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Racers Holiday
 To start off my Holiday Special, and because I
am a firm advocate of nepotism, here is a photograph of me and
my son, Michael. His father, Tim Beebe, and I adopted Michael
in 1974, so he missed the Standard 1320 cut by two years. Here
is a photograph of Michael with his fiancé, Amber, and
her son Avery, who will be my new grandchild. As you can see
by my smile, I had a wonderful Christmas in the Chicago area,
but the weather was way too cold for me.
Kolleen and Bruce
Wheeler (of Wheeler Dealer AA/FD fame) live on the island of
Maui, and as you can see from the view  they have it really rough. Kolleen is a licensed
minister and she and Bruce hold several lovely Weddings a week.
No one could ask for a more romantic setting to start a new life
than on the island of Maui, especially while in the capable hands
of both Bruce and Kolllen. "Business is really quite good,"
states Bruce. He and Kolleen are both looking forward to Humpback
Whale watching which Maui is famous for. "But we have to
wait until the mothers give birth before they come closer to
shore." Speaking as someone who's witnessed this spectacular
vision everyone who has an opportunity should go to Maui at least
once in their lives, especially in February or March. And, why
not tie the knot while you're there, or maybe renew your wedding
vows. You certainly won't find a more appropriate or lovely place
to do it.
Seated on Santa's
lap are, Emily, 8, and her older brother Jason, who is 11. These
kids  know Santa on a personal basis as it is there
dad, Bill Pratt (draglist.com), who plays Santa every years at
the kids elementary school. Mom Pratt couldn't be in the photo
as she runs the gift shop at the same time Bill is playing Santa.
The gift shop is for the kids so they can buy inexpensive presents
for their family. What a terrific idea to lend your time and
energy to your children's school.
 This is a classic shot of ex-Top Fuel driver Don
Moody and his daughter, Darielle, taken in 1971. Don is now living
in Thailand with his new wife and child. Don journeys to the
states occasionally and when he does he always makes a special
trip to the Phoenix area to see daughter Darielle, who, it seems,
was also born with the love for the sport as she was one of the
many workers who staged the Fuller Family Auction at last year's
California Hot Rod Reunion.
 Marie and Gary Cochran seen at the McCarthy Company's
annual Christmas Party in 2001. Gary finally retired from that
company and he and Marie are living the good life in Bull Head
City, Arizona. Gary was one of the most competitive front engined
top fuel drivers in the US before he gave up the driving chores
to the younger generation. With, we might add, no regrets.
 One of the nicest couples you will ever find at any
drag racing function; Gloria and Steve Gibbs, seen on the deck
of their beautiful Lake Arrowhead, California, home. What can
I say about Steve and "Gordy" that hasn't already been
said many times before. Nothing, As most of you know Steve's
career has spanned over 40 years. He joined the staff of NHRA
as Competition Director in the early 70's, and is now Director
of the NHRA Museum where it is his job to keep the past a living,
breathing entity - and he does his job with a great deal of love
and attention for all the old masters and legends of the sport.
Gordy, has been with Steve from the very start and loves the
people who are involved in nostalgia drag racing as much as they
love her. When Steve finally retires from his position at the
museum he will be sorely missed, but everyone wishes only the
best for these fine people.
 Tommy Ivo is always thrown back to his childhood during
the holiday season and loves to decorate to the hilt. Tommy is
shown in his home, surrounded by many of his drag racing memorabilia
that spans decades. Tommy is also an active participant of nostalgia
drag racing and he and one of his many cars can be spotted at
the NHRA Museum most of the time. Tommy wishes good health and
happiness to everyone in 2002. The same back to you Tommy!
 Here
we see Gordie Bonin, ex-race car driver, surrounded by our favorite
Gal-About-Town, Linda Vaughn, (left)
one of drag racing's all-time beauty queens. Linda, by the way,
has been dating Greg Chamberlain for the last five years and
he gave her a 25c Emerald ring for their first Christmas together.
Sounds like a keeper to us! On Gordie's right is lovely Miss
Prolong Marnie Cappuro.  However, Gordie's all-time love is
Brandog, seen here with him several years ago, "she left
(went to Doggie Heaven) four years ago - I still have tears."
To those of you who do not understand what Gordie means
I feel sorry for you as you're missing out on one of the true
joys of living. Being a responsible pet owner.
 Dale Pulde, one of the more enduring and
articulate race car drivers around, with his long time girlfriend,
Valerie Harrell, are seen in a 2001 Christmas pose. Dale is one
of the finest race car pilots to have ever gone down the pike,
as the saying goes, and Valerie is the daughter of the late/great
Dickie Harrell. Recently Dale gave Valerie a remarkable picture
Cindy Gibbs drew of her and her dad that sits above the mantelpiece
in their home. This is a tried and true race car family and who
knows what lies ahead for this unforgettable team.
 Pat and Jerry Baltes, a true legend of drag racing,
are seen in their "toy" tooling around the little town
in Washington that they call home. Our condolences go out to
Jerry as he's had a tough year with the loss of his life long
friend, Red "The Animal" Lathrum. "Pit Crew"
Pete Starrett has been trying to get Jerry computer literate
for years so he could become an active member of the Standard
1320 Drag Racers E-Group. Knowing Pete, he'll never stop trying.
Good luck Jerry!
 Jim and Judi Murphy while vacationing in Hawaii
recently. Jim is still running the OSH sponsored front-engined
Nostalgia Top Fuel car on the circuit, along with crew chief
Tim "Chops" Beebe. Speaking of Mr. 392, here we see Tim working on the short block
for the newly restored Beebe and Mulligan AA/FD that Dave West
owns, operates and drives. Tim, who comes from a long line of
drag racers, including older brothers Dave and Jerry, and younger
brother Richard, remembers going to the dirt racers with their
deceased pop, Merrell "The Chief" Beebe, who is missed
by all who knew and loved him.
 Steve McAllister's Boys: Travis, 11, on the
left, and Scott, 15. The McAllister's had a lovely Christmas
this year and Scott made out like a bandit by getting a CD burner
(which his dad is usually using) along with a leather jacket.
Travis added to his extensive train collection, while the family
got a satellite dish and a TVo from Santa. Cindy got jewelry.
Way to go girl!
Bill and Deborah
Pitts are seen here with not only their two lovely children,
but Santa sneaked his way into the shot as well. Bill, who is
the proud owner of the restored  "Magicar" AA/FD, had an early Christmas
Present at a book signing in Burbank, California recently when
Tonight Show Host, Jay Leno drove by, spotted the car and jumped
right in like he belonged sitting in it. Bill wasn't who was
more excited, him or Jay, and it didn't matter.
Dan Kaplan and
wife Kathy are seen with their two children.  Kathy had to undergo a knee surgery this year
and Dan is happy to announce she is making a full recovery and
is finally pain-free after 12 miserable years. Now, if Dan could
just get her away from "The Young and The Restless,"
he'd have it made.
 Standard 1320's beloved "Purp", Laurie Watts,
spent time with hubby Earl "Delbert" Watts working
on race cars throughout the holiday season. They are now hard
at work on Delbert's AA/Altered, which, if I know the Watt's,
will be a showcase beauty. Laurie is hard pressed to accomplish
everything she wants to in life as she is also a full time nurse
and an all around caring individual. On a personal note I would
like to thank Laurie and all the love and care she showed me
while I was in the hospital. Her twice daily visits kept me going
and I love her dearly for her giving nature. Hang in there kid,
everyone loves you!
 This is really not a doll of Jerry Garcia, but it
sure him. No, it's Fred Vosk who spends much of his off time
with children teaching them the sport of drag racing, his Christmas
gift to our younger generation. Truly a remarkable fellow, Fred
is into building totally awesome bikes that he raffles off for
charity. It's obvious that Fred puts his money where his mouth
is. Thanks from all of us Fred! Lastly, what would life be without
children?
 George Crittenden's 10th grandchild, Parker "Ivo"
Daniel's, is seen on what appears to be an old TV Tommy tee-shirt
while John Spradlin Great Granddaughter, Anna Grace, gives  everyone her
best grin. She somehow knew was going to be her first Christmas
and that gleam in her eyes gives her away.
Carl and Linda
Schiefer (formally of Scheifer Mfg.) at their lovely home in
Orange County, California where they love to spend their Christmas
in celebration of the true meaning of the season, the birth of
Christ. Carl is now an ordained minister for the Calvary Chapel
since 1990 and works for the Orange County Sheriffs Department,
where he helps to intervene in times of family  crisis. The one thing that matters most to Carl,
outside of his family, are his friends; especially three people
who he would like to openly thank for helping him through a tough
time right after his father passed away: Don and Patty Garlits,
Jerry Tiffins of Goodyear and Vic Edelbrock, Jr. "I'm very
touched by their love for me. A friend loves at all times,"
and that's what these gentlemen did for Carl. Carl feels his
life is totally complete and very blessed by his family, work
associates and friends. Now he and his sons run the Schiefer
Agency, who represent professional athletes Media, Inc., co-produces
programming for NHRA Today, American Sports Calvilcade, Performance
Plus which
help generate programming for television. Allot of their programs
are seen on TNN, Speedvision, and ESPN.
Don and Patti Preito are the
owners of the Preitive Group, an automotive based public
relations company that has spread across the United States. A
real love story come true for these two, as they have been married
almost 40 years. Don has been around drag racing longer than
most and is known for his great wit photography and writing.
 Last, but not least by far, is a photograph
taken at night of "The Vagabond" AA/FD owners Larry
& Terri Anderson's house, commonly known by the neighborhood
children as the gingerbread house. Larry may have to go through
yet another back surgery (I know what you're going through Larry,
I've had five of my own) and knowing he may never be allowed
up on a ladder again he went hog-wild decorating the house.
See you in
February, Love and Happy Holidays the year through, Suzy
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