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My top 10 favorite racecars

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There are so many cars over the years that have had a strong impression on me personally. Here are my Top 10, in no particular order.

1. John Gullett’s 2000 Single Turbo Mustang Pro 5.0 Car
This car single-handedly was the reason I ever wanted to drive a Pro 5.0 car in the first place. The car seemed to have gone through about 20 paint metamorphosis’ in its life time (they change paint as often as I change spark plugs), but my favorite of all time was this purple and bronze flamed rendition (at left).
Achievements: John broke many FFW Pro 5.0 records, the latest running a 6.36 with a small block and twin turbos in 2006.
Where is it now? Though the car was put up for sale at the end of 2006, John still owns the car and has put it aside to focus on family for awhile.
2. Mike Ashley’s Gone in 6.0 Seconds “Eleanor” GT 500 Mustang Pro Mod
This is my all-time favorite Pro Mod, and quite possibly my favorite car of all time. The first time I saw Eleanor was at the inaugural Drag Stock event in Jackson, SC. That weekend, Mike pushed Eleanor to the first 3 second 1/8th mile performance, a feat that was celebrated by Gotham City handing out free t-shirts. I ran to get mine, and I still have that shirt.
Achievements: The car evolved into many different forms over the years Mike campaigned the car, and was the car he won his NHRA Pro Mod Championship in.

 

Where is it now? Tim Tindle current owns the car under a different paint scheme and still competes in NHRA Pro Mod.
3. Scotty Cannon’s ‘Mater 1963 Studebaker Pro Mod
This car is one of the coolest looking and most successful cars around. Made famous by six time Pro Mod Champion Scotty Cannon, and later driven by son Scott Cannon, the car has seen more winners circles than any other car out there.
Where is it now?Local Alabama racer R.E. Smith now owns the car and is competing in the Southern Outlaw Series, which is cool because I get to see the car alot now.4. Mike Murillo’s Texas Jam “Star Car” Super Street Outlaw Mustang

The Star Car was probably the very first car that made me want to drag race, period. The first time I saw the car in person was on the cruise to World Ford Challenge in 1999. I was so very excited because I found out Mike Murillo was staying at the very same hotel I was in Joliet. That was in my early years of racing, and I was completely star-struck by Mike.
Achievements: This car defines the hay-day of Mustang 5.0 Racing, and is a legend of its time. Mike won all kinds of Super Street Outlaw Championships with this car.
Where is it now? I’m not sure what happened to the original Star Car, but Mike races on in Outlaw 10.5 with a newer, badderer version, Star Car 2.
5. Steve Grebeck’s “Psycho Bitch” Pro 5.0 Mustang
This car was so ahead of its time, and also the most tragic of the list. Grebeck’s rich history in Mustang racing made him one of my favorite drivers. He started off driving one of the earliest cars in Mustang Racing history, Stormin’ Norman’s convertible. But this car, named Psycho Bitch for its violent tendencies, was one of the most advanced and impressive machines I’d ever seen. Unfortunately, Steve lost his life in the car at the Orlando FFW race in 2002. That day, that pass will forever be etched in my mind. I felt such incredible sadness that I never pushed pass my shyness to meet and talk to him while he was still with us.
Achievements: The car, owned and sponsored by Harry Hrushka at Precision Turbo, was one of fastest turbo doorslammers in its day, and well ahead of its time.
Where is it now? The car was involved in a fatal crash with Bill Rimmer at the 2002 Fun Ford Weekend Spring Break Shootout in Orlando, FL. RIP, Steve Grebeck.
6. Billy Glidden’s Super Street Mustang
I remember jumping the fence at the Orlando World Street Finals in 1999 just to get a photo with Billy Glidden, one of the most famous and notorious Mustang racers. Though him and I would later have some not-so-pleasant run-ins over my move to Pro 5.0, its hard to argue with the legendary feats that he’s accomplished as a racer, and his mark as Drag Racing’s very own Celebu-spawn. Billy is the son of Pro Stock icon Bob Glidden.
Achievements: This man is legendary in the winners circle in every form of street racing, all with a tried-and-true small block nitrous combination.
Where is it now? The same car, in service for almost a decade, is still earning Billy and Shannon paychecks on a regular basis.
7. Tom Moore/Dennis Lugo Super Street Outlaw Mustang
I learned so much about racing from this car. The first car I ever was in the pits with, Dennis’ driving of this true 10″ tire’d freak machine was pretty inspirational. Running back in 99-00, the car was quite the handful with wild wheelies and plenty of squirrel-y action.
Achievements: Held the last standing FFW true 10″ record before the class allowed the 10.5W tire.
Where is it now? Last known location, the car was sold to Javier Collazo in Puerto Rico.
8. “Big Daddy” Dwayne Gutridge’s Drag Radial Mustang
THE reason I chose to start my career in Drag Radial racing…. the famous launch MM&FF picture of Dwayne’s car with all 4 wheels off the ground, on BF Goodrich Drag Radials (sorry, couldn’t find it online). I spent all of 2003 chasing Big Daddy for the runner-up in FFW Drag Radial. The man was crazy on BFGs.
Achievements: Was on top of the Radial revolution, and virtually unstoppable for several years on BFG Drag Radials.
Where is it now? Not entirely sure, but I’d bet that Dwayne still has this car.
9. Mike Ashley’s Torco Nitro Funny Car
Mike makes the list twice because it was the first nitro car I ever got up close and personal with. The Gotham City team played host to me at the 2006 US Nationals, allowing me to go to the starting line with a Nitro Funny Car and sit in the pits as they serviced it between rounds. Not only did I make some great friends and learned about the “Big Boys”, it truly was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and what fueled my desire to drive a Nitro car. Mike’s stories at the hotel over dinner about his learning curve of moving to Funny Car from Pro Mod are so inspiring and entertaining.
Achievements: Mike won several Wallys in Funny Car during his two year stint, with the pinnacle being his US Nationals win in 2007.
Where is it now? Melanie Troxel took over driving duties in 2008 with new sponsor and owner Roger Burgess of R2B2 Racing.
…..and since I just couldn’t decide, #10 is a TIE.
10. Jason Wood’s 1959 Cadillac Hearse Pro Streeter
For most creative and all-around cool, my vote goes to this unique ride that I was able to check out for the first time at the 2007 Orlando World Street Nationals. The attention to detail is really impressive, and creativity is just unsurpassed.
Where is it now? The car had an up-close encounter with the wall at its first outing, but my hopes is they have it back out and better than ever.
[and]
Travis Swearingen’s Junkyard Willys Pro Mod
Besides being a super cool team, (hi Barb and Dan!) the Swearingen’s have a badass little hotrod. It may look like a junker, but that’s the beauty of it… the car is painted up to be a rusty old Willys, and again, its all in the details. The front, broken grill has bugs splattered with interesting *ahem* anatomy. Check out the details if you ever see this one in person.
Where is it now? You can check this one out on the ADRL Pro Extreme tour.

Lookout Barbie, a new pink car in town

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Ashley Force is debuting a pink rendition of her Castrol sponsored Mustang Nitro Funny car at “The Big GO” in Indy this weekend.

As much as she’s a proponent of Girl Power, I wondered why she had never incorporated a pink theme into her graphics. Well, this weekend she will be racing a Bubble Gum Pink racecar as her Rookie of the Year themed entry. The special edition is a one-race appearance, so unfortunately it will be short-lived.
What a great idea in getting back to the Shirley Muldowney-inspired symbolism! Big thumbs up for this one!
(photo courtesey: John Force Racing)

Ashley Force poetry

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Found this on Ashley Force’s Myspace. I think its great!

‘Twas the Week Before Indy…..
‘Twas the week before Indy and all through the town
I ran last minute errands in my Mustang all around
To the dry cleaners to pick up my dirty fire suit
The hair salon to touch up and condition my roots
Packing my luggage…I’d be gone for 12 days!
The piles of clothes in my closet had become quite a maze!
So hopeful I was for this upcoming race
To beat up on the boys and try to take first place
For now the big challenge was not to win rounds
But to pack up my luggage in less than 50 pounds
Off to LAX airport we hoped not to be late
We checked in, went to security, then up to our gate
Race credentials and schedules filled up my bags
But of course I had room to grab a couple gossip mags!
Now I sit on this plane thinking of my upcoming week
The packed schedule of race teams is not for the meek!
But I made sure to relax and get my rest
To be ready for our upcoming race and feel my best
Indy brings many memories, some high some low
Now it’s time again, so here we go!
First we stop by Chicago to visit family
Then Florida to film a show about Sanyo TV’s
Tuesday we head up to Indy on an evening flight
In time for dinner at Andy’s for our weekly team night
Wednesday a press conference in downtown Indianapolis
We’ll talk about the Indy race that no fan will want to miss!
Some radio, newspaper and magazine interviews
I’ll talk about racing dad, and how I hope not to lose!
And also how motivated Team Force is to win
Then it’s back to our Indy shop to film with ESPN
Wednesday winds to an end but the fun just began
We’ll head to the bowling alley with our crews and their fam
I’m not too good at bowling unless it’s on Wii
If you’re in the lane next to me you might want to flee!
Early the next morning after a quick Starbucks run
It’ll be off to Ford to meet fans and have a little fun
A few more interviews and a trip to Wal-mart
Things for my trailer and the race, fill up my cart
We’ll head to our home (the Comfort Inn Suites)
To clean up and change…and rest our feet!
Then back to the city for a Mac Tools event
After that it’s to bed…what a week! I’m spent!
As I climb in to bed I don’t have to count sheep
While brushing my teeth I’d twice fallen asleep!
What a crazy but fun busy week this has been
And tomorrow is when the race will actually begin!
I can’t wait to get to the track with my team
Meet with sponsors and fans and drive that Funny Car machine
We hope to race and get qualified so that we can play
On the day we all look forward to racing on…Race Day!
National Anthem, Prayer and then the cars start
Engines roaring to life is for sure the best part!
Many memories and great times at this historic place
And now I’m so excited to be a part of the big Indy Race!

More than a tomboy

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It never ceases to amaze me.

I do something as casual and unassuming as wearing a dress to work, and you’d think the apocalypse was upon us.

“Whoa, Erica! Look at you! You are actually wearing a DRESS! And, ::gasp:: you have LEGS!?!”

NEWSFLASH: Despite my inclination to wear racing tanks/t-shirts and a firesuit, I DO actually wear a dress and heels from time-to-time in everyday life.

So for those who are in disbelief that I might actually look like a girl sometimes, here you go:

Yes, I do wear skirts and dresses.

Yes, I do *actually* wear heels on a regular basis.

And yes, occasionally, you might even catch me wearing make-up too.

(oh, and yes, that is my little teacup chihuahua, Blanca)

Now that we have that myth debunked, we can all carry on….

America by Don Garlits

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I received this email, a letter apparently from one of Drag Racing’s forefathers, Don Garlits. Agree with him or not, he’s always stood for what he believes in, both in politics and in racing. That’s something we are seeing less and less, as the backbone of our sport is replaced by politically correct gargon.

As most of you know I am a Republican for lack of a better party; I came from a Democratic family that supported the Democrats for over 50 years. We all thought it was wonderful when FDR signed Social Security Act into law. Today the Democratic Party has been hijacked by the lobbyists inside the “Beltway”, the Republicans have fell into the same trap.I voted for Bush and would do it again, although I don’t support his open border agenda.But this is not about Bush, me or the Democratic Party; it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to me we have been very ungrateful for all our blessings.

Newsweek magazine had a poll that I found had to believe; It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll says that over 60 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizens were not happy and want a change in Government.

So I asked myself just what is America unhappy about? Is it that all our homes have electricity and running water 24/7? Is our unhappiness the result of having our homes between 72 and 76 degrees 365 days a year? Could it be that most of us have a job, if we want one? Maybe we would rather be on welfare, or some kind of entitlement program! Maybe it is the ability to go into any grocery store at any time and see all the shelves full of nice fresh food! Also we can pull into any gas station and “fill her up”? Maybe it is the ability to take a trip anywhere in the United States without having to show our “papers”, remember Nazi Germany? I guess not, it was a long time ago. Are we unhappy about the thousands of nice safe clean motels and hotels we would find during this trip? We could then stop at any number of fine restaurants with varying food to suit our taste. Are we unhappy that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up to take us to a hospital, and even send a helicopter, if necessary! Maybe you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, does this make you unhappy? Do the firefighters respond quickly enough if you have a fire? Is their equipment in top notch condition?Isn’t it nice to be home watching a big screen TV, knowing that it is very unlikely that you will have a home invasion? And even if you do, an armed policeman will quickly come to your home to protect you. However the majority of us live in neighborhoods free of bombs, militias, raping and pillaging the residents. Most of our children have cell phones and computers! I had one pair of shoes at a time! We have complete religious, social and political freedoms. You can even chain yourself to the prison fence any time they get ready to put a murderer to death, which is very seldom I might add.

We are the envy of everyone in the world! Nobody is trying to escape America ; all are trying to get in! Is it the above that makes America unhappy? We are the largest group of ungrateful, human beings the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet hates its citizens. We are the most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

What about President Bush who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Don’t you realize this is the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? President Bush cut taxes that brought the economy out of a recession. This is the same President who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all of us safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief has an all-volunteer army that is out there defending America . Take a good look around for yourself and see all the good things and be happy! Think about it……are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain? OR are you unhappy because the ‘Media’ told you he was failing in his job. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are an all volunteer Army, they all agreed to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country, maybe there should be if you are so unhappy. Why then all the discontentment in the minds of over 60% Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the mass media. They specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch a TV show about the Boy Scouts on a Jamboree? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations, plus they all have an agenda. Remember when the Fox News had the Republican debates? When Ron Paul won the debate, Fox News openly said that he did not and wouldn’t give Ron Paul the time of day! With “fair and balanced” coverage, Ron Paul could have been the Republican Candidate. The mass media offers what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by ‘justifying’ them in one way or another.

I have turned off the TV, burned Newsweek, and canceled the New York Times and Washington Post. Try being a little grateful for all we have as country. There is a lot more good than bad. We are the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God we live in America. One last thing, we had better never take God out of America , this would be our downfall for sure!

Please keep this in circulation. There are so many people who need to read this and appreciate America as it is, we don’t need change!

Jay Leno was credited with a similar piece, but snopes said he didn’t write it. I wrote this one and I approve the message.
–Don Garlits garlits@mfi.net

 

Representing: Des Moines, IA

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You just never know where Horsepower & Heels will end up…. this one comes to you from the great midwest!
Here’s Jeff and Fatty from Des Moines, IA bringin’ it to ya from

The Kung Fu Tap and Taco

The ‘Fu, as they call it, is an awesome bar with lots of really cool people. The name is true to word, as the bar’s claim to fame happens to be the awesome tacos they serve nightly…. especially good after some stiff drinks!
This awesome sign (at right) greets you as you walk in the door, and it really sets the atmosphere of the place…

“Pledged to Pleasure, Booze & Treasure”

Kickass! The way it should be! They have a great group of regulars and its THE hot spot for Bike Night, from what I understand.
Besides an awesome bar staff (Hi Annie, Fatty, & the rest of the clan!), the bar itself also earns extra cool points for the motorcycle tap that’s mounted right up there….
Functional.
Straight out of the oil tank.
….Pretty damn cool if you ask me!
Jeff being the awesomely amazing sweetheart that he is, found a great little home for a Horsepower & Heels decal on the wall at the Fu, and we think it rocks! He also sent along these great pics of his favorite hangout.
Thanks Jeff, you’re the best!
Check it out if you’re ever in town!
Kung Fu Tap and Taco
210 Indianola Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-TACO
Wanna get in on the action?
Have a cool bar or other location you want to support?
Help us get the Horsepower & Heels word out! Just pick up a Horsepower & Heels decal, and when you find a cool home for it, send us a picture to press[at]horsepowerandheels[dot]com.

Bucket List!

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Everyone should have a list they keep of things they want to do in their lifetime. The Jack Nicholson/Morgan Freeman flick The Bucket List last year really brought this idea to the top of mind for people, and I’ve seen plenty of lists out there with some really inspirational goals.

I often talk about my magic “list”, things I’ve done, things I’ve added along the way, but I’ve never sat down to write it out. I’m going to attempt a good list, I’m sure I’ll forget plenty and they’ll be added on as I go. Consider it a work in progress. So here goes my Bucket List….

  1. Learn how to play the guitar and break it out with friends and drinks for good times
  2. Finish my degree and maybe even learn another trade
  3. Learn to fly a plane and get my pilot’s license
  4. Dance until the sun comes up in Ibiza, Spain
  5. Sit on the beaches in Cuba and experience life the way it was… and the way it still is now (learning about the part of me that I don’t know anything about)
  6. Drive the length of the US1 coastline in a drop top Mustang (preferably with a turbo on it)
  7. Run a marathon (or two, or three)
  8. Drive a Fuel Dragster or Funny Car
  9. Dance on the Bar at Coyote Ugly Las Vegas, 6/2008
  10. Be a bartender at a cool pub and invent a drink they name after me when I’m gone
  11. Hang out with Jesse James over a beer and talk shop
  12. Become a cool Mom to a talented and empowered daughter
  13. Take Ju Jitsu and be strong enough to kick some serious butt, but mentally above it all
  14. Own a pair of seriously rediculous heels from a too expensive designer
  15. Drive on the Autobahn in something worthy of my lead foot
  16. Backpack through Europe with no itinerary and just submerge in the culture
  17. Be in Times Square for the Apple Drop on NYE
  18. Snowboard down a slope like I’m not from FL and know what I’m doing
  19. Write a book that gets published
  20. Travel to Alaska and visit Bus 142 outside of Fairbanks (Christopher McCandless’ last dwelling)
  21. To not settle for someone I can live with, but find the someone I can’t live without
  22. Get married barefoot on a beach in a white bikini dress
  23. To assemble a brain-trust and start my own successful business
  24. To overcome claustrophobia
  25. Own and live in a log cabin on the bluff and want for nothing else
  26. Learn to belly-dance Shakira style
  27. Own a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer! Huntsville, 1/2008
  28. Take a ride in a military fighter jet with Papi’s picture so he can be with me and achieve both our dreams together
  29. Swim under a waterfall La Mina, Puerto Rico 12/2000
  30. Quit chickening out and get my first tattoo
  31. Win the Championship in a professional class racing (Pro Mod, fuel, whatever.)
  32. Make someones dream come true… anonymously…. and watch them enjoy it without ever knowing who it came from.
  33. Have my own office… no more cube! QuStream 11/2007
    Upgraded: Have a corner window office on mahogany row with a nice view!
  34. Chase a tornado Twister-style across the county and stand in awe at its power
  35. Visit Pearl Harbor and all the other big WWII memorials and museums and learn about the great heros of that era, especially the flying aces
  36. Learn to spin from a good DJ mentor and play a set in my hometown (Orlando)
  37. Build an old skool chopper… myself.
  38. Help my BFF with her dream of her own Bar & Grill, “Eleven”, because I believe in her so much and want to see her do it.
  39. Put bright Atomic Pink highlights in my hair
  40. Ride a bright pink Vespa with a old skool helmet and googles to Bike Week in Daytona
  41. Attend Burning Man
  42. Leave this world knowing I stood for something….

I’m looking forward to crossing some off this list as I go. I don’t expect that I’ll ever get to some of them, but others are well within my reach, and I intend to do something about it.

What does your Bucket List look like?

Leave me a comment with yours!

Rocket City Nationals

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To kick off a great Independence Day weekend, I headed straight over to the track after work on Thursday for the Rocket City Nationals at Huntsville Dragway. Being that my car still isn’t done, I wanted to help out Greg Hines with his new 69 Nitrous Pro Mod Camaro and Mike Teilking with his Limited Street Mustang. Plus, a local racer, Alan Parker, has just finished putting together his Mustang, and has been talking to me about shaking it down for him. I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to make it this weekend, but I had all my gear in tow.

Turns out, he didn’t make the haul with the car (bummer), but that’s okay….I don’t really like being at the track unless I am racing or I can help out, which is another reason I think I have much more fun at these type events versus a National event. So I volunteered on parachute duty for Greg, and offered a hand anywhere else they needed it.

 

Greg ended up running really well, with a 4.22. He made it to the Semi-Finals, where he ran another 4.22, but this time, the chutes were not out, and the car was bouncing trying to stop and left the shut off area. I thought I was going to throw-up when I saw them not come out, and I felt sick as we rushed down to the top end to see Greg off in the grass and spun around, the front end cracked up pretty good. Brand new beautiful car, and the chutes I packed had failed. I was almost in tears as we towed it back to the pits.
They took a look at it, and found out that the problem was in the air launchers that he was using, and nothing due to my packing them. Thank GOD! I was devastated that such a pretty car had been scratched up, and was so shaken that Greg could’ve been (But thankfully, wasn’t) hurt. I don’t think I could’ve lived with myself if it were something I caused. After a loooong night in the pits, I headed home around 2 am and was back up at 8am to go back to the track.

 

Friday, Greg had some problems getting down the track. The heat probably played into that, but he ended up losing the final from the night before, and not making the 8 car promod field. Still, a runner-up finish isn’t bad for the 4th pass on a brand new car!

 

Meanwhile, over at Mike Teilking’s, luck wasn’t so great either. We discovered on Friday morning that there were some problems with the torque converter and it caused a hurt piston, and since their engine builder (Pilcher Automotive) was right next door, they decided to save the trip down to Enterprise and get the motor pulled and disassembled for them to take with them home and fix. So, I got to work on Friday to help Wendell and Mike get the engine out and tore down. I really miss being able to get my hands dirty sometimes, so I had a blast with Mike and Wendell all day. We had the motor out of the car in just a few hours, and had it down to just the crank and block by mid-afternoon. Another late night, and I didn’t see my pillow until after 1am.

 

Saturday morning, I got back up and picked up Mike to take him to back to the track to get his trailer and to help Greg and Wayne take down their awning. This is the kind of racing I miss, and am excited for some things working in the pipeline for me to be back in action soon! It may not be NHRA or Top Fuel, but it is definitely a part of my life that I feel like I have been missing a lot lately!

 

Look for more soon on a new website I will be working on for Teilking Racing!(www.teilkingracing.com) Mike’s got a strong Limited Street car, and I’m excited to build him a cool website to show it off more!