Armdrop Drag Racing Sept. 20, 2014

Bug vs. Bug. Ryan Drazilov in '73 VW launches against Ted Roberts '66 VW, Shelley Warren Armdropping. — Bug vs. Bug. Ryan Drazilov in ’73 VW launches against Ted Roberts ’66 VW, Shelley Warren Armdropping.

Arms dropped almost continually at the last of the 2014 season Armdrop Drags in Picton Ont. on Saturday.

Run what you brung has been the philosophy behind the event since its inception four years ago. Old school drag racing is what it’s all about. Shortly after World War ll drag racing began in earnest. To drag racing enthusiasts old airstrips around the country were a natural place to safely indulge in their passion. Picton’s airstrip was not one of them, the Canadian Armed Forces operated Camp Picton until September 1969. Initially Armdrop Drags begun as a safe outlet for street racers, but it quickly became an event for all levels of drag racers. Pro racers and vintage drag racers come out to enjoy the day for the same reason as the street racers; bragging rights, fun, to see old friends and make new ones.

“I was surprised to see the level of cars that came out from day-one,” said Glen Conway, Armdrop Drags event co-coordinator. “It’s great!”

Old Farts With Front Engine Dragsters, Pat Doorenbos (foreground) vs. Don Dulmage. Shelley Warren Armdroping. — Old Farts With Front Engine Dragsters, Pat Doorenbos (foreground) vs. Don Dulmage. Shelley Warren Armdropping.

Don Dulmage, Guru of GO! and ring leader of O.F.W.F.E.D.

Old Farts With Front Engine Dragsters (O.F.W.F.E.D) led by the Guru-of-Go, Don Dulmage, Ameliasburg Ont. are an example of racers that were not in the original vision of Armdrop Drags. Don Dulmage, Mike Siestma, Ameliasburg Ont. Pat Doorenbos, Picton Ont. and Moe Laurin, Smith Falls joined together to race their “rails” against each other and anybody else. Don Dulmage became interested involved in engines and racing the day he got his drivers licence at the age of 16 years-old. Don Dulmage has raced competitively for most of his life, but now only races at Armdrop Drags.

“The competition is friendly,” said Don Dulmage. “It’s all about the fun.”

Seniors Dragster, 225 CID, 300 HP, Don Dulmage Ameliasburg Ont.

1968 Fuel Car, 455 CID, 659 HP. Moe Laurin, Smith Falls Ont.

70's Style Front Engine Dragster, 427 CID, 650 HP — 70’s Style Front Engine Dragster, 427 CID, 650 HP, Pat Doorenbos Picton

60's style Front Engine Dragster, Chrysler 331 Hemi, 350 HP — 60’s style Front Engine Dragster, Chrysler 331 Hemi, 350 HP, Mike Sietsma Ameliasburg Ont.

1949 Anglia, Eric Asselstine, Smith Falls Ont., 1969 Dodge Dart, Bruce Clarke, Lindsay Ont.

This years King of the Track was Bruce Clarke, Lindsay Ont. with his 1968 Dodge Dart 500 CID, 910 HP. Bruce Clarke drag races all over Ontario, including Shannonville Motorsport Park, takes time-off from competitive racing to come to Armdrop Drags as often as possible. One of his friendly adversaries is Eric Asselstine, Perth Ont. and his (and wife Karen’s) ride is a 1949 Angelia (British Ford) Blown 392 Fuel Injected Hemi, 700 HP. Eric Asselstine is a member of the Ontario Nostalgic Drag Racers (O.N.D.R.).

1948 Anglia (British Ford), Blown Fuel Injected 392 Hemi, 700 HP.

1978 Chevrolet Malibu_1968 Ford Mustang(2) — 1978 Chevrolet Malibu, Ashley Kennedy, Amherstview Ont. 1968 Ford Mustang, Ron Litz, Peterborough Ont.

Girl Power-Queen of the Strip

Ashley Kennedy, Amherstview Ont.

1978 Chevrolet Malibu, Ashley Kennedy, Amherstview Ont.

Photos by RBR Photography and Quinte Car

Story by Bill Samuel