The Great Race was well represented at the Chickasha, Oklahoma Pre-War Swap meet last week as thousands gathered from around the world to buy and sell automobile cars and parts built prior to World War II.
Howard Sharp of Fairport, N.Y., bought a 1950s Cushman scooter, and Chad Caldwell of Newnan, Ga., bought spare tire supports for his new Auburn boattail speedster he is trying to get finished for the 2014 Great Race. They both spent time looking through junk yards and at farm equipment while out in Oklahoma as well.
And we saw Kirk and Rita Hill from Mississippi. They drove their 1920 Model T race car in last years event, but Kirk told us that when he got back home after the race the right front wheel came off while he was driving and did a lot of damage to that beautiful vehicle.
Gab and Evonna Joiner from Rio Rancho, N.M., were there in their motorhome so Gab could look for 1924 Dodge parts. Veterans of more than 20 Great Races, the Joiners last competed in 2012.
Joe and Judy Alackness from Pennsylvania were in Oklahoma looking for Chalmers parts. They spent the winter in Texas and stopped by Chickasha on their way home.
J.D. Hanks of Oklahoma and Ron Kelley of Texas were at the event selling Model A parts. J.D. will again be bringing an X-Cup team from Ponca City, but this year they will be driving a 1953 Buick instead of his trusty Model A pickup.
I hated to hear what happened to Kirk Hill’s 1920 Model T race car. He hand cranked that thing dozens of times every day on the Great Race last year. It was good to spend time with Joe Alackness as well. Joe and I were supposed to do the 1995 race together after our respective 1994 partners bailed, but it ended up not happening. And it is always great to spend time with Gab and Evonna Joiner, two of the really class acts in Great Race history.
I had a great time it the swap meet I sure hope the scooter will go 50mph or I am in trouble in the 2014 great race !
Looks like it might go 5 mph.
Jeff I had more fun at the junk yards. Are we going back for the Lincoln?
Joe: I think I would rather have the Buick Hearse.