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When the title of “Wizard of Ahs” is bestowed upon some-one it is not to be taken lightly. Those chosen have excelled in not one, but several areas of creativity, distinguishing themselves along the way by virtue of the diversity and the beauty of the creations they have rendered.

Leonardo da Vinci would have met the requirements. He is most well known as a painter (Mona Lisa and the Last Supper being two of his most famous works), but also re-ceived considerable recognition in the areas of architecture, sculpture, music, mathematics and engineering. He was an inventor and a student of aeronautics, devising a workable model of a helicopter centuries before anyone even knew what aeronautics meant.

Ben Franklin, too, could have been considered worthy of the title of “wizard.” Statesman, patriot, author, and scientist

were only some of the “hats” he wore during a very produc-tive (and reproductive) life.

Other potential nominees would have to include George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Walter P. Chrysler and Ralph Kitron. Ralph Kitron? Of St. Joseph, Michigan? You bet! If we apply the aforementioned criteria: ...excelled in several areas of creativity, distinguishing themselves by virtue of the diversity and the beauty of their creations...Ralph defi nitely qualifi es.

With a cumulative automotive pedigree that includes Model T’s, Model A’s, dragsters and street rods powered by everything from fl athead Ford V8’s and nailhead Buicks to GM fours and Chrysler hemis, Ralph has been terrorizing the hot rod world for nearly sixty years. In his “spare” time, Ralph has rendered such amazing creations as an extremely realistic diorama of St. Joseph, Michigan’s old Silver Beach Amusement Park, complete with real hamburger and cot-ton candy aromas, and added animation to characters for the recently opened Carousel Museum, also in St. Joseph. His more recent automotive creations have included the

fl awless restoration of Mel Hoyh’s “Swamp Fox” AA/Fuel Dragster, a Model T panel truck with blown big block Chevy power, a Benroy teardrop travel trailer, a 1960 Cadillac con-vertible and, last but not least, a golf cart converted into a Batmobile replica.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Ralph has embarked upon another automotive restoration/modifi cation adventure. He and his lady friend, Connie, recently acquired a pristine, completely original 1958 Nash Metropolitan coupe. These cars were crossbred from American and British components. The drivetrain was Austin and just like those used in MG’s and other Austins. As such, Ralph determined that the tiny four-cylinder was not up to the task of transporting both of them, and pulling the aforementioned Benroy trailer at the same time.

A new powerplant, in the form of a GM "Iron Duke" four-cylinder, was found at a local automo-tive machine shop. It seems that someone hired them to do a rebuild on the two and a half liter engine, and then never showed up to pay the bill and pick up the completed engine. It was just what Ralph was looking for to power the Metro. Now coupled with a reworked Powerglide automatic, the new mill will have adequate power to pull the little trailer and still keep up with traffi c.

Very near completion, the little Metro is resplendent in turquoise and white and should soon be seen motoring all around Southwestern Michigan, pulling its little camper trailer. The venerable Benroy trailer, by the way, will be painted to match the Metropolitan. Look for this stylish duo at car shows near you next spring and summer. Ralph has already reserved a spot at the 2012 Lane Automotive Car show, May 25-26, 2012. R&R

FEATURES:The Spotlight .......................1 Editor’s Notes ......................2New Allstar Products ............3New Products .................. 4, 5Manufacturers Spotlight ......6

Tech Forum ..............................7,82012 Car Show Registrations .......9Rodding Journal .................. 10,11Lane Collectables ......................12

The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve!

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The Wizard Of “Ahs” Goes Metropolitan By John McLellan

Here you have the before and after shots of Ralph and Connie's pert, little Nash Metropolitan...with GM power.

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Editor’s NotesBig News In The World Of Land Speed Racing

On September 21, 2011, the East Coast Timing Association was given permission to hold land speed racing events at the Wilmington Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio for the 2012 season. The group has been looking for a new home since the Laurin-burg-Maxton Airport in North Carolina decided not to renew their agreement with the ECTA for 2012. This facility promises to have a far smoother racing surface than the crater-laden one in Maxton, and it is located more centrally, so it may draw more competitors.

Joe and Donna Timney and Keith and Tonya Turk , owners of the ECTA, are very excited at their prospects. Turk reported that the meeting with the Clinton County Port Authority was packed. While the vote was not unanimous, there was a very strong majority who voted in favor of the ECTA using the Wilm-ington Air Park’s 9,000 ft. runway for the timed speed runs.

According to Turk, the Wilmington runway is actually shorter than the Maxton runway, but it is in much better condition, and straight where Maxton was not. The potential for faster speed runs is great.

The Wilmington ECTA 2012 Schedule: April 28-29, Hot Rod Magazine Top Speed Challenge, June 2-3, July 7-8 and Sept 29-30 for The Throttle Nation Street Bike Shootout Cars and bikes are welcome at all events. R&R

Roscoe’s Round-UpI fi rst became acquainted with Ross Wightman several years ago when

he was a customer and the intrepid owner and pilot of the “Hot Rod Lincoln,” a fearsome warrior in the factory stock dirt track skirmishes at Hartford Speedway. A Ford guy through and through, Ross eventually retired from racing when the Lincoln and the infamous fi rst turn wall at Hartford “bonded” with one another. He then turned his hot rod attention to streetside matters and a sharp '66 Ford Fairlane.

This year, via Facebook, I learned of a car show/cruise event called “Roscoe’s Round-Up.” Roscoe is none other than Ross Wightman. Ross holds his annual show at his home in the rural South Haven countryside. It is complete with a countryside cruise, lots of great pot luck eats, and it is held every year in late September. A great, laid back event, the round-up attracts cars and trucks from all over the southwestern corner of Michi-gan. A great way to bring the car show season to an end. R&R

Land speeders like this modifi ed Crosley will be running in Ohio soon.

'34 Ford 5-Window Coupe joined Roscoe's Round-Up

Nicely restored '74 Dodge Challenger looks a lot like the new ones.John Kuhn's nicely rendered Gas Ronda" Thunderbolt" tribute car.

Aerial view of Wilmington Runway, on the left in photo, will be the site of speed runs start-ing in April, 2012.

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WINTER 2012 3

Sprint Car Adjustable Fuel Cell Mounts ALL55112It’s a fact of sprint car life that fl exible fuel cells constantly change shape, making re-installation a

challenge because the holes in the mount always seem to be in a diff erent spot than the threaded inserts on the cell itself. Allstar’s new Adjustable Fuel Cell Mounts have elongated, 1-1/4" slots to compensate for shape changes and speed up installation. Mounts replace fi xed, weld-on brackets and clamp directly to 1-3/8" cross tube. Mounts can also be rotated to ease fuel cell mounting. Ma-chined aluminum, black anodized mounts weigh .35 lbs each and are sold in pairs.

Torque Ball Safety Blanket ALL55220Fire resistant Kevlar safety blanket was designed by Jason Meyers Racing and protects drivers

legs and feet if a U-joint fails. Ballistic nylon covered blanket weighs just 1-1/2 lbs. and has adjust-able quick release straps so the blanket can be removed easily for servicing torque ball and u-joint. Mounting brackets, studs, nuts and installation instructions are included.

RF Brake Shut-Off Valve Decal ALL48011Use this decal to mark the 3- or 4-wheel brake positions on the brake shut-off valve. Decal has

a 5/8" hole so it can be applied after the valve is mounted. Use with the ALL48010 valve as well as other, similar valves.

LED Bulbs ALL99147 LED bulbs off er a brighter lighting and will hold up much longer than standard incandescent

bulbs on 16 volt systems. Bulbs fi t gauge back light and warning light sockets on all Allstar gauge panels. Package of two.

SB Chevy 2-Piece Engine Stand ALL10157 Two-piece engine stand is made with 1" x 2" steel tubing and will clear most oversized dry sump

oil pans. Stand includes six 3/8" x 1" grade 5 bolts and accepts wheel kits with 3/8" studs.

Heavy Duty Flat Bottom Grooving BladesHeavy duty, hard tempered spring steel blades are designed for use with the ALL10270 Heated

Tire Groover. Blades are twice as thick as standard blades, ideal for removing larger amounts of rub-ber with less chance of blade damage. Often used by off -road racers. Available in #16, #20, #24 and #32 fl at.

Carbon Fiber Sprint Wing CapsRigid carbon fi ber cap protects the sprint car wing, preventing rocks and debris from damaging

the leading edge. The front cap is 36" long; the top cap is 60" long.

Sprint Car Rock ScreensDesigned to increase driver safety, steel screen mounts to chassis protecting driver from rocks and

debris. Black powder coated screen is 7-1/2" tall with 2" wide slots. Screens are available for sprints and mini-sprints. Screens weigh just 1.60 lbs.

Carbon Fiber Wheel Cover For Weld Wheel ALL44169

Wheel cover, fabricated from real carbon fi ber, fastens easily with three quick turn fasteners. For use with 15" Weld bead lock wheels

New

Allstar ProductsNew Allstar Products

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SB Ford 302 & 351W Twin-Sump Oil Pans For Fox Body Mustangs

Engineered for Fox body Mustangs, twin-sump oil pans off er greater sump capacity and a deep, protected oil pick-up area. Large capacity ensures a consistent supply of oil and reduces oil tem-

peratures. The protected oil pick-up area prevents foaming and oil being blown out by turbulence from the rotating assembly. Fabricated steel pans have 6.5" deep front sumps, 9" deep rear sumps and hold seven-quarts. Pans have built-in crank scrapers, windage screens, two magnetic drain bungs, and 1/4" NPT bungs for dipstick provisions. Two versions are available: one for 289-347 cubic inch engines with up to 3.550" strokes, another for 351-410 cubic inch engines with up to 4.250" strokes.

Billet Adjustable Fuel Log With Gauge AED6256

Billet Adjustable Fuel Log With Gauge Fuel log keeps an adequate supply of pressurized fuel close to the carburetor. Adjustability allows a single part number to fi t Holley-style carburetors with 7/8"-20 inlet threads, including 4150, 4160 and Dominator. Billet aluminum and bright red anodized fuel log has an -8AN male inlet, 3/8" NPT fuel return port and a 0-15 PSI fuel pressure gauge.

SB Chrysler 340-360 Bronze Oil Pump Drive Gear And Shaft MIL21535

SB Chrysler 340-360 Bronze Oil Pump Drive Gear And Shaft A must for small block Chryslers with roller cams, precisely machined and heat treated 4130 chrome moly shaft has a CNC-machined hex end and a high quality bronze gear that resists wear.

Another vendor has joined the Motor State product line. Flo-Tek manufactures aff ordable aluminum cylinder heads for small block Ford and Chevrolet V8’s. Both models are sold individually.

Flo-Tek’s SB Chevy Aluminum Racing Cylinder Head Off ers high fl owing, 180cc intake runners, 62cc exhaust runners, 64cc combustion

chambers, bronze valve guides and a fi ve-angle valve job. Assembled version includes swirl polished 2.020" intake and 1.600" exhaust valves, high performance (.550" lift/hyd. fl at) valve springs, hardened locks and retainers, PC seals, 3/8" studs and guide plates. Choose straight or angle plug designs, assembled or bare.

The Flo-Tek SB Ford Aluminum Racing Cylinder Head Has 180cc intake runners, 62cc exhaust runners, 58cc combustion chambers, bronze

valve guides and fi ve-angle valve job. Assembled version adds swirl polished 1.940" intake and 1.540" exhaust valves, high performance (.550" lift/hyd. roller) valve springs, hardened locks and retainers, PC seals, 3/8" studs and guide plates. Available to accept pedestal or stud mount rocker arms.

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New

ProductsNew Products

One of the premier manufacturers of performance clutches, Ram has introduced three new clutch kits specifi cally engi-neered for high performance, street only use in 2011-up Ford Mustangs with the 5.0L engine. All kits off er increased clamp-ing force and smooth engagement without adding signifi cantly to the feel of the pedal.

The HDX Clutch Kit 5.0L RAM88955HDXHas been engineered as a performance upgrade for daily-driven street performance cars.

Kit uses the 200 series premium organic faced clutch disc and a specialized pressure plate with increased clamping.

The Force 9.5 Street Dual Disc Clutch Kit RAM75-2230

Ideal for high horsepower, street-only performance cars. The 300 Series clutch is conservatively rated at 800 ft./lbs. , but engages smoothly. A strap driven fl oater plate provides quiet operation.

Ram’s Force 10.5 Street Dual Disc Clutch Kit RAM80-2230

Conservatively rated at 900 ft./lbs. of holding capacity and is the clutch kit of choice for high horsepower, street-only performance cars. The 300 series clutch provides smooth engagement, while the special strap driven fl oater plate enables completely quiet operation.

Standard Ultra and Lightweight Ultra Connecting Rods Rods are forged from extremely clean, Timken steel. Strengthening gussets around the cap screws off er increased durabil-

ity and 100% thread engagement eliminates exposed threads between the bolt thread and the shank. All rods are fi tted with 260,000 PSI Ultra Bolts with rolled threads for improved engagement and consistent clamping loads. Sold in sets of eight and available in several lengths. The Lightweight Ultra rods weigh only 613 grams.

QuickCar Torque Absorber Travel Indicator QRP66-512 Travel Indicator will fi t QuickCar Torque Absorbers 66-500 and 66-499.

Accurately tells how much travel is produced on acceleration and deceleration, allowing for better tuning and repeatability. Installation hardware is included.

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Manufacturer SpotlightM

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Established in New York over 150 years ago in 1853, MOTUL was owned by the Rockefeller Group and operated as a subsidiary of Standard Oil Company. Later managed and run by Swan Finch, the company name was changed to the Swan Finch Company in 1919.

The Swan Finch Company, fi rmly established in the United States, eventually expanded its lubricant business and started exporting to Europe. In 1932, the Zaugg family, a French distributorship, bought out the Swan Finch Compa-ny, but kept the MOTUL brand name. The entire operation moved to France and the brand name MOTUL (Mo-Tool), was relaunched as a French brand.

Since 1932, MOTUL has been focused on improving the re-liability and performance of lubricants, MOTUL dramatically altered the lubrication industry by producing several world’s fi rsts. Among these:

1953 - the launch of the World’s 1st Multigrade Motor Oil.1966 - the launch of the World’s 1st Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil.1971 - the launch of the World’s 1st 100% Synthetic Motor Oil.Today, MOTUL continues in its tradition of producing

superior quality lubricants, turning its technological innova-tions into real products for the automotive world. From turbo engine oils to gear oils; brake and transmission fl uids, MOTUL has been, and continues to be a favored brand.

An environmentally conscious organization, MOTUL has concentrated its eff orts in developing cleaner and more environmentally friendly products. MOTUL has also invested in recycling programs, off ering consumers a cleaner and greener way of living. Currently headquartered in Paris, France, MOTUL produces a line of premium performance products that are sold in 65 countries. The MOTUL line includes:300V Racing Oil

Formulated for high performance racing engines, 100% synthetic 300V Racing Oil blends synthetic ester bases and specifi c anti-friction additives substantially increase oil fi lm resistance, reduce friction and lower oil temperatures. 300V oils are formulated for endurance racing where high engine oil temperatures are common. Use with gasoline or diesel, turbocharged or naturally aspirated engines and with or without catalytic converters. 90 PA Limited-Slip Diff erential Lubricant

Specially formulated for use in all hypoid diff erentials, with or without limited-slip, 90 PA decreases friction and wear, and resists extreme pressure, wear, corrosion and foaming. Meets API GL4 and GL5 standards. Gear 300 75W90 Lubricant

Gear 300 is a semi-synthetic, ester-based gearbox and rear axle lubricant formulated specifi cally for high performance and racing cars. Lubricant delivers an unshearable oil fi lm,

even under extreme conditions, and resists extreme pres-sure, wear, corrosion and foaming. Meets API GL4 and GL5 standards. Not for use in limited-slip diff erentials. Gear Comp 75W140 Lubricant

A 100% synthetic lubricant, specially formulated for racing gearboxes and limited-slip diff erentials, Gear Comp 75W140 delivers excellent stability at high temperatures. Meets API GL5 standards. Multi ATF Transmission Fluid

Synthetic fl uid is formulated with anti-wear, anti-corrosion and anti-foaming properties for use in automatic transmis-sions. It reduces friction for longer gear life and may also be used in power steering and other hydraulic systems. Meets GM Dexron II/III and Ford Mercon/Mercon V specifi cations. RBF 600 Racing Brake Fluid

A DOT 4, 100% synthetic, non-silicone racing brake fl uid that can endure the high temperatures in racing brake and clutch systems. RBF 600 has a dry boiling point of 593° F., su-perior to DOT 5 silicone based fl uids. Viscosity is lower than DOT 3 and DOT 4 fl uids for easier circulation in micro-valves and anti-lock systems. RBF 660 Racing Brake Fluid

RBF 660 resists the extreme temperatures in carbon and ceramic race car brake systems, minimizing reliance upon air for brake cooling. 100% synthetic, non-silicone DOT 4 fl uid has a 617° F. dry boiling point. Greatly exceeds DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 standards. May also be used with conventional steel rotors and clutch systems.6100 Synergie Engine Oils

High performance synthetic blend lubricant is formulated for gasoline and diesel engines in modern, high perfor-mance applications with fuel injection and catalytic convert-ers. 6100 Synergie incorporates the highest fi lm strength and extreme pressure package currently available, and the synthetic stock can handle extreme running temperatures with less volatility and reduced consumption. 8100 Eco-Nergy Oils

A 100% synthetic, ester based oil that delivers maximum fuel economy to modern turbo diesel direct injection and gasoline engines. Compatible with leaded or unleaded gas-oline, diesel fuels and LPG. Sold in one or fi ve liter bottles, or in cases.MoCool

Performance cooling system additive for cars, bikes and ATV’s, improves heat transfer and reduces system tempera-tures up to 30° F. Formula includes rust and corrosion inhibi-tors and is seal, rubber and plastic part friendly.

MoCool is a concentrated formula that must be mixed with distilled water at 5% (20:1) and is compatible with all types of anti-freezes. R&R

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Tech ForumTech ForumThe Trickle-Down Eff ectby Jim Kaekel

Although former U.S. President Ronald Reagan may have used the term “trickle-down economics,” amid much controversy, there have been other forms of the “trickle-down eff ect” that truly do benefi t everyone. Racing technology constantly evolves as innovative new products or improvements to existing items are found to make more horsepower or increase a car’s traction, handling or overall performance.

Many products, particularly those for carbureted racing engines, are initially developed for use in high profi le, professional racing circles such as NASCAR Sprint Cup or NHRA Pro Stock. Eventually, these innova-tions trickle down to the sportsman racing classes. CNC-ported cylinder heads, large diameter, thicker wall pushrods, gas ported pistons, and narrow, low tension piston rings, which roughly a decade ago could only be found on professional race cars, are now common on sportsman cars as well.

A fairly recent idea involving engine cooling has worked its way down to the grass roots level. Sprint Cup and NHRA Pro Stock teams have achieved maximum performance by using large engine “chillers.” Chill-ers lower coolant temperatures (to as low as 50° F.) prior to qualifying. Engine builders and racers alike agree that lower coolant temperatures result in more horsepower, and lessen the chance of detonation.

Benefi tting from lower coolant temperatures is not a new idea. Sportsman drag racers have been cooling their engines for decades in search of the that extra “couple of hundredths” Until now, they’ve been pouring large jugs of cold water through their cooling system prior to racing. However, this method is very labor intensive and doesn’t have quite the impact that ice water provides when compared to water that is of ambient temperature.

High end engine chillers typically use a built-in refrigeration unit in conjunction with a coolant storage tank that circulates cold water through the cooling system, however, these cost several thousand dollars, and are out of the reach of a typical sportsman racer’s budget.

In the past couple of years, more cost eff ective engine chillers have become commercially available for between $700.00 and $1,500.00. Specifi cally aimed at the sportsman drag racing market, they are gaining popularity in NHRA Stock, Super Stock, and select NMCA classes where “heads-up” type runs occur. A typical chiller has a 10-15 gallon reservoir, usually mounted on a two-wheel cart for ease of transport. A built-in water pump, either 12 or 110 Volt, circulates water from the race car’s cooling system through the cooler reservoir via pressure and return hoses. A one-way check valve with dry break fi ttings is either installed in the car’s upper radiator hose, or connected to a specialized radiator cap with inlet and outlet fi ttings, to provide cooling system connections. The reservoir is fi lled 1/3 full of water and the rest of the way with ice. The chillers hold suffi cient ice/water mix to cool the engine between rounds for a full day of increased performance.

Do-it-yourselfers on a tight budget can build an eff ective engine chiller at home using a large ice chest outfi tted with a submersible 110V swimming pool pump. No need to buy a new pump, there are hundreds of used ones out there. Rubber garden hoses for both pressure and return can be plumbed through the upper sides of the ice chest, and dry break fi ttings, like those off ered by Jiff y-Tite, may then be installed on the opposite ends of the hoses for quick, leak-free connections/dis-connections. A fabricated check valve, like the unit off ered by C&R Racing (CRRCR-UC-BPCO17B for 1-1/2" dia. radiator hose), can then be installed in the radiator hose in the proper fl ow direction. Jiff y-Tite –8AN ORB (O-Ring Boss) valved fi ttings (JFT51108 socket and JFT52108 plug) are fi tted to the C&R check valve. Valved –10AN push-lock fi ttings (JFT51510P socket and JFT52510P plug) are used on the chiller end, and they fi t perfectly into 5/8" I.D. garden hose. The unique design of the Jiff y-Tite units allows interchangeability between all 5000 series fi ttings, even when AN sizing diff ers. The check valve has -8AN ORB provisions for inlet and outlet fi ttings and is available to fi t a wide variety of radiator hoses including 1-1/2", 1-3/4", -16AN and -20AN.

A properly designed engine chiller can reduce water temperatures dramatically in a matter of just a few minutes. Some drag racers have experienced as much as .05-.08 reduction in elapsed times. It is recommended that the unit be used only after initial cooling to prevent thermal shock to engine components. Maximum performance benefi ts are derived by using the chiller just before the next round, and running the engine as little as possible prior to racing. R&R

12_LaneWinter.indd 7 1/5/12 9:56 AM

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Using The Chassis Dyno For Maximum PerformanceWhen it comes to honest horsepower bragging rights, it's hard to beat the results of a dynamometer test. The modern dyno tests,

analyzes and then stores all the pertinent information right there on a computer, where it can then be printed out for all to see and ap-preciate. While engine dynos can provide tons of vital information on the engine build itself, and are widely used for all racing engine applications, we want to take this opportunity to take a closer look at using a chassis dyno. The chassis dyno goes beyond the engine dyno, and can take that horsepower and put it to work in the race vehicle in a real world situation.

In recent months, we have had the opportunity to observe two separate chassis dyno sessions, one involving a modern dirt circle track factory stocker and the other, a car tailored to land speed racing. The circle track car was tested on the SuperFlow chassis dynamometer at Willy's Carburetor and Dyno Shop in Mount Carmel, Illinois. The purpose was to determine the best possible combinations for winning on a long, 1/2 mile dirt track. The land speed race car sessions were conducted on Baker Engineering/Pro Cam's Dynojet unit at their shop in Nunica, Michigan in an eff ort to determine power combinations to get a bona fi de 197 mph car to go over 200.

Once the cars were tethered to their respective dynos, drivers were told to put the pedal to the metal, just as they would during a typi-cal race or run. Each “pull” on the chassis dyno was fully recorded on its computer allowing analysis of engine speed, wheel speed and air/fuel ratio, among other characteristics, and their overall eff ect upon horsepower at the rear wheels. Here is the real value of the chas-sis dyno tests - realizing the horsepower that actually moves the car on the track. Infi nite adjustments can be made to carburetors, valve-train, timing, shift points, etc. with respect to improving the rear wheel readings and, as a result, boosting performance on the track.

How well did the cars do in their respective venues after their chassis dyno sessions? Well, the circle track car went on to capture the season championship at its home track. The land speed car, using information garnered at its session, was able to break the 200 mile per hour barrier on its next outing. R&R

Tech Forum

Willy's Carburetor and Dyno Shop in Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Circle track car tethered in place for chassis dyno session.

The heart and soul of any chassis dyno...the data recording center.

Between pulls on the Baker/ProCam dyno, it's time for adjustments.

It all comes down to this: torque and horse-power at the rear wheels equals speed.

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2012 Registrations2012 Registrations

Plan Now To Attend Our 2012 Car Show

Sixth Annual Open Header Cruise To Kick Off Car Show WeekendOur Sixth Annual Open Header Cruise at 5:00 pm on Friday May 25 will pick up where we left off last year... and we hope to again

increase the number of participants. We will be looking into running the same cruise route as last year, starting in Coloma and merging into the old route on the north side of Watervliet. We’re hoping for 100 cars, and would be really happy if even more showed up! Sign up for the Open Header Cruise here, on our web site - www.laneautomotive.com, or call John McLellan at (269) 463-0202. When you visit this web site, you’ll see a general description of the Open Header Cruise as well as a list of the cruise rules. R&R

Work is moving right along on the 24th Annual Lane Automotive Car Show and Cruise-IN which will take place May 25-26, 2012. Many things will remain unchanged, including Saturday’s nitro-fueled Noisefest and the Chassis Dyno Challenge which have grown to be real crowd pleasers. Enjoy the Fourth Annual Hot Rodders Of Tomorrow Engine Builder Challenge, too. R&R

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Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up NowMail To Lane Automotive,

ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com

Uncork Those Pipes and Join Our 2012 Open Header Cruise !

Time slots are limited so register soon. A $30 entry fee is required and will be donated to Relay For Life. Once registered you will be notifi ed via email as to your date and time slot. The Dyno Challenge dates are May 25 and 26 (during the Lane Cruise-In and Car Show). Be sure to go to www.laneautomotive.com for info and rules. R&R

Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up NowMail To Lane Automotive,

ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com

Lane Automotive Dyno Challenge Registration Form

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Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up NowMail To Lane Automotive,

ATTN: Scott Wahlstrom 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com

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Rodding Journal“Don’t Mess With Geezers!”

After the “Geezer Express” team had put some distance (and time) between themselves and the April 2011 Maxton Mile event, we all agreed that there were still sev-eral unanswered questions with regard to what the car had already done, and, more importantly, what it could still accomplish. Would the overdrive gear in the 700-R4 automatic transmission (unused at Maxton) help or hinder the quest for speeds above the 200.767 mph set at Maxton? Was the add-on 50 horsepower nitrous oxide system actually responsible for pushing the Express beyond the 200 barrier, or did the car do it on gasoline alone? Would car owner, George Turner, get his chance to put the car through its paces, and possibly pedal himself into the 200 MPH club as a “Bucket List” fulfi llment?

The decision was made to regroup, check the car out and make plans to travel to the Loring Timing Association’s “Maine Event,” a land speed event scheduled for July 14-16 at Loring AFB, near Limestone, Maine. The team, with newest geezer, Rick King, now numbered six.

The fi rst thing that strikes Maxton regulars about the massive facility at Loring is how SMOOTH it is. With a main course 300 feet wide and over 14,400 feet long - they used to land B-52 bombers here - the Loring track lets most land speeders re-ally hang it all out. It would be the perfect place to answer the aforementioned questions before the event came to an end on Sunday.

Friday was devoted to prepping the car, checking out everything one more time, and then getting the car inspected by the tech crew. All went well until it was discovered at tech that the car had no inertia activated safety shut off switch for the electric fuel pump. These fairly common switches have been used on late model cars for years. After strik-ing out at NAPA in Caribou, and several other outlets, we found a junkyard “...down there about a mile” by “...hanging a right and going over the big hill.” There it was, a toss-up as to who had less teeth, the owner of the yard or his elderly German Shepherd The old dog growled softly and watched us. We told the gent what we needed and were told to “stay right here” while he went to “fetch” one of “them switches.” I guess he fi gured the prospect of being severely gummed by his dog was threaten-ing enough to keep us in check. He returned in about ten minutes,

Left to right, Rick King, Geo Turner and Brian Acton wait in the staging lanes at Loring.

The problem of plugged nitrous oxide jets is addressed prior to the fi rst day's runs.

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WINTER 2012 11

Rodding JournalRodding Journalgrimy switch in hand and said “Gimme twenty bucks! That’s the second one I sold today!”

The answer to the boost of the nitrous oxide assist at Maxton came quickly during a pre-race in-spection. The jets were plugged. At Maxton, Brian had engaged the nitrous button, but reported feeling no diff erence in the speed. The blockage was the reason. The Express had gone over 200 mph on gas only. Compressed air made quick work of opening up the nitrous jets.

Records were open in both B/Blown Fuel Altered and B/Blown Gas Altered classes. Brian would make his licensing pass and then, on the next run, activate the nitrous for an all out attempt at a record in B/BFALT. If he was successful, the car would be turned over to George on Sunday so he could make his required license run, and then - minus nitrous - take a shot at the B/BGALT record. If time allowed, the nitrous would be boosted to 75 horsepower and Brian would then go after the “A” Fuel record.

Saturday morning Brian made his licensing pass and we towed right back to the staging lanes for the next run. We waited two and a half hours before the run at the record. Finally, Brian was at the line. He left hard, shifted cleanly and was soon out of sight. When we hooked up the trusty Allstar Performance retractable tow rope at the end of the track, Brian told us he had used his GPS, which registered 204 mph, but he doubted its accuracy. Half way back up the return road, George and Rick met us and told us the car had offi cially run 203.446 mph, a new record in the “B” class! Time was up and the runs were done for the day for the “Geezer Express.” To speed things up for Sunday, the car was towed to the staging lanes before everyone left.

Sunday morning. George buckled in and proceeded to run 184 on his license pass, and simultaneously established a record in the B/BGALT class. George wanted a shot at the 200 Club so the car was towed right back to the staging lanes. The air was deteriorating as the temperature climbed, but George upped his own record to 202.621 mph, on gasoline only! Another question answered.

Once back in the pits, Brian installed the 75 horse nitrous jets while John Pranger and Ben Herr made some timing adjust-ments. The car’s seams and bulges were taped once more and we towed back to the staging line. Brian planned to “go for broke” on this run, engaging the nitrous and shifting into overdrive, a gear that so far had not been used. The car bogged seriously when shifted into overdrive and only registered 193 mph. The question of overdrive had been settled.

A quick stop in the pits determined that the electric water pump was not working. The problem was quickly traced to a defective switch which was replaced. Then, it was back to the staging lanes once again. All were sure that this would be THE pass.

Finally, it was time for Brian to suit up and get buck-led in. At the starter’s signal, Brian pulled to the line and launched cleanly. Then, moments later, came the an-nouncement: “Car 7791 just ran 204.674!” The “Geezer Express” had set four records with the “little engine that could.” The Firebird was a veritable “turnkey” 200 mile an hour runner for sure! Again, from the Geezer Handbook: “Don’t Mess With Geezers!” R&R

Limestone, Maine Chamber of Commerce welcomes Loring racers.

Once these two motorcycles take off , it's Geo Turner's shot at another Bucket List cross-off !

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8300 Lane Drive Watervliet, MI 49098Phone 269-463-LANE • Toll Free 800-772-5266 • Fax 800-772-2618

Reserve your 2012 NASCAR cars today! Coming soon: Tony Stewart's 2011 NASCAR Champion Diecast

Call today to reserve a diecast your favorite driver.'s car. Phone: 1-800-772-2682

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