One of the highlights for me at CHRR was all
the tributes to one of the greatest legends
and racers from the Bakersfield area, Ernie
Hashim. Hashim passed away just days after I
sent out last month's edition of Getting Nostalgic,
and this guy lived for drag racing, and was
loved by all! Ernie Hashim not only ran Hashim's
Automotive in Bakersfield for over 45 years,
but also was the H part of M & H Tires in the
beginning of drag racing. Ernie was one of the
original "Smokers" Car Club members, which is
why Famoso is there in the first place. Hashim
also ran a very competitive Top Fuel car with
Ed Donavan, among others. Originally a driver
himself, after an accident he put drivers like
Wayne "the Peregrine " King at the wheel. There
isn't anything that Ernie Hashim would do to
help a fellow racer. Ernie Hashim was a great
father, grandfather of 10, racer, and businessman.
He will be missed.
Just some of the revamped or new vehicles participating
in the 12th Annual CHRR were the BankAmericar
of Don & John Ewald . This fine example of a
'60s front engine dragster broke the new Ronnie
Rapp built 392 just prior to coming to the Patch,
but thanks to Don Green and Ron Hope of the
Rat Trap for loaning them a Donavan, the team
trashed all day Saturday just to make the Cacklefest.
They received the inaugural Best presentation
award. The Assassin OHC Ford T'F entry is stunning!
The Swamp Rat, a Lil John Buttera-built dragster
formerly driven by Chi-town's Harold Brewer
was awesome. Tony Nancy's Loner was my personal
favorite. Harry Hibler was the driving force
to get this beauty back together! Thanks Harry....
Speaking of the former Hot Rod Magazine publisher,
Top Fuel driver, and San Fernando drag strip
manager, he was apparently involved in a motorcycle
accident and could not attend the event this
year. Best of luck Harry!
Dennis Prater and friends got the famed Stelling
and Hampshire car together; no paint yet, but
she looked wonderful. Dan Horan and Dale Pulde
debuted their 1970's Ford Mustang Nostalgia
Fuel Funny Car and it was the superior running
Funny Car at 6.40's and 6.50's. Typical of a
War Eagle type running FC.
We also had four other NFFC's on hand as Jack
Beckman drove the Jeff Gaynor Cuda, Randy Walls
and the Super Nova, Lil Nate Dodge, Flamed Fortune
Vette of Godfrey and Close. Four AA/FA's altereds
made the trip to Bakersfield too, including
Randy Bradford's Fiat, the aforementioned Rat
Trap of Don Green and Ron Hope. The newly revamped
Burkholder Brothers Fiat Coupe was also in attendance.
It was great too see that one again. And of
course, Mike Boyd, celebrating his 46th birthday
driving the Winged Express! How good did he
and Mousie run? How about an all time best ever
at 7.41!
Congrats to all the fantastic winners at the
12th CHRR event! And here they are, Top Fuel
went to Utah's famed Jack Harris over Capitola,
CA's Bill Dunlap as the 60-year-old Harris got
in on the break rule and took advantage of it
with a run of 5.878, 250.13 mph to just nip
Dunlap & Fuller's 5.926, 235.41 mph. A/Fuel
went to young Sean Bellemuir (doing double duty
this weekend, also drove Frank Hedge's Mastercam
T/F entry) over Dr. Kin Bates' nitro burner.
Dean Carter swept the A portion of JR Fuel,
while Don Enriquez (in Bob McCray's dragster)
won the B bracket. A/Gas was swept by the Plymouth
Valiant of the Renteria Brothers.
Ed Ontario brought his Ford-powered 1937 Ford
to victory circle in AA/GS. While Mike Smith
won the Nostalgia 1 class with his patriotic
painted red, white and blue dragster. Congratulations
to all the fine competitors for making this
event the best ever. Gary Cochran "Mr.C, Glen
Stokey, Bruce Geisler, Mooneyes company, the
late, great Pete Millar (Drag Cartoons), John
"Mr. Flathead" Bradley and the Grand Marshal
Bob Muravez. A special thanks to Greg Sharp,
Sam Jackson, and Steve Gibbs from NHRA. Can't
wait for next year in 2004 for lucky number
13! 
|
