Recently I was talking with Cliff at Cliff’s Classic Chevys and he mentioned a recent rash of thefts and burglaries that have been happening all over rural Clackamas County here in Oregon. It’s not known if they are related but it seems that many home shops have been broken into under cover of darkness and a myriad of specialty car parts have been stolen. Additionally some cars have been stolen as well as tools, equipment and trailers. I decided I needed to write a little story about this to send out a warning, so I called a half dozen victims of these crimes to learn more.

Apparently these thieves have “cased” their targets seeking the parts, tools and cars etc. One victim told me that they must be very proficient at it and therefore very practiced because he didn’t hear a thing. They may be slipping a thin piece of metal between the door and the jamb to trip the knob lock in some cases. To load out all of what has been taken must take a considerable amount of time too.

It’s unfortunate that others think it’s ok to take things that don’t belong to them.

The 57 Chevrolet seen elsewhere in R&R NW for some time now, has not been recovered or seen since the day it disappeared. The Camaro pictured here was stolen in August. I’m not certain whether this one has been recovered or not, but it wouldn’t hurt to call the police if you see it.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Speaking of being safe, some of the thefts took place where no alarms were present… or sorry, years ago I put in an alarm right AFTER a break in. It’s safe to say that getting a monitored alarm BEFORE a break in is much better idea. Security cameras are a good idea too. In some of these thefts these thieves had to have a truck and it had to be close because carrying the stolen items very far would have been extremely difficult. Security cameras with recording devices could have captured a vehicle allow for a description or an identifying number.

I’m trying to encourage you to keep your eyes open for potentially stolen property and for your own security. Look over what you have done to secure your stuff.  If locks need to be update, do it. If alarms systems, video security cameras need updating, do yourself a favor and update everything before you’re stuff gets stolen. Also, review your insurance coverage. One victim told me that he thought he was covered only find out his insurance didn’t cover “car parts” “that weren’t attached to a car?” Are you kidding?  I’ll do my best to be kind but, some insurance coverage “fine print,” just ain’t right. Check with your agent to make certain your coverage is what you think it should be and correct it if it isn’t. He lost years’ worth of parts he had collected for his projects, that probably totaled $20,000 worth, all uninsured because of one clause in his policy he didn’t realize was there.   If your insurance doesn’t give you the coverage you want, go shopping! He did and found Haggerty was just what he wanted. They may be one of only a few companies to offer the right coverage for our hobby.

I heard an unconfirmed rumor that the police had arrested some people and recovered a cache of potentially stolen property in Clackamas County.  If you have been a victim of a theft described above, call your county sheriff if you live in a rural area, or your city police department to check the recovered stolen property that they might not be able to identify as yours, but you could if you saw it. You could get some of your stuff back.

As violated as a break-in makes you feel, you can help prevent it by being vigilant about your security. I don’t think thieves ever take a day off.

Rarely did I receive Gregory’s undivided attention. He was four years my senior and in all honesty, a closer friend to my older siblings. From birth until I was ten or so, he lived right next door to us. Gregory was smart, creative and extremely motivated.  And he could build stuff. I mean; he could build anything it seemed to me when I was a kid, from robots to rocket ships. His parents forbad him from removing the engine from their lawnmower so he simply incorporated the whole mower in his design! He was building crazy bicycles by the time we moved away but customizing cars was in his future.

I think Mark Brislawn had to have been a kid like Gregory. He bought his first vehicle when he was fifteen—a 1930 Model A pick-up. Fifty years later, he’s still at it. Smart, creative and also extremely motived, I doubt that there is a project or build that Brislawn would shy away from. Everything is “do-able.”

The Vancouver, WA native was able to parlay his knowledge of all things mechanical into a career with a company called Precision Equipment. Brislawn spent twenty years as an estimator and sales manager for the outfit that specializes in hydraulic and mechanical repair.
But of course the founding of Briz Bumpers in 1985 is what most people identify with Brislawn. “I picked up a set of 1937 DeSoto bumpers at a swap meet in Chehalis (WA),” he relates. “Before I left, I had three guys trying to buy them from me!” So the demand was pre-existing. Next Brislawn took the beveled bumpers to one of his fab shop customers to find out how difficult they would be to duplicate. He was told: “No problem.”

Brislawn decided to have a few sets made up. “Initially, I just wanted to make my investment back,” he explains. But when hot rod guys saw them, they went nuts! Clearly he had a hot commodity on his hands. Brislawn chose a marketing expert as his business partner and they were off and running. They set up a table or booth at all of the relevant swap meets, cruise-ins and car shows throughout the Northwest. They utilized print advertising extensively to reach potential customers outside of their area (Remember that the internet would not be viable for another decade or so). Soon Briz Bumpers were being sold internationally. Over the years other products were introduced but the original DeSoto knock off remains the cornerstone of their business to this day. In 2002 Brislawn sold his share of the company to his partner. In 2015 Briz Bumpers is a one man operation, providing a second income for the ex-partner’s son. Meanwhile, Brislawn has moved on.

In his shop there are several projects at varied states of completion. Brislawn gets to choose what he works on next. “My grandson is really into this show called Forged in Fire,” he tells me. “The other day he turned to me and asked why don’t we make a knife?” Predictably Grandpa didn’t have to be asked twice. Within a few hours Brislawn had roughed out the blade and his grandson was grinding on the wooden handle. Regardless of the outcome, it’s the process that’s important. This is quality time together creating something from an idea. It is an experience that his grandson will probably always remember. Mark Brislawn is his “Gregory.” He’s a lucky kid.

Cliff Nelson’s Big Car, ultimately fitted with a Ranger Aircraft engine, was driven in competition by Bill Hyde and Jack Timmings.

Originally built as a racecar in the 40s, this ‘29 (wi’32 grill) is powered by a 276 Flathead.

“Rajo Ed” Gloss built this chassis on which Brislawn has mounted a ‘27 Roadster body.

Brislawn created this jaw dropping "Studiac" by fitting '53 Studebaker coachwork to Pontiac Trans Am.

Harry Stryker built this replica oof the Curtis Offy in which Bill Vukovich won his championship.

The 29th Annual Hot August Nights is in now in the history books. It’s hard to believe that it has been going on for 29 years. I didn’t make it to the first one or all of them every year but I’ve made many through the years. Things have changed in that time. This year had over 5500 registered participants.

A few years ago Barrett/Jackson came on board holding their auction at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. I’ve made it to everyone of those. My Wife, Marsha and I love to go to this function. It’s usually quite a show. I liken it to a terrific car show even if you’re not there to buy a car.  The Auction atmosphere is always exciting and fun.

One of my favorite parts of Hot August Nights is the swap meet. I don’t have the official tally but, it seemed bigger to me this year than last year. The Car Corral inside the arena was full of cars for sale. These are runner/drivers, not parts cars and non-running projects. Those are outside and there were a lot more of those apparent in 2015 than last year. It’s cool that there are still so many “barn finds,” if you will, out there. I bought some 327 heads for my friend Jeff in Idaho to go on his numbers matching 1962 327 we’ve been scrounging for. Jerry, my cousin, bought a factory service manual for his Plymouth Barracuda that he is working on. Coincidentally, he just picked up his freshly machined, balanced and cleaned 360 that he’ll put together this weekend to put back in his car. From the sounds of it that’s going to be a pretty cool ride when it’s done.

Hot August Nights is really a totally unique event. The entire area, Reno/Sparks and even surrounding area smaller towns, get into the nearly week long celebration of old cars, hot rods, race cars, with individual car shows, cruises, displays and so on.

In downtown Reno, Virginia Street is closed/blocked off and each day hundreds of cars were displayed in the quest for the Barrett/Jackson Cup. Barrett Jackson sponsored this show with prizes and big cash awards as well as what has become a very prestigious “CUP” that was award to the overall winner. The cars were judged by a panel of knowledgeable celebrity judges, who evaluated the many entries and paired them down to the top 25 semi-finalist. In looking at the cars this year, I don’t know if I could pick 25 not to mention just one. Some of these cars were built by the best of the best shops in America. Picking one seems like a monumental undertaking to me. Needless to say most all the cars in this competition were simply spectacular. At this writing, the “CUP” will likely  be retired since Barrett/Jackson has decided to not renew their contract for 2016.

Each day in addition to downtown Reno’s display there are shows at the Grand Sierra, the Atlantis, the Peppermill, and the Nugget in Sparks. Each night there is a “Cruise” down Virginia Street from 7-10 and one in Sparks at the same time. It’s pretty cool to set up your folding chair and just watch the parade of great cars cruise by. I grew up in the 60’s and cruising was “Thee” thing to do on Friday and Saturday night. The cruise scene depicted in the movie “American Graffiti” was true to what I remember and it’s kinda duplicated each night for that ‘Hot August’ week.

I’ve probably already told you in another previous story about the “Big Boys Toys” mini trade show that was presented by the Silver Legacy Resort and the Eldorado Hotel Casino at the Reno Events Center in Downtown Reno. This is a must see for the car nuts I know. The manufacturers send their representatives with product displays, who can answer questions and help you figure out what you might need for your car or build. Summit Racing is set up right at the show with a huge order desk and special discounts to help you buy your needs and have them shipped to your home. I bought a Flaming River tilt steering column, a Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve and a Custom AutoSound, radio and speaker system for my 55 Barn Find. Yes, I’m still working on that project and more articles are in the works, I promise.

In addition to the many onsite shows just about all of the businesses in the area join together to sponsor tons of fun car related things to do. But wait, that’s not all!  If you have been to Reno or Tahoe or Las Vegas, you might have seen a show or two and of course there are shows at most all of the Resorts/Casinos/Hotels. There are also bands performing on outdoor stages at most of the larger daily events.

Hot August Nights is a weeklong “Cruise” down ‘Nostalgia Lane’ for any car guy, car girl, or Rock ‘n Roll lover and its good clean fun for the whole family. If you love old cars like I do, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy next summer. Put Hot August Nights on your calendar for next year. The dates for 2016 are August 2nd – 7th. The web address is www.hotaugustnights.net. Participant registration for 2016 is available online right now. Hope to see you there.

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It’s with heavy heart that I write this article about the third and final year of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at HAN Reno/Sparks. This year’s list of consignments did indeed seem somewhat limited but that didn’t seem to lessen the efforts put forth by Barrett-Jackson, Velocity TV and the sponsors. They still put on a great show and sold a bunch of quality cars, with a 100% sell thru. There were some great opportunities to buy your choice of those quality cars at pretty respectable prices.

As mentioned in another HAN article this was the third and final year of Barrett-Jackson’s three year contract and they elected to not renew the contract. I don’t know if that means that the “Barrett-Jackson Cup” is also retired, but I’d guess it does. The presence and influence of this Auction company certainly brought in a lot of quality competitors to compete for the generous prizes and the prestige of winning that award.

This year’s big Barrett-Jackson Cup winner was a fantastic 1962 Chevrolet Bel-Air 2dr Hardtop, with a GM LS9 packing 630+ HP, backed up by a T-56 Bowler 6-speed Trans. This car is owned by Randy and Lisa Wilcox from Minneapolis, MN.  In addition to the “Cup” they took home some real loot. $30,000 in cash, a brand new GM crate engine and transmission combo valued at $15,000, sponsored by GM Performance, $6,000 worth of Craftsman tools, and the list goes on. Total value for cash and prizes was more than $51,000 to the Grand Prize winner.

The car builder, Andy Leach/Cal Automotive Creations, Bennington Nebraska, won the Barrett-Jackson “Builders Award.”  The cars’ beauty was enhanced by Charlie Hutton paint and by many subtle body modifications like, tucked bumpers, a small wing added to the deck lid and fenders, machined taillights, side trim and window moldings and it all rolls via an Art Morrison Chassis on one off Billet Specialty wheels.

The hard job of judging the competition was done by a 3 celebrity panel including, Bobby Alloway, Pete Chapouris and Bob Millard where they selected the top 25 finalist and from those entries narrowed it down to the top five. Those top five were up on the block on Saturday night after the auction and revealed to the live audience as well as the Velocity
TV audience.

Barrett-Jackson put on a terrific show in Reno/Sparks and will be missed.  By the time you read this the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction will be history as well. Coming up January 23-31 in Scottsdale, AZ is your next opportunity to attend “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction.”

Wow. No other words could adequately describe what everyone who was in attendance at the 27th Annual GK Machine/Bi-Mart Hot Rod Nationals experienced. Through Saturday’s qualifying, and for final eliminations on Sunday, nowhere else could you have experience the absolute highs and dastardly lows of what the sport of NHRA Drag Racing brings to the table.  With last minute dashes to fix cars, to fighting for every thousandth of a second as though your life depended on it, the racing was never more intense than this last weekend’s event. After all the racing had ended on Sunday, wins were claimed for Mitch Chamberlin (AA/Supercharged), Mike Padur (Top Eliminator), Michael Peck (Pro Nostalgia), Bob Rude (Nostalgia Eliminator), Gary Hogansen (Dragster/Roadster), Mike Miller (Top Gas), Steve Canton (Hot Rod I), Hollis Runge (Street Machine I), Dan Swick (Hot Rod II), Bart Sowa (Street Machine II), Mark Allan Dolan (Stick Shift), Walt Skoczylas (Inline/Flathead), and Shawn Cranford (Jr Exhibition). As is clear to see, with the number of classes and pure amount of racing that was involved, a phenomenal time was enjoyed by all. As always, event pictures are posted at this time at
www.facebook.com/woodburndragstrip
 
Diggin’ into the first class of racing, AA/Supercharged hosted a final round showdown between Mitch Chamberlin and Joel Matton. Chamberlin’s ’51 Deluxe struggled through qualifying: finishing up in the 6th qualifying spot while also collected an orange reflector block from the center of the race track.  However, come race day, the machine was set to kill, running a 6.724 and 6.688 to advance to the finals.  For Matton, the struggle was also real: after creating a massive oil down on Saturday, a qualifying slot of third was still a welcome end of the day result. Using a 7.215 first round to defeat Garry Fauble, Matton ran a 6.782 @ 193.59mph to eliminate number one qualifier Howard Anderson, who had his hands full on a loosey-goosey 7.853 pass. Unfortunately for Matton, engine troubles prevented him from attending the final round dosey doe, and Chamberlin set a final-round rocketshot with a 6.624 @ 211.96mph. With further proof going to the fact that you never know what’ll happen on race day, #6 qualifier and 2015 AA/Supercharged Champion Mitch Chamberlin claimed victory.

In the final farewell tour event for Top Eliminator, dynamically close racing was expected, and received, as Mike Padur and Dennis Gorans faced off in the finals.  Padur was the number one qualifier here and showed why in the finals, launching off the starting line timers with a .059 to a .092 reaction time advantage and never looking back, running his FED to a 7.577 ET on a 201.25mph shot.  Gorans was right on his tail though, blistering to a 7.639 @ 196.29mph hit. Mike Floyd, who was the “odd man out,” could have been serious competition for either driver, running a 186.83mph 7.679 as the third slotted car. A great group of people all around and the true derivative of nostalgia, the Top Eliminator put on a fantastic show throughout the weekend.

It’s always exciting when top qualifiers battle off in the final round of racing.  In the case of Pro Nostalgia, it was number one and three qualifiers as Michael Peck and DeWayne Sanders lined up for battle. For Peck to reach the finals, he had to defeat Nick Pruett and Spud Miller, while Sanders downed Ralph Fox and Paul New. With all of the glory on the line, both drivers left with good reactions, before Sanders encountered problems and slowed, sending Peck flying down the all-concrete quarter mile and to the victory. Peck’s 6.593 at 206.84mph earned him the number one qualifier award, which earned him a bonus award from Mike Boertje Jr Trucking. Other bonuses went to Bob Rude, who had the best reaction time in eliminations with a .011, received from Fuel Injection Enterprises (FIE), and Peck also earned a bonus from Brad Russell Trucking, by being the closest to his dial in (6.609 on his 6.59 dial).

Nostalgia Eliminator, which is an extension class of Pro Nostalgia, showcased Bob Rude and Steve Cluck into the last round of racing action. Leaving with a pair of green light starts, both drivers cruised down the racetrack and dueling 160+mph passes, with the win light coming on for Rude, running a 7.913 at 169mph on his 7.85 dial. Cluck ran a great 8.088 on his 7.99 as well, an excellent performance for his first competition race. Pat Curtis and Mike O’Conner were the semi-finalist.
Dragster/Roadster competed in their second-to-last points event on the season, and with the battle as close as this year it’s still almost anyone’s race to win! Gary Hogansen and Mike Ekerson joined each other in the final round of eliminations to see who would be the winner of the illustrious Woodburn Wally. Hogansen battled through a competition single, Doug Gray, and three-time track champion Ron Austin to reach the finals. In the finals, Hogansen left with a stellar reaction time advantage and ran a 10.071 on his 10.05 dial to earn the win. After the event, Hogansen was quoted as saying that he had the “time of his life,” and wanted to thank “everybody out there who gave him a wave, a thumbs-up, or a smile” as each one made his day all the more special. Steve Marcus was the number one qualifier with a perfect .000 reaction time, earning him a perfect light t-shirt and two decals, courtesy of Northwest Wholesale/Hilton Racing, the suppliers of Goodyear/Hoosier/Mickey Thompson race tires.

Top Gas finals showcased Mike Miller and Ron Pappel, and an exciting one it was! Miller, fighting hard to repeat his track championship from 2014, eliminated Ronald Weise, Jim McDermott, Warren Regnier, Brent McKinney, and Richard Dietrich to reach the finals.  With the Pinto set to kill, one more round wasn’t too much more to ask for, right? As the tree came down, both drivers left with green light starts (.026 for Miller, .017 for Pappel), and the race resulted in a double-breakout, favoring Miller by a slim .011. Jerry Carter, from Pendleton OR., was the number one qualifier with a .001.

In the Hot Rod I category, it was “The Wildcard” Steve Canton facing up alongside the hottest racer of the weekend Ron Parks, who was in final round number two of the weekend.  Canton, earlier defeating big names like Dan Goates, Richard Beyea, Rick Sales Sr, and Kacee Pitts earned a single in the semi-final round. Important to note is that aside from the single in the semi’s, Canton’s last four reaction times varied by only .008, showcasing to all that a racer who is dialed in with his race car is nothing to mess with.  In the final round, Canton left with the reaction time advantage and claimed victory, running a 10.029 on his 10.02 dial in for a .051 overall package in the finals. Like Dragster/Roadster Event Champ Gary Hogansen, Canton threw a shout out to the great spectators we had throughout the weekend, saying that he appreciated every cheer from the great fans. Ron Wirostek was the number one qualifier with a
.004 reaction time.

For the Street Machine I category’s eliminations, Hollis Runge and Gary Wood took a pair of dueling Novas into the last round of competition. Runge and his ’74 Chevy eliminated Roger McWilliams, Dean Tabert, Barry Sheasgreen, a single, and Jim Goodman to reach the finals. With the final round drivers dialed in at a 10.04 and 10.15 respectively, this match had everything necessary to be a great finals—but unfortunately it was over before it even began when Wood tripped on the red light bulb by -.008 thousandths! Runge rocketed down to a 10.056 on his 10.04, and earned the victory. Runge was quick to thank his wife and his ‘extended family’ of everyone who comes to the races at the dragstrip. Duke Olmsted was the number one qualifier with a .004 reaction time.

Dan Swick and Garry Heinrich were the last two racers standing in the Hot Rod II category, with an exciting final round sure to follow! Swick roughed his ’64 Rambler past Gary Oster, Rose Ann Hamness, A-1 Muffler’s Lee Ennis, and Mark Tabert to reach the finals. Against Heinrich, both drivers left with green light starts before the win light flipped on for Swick due to a breakout finish of -.017 on Heinrich’s behalf. As quoted from Travis Hilton “when I was moving the winners’ trophies into the tower, (Dan) Swick said ‘I gotta get me one of those!’ Looks like he was able to accomplish that very thing.” Heinrich was the number one qualifier with a .004 reaction time.

Street Machine II showed off Bart Sowa and Jolene Woodward in one of the more exciting finals rounds of the day! Sowa took his ’72 Chevy pickup past Margie Stringham, Duane Turner, and number one qualifier Tony Bombara to reach the final round. In the finals, both drivers left with nearly identical reaction time starts (.029 to a .027) and both ran close to their numbers! Woodward completed her run with a 12.397 on the 12.34 dial, while Sowa ran a 13.936 on the 13.89. Doing the quick math, Sowa emerged victorious by just .009 in the finals! Bombara was the number one qualifier with a .036.
The Inline/Flathead category featured five dynamic rounds of racing, with the culmination of which resulting in a battle between Walt Skoczylas and Lou Madsen. Skoczylas, racing out of Aloha OR, defeated Fred Hultin, Ron Price, and Dave Fountain to earn the single in the semi-finals. In the finals, Skoczylas left with the .03 reaction time advantage and earned the win with a 11.891 on his 11.81 dial. Michael Bjerklund was the number one qualifier with a .010 reaction time.
Stick Shift is an exciting class that localizes all manual shifting racers into one class. With a battle between the number one and number two qualifier, the racing was sure to be as tight as ever. Mark Allan Dolan, the number two qualifier, defeated Zac Summers, Dick Arnold, and Pat Aultom to reach the finals, while Poppino eliminated Paul Carbaugh and Jim Wise to earn the semi-final round single. In the finals, the race was over before it even began when Poppino left with a red light start by .011. After the race was over, Dolan came to the tower to collect his winnings and reminded us once again the joys of racing, and the friendships he has developed from it. Poppino’s .006 reaction time earned the number one qualifier award.