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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