July 2012 Issue

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J U L Y 2 0 1 2 H A W A I I ‘ S H O T T E S T M O T O R S P O R T S P U B L I C A T I O N

14ROCKABILLY ROD REUNION

MUD BOGGIN’

The Official 2012 Program Starts on Page 19Cruise Paradise Events Schedule on Page 34

MAUI DRAGRACES

CRUISE PARADISE

SPECIALEDITION

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Aloha Motorheads! Thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoy this special Cruise Paradise 2012 issue of Hawaii Motorhead Magazine. Inside you’ll find the Cruise Paradise 2012 “Official Souvenir Program” that Moto-rhead produced for the Hawaii Classic Cruisers with the history on the club, a look back at this awesome 10-day hot rod event that only comes but once every 3 years including the schedule of events and some of the new rides that you can see this year.Of course we do have event coverage from around the 50th state and Las Vegas as we do each month including drag racing and motocross from Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. Plus event coverage from the Rockabilly Rod

Reunion from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Be sure to stop by often for “News” updates and follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we keep you up to date with our motorsports world.And be sure to tune in next month to see full coverage of Hawaii’s largest Classic Car event, Cruise Paradise 2012. Till next time…enjoy the ride! -Nelson

2 | Hawaii Motorhead Magazine | July 2012

PO Box 7077 - Kamuela, HI 96743www. hawaiimotorhead.com

Publisher / SalesNelson Ray Parker

P: 808-960-5296E: [email protected]

Publisher / ProductionMonica Parker

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Design / ProductionMakana Parker

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eBIAC Memorial Day Drags from Hilo

Maui Motocross Races

Just for Dad’s Car Show from Kaua’i

Cruise Paradise 2012 Official Program

Looking Back At Cruise Paradise 2009

Cruise Paradise 2012 Schedule of Events

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Aloha racers & fellow car enthusiasts!Hopefully you are enjoying your summer. We know we are!Our June 10 event added yet another chapter to the ongo-ing battle for the 2012 RTP (Racer’s Theoretical Performance) Championship Series. Hawke Walleman stole the show grab-bing fastest time of day with a blistering 74.31 seconds! AND he did it in his wife’s ‘89 Honda CRX!!!!!!! I came in second with a 77.08 and an extra large serv-ing of HUMILITY in my ‘99 supercharged Miata! But those are “raw” times and this is the RTP Championship. So, who was the best driver with handicapped adjusted time? That driver was Roy Whitney (aka the “Miniac”) in his 2011 Mini Cooper S. Roy is also the current top points driver for the year! Brandon Wilk placed 2nd, followed by Hawke Walleman, James Hains, Michael Oates and Brian Dorr (me - from 2nd to 6th - ouch!)

A big aloha to first timers David Smith (‘10 Scion xB) and Sterling Cornwell (‘85 BMW 318i) and judging by the huge grins, we’re sure they’ll be back next event! So, try something different this summer! Give autoXing a try! You might just like it. We’ll be looking for you at our next race - July 29th!Check us out on Facebook (Big Island of Hawaii Region SCCA) or at www.bigislandscca.org! “Keepin’ it off the streets & takin’ it to the track!”F. Brian Dorr, Regional Executive Big Island of Hawaii Region SCCA

RTP Event #5 Results - 6/10/20121. Roy Whitney - DS - (78.8 seconds) = 64.695 2. Brandon Wilk - FSP - (77.87 sec) = 65.2553. Hawke Walleman - SSM - (74.31) = 65.3184. James Hains - STS - (79.3) = 65.5815. Michael Oates - STS - (79.8) = 65.9956. Brian Dorr - SSM - (77.08) = 67.7537. Margie Oates - STS - (82.0) = 67.8148. Luke McKay - HS - (85.34) = 68.1879. Rick Bowers - SSM - (78.72) = 69.19510. Gary Solmerin - BS - (82.6) = 69.63211. Mark Pernell - GS - (87.63) = 71.33112. Allen Stueben - HS - (92.05) = 73.54813. Robin Cypriano - SSM - (86.0) = 75.59414. David Smith - STF - (96.2) = 76.38315. Sterling Cornwell - HS - (99.5) = 79.500

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©D.ACDAL PHOTOGRAPHYMemorialDayDragsHILO

RACE fans got a weekend full of tire smokin’, wheel standing quarter mile drag racing as the Big Island Auto Club presented their 42nd Annual Memorial Day Drags at the Hilo Drag Strip.Well almost a full weekend. Rain late in the day on Sunday ended all the fun before the finals of the last two classes could run in the “Quick 16” Bracket race and the “Mega Bracket” race. So the prize money was divided between the finalists.“Pyro” Pete Comandini was the fastest (and literally the hottest) car on the track (again) blazin’ down the quarter mile with a 6.45 sec pass at over 225mph in his flame throwing Jet powered dragster. Mmmm Mmmm toasty!

July 2012 | Hawaii Motorhead Magazine | 5©D.ACDAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Next scheduled points meet is set for July 14th & 15th. For more info visit them on-line @ www.bigislandautoclub.com

Saturday Pro-Gas events• 7.90 index: Winner, Casey Santana (Naalehu) in a Willys Coupe (7.69 sec/168 mph); runner-up, Buddy Loeffler (Hilo) in a Chevrolet Cavalier (7.57 sec/182 mph). Both driv-ers broke out of bracket, with Santana breaking out by the least time.• 8.90 index: Winner, Barry Mizuno (Hilo) in a ‘55 Chevrolet Bel-Air (9.14 sec/143 mph); runner-up, Mike Dupree (Hilo) in a Chevrolet Nova ( 8.94 sec/150 mph). Mizuno won on a hole shot.• 9.90 index: Winner, Davy Watanabe (Hilo) in a Chevrolet Chevelle (9.96 sec/135 mph); runner-up, Jeff Hall (Kamuela) in a Chevrolet Nova (9.88 sec/132 mph. Hall broke out of bracket.• 10.90 index: Winner, Raycen Wong (Hilo) in an Olds Starfire (10.876 sec/134 mph); runner-up, Richard Hill (Hilo) in a Chevrolet Camaro (10.86 sec/140 mph). Both drivers broke out of bracket, with Wong breaking out by the least time.• 11.90 index: Winner, Cainin Francis (Paauilo) in a Chevrolet Nova (11.95 sec/103 mph); runner-up, Kaike DePonte (Keaau) in a Chevrolet Camaro (11.87 sec/118 mph). DePonte broke out of bracket.• 12.90 index: Winner, Tony Andrade (Hilo) in a Chevrolet Nova (13.08 sec/80 mph); runner-up, Joe Desala (Papaikou) in a Ford Mustang (12.87 sec/107 mph). Desala broke out of bracket.Sunday ET Bracket events• Junior Dragsters: Winner, Sydney Koga (Mt. View) in a dragster (11.46 sec/55 mph); runner-up, Dione Tobara (Mt. View) in a dragster (9.96 sec/63 mph). Koga won on a hole shot.• Sports Combat Bracket: Winner, Ian Bernard (Pahoa) in a Toyota Corolla (19.07 sec/70 mph); runner-up, Kimo Kamanu (Hilo) in a Honda (12.03 sec/115 mph). Bernard won a hole shot.• Quick 16 Bracket race: Rain closed out this race before the semifinals could be run. Prize money was divided among the four finalists.• Mega Bracket race: Rain closed out this race before the final round. Prize money was divided between the two finalists.• Fastest car on the track: “Pyro” Pete Comandini (Waikoloa) in a jet car (6.45 sec/227 mph).BIAC race results were submitted by Russ Roberts.

field with a pass of 5.753 sec./247.61 mph. Qualifying was frantic as 19 drivers tried to earn a berth in the eight-car field. Those who failed to qualify included Tim Boychuk, Nathan Sitko, Dennis LaCharite, Dale Van Gundy, Rian Konno, Kris Krabill, Roger Garten, Brad Thompson, Rick Rogers, Kurt Cruise and Chris Bennett.Hale, who just made it into the field in the eighth and final qualifying position, defeated No. 1 Qualifier Densham in the first round. Rupert defeated Tim Nemeth in the first round and Will Martin took out defending Las Vegas champion Paul Romine. The final first-round bout was won by Bob Godfrey of Moreno Valley, Calif. over Jim Obalek of Mission, British Columbia, Canada.Hale faced Godfrey in the second round and put him on the trailer with a pass of 5.826 sec./252.28 mph (to Godfrey’s 6.012 sec./211.66 mph). Martin lost to Rupert in the second round, 5.932 sec./245.27 to 5.806 sec./252.52 mph.Although Rupert posted a better reaction time, Hale’s Camaro crossed the finish line first to claim the Nostalgia Funny Car crown, 5.737 sec./251.81 mph to 5.848 sec./252.19 mph.

A-FUEL: Kin Bates of Anderson, Calif. was handed the win by Jerry Kumre Jr. (Rohnert Park, Calif.) who fouled on the starting line. For the record books, Bates title-winning run was 6.522 sec./221.34 mph.JR. FUEL: Dean Carter of Glendale, Ariz. defeated Don Enriquez of Mission Viejo, Calif., 7.062 sec./186.54 mph to 7.191 sec./185.51 mph.7.0 PRO: Chuck Roark of Great Falls, Montana defeated Troy Sitko of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 7.047 sec./181.20 mph to 7.093 sec./192.49 mph.NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR 1: Tony Wimer of Redlands, Calif. (7.708 sec./157.95 mph) defeated Hans Jakob of Ontario, Calif. (7.731 sec./172.19 mph) in the final.NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR 2: Fresno’s Cecil Molina defeated Todd Maas of Lindsay, Calif., 8.756 sec./145.00 mph to 8.811sec./144.60 mph.NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR 3: Derek Harkema (Sun City, Ariz.) defeated Rich Harrison (Lakewood, Calif.) in the final, 9.816 sec./132.02 mph to 9.778 sec./133.68 mph.A/GAS: Dean Hall (Guerneville, Calif ) defeated Brandon Frye (Taft, Calif.). Frye went red on the starting line and Hall ran 7.773 sec./178.64 mph.B/GAS: Brian Rogers won over Jim Stewart. Rogers, of Mira Loma, Calif., went 8.778 sec./154.71 mph as Stewart, of Santa Paula, Calif., lit the red bulb on the starting line.C/GAS: Wayne Hoover (Alta Loma, Calif.) over Bakersfield’s Michael Williams. Hoover’s winning run down the quarter mile was clocked at 9.757 sec./137.29 mph to Williams’ 9.778 sec./139.73 mph.D/GAS: Chris Kurtis (Bakersfield, Calif.) defeated Ed Carey of LaJolla, Calif. in the final, 10.850 sec./125.23 mph to 10.831 sec./124.88 mph.HOT ROD: Kim Clover (Henderson) defeated Andy Pressimone (LasVegas) in the Hot Rod final. Pressimone led the red light on the starting line and Clover ran 11.168 sec./122.29 mph.

BRACKET 1: Jason Dawson of N. Las Vegas posted a reaction time of .001 and went on to win the Bracket 1 final over Keith Winters of Las Vegas, 7.965 sec./165.50 mph to 8.646 sec./154.90 mph.BRACKET 2: Dick Krieger of Las Vegas drove his ’23 T Altered around Karen Comstock’s “Blondie” ’55 Chevrolet, 8.470 sec./148.51 mph to 10.620 sec./120.80 mph. Comstock’s 1934 Chevrolet won Best Paint in the Rockabilly Rod Reunion car show Sunday.The Rockabilly Rod Reunion took place on the midway and included live music, a tra-ditional car show, vendors, a swap meet and contests.Rockabilly bands included Brian Lee Dunning, Mad Max & The Wild Ones, The Hot Rod Trio and Danny Dean & The Dragerton Beat.Janelle Olivas of Las Vegas won the pin-up girl bathing suit contest on Sunday. Mar-lana Batten of Las Vegas won Saturday’s pin-up girl costume contest.Car show awards: Best Custom and Best In Show – John Cornell (Las Vegas), 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. Best Paint – Karen Comstock (Bradbury, Calif.), 1934 Chevrolet Cab-riolet. Best Interior – Bob Tolman (Las Vegas), 1959 Chevrolet panel truck. Best Bucket (“T”) – Michael Adams (Ely, Nev.), 1923 Ford Model T. Best Truck – Randy Batemon (Las Vegas), 1956 Ford F100. Lowest Vehicle – Marcos Urrabazo (Las Vegas), 1963 Chevrolet pick-up. Best Car – Harvey Starrett (Las Vegas), Plymouth. Best Rat Rod – Eric Garcia (Las Vegas) 1957 Ford wagon. Best Original – Sherri Nestmarn (Maple Park, Ill.), 1957 Chevrolet truck.


John Hale of Addison, Texas defeated Jason Rupert of Yorba Linda, Calif. to claim Nostalgia Funny Car honors at the May 26-27 Rockabilly Rod Reunion/NHRA Heritage Series at The Strip at Las Ve-gas Motor Speedway.The three-day even got off to a windy start as 40-mph gusts and dusty conditions forced cancellation of Friday’s Test ‘n’ Tune session.NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR: Qualifying took place on Saturday and Steve Densham of Bellflower, Calif. topped the nitro Nostalgia Funny Car


Event coordinator: Samantha Rudder. Stage M.C.: Nathan Hirschi. Drag strip announcers: Nathan Hirschi and Fred Garcia. DJ: John Bisci.For more information, please call LVMS at 702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com. Follow LVMS on Face-book and Twitter.Photos courtesy of Jeff Speer & John Bisci for LVMS.

www.LVMS.com


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MOTOCROSS On Saturday June 9th, the Maui Motocross Association was out kicking up dirt again with its mo-tocross race for the “Big Bikes” that takes place every other month at their motox track at Maui Raceway Park in Pu’unene.When the dust settled it was Kekoa Keau finishing on top of both the 125cc A and 250cc A classes! In the 50cc class, Kaeo Keomaka placed 1st as Nate Bell and Jack Dizy finished 2nd and 3rd respectfully and proved to be ones to watch as Jack also finished the 60cc class in 1st with Nate a close 3rd. Nicky Saussy stood on the podium in 3 different classes at the end of the day with a 1st place finish in the Vet class, and a 2nd place finish in both the Open Big Bike and 250cc A!Next race on the calendar for the Maui Motocross Association is the “Mini Bike” race as we watch to future of our sport battle it out on the mini bike track at Pu’unene! For more details visit the MMA website at www.mauimotox.com


June 9, 2012 Race Results125cc B1st James Ahquin2nd Ryan Dickson3rd Makaiah Calina 4th Jacob Iowman5th Cole Cristie6th kaniela Tavares 7th Brandon Mitcham8th Kekoa Kasenberg 9th Bryson Silva 10th Josh Lee125cc A1st Kekoa Keau2nd Jasen Nakahashi3rd Rusty Nakahashi 4th Kalani Racoma 5th Timi Jacubczack60cc1st Jack Dizy2nd Nate Bell3rd Ryder Bell 4th Raice Derego 5th Keanu Feguson6th Kaeo Keomaka7th Gerrett Smith8th Raymond GonzalezQuad 1st Cody Santos2nd Keith StaniclVet1st Nicky Saussy2nd Doug Bell 3rd Peter John4th Enoka Estrella 5th Peter John 6th Derek Fabella

80cc1st Makiah Calina2nd Terran Elliott3rd Deedra Fabella4th Pono Fabella5th Ian Forbes Open Big Bike1st Dave Smith2nd Nicky Saussy3rd Doug Bell4th Jeff Nutson5th Enoka Estrella 50cc1st kaeo Keomaka2nd Nate Bell3rd Jack Dizy 4th Raice Derego 5th Raymond Gonzalez250cc B1st Anson Quiocho2nd Ryan Dickson3rd Chris Coleon4th Cole Cristie250cc A1st Kekoa Keau2nd Nicky Saussy3rd Rance Souza4th Jasen Nakahashi

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10 | Hawaii Motorhead Magazine | July 2012Just for

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In celebration of Father’s Day, nearly a hundred cars militantly lined stalls at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center parking lot on June 16, 2012 for the 8th Annual “Just for Dads” Car Show. Hosted by the shopping center, the event was coordinated by David Tao and Harvey Maeda, Kauai VW Club and Kauai Classic Cars, respectively. Representing the Kaua‘i VW Club’s president was Darryl Borrero and Richard Aki, president for Kaua‘i Classic Cars. Each

participant was asked to bring canned goods for a food drive that benefit-ted the Salvation Army. Like an enticing candy store, “window shoppers” were offered a view of cars from various eras, makes and models. Showing up were oldie classic cars, vintage bugs, luxury sports cars, tri-five Chevys, custom bikes, hot rods, race cars, monster trucks, muscle cars, even tricked-out tow trucks.

’65 Nova (Jeff Vegas); ’48 Anglia (Clyde Silva)

(L-R) T-Buckets (Sean Leong & Cory Padin); ’68 Camaro (Mary Kealoha); ’72 Chevelle (Chris Bonilla); ’85 El Camino (Bobby Barros)

The Oldies: (L-R) 1913 Buick (Dennis Bonilla); 1930 Ford (Dennis Bonilla); 1929 Roadster (Bobby Barros); 1929 Ford (Cory Padin); 1934 Plymouth (Bobby Bar-ros); 1929 Roadster (Paul Valmoja)

July 2012 | Hawaii Motorhead Magazine | 11©Kerri Villa Photos ©Kerri Villa Photos

Volkswagen Thing Falcon ’29 Touring, aka Phaeton (Tony & Ann Estrella)

VW Bugs (L-R) (blue) convertible (Ryne Terao); (purple) bug (Darryl Borrero); (blue) “Betty Booop” (David Tao)

’57 Chevy & ’32 Ford (Harvey Maeda)

(L-R) ’27 (red) Telephone Booth Coupe (Bobby Paik); ’59 (red) Corvette (Bobby Soares); ’57 (red) Corvette (Harvey Maeda); ’57 (black) Chevy (Harvey Maeda)


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Getting down and dirty with Big Island Mud Bog!From daily drivers to full-modified mud machines, they come out of the woodwork when Ken and the gang of Big Island Mud Bog fills the trenches in the center of the Dirt Circle Track in Hilo for some serious mud bog ac-tion! Spectators come out of the woodwork by the thousands for the non-stop action too!

Big trucks, little tracks, buggies and modifies take their crack at getting from point A, to point B through knee high mud. While some succeed, oth-ers fail miserably! But one thing is for certain, they all leave in need of a good wash!


The Hilo Motor Speedway stock car racing associa-tion was also on hand for a half time demonstration that Wowed the crowd and showed everyone how crazy cool the monthly stock car races are. Yup! It’s non-stop, nail biting, okole squeezing action once a month. The next Stock Car Race is set for Saturday, July 21st at the Hilo Motor Speedway dirt circle track next to Hilo Drag Strip.

The next Mud Bog is in a couple of months, we’ll keep you posted.


©Bruce Wheeler Photos

mauiDRAG RACING

The Valley Isle Timing Association held it’s 16th Annual George “Flintstone” Andrade Memorial Weekend Drags, May 24th – 27th at Maui Raceway Park in Pu’unene.4 days of NHRA Championship Drag Racing with racers from Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island for one of the biggest races in the 808 state.Doug Maruyama was back with Hawaii’s Fastest Street Car, a 7 second 1969 Turbocharged Camaro that didn’t disappoint race fans from around the state that came for the big show. Hawaii’s youth got to do their thing as well with a great field of Jr. Dragsters jamming down the 1/8 mile.Check out the complete race results at www.mrp.org On Sunday the Tribute to George Classic Car Parade was once again a crowd favorite with lots of sweet rides parading down the drag strip for all to see. Mahalo to 1960’s AA/Fuel Dragster racer Bruce Wheeler owner of the famed “Wheeler Dealer” dragsters of the late 60’s for the photos. Check out more on Bruce at www.maui-angels.com/wheelerdealer Great stuff!The Valley Isle Timing Association’s next race is Saturday, July 21st. Gates open at 1:30pm. Test and Tune from 2:30 – 4:30 with Pro Classes starting at 5:30. Admission just $10 for adults, seniors and students $8 and kids 10 and under free!For more info www.mrp.org

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©Bruce Wheeler PhotosRACE RESULTS

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50cc (B) Beginners:1- Jayden Sanborn2- Ashtin Pa’ahana65cc Dirtbike Open:1- Mason Kron85cc Dirtbike:1- Colt Coakley2- Mason Kron3- Dylan-Paul Torres-Salvador4- Britney Pa’ahana5- AnaRay PankeySupermini Dirtbike:1- Dylan-Paul Torres-SalvadorSchoolboy Dirtbike:1- Keegan Whaley125cc Novice Dirtbike:1- Rondon Demello2- Caleb Pankey3- Logan Gregory4- Tyler Vasconcellos 5- Niah Costa-Swain125cc Amateur Dirtbike:1- Reese Mills-Richardson2- Presron Cawagas3- Tisha Piilani-Pelanca4- Steve Haskill125cc Expert Dirtbike:1- Keegan Whaley2- Mikey Salvador250cc Novice Dirtbike:1- Rondon Demello2- Caleb Pankey3- Tyler Vasconcellos 4- Michael Swain250cc Amateur Dirtbike:1- Preston Cawagas2- Reese Mills-Richardson3- Logan Gregory4- Lenny Adlawan5- Todd Gregory6- Kelly Krall250cc Expert Dirtbike:1- Keegan Whaley2- John Lopez

Dirtbike Vet Class 30+:1- Mikey Salvador2- Lenny AdlawanDirtbike Masters Class 40+:1- Todd Gregory2- John Lopez3- Kelly Krall4- Steve Haskill5- Pete Comandini50cc Quad:1- Ashtin Pa’ahana2- Mikayla Stevens3- Kai Stevens90cc Quad:1- Jadue Sanborn2- Jayden Sanborn 3- Chandler McAllister4- Jayden Pelanca5- Chansen McAllister6- Ashtin Pa’ahana50-90cc Quad Open:1- Jadie Sanborn 2- Jayden Pelanca3- Chandler McAllister4- Jayden Sanborn 5- Ashtin Pa’ahana6- Chansen McAllisterQuad (B) Amateur:1- David Joseph2- Nigel Stevens3- Eddie Wayne4- Britney Pa’ahana Quad (A) Expert:1- Kevin Gardner2- Jake KronQuad Open:1- Jake Kron2- Kevin Gardner3- Eddie Wayne4- David Joseph5- Nigel StevensWahine Quad:1- Britney Pa’ahana

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JUNE 10, 2012 RACE RESULTS

The 808 MX/ATV Association held its 4th race of the 2012 season on Sunday June 10th, and Mother Nature blessed them with picture perfect weather! The club was also blessed with a huge donation of dirt! Yes Dirt!!! And lots of it! Over 100 loads of dirt donated by Charlie Gasper and Tommy Hing “A huge blessing! THANK YOU!” from everyone at 808MX/ATV Association. They also send a Big Mahalo out to Haw-thorne for the use of the heavy equipment to maintain the track and to DC Towing for hauling the equipment to and from the track. “We so appreciate these generous donations!”

The next race is set for Saturday, July 21st. You can pick up your entry forms at your local motorcycle shop or visit them online @ 808mxatv.com, on Facebook @ 808 MX/ATV Association, e-mail @ [email protected], or call (808) 896-6266Remember to bring one can good per person to get a $2 discount at the gates. For updates on practice days visit Facebook or call.



There is a famous saying, “When the sun gets hot and the moon gets hazy, good girls go bad and it gets crazy!” This was true at Kaua‘i Raceway Park on June 2, 2012. With the kick-off of summer, racers, pit crews, fans and spectators flocked the track in record numbers. Spectators claimed a spot to witness daring dragsters, all-american muscle cars, manic motorcycles, modified imports, street rides and Jr. Dragsters take on the quarter-mile. Kaua‘i Raceway Park is known for having the “1320-plus view”, where every spectator has front row seating to the track! Locals and visitors, if you’ve never been to the track, make it a point to come by and see how Kaua‘i takes on the strip! Garden Isle Racing Association (GIRA) is a non-profit organization, with an all-volunteer board and over 100 members. The association holds monthly family-oriented drag race events at Kaua‘i Raceway Park to promote safe motorsports and safe driving on public roads. The next drag race event is “Ladies Night” and is scheduled for August 4, 2012. For more information, visit www.dragrace-kauai.com or call Bobby Barros, GIRA president at 635-6034. Photos by Kerri Villa:

RESULTS Jr. Dragster 1st Place – Nalu Barros: RT .117; runs 9.29 at 70.53 MPH (9.20 dial)Runner up – Tryane Sakamoto: RT .172; runs 13.26 at 47.32 MPH (13.26 dial)Bike1st Place – Larry Palmeira, ’07 Kawasaki ZX 1400: RT .336; runs 10.21 at 109.71 MPH (10.00 dial)Runner up – Jacob Gandeza, ’08 Suzuki GCXR 1000: RT .255; runs 11.24 at 126.49 MPH (10.76 dial)Street1st Place – Charles Periera, ’92 Mustang: RT .020; runs 14.56 at 87.40 MPH (14.54 dial)Runner up – Gus Fontanilla, ’89 Nissan 240 SX: RT .402; runs 16.40 at 81.76 MPH (15.99 dial)Muscle1st Place – Shandon Takayama, ’69 Camaro Z28: RT .013 runs 11.71 at 111.10 MPH (11.70 dial)Runner up – Chris Bonilla, ’38 Plymouth P/U: RT .141 runs 11.70 (breakout) at 113.16 MPH (11.79 dial)Sport Compact1st Place – Ricky Uemura, ’93 Civic: RT .003 runs 12.36 at 92.47 MPH (12.30 dial)Runner up – Ricky Imada, ’01 Tacoma: RT .153 runs 12.25 at 100.13 MPH (12.25 dial)Pro ET1st Place – Randy Lawrence, ’70 Vega: RT .371 runs 10.12 at 122.46 MPH (10.00 dial)Runner up – Bruce Akaji, ’65 Karmann Ghia: RT .424 runs 9.98 (breakout) at 129.62 MPH (10.00 dial)Top Gun1st Place – Kevin Rapozo, ’08 Spitzer Dragster: RT .111 runs 7.48 at 175.41 MPH (7.42 dial)Runner up – Koty Kaiakapu, ’67 Nova: RT .214 runs 9.56 (breakout) at 139.29 MPH (9.50 dial)

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50A1. Richard Silliman2. Cory Goias Soares50B1. Pookela Silva2. Talan Goias Arzadon3. Channyn Moke50C1. Kaimana Kaui2. Eddie Sillimani3. Adam MartinKeiki Quad1. Cory Goias Soares2. Tori Santiago3. Kamu SantiagoKeiki Wahine1. Stephanie Victorino2. Liliana Nishibata3. Kelsey Kai65A1. David Dabin65B1. Cory Goais Soares2. Kory Bunao3. Richard Silliman85A1. Treyson Barretto85B1. David Dabin2. Teagan Amorin3. Dylan Swanson450AM1. Bryson Yoro2. Jesse Jeffries3. Randall OsakodaBig Bike Beginner1. Dean Silliman2. Aaron Victorino3.Art Rosqueta

250AM1. Kimo Azares250EX1. Brandon Carvalho2. Puna Gallardo3. Brian Medeiros450EX1.Brandon Carvalho2. Puna Gallardo VETS1. Riley Takayama2. Jesse Jeffries3. Ernie TaylanMasters1. David Amorin2. Zack Swanson3. Craig ArzadonOpenA1. Brandon Carvalho2. Brian Medeiros3. Chava GreenleeOpenB1. Bryson YoroQuads1. Paul Medeiros2. Irwin Santiago3. Robert Yoro


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MAY 27, 2012 RACE RESULTS

KMRA (Kauai Motocross Riders Association) hosted their fourth race of the year on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Wailua Motocross Track. The overcast weather made for perfect track conditions which led to some hot ac-tion on the track. Here are the winners in each of the race classes, at the Keiki Track it was Cory Goais-Soares taking the win in the Keiki Quad while Richard Silliman won the 50A class. Pookela Silva won the 50B class, Kaimana Kaui took the first place win in the 50C class and Stephanie Victorino took first place in her first ever motocross race.At the Main Track it was David Dabin taking the win in both the 65A class & 85B class races while Cory Goais-Soares won in the 65B class and Treysen Barretto taking first in the 85A class. Dean Siliman was the winner in the Big Bike Beginner class while Kimo Azares secured the top spot in the 250 Amateur class. Taking the win in both the 450 Amateur class & Open B class was Bryson Yoro. Brandon Carvalho took the top spot in 3 classes, the 250 Expert class, 450 Expert class and the Open A class. Riley Takayama was the winner in the Vet class while Da-vid Amorin secured the Masters class and Paul Medeiros was the Quad class winner. The next scheduled KMRA motocross race will be on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the Wailua Motocross Track. KMRA would like to extend a big Mahalo to all the volunteers that came out to help with the preparation of the track. The track conditions were perfect and would not have been in such great shape had it not been for the members and volunteers that came out. The Kauai Motocross Riders Association would like to invite all the dirt bike riders to come out and ride the Wailua Motocross Track. The Wailua Motocross Track is locat-ed just south of the Wailua Golf Course and is open Saturdays, Sundays and all State & County Holidays from 10:00am to 6:00pm, practice fees collected at the gate. For more details on membership, riding fees, safety requirements, etc…for more info go to the KMRA website: www.808kmra.com



2 | Cruise Paradise 2012

3 Welcome4 Welcome from the Governor & Mayor of Hawai’i6 The history of Cruise Paradise8 A look back at Cruise Paradise 200916 Schedule of events20 Featured Cars24 All about Dennis Gage26 Featured Car28 Construction Corner30 Contact, Venue & Emergency Information

ON THE COVERCruise Paradise 2009, Bay Front Hilo.

Bobby DeMattos’ collection of beauties. Photo by Jim Wulzen for Hawaii Motorhead Magazine

THIS PAGECruise Paradise 2009, Bay Front Hilo.

Hawaii Motorhead Magazine photo

CREDITSDesigned, edited and published by Nelson & Monica Parker

of Hawaii Motorhead Magazine with special thanks to Award Winning Automotive Photo Journalist Bob McClurg.

2012


Cruise Paradise 2012 | 3

Meet your CRUISE PARADISE STEERING COMMITTEE for 2012. Front row left to right, Martha Rodillas, Paula Rodrigues,

Donna Pacheco, Maggie De Mattos, Shareen Turner. Back row left to right, Francis Rodillas, Darryl Turner, Herbert Leite,

Russell Pacheco, Bobby De Mattos, Bob McClurgMissing from photo: Wesley & Ilyn Ferreira

When I took over the Hawaii Classic Cruisers Club from Tony Ro-drigues, I told him that I would not be able to do a good job like he did. But, with all the help through the years from all of you, the Hawaii Clas-sic Cruisers Club has grown to 150 plus members and is still growing. We got to put Hilo, Hawaii on the map of street rodders by putting our shows in magazines, on the internet and also all the exposure we had at the Queens Court Museum in Waikoloa of our classic cars. Dennis Gage also played a big part of exposing our Cruise Paradise 2009 event on his hit show, My Classic Car.Cruise Paradise officially started in 2001 and has grown over the years to a full 10 day event of fun and cruises. Although the economy has been altered this year, all of the participant cruisers still took the time

out for this fun event. So, I would like to thank all of the committee members, sponsors and all of you who have made this event a success. Keep up the good work and a big MA-HALO to you all.

Herbert Leite - President, Hawaii Classic Cruisers

“Welcome to Cruise Paradise!



The Hawaiì Classic Car Cruisers June 28 – July 7, 2012

On behalf of the people of Hawai‘i, I would like to send a heartfelt aloha to the organizers and participants of the Hawaiì Classic Car Cruiser’s “Cruise Paradise 2012”.

Car enthusiasts from around the globe will be displaying their craftsmanship over the ten day event at no cost to the public. I

thank you for being willing to share your expertise; and, as a fellow car enthusiast, I am excited to see the cars on display. Mahalo, again to the Hawaiì Classic Car Cruiser’s and especially to its President Herb Leite for putting together such a wonderful event.

With warmest regards,

NEIL ABERCROMBIE Governor, State of Hawai‘i




There are so many things you can say about “The Good ‘Ol Days!” Back when “Life was simple.” The term “making out” referred to how you did on your school

exam. We had 5 & 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. You could buy a brand

new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was only 11 cents a gallon. Ah….those were the “Good “Ol Days!”Cruise Paradise is an event where we celebrate the cars, the music and the culture of those happy days gone by, but where did it all start?In 2009 I was fortunate enough to photograph Joseph & Clara Coit’s 1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe

and we started talking about the Hawaii Classic Cruisers – Cruise Paradise and Clara & Joseph started reminiscing and telling me about how it all began in the early 70’s when the Hawaii Vintage Rods from Honolulu con-tacted the Big Island Early Irons wanting to Cruise on the Big Is-land! This gave the Big Island Ear-ly Irons the idea to go off island too. In 1976 the Big Island Early Irons went to Maui when they were invited to participate in the Bi-Centennial 4th of July parade. The cars were also on display at the Maui Mall along with other classic cars from Maui. The Maui Cruisers then talked about coming to the Big Island the following year. The Big Island Early Irons

Joe Correa - Early 50’s Road Devils1940’s Stock Car racing in HIlo

Current Hawaii Classic Cruisers President, Herbert Leite and his 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxy.

Big Island Early Irons’ Bobby DeMattos’ latest street rod, A 1929 Ford pick up.

A copy of the original Road Devils Member sign up sheet. The youngest members in-clude 15 year old Richard “Dicky” Paiva & Stephen Paulos and 16 year old Tony “Hot Rod” Rodrigues.

Tony Amaral - Washing his hot rod

Visit Hawaii Classic Cruisers online today at hawaiiclassiccruisers.comor find us on Facebook


Big Island Early Irons’ Bobby DeMattos’ latest street rod, A 1929 Ford pick up.

Some of the original Road Devils. L-R: Mr. & Mrs. Tony Amaral, Joe Correa, and Ernest Pacheco

Tony Amaral’s Ford Roadster that he purchased in 1951 & completely restored. Tony still cruises his favorite hot rod today

Original Early Irons members Pete & Laverne Costa and Clara & Joseph Coit.

May 5, 1976 newspaper clipping announcing the Big Island’s Early Irons’ trip to the island of Maui for the 4th of July parade.

Tony Amaral - Washing his hot rod

went back to Maui a few years later and also went to Oahu one year. This started a great friendship between the neighbor islands that eventually turned into “Cruise Paradise” where the “Hawaii Classic Cruisers” host cars from not only the neighbor islands but the main-land US as well with 10 days of rodding fun!As the Coit’s and I talked more about those “Good ‘Ol Days” we talked about some of the first Hot Rodders and their clubs in the late 40’s and 50’s like the Road Devils started by Joe Correa in the mid 50’s. That’s Joe pictured in the convertible at Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Also pictured is a snap shot of the original club members sign up sheet with their names, address, 4 & 5 digit phone numbers and their age!In the late 60’s, early 70’s long time hot rodder Tony Amaral, an origi-nal member of the Road Devils was asked to be a part of the Model

A Club.Tony’s family owned a Model T that he and his brother Gilbert use to drive to school. The two brothers then decided to buy 2 Model T’s, a 1923 and a 1925. Today, Tony still owns the 1925 Mod-el T!I hope you enjoyed the little trip back in time courtesy of these pioneers in the hot rod scene here on the Big Island including some of the early drag racing days. The “Good ‘Ol Days.” Back when “Serving your country was a privilege; liv-ing here was a bigger privilege.” Enjoy the ride! Nelson Ray Parker



CP-09 registration began Friday, June 26 at Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza

Ten days of cruising the Big Island of Hawaii behind the wheel of your own street rod, street machine, truck or muscle car? Wow! What a concept! The tri-yearly event, “CRUISE PARADISE,” is organized and presented by the Hawaii Classic Cruisers Car Club, (est. 2000,) and has become THE premiere cruising event in the 50th State.Cruise Paradise 2009 enjoyed the sponsorship of a host of local merchants along with CP-09 Title Sponsor NAPA Auto Parts who returns with us again in the same capacity

for Cruise Paradise-12. Now here’s a recap of what happened at Cruise Paradise 2009.The 2009 cruise drew close to 348 pre-registered street rods, customs, muscle

Photos & story by Bob McClurg


The next morning, CP-09 participants participated in their first Poker Run (75 mi,) from Hilo to Kona. Once there, the group attended the outdoor car show held at Kailua-Kona’s NAPA Auto Parts store.

The following morning CP-09 participants cruised from Kailua-Kona to the Queens Court Market Place for the first of two huge outdoor car shows.

cars which included inter-island entries from Oahu, and Maui, as well as entries – about twenty in all, - from both Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Texas, and even one entry from Cheyenne, Oklahoma! More on page 10.


Cruise Paradise 2009 also featured none other than the SPEED CHANNEL’S cable TV show host Dennis, “MY CLASSIC CAR,” Gage who not only covered the 2009 cruise but is also making a return engagement in 2012.

Cruise Paradise’ 2009’s event schedule went something like this. Friday, June 26th registration opened at Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza. Then the next day, June 27th it was off to Kona for a Poker Run which ended some 75+ miles away at major event spon-

sor the Kailua-Kona NAPA store where there was plenty of food, door prizes and great music. The following morning Sun-day, June 28th, cruisers met up at the

For the first time, Cruise Paradise 2009 enjoyed sponsorship of a number of SEMA-member Company’s like Ft. Worth, TX. Painless Performance Products, LLC which returns again to sponsor CP-12.

Cruising through Old Honoka’a Town.


Center Hours Daily 9:30am-9:30pmRestaurant and Food Court Hours May Vary

Queens’ MarketPlaceYour favorite pit stop on the Kohala Coast!Switch your gears here!

www.QueensMarketPlace.net808-886-8822

For the first time, Cruise Paradise 2009 enjoyed sponsorship of a number of SEMA-member Company’s like Ft. Worth, TX. Painless Performance Products, LLC which returns again to sponsor CP-12.

Cruising through Old Honoka’a Town.

The SPEED CHANNEL’S Dennis Gage, host of “MY CLASSIC CAR” took quite a liking to Benny Akamine’s blown small-block Chevrolet Anglia street rod.

Cruisers got to see the best scenery the State of Hawaii has to offer including this view of Waipio Valley. Carl Perriera‘s ’55 Chevy chugs on down to Laupahoehoe Point as one of the stops.

More on page 12.

Queen’s Court Market Place located in the lava fields of Waikoloa for an all day non-judged car show sponsored by the Big Island’s Transmission Technology. Monday June 29th saw the group make a pit stop at Parker Ranch Center, fol-lowed by a lunch stop at Mike Rodgerson’s Thunder Alley hot rod shop, then



it was back to Kona over the Kohala Mountain Road. Tuesday, June 30th cruisers took in these sights at Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park, and Wednesday July 1st the group ran a poker run with stops at Manuka State Park, Punalu’u Bakery, and Namakani Paio Campground. Thursday, July 2nd, the group cruised to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a lunch stop at the Volcano Winery. And Friday, July 3rd the group cruised to Laupahoehoe – where the group dined at the “FLASHBACK TO THE 50’S” dinner, - as well as making visits to the Hamakua Coast, and the Waipio Valley. Cruise Paradise

then rolled into Hilo for the 4th of July non-judged car show held at the Hilo Bay front Soccer Field where – with tempera-tures were in the low 90’s and 348+ cars

Cruise Paradise ‘09’s 4th of July Car Show at the Hilo Bay front Soccer Field was SRO! This lineup of street rods typified the quality of cars at CP-09. Even the small fry’s got into the act at CP-09!

Jason Sanborn’s blown big-block-engine Pro Touring Ford F-100!



Cruise Paradise ‘09’s 4th of July Car Show at the Hilo Bay front Soccer Field was SRO! This lineup of street rods typified the quality of cars at CP-09. Even the small fry’s got into the act at CP-09!

This awesome big-block Willys gave us, well, the “Willys!” Chucky Lewis awesome blown 32 coupe was one of many new cars which made their formal debut at Cruise Paradise 2009.

in attended, - there was plenty of music, “Good Grinds,” – that’s Hawaiian for “food,” - plenty of door prizes, and a 4th of July Fireworks show. Last, but certainly not the least, Cruise Paradise 2009 wrapped up on July 5th with an Aloha Luau at Mountain View, Hawaii’s Sangha Hall with over 600 cruisers in attendance.







THURSDAY, June 28, 2012 HILO• Registration at Kamaaina Motors – Kimo’s Hale – 3pm-9pm Hilo 400 East Kawili Street Hilo 96720

FRIDAY, June 29, 2012 HILO TO KONA• Registration at Kamaaina Motors – Kimo’s Hale – 9am-10am Hilo 400 East Kawili Street Hilo 96720• Run to the west side of the island (Treasure Hunt/Poker Run) NAPA Auto Parts Kona until 3:30pm 74-5611 Alapa Street Kailua-Kona 96740• Cruise Night at McDonald’s/Kona Commons 6pm-9pm 74-5450 Makala Boulevard Kailua-Kona 96740

SATURDAY, June 30, 2012 WAIKOLOA• Show & Shine at Waikoloa Queens’ Market Place 10am-3pm• Concert at Queens’ Bowl, doors open at 6pm 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa 96738

SUNDAY, July 1, 2012 WAIKOLOA TO WAIMEA• Car cruise to Kohala and Waimea, meet at Queens’ Market Place at 9am, leave at 9:30am 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa 96738• Lunch hosted by the Silva family & HCCC at West Hawaii Autobody & Paints 1021 Mamalahoa Highway Kamuela 96743 (Behind NAPA Auto Parts Waimea)

MONDAY, July 2, 2012 WAIKOLOA TO HILO• Car cruise to the east side of the island. Meet at Queen’s Market Place at 9am, leave at 9:30am. 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa 96738.• Cruise Night at Blane’s/DeLuz Chevrolet/Line-X/Lex Brodie’s 6pm- 9pm. 150 Wiwoole Street Hilo 96720

*Note: All events are subject to change


TUESDAY, July 3, 2012 HILO • Car cruise on the east side of the island. Meet at Prince Kuhio Plaza near Starbuck’s at 9am, leave at 9:30am 111 East Puainako Street Hilo 96720• Autograph & book signing with Dennis Gage & Bob McClurg at NAPA Hilo along with NAPA’s “We Believe in Heroes” event to honor our fallen heroes. Hot dogs, shaved ice & soda provided. 1284 Kilauea Avenue Hilo 96720

WEDNESDAY, July 4, 2012 HILO • 4th of July Celebration at Hilo Bayfront soccer field. Show & Shine cars must be on the field before 9am, event is from 10am-4pm Kamehameha Avenue Hilo 96720• Fireworks show by the Hilo Jaycees after the sun sets.

THURSDAY, July 5, 2012 HILO • Car cruise on the east side of the island. Meet at Prince Kuhio Plaza near Starbuck’s at 9am, leave at 9:30am 111 East Puainako Street Hilo 96720• Cruise night, Rock-N-Bowl at Hilo Lanes 6pm-9pm 777 Kinoole Street Hilo 96720

FRIDAY, July 6, 2012 HILO • Car cruise on the east side of the island. Meet at Prince Kuhio Plaza near Starbuck’s at 9am, leave at 9:30am 111 East Puainako Street Hilo 96720• Aloha Luau at Sangha Hall 5:30pm-9pm 398 Kilauea Avenue Hilo 96720

SATURDAY, July 7, 2012 HILO • HDRL Drag Races at the Hilo Dragstrip at the end of Leilani Street Hilo 96720 (pass the Hilo Landfill) Show, Shine & Swap Meet CP Registered vehicles, with window sticker have a pass for two for entrance to this event.

• Bayfront Drive-In Movie night sponsored by the County of Hawaii & HCCC. Movie begins at 7pm at the Bayfront soccer field Kamehameha Avenue Hilo 96720

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©D.ACDAL Photography


The Hawaii Drag Racing League presentsIHRA Drag Racing Friday & Saturday July 6 & 7, 2012Hilo Drag Strip

Friday Events:Kalapana RacingJackpot Time TrailsGates open 4pm, Racing till 11pm

Saturday Events:Cruise Paradise Show & Shine and Swap MeetQuick 8Domestic Muscle & Import Technology Race Time Trails1/8 mile Cruise Paradise RaceGates open 8am

$5 at the gate, 10 and under FREE!


©D.ACDAL Photography


A street legal eight second Ca-maro from the 50th State.Hilo’s Greg Wong and his Matador Red, 1968 Camaro SS have been the scourge of Hilo Raceway Park’s street class repeatedly lowering the record to where it now stands at 8.63-seconds @ 158.34 MPH; and remember this car is 100% street legal!Power comes from a Magoo’s Auto Parts-machined, Greg Wong-assem-bled 441-cid 1989 vintage big-block Chevrolet. Internally the o-ringed block has been over bored .070-inch-es, and makes use a set of a GM forged-steel crank riding on a set of Clevite engine bearings. Attached to it is a set of Manley/Rehr & Morrison h-beam connecting rods pressed up to a set of 14:1 compression Ackerly & Childs-equipped Ross nitrous pistons. Deep inside the beast you will find a Rehr & Morrison grind roller cam featuring .302 degrees intake, and .306 degrees exhaust @ .740-inch max valve lift. Also along for the ride are a set of Competition Cams roller lifters and Comp Cams pushrods. Cam timing is handled by a Crane Double Roller timing chain while the Crank Trigger ignition system and coil is MSD firing off a set of NGK spark plugs through a set of Moroso spark plug wires. Bolted up top you will find a set of Magoo’s shaved – 114 c.c - Rehr & Morrison-prepared Brodix BB 2Plus cylinder heads featuring 2.2550-inch diameter stainless-steel intake, and 1.880-inch diameter stainless-steel exhaust valves using bronze valve guides. The upper portion of the valve train consists of Manley springs and retainers along with Crane roller rockers riding on ARP studs. The breather less valve covers are obviously Rehr & Morrison. A Holley Pro Dominator2x4 intake and a set of 1050 cfm Carburetor Shop/Holley Dominator carburetors serve as host to Steve Johnson/Induction Solutions Two Stage Fogger nitrous oxide system

with MSD Fuel MAP! Other items include GZ Motorsports En-gine Pulleys, a CSI Electric water pump. Moroso steel motor mounts, and 2-1/8-inch Hooker Super Comp headers flowing into 4-inch Flowmaster street mufflers. Backing an estimated 1,200 HP is a Lakewood-contained RAM Automotive single-disc clutch and RAM aluminum flywheel bolted up to a Lenco CS1 four-speed planetary gear transmission. Getting all that power back to that 4.29:1 geared Moser-prepared Ford nine-inch rear end is a Russell Iyo/R&R Machine custom-fabricated drive shaft.Brother Royden Wong – who owns a pretty mean small-block Camaro street car of his own – prepared the chassis on his brother Greg’s big-block 68. For openers, Royden notched and mini-tubbed the rear frame rails, prior to installing the QA-1 single adjustable shock/Cal Trac Split Mono Leaf-suspended Moser 35-spline nine-inch Ford live rear axle. Also on board is a Dick Miller Engineering rear anti-sway bar, a set of Chevy rear drum brakes and a Stroud Safety parachute. Rear wheels consist of a set of 15x10 – street, - or 15x12- race Weld Aluma-Star’s running 29-1/2x10.1/2-inch Mickey Thompson rubber.Up front, Greg’s Camaro makes use of TRZ Motorsports tubu-lar front control arms and TRZ rack-and-pinion-steering gear. The front shocks are QA1 Double Adjustable, while the front brakes are Wilwood. Front wheels consist of a pair of 15x4-inch Weld Aluma Star’s and P315/60x15-inch BF. Goodrich high per-



formance street radial rubber. Out back in the trunk area you’ll find a pair of twin Nitrous Express 10-lb.nitrous bottles, a Nar-rowed Camaro gas tank, the Induction Solutions fuel system, and an Optima gel cell battery.With the exception of that humongous Harwood 4-3/4-inch cowl induction bolt on hood, and the slightly opened up rear wheel wells, Greg’s Camaro looks 100% stock because it is! Inside, the Camaro makes use of a Wayne Rabang–installed 8-point roll cage, RJI Safety Equipment, and Auto Meter tachometer and gauges. Heck, the fastest and quickest street legal car on the island even has the original working AC Delco AM radio still in it! Drag racing is truly a family affair for Greg Wong and his wife Janelle. At the races, Wong’s pit crew consists of brother Royden, his nephew Raycen Wong, sister Joyce Taroma, brother-in-law Ralph Taroma, his neice Kiah Taroma, – who also race cars of their own- along with Vernon DeMattos, Glenn Kondo, and Casey Elizares. Photo & story by Bob McClurg

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Kama’aina Motors General Manager Darryl Turner and his wife Shareen own this ultra rare, In-Violet-hued 1970 Plymouth Hemi Road Run-ner four-speed car that was recently featured on the pages of the June 2012 issue of MUSCLE CAR REVUE magazine. The Mopar Hemi is reputed to be one of three 1970 Hemi four-speed Road Runner’s built wearing the in-violet color, and it is also reputed to be the highest optioned In Violet Hemi Road Runner hardtop on record. In early January, 1970 South Kona’s Herman Bawaris walked into I. Kitaga-wa & Company, the oldest car dealer-ship in the State of Hawaii, and ordered this car complete with all the proverbial whistles and bells. Her-man’s option list included the aforementioned 426-inch Street Hemi with dual quads and “Coyone Duster” air cleaner and “flapper’ air scoop, an A833 four-speed manual transmission, 4.10 geared Dana 60 Super Track Pack rear end, a Mopar high performance brake package, and 15x7-inch Rallye wheels with F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Bawarus new ride also featured the blackout stripe package, along with Road Runner Gold Dust Trail tape graphics, and white trunk stripes. The black and silver bench seat interior was likewise-equipped with power steering, tachometer, pistol grip shifter, rally gauges, solid state AM radio, and tinted glass.Because of its throaty-sounding Hemi engine, and striking color Herman’s Mopar quickly became a favorite of the local boys, and Darryl Turner was one of them. “I once asked my dad what kind of a car it was, and all he had to say was “It’s just


some kind of fast car,” and that was the end of that!”But that wasn’t the end at all. For young Turner, it was just the beginning. After reading up on Hemi’s in all the car magazines, Darryl resolved that he would one day own Herman’s Hemi and did in fact, attempt to purchase the car on a number of oc-casions using the money he had saved up from working after school in a local gas station. However, Herman refused to sell ultimately revealing the fact that the Hemi had more or less become part of his identity, and should he decide to sell the car, it would have to go to someone off island so he wouldn’t have to go through all the pain of seeing it driven around town.And that’s exactly what Herman did. Around 1982, the Plymouth was sold to a serviceman being discharged at Pearl Har-bor who took the Hemi home with him to the mainland. As is often the case with highly collectible muscle cars like these,

the Mopar made the rounds in a manner of speaking. Then in 2008 while attending the Mopars at the Strip event at Las Ve-gas Motor Speedway, Darryl spotted the Hemi; now affection ally referred to as “Moby” by Darryl’s wife Shareen because her husband’s 40-year quest to find the car of his dreams re-minded her of the Herman Melville classic “Moby Dick.” After having Mopar guru Galen Govier decode the VIN the Turner’s discovered that the Road Runner was indeed the very same Mopar that a younger Darryl Turner had dreamed about owning all those many years. On October 29, 2010, “Moby” was brought back home to the Big Island of Hawaii and, to liberally-coin a phrase from an old fairy tale “they all lived happily ever after! “


Photos and story by Bob McClurg



Dennis grew up on a small family farm in north-western Illinois. He started tinkering with cars early on and purchased his first, a ‘59 T-Bird, at age 15. He also played guitar and trumpet in a variety of rock, folk, and school bands.

Upon graduation from high school, he went to North Central College in Naperville, Illinois where he majored in both chem-istry and physics. His undergraduate research in quantum physics received an American Chemical Society award. He con-tinued his automotive interest and, through the course of hiscollege years, owned a number of muscle and sports cars. He

also kept up his music, playing in local coffee houses.

After receiving his degree, Dennis took up the pedal steel guitar and started playing in countryrock bands in the Chicago area. He has opened for acts such Charlie Daniels, Waylon Jennings and Dr. Hook.However, after two years, Dennis decided to retire from the music scene and go to graduate school.

He attended the Universi-ty of Idaho, from which he received a Ph.D. in chemistry. While there, Dennis became an avid climber and winter mountain-eer. He also finally married his high school sweetheart, Ellen.

Dennis accepted a position as a product development scientist at The Procter & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he either worked on, or created, most of P&G’s food products in the 80’s, including Pringles, with which he bears a striking resem-blance to the handlebar mustachioed character on the can. Dennis holds a number of patents on P&G products. Once again having some dis-posable income, Dennis got back to playing with classic cars. This is also where he and Ellen had their three children.



After 10 years at P&G, Dennis took a position as Director of Product Development at a Bristol Myers Squibb com-pany in Evansville, Indiana where he led the development of Boost nutritional energy drink, among other products. In 1995 he met the founder of the fledgling Bradley David Productions, Inc., and he became co-owner of the compa-ny shortly thereafter. A My Classic Car pilot series, hosted by Dennis, was developed for TNN and received strong ratings when it aired on TNN in early 1996. Based on this success, the show premiered as a weekly series on TNN in January, 1997. After only 6 months on the air, Dennis was

selected by The Cable Guide and Total Television as one of the “Hot Faces of Cable” for 1997.

In 2000 the show moved to SPEED channel where it reaches over 85 million households. Now in production for its seven-teenth season, My Classic Car is one of the highest rated pro-grams on the network. In addition, Dennis is the Executive Pro-ducer of the motorcycle television programs, Corbin’s Ride On and Trippin’ on Two Wheels, and the reality series, Texas Hard-tails, as well as the independentfilm, Novem.

Dennis and his business partner received the Ernst & Young En-trepreneur of the Year award for Indiana in 2000. Dennis also serves on the Board of Directors of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), as well as a number of academic and industry advisory boards.

In 2010 Dennis became sole owner of the production company and renamed it MadStache, Inc. and with his own lifelong love of cars and motorcycles, he states, “This has got to be the ulti-mate job!”

Story and photos on previous page courtesy of MadStache.com,photos on this page by Bob McClurg



On September 17, 1970, Au-tomotive Supply Center, Ltd Sales Manager Wesley P Ferreira purchased a brand new Wimboldon White, 1970 Boss 302 Mustang from Orchid Isle Auto Center for a whopping $4,500.00. From the factory, the Boss came with a 290 HP, four-bolt-main 302C engine complete with canted valve heads, a Hi Rise-aluminum intake, a 750cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor and dual point ignition, a Hurst-equipped close ratio Ford Top Loader four-speed transmission, and a 3.50:1 geared, 31-spline Ford nine-inch rear end with stagger shock “Trans Am” suspension. When the Big Island of Hawaii got its first drag strip (which was located on the old Kailua-Kona Airport property,) Ferreira bolted on a set of Hooker Headers, installed a set of 5.14:1 Schiefer gears, mounted up a set of M/T drag slicks and turned weekend warrior. With these minor modifications, Wesley’s “Fuzzy & Wild-I” (as it was called,) turned in a best time of 12.70-94.00 racing in less than ideal conditions. Now here’s where our story takes a decidedly different twist. With both Wes and wife Ilyn competing at the drags on a regu-lar basis, Ferreira decided to replace the original Boss 302 engine with a more docile 302W and C-4.“Ilyn took over racing the Mustang full time, and won several races upsetting quite a few of the local male competitors!” (Now get ready for the shock of the century,) “In turn, I installed the Boss 302 engine and close-ratio Ford Top Loader four-speed transmission into (of all things,) a 1963 Corvette Stingray drag car aka. “Fuzzy & Wild-II,” and successfully raced that car for quite a few years. I think my best time with my “For-Vette” was an 11.10-105.00!”

Photos and story by Bob McClurg


In 1988 Ferreira parked the Boss in the family garage where the car sat for the next sixteen years! Then in 2004, Wesley’s inter-est was re-kindled with the debut of the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang. “At that point, Ilyn and I began talking in earnest about restoring our prized ’70, and made arrangements with Aftermath Painting’s Eric Gomes (Hilo, HI.) to prepare the Boss for paint!” On December 18, 2005, Gomes installed a new set of CJ Pony Parts reproduction 3M “Boss 302” reflective vinyl tape side stripes over the freshly-applied Martin-Senour polyurethane Tec-Base two-stage Wimboldon White paint, and the Boss was ready for re-assembly.However, Wesley elected to leave the original numbers matching Boss 302 engine intact (which still needed freshening,) installing a new “bullet” in its place. Ferreira and good friend Royden Wong (Wong’s Auto Repair,) lo-cated a freshly rebuilt, original date code 1970 Boss 302 long block owned by Boss 302 collector Paul Silva. The only problem was that the engine was on the island of Kauai, but the price was right so the two had it shipped over to the Big Island, and installed it in the Boss. Internally, the Stan’s Engine Repair (Kahului, Maui) blueprinted and balanced the four-bolt-main Boss 302 block features a set of 9.5:1 compression Childs & Albert-equipped Probe Industries forged-aluminum pistons, a set of ARP-equipped 302C h-beam connecting rods, and a Boss 302 forged-steel crank. The Boss’ valve train consists of a Competition Cams “Nostalgia Grind” 271 “ST” flat tappet cam (262/269 degrees duration intake/exhaust @ .525 max valve lift.) Lubrication is handled by a Melling/Ford High Volume Boss 302 oil pump circulating a special mixture of 15/40 Castrol Turbo Diesel/Turbo Gas oil through a baffled six-quart Boss 302 oil pan. Engine cooling is handled by an Airtex water pump.Bolted up top is a pair of original equipment 1970 Boss 302 stagger valve cylinder heads which feature 2.19-inch diameter intake, and 1.71-inch di-ameter exhaust valves equipped with an ARP stud kit, a set of 1.7-ratio Comp Cams roller rocker arms, with Comp Cams dual valve springs and keepers. Bolted in between the Boss’ solid lifter valley you’ll find an original Boss 302 Hi Rise aluminum intake and an original equipment Holley 750 cfm carburetor “fed” by the factory original Boss 302 “Shaker” hood scoop. Ignition duties are handled by a Ford/MSD 6AL electronic ignition system firing a set of NGK spark plugs. The exhaust system consists of a set of Hooker ceramic-coated headers and Flowmaster 50-Se-ries mufflers just like the old days. Backing up the Boss is an owner-assembled wide ratio Ford Top Loader four-speed with the original equipment Hurst Competition Plus shifter which Wes says is perfect for the Boss cam-shaft combination. On Memorial Day weekend 2006, Ferreira fired up the Boss for the first time. Six years later, Ferreira’s Boss still looks showroom fresh, only these days, it shares garage space with Ilyn’s highly prized candy apple red 1966 Mustang coupe!



pulleys, an Edelbrock 2x4 Performer intake with dual 500 CFM Edelbrock Performer four-barrel carburetors, a GM Per-formance Parts factory replacement 427/425 HP solid lifter cam, and a Henry Terada custom sidepipe exhaust system. Umemoto also replaced the factory original M21 Corvette four-speed transmission with a Royden Wong prepared M22 Rock Crusher four-speed using a Centerforce II performance clutch asembly.

The Nicholas Morales-Jojo’s All Around Customs sandblast-ed independent rear suspension Corvette chassis was com-pletely rebuilt and repainted by Umemoto using all NOS big block Corvette suspension components. Wheels are a set of 19-inch Foose “Legend” billets rolling on Nitto NT555 X-Treme high performance radial rubber.

Credit for the outstanding bodywork goes to Xtreme Auto Work’s Donny Souza while the paint (a Randall Yoneda/Au-tomotive Supply Center custom Torch Red mix,) also goes to Donny Souza. The Artworks Ryan Matsuo is responsible for the incredible three-dimensional Corvette insignia artwork. Also along for the ride is a set of United Pacific Industries Cor-vette LED taillights and all new exterior chrome. Charles will also be installing a retro-stock black vinyl Corvette bucket seat interior completion with electronically updated Cor-vette dash. Additional assistance to complete this nut and bolt frame off restoration goes to Chad Kunitake, Justin Ya-mamoto and Kalen Koga. This is going to be one fine car!Photos and Story by Bob McClurg28 | Cruise Paradise 2012

Hilo’s Charles Umemoto is well known for his awesome Camaro street machines, but this time around Charles is putting the finishing touches to his lat-est “toy”, a numbers matching, 1966 big-block Corvette resto-rod which will be fin-ished just in time to be debuted at Cruise Paradise XII.

Credit for the building of the 427-cid/425 HP engine is co-shared by Umemoto and Xtreme Auto Work’s Donny Souza, which features March serpentine billet engine

“



“ Hilo’s Donny Souza Sr, and son Donny Souza Jr. (Xtreme Auto Works,) are currently putting the finishing touches to SR’s Candy Brandywine 1965 Chevy II se-dan.

This little beauty features a Martz.com coil-over front frame clip up front, and 3.31 geared 1965 Chevy II V8 Posi-traction rear end. Power comes from a .030 over 350 small-block Chevy (355 cid,) featuring a Lunati rotating assembly and Lunati Cams valve train, a set of Edelbrock Performer Sportsman big-valve heads, a Power Plus

polished air gap intake and Edelbrock Performer four barrel carburetor. Backing it up is an Oregon Transmissions TH350 with 3,000 RPM stall speed torque convertor. The soon-to-be-completed street machine will also feature Ron Francis wiring, Pro Car bucket seats, Haneline gauges, an ididit six-way-tilt steering column, and Dickie and Ruth Perriera black vinyl up-holstery. Wheels and tires will be 17-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II’s with Firestone Fusion radial rubber.

Photos and Story by Bob McClurg



Hawaii Classic Cruisers Club (HCCC)Herbert Leite (808)315-2025 (Cellular) (808)964-1245 (Home)Russell Pacheco (808)960-2016 (C) (808)982-8612 (H)Darryl Turner (808)937-7407 (C) (808)966-8532 (H)

EmergencyPolice and Fire 911

HospitalsHilo Medical Center 1190 Waianuenue Avenue (808)974-4700 Hilo, HawaiiKona Community Hospital 79-1019 Haukapila Street (808)322-9311 Kealakekua, Kona, HawaiiNorth Hawaii Community Hospital 67-1125 Mamalahoa Highway (808)885-4444 Kamuela, Hawaii

Urgent Care FacilitiesUrgent Care Center Hilo 45 Mohouli Street (808)969-3051 Hilo, HawaiiWaikoloa Urgent Care 69-555 Waikoloa Beach Drive ( 808)987-7608 Waikoloa, HawaiiKohala Urgent Care 62-3600 Amaui Place #3202 (808)987-7608 Kapaau, Hawaii (Kohala)Hualalai Urgent Care 75-1028 Henry Street (808)327-4357 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Across of WalMart)

VenuesKama’aina Motors – Kimo’s Hale 400 E. Kawili Place. Hilo Parts Center Hawaii - Kailua-Kona (NAPA) 74-5611 Alapa Street, Kailua-KonaMcDonalds / Target 74-5455 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-KonaQueens MarketPlace and Queen’s Bowl 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Road, WaikoloaWest Hawaii Auto Body & Paints 1021 Mamalahoa Highway Kamuela 96743 (Behind NAPA Auto Parts Waimea)Parts Center Hawaii- Waimea (NAPA) 64-1019 Mamalahoa Hwy, KamuelaBlanes Drive Inn/DeLuz Chevrolet/Line-X/Asea 150 Wiwoole Street, HiloPrince Kuhio Plaza (near KFC/Starbucks/Jamba Juice) 111 E. Puainako Street, HiloParts Center Hawaii (NAPA)-Hilo 722 Kanoelehua AvenueHilo Lanes (Bowling Alley) 777 Kinoole Street, HiloSangha Hall - Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin 398 Kilauea Avenue, HiloHilo Drag Strip Leilani Street

Ethanol Free GasMountain View Gas n’ Go Volcano Highway 11 (East Side) (808)968-6144Aloha Island Mart Keauhou 78-6831 Alii Drive #1001 (West) (808)322-0002


AUTO PARTS HAWAII

WITH OVER 40 STORE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT

THE STATE, NAPA AUTO PARTS HAS BEEN HELPING

TO KEEP HAWAII ON THE MOVE SINCE 1955.

ON THE BIG ISLAND,

YOU CAN FIND US AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

CAPTAIN COOK81-6245 Mamalahoa Hwy.

Ph. 323-2631

HILO722 Kanoelehua Ave

Ph. 961-3445

KONA74-5611 Alapa St.

Ph. 329-6272

WAIMEA64-1019 Mamalahoa Hwy.

Ph. 885-6000

IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

2012 CRUISE PARADISE

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July 2012 Issue