Despite a first round runner-up...
Despite a first round runner-up finish, Tom Daughty's Frustration '63 Plymouth was a hard charger. Tom has already promised promoter Beaver Bob McCardle that he will be back next year.
In the small town of York, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles southeast of the Carlisle Fairgrounds, an event is growing in prestige-the York US 30 Musclecar Madness and Cruise-In, held in July on a Friday and a Saturday, and the new Nostalgia Super Stock Nationals, held on Sunday at Beaver Springs Dragway in central Pennsylvania.
Held on the same weekend as Carlise's All-Chrysler Nationals, this event also celebrates horsepower, though it is open to all makes and models. The weekend offers a unique, one-time gathering of cars, some fresh from the restoration shop for this event. Though the title is Musclecar Madness, the event also hosts gassers, altereds, funny cars, and dragsters from days gone by. Not only is the show about the cars, but specialized dealers, creative displays, and numerous racing personalities from the past are there. Indeed, it was Bill Stiles-noted Mopar racer and tuner-who first put this event together with former NHRA director Darwin Doll in 2001, and the duo continues to make it grow.
Notable happenings in 2004 included a new Legion of Honor that inducted 12 individuals who influenced drag racing history and a larger-than-ever car cruise. Last year, Mopar Muscle hosted the cruise from Carlisle to this event on Saturday.
On Sunday, the action moved north to the beautiful Beaver Springs Dragway, where dozens of nostalgia racing machines made laps down the quarter-mile. Though it was a 90-minute drive from York to this facility, nobody left disappointed.
Next year, the event will stay on the same weekend: July 8-9 at York; July 10 at the dragstrip. While we understand the attraction of the Carlisle show, should you decide on a change of scenery, this is a great opportunity to relive some of the racing heritage that made Mopar cars of the musclecar era so impressive.
Bill Stiles, noted Mopar racer...
Bill Stiles, noted Mopar racer and one of the organizers of the York US 30 Musclecar Madness, getting smoke and rubber on the restored '68 Barracuda he once terrorized Division 1 with. The original is now owned by collector Dave Blake. (we won't tell on ya', Bill.)
Here is the restoration of...
Here is the restoration of the final Sox & Martin Duster, a very trick piece built by Don Hardy for Don Grotheer. Buddy Martin bought it after the team's car was totaled, and Grotheer lost his sponsorship. This car was restored under the direction of collector Dean Klein.
The 2004 York US 30 Musclecar...
The 2004 York US 30 Musclecar Madness once again provided a wide variety of cars on display. Here, a replica A/FX altered-wheelbase Dodge is decked out with injection and ready for a blast down the quarter-mile.
The Honker '64 Dodge is part...
The Honker '64 Dodge is part of Don Fezell's collection out of western Pennsylvania. Bud Faubel, who retired from racing decades ago, was on hand signing autographs and meeting fans. He was among the 12 inductees to the new Legion of Honor. He received his award from Bill Stiles (left) and Darwin Doll (right).
Mopar-bodied funny cars ruled...
Mopar-bodied funny cars ruled in the early '70s, and Bob Rosetty's restoration of the Rollin' Stoned 'Cuda was no exception. Joe Jacono, the car's creator and owner, is involved with it again today. He was inducted into the Legion of Honor for 2004.
Warren and Sharon Weaver's...
Warren and Sharon Weaver's '28 Dodge, equipped with a 340 driveline, took home the top award in the Special Interest category.
Among the personalities who...
Among the personalities who came to the York event was Judy Lilly, Miss Mighty Mopar of days gone by. The Colorado native is seen here with Mike Verbick's cloned '66 Hemi-powered Plymouth post coupe, similar to the car Lilly drove in 1967.
In the big Nostalgia Super...
In the big Nostalgia Super Stock class, Dennis Stabile went all the way to the semifinals before meeting up with Lou Downing.
Harvey Richards in the Damn...
Harvey Richards in the Damn Yankee '64 Dodge fell to the onslaught of Lou Downing in Mike Pearce's AMX in round one.
Elvis (Tom Sneden) and the...
Elvis (Tom Sneden) and the Bob Banning '64 Hemi Dodge have left the building. It is Saturday night, and action was moving north to Beaver Springs Dragway for Sunday.
Marco DeSaris of Maryland...
Marco DeSaris of Maryland stands in front of his latest baby, the original '62 Max Wedge Dodge campaigned by Motor Trend magazine. This was the car's formal debut.
In the pits at Beaver Springs...
In the pits at Beaver Springs Dragway on Sunday was Rick DeMarco's restoration of the Mr. Tomato '65 Dodge, a match-race car that made history in Texas back in the mid-'60s.
The front plate on Allen Obenchain's...
The front plate on Allen Obenchain's big-block '64 Polara says it all, as he gets a little sideways in the water box.
Of all the nostalgia class...
Of all the nostalgia class racers, none is better suited for the title than Ken Montgomery. This is the same car that Ken drove at the York Super Stock Magazine Nationals back in 1965, and has served him well as a multi-time national event winner.
Bill Murphy and the Jersey...
Bill Murphy and the Jersey Duke Plymouth (once raced by Jack Werst) are up and at it on Sunday. Murphy went three rounds in the eliminator.
Travis Hess, son of racer...
Travis Hess, son of racer Bucky Hess, was a blast out of the past in his '65 Hemi Coronet. Coached by the old man, Hess went four rounds before falling to Dennis Stabile.
The best Mopar finish of the...
The best Mopar finish of the day came from Greg Gordon, whose streetable '72 Dodge Charger layed down a series of mid-to-low 12-second passes enroute to the runner-up spot in the Nostalgia Street division.
Coming out of retirement for...
Coming out of retirement for this race, Lou Downing drove his original AMX (now owned by Mike Pearce and updated for Nostalgia competition) that he used to win the '69 Division V crown. Downing made the most of his return by going six rounds on Sunday to post a runner-up finish.