Linda Vaughn, one of drag racing's most enduring and endearing icons, has announced her support of the Quarter Mile Entertainment Foundation (QMEF) and PROJECT 1320, as the organization moves forward with the effort to document the history of drag racing and the performance aftermarket.
"I read Joe Hrudka's Open Letter to the sport and the industry, and feel that he has identified the need for the PROJECT 1320 effort to be completed, and as soon as possible," she said.
"I have seen the voices of many of my friends and my heroes silenced, without their stories being recorded for those who follow in their footsteps.
"I have been fortunate in my life to know many people in our sport and industry, and I want to say to them and to my fans that this is an effort which we all must get behind! There is no better way to tell our story than to see the faces and hear the voices of our pioneers as they recapture their lives and accomplishments.
"I am proud to put my name behind this effort - something which has been on the minds of many people for many years. It is time to put our best intentions into action, and put our resources to work and make this happen before it is too late!"
Traci Hrudka, Chairman of the Quarter Mile Entertainment Foundation, commenting on Linda's statement of support said, "Obviously, Linda and I have had a 'family' relationship for many, many years. With her status as a beloved icon to racers, industry leaders and everyday fans, I truly welcome her belief in this effort, and I know she is passionate about this. I know she will use her ability to communicate to help us continue to drive the effort forward."
In addition to the support of PROJECT 1320, Linda also became an honorary member of the Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG), which is restoring Europe's first rail dragster, with the hope of creating a cross-Atlantic exchange with Dean Moon's "Mooneyes" dragster - and reuniting the two race cars responsible for the introduction of drag racing to Great Britain and Europe.
ACAG Chairman Brian Taylor said, "Things have been happening very quickly during the last few weeks but when I heard that Linda was taking a personal interest in our project I was really excited. This lady is not only a very nice person she has huge horsepower in the industry. It really is an honour to welcome her to our group."
Linda said, "I'm so pleased to be able to help out with this important project. Until now I didn't realize that Sydney's first dragster was born just as I was starting out on my career in drag racing, so that makes it extra special. I'm so looking forward to seeing and hearing the Allard Chrysler and Mooneyes side by side with flames coming from the headers. That's real nostalgia."
The QMEF and ACAG have formed an alliance to raise trans-Atlantic awareness of the importance of the Allard Chrysler which currently resides in the acclaimed National Motor Museum/Beaulieu in southern England. The exchange of the Allard and the Mooneyes dragsters would involve the National Motor Museum and the NHRA-Wally Parks Museum.