2008

Life Photo Archive


flagman

So Santa didn't bring you any nostalgic hot rod stuff this year? Then shop for yourself through Google with the Life Magazine Photo Archive.
Read More...
|

Sound Advice


BigSound

One of the most notable experiences one acquires while attending a full zoot drag race is the sensory overload... Read More...
|

2008 Reunion Donation


reunion08_presentA

These are two happy guys... Larry Nolan presents the 2008 Memphis Rodders Reunion donation to Potentate Wayne Bonner at the Al Chymia Shrine Temple this past Wednesday. Note the numbers on the king size check... once again, a new record donation was made on behalf of reunion attendees, which will assist Shriner's Burn Centers by helping to provide Pediatric Burn Care to critically injured children.
Read More...
|

1957 NHRA Nationals


roadster 19

While preparing this years Rodders Reunion presentation, I stumbled upon a gold mine of early drag racing imagery. Howard DeShazo, of Santa Fe New Mexico, is a former NHRA advisor and was present and accounted for when this hot rod stuff was invented. Read More...
|

2008 Memphis Rodders Reunion Recap


page9_blog_entry39_summary_1

Another successful Rodders Reunion is now history as Bill Taylor takes to the microphone while Larry Nolan looks on. The 2008 Memphis Rodders Reunion again set new attendance records and raised a sizable donation for the Shriner's Burn Transportation Fund.
Read More...
|

2008 Reunion Update


page9_blog_entry38_summary_1

We will be fortunate to see another nitro burner that has been meticulously restored at the 2008 Memphis Rodder's Reunion, when Rip & Natalie Wiley bring the Stephens & Venables fuel dragster for display.
Read More...
|

Once a Hot Rod...


page9_blog_entry37_summary_1

Always a hot rod... Here's a few fresh photos of what is one of the oldest authentic hot rods prowling the streets of Memphis TN.
Read More...
|

Bill Taylor Enterprises


page9_blog_entry36_summary_1

Bill Taylor checks out the latest industry news in his Mt. Pleasant MS shop. Bill is one of this year's Reunion honorees, and was kind enough to provide a tour of
BTE/Memphis Performance to Muscle Car Reunion & Nostalgia Drags organizers John Troxel & Chris Schneider last week. Naturally, I invited myself along.
Read More...
|

In Pursuit of 400 MPH


page9_blog_entry35_summary_1

It seems that another update is needed regarding the Poteet and Main streamliner, and their relentless pursuit of an incredible 400 MPH speed record.
Read More...
|

100 Years Ago


page9_blog_entry34_summary_1

Today was the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the venerable Model T. These primitive Fords achieved many firsts, and were among the first hot rods ever.
Read More...
|

The Mother Road


page9_blog_entry33_summary_1

Well if you ever plan to motor west... Travel my way, take the highway that's the best... Get your kicks on
Route 66... Bobby Troup Read More...
|

Delta River Cruisin'


page9_blog_entry32_summary_1

Just your basic, timeless, 32 Ford hot rod roadster hanging out at Sam's Town Casino in Tunica MS.
Read More...
|

Competition Update


page9_blog_entry31_summary_1

It's been a busy few weeks for some of the more motorsports connected reunion attendees who are deeply involved with their chosen form of competition. Here's a brief update...
Read More...
|

Speed Week


page9_blog_entry30_summary_1

It's Speed Week in a far away, other worldly place known as the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Mickey Thompson, one of the all time legends of speed, laid claim to the land speed record in 1960 with a one way record run of 406.60 mph. This week, Memphis Rodders Reunion regular George Poteet will take a shot at another new speed record with the Speed Demon streamliner. Read More...
|

Lakeland Speedbowl


page9_blog_entry29_summary_1

Driver training, race car style. Once considered the pathway to round track racing's big leagues, homemade racers like these used to compete at short tracks throughout the country. These once plentiful vintage coupes are shown here battling it out at the mostly forgotten Lakeland Speedbowl.
Read More...
|

The Saga of Zot


page9_blog_entry28_summary_1

This channeled 32 Ford roadster now resides in Georgia, but it has deep Memphis roots. Follow it's now well documented journey from California to Tennessee via the US Navy, it's long history as a hot rod and a drag racer, and it's recent resurrection.
Read More...
|

NHRR Recap


page9_blog_entry26_summary_1

The NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion made a successful return to Bowling Green KY June 13-15 and provided many classic rods, customs, and race cars for nostalgia fans to admire.
Read More...
|

Push Start Down Memory Lane


page9_blog_entry25_summary_1

Well, the last minute thrash paid off and the
Stephens & Venables fueler made the scene in Bowling Green. Check out the rest of this post for video of a push start of this vintage dragster. Read More...
|

Last Call for NHRR


page9_blog_entry22_summary_1

Getting a last minute check out before the tow to Bowling Green KY for the
National Hot Rod Reunion is Ray Godman's Tennessee Bo-Weevil top fuel dragster. Preston Davis' son Mark dutifully occupies the hot seat for this fire-up.
Read More...
|

Last Minute Thrash


page9_blog_entry21_summary_1

After 4 years of work, the Stephens & Venables top fuel dragster restoration is nearing completion. Rip & Natalie Wiley, along with a contingent of well qualified helpers, are burning the midnight oil to finish the former Texas based fueler in time for the National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway.
Read More...
|

Gopher State Twin


page9_blog_entry20_summary_1

From the hinterlands of Minnesota comes this rare sight. A genuine early seventies, twin engined, Top Gas dragster campaigned by the Gopher State Timing Association.
Read More...
|

Digest Magazines


page9_blog_entry19_summary_1

If you were around in the 50's then you remember these. If you weren't, they are a portal to yesteryear. Naturally, the exploits of the Memphis Rodders often found their way into the "little pages."
Read More...
|

Coupe de Cool


page9_blog_entry17_summary_1

Just when you thought there were no homebuilt hot rods left, a time honored tradition reappears.
Read More...
|

2008 Rodders Reunion Plans Announced


page9_blog_entry16_summary_1
Read More...
|

Klyce Motors 1952

03-15 RoddersA

Now this is going back a bit, but this photo speaks volumes about the early days of the Memphis Rodders, and is a time travel view of a different era. Apparently the Memphis Commercial Appeal thought so too, as they ran the photo on March 15th in the "Memphis Memories" section of the paper. Shown explaining the details of his 1932 Ford coupe to an interested father and son is the late Jimmy Fulghum. Read More...
|

Return to Thunder Valley


nolan-31C

Well, the previous post about the 1967 Spring Nationals has apparently brought back a few memories for some of the Memphis Rodders that made the trip to Thunder Valley. We now have everyone in this photo identified courtesy of Larry Nolan...
Read More...
|

Ingenuity in Action


IngenuityA

"To hot rodders everywhere, and their great zeal for experimentation. A fact of native American technology which is always a part of us, ......this film is respectfully dedicated." Read More...
|

Two-Lane Memories


big_lakeland

Today, the Memphis Commercial Appeal ran a feature on what remains of Lakeland International Raceway and what the future holds for the property.

Read More...
|

Shop Till You Drop


MR_decal

From these humble beginnings you may note that the Memphis Rodders website now has an online web store. Read More...
|

Mr. 4 Speed

mccandless

From racing for the Sox & Martin drag team, to serving as a Hemi engine expert for drag racers nationwide, Former Memphian Herb McCandless has experienced it all in his storied drag racing career. Last week, the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame acknowledged the Chrysler standout. Read More...
|

1967 NHRA Springnationals


nolan-15B

I've been spending a good bit of time scanning some additional photos for the archive lately. A lot of them are from "Thunder Valley" circa 1967. Looks like the Memphis Rodders showed up in force and made their presence known. Read More...
|
© 2012 Mempis Rodders Reunion Contact Us