Much as Democracy seems the best system able to handle society, the Cackle appears to be the most accessible arena for showcasing research and reenactment of drag racing history and its finest surviving historical pieces. The coolest event I attended this past year-now-ending was the Northwest Hot Rod Reunion at Bremerton Raceway. My thanks to Barbara Howell for the humbling experience of MC'ing the afternoon Pro Street/Nostalgia bracket runs and hawking local services on the PA sys. What a friendly zoo in a sport that loses its' focus so often out of fear of having the technology we wrap around ourselves taken away. Nice crowd; Nice human-sized gathering that could access hero drivers, tuners and vehicles, alike..

A 10 buck skettifest was the magnet for an autograph session that featured a kindly, elder-statesmen gathering of mostly Top Elim. stars. Ruth, Peterson, Bruins, Wayne King, Randy Bradford and his AA/FA coupe, Dick Kalivoda..guys I've been following since kinderhood.

Jerry Ruth has begun a new leadership role by setting up tuning for Donovan/Firepower based fuel engines...85 percent in the tank and, I've been told, 18-22 degrees of spark keeping these CACKLE engines lit and fascinating as a highlight to nostalgia-based meets..large and small. His advise and motivation is bringing Jim Green (427 Ford showcase digger) and others out for a final bow in the Northwest.

The ability to tailor such a static event to public sidewalk and drag strip alike is doing more to appease folks like me who tire of the corporatization of all aspects of the sport..and, finally, giving the straight press something to write about they can cover on their lunch hour in LA. At the strip, the whole meal can be consumed with the likes of Peterson and Fritz starring in an extended idle down the track, into the box and chirpped to the line...in the dark...! Brings out the weepy in each of us. I can relate to Wally Parks calling such reenactments "the outstanding event" in what should otherwise be gatherings to decide champions. BTW, the NWHHR featured great AA blown methanol coupe and quick prostalgia (6.00-7.99 bracket..) activity, as well.