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Cacklefest 2002

Words by Darr Hawthorne
Photos by Zak Hawthorne

It had been talked about by some racers and fans for much of the Winternationals weekend, rumored to commence before the final round pitting Larry Dixon against Kenny Bernstein. While waiting for the finalists to reach the staging lanes, a gathering of vintage cars and push trucks appeared on the top end past the timing lights. It was now time for the 2002 Winternationals Cacklefest.

The stands were full and the crowd arose as Hugh Tucker's restored, blown silver roadster is fired hopping and leaping forward down from the Pomona top end.

The Original So-Cal Speed Shop was built by Alex Xydias and was driven by owner Don Orosco. The Ardun Powered Bonneville Coupe that has been lovingly restored and won the Historic Hot Rod class at last year's Pebble Beach Concourse, it looks perfect.

The long twin-motored Freight Train follows trying to make the turn, like they used to, but crew members run to push the John Peters car back, like they used to.

Cracking and popping is Jim Nelson's Drag Master dragster shorty, followed closely behind by Mousie's Winged Express in all its glory.

"TV Tommy" Ivo is driving the Loukas & Preising Fuel Coupe and making the turn. Later Ivo disclosed that he wasn't sure where to park the car, "So we're thinking, what the heck are we doing, sitting here pointed at the guard rail?"

 

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