Passing The Torch
Gene Horton, former IHRA B/Gas record holder and renowned transmission builder/fabricator, and his son, Kris, who has a long history of working with fiberglass, have combined their talents and formed Impact Classic Reproductions Inc. The pair recently purchased the high-quality molds and tooling from Dennis Taylor's Reproductions to carry on the manufacturer of the complete line of Willys bodies and chassis for which DTR is known. They'll continue the same level of quality and craftsmanship to produce the bodies that have become the standard by which all others are judged.
The duo at Impact Classic
Reproductions intend to use the same layup, manufacturing procedures, and materials for the strongest bodies and chassis in the industry in a new 22,000-square-foot facility, complete with a 4,000-square-foot showroom and in-house body and paint shop.
For more information on how you can have Impact Classic Reproductions build your dream car, visit www.impactclassics.com.
And The Winner Is
Hot rodder Jim Linder won the coveted Platinum Prize at the Hot Rod Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park this past June. The award, presented at Pennzoil's Ultimate Protection trailer, honors auto enthusiasts nationwide who have made the ultimate commitment to protect their most prized investment. Linder will also receive a lifetime supply of full synthetic Pennzoil Platinum motor oil and will be inducted into the Platinum Hall of Fame, located at www.pennzoil.com.
Linder was chosen for the award because "cars are Jim Linder's life." For more than 30 years, Linder has been a well-known national automotive trainer, and as owner of Linder Fuel Injection, he has spent thousands of hours training technicians and auto enthusiasts at his Guru School. Lender's commitment to his hot rod hobby has led him to hold regular meetings and sponsor a working "hot rod night" every Wednesday night at Bubbas Garage, a west side hot rod shop he owns.
When he is not in the garage teaching others, you will likely find Linder working on one of his eight hot rods. He loves spending time driving the wheels off everything from his '56 VW Beetle to his '62 Culbertson Customs HA/GR vintage dragster. Additionally, Linder is a director of the ISRA, an ASE-certified master technician, and active member of JalopyJournal.com.
Congrats, Speedy Bill
The editors and staff of Rod & Custom magazine (a STREET RODDER sister publication) recently recognized Speedway Motors founder and owner "Speedy" Bill Smith with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor was presented on July 1 at the 15th annual Rod & Custom Americruise event in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In presenting the award, Rod & Custom Publisher Tim Foss discussed "Speedy" Bill's many achievements and contributions to the rodding and racing communities. He also noted that, in a hobby seemingly dominated by influences on the nation's coasts, Smith had the ingenuity and tenacity to make significant impacts while remaining rooted in his hometown of Lincoln. R&C Editor Kevin Lee remarked on Speedway Motors' rich history, pointing out that the business, which got its official start in 1952, is one of only a handful of automotive aftermarket companies that predate Rod & Custom magazine.
When the award was presented, Smith received a standing ovation from the large crowd gathered in the State Fair Park open auditorium. In accepting his award, "Speedy" Bill recognized the importance of specialty publications like Rod & Custom in keeping rodders informed and enthusiastic about the hobby. He said it was a passion for racing and performance that drove him to start Speedway Motors more than five decades ago, and a similar passion within car enthusiasts that has fueled the company's success through the years. "Despite obstacles like the 1970s gas crisis, emissions controls, and government regulations, dedicated enthusiasts have always found ways to pursue their passion," Smith said. "As long as rodders continue that pursuit, Speedway will be there to serve them."
Speedway Motors is one of the world's largest manufacturers and retailers of street rod and racing parts. For more information on Speedway Motors, call (800) 979-0122, or visit www.speedwaymotors.com.
Hot Rods Invade Destination DaytonaOn Saturday night, June 16, Cruisin' Destination Daytona was rockin' with Elvis in the house. In addition to the highly popular Cruisin' Destination Daytona, Bruce Rossmeyer hosted the Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest. Elvis impersonators from across the country converged on Destination Daytona to compete for the Ultimate Elvis title.
Spectators of all ages came to check out the Elvis contest and view the sea of nearly 400 hot rods, customs, and specialty vehicles. The restaurants, food court, pubs, and shops were all open, and there was plenty to eat and drink, as well as shops to browse.