From 1966 to 1984 Suzy Kelly's work appeared in "Drag News", "Drag Times" and the still stout, "National Dragster". She has also written articles for "Drag Racing Magazine", the Bakersfield Fuel and Gas Championships Program and other trade papers. Fast forward to 2001 - Suzy has brought her "Suzy's Scrapbook" back to life in a "Then and Now" format. Columns with segments dedicated to the past (with current comments in red) will be featured on WDILF on a bi-weekly basis. This is a special edition of "Suzy's Scrapbook - Now". This issue will concentrate on current behind the scenes stories of the NHRA Pro players and some personal stories surrounding the modern day world of drag racing. If you have a drag racing family related or personal story you would like to share with her such as birthdays, weddings, vacations, anything on the personal nature, please contact Suzy direct at: Suzy's Scrapbook Suzy's Scrapbook - Special Edition NHRA World Finals - November 8-11, 2001 NHRA Museum Notebook Yours truly, Suzy and long-time friend, Tommy Ivo share a hug of greeting at this years NHRA Museum "Reunion" which was held on Friday Night to honor the top 50 NHRA drivers as voted on by a pool of judges from all walks of the sport. A literal who's who of drag racing, past and present, were having a good time; laughing, chatting with friends and becoming reacquainted with old ones. There was much laughter, but there were also a few tears. Tears for those who could not be with us on this very special night; but there were lots of laughter as old drag racing stories somehow became bigger and more important by the moment. The highlight of the night was when Don Garlits stood on the podium while he presented Barbara and Wally Parks with their Don Garlits Museum Hall of Fame Rings. For many of us it was a very emotional moment as there have not always been the best feelings between these two legends in Drag Racing. Barbara, who is recovering from hip surgery, was unable to stand on the podium with Wally and Don, but her smile said what her body could not. Barbara is also having to undergo several painful tests because when they did her hip surgery the physicians found some cancer. It is taking too long for Barbara for the medical experts to find out just where this cancer came from and what further treatment she will have to suffer through, but she's a tough lady and we're hoping all will be well with her soon. "Mr.C" Gary Cochran chats with Stormin' Norman Weekly while Tommy shows that famous smile. Poor Tommy has been suffering from a skin condition that took around two years of treatment to clear up. Glad to report that TV is feeling much better and is off the medicine that was making him so lethargic. A funny Garlits story that TV likes to tell is the time that the two of them were participating at an autograph session and Garlits autographed a photo for a young man, then came over for TV's signature. Tommy, the well-know prankster, crossed Garlits name off and then signed his own. When the young man returned to Big Daddy for yet another autograph Don just looked up and gave Ivo one of those "if looks could kill" faces. Dale Pulde, famous Funny Car Pilot and current Nostalgia Top Fuel driver is accompanied by Valerie Harrell, who just happens to be the daughter of famous Mr. Chevrolet, Dickie Harrell. Both are still living in Southern California and Dale has his own performance shop where he works on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and also allot of work for the Research and Development Division of Edelbrock, also on their Harley program. WORLD FINAL PIT STOPS Don Garlits, who we are happy to report was voted Number One Driver by the NHRA for the past fifty years, was also at the World Finals trying to qualify his beautiful Matco Tools AA/Fuel Dragster. Don hasn't lost the magic with the fans. While sitting in the stands at the 1000 foot mark, surrounded by loyal race fans no one received a larger hand of applause than he did. Even without qualifying "Big Daddy" is still everyone's favorite hero and has never let his fans down. While other drivers are hiding in their rigs, forced to deal with so many different sponsors and public relation people they are stuck indoor, Don and Patty are standing outside and dealing with the fans on a one to one basis. Rare indeed when you consider the pressures put on a true Legend of Drag Racing. Tom McEwen, seen here with life-long friend "Lefty", was enjoying the World Finals. As most of you know Tom is the Advertising Salesman for Drag Racer Magazine and is also in Garlits' Hall of Fame as well as finishing high on the list of NHRA's 50 All Time Drivers. Tom was also at the Museum the evening before enjoying himself as usual. When asked if he missed driving a dragster or funny call, Tom said..."Hell no!" At least he's honest. It must have felt a little like old home week for one of drag racing's most innovative drivers. Rarely is Tom recognized for the many contributions he has given to the sport. He was the first professional driver to put together a package of sponsors that were non-automotive related by signing one of the biggest deals ever with Mattel Toy Company that literally put Tom and Don Prudhomme in a class by themselves. Tom was instrumental in organizing The United Drag Racers Association in the late 60's, an organization that was trying to build a driver coalition that would provide more control over their own fates. Tom also wanted to go to an all-alcohol type professional race car engine during the early 70's to make it safer on the drivers. Instead, most of the drivers opted to go with the rear-engined cars putting most of the problems behind them. Although Tom may never have been rated #1 as a driver, he was definitely #1 in self promotion. He, somewhat like Kenny Bernstein and John Force, came up the hard way.....by getting in touch with the right people, hiring the right mechanics , the right crew chiefs and were willing to do anything for their sponsors to keep them happy. That's what truly makes a top driver in today's market, a businessman who knows how to promote. As many of you know Chris Karamesines daughter, Paula Baldwin, recently lost her husband to a brain aneurysm. Through her pain and sorrow Paula realized that in life Bobby was full of life and he would want to do something for others in his death. Paula, along with her in-laws, Joel and Carrie Baldwin, decided to share life by donating Bobby's Liver and Kidney's. Because of this magnanimous gift, three people's lives were saved because Bobby had a rare A positive blood type. Paula is seen her with their eight year old daughter Krista in front of her, surrounded by dear friends and strong supporters of Paula. In most cases it's friends that get us through the toughest times of life. Meanwhile, back in the pits, Dad Chris was thrashing to make the second and final call for qualifications Saturday afternoon. Earlier in the day Chris had qualified with a respectable 4.73 (his age, 73), but was unable to get the engine put back together and was bumped from the program in the last qualifying set. Paula was very disappointed for her dad, as they support each other through thick and thin. When Marion passed away years ago, it was Paula who kept her dad going. Now it's Dad's turn to reciprocate. Chris will definitely be competing at some of the national events next year, but his bread and butter is on the match-race circuit where fans still adore and support this honored sportsman - deservedly so! Another class act competing at this years World Finals was Don Schumacher and his entire crew, which in case you don't know, consists of three semi-trucks that haul their funny car, top fueler an office, and a fabrication and machine shop. Don started drag racing back when most of you were still in school, but has taken his knowledge and warm personality and has also turned out one of the top teams in the United States today. With son Tony driving the Army Top Fuel Car, while Whit "the Twit" Bazemore, as he is affectionately known by his competitors, handles the funny car chores. Next year Don is adding another funny car to his team that will be driven by Scotty Cannon and sponsored by Oakley Sunglasses. If this photo is any indication I'd say Scotty will sell allot of product to the X-generation and perhaps a few older, out-there drag racing nuts, like yours truly. Don had some very important guest that were attending this years World Finals: Assistant Secretary of the United States Army, John McLaurin, and General Bernardo Negrete who were trying their best to take a few moments off in a world gone mad by relaxing in Don's office on the go. Mr. McLaurin was extremely pleasant and very reassuring when it came to the topic that is most on everyone's mind - Terrorism. The reassuring part was the one that was the most needed, especially for those who participate in a highly dangerous sport. Everyone needs a few comforting words, and Mr.McLaurin was kind enough to pass them along. One of the many social events of the weekend didn't take place in a ballroom or even a manufacturer's suite, but sitting in a parking lot next to several motor homes that park close enough to the drag strip to be able to utilize NHRA's shuttle, but far enough away to get some good peace and quiet. It was the birthday of 13 year-old Mimi Youngblood, only daughter of Terry and Kenny Youngblood. With some familiar faces roaming or sitting around the fire pit. Nitro Nana, Terry's mother was in charge of the Barbecue and cooking detail while Kenny served as our bartender. Dave Condit and his two sons were having the times of their lives along with the Ewald brothers, Danny Martinez and Adam Sorokin, the only surviving child of Mike and Robyn Sorokin. Kenny is also working for the charity "For Kids Sake", a child abuse prevention organization, which John Ewald is the President of the Board of Directors of. In all a wonderfully relaxing evening was had by all and a heartfelt thanks go out to the Youngbloods who really know how to put on the bag. Look for more on the World Finals, the NHRA Museum Reunion, and the California Hot Rod Reunion in Suzy's Scrapbook Then and Now which can be seen in WWW.WeDidItForLove.com every other week. Next one due out is November 30th. Until then, see you at the drags......Suzy "Suzy's Scrapbook" appears in the Members Section of WDIFL.Com every other Friday! Join her Fans! Photos by Suzy Kellly More Suzy - | Suzy's # 1 || Suzy's # 2 || Suzy's # 3 || Suzy's # 4 || Suzy's # 5 || Suzy's # 6 || Suzy's # 7 More World Finals Happenings Since we are doing a special edition of "Suzy's Scrapbook" for the NHRA World Finals, we figured why not throw up some random shots from the weekend. They are in no particular order and other than the "old dog" photos this does not reflect any editorial or format changes on WDIFL - your oldies station. It's just something to remind people we don't actually live in the past! I would further add that the media folks at NHRA do not think this site is worthy of press credentials (other than Suzy) so this was all done like everything else - for the love of it. I can almost guarantee these are shots you won't see anywhere else as this was not done to please anybody but our visitors. Special thanks to Steve Gibbs who did make some of this coverage possible. Photos by John & Don Ewald. If there was ever a run that could be called perfect - this was it. Kenny Bernstein's 4.49 pass on Saturday was a true thing of beauty. The car never missed a beat (or broke a part). From the 900' mark you knew you were witnessing something special. Check out the vapor trail off the rear wing. The weather conditions were ideal to say the least.   Kenny Bernstein set the performance standard in Top Fuel - ya think? (see photo above)   Dave McClelland and Steve Gibbs do their thing at the Top 50 Drivers deal on Friday. For my money nobody's better at the mic than Mac. The Friday turn out at the NHRA Museum was incredible. It was like being back at the CHRR. Here's John Ewald and his old boss when he shot photos for Lions, CJ "Pappy" Hart. "The best boss I ever had, paid me $25 a week and let me in the track for free!" says John. Ronnie "Purple Gang" Rapp and Ronnie Hampshire were just a couple of the pioneers of drag racing enjoying the happening at the museum.   Bob Glidden made a rare appearance in the drag racing world as he finished in the top ten on the NHRA best drivers poll. Richard Tharp, Jerry Ruth & Don Ewald - more than a few stoires here!   Gary Southern & Don Garlits go over old times. Gary is somewhat over his old driving weight but I'd bet he could still get most anything down a drag strip. Nostalgia Top Fuel guys... Kent Terry and Darrell "Tedder" Tedford came out to see how the big kids burn their money. Artist extraodinaire, Kenny Youngblood at work - sorta. Blood can draw anyplace at any time. Some of his best work is done on scratch pads in a bar - any bar. Really.   Jerry Ruth & Jim Brissette. Ruth was just enjoying himself (which he has no trouble doing) and Jim took a break from his asst. crew chief job on Don Schumacher's Army Top Fuel car. Although he'd clinched his 11th World Championship, John Force didn't have a banner weekend at the Finals. Bazemore's performance is going to haunt his winter!    Don Ewald and Chris Karamesines kick around old times while getting into wondering how The Greeks career would have gone had Don Maynard not been killed. Sure woulda been different, we bet.   John Force gives John a wave as they warm up his hot rod for Saturday's second session.   Ex-digger pilot and current NHRA Starter, Rick Stewart with "TV" Tommy Ivo. Jerry "The King" Ruth and "Big John" Bateman. We all know Jerry and Bateman is best remembered for his line of "Atlas Oil Tool" Top Fuel and Funny cars.   Stormin' Normin Weekly fired up the "Frantic 4" fueler outside the Museum on Friday night. BIG crowd hit!   Up in the press room, Goodyear's Lee Elder doesn't look like he's having much fun. Pro Stock trucks running?   NHRA Media staffer, Dave Lamm takes five from the action.   The AA/GD of Tommy Larkin was also on display Friday night. Very comfortable car! Ron Hampshire, Don Ewald and Jeep Hampshire. Collectively this trio has made thousands of passes in fuel dragsters. It's nice to still be around to talk about it. Jeep Hampshire was in the seat of Bill Pitts' "MagiCar" AA/FD when they fired it up in front of the NHRA Museum Friday night. And the fans went wild! The usual suspects - Dale Armstrong, Gary Southern, Ron Capp, Jerry Ruth, James Warren and Gary Cochran. Kenny Bernstein's second round 4.560-322.42 win over Darrell Russell all but clinched his World Championship. Larry Dixon had salt poured into his wounds in the semi-finals. Bernstein had just won his race and then Dixon's stout 4.526-321.65 was just covered in the lights by Mike Dunn's stouter 4.518-330.31. The quickest race in history - worth the price of admission! Not the most popular driver with his peers or the fans, Witt Bazemore continued to be a huge thorn in Team Force's collective side. Love him or hate him, the Wittster was the huge dog on the porch all weekend - the race was his to lose - and he did a fine job of that. After ripping off the most impressive string of 4.7s in history, the big dog bit himself in the ass with an insane and totally unnecessary red light in the final - literally giving Del Worsham the win. Trust me, this is one of those deals that haunts a driver forever! Have a nice Winter, Witt. The familiar yellow haze of burning nitro hangs over the pit of Don Garlits as he warms up the "Spirit of Las Vegas" car (incognito of course). Gar and team had a rough weekend as they never got a handle on the clutch and the car blew the tires on every qualifying attempt. The independent team of BME with Tim Gibson at the wheel turned a career best 4.62 to qualify in the #11 spot. Tim took out Doug Kalitta in round one but Mike Dunn's 4.512-325.22 in the second frame was too much to handle. Like Bazemore, Mike Dunn and the NY Yankee team looked like they were the car to beat. They ran consistent LOW 4.5 laps at 330 without blazing the tires right to the end. Then, like Witt, they gave the final round away when they returned to form - blow the tires off. Rumors were flying about the fate of both Ken Veney and Mike Dunn for next year. Gwynn will have the Yankee deal but will his current team be in tact? Chris Karamesines only made two qualifying attempts and just missed the quickest show in history with a 4.73 - good for the #17 spot. Give the Greek a budget and he could still be a player at 70. IHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican came to play with the so-called big boys and did quite well, thank you. He qualified # 5 with a nice 4.555 @ 318.92 and went to the semis where he lost to eventual winner, Kenny Bernstein. Here's a couple of crowd shots from the Top 50 NHRA Drivers gathering on Friday. Doesn't show much of the museum, but trust me there's tons of very nice historic iron in the house. Make it a point to visit next time you're in SoCal. I'll close with the ultimate "blender". Del Worsham's "MEGArita". This A classic example of American ingenuity, sense of humor AND someone who has way too much money! Motorcycle Mike Photo WDIFL.Com is dedicated to the preservation of drag racing history. The NHRA Motorsports Museum is dedicated to the same cause. Both need public support to survive. In that light, one dollar from every WDIFL Membership will go to help Greg Sharp and Steve Gibbs keep the museum open for all to enjoy. Every little bit helps! Members Site Map || Visitors Site Map Site Copyright © Ewald Enterprises, 1998-2001. All Rights Reserved.