Pocono Raceway was the setting September 24th–26th for the 6th Annual Great American Nationals Race. Approximately 2,000 cars from 1972 or earlier participated in the 3-day event, which consisted of a car show, commercial/vendor exhibits, and a used-car/used-parts swap meet.
VCI Mobility’s Production Manager, Pete Klenke, and his son John both participated and won awards at this year’s event. Pete was the award recipient in the “Suede & Chrome Pick” category for his 1927 Model T-Bucket. Pete’s Model T-Bucket is a replica of one of the first hot rod cars built after World War II. At that time, hot rods were constructed from a variety of available parts. In keeping with that tradition, Pete’s car consists of a 1927 Model T body powered by a 140 merc-cruiser boat engine. The car also features a 1940 Dodge front axle, 1940 Ford brakes, the rear-end of a 1947 Ford pick-up truck, a 1948 Ford transmission, and a tractor steering box.
Pete’s son John won the “Young Guy’s Pick” with his 1959 Ford F100.
Pete has been racing cars for over 40 years and has been building them himself for over 30 years. John is following fast in his father’s footsteps: Just 17, he has been racing for 12 years.
Pete says that building and racing cars “…is a hobby very near and dear to my heart and represents a thrill that can not be surpassed.”