Arlen Vanke

[NCGuy68]

[ QUOTE ]
If my memory is correct ,at the '68 nationals the factory picked Sox to lose his class SS/B race. In retaliation Ronnie redlighted by about 2 full seconds and ran about .8 seconds under the SS/B record. Arlen was seeded into the S/S eliminator and won it going away.

[/ QUOTE ]

After searching the NHRA archives that is indeed what happened. Seems Ronnie didn't want to take a dive for anyone no matter what the factory said. Buddy Martin was later quoted as saying, "Its a good thing they didn't weight the car. He came back to the pits, loaded the car and we left the track".

Gotta love them good 'ol days !

[mockingbird812]

I finally came across a couple of shots of the car going across the block. Can't miss Arlen in the photos. The crowd responded...





I think that is Galen to the right in the 1st photo with the black and red ball cap on.

[Bryan64Impala]

Here is a link of the car being restored http://www.hodgerestorations.com/generic3.html
It was restored about 10 miles from my house by Le Hodge. I'm not sure how or who he restored the car for but I heard he done a lot of research on the car and it is top notch but I never seen it in person.

[Bryan64Impala]

That's Le in the second pic (in gray tee shirt) doing something behind the steering wheel. I've seen some of the other Mopars he has done at local cruise-in's and all of them are outstanding pieces.

[68l30]

I had a chance to talk with "Akron Arlen" at the last York reunion...Very nice guy! I even had him sign a few old US Drag Team items...

That's one of the best parts about this show...Get out there and talk with some of the best racers...Sadly,It may be your last chance.....

Steve

[Paul D]

How do I go about searching the NHRA archives?

Regards,
Paul

[NCGuy68]

[ QUOTE ]
How do I go about searching the NHRA archives?

Regards,
Paul

[/ QUOTE ]

Go to www.NHRA.com. Click on Special Sections lower left of page. Search the links there.