Would you like a Fry with that Rootbeer?

Ok, Agent 1320 scooped me on this one but I still want to mention that former Junior Fooler, Mendy Fry, is doing a great job in Frank “Rootbeer” & Ruthi Hedge’s nostalgia top fuel car. Within a month she got her license and has done her thing at two match races. She’s a welcome addition to the now two car team that Tom Shelar, Frank Hedge, Brett Johansen and Walt “Thumbs” Stevens have put together. And although he makes a great driver, I’m sorry to say that Sean Bellemeur, who shoes the other car, isn’t nearly as cute as Mendy.

Remembering Woody “Pops” Duke

We just keep losing them lately. Just got word that Woody “Pops” Duke, the 88-years-young patriarch of Duke Racing, passed away recently. The Dukes are long time VRA/Goodguys Nostalgia Eliminator competitors with their blown alcohol Fiat, driven by Woody Junior. “Pops” just missed seeing a second car added to the team. That car is nearing completion at Bruce Dyda’s shop in So. Cal. and will feature Pops’ other son, Steve, at the helm.

Carlsbad Raceway Closes For Good

It really looks like the end for Carlsbad Raceway, just north of San Diego, Calif. On Sunday August 8, they’re hosting “The Last Bracket Race and Memorial Barbecue”. They’re not “officially” shutting down, but since it could be curtains for this track at any time, they’re throwing one last Outlaw Bracket race and a party.

All the racers, from imports to dragsters, who have supported the track over the years are invited. For more information, phone 760-480-8369 or e-mail Jim at motorcityjim@msn.com

Muh-Muh-Muh-My Barona

Barona Drag Strip is a 1/8-mile paved track near San Diego and spittin’ distance from their Resort and Casino – ah … your one-stop shop for hotel rooms, entertainment, gambling and drag racing. I’m thinking is there anything they didn’t think of? Well, except for that extra 1/8th mile of track, they’ve got it all … including some nostalgia events coming up.

On Saturday, October 9 they’ll be hosting the “Thunder on the Mountain” Drags with three 16- car fields: CIFCA Funny Cars, NE1 Dragsters and Altereds. The prices are nostalgic too! $15 for adults and kids under 12 are $5. The best thing though is free entry for race car, driver, and three crewmembers. For more info, contact Chuck Bayuk at graybeardracing@netzero.net

Stay tuned to this column for more info on the upcoming Antique Drags which are slated for Oct. 24.

Help a Funny Car Driver Put Macaroni and Cheese on his Table

“Self-serving section” alert! My nostalgia top fuel car chassis is for sale! Help me find this thing a good home and I promise to be nice to the person of your choice on your favorite drag race message board. Or, I’ll be mean to the person of your choice on your favorite drag race message board. Thanks!