I have known for many years.

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Shug has this up for sale if interested?

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Shuggy hooking up Squeak Bell’s ride.

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I love Gassers and had a 55 in the UK, so love to see these, Kota has a 56 so we always check the tri-Chvys out.

 

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Sweet hearing the Caddy mill at the drags.

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Nice eh?

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57 Gasser this time

 

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Busy day on the staging lanes and a plethora of rides to feast your eyes upon.

 

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We walked this area a lot and spoke to many faces we knew.

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Just heading to the lanes to race.

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Cannot get enough of this ride.

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This fella lives up the road from us in Whittier, drives on the road.

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You should try and come out to this event it sure is fun but- bring a hat its HOT!

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Getting ready to hit the 1/4 mile.

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Trying to keep cool at Fontana can be quite a task.

 

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Love that Four Banger Motor, Cragar powered.

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Shugs other half, gets ready to Tow Squeak Bell’s Rod out to the strip.

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Great Girl and also dry lakes races too.

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Squeak is ready to run.

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Rob of the Shifters gets all set on the staging lanes, he is towing another car this weekend as well but is also running the strip in his coupe.

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Rob gives us the thumbs up as he gets all set to light them up.

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Shug looks on as time ticks and the starting line gets closer.

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Yes, plenty of rides to see that day.

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Coupes line up and give it their all.

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I spent all day walking around and meeting people, Dakota and I had a great time and so look forward to next year.

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Roadster gets into it as he floors the accelerator.

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Love this Roadster.

 

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This five window sure looks toughs as it awaits the green.

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Gassers are always fun to watch and unpredicatbe as they can wheel stand at any moment.

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Everything goes on the strip.

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This Girly will take the win, never race her, she is awesome. That Caddy motor sounds unreal.

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Dont ya love watching all this stuff?

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Slick stepside threw down a good time too.

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I loved seeing these race, the coupe has my buddies Girlfriend at the wheel.

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Diane gets on it and takes the win

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Great racing all day long.

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Coupe and sedan go for it.

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Both flatty powered the truck has rear engine flatty.

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Great close racing.

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Awesome sound too when these get on it.

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That flatty rail hauls some serious Arse!

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5 window and Roadster hit the track.

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Roadster pick up took the win but the T Tracksers are suprisingly fast.

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How cool is this shot?

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This race looked uneven but were so close, I loved watching the T Model.

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All sorts of rides races all day.

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Even some fun time was had too.

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The rail was fast and looked well.

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Roadster gets the head on the roadster pick up.

 

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This 4 Banger 5 window was so nice.

 

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When all fails, try a Whizzer to race!

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A fun day and glad I could share it with you.

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Shug, the flying Scotsman head to the lanes.

 

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Nostalgic real genuine Three Window was such a great thing to see in real life.

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Shugs Girlie checking the track out.

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Yes- the Camfather- Ed Iskendarian was even there chatting to everyone.

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Shugs Mrs turning around track side in her T Roadster.

 

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All rides there were great to watch race.

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Squeak takes on another ride.

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Love Gassers.

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Shug gets all set to lay some Scottish power down the track.

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This 5 window was quick all day.

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Classic stance.

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Never got bored of hearing that Caddy Mill fire up.

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Gassers are such a cool thing to see and never tire of this stuff.

 

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The Shugster cruises back after towing.

 

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So next year, come out to the Antique Nationals as its a heap of fun, we may even be racing there next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Rod Reunion Bowling Green, KY- Gasser Crash!

The “Traveler” Altizer, Finders, and Kibler 33 Willys Crash Sequence

 

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In the first round of the 1/8 mile contested AA/Gas category Ted Turley Jr. driving the “Traveler” Altizer, Finders, and Kibler 33 Willys had just beat Steve Crooks’ “Blew By You” Gasser with a 5.617 at 118.42 mph when disaster struck.  A brief puff of white smoke appeared from the car which was followed by a hard right turn that sent the car on its roof and across the track behind Crooks’ car. The 33 Willys briefly went airborne landing on its side and sliding to a stop just short of the opposite guardrail.  Turley fortunately was able to walk away from the car uninjured.      by Mike Sopko Jr.

 

I wanted to show these photos  today on Monday as to be honest, after this sentence no words need to be said but, glad he walked away, testament to modern structural engineering in the chassis of Drag cars, scary but Phew- it could of easily ended worse for the driver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dakota Made the Final at Fontana

Photos by Adam Lavelle  check him out at       https://www.facebook.com/Loosenutphotography?ref=br_rs

 

Well, our shop grease monkey “Dakota Kai Sun ‘ put another feather in his cap on the weekend, making the Final of the NHRA Pacific nations, the competition was just as ever, Tighter than a ducks Arse and Kota managed to get his KAWASAKI ZRX 1400 through to the final round up against Augustine Herrera.

 

 

If you get to Fontana or Irwindale or leis Vegas  or even Barona, look out for 7111 as he runs them all.

 

Shinko Tires, Muzzy Performance, Mav Tv, Penske Suspension, Kawasaki motorcycles are his sponsors and he races for Bronze Star Racing Group.

A hive of activity at the track and the Sun was out to make the day interesting.

 

 

Lucas team discuss the Values of cool sunglasses on such an epic race meet.

Hooked and launching, Dakota does what he does best.

 

 

Hot temps, sticky track and constant temperature changes are actually a royal pain in the arse for a competitor.

 

Dakota getting ready ti light the rear up as he Grandad “Bob Pine” gets him straight on the line.

 

 

 

 

Mavtv enjoy Dakota’s successful start to the race season.

 

That Muzzy sure lets people know who is in the house.

Proline Wraps.com is all you are going to see as you face Dakota kai Sun- just satin’.

Kota is all attitude when he gets in the groove, his main objective is to get the goal he has set out to do and he does it to the best of his ability, every time, he always pours 100% into what he does and gives it his best shot, you can never say he didn’t try hard enough as that just is not in his vocabulary.

But, Even he missed out by the smallest of margins, he is now all set for this weekend when Dakota is back at Irwinindale where he is still the points leader there and hope to improve on his points standings.

If you have never been to watch Motorcycle drag racing, come out- you will be so glad you did, the noise, the smell, the camaraderie is second to none.

 

A lot of racing still to come, hope to see you out at some of the meets the NHRA holds, come by, say hello it will be great to see you.

 

Dakota Races at Irwindale on Sunday! Come watch him Race.

 

Irwindale Event Center Dragstrip is the place to race!

 

 

Tomorrow Dakota will be at Irwindale Drag strip, and as right now he is the points leader, we shall be cheering him on even more to accomplish his goals that he has set out for, the last 2 meets Dakota had at irwindale, he won- so lets hope this will be a ti-fecta for him. Come on 7111, we know you are capable, lets hope track conditions are perfect for him.  his Grandpa is Crew chief  ( Bob Pine )- and makes sure everything is all set for the lad to hit the loud button when he gets on the track.

Dakota Kai Sun is racing against his pops too- Aaron Pine, and this time, they are both racing on the same model machines, ZRX1400, Aaron’s is in Blue and Dakota is in Red, these will be a good match up as pretty much set up the same.

 

Aaron will be on his ZRX racing for the first time, as this is a brand new machine and will be great to see how the bike dials in at the track, he had a few runs on Thursday and hopefully all will be well.

 

 

 

I want to thank Lucas oil, Mav Tv, Muzzy, Penske Racing Shocks, Shinko Tires for giving these guys the chance to show what they are made of, They Both race for the Bronze star racing group and Both have become Champions with them, so- this must be a great formula.

 

Dakota Kai Sun is only 19 and I am sure that people all around the drag Racing fraternity will know his name sooner or later and can get to race all around the USA, he is from a racing Family, as i said, his dad races the same model bike and a Gixer too in mid 5’s, and now , Dakota’s little brother Gavin pine is racing mini dragster series and he won his first event last meet too, rare to have that these days and we all welcome any support for them.

 

So- if you can make it out to Irwindale on Sunday, come and give Dakota a shout and a wave as he rides his Bronze star Racing group Kawasaki ZRX 1400 up the strip to a win.

I shall be there with his Mum Jennifer ( my Girlfriend)  and we shall be posting about how the event goes through out the day on Facebook too.

Send positive thoughts and be great if we see ya there, Go Kota Kai!!!!!

 

 

 

2014 NHRA SUMMIT SERIES DATES

Summit Series Class ET’s
Super Pro 5.50 – 7.49
Pro 5.75 –8.59
Sportsman 7.50 – 12.60
Pro Bike 5.50 – slower

Entry Fees:
Again in 2014, NHRA Summit Series racers will be charged a one-time fee of $50.00 for bonus Summit Series Points if they chose to purchase them.
Racer joins the team race #1 100 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #2 75 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #3 50 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #4 25 Bonus Points
Summit Series competitors not paying the one-time fee prior to race #4 will still receive their regular points but will not be eligible for bonus points.Bonus points are NOT retroactive. The points are awarded based on when the bonus points fees are received.Bonus point funds will pay for the Top (5) racers in each class entry to the 2014 Summit Series Finals. Racers finishing in 6th place or lower will pay their entry fees for the 2014 Summit Series Finals.

Summit Racing Schedule and prices
$55.00 per entry / per class
Gates Open 7:30 am
Tech Cards/Tech 8:00 am
Drivers Meeting 10:00 am
Time Trials
Run cards will be used
10:15 am
Eliminations for all Summit Series classes begin apx. 1:00 pm
Secure track 1 hour after completion or racing

Who Can Race?

Dakota has the bike out at the NASCAR race at Fontana today!

 

 

Dakota has the bike out at the NASCAR race at Fontana today! He talked to all the high school kids and is signing autographs!! If your out there stop by and see him!!

 

Our Grease Monkey is having fun today and is a mentor fr the day and well deserved.  Have fun today Kota!

 

Dakota Kai Sun has racing in his blood as His Grandad ( Bob Pine ) is the Wrench chief, and His dad  ( Aaron Pine )is Champion right now on Drag Bikes and also Dakota’s little Brother now races in mini Dragsters, what a cool thing to see.

 

I go with Dakota’s Mum – Jennifer Sun -to as many Races as we can to cheer him on and give him support, if you can ever get to the Summit series to watch any of this, you will always be welcome, it is fun and entertaining at times for sure. Irwindale, or Fontana and even Borona and Las Vegas is where you will catch them.
They are all part of the Bronze Star Racing Group of which are a great team together, check them out at:
https://www.facebook.com/BronzeStarRacing

Our Shop Grease Monkey takes the win at the Drags at Irwindale Sunday!

 

What a Great Sunday, the weather was killer and Dakota Kai was all set to run his BRONZE STAR RACING GROUP- Kawasaki ZRX1400 at Irwindale.

 

Warming that tire up , this is the first race of the season and always a nervous time.

 

But the bike is performing as it should but now the fun starts and see what he and the bike will do on the 1/8th.

A couple of test passes and see where this machine wants to go, a few Clutch issues but holding right now.

Elbows up and arse down as they stage and you can hear the rev limiter saying, enough-enough!

 

Kota is at irwindale and running tight at 5;42 @ 127 mph on the 1/8th

 

 

Kota takes the win but needs a wee bit of work to do on the clutch as it slipped like ill fitting flip flops.

Kota gets his hands dirty pulling the clutch, it was as fried as a KFC Bucket of Wings!

Kota is into the next round and in that right lane with the bump halfway, but what ever lane he takes, he is fine with it and takes the win.

 

Dakota gets through another round on a bye and dials a 5:42 second.
He now runs heads up against his dad- this should be good.

A super shot here of them on the line.

Kota and Aaron are in the Semi’s… Racing each other and they are running heads up with both dialing 5.42. Going to be a really good race.

Great shot by Adam LaVelle

Great to see father and Son race each other as they both get set to light them up, and Dakota takes the win in a close Race.

Now Dakota Kai is in the Finals.

 

Kota is in the left lane and is against the old twin cam Kwacka that is ridden by a froggy who is happy to make the final on his Team green machine.

 

What was the result?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner !

 

 

 

You can see what Dakota and his Dad Aaron pine get up to on the Bronze Star Racing Group as these are their sponsors.

https://www.facebook.com/BronzeStarRacing

Where does bike racing lead too? Well, you never know, I mean look at Antron Brown, he rode drag bikes  and was dominant and then soon got grabbed up by the Dragsters and then ended up 2012 NHRA Top Fuel Champion.

 

 

A step back in time, at Avon park Motorcycle Drags!

Hello all you Petrol heads
As it is the day before thanks giving, I was thinking what to put on here as a blog to keep you entertained and then remembered stuff from home in the UK you may like to view.

Just thought I would add a couple of video’s of the Motorcycle drags we used to go to in the 1980’s at Avon park back home in the UK, the first video shows cool bikes but the music sucks.
but the second video is a great half an hour of footage I am certain that you will watch, as you see GSXERS against Kataners etc, have a look as its worth a watch.

LAS VEGAS DRAGS WAS A BLAST!

Well, Saturday Morning came around all too fast, but we jumped into the mini Cooper and Jennifer drove us to Las Vegas as we were heading to the drag Strip to support Dakota in his challenge to defend his Sportsman title from last year.

Dakota and his dad are both part of the BRONZE STAR RACING GROUP, Dakota is the Defending Champion, and his dad is the 2010 Champion, so a super Racing family and they go at it from the get go.

 

I want to add their sponsors as without people like this, trying to race would be a uphill struggle, so kudos to these sponsors and their products.

 Lucas Oil, MAVTV , Kawasaki , MTC, Shinko Tires, Muzzy, Catalyst Racing Composites, DME, Penske Racing Shocks, World Wide Bearings, And Dynatek.

 

Competition is always tough as these are the finals so everyone is pretty much on their number so anything can happen.

The Saturday the weather was awesome and no wind with blue skies to fill the air.

Dakota ran his first on the gambler and won his round of which was no easy task, but the bike ran well and dug in like a tick on a cat.

The bike performed well and Dakota’s reaction time was pretty cool too, so a long and warm weekend ahead and as this was the gambler, some money can be made if you can get t the final, but every class is in this and all hungry for the loot.


Another local guy and a great rider is Brockman Roberts from Rancho Cuccamonga, this guy is keen to get on a new horse as he sold his harley and wanted to try and different machine.
This time he is atop a top gas GSXR and it gets up and boogies, don’t you worry about that.


Plenty to see and watch on the bike side and many models that you want to see but never get to.

Next up is some time machines of my era and 9 and 10 seconds indexing is bloody fast enough for me.
Below, everyone gets a bad start sometimes and it was Kota’s this time, this ZRX has plenty of torque, but she lit that tire up and started to pull the arse to the wall- Kota keeps the power on but, its all over for this round and unfortunately, all part of the drags as they have all gone through this. And am sure will again, this bike has taken a wee bit of time to dial in as its relatively new, but persistents does pay off if you still have the nerve to keep that right wrist fully twisted.

That was a tough deal for Dakota and there is always another day.


Brockman Roberts goes again.
Below, back to my era, 73 Suzuki against a 78 Kawasaki. I love watching this classic tin.

Here is Dakota again Below.

The day got warmer and then some side wind started to show up, but that weather is the same for everyone.

Dakota gets a by and is on his own for this round as he warms up the tire and gets ready to run with the Christmas tree.

Here is Dakota in the second round but today is not to be his, close but no cigar and that’s the frustrating thing when you are a racer, Kota goes around his buddy but doesn’t get the light.
but he tried his best and done well, this kid will be going a long way for sure so keep staying tuned to his name and his sponsors as he was born into the sport of competition.

The weekend was great and even though Dakota lost the round and his title, who better to take the title than his Dad Aaron Pine, so it still kept in the family, Last year Dakota was the champion, the year before his dad Aaron was, and now his dad is champion again, that’s a rare accomplishment in anyone s book.

Here are some shots I took throughout the weekend and thought that you would like them, as also there were muscle car and pro stock rides as well as rails too, I love it all and Las Vegas has a super track and grandstand to offer the spectator.

 

 

 

Dakota’s pop’s Aaron Pine, getting ready to head to the staging lanes with Dakota, Dakota’s grandad is the crew chief on the scooter Bob Pine.

 

 

Blue skies was just what the Doctor ordered, but on the Sunday evening there was a single cloud that stayed over the track and caused it to be shut down for a couple of hours, but other than that, it had a small wind that kept popping its ugly head in and then cleared up once more.

Plenty of cool bikes and cars to watch but thought I would add the Motorcycles first for you lot to have a look at.

 

I hope more of you come out and support this series as the whole event is just a truly fun event, close to all the action and of course the pitt area to

I was up in the nose bleeds with my little camera, but wanted to take a shot of the bikes in the staging lanes to share with you lot.

The whole event area is something else, as its also set up for NASCAR too, you MUST try and get out here to an event as it sure is a fun place.

 

 

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Brockman Roberts contemplating his next move as he gets ready for his round in the staging lane.

Figuring out a fast way to change gears, as he has his own technique called……………… ” The Grave Yard Shift”!

 

 

.A hive of activity in the staging lanes as usual.

Plenty going on in the staging lanes and a quick chance to check out your competitors rides too.

 

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Kota’s mum always gives her son a pat on the back for luck at all the races she gets to.

.Time to focus on the next round at hand, this is a good time to try and relax but block any other distractions out of the way and Get her done!

A great selection of motorcycles line up in the paddock, ready to rip the tarmac.

 

.A good way of seeing other bikes is in the staging lane and there are more colors than a kaleidoscope that’s for certain.

The good thing about this scene as people are friendly and are one big family-until you get to the Christmas tree that is.

 

 

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All these people are F A S T, and I really enjoyed everyone racing as this is as good as it  gets and here you can get close up and see all the action.

.Almost time for the bikes to fire up and get ready to be set for their burn out.

.Sitting ready to go with an indexing of 8.70.

.The Crypt kicker on the lone and fired up.    Brockman Roberts has more energy than a Duracell battery pack.

.I love 1970′ drag bikes as that was my era and so cool to see these run, and run hard.

.That’s about as far forward as your wrist will go.

.Launching full bore!

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.Dakota’s Dad- Aaron Pine sets up on the line for the next round.

.Dave Miller is all set, this bike may be plain in color but it will rip your arm off and beat you with it.

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.A mixture of manufacturers is what makes this event so exciting.

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. Sitting on the run off fire lane, swapping times and getting all the info on others ha ha

.BrockmanRoberts-the Forest Lawn farmer chin wags!

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.Brockman Roberts – rings the neck out of his machine, ” Grave Digger 2″

 

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 Now, I am also into all drag racing and to watch these great Classic pound down the 1/4 mile is awesome too and I hope you enjoy some of this as well?

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More, more I hear you shout!

 

.I can never get enough of this stuff.

 


This is a great nostalgic Slingshot!

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.Now she lets her fury out on the track

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A super Sharp Black bowtie.

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Super built 55 Chevy with all original trim was a blast to watch and hear all day.

I could never get enough of this ride as I had a 55 Gasser back in the UK in the 1990’s and love them.

Here are some photo’s that I took with my little Sony Cyber shot and was surprised at how well they came out that weekend.

I am still amazed at nearly 2 ton of steel and stand up in the air and then punch through the ether and down the track in a big vehicle such as these two.

A great weekend of racing in all categories and I am glad I managed to take a few photo’s to share with you all.

 

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.Lastly, I want to congratulate Aaron Pine for winning the Sportsman class and receiving a Wally! Awesome job, Dakota did his best and it seems fitting that his old man gets to be champion once more, seeing as he wont that in 2010 so maybe Kota can get it next season as he sure is fired up.

This event is amazing, it needs to be out there in the media more as it is entertaining from a spectator point of view, the camaraderie is second to none, and I shall be there for the next season you can guarantee that, so come out and support where you can and I know you will enjoy it.

Come by and say hello to the riders and crew, they are all approachable and are pleased to see fans and new comers to this exciting motorcycle drag racing event.

Bronze Star Racing group is a superb team and proof of the pudding is in the eating and they are eating quite well right now.

Peace and Grease

Carpy

 

 

 

 

DAKOTA DEFENDS HIS TITLE AT VEGAS THIS WEEKEND

 

October 09, 2013

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 9) – For action, excitement, and good times there aren’t’ many places that rival Las Vegas and that’s especially true this weekend as the stars of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series descend on the famed Strip at Las Vegas Motor speedway for the JEGS Pacific SPORTS nationals presented by K&N Filters. The third of three JEGS Mail Order-backed events that highlight NHRA’s sportsman racers, more than 400 competitors are expected.

Much like its companion events, the JEGS Cajun SPORTS nationals in Belle Rose, La., and the JEGS Northern SPORTS nationals in Hebron, Ohio, the Pacific SPORTS nationals will crown champions in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street and the exciting Top Dragster and Top Sportsman eliminators. The Sportsman Motorcycle class will also be featured during the four-day race.

Keeping with the longstanding tradition, the JEGS Pacific SPORTS nationals promises a fun-filled experience that includes intense on-track action and plenty of after-hours entertainment. There will also be a wide variety of bonus features including traditional class eliminations for drivers in Super Stock and Stock, as well as a the Las Vegas Shootout and a Gambler’s race on Thursday, Oct. 10.

The defending event champions who are expected to once again challenge for coveted NHRA Wally trophies include Alan Ellis (Comp), Gregg Luneack (Super Stock), Leo Glasbrenner (Stock), Aaron Kinard (Super Comp), Eddy Plazier (Super Gas), Gary Ruest (Super Street), Art Hoover (Top Dragster), Daryl Hemley (Top Sportsman), and Dakota Sun (Sportsman Motorcycle).

 

 

I shall be attending this year with his lovely mum Jennifer and give him some good moral support, Dakota is the defending Sportsman Champion and will be stoked if he can back it up, competition is tight and I know Kota will give it 110%.

If any of you are near Las Vegas this weekend, come watch him race, he’d love it, also his dad is racing on his GSXR and wish him great success for that weekend too so a cool event for all.

I shall enjoy the time there with My Girlfriend and her son of whom she is very proud of, wish him luck.

 

DAKOTA IS AT IRWINDALE DRAGS TODAY

 Hey Gang

Today, Dakota is at Irwindale drags, he will be racing his 2013 Kawasaki ZRX1400 on the 1/8th mile all day.

We are about to head out there and give him some moral support, if you can make it there, it would be great to see you all as the track is superb for spectators as you can get so close to all the action.

 

I shall take photos today and post them later when I get back, so stay tuned and lets see if Dakota has a good meet.

OK, lets see, the weather was Bloody hot and muggy, it felt like I was in Florida and was sweating like a Turkey the day before thanks giving.

 

Dakota has a New tire, but this time a Slick, something he has not run yet and a New bike to boot, so this will prove to be a trying time right now to dial a bike in at a meet.

Out on the track, the temperature was starting to soar and if you were sat in the staging lanes, you certainly felt the air thinning out.

Once out on the track, Kota gave it all the beans he could, but the clutch adjustment wasn’t how they wanted it for the bike as the Slick made the gearing change, due to being 2 inches taller.

So it was back into the pits, tear the clutch case off and pull the clutch plates out and set it at a different percentage ratio and hopefully this will help the bike, anything New will and always will take time to dial in .

Aaron Pine- Dakota’s dad- then sprung into action, removing the clutch casing and all the crew helped out where they could to rectify this issue.

 

 

Back out to the staging lanes and into the hot Sun, and boy was it warming up there.

Now Aaron takes his Suzuki out on the 1/8th mile to stretch its legs. This was a shake down pass and he shook its wobblies off.

Next round. Everyone in the team helps out as there is always something to do.

 

 

Back in the staging lanes and Kota gets his first round out of the way, runs a 5.8 but not happy with the clutch again, so its back to the pits and try and get the adjustment somewhere that’s workable.

 

This all takes time and can be very frustrating, but- that’s drag racing and will always happen, especially if you have a Brand new machine.

 

 

 

 

 

Plenty of action at the track today and thought I would take a few snaps of other racers there so you can see what we do.

Kota was up again to see how he would fare, but the adjustments were still not bang on.

 

 

On the line and warming the rear tire up as he gets ready to launch. But the clutch starts to play up again and a frustrating day in terms of performance for his machine.

 

Dakota even gets in on the action and helps out putting his ride back together again.

 

 

The clutch was only Just holding up and may have to make a few more adjustments and change the plates- but you never have enough parts, how ever prepaired you are.

Kota pours his race fuel in so he can try and get through the next round.

 

Aaron up again and that bike is pretty dialed in over the years and dials his time right in.

 

 

 

All the lads have a pow wow to see who is gonna buy lunch today.

 

 

 

 

 

Aaron just checking a few things before he gets on the track and hoping for a low ET.

 

Brockman the Egyptian Profit, blesses the track for everybody today.

 

Dakota on the right lane and his Grandpop’s makes sure he is straight as an arrow.

I thought I would some more photos to show you what sort of day it was, but I really enjoyed all the racing that goes on here at Irwindale as bikes ,cars and trucks all run the 1/8th.

 

  

   

 

 

Plenty to watch as a spectator though. Check out all the rides below.

 

Gassers were there and I love watching these straight axles machines boogie down the track.

 

These things are super fast for the weight and you cannot help but have to watch these machines fly down the 1/8th.

Tri-Chevies have always been a favorite of mine as I had a 55 Gasser in the UK in 1996.