About 6 months ago, Delmer McAfee of Odessa, TX decided he wanted to get together all the old 50's and 60's drag racers he could from West Texas. So he and Jane put together a HUGE party at their place this past weekend. I really don't where to start so I guess I'll just start rambling!!
There were several names that I had read about in the old magazines but had never had a chance to meet...most with 409 connections. These included Charlie Thurwanger, Bryan Teal, Don Hardy and of course, Hayden was there as well as Tom Jacobson. I also got to meet Grady Bryant. Kelly Chadwig was invited but health reasons kept him from attending. Eddie Hill was invited but couldn't make it. All of these guys raced at Penwell, Green Valley, Hobbs, NM and other strips in that area. And many went on to be famous racers that we all read about!!
And then there was a "special" guest that showed up.....Valerie Harrell. She is Dickie Harrell's daughter. What a neat, neat lady!!! Her boy friend is Dale Pulde..the Top Fuel funny car driver. More on Valerie in later posts with pictures.
The stories and history that was exchanged this weekend was unbelieveable!! Charlie Thurwanger bought the red bubbletop that Hayden drove in 1962 from Bill Thomas. It was shipped to Texas and immediately painted black. Charlie and Bryan Teal raced that car together. Then, they got the black 62 SS that Dickie raced in 62. There are pictures of a white 63 Z-11 with Mr. 427 on the doors that magazines said was Dickie Harrell's car. It was not....Bryan Teal owned the car but Dickie drove it.
There were 200 for dinner!! Delmer furnished the food and even had a fantastic 60's rock and roll band. It was just a great time. I really enjoyed getting to meet and visit with some of the "old" 409 racers. There stories about each other are priceless!!
And yes Cecil.......this was another Texas road trip.........and yes, I did bring a few parts home with me!!!!
In the first picture....from left to right.....Don Hardy, Charlie Thurwanger, Dale Pulde, Bryan Teal, Valerie Harrell, Tom Jacobson, Hayden Proffitt & Grady Bryant. The second picture is Charlie, Bryan, Hayden and Tom.
There were several names that I had read about in the old magazines but had never had a chance to meet...most with 409 connections. These included Charlie Thurwanger, Bryan Teal, Don Hardy and of course, Hayden was there as well as Tom Jacobson. I also got to meet Grady Bryant. Kelly Chadwig was invited but health reasons kept him from attending. Eddie Hill was invited but couldn't make it. All of these guys raced at Penwell, Green Valley, Hobbs, NM and other strips in that area. And many went on to be famous racers that we all read about!!
And then there was a "special" guest that showed up.....Valerie Harrell. She is Dickie Harrell's daughter. What a neat, neat lady!!! Her boy friend is Dale Pulde..the Top Fuel funny car driver. More on Valerie in later posts with pictures.
The stories and history that was exchanged this weekend was unbelieveable!! Charlie Thurwanger bought the red bubbletop that Hayden drove in 1962 from Bill Thomas. It was shipped to Texas and immediately painted black. Charlie and Bryan Teal raced that car together. Then, they got the black 62 SS that Dickie raced in 62. There are pictures of a white 63 Z-11 with Mr. 427 on the doors that magazines said was Dickie Harrell's car. It was not....Bryan Teal owned the car but Dickie drove it.
There were 200 for dinner!! Delmer furnished the food and even had a fantastic 60's rock and roll band. It was just a great time. I really enjoyed getting to meet and visit with some of the "old" 409 racers. There stories about each other are priceless!!
And yes Cecil.......this was another Texas road trip.........and yes, I did bring a few parts home with me!!!!
In the first picture....from left to right.....Don Hardy, Charlie Thurwanger, Dale Pulde, Bryan Teal, Valerie Harrell, Tom Jacobson, Hayden Proffitt & Grady Bryant. The second picture is Charlie, Bryan, Hayden and Tom.
Sounds like a great way to spend a weekend!
bang 
