More
There is more to say. I mean the drag strip experience always affords something new, cars and conversations that are unexpected. At the larger holiday events at The Grove, Arnie Beswick is sometimes present with his Tameless Tiger nostalgia GTO. In past years Arnie shown up with a driver and a late model Pontiac ProMod drag car that match races with the Chicago Wise Guys at Great Lakes Dragaway. There is something indescribably special when the orange striped Tiger GTO slowly moves from the staging lanes and begins a half track, smoky burnout.
Arnie Beswick is one of the few remaining racers from the 
heyday of drag racing, the days when Detroit Iron: Ford, Pontiac, Plymouth, Dodge, Chevrolet were the apex of quarter mile drag racing. Over a period of 20 years, from the early 60s through the late 70s modified muscle cars, and drivers were making a legend. Beswick, a farmer residing in Morrison Illinois, campaigned a series of Pontiac drag cars, at first with factory sponsorship, and later as an independent, representing the Pontiac heritage of fire and iron. I remember the first time that I caught sight on the street of a Pontiac GTO with a 389 cubic inch engine, Tri-Power, 3 carburetor setup, and a Hurst four speed stick. I was awestruck and envious.
It was one of my visits to the track in the summer of last year, that I noticed Beswick relaxing close by his race car and trailer. I walked over and introduced myself to express my appreciation for his role in past years when I was a 
teenager. The memories of him and a circle of racers of the time intertwined with my coming of age. At that time we chatted briefly. I can’t remember what was said. I am not one given to hero worship, but Beswick is widely respected. If you’d like more detail about his career, CLICK HERE
This past Saturday Arnie Beswick was present at the racetrack. Tom and I walked about the pit area and as we approached the orange stripped Pontiac racer I noticed Beswick with no one present speaking with him. I decided to say hello, and express pleasure at seeing him in good health. He is 93 years old. We had a brief conversation about our respective ages. (It seems the older one becomes, the more often age is a topic of conversation) Then Beswick insisted that both of us stand together along side his Tameless Tiger drag car for a picture. I was reluctant but he insisted. I felt honored.
These are the photos.
