March Madness Time

3/7/03

his is one of my very favorite times of the year, not only because the California rainy season is coming to a halt, the mountains are still snow capped, and everything is bright green, but it's the time for the Goodguys March Meet. Lotsa sports fans are trying to figure out who is going to win the NCCA basketball tournament, but give me Top Fuel, AA/G, A/Gas, Jr Fuel, Nostalgia #1,#2,#3.... Fuel Altered would be nice too, and some Nostalgia Funny Cars would really top it off...I'm just a little spoiled!

Usually at the March Meet a total of 30 or so AA/FD's are at the famous Famoso Drag Strip located in Kern County, better known as "The Patch"... This is a premier Top Fuel show!

Gary Meadors and his very capable crew at the Goodguys do amaze me, though, as they really seem to have a handle on when to promote and have a nostalgia event. While lots of other groups really struggle to pack the grandstands at places like Tucson, Las Vegas, LACR, or Phoenix (either Speedworld or Firebird), Meadors and crew really seem to have this form of racing to their liking. Granted, one of the parts of the Goodguys that are an overwhelming success is the car show entries, which are second to none.

I believe that having their own "in-house" publication, "Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette," is a plus, too. Each and every one of their events is guaranteed ink, both in the Gazette and on their website.

As far as the press participation, the March Meet is probably the strongest nostalgia event along with NHRA's CHRR (California Hot Rod Reunion). You never know who you might see; it's like walking back in time!

Speaking of not being able to fill the grandstands with a fantastic show, I recently went to the Pro Nitro bash in Las Vegas. We had record setting Fuel Altereds, with James Generlao and his Las Vegas-based AA/FA setting an all-time quick time of 6.23, and backed it up! Rick Hough in the famed Nanook T roadster shook the ground to the tune of 6.37 too. Team Hough really had a tough year in 2002. After they had a major towing accident everything seemed to go wrong, but this top notch team definitely IS BACK.

A total of ten nitro burning machine were on hand and you looked around and basically there was maybe only 500 people to witness this fantastic show! Why? Promoter Jerry Hutchcroft was beside himself trying to figure out why too. He tried his first Import divisions and the turnout was dismal to say the least, like 18 cars. Last year Pro Nitro experienced really horrible weather in February but honestly it was fantastic this year, but it was really down on cars, and absolutely NO spectators.

Anyone have any legitimate ideas on how to have a successful nostalgia race? Are Nostalgia Funny Cars the answer? I'd like to know what the car count, and spectator count was for the Funny Car Reunion. Hey, Berserko or Steve Bell: How are the PSCA crowds? I admit, I'm looking for the real answer, but there has to be a way guys like ARHRA or Pro Nitro can at least break even.

One of the high points of the Pro Nitro race at Las Vegas was watching the brand new AA/FA Fiat Coupe of the Gruzen Family get in the show. Joel, Dave, Dee, and "Cookie" with Bill Rogers and friends put together a small-block mouse motored, of course, "Miraculous Mouse" Fiat Coupe on nitro with a Powerglide trans behind it. They had a few bugs to work out of the newest 'Mouse', but straight and true it ran a 7.66. But guys, your Nostalgia #1 or Blown Bad Boy roadster was Low ET of the Blown Bad Boys at a strong 7.62.

That was a tough class in Vegas with Hesperia's Lyle Larson taking home the win with his former Funny Car turned T roadster, as Lyle and his crew cranked out a fine 7.60 on 7.60 in the final! Dave Gruzen red-lighted for the very first time in his career!

Just as a spectator at Pro Nitro was the infamous George "the Bushmaster" Schreiber who is celebrating his 50th year in drag racing. George has raced fuel dragsters, jet dragsters, and even a fuel altered or two, and he was hanging out with Dale Lewis of the "Yellow Submarine" AA/FA fame. Lewis, when asked if he would like to come back, said, "No but if my son Randy wants to drive, I'd do it again." Randy Lewis actually played pro hockey for a while. Schreiber still wants to drive, of course. His Jet dragster is ready to go, but he is looking for a capable and reliable crewman, since his wife Shana retired.

It was great to see Lee Jennings back at the wheel of his old Chevy powered nitro burner over in Las Vegas, along with Chuck Tanko returning from surgery I believe. Be careful of those X-mas trees Chuck.... Nuff said there....

On a personal note, I understand that one of my very favorite people from Bakersfield, Ernie Hashim is on the mend after some heart trouble. Our prayers are with you Ernie, you will be missed at the March Meet my friend.

Let's hope for this wonderful weather to continue throughout the spring. Time for more NITRO!

< MORE STORIES>