2009 Donnie Smith Bike Show

If you live in Minnesota or the surrounding states, and are into Harleys, then you probably have already heard of the Donnie Smith Bike Show that is held in St. Paul each spring. As always, it is a premier event held at River Centre in St. Paul. For more info go to the show web site

As I predicted, this is a very busy week. Today (Wednesday) will be my last day in the shop this week. Thursday and Friday I will be at River Centre helping with the off loading and set up for the bike show. The promoter of the event, Neil Ryan, is a friend, so I like to lend a hand. Saturday and Sunday will find me in a booth at the show promoting Lee's Speed Shop. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello.

Sunday morning before the show opens to the public, the St. Cloud chapter of the Bond Slaves Motorcycle Club holds a short worship service for the vendors and show participants. Some years it has been only me and a half dozen club members, but last year there was a pretty good size turn out for the service. Join me there if you can.

East Coast Nostalgia Drags

I have been totally swamped for the last couple weeks, and it looks to continue that way for the next couple, so not much time for writing. However, I just received this from Mel Stultz, and thought that if any of you readers are on the east coast, it might be of interest. It looks like a fun time! Hopefully I can talk Mel into sharing some reports and maybe even pictures of the events. Last summer after I wrote that the whole idea of Nostalgia drag racing of motorcycles may be about to take off, I wondered if I had been mistaken. It is starting to look as though I may have been right!

Updated Legends of Drag Racing Press Release

I just recieved the latest press release about the nostalgia drag race coming up at Union Grove. Here it is:

for immediate release:

The Woodstock of Drag Racing!!!


1st Annual Legends of Drag Racing…
Reunion, Races, Music and Art Festival

East Coast, West Coast, Midwest Old School Shoot-Out

Don’t miss the first annual Legends of Drag Racing Festival June 12, 13 and 14, 2009 at the legendary Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin. We’re celebrating drag racing from back in the day!

What better track to hold our inaugural event at? Great Lakes Dragaway is the world’s longest operating drag strip, established December 1954!

The legendary “Broadway Bob” will be on hand to meet and greet everyone. “Broadway Bob” is the only drag racing promoter inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Some of the famous racers will include: Butch Leal, Bill Shrewsberry, Fred Sibley, Doug Rose, Jess Tyree, Arlen Vanke, Big Willie…King of the Street Racers, John Wiebe, Dick LaHaie, Pat Minick, Larry Reyes, the Rocketmen…Ky Michaelson and Ed Ballinger, Tommy Grove, Tommy Ivo, Gas Ronda, George Montgomery, Arnie Beswick, Bruce Larson, Ed Rachanski, Tony Christian, Hubert Platt, Earl Wade and Kenny Youngblood!

Our pre-1972 Invitational will include: Top Fuel Front Engine Dragsters, Nitro Burning Funny Cars, Blown Gassers and Altereds, Super Stockers, A F/Xers, Jet Cars and Wheelstanders. Also, Motorcycles and Hot Rods, all racing HEADS UP, with a full tree!!!

This is a “Run What Ya Brung, And Hope Ya Brung Enough” event!

You will also see Jack Chrisman’s Comet, the world’s first Nitro Burning Funny Car, owned and driven by Jim Barillaro.

This event will also include a Car Show, Swap Meet, Vendors, Bench Racing With The Stars and a Pin-Up Girl contest. And the fun doesn’t stop there! We will also have a huge Beer Garden, Carnival Rides, Drive-In Movie, Model Car Contest, onsite camping and great music too! On Friday night, spend an evening with Jimi Hendrix featuring Randy Hansen. Randy will be doing his tribute to Hendrix and performing some great blues as well. The phenomenal Jan and Dean Show, featuring Dean Torrence, will take the stage on Saturday night and will be rockin’ the house under the stars, playing all your favorite Jan & Dean and Beach Boys songs!
Make plans now.

Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of fun, music and racing!
Catch us online at: oldschooldrags.com to register or buy tickets.
Our Race Hot Line is: (847) 359-3232.

“Old School Is Cool!!!”