Byron Dragway is Northern Illinois' home for NHRA Championship Drag Drag Racing since 1964. On the Byron Dragway podcast, we preview upcoming drag races, review race results, dive into race track news, and discuss all things Byron Dragway!
Ep. 24: Ted Peters - Nostalgia Pro Stock, Mopar, Air Force & 9/11
In this episode, we sat down at the Race & Performance Expo for a conversation with Ted Peters.
Ted is a multi-faceted personality within drag racing. A Mopar enthusiast through-and-through, Ted has been a staple among nostalgia pro stock racing and most recently made waves after acquiring the Darrell Alderman driven, original 1991 NHRA Pro Stock Championship winning Dodge Daytona from Wayne County Speed Shop. Outside of the driver’s seat, racers throughout the midwest are familiar with Ted for his role on the NHRA Certification Team.
But before Ted shifted any of his drag racing ventures into high gear, he, like his father, served in the U.S. Air Force. Humble and not seeking the limelight, Ted’s service saw him stationed throughout the world. He is a Veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. And when conflict came to American soil on September 11, 2001, Ted, as he details in our conversation, was working at the Pentagon during and after the attack. After 23 years, Ted would retire Senior Master Sergeant.
24 Feb 2020
Ep. 23: Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick - 70 Year Career, Life on the Farm, Turning Pro & Pontiac
In this episode, we sat down for a conversation with drag racing legend Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick at the Byron Dragway booth during the 2020 Race & Performance Expo. Arnie’s nearly 70-year-long drag racing career is truly legendary and often times greatly understated. From his humble beginnings on the farm and his first taste of drag racing all the way back in 1951, Beswick’s storied career was ground breaking and trendsetting in many ways. A pioneer of early drag racing, Beswick was not just present for drag racing’s earliest days - he was among its original winners. From racing in the original NASCAR & NHRA sanctioned Winternationals that took place in Daytona in 1960 to winning at the original NHRA U.S. Nationals at Great Bend Kansas, Beswick was at the forefront of the sport in its infancy. We learn in this podcast about the moment he turned pro, how he became the face of Pontiac performance, and how his trademark “Tameless Tiger” moniker and paint scheme came about.
This episode is brought to you by Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair. Specializing in fleet maintenance, Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair comes to your location to service you fleet of any size. Jim Kasallis is a lifelong drag racer, and you know that he stands behind his work because he puts his name on the business. If your business and livelihood depends on your trucks being reliable and on the road, then trust Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair for your maintenance and repair needs. Located in nearby Kirkland, Illinois, give them a call at 815-751-6042.
14 Feb 2020
Ep. 22: Lee Bardo - Byron Dragway's Grand Opening, Indoor Drag Races & More
In this episode, we get to know Lee Bardo. Lee holds the distinction of having been a racer at Byron Dragway for longer than anyone else. Lee raced at Byron Dragway’s grand opening on July 4, 1964. He and his trademark ’57 Chevy - which was also at opening day - are an inseparable pair, having most recently raced at the Glory Days Vintage Drag Race at Byron Dragway in 2019 and they are already on the entry list for the 2020 edition of Glory Days. Lee has many stories about what drag racing was like while the sport was still in its infancy. He also recalls racing at a variety of other race tracks from the past including the infamous indoor drag races at the Chicago Amphitheatre.
This episode is sponsored by The Hot Rod Shop. The best place to get the best parts for drag cars, street machines, and muscle cars is The Hot Rod Shop in Rockford. From nitrous kits and refills to tire mounting and balancing. They sell all major brands of speed equipment with fast delivery from several regional warehouses. The Hot Rod Shop is located only 20 minutes away from Byron Dragway at 4425 Charles Street in Rockford, Illinois. Look them up on Facebook or call 815-227-5424.
More helpful links mentioned in the episode:
RacePerformanceExpo.com (http://www.raceperformanceexpo.com/) for details on the upcoming trade show we will be at February 22-23 in Schaumburg.
ByronDragway.com/banquet (http://byrondragway.com/banquet) for details and to RSVP for the Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 7.
ByronDragway.com/advertising (http://byrondragway.com/advertising) for advertising opportunities at Byron Dragway and the Byron Dragway Podcast, Byron Dragway TV Live Streams, and more.
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