Today I wanna tell you about DOUG FOLEY'S DRAG RACING EXPERIENCE coming to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park on Friday, June 21st, 2013. This is a unique experience that you can purchase for yourself, or as a gift for someone special (It makes a great Father's Day present). For $149 you can ride along in a two seated 800hp dragster, for $349 you can get two runs, and for $499 you can ride along for three powerful passes down the historic E'Town strip. One of the reasons why I'm suggesting this form of fun is because several years ago, Drag Racing Underground and I produced a TV commercial for Doug Foley's Drag Racing School that ran during some of the televised NHRA events at the time, and from that experience, I learned that Doug Foley and his crew run nothing short of a top-notch operation. Doug has had lots of seat time aboard Top Fuel diggers and other classes of drag cars, he and his family are definitely people who I consider to be genuinely dedicated to the sport. Doug Foley and his staff make sure that every detail is done right... And keep in mind that they're also offering Junior Dragster licensing for $995, and Super Comp & Super Gas licensing for $1595. This is the first time that DOUG FOLEY'S DRAG RACING EXPERIENCE is coming to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Take a ride in a two seated dragster or take the wheel and drive yourself!... AND with the dragsters' new onboard camera system, you'll never forget your experience! It all happens on June 21st, so make plans NOW to sign up and be part of the "experience"... For more details please visit WWW.DOUGFOLEY.COM

In today's blog I suggest that DOUG FOLEY'S DRAG RACING EXPERIENCE can be a fabulously fun and enlightening life experience...

visit WWW.DOUGFOLEY.COM for more details.

For today's blog I believe it's fitting that I print an obituary acknowledging the life, accomplishments and passing of Art Malone. Arthur Malone aka "The Colonel" was born June 3, 1936 and died just days ago on March 28, 2013. There isn't a drag racing historian in the world who can deny that Art Malone was a drag racing pioneer who still remains a true legend of the sport-- AND he also made quite a name for himself in the roundy-round genres of motorsports as well. His skills and talent weren't just confined to straight line racing... Let's do a brief overview of some of Art Malone's major accomplishments in motorsports-- He was the 1963 AHRA Top Fuel World Champion. In 1959 he drove for another drag racing legend, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. On the date of August 23, 1959, Art Malone set the Standard 1320 ft speed record at 183.66 miles per hour (back in '59 that was wicked fast!). He is a bona-fide member of the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) Hall of Fame. He was the first driver to run 180 miles per hour at Daytona International Speedway. He raced in the USAC Championship Car series during that sanctioning organization's 1962-1965 seasons, with 10 career starts, including the 1963 and 1964 Indianapolis 500 races. Art Malone was officially inducted into the prestigious Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1997. The drag racing world mourns the death of Art Malone, although we should also celebrate all he's accomplished and contributed to our sport during his lifetime. Rest In Peace...

In today's blog I acknowledge the life, accomplishments and passing of motorsport legend Art Malone.

Art Malone situated behind the motor of this dragster, the cockpit location where many "pioneers" of the sport spent ample hours of seat time. "The Colonel" as he was often called also made his mark at the wheel of roundy-round race cars too.

It's reported that a Peruvian research group studying the history and biology of Alpacas and Llamas have stumbled onto documentation of drag racing's most ancient of origins... Yeah, Alpacas and Llamas, members of the Camelid animal family (they're related to Camels) were evidently the ride of choice in history's earliest "grass roots grazing" brand of primitive drag racing. The study group found stone etchings depicting what can only be described as drag racing's very first documented example of its ancient origins. The stone drawings are believed to be dated from as early as 1553, crudely illustrating Peruvians from the past, living in and around the Andes Mountains, racing each other in pairs (2 at a time), from a "standing start", atop their Alpacas and Llamas, on a "straight course" believed to be approximately an 1/8th mile in length. A system resembling a flag start has been interpreted from drawings. This took place on the Andes Mountains' upland mountain plateaus, some as high as 4000ft above sea level. Not exactly the "ideal air" for drag racing, that kind of brutal elevation is high enough to put a major hurtin' on modern day drag racing-- The Alpacas, Llamas and their riders must have been mighty tough, the animals would carry light "horse jockey framed" Peruvian men, women and children at estimated speeds of approximately 20 mph-- THAT'S really "hoofin' it" aboard a Llama or Alpaca!-- The animals must have provided a rather rough short-wheelbased ride!...  Researchers even discovered a diagram that mimics "staging lanes" leading up to the straight-line drag strip course. It's also believed that a "Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!" promotional approach was practiced by the primitive Peruvians--  Racers and their team members would go hut to hut, tent to tent, reciting short "hyper-spoken speeches" advertising their end of week racing events to neighbors and townspeople. Translated text tells of winners occasionally receiving their losing opponent's Alpaca's and/or Llama's valuable fleece (making for an ideal material to be then woven into warm "winners jackets and sweaters"). Elaborate "victory trophies" produced from whittled sticks were also unearthed at the ancient Andes Mountains drag racing sights.


You wanna go for a ride?? This one looks like he could be a heck of a handful off the starting line!! Alpacas and Llamas are now believed to be the mode of transportation used back when drag racing was undergoing its most primitive of origins.

Copyright 2013 Drag Racing Underground International Historical Research Council Board & Committee.

I wish you a Happy Easter and Happy Passover... For today's blog I decided to feature this ultra-cute photo of our official Drag Racing Underground mascot, the always sweet and charming Selky aka "Bucky Buck". She's a loving little girl who brings me so much joy all year 'round. Last time I posted a pic of her on this page, I received so many adoring emails from my readers, so therefore, I decided to give you the opportunity to see this stunning portrait of Selky aka "Bucky Buck", wearing a pair of custom bunny ears that I fabricated especially for her... She actually seems to enjoy wearing the ears, although I just keep them on her for the duration of time it takes to snap a few photos... This is one gracious guinea pig who is obviously feeling fabulously festive... Best wishes to one and all for a happy holiday... Embrace and appreciate family and friends... Be appreciative for all you have in this life... Remember those you forever love who have passed on... Try taking stock of your life and contemplate what you can do to be an even better human being... And take some time to think about and possibly reach out to someone who may not be quite as fortunate as yourself...

In today's blog I wish all a Happy Easter & Passover. And I offer you this lovely photo of Drag Racing Underground mascot Selky aka "Bucky Buck" sporting bunny ears for the occasion...

Photo by yours truly. Copyright Drag Racing Underground.

My longtime friend, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park's own Michelle Marchese brought up the idea to me of acknowledging the life of a late racer who got his start running E'Town's Sunday Bracket & E.T. program, and then went on to make Pro Stock drag racing history. I'm talking about the late, great Scott Geoffrion. And yes, it's true, Scott did hone his driving skills early in his career by Bracket racing at Raceway Park-- Those of us who really know our drag racing are well aware that in order to be competitive in Bracket racing, you need to have the sharpest of driving skills to successfully go rounds, it's a really tough, often overlooked and under appreciated sector of drag racing. Scott Geoffrion originally hailed from the northern New Jersey town of Mahwah, so racing at E'Town made good sense. Scott started running Pro Stock in 1987 and landed a job driving for Warren "The Professor" Johnson in 1991. Then in 1994 Scott landed his historic gig driving for David Hutchens' and Mike Sullivan's Wayne County Speed Shop/Dodge Boys team. With a total of nine NHRA National event wins, and twice being the runner up for the NHRA Pro Stock championship, Scott's accomplishments in the "Factory Hot Rod" class are certainly something to bring lots of pride to his family. Scott passed away on May 8, 2006 as the result of an apparent heart attack. I remember meeting Scott Geoffrion during a press conference at Raceway Park, and in all honesty, I can say that you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer guy. We all still miss Scott Geoffrion, our local racer done good, but he certainly remains in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him... For those of my readers on Facebook, I suggest you visit the "Scott Geoffrion Page" (that's what the page is titled on FB), that's where you'll be able to see and learn more about Scott Geoffrion and his legacy...

A colorful handout card from Scott Geoffrion's historic "Dodge Boys" Pro Stock period.

Getting his start running Brackets at E'Town, Scott Geoffrion went on to make drag racing history.

Today is "FEEDBACK FRIDAY", meaning I deal with emails that my assistant Stephanie and I receive from readers regarding my most recent blogs... But first I'd like to thank my trusty tech team for giving the Drag Racing Underground site a thorough cyber-horsepower overhaul, and subsequently enabling a lot more cyber-surfers to read my blog and all the other groovy features here at the DRU...  Let's get right to your feedback... My blog exposing the meticulous RAMCHARGERS Dodge Demon Funny Car restoration resulted in lots of emails. The owner of the car, Jim Matuszak, was extremely pleased with the piece and I'm certainly glad he liked it. It's my opinion that Jim and his wife Julie deserve all the press in the world for getting their gorgeous cackle car together! Otis from Fitchburg, KY wrote, "Hey Doc, thanks for the heads up about the RAMCHARGERS car. I'm definitely going to go see it at the National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY!"-- Otis, I heard from several people who are now planning to see it at the appearance dates that I posted. Have fun at the NHRR!... In reference to my reporting on Al "Mousie" Marcellus' health, of WINGED EXPRESS Nitro Altered fame, Tabitha from Arroyo, CA wrote, "Mousie is a living legend. All my family are praying for his recovery."-- And Nicky from Indio, CA says, "Get well Mousie, drag racing needs you!"-- Thanks to all who wrote saying they're sending prayers to Al "Mousie" Marcellus... In regards to my blog promoting "THE DIGS AT E'TOWN", George from Tansboro, NJ wrote, "I like The Digs nostalgia drag racing flavor. It's different than everything else out there."-- George, I really do urge readers to check out this alternative brand of the nostalgia drag strip scene, I think they'll be pleasantly surprised by its refreshing friendliness... And lastly, in regard to my restaurant reviewing, Jaclyn from Bay Head, NJ writes, "Hey Doc, I want to see more restaurant reviews. I trust your taste!"-- That's sweet of you to say, Jaclyn... Keep those emails comin' (by using the "Contact Us" link atop the page), whether you agree or disagree with my opinions, I'm genuinely interested in your feedback... I just ask that you please keep your emails short and to the point, no rambling please, and please also include where you're from, I often find the location of where folks are writing me from to be sort of interesting. If you want to remain anonymous you can do that too (just write that you want to remain anonymous in the body of your email, and I won't disclose your identity in the event I choose to make a reference to your particular opinion)... Thanks...

It's "FEEDBACK FRIDAY" here at DRAG RACING UNDERGROUND. That means I print excerpts from some of the emails that you readers write in with. I always appreciate you folks who sit down at your keyboard and type me your thoughts and opinions.

Illustration courtesy of Drag Racing Underground's own John Gill. Copyright 2013.

I'm ecstatic to report that the number of people who view this blog page (and the whole Drag Racing Underground web site) is currently pretty darn mind boggling. My staff tells me that the "cyber traffic" (that's what my people call it) continues to soar through the roof and up into the high heavens (I can barely believe the incredible number of people from all over the globe now checking in here every single day!!), therefore, the resident Drag Racing Underground "tech heads" (M.I.T. grads) have informed me that it's definitely necessary that they do some under-the-hood maintenance work, meaning that my blog page could possibly be down for a day or two (at the most) starting tomorrow (Thursday). But I assure you, as soon as my staff is done modifying and upgraded this place, I'll return better and more energized than ever before!!... I sincerely want to thank YOU for making me the Number #1 most read female blogger in drag racing history. I really mean it when I say that I appreciate each and every one of you for your unwavering support. You are the best friends a gal could ever ask for. I'll be back here as soon as some more horsepower is added to the site in order to accommodate the increasing demand that comes from having tens of thousands more cyber surfers... Thanks again to everyone for making me number one... You folks are simply fabulous!!...

Thanks for making yours truly the number one most read female blogger in drag racing history... You're the best & most loyal friends a gal could ever ask for... Now some cyber maintenance must be done in order to handle the rapidly growing "cyber traffic" that's constantly flowing  into this Drag Racing Underground web site... I'll be back in the saddle in a day or two...

Image copyright Drag Racing Underground.

Last week I was contacted by a gentleman by the name of Jim Matuszak regarding a "cackle car" that I believe is well worthy of sharing with my readers and blogging about. Jim and his wife Julie are the proud owners of this thoroughly restored Ramchargers Demon Funny Car, that's as "period correct" in appearance and construction as it was when storming the drag strips of America back in 1972-'73. This dastardly Demon was the first Funny Car to break the 230 mph barrier when driven by drag racing great Clare Sanders. Every part of this car has been researched, and actual parts that were on the car back in the day are still on it today-- And any parts that weren't on the car during its painstaking restoration were duplicated by the original craftsmen who fabricated 'em the first time around. With the exception of Bruce Larson's '68 "USA-1" Camaro F/C restoration, I have never personally seen such a pristine Funny Car restoration as this raucous Ramchargers flopper. There's some people who Jim Matuszak would like to thank for their help in getting this Demon looking and sounding so gosh darn dandy, including Al Bergler, Dorne Rigby, Clare Sanders, Ed Schaider, Allan Gillis and John Denski to name a few, there's way too many individuals who helped make this happen to completely list here-- But they're ALL appreciated. As some of my readers know, several years ago, Drag Racing Underground and I helped with the Speed Channel's Ramchargers "American Muscle" TV special, and I learned just how hardcore the entire Ramchargers racing team were through the years... I'm incredibly impressed to see just how hardcore and dedicated Jim and Julie Matuszak were in making sure the Ramchargers legacy was handled so meticulously with the restoration of this car. This Dodge Demon is absolutely flawless from its its bodacious body down to its smallest of nuts 'n' bolts... She's a real bold looking beauty and a remarkable representation of the legendary Ramchargers spirit...

See this dastardly Demon in all its perfectly pristine restored beauty at the Detroit Dragway Reunion at Milan Dragway, Milan, MI Sat May 11th, and at the National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, KY on June 13th to 15th.

Photo by Tom Fedrigo.

First of all, since publishing my restaurant review of the General Saloon, we've been getting a steady stream of emails from restaurant owners and chefs, asking that I review their eating establishment. I want you folks to know that the only reason why I wrote a review of the General Saloon is because of its proximity to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, and the fact that there's a long drag racing related history attached to it-- The only restaurants that I'll consider reviewing for my blog MUST have a connection to drag racing, meaning that they must be close to a drag strip and/or have a drag racing related history associated with them. So far none of the restaurants that I've been asked to consider for review qualify. Also, I've been getting lots of you writing in with regular drag racing story ideas for my blog-- I'll be tackling some of the ones that I feel are appropriate in upcoming weeks and months... Okay, now that I've got that out of the way... Recently Al "Mousie" Marcellus of longtime "WINGED EXPRESS" Nitro Altered fame was hospitalized in Anaheim, California with pneumonia. I am glad to report that "Mousie" is now recovering from his bout with pneumonia and is expected to be released soon. As some of you who read this blog are aware, not too long ago, Al, was in the hospital getting hip surgery, I believe that went pretty well. And I'm glad that he's doing better now after dealing with pneumonia. It's my opinion that Al "Mousie" Marcellus is one of the nicest and sweetest gentlemen among drag racing's surviving pioneers. He's a classy guy and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family... Lastly, it seems that the cyber traffic coming to this blog and the Drag Racing Underground continues to soar through the roof (I can barely believe the incredible number of people from all over the globe now checking in here every single day!!), therefore, the resident Drag Racing Underground tech heads have informed me that it's definitely necessary that they do some under-the-hood maintenance work, that might result in my blog page being down for a day or two later this week. But I assure you, as soon as it's modified and upgraded, I'll return better and more revved up than ever before!!...

Best wishes for good health and happiness to Al "Mousie" Marcellus of longtime "WINGED EXPRESS" Nitro Altered fame. Here's a photo I cherish of "Mousie" being interviewed by yours truly for Drag Racing Underground's FUNNY CAR REUNION RAW dvd.  He's a sweet guy and definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

From the Drag Racing Underground video and image archives. Now the largest in the world.

A RETRACTION REGARDING MY BLOG OF MARCH 12TH, 2013...

As many of my longtime readers are well aware, truth and accuracy in journalism is very important to me, and when it's brought to my attention that I made an error, I am always sure to correct it in the name of honesty in reporting... That said, I am printing a retraction today regarding a blog I published on the date of March 12th, 2013, same blog is a review of the new General Saloon located at 1194 Englishtown Road in Old Bridge, New Jersey, just a stone's throw from Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. In the March 12th blog I stated that the owners of the General Saloon consulted with Michael Vitale, the former owner of the business when it was known as Vitale's, in regards to obtaining Mr. Vitale's pizza recipe-- And I also reported that the pizza recipe that the General Saloon is now serving on their menu is in fact Mr. Vitale's... HOWEVER, we just recently heard from Michael Vitale over here at Drag Racing Underground headquarters, and Mr. Vitale told us that the General Saloon did not consult with him regarding his pizza recipe, and that the pizza currently being served is not derived from his cooking instructions and specific recipe... Okay, so that's the story... I thought it my journalistic duty to get that all straightened out for my readers...

Today's blog is a retraction regarding a statement I made in my March 12th review blog of the new General Saloon in Old Bridge, NJ. (Down the road from Old Bridge Township Raceway Park)

Photo courtesy of Stephanie. From the Drag Racing Underground video and image archives.