Prepare for a cruise into the world of Shane McMullen, a hot rod hero who's got more passion for pistons than a politician has for pork-barrel spending. This Fresno-based hot rodder has taken his love for classic cars and turned it into a full-blown obsession that would make Freud reach...
How a Kentucky Coal Miner’s Move to California Led to Bob Graham’s Gleaming ’55 Chevy
There’s something about dads and cars that’s more American than apple pie and arguing over who makes the best BBQ. Before some of us could walk, we were handed a wrench and told to “hold this.” For Mike Graham, co-owner of Graham’s Hot Rod Shop Inc. in Fresno, those early...
As the Flag Drops at Le Mans, Remembering the 3 Americans Who Won in 1978
OK, let’s set the way-back machine to 1978. The disco ball was still spinning, Star Wars was blowing our minds, and in the quiet town of Sarthe, France, something truly spectacular was revving up. I’m talking about the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the granddaddy of endurance races — the...
Jimmy Clark and Parnelli Jones Both Drove This Amazing Lotus Ford Indy Car
The 1964 Lotus Ford Type 34 is a car that didn’t just race, it waltzed onto the track with the grace of Fred Astaire and the power of a thunderstorm. This mechanical marvel, also known as Chassis 34/3, was the brainchild of Colin Chapman, the automotive equivalent of a mad...
Fans Remember Parnelli Jones as a Risk-Taking Driver. He Was a Winning Indy Car Owner, Too.
This week, we lost Parnelli Jones at the age of 90. A friend, mentor, and giant in the world of racing, Parnelli's impact on my career was immeasurable. Working with him on the book "The Cars of Val Miletich and Parnelli Jones," traveling to Indy twice, and making the unforgettable...
Get Ready for the Indy 500 With This Look at Parnelli Jones, JC Agajanian & the Willard Battery Special
If the 1960 Watson Roadster were a rock star, it would be the Mick Jagger of race cars — charismatic, daring, and absolutely unforgettable. A few years back, I had the distinct pleasure of working on a book and documentary with the legend himself, Parnelli Jones, to discuss his illustrious...
Legacy of Speed: The 1,600 Horsepower 1957 ‘Skeva’ Chevy Bel Air Built in Fresno
In my travels as a filmmaker and automotive historian, I uncover stories that paint a vivid picture of passion and engineering coming together. One such narrative, filled with inspiration and heartbreak, is woven around a meticulously crafted 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air built in Fresno. It's a tale that unfolds in...