It's guaranteed to happen. You come home from college on a summer or winter break and you run into people you knew in high school. Usually, they're people you really don't care to see, but you still make idle chat before moving on. Thankfully, that wasn't the case at Atco Raceway on June 2, as the southern New Jersey track hosted a reunion of its own-the Stormin' Norman Reunion.
There were classes for anyone with a Mustang or Ford-powered vehicle (even for Corvettes and Vipers, too, although none showed). Classes ranged from the top-tier Pro 5.0 down to the bracket-racing contingent. While racing was the main event, the coming together of old-school racers from way back in the day made the bench-racing session in the pits a trip. Guys like Gene Deputy, Big Daddy Dwayne Gutridge, Mike Ragusa, Lee Rutter, Mike Matarazzo, Bernie Golick, Jim D'Amore, and others were hamming it up in between quarter-mile jaunts. Shivers went up our spines when Brian Wolfe pulled out his historic red hatchback to make a few hits as well.
When the racing was over, those who came enjoyed telling old stories, throwing wise-cracks, and having a good time catching up with old friends. That's what a reunion is all about.
There isn't a more nostalgic...
There isn't a more nostalgic or historic late-model Mustang on the planet than Brian Wolfe's Mustang GT. Wolfe was one of the pioneers in Mustang drag racing, and his Fox-body was one of the first heads-up cars to get the then-new Ford GT-40 parts. Check an upcoming issue of MM&FF for a full feature on this prized Pony.
When he wasn't racing, Big...
When he wasn't racing, Big Daddy Dwayne Gutridge was showing off his new '07 Shelby GT500. Big is one of the few racers from back in the day who still races and wins on a regular basis.
Brian Golick, son of the legendary...
Brian Golick, son of the legendary "Ask Bernie" Golick, spent his time at Atco dropping the clutch in the family '98 Cobra. The SN-95 just had a G-Force five-speed bolted under the trans tunnel, but Golick eventually got the hang of the clutchless transmission and made his way into the 10-second zone. This was the first outing for the car since the project began many moons ago.
Gene Deputy of Texas made...
Gene Deputy of Texas made the haul to show off his twin-turbo Lincoln and to see old friends. After making a few runs in an effort to sort out the car, he drove 40 hours back to Texas.
While the race was about remembering...
While the race was about remembering the old days, kids like T.J. Kasper gave us a look into the future. Kasper did double-duty as he wheeled this high-flying Fox-body in the Mustang portion of the event, as well as competed in his Jr. Dragster
Brian Wolfe (left) was helped...
Brian Wolfe (left) was helped out during the course of the weekend by good friend Hank Dertian of Ford Racing Performance Parts fame.
Lee Rutter's mighty, red LX...
Lee Rutter's mighty, red LX is long gone, so he piloted this six-speed-equipped Terminator Cobra.
Rutter came to the event with...
Rutter came to the event with Mike Matarazzo (right), who was wheeling a silver Terminator Cobra. The two met in the semifinals of the Cobra class, with Matarazzo taking the win.
Here's Bernie Golick, international...
Here's Bernie Golick, international man of mystery. He came with son Brian to make some laps in the clan's Cobra. He still looks 25 years young and can answer just about any Ford tech question.
Jim D'Amore cruised to victory...
Jim D'Amore cruised to victory in this '05 Mustang. Sporting Saleen bodywork, the Pony ripped off a 10.22 in the scorching heat.
You can't help but remember...
You can't help but remember the paint scheme on George Greco's Cobra. Built back in the day to take on the likes of Les Baer, Greco's car was back in its glory at the Stormin' Norman Reunion.
Jim D'Amore III, fresh off...
Jim D'Amore III, fresh off his first career win at the FFW race in Belle Rose, Louisiana, torched the hides off his '06 Mustang all weekend. The yellow S197 sports a JDM Engineering stroker Three-Valve that is naturally aspirated and runs 11.80s.