Once upon a time, long, long ago…well not that long ago: It was May 14-15, 2022, at a place far, far, away,… well not that far: it was at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, home of Carlisle Productions Import and Performance Car show. The warriors who attack the Pennsylvania hillclimbs (and one West, By God, Virginia, hillclimb) and Track Trials were invited to show their war horses in the Race Car Paddock.
Twenty One stalwart PHA owners/drivers of these specialized vehicles brought them to the show, where hundreds, perhaps thousands, of motor heads appeared and wandered through our display. The cars looked great. Gordon Wise brought his very large TV and videos of our events as well as handouts describing who were are, where we are and when we are.
In addition to the youngsters exploring our set up, there were old timers, you know PHA retirees (henceforth referred to as ol’PHArts). It was really a pleasure when listening to their exploits to break out the big book and look them up. The smiles at seeing themselves as drivers from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s in our records was gratifying.
In addition to all PHA hands talking about driving the hills, Chuck & Maryanne were on hand presenting the adventures of volunteering for corner work. I believe their efforts will pay off.
Gordon, in addition to hyping PHA, was the proud owner of his Mazda rotary powered beast that drew a lot of attention. Ken Taggert had his Formula Car strategically stationed next to the Burke Formula Atlantic, often driven by Michael Champion, and Dan Malave’s Formula Mazda, where he fielded many questions about really fast cars on the hills.
Bill Norton was as good an ambassador for the PHA as can be expected and his one lung 500c Cooper was a draw for the mechanically curious, not to mention Don McLaughlin’s Renoo with its newly customized exhaust system. Not surprisingly, the FV of Curt Bennett and Mike Axarlis’ Scirocco attracted the VW afficionados. Sadly, my Caracal FV was sold this summer and I have joined the ranks of the Ol’PHArts, but I still pitched our sport and had a great time doing it.
Other stars were there and representing us VERY well: Bob Oswald Jr was there with his immaculate Solo Vee and his recently acquired ‘37 Ford Legend. Keith Gerhart brought his pumpkin Fiero, and Al Lesher his Dodge Shelby. Speaking of pumpkin, Chuck and Maryanne had their 2 stroke Saab there, and entertained us all when they fired it up and drove across the fairgrounds to heckle the Saab Club display and their members. George Witman’s Miata was truly a people’s car and drew many admirers as well as Don Kennedy’s rally car.
This report misses some names, not because they are unimportant, but because this Ol’ PHArt has lost some recollection powers.
(edit, also on display was Joe Whitely’s 64 Austin Healy Sprite and the Subaru of Ryan Thomas, a new PHA competitor)
Huge thanks to Gordon who carries a van load of display goodies to this event this year, and all prior years. Thanks to Kenneth Company for hauling that immaculate FA to the show.
Don McLaughlin posted many photos on his FLICKR account. It is worth the time to scan through them, he does great work selects good subjects.
John Pitman (Ol’PHArt FV95)