Now Reyes brings together more than 200 of these dramatic photos in his new book, "Quarter-Mile Chaos-Images of Drag Racing Mayhem."
"Quarter-Mile Chaos" focuses on the treacherous side of drag racing's golden age, with more than 200 rare and stunning photographs of terrifying fires, explosions, and crashes, all byproducts of the quest to go faster. The book is full of up-close and personal documentation of the perilous task of reaching the 1,320ft mark first.
A native of Northern California, Reyes has been a dedicated drag racing fan since witnessing his first organized drag race at Freemont Drag Strip at the age of 15. His photos have appeared in publications such as Drag News, National Dragster, Drag Digest, and many others. His work has adorned the pages of virtually every major hot rodding publication at one time or another, including Hot Rod, Popular Hot Rodding, Car Craft, and Rod & Custom.
For more information on how to order the 172-page (approx. 20 in color), 10x10-inch hardbound book for $39.95, contact CarTech at (800) 551-4754, or visit www.cartechbooks.com.
Old Days Revisited
Two of hot rodding's earliest street sensations from the late '40s, the sleek '40 Ford Ralph Jilek convertible built at Neil Emory's famed Valley Custom shop in Southern California and the Jack Calori '36 three-window Ford coupe, are among historic, vintage rods and customs on display in the San Francisco Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle Show at the Cow Palace in mid-January. In fact it's probably going on right now!
Both vehicles are among more than 300 hot rods, sensuous custom cruisers, wild motorcycle creations, race cars, suede or rat rods, vintage trailers, and trucks on display in every hall of the expansive Geneva Avenue facility.
Finished in glistening black lacquer and a white Carson top at the Burbank Valley Custom shops, the Jilek convertible achieved its distinctive low profile by removal of a 4-inch section running from the car's hood to its rear fenders. The car's seamless, smooth profile exemplified the distinctive signature of custom rods produced in the '50s by Emory and his brother-in-law, Clayton Jensen.
The car is owned by retired Trans-Am racing champion Tom Gloy, of Incline Village, Nevada, and has been restored to original condition by a number of artisans including Tom Sewell, of Cambria, California, who did the upholstery and Portland, Oregon's Steve Frisbie, who did the paint.
The black '36 Ford coupe was completed in 1949 by Jack Calori, now 83 and living in Palm Desert, California, and immediately captured the attention of a whole new contingent of enthusiasts in Southern California.
The vehicles finished a tight one-two at this summer's Early Customs category at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with First Place going to the sleek, black coupe.
South San Francisco rod builder Roy Brizio restored the coupe for owner Jorge Zaragoza of El Paso, Texas.
Eleven creations from the Brizio works are destined for the San Francisco Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle Show, including two more Zaragoza cars-a gold '36 Ford coupe and a candy apple red '33 Ford three-window coupe with a supercharged Chrysler motor and flames by Art Himsl.
Hours for the Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle Show are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 13; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 14; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 15.
Admission is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors, 65+; $8 for kids 6 to 12; and free for kids under 5.
For show information, contact RP Productions at (209)744-8090, or visit www.rpprodinc.com.