07/18/08:
Jane Thomas
passed away June 13, 2008 from a brain tumor. She had been a member of SCTA,
BNI, Rod Riders and LSR. She held a record at Bonneville and still holds one
at Muroc. She owned and drove the car “4 Janey”, the little Opel GT.
She will be missed,
Jim Thomas
07/18/08: To
All: I
lost a great friend
and racing partner earlier this week to cancer. I know that many of you
know Gerry from El Mirage and Bonneville. I encourage you to send you
condolences to his wife Cam and to attend the services and the wake
after the services to give Gerry a racer’s send off. I know that this is
short notice but rarely are they not. Please let those from the
landspeed family who are not computer literate know of Gerry’s passing
and the services by other means if you can and if you can also
distribute this to your racing e-mail lists. Lee Kennedy
“Gerry Musil succumbed to his
battle with cancer today (July 15th). Gerry was a lifelong
mechanic for Ford and a lifelong racer as well. He was a member
of the El Mirage and Muroc 200MPH Clubs and is also a member of
the Sidewinders car club. Gerry was part of the KKM racing team
which includes Lee Kennedy and Terry Kilbourne who set many
records at El Mirage and were high point’s champions for the
Sidewinders several times. Gerry is survived by his wife Camille
and adult children.
The services
will be held this Saturday July 19th at 3pm at the
Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley located at 4444 Cochran
St. with a wake to follow at the Musil’s residence located at
3037 Granville Avenue also in Simi Valley”.
For information on services or condolences please contact Lee Kennedy at:
leekenn@pacbell.net
805-522-1480 (Home)
996 Nonchalant Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
07/03/08:
Famed LSR engine builder Barry Kaplan passed away on
July 2nd. He was the noted 1/2 of the Kaplan-Carr team that was the first
to break 300 MPH at el Mirage in 1989. Memorial services will be noted
here when/if known.
05/26/08:
Jim Gillem, 70 of Walnut Creek, CA. Passed away
March 3, 2008. Jim was an avid Bonneville participant for many years
beginning in 1959. He set records in Production classes in the '60's and
70's with his '59 Impala, '57 Chevy and '68 Camaro. Jim kept the salt fever
in his later years by participating with the 554 Racing Team of Oakland. His
expertise in engine problem diagnostics and friendship will be missed by the
team. Jim is survived by his wife Hildegard, son Mark, daughter Elizabeth,
and four grandchildren.
05/06/08:
Mike Deming reported
that his dad, Bill
Deming ( Rod Riders)
passed away Friday, 05/02/08. Bill raced at
El Mirage many years.
04/25/08:
Gaines Markley
passed away yesterday 8-24-08, He and brother
Charlie (THE MARKLEY BROS.) Out of Washington state
were pro-drag races and Bonneville racers and record
holders in their gas lakester.
Check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1zZr_1GhTk
280 Bonneville run at the end.
04/12/08: In Memoriam-Update
From all of us here at the SCTA / BNI, Thanks to all that attended Walt's funeral. God Speed Walt.
Just a little information on Walt's funeral service. We attended Walt's funeral yesterday held at the Veterans Memorial Park at the south end of the Salt Lake valley. This is a very nice place and we all knew Walt would be pleased. Walt's casket was picture perfect, placed in front of a large window overlooking the Wasatch mountains. Just outside the window the American Flag blew in the breeze. Clear sky except for a few large bright clouds that blew gently across the valley. We all knew Walt loved this service as we felt his presence. There were about 40 people in attendance. Walt's daughter from his first marriage and her husband drove here from Arkansas. Walt's x-wife Bonnie talked about their fun times working security on the salt. Lynda Ainge, Walt's best friend spoke about their working together at the races many years. She also told a few fun stories of their experiences while helping Walt drive back to Utah from Alaska. Walt was so homesick he wanted to get back home to be with his family and friends. Between Lynda and Ed and I, we were able to help Walt move back. Walt was never happier then when he arrived home. Walt's son Les and daughter spoke about how good a father he was. Walt lived for the salt. He loved working security for SCTA and USFRA and any private events. Even as Walt was dying, Les said Walt so desperately wanted get well to put in his 20th year on the salt. He never got to do this.
A few USFRA members who were in attendance were; Larry Volk, Hugh Coltharp, Gary Wilkinson and of course Ed and I.
Right after the service, a prayer was given over Walt's & his final resting place. We said our good-buys and left Walt in a beautiful place, high on a hillside overlooking the valley below. Walt's spirit will be with us forever.
Cris
04/09/08: In Memoriam
Walt Scott lost his battle with cancer on April 8, 2008 at 4:00am.He served as a part of our event security at Bonneville for the past 19 years. Information regarding funeral services will be posted as soon as they are available.
03/19/08: Health News
This just in from Linda Ainge . Her partner in
providing security at our Bonneville events, Walt Scott, has been
hospitalized in the Salt Lake City VA hospital in serious condition. The
prognosis is not good. From all of us here at the SCTA / BNI we wish
Walt the best in his battle.
3/17/08: Health News
George and I would like you all to keep our dear friend
David Casteel in your prayers. He has been in the hospital for the past week taking chemo treatments. He has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His
cell phone number is 1-817-371-1962 or his hospital room number 1-214-947-7038. I am sure a phone call would cheer
him up!! Dave Casteel is the driver for George Field's fuel coupe at Bonneville.
Glen Barrett
02/12/08: Health News
Dana Wilson has heart surgery.
Dana called me this morning, he is
in the hospital, went in for a physical to have a knee operation and
found a heart problem, did a Cardio Gram and subsequently an Angio
Plastic (Stint). He's waiting to get released hopefully today or
tomorrow. He sounded fine. I'll let you know when I hear more.
01/20/08: In Memoriam
Ron Benham passes.
Seen here with son Norm in the #34 Monza later owned by Steve Batchelor. Ron
Benham has built more cars that have hurled drivers into the 200
Club than any other man. The sport of Land Speed Racing has lost another
legendary icon.... He will sorely be missed. Ron was responsible for
getting the rear engine roadster back in the rule book.
From: "Robert Sykes"
To send cards:
Norm Benham
1707 Cogswell Road
S. El Monte Ca 91733
Ron belonged to the SCTA Sidewinder Club of Glendale, Ca.
