While I was at the Good Vibrations March Meet at AutoClub Famoso Raceway earlier this month, I spoke to my good friend Tony Thacker who couldn’t stop smiling while telling stories of the Fuel Altered Panel Discussion at the NHRA Wally Parks Motorsports Museum during the NHRA Winternationals. Hosted by “Fast” Jack Beckman, it was a night of history, stories, and lies. Just like any good drag race. On the panel were veterans of Fuel Altereds including Randy Bradford owner and driver of Bradford’s Fiat; Leon Fitzgerald owner of Pure Heaven II; Rich Guasco owner of Pure Hell; and Dave Hough owner of Nanook. I happen to have had the pleasure of driving cross country with Rich Guasco and an amazing group of old racers and hot rodders a few years ago and will never forget it. There are conflicting reports as to how Rich’s car came to be known as Pure Hell, but from his mouth the story is that he liked to fight and would get into trouble at most bars. His friends were often heard telling him he was pure hell. It seemed a like a good name for a race car.

You have to watch this video and listen to the stories. It is awesome. And congrats to Jack Beckman for somehow keeping these guys all in line. Again, this is awesome. Watch.