Thanks to Dale Pulde, Jeff Arend can cross one more item off his list of dreams to experience.

Arend, driver of the Kalitta Motorsports Funny Car on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, at the invitation of nitro legend Pulde, will pilot the War Eagle Pontiac at the Bakersfield March Meet next month.

“I’ve never been to a March Meet before,” revealed Arend. “I’m told it’s a spectacular time and when Dale gave me a call some weeks ago, I gave it some thought. When I found out all of my friends were going to be there racing, it quickly became a no-brainer.”

   Thanks to Dale Pulde, Jeff Arend can cross one more item off his list of dreams to experience.

Arend, driver of the Kalitta Motorsports Funny Car on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, at the invitation of nitro legend Pulde, will pilot the War Eagle Pontiac at the Bakersfield March Meet next month.

“I’ve never been to a March Meet before,” revealed Arend. “I’m told it’s a spectacular time and when Dale gave me a call some weeks ago, I gave it some thought. When I found out all of my friends were going to be there racing, it quickly became a no-brainer.”

Pulde is unable to drive after being diagnosed with Valley Fever shortly after last season’s California Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield. According to a Valley Fever awareness website, the technical name for Valley Fever is Coccidioidomycosis, or “Cocci” for short. It is caused by Coddidioides immitis, a fungus somewhat like yeast or mildew which lives in the soil. The tiny seeds, or spores, become wind-borne and are inhaled into the lungs, where the infection starts. Valley Fever is not contagious from person to person.

Pulde was recently released from the hospital and is in the recovery process.

“I really didn’t realize when he first called me that he had been sick like he had,” Arend said. “This is the least I can do to help him out.”

Arend isn’t overly experienced at driving nostalgia floppers but isn’t a complete novice either. His last experience was in 2008 when he drove Del Worsham’s Blue Max-tribute Mustang for a Nike commercial photo shoot.

“They provide a neat ride,” Arend said. “I’m looking forward to it and it will be a bit of a challenge. Of course, Dale is one of those old school drivers with the shifter down between the legs.”

As up for a challenge as Arend might be, there was initial apprehension about accepting the driving gig.

“You start thinking there’s not a lot of good that can come out of it if you drive it well because you’re expected to drive it well since you drive a pro car,” Arend said. “If you don’t drive it well, you never hear the end of it. I’ll be on the cautious side of driving and I think we will do well right out of the box.”

Arend realizes driving a car with the legend of the War Eagle also carries huge expectations.

“I’ve always considered Dale, even before he became my friend, one of the best Funny Car drivers out there,” Arend explained. “When a guy of that stature calls you and asks you to drive his car, it says a lot about the confidence he has in you. It’s also a big honor.”

Editor's Note: Pulde is recovering from a longthy hospital stay related to Valley Fever. You can join the drag racing legend's friends in helping to defray medical expenses - CONTRIBUTE TO THE DALE PULDE FUND

 

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