Thu, 5 Oct 2006, 04:55 PM California Hot Rod Reunion Honoree Talks about His Drag Racing Exploits

Courtesy of Ray Fong

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Bakersfield brings back great memories to 2006 California Hot Rod Honoree Bill Crossley. As a member of the legendary Smokers of Bakersfield, Crossley began his drag racing career at the wheel of the Aubrey and Hylton flathead powered dragster in 1956. Before long he stepped into Ernie Hashim's Chrysler-powered Hashim, Hylton and Crossley entry. In 1957, Hashim (the inaugural Hot Rod Reunion Grand Marshal) added a little streamlined body work, and with a change of gearing and a pair of Indy tires Crossley joined the prestigious Bonneville 200-mph Club at 205.488 mph two-way average in Hashim's disguised dragster. In 1958 and '59 the team was among the country's best with consistent times over 170 mph. In 1963, Crossley retired from the driver's seat turning the controls over to fellow Smoker, the late Jack Williams. The team was nearly unbeatable winning the '64 Winternationals, the Hot Rod Magazine Championships at Riverside and a close runner-up to Don Garlits at the U.S. Nationals. They earned enough points for Williams to become NHRA's first Top Fuel season champion. Throughout the '60s Crossley continued to field Top Fuel cars with drivers such as NHRA's official starter Rick Stewart, Dave Beebe, Tom McEwen, Wayne King and John Edmunds.

1. How does it feel to be named an Honoree at the 15th annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion? What does the Reunion mean to you?

Bill Crossley: I am pleased to be an Honoree this year. The Hot Rod Reunion is a great time to see some of the people that contributed a lot to this sport in the early years.

2. Are you surprised that people remember your racing exploits?

Crossley: Yes, I'm somewhat surprised that some remember my racing history. I am also surprised that I remember some of those times.

3. What are some of your fondest (and funniest) memories about drag racing in 1950s? What do you miss most? Do you still see any of your old drag racing friends?

Crossley: Yes, and some of them are "old." The 1950s brings back lots of memories. I was discharged from the army in 1955 and built a fuel dragster with Howard Hylton, a flathead with a top-speed 138-plus. Years later I was working for and racing with Ernie Hashim. Becoming a member of the Bonneville 200 mph club was a great experience for me.

4. Are you surprised at the popularity of vintage drag racing? Why do you think people enjoy it so much?

Crossley: Vintage drag racing allows racers and auto racing enthusiasts to see how this sport has evolved into a major auto racing venue.

5. Do you still follow drag racing? What do you think of today's drivers?

Crossley: I follow NHRA events a lot on TV. Rick Stewart, the chief NHRA starter who drove for me and Dan Lee for a period, keeps me involved. I see him two times a year when they race here in Las Vegas. The drivers today are very professional and a little crazy like they always been.