Racers For Coffee

Far and away, the single most significant person in the sport affected by Glendora’s testing rule is Chris “the Golden Greek” Karamesines.  Back in ‘67, the Greek told a respectful reporter how he felt his life’s mission was to simply give drag race fans “a good show”.  Many bench racing sessions are livened up by village elders telling and retelling stories of AHRA top fuel Grand American Series fields in which Karamesines always held the rapt attention of fans…made sure they got their proverbial money’s worth with high drama..and high jinks.  The Greek was infamous for taking on Don Garlits in a nearly unending series of match races spanning the North American continent.  Garlits reportedly lost 52 of these 2 car matches..in one year’s time.  Talk about holding class….and having class.  The rough and tumble sport we suffer through, at times, in order to relish accomplishment has been served well by Karamesines’ humor and self- effacing ways with  localized press and promoters.

Now Eighty Years Young, Karamesines may be legislated away from his passion.  We celebrated a short series of Internationalist appearances last year; hassles with alientation by Glendora-driven sponsorship of events and infrastructure within which to race…Cordova and its’ ilk…might just keep Chris off the trail…and away from friends and fans.  Shame on the business which would fail to grasp this unique “family value”.