In the late 50s I street raced a lot and even drove at the local strip from time to time. I was a founding member of the Piston Poppers car club of Deerfield Beach Fl. I never had any money then but had a love for dragging and a talent for the hole shot. Any way one Sunday went to the strip with a buddy and I was to drive his late 50s Ford 390 4 speed in A stock. We checked in and the inspector said we know this cars (just bought by my buddy) been doctored and no A stock--run super stock or watch--so we took super stock. My first elimination pass was memorable I nosed out a Olds and pulled her down for the return and she sputtered to a stop. I pulled the hood and had a fire in the carb (no aircleaner) I pulled off my shirt and got it out having several burn holes in my shirt. Restarted and eliminated 2 more cars to get to trophy run-- I learned to keep the revs up to suck the extra gas down. I arrived at trophy run to meet "Gator" a buddy who was driving a borrowed a 335HP 4 speed Chevy! This was the days of flagmen before lights. The starter started his sequence and I jumped on 2&1/2 and Gator sat. I backed in and received my chewing out and waited. Gator jumped the second sequence and got his reaming . The pits were alive with our club members and it was big Chevy against Big Ford. The flagman started out toward his stand and I looked over at Gator and he had the same thought--warm up the tires OR? Any way we left the line in a dead heat (many witnesses) with the flagman still walking back to his stand with his back turned to us! He had the better car by one length. What a memory! I redeamed my honor soon thereafter with my 55 Pontiac against his 56 Ford running for my girlfriend's paycheck (his ex-girlfriend) against his paycheck --that was sweet--those were the days. Chuck:3gears:
