Beckman's Blog...
Continuing on ...
By "Fast" Jack Beckman

Thanks for staying tuned in. In the last installment I got us through my first race in a Top Fuel car. Now I would like to catch everyone up on the rest of 2005 before we get into my plans for this season.

Amongst the many highlights from 2005, meeting many of the pioneers of this sport ranks near the top. I am such a HUGE drag race history buff and I have so much respect for those who blazed the trail for all of us who are out there now. The men, women, drivers, crew chiefs, and cars of the past have a special place in my heart. In fact, one of the reasons that I chose # 71 for my permanent Top Fuel number is that one of the legends of the sport - James Warren - wore it many times during he and Roger Coburn’s dominance of West Coast Top Fuel. 

I’m just like an excited kid when I get introduced to the “hitters.” Last year I met Jerry “the King” Ruth, Herm Peterson, Warren, and several other Hall of Fame members.  The Wally Parks (met him, too) NHRA Motorsports Museum is just across the parking lot from my job at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School, and I go there every chance I can.  Hang out at the museum during one of the national events and you’ll see a who’s-who of drag racing history. It’s awesome!  I count among my friends drag racing luminaries such as Dave McClelland, Bob Muravez, Tommy Ivo, Bob Frey, Walt Rhodes, and Frank Hawley, as well as many of today’s top drivers. Force and Scelzi have been wonderful with advice and help, and sometimes I have to pinch myself when I realize how fortunate I am.  This really is all I’ve ever wanted to do, and I am so close to making this Top Fuel deal happen!

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Click to visit our sponsor's website

Speaking of nostalgia racing, I have been pestering friend Steve Gibbs (former director of Competition and the NHRA Museum) for a while to be able to “cackle” a front-motor Top Fueler. If you haven’t had the opportunity to witness these “cackle fests” you are in for the experience of your life!  My first “cockpit” opportunity came in Seattle this year when Wayne King bestowed the pleasure upon me. I got to hang out with his original car and crew, and once they lit the motor with me strapped in I was transported back to 1962!  Words truly can’t describe how awesome a feeling that was. Thanks guys!

Now that I had become an official “slingshot” pilot, John Ewald asked if I’d be interested in the next step – push starting and running next to a dozen other iconic cars from the past. I had that opportunity at the World Finals. How would you like to run 4.50’s at 320 on Saturday, and then get in a REAL 1970 front engine car for Sunday’s cackle fest? And, we were the last car left running while the stands went wild. What a fantastic way to end 2005!

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Click to visit our sponsor's website

Though some might not list this as a “highlight,” my hospital visits and the time that I spent with some wonderful people who needed some diversions from their illnesses meant so much to me. We were able to visit several hospitals during race weekends. Except for a visit to soldiers at the VA hospital in Las Vegas, all other trips were to children’s cancer wards. Jeg’s gave us some great care packages to give to the kids, and the look on the kid’s faces made all of the effort worthwhile. Rodger and Karen Comstock (who is also a cancer survivor), my girlfriend Jenna Lucy and I all felt enriched for the ability to spend time with others in need. Their ages ranged from 5 to 17, and the kids who didn’t speak English had parents and siblings translate. Regardless of age or ethnicity, all of the kids brightened up once they got their drag race “goodie bags.”  So many have helped me through my cancer ordeal that it feels good to be able to share my experience with others.

So you see, I really am a lucky guy.  My job, my friends, my weekends are all very fulfilling. Next column I’ll catch you up on my off-season activities, as well as what’s happening for 2006.  There are still lots of opportunities for me - keep your fingers crossed!

Return to Contents

Got a comment? Drop us a line at comppluseditor@aol.com.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Click to visit our sponsor's website

Return to Contents

Return to Contents