Laying in a hospital bed, recovering from illness or injury, affords the mind a certain freedom to free-associate, to review life’s choices, map a new path forward. There is perhaps no greater example of this than the late Bill Simpson, the man who made safety
There are legends of hot rodding, and then there are legends. Carroll Shelby squarely falls in the latter category. Few hot rodders of the post-War era — and the term “hot rodder” is far too limiting a term in this instance — left a mark as
Long before Texas Motor Speedway was built, Goodguys Rod and Custom was holding the Lone Star Nationals down in the great state of Texas. First held at Southfork Ranch in Dallas, it was moved to the Dallas Fair Park before heading back to Southfork Ranch
All parties must come to an end, and for the horsepower party in America that was the very early ‘70s. Escalating insurance rates, an oil shortage, and a massive recession quickly became the “ugly lights” after last call. After a decade of unbridled fun and
If there was ever a golden age of Top Fuel in the Northwest it would be the 1970's, in particular the mid to late years of the decade. At the time there were upwards of 30 licensed TF drivers in NHRA Division Six. The 1978
As curious as the world of beauty pageants can seem these days, many famous celebrities began their careers as Miss Whatevers. Journalist Diane Sawyer was America’s Junior Miss in 1963. Michelle Pfeiffer earned the 1978 Miss Orange Country title. Oprah Winfrey was crowned Miss Black
It’s hard to imagine the 1998 Goodguys West Coast Nationals was over two decades ago. What did hot rodding look like 20-plus years in the rearview mirror? Well, here ya go! [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="full" ids="26979,26941"] Long known as the “Crown Jewel” of Goodguys events, the West
Some guys can build an engine. Others can fab up a chassis. Tuning is a skill in which others excel. And who doesn’t think he can drive? Finding someone who can do it all and do it with panache and performance, well, that as rare
Tommy Ivo once played opposite Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) and Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch of the West). He could sing and tap dance at age three. His big break came at age seven when his two front teeth went missing. He bought a house at
The history of rods and customs is dotted with legendary pinstripers and custom painters – Von Dutch, Dean Jeffries, Art Himsl, Larry Watson, to name a handful – who garnered widespread fame and publicity. Add Rod Powell to the list. While he kept a lower
