On The Grid Archives - International Motor Racing Research Center

Notes on the 1963 AA/Top Fuel Dragster “Dead End Kids” Built by famed drag racer and television personality ‘TV’ Tommy Ivo

130” wheel base Dual Tube Frame Chassis
Hand formed Tube Front Axle with 1932 Ford Spindles
Hand formed aluminum body by Bob Sorrel
Interior upholstery by the famed Tony Nancy
392 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi motor with GMC supercharger
Engine produces approx.. 1500 horsepower

Red Lang, Joe Anahory, and Spider Razon were originally from Brooklyn but traveled to Southern California to purchase the car and go drag racing. They lived out of their tow car which was parked at the end of the street, adjacent to the Milodon Racing Equipment shop…hence the nickname “Dead End Kids”

Red Lang had virtually no experience in drag racing when he got behind the wheel but learned quickly and was Top Eliminator at the 1963 American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) Summernationals in Maryland. Lang was the first NHRA Division 1 Top Fuel Champion in 1965 Top speed in the quarter mile was between 170-180 MPH with ET’s in the low 8 second to high 7 second 1963 saw the return of Nitro fuel to drag racing which had been banned from the late 1950’s to 1962.

1963 also saw the first use of the “Christmas Tree” at the starting line.

Now on display at the IMRRC, come visit us and see it in person!

New on the grid! The 1973 BMW 2002 currently owned by Bennie Bish from Whitney Point, NY. It has raced in the SCCA E Production class. Bennie purchased the car from Marc Feinstein in Boston. Stop in any time to take a look! We’re open 9-5 during the week, with special hours this Saturday, May 20th, 10-4 for our Center Conversation.

The staff of the IMRRC is honored to have Michael Argetsinger’s Elden Mk10B on the floor of our visitor’s center. Michael championed this Elden in 1973 on some of the most legendary circuits in Europe, as well as some airport circuits on USAF bases.

Michael sold the Elden in the winter of 1973. In a fortuitous set of circumstances, it was found and restored by Rick Dresang in 2019, and made its way for a visit to the Center this winter.

The International Motor Racing Research Center will help support New York State’s “Path Through History” weekend this Saturday, October 9th. Visitors to the Center will experience “A Lap Back to the Past.” On display is a 1967 Lotus Formula Ford – the car that launched the careers of many engineers, technicians, and a long list of famous drivers. Check out the short film “25 Years At Speed” to learn how and why Watkins Glen is known as the “Birthplace of American Road Racing.” The Center is all about preserving the history of racing. Add us to your list and take a step back in time. Saturday hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

In honor of Peter Argetsinger, race driver, racing coach, and IMRRC Governing Council member, we have Peter’s 1955 MG-TF sports car on display here at the Center. He purchased the car in 1967 for $200. It was his principal mode of transport through his college and early married years, remaining a treasured friend and favorite ride throughout his life. Pete and his wife Sjoukje had many adventures in the stylish but (of course) temperamental British racing-green roadster.

Pete Argetsinger, co-driver of the Polimotor Lola T-616 powered by the world’s first plastic racing engine. Argetsinger, returning to the United States after 10 years of racing and living in Europe, has raced Formula Fords, sedans, and Formula 3 in Europe. He won the British Kentagon Formula Ford Championship in 1980.

These adventures included a harrowing trip through the eye of Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and Christmas-time trips to upstate New York with only side curtains to fend off the ice and cold. Peter sadly died last week at his home in Watkins Glen.

We are thrilled to host his beloved MG as a memorial to his extraordinary personality and remarkable talent.

On the Grid: 1963 AA/Fuel Dragster “Dead End Kids”