"ARLINGTON DRAG REUNION 08"

< What would a drag strip reunion be with out some ledendary "Willy's" coupes!!!!!!
A Blower in a Willys? Ya think?
**Here is a 1939 Chev that made several passes down this strip in it's day.**
"Lickidy-Split's power plant"

"Mile High" T-Bird- All the way from Wenatchee, Wa!!!

"2008 Local Cruiz Calendar"

"GET IN AND LET'S GO CRUZZZZZZZZZZZINNNNN!!!!!!!"

"Here are the local cruiz'inz"
(If you know of anymore, let us know)

FRIDAY NIGHTS: April-Sept. - Lynnwood-Taco Time
May-Sept. - Covington Mall
June-Sept. - Lacey Speedway Brew Co.

SATURDAY NIGHTS: June-Sept. - Arlington-Burger King (late night)
- Clearview-McDonalds
- Renton-Fred Meyer
- Triple XXX-Issaqua
- Everett-Hefty Burger

1st Tuesday: (of the month) April-Sept. - Westsound Bank-Bremerton

WEDNSDAY NIGHTS: - Port Orchard A&W

"The Rat Bastard's Car Club presents the 1st annual "INFESTATION" CAR SHOW" "GREAT SHOW !!!!"

" What a cool 60's style 55 chev"
Nice 36 ford pickup!

Look at all the cool cars!!!
I think I want a rootbeer float!
*click on poster to enlarge

Evergreen Speedway promoting the Slamfest Demo Derby

Check out some of the upcoming events that Evergreen Speedway has on the schedule. They are promoting the Slamfest Demo Derby in Puyallup, WA April 17th-20th.

The Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, WA should be hopping this year. Again take a look at the schedule of The Super Speedway of the West.

Pacific Raceways Season Opener in Kent, WA

Mantis is excited for the National Dragster Challenge that will open up the season for Pacific Raceways out of Kent, WA. The event will run from April 4th-6th. Check out the link for more information. Mantis Rodz will see you down there!

Lance Lambert stops by the Mantis Rodz booth

Mantis Rodz would like to thank Lance Lambert for stopping by the booth during the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. Check out The Vintage Vehicle Show to find out about upcoming episodes. Thanks again Lance!

Mantis meets Racing Legends and their Dragsters

Here is Kevin Brown and Steve Lazar of Mantis Rodz pictured with Bill Halevos and Jerry King. They raced in the days with Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme and the likes. They are still keeping the dragster world alive. Take a look at the video clips from earlier posts. Check out Jet Webb for a cool site. Thanks again Bill and Jerry! It's Jerry's birthday next month...Happy Birthday Jerry. Mantis would also like to send out a special thanks to Russell Stevenson and his crew of Freeway Trailer Sales, Inc.

Bill Halevos with Jet Dragster looking to set world records.

Mantis Rodz had the fortune to talk with Bill Halevos and hear about a record in the making. Take a look and hear about the incredible technology of this jet dragster. Mantis would sure like to be at the Vegas strip to watch Bill make some history. Thanks again Bill!

Mark Morrow races at fast speeds!

Check out this video clip and fast ride of Mark Morrow's. Mantis Rodz would like to thank Mark for taking the time for the interview during the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. Enjoy the video clip.

Mantis interviews NW dragster Legend Jerry King

Mantis would like to thank Jerry King for bringing back some history to the Pacific Northwest. He talked Cacklefest and about national records that he once held-just some incredible history. Enjoy the video clip. Thanks again Jerry! Check out Cacklefest.

Magic of Street Rod Visions and the recently restored '58 Cadillac

Street Rod Visions was the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. Magic had a vendor booth and several recently restored automobiles. The '58 is definitely a rare gem. Check out and enjoy the video clip. Mantis Rodz thanks Magic and the Street Rod Visions crew.

Seattle Roadster Show-Video Clip

Mantis took a couple of quick video clips before and during the final day of the Seattle Roadster Show. We wanted to take the opportunity to thanks everyone that stopped by our booth to check us out. This site is intended to "pass the wrench" to the next generation and keep the "car culture" alive. Sign up on the Join Manits link and say hello...Post your passions and talk shop. Thanks again everyone!

"American Graffiti" star visits the Seattle Roadster Show

Candy Clark, veteran of 50 films and "Debbie" from American Graffiti, added to the Mantis memento collection --- an autographed photo of the cartoon-style montage poster. Candy was everybody's favorite blond in the movie...and still ours! Her comment to the Mantis: "Peelout!"

Mantis Meets a NW Racing Legend

Ray Hadford dropped by the Mantis booth at the Seattle Roadster Show for a chat. We have photos of Ray in the B-Boy Gas dragster on our supplier page.

Ray Started racing in 1965 and ran Junior Stock, C Dragster, Top kGas Dragster and Top Fuel Funny Car. In 1968 he piloted the B-Boys C Dragster owned by Jim Green and he set the National Record at the Arlington Drag Strip of 8.93 seconds. Ray’s site hadfordracing.com has some great info and stories about Ray’s early driving days. We especially enjoyed watching this great video where Ray fires up the Green-Crooke "Assassin" dragster at the '05 NHRA Carquest Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Thanks for stopping by Ray. It was great to meet you.

Silver Auctions: Bellevue, WA Hilton Hotel Garage

Mantis Rodz would like to thank Silver Auctions for allowing us to take photos of some of the cars that were auctioned off during their February 23, 2008 event. We would also like to thank Doug Laford (The Offer Man) and Bill for taking the time to talk "shop." It was a well-turned out event-with some great lots (over 100 auotomobiles). Here are a few photos from the auction. Thanks again Silver Auctions!

Max of Mantis Meets "Killer Paint"...King

When one thinks of flames and paint on cars-the name that comes to mind is Mike Lavallee. Max was able to capture a photo with the "Killer Paint" master at the 2007 Seattle Roadster show. He is truly the "King" at what he does. Mike and his Airbrush Studio team have painted some masterpieces. Take a look at Killer Paint's impeccable performance...What an awesome team he has assembled. Visit his site at Killer Paint . Mike and his team have been on a number of different television shows and events...too many to list. Mantis is happy to claim Mike Lavallee as a Pacific Northwest native. Check out all of the cars and onlookers that attended the roadster show.

Will Mantis Rodz attend the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction? You betcha!

Everyone in the car world has heard of Barrett-Jackson. If you are a newbie, checking out the site is a must. It's incredible how two car buffs that met back in 1960 built such an incredible company-and Mantis is sure it's been an awesome ride! The 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Event will take place from January 12th-20th, 2008 at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Check out the web site to see their incredible story and to get a flavor of the cars that will be featured for auction at Barrett-Jackson . SpeedTV will have live coverage of the event beginning on January 15th. Visit their site at Speed TV .

Max Lazar of Mantis meets Barry White of Barry's Speed Shop

Max had the opportunity of meeting Barry White of Barry's Speed Shop at last year's Seattle Roadster Show. Barry's popular show from "Wrecks to Riches" is a Mantis favorite. Check out TLC's and Barry White's schedule at TLC and Barry's Speed Shop to get the latest information on Barry's shows. What a restoration specialist. Only a handful can keep up with Barry White. Max is standing next to one of Barry's projects and client-the proud owner of the newly restored roadster. Mantis Rodz hopes that Barry will be present at the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. See the posting below for dates and directions.

Palouse Days Show and Shine Event

It's the Rodzrookie letting you know about an upcoming 2008 event in Palouse, Wa. I was present at the 2007 Palouse show; it is a great event with some awesome rides, roadsters, rigs and participants. This year the event is on September 13, 2008 at the City Park on West Main Street. For more information check out the website Palouse Days or phone 509-878-1991. Mapquest the directions to the show at Map Quest.

Here we come Seattle Roadster Show: Mantis Rodz will be there!

Here is the Praying Mantis at the 2007 Good Guys Show in Puyallup, Wa. sharing space with Street Rod Visions . Notice the Mitee Mouse and Moon Eyes decals on the Handy Man Wagon? Cruise on over to our gear bag section and see what other stickers are available. Mantis Rodz will have at least one of our cars and a booth in next year's Seattle Roadster Show at Qwest Field. Stop by and see us; we'll have some nice give-aways! Posted below is the location, date and time of the 2008 event.

PORTLAND ROD & CUSTOM SHOW

FEBRUARY 15-17, 2008
PORTLAND ROD & CUSTOM SHOW
Portland Expo Center
2060 North Marine Drive, Portland Oregon, 97217
Established in 1999, the Portland Rod & Custom Show is the most attended such show in Oregon and offers the hottest rods, customs and motorsports for enthusiasts and consumers in a family friendly environment. Last year saw introduction of the Rose City Award, attracting top cars from around the country.

From the North and South via I-5
North or South on Interstate 5, take Exit 306B and follow the signs to Expo Center Parking. We are located on the west side of the freeway.

From the Portland International Airport
When leaving the airport, turn left on 122nd Ave. Proceed to stop sign. Turn left (west) onto Marine Drive. Continue on Marine Drive until you cross over I-5. Expo Center will be on your left. Follow signs to Expo Center Parking.

From NE Portland
Take Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. north until it crosses over Interstate 5. You will see the Expo Center on your left. Follow the signs to Expo Center parking.

MANTIS: Rumor has it that every car is welcome as long as you tow it in by bicycle ― and the town’s environmentalists are concerned that all the rose-scented car air fresheners will create a hole in the ozone over Portland.

SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA

FEBRUARY 8-10, 2008
SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA
Cal Expo Fairgrounds
1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815

Close runner-up in the longest running indoor car show in the world is Sacramento Autorama, considered by some to be the premiere custom care show on the West Coast. This year’s show will feature 350 of the finest custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles from around the country.

From the South
Northbound drivers to Sacramento can take either Interstate 5 or Highway 99. From I-5, take the Capital City Freeway East exit from Downtown Sacramento, follow the signs to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just Northeast of the American River. Highway 99 becomes the Capital City Freeway just North of the 12th Avenue exit. Continue over the river to Cal Expo.

From the North
Southbound drivers to Sacramento can arrive via Interstate 5, Highway 99 or Highway 70. Highways 99 and 70 join I-5 just North of Sacramento. From I-5, take the I-80/Reno exit East and continue to the Capital City Freeway exit just past Watt Avenue. Continue toward downtown Sacramento until you reach the Cal Expo exit.

From the West
Eastbound travelers to Sacramento should take Interstate 80 to Sacramento, taking the Capital City Freeway exit in West Sacramento (following the signs to Lake Tahoe). Continue on Capital City Freeway, through downtown Sacramento and make the turnoff to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just Northeast of the American River.

From the East
Westbound travelers can take Interstate 80 or Highway 50 to Sacramento. From I-80, take the Capital City Freeway exit to Downtown Sacramento just beyond Madison Avenue. Continue to the Cal Expo exit. From Highway 50, take the Reno turnoff just past Stockton Boulevard to the Cal Expo exit just Northeast of the river.

MANTIS: Forget being the capital of California, come the second week of February, this is the capital of chrome.

GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW

JANUARY 25-27, 2008
GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW
LA County Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768

In its fourth year at the town that claims to be the home of hot rodding -- Pomona, and it its 58th year, the Grand National Roadster Show is America’s oldest running indoor hot rod show. Under new show direction, this is being billed as a bigger, better show with more to see and do.

From the North (e.g., from Bakersfield)
138 miles (about 2.5 hours, or 3.25 hours in traffic): Travel south on I-5 S. Take exit I-210 E toward Pasadena. Take exit 45 to merge onto CA-57 S toward Santa Ana. Take exit onto I-10 E toward San Bernardino. Take exit 43 for Fairplex Drive. Turn left at Fairplex Drive. Turn right at W. McKinley Avenue.

From the East (e.g., from Las Vegas)
242 mi – about 3.5 hours (up to 5 hours in traffic): Take I-15 S toward Los Angeles/San Diego. Take the exit onto I-10 W toward Los Angeles. Take exit 45 for Orange Grove Avenue toward Garey Avenue. Turn left at N Orange Grove Avenue. Turn right at E McKinley Avenue.

From the South (e.g., from San Diego)
Take I-5 N. Take exit 107A to merge onto CA-57 N toward Pomona. Take the exit onto I-10 E toward San Bernardino. Take exit 43 for Fairplex Drive. Turn left at Fairplex Drive. Turn right at W. McKinley Avenue.

From the West (e.g., from Los Angeles)
Head SE on Tom Bradley Blvd. toward S. Spring Street. Turn left at N. Los Angeles Street. Turn right to merge onto US-1-1 S. Turn slight left at I-10 E/San Bernardino Fwy (signs for San Bernardino Fwy/San Bernardino/I-10. Take exit 43 for Fairplex Drive. Turn left at Fairplex Drive. Turn right at W McKinley Avenue.

MANTIS: Like, this is a totally rad show, like, I mean, if you’re not there you’re just so, not there….

SEATTLE ROADSTER SHOW

FEBRUARY 29 – MARCH 2, 2008
SEATTLE ROADSTER SHOW
Qwest Field Event Center
800 Occidental Ave., Seattle, Washington, 98134

The Seattle Roadster Show took the Emerald City by surprise with record crowds. Each year more than 35,000 spectators and consumers flock to the Emerald City to see the best that the West Coast and Canada have to offer in this last stop on the West Coast Tour. This year launches the Grand Touring “GT” Award for street machines. Chip Foose, the renowned hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, and star of Overhaulin' on TLC calls this his “favorite indoor car show.”

From the North and South
I-5 and the Alaskan Way Viaduct both have exits near Qwest Field & Qwest Field Event Center. From I-5 there are exits at James Street, 4th Avenue, and Airport Way that will all place visitors in close proximity to the facility.

From the East
Qwest Field & Qwest Field Event Center can be reached by both I-90 and SR 520 from the east. From I-90, follow the signs to Fourth Avenue South and turn right. Turn right onto South Royal Brougham Way. From SR 520, take I-5 South, then take either the James Street, 4th Avenue, or Airport Way exits to place you in proximity to the facility.

MANTIS: Seattle in February? Thank goodness the Home of the Seahawks features expansive covered concourses with ample restrooms – the sound of rain always makes us want to take a comfort break. Shown is Mantis Rodz founder Kevin Brown and his dad with their silver ‘55 Chevy 150.