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Interviews deliver a roller coaster of emotion
Parma Heights, Ohio (26 May 2011) – Quarter Mile Foundation announces that the PROJECT 1320 documentary series interview process of pioneers of drag racing and the performance aftermarket from the late 1940’s through to the 1980’s has gained over 60 hours of footage from 35 legends.
“To put it in drag racing terms, we had some engine problems to start but the determination of the board’s crew to keep the throttle open has remained very focused”, states Foundation Chairman, Traci Hrudka. “Hey, we all came from this industry and we carry the same passion, determination, family unity and the will see this through.
“The overwhelming support we have received from the drag racing and performance aftermarket communities has put us where we are today with 35 interviews in the can. Support from Moroso, Mr. Gasket Co., Mallory, Express Parts, Mondello Technologies, Quick Fuel Technologies, World Products, SEMA, NHRA, Joe Amato, Lori Johns as well as over 500 members that are part of the “Project 1320 Friends” group has provided the opportunity to get this much accomplished. Additionally, the thousands of Facebook fans that have donated money, film, photos, memories and have kept following the progress, has also been a critical factor.”
These are the individuals interviewed to date:
Joe Amato
Linda Vaughn
Harry Hibler
Carroll Shelby
Louie Senter
Bill (“Speedy Bill”) Smith
Ed Iskenderian
Joe Schubeck
“Doc” Watson
Don Smith
Alex Xydias
Bob Airheart
Robin Millar (Pete Millar)
Raymond Godman
Joe Mondello
Rich Guasco
Roger Gustin
T.C. Lemon
Herm Petersen
Eileen Daniels
Marvin Graham
Don Hampton
Jimmy King
Bob Stange
Jerry Gwynn
Dale Funk
Barbara Hamilton
Dick LaHaie
Darrell Gwynn
Dale Emery
Jim Read
Jim Head
Jim Walther
Jon Lundberg
Dave McClelland
“To be able to listen in on some of the interviews as they were being filmed has brought a whole new meaning to me about ‘going through the emotions,’ says Ms. Hrudka .
“What I have seen and heard has been a roller coaster of blockbuster proportions about what these pioneers have to share with the audience. You laugh, cry, gasp, held your breath, grimace and go through many other emotions as they recount their life experiences. Yes, I even had to sit on my hands to hold back from clapping. To say we are able to capture their life adventure recollections on film is a miracle, and to know we will be able to provide a means for these stories to tell the story of how our sport and industry was built on the determination and exploits of these men and women and their contemporaries is a very satisfying, yet humbling, feeling.
“However, we must understand death has taken several of these pioneering legends from us in just the past month. Additionally, others have fallen into ill health. It is at a point where you’re afraid to open your e-mails or answer your phone for fear of learning more unpleasant news. But, it is a fact we have to deal with and continue to forge ahead.”
The Quarter Mile Foundation will continue interviewing at the upcoming NHRA Heritage Series Holley Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky on June 14-16.