Norm's Crosley

[fredvance]

Whatever happened to Norm Benham's Crosley?

[Glen]

I think you mean Ron Benham, he was the builder. It was later sold to Earl Wooden who set many records in the car. It crashed at almost 300 mph a few years ago. Earl was OK but the car was destroyed in the blow over.

[AJR192]

It was a bummer that it was destroyed as it was the car that got
Ak Miller into the 200 MPH club.

[aircap]

I just thought it was among the coolest looking vintage racers on the planet.

[fredvance]

Glenn; I am confused,whats new. I thought that Norm had the Crosley and was working for Ack Miller when Ack got in the 2 club driving the Crosley and Ron had the roadster that got one of the Unser's in the 2 club. Do I have this backward?   Fred

[Glen]

Fred
Ron built the coupe, the roadster and a belly tank. Later on he built a rear engine modified roadster that Norm drove. Over the year Ron built around 30 cars. He worked for Ak Miller for some time as well. Ron's cars put a lot of drivers in the 200 mph club. I don't recall Norm, his son driving the coupe. Jack Lufkin, Mike Mcgee, Earl Wooden were drivers and all got in the club in the coupe. I will have to check on Ak to see if he did. Ron's last project was a flat head powered lakester, not sure if he finished it. Ron was a great part of LSR history.
Glen

[interested bystander]

I'll challnge ANYBODY to dispute the fact that Benham built the first SLINGSHOT. Mickey Thompson bought it from Ron and took the credit! (Dragster that the driver sits behind and legs go over the rear end-circa 1954)

....................................................................................

Benham was genuinely a GREAT innovator in anyone's time or reference!

[dwarner]

That post could have been written without the middle sentence.

DW

[Dave Haller]

You know, I investigate Homicides. Each and everyone is a tradgedy. Mickey Thompson was an inovator and hot rodder as well as a successful businessman. He and his wife were the victim's of Homicide. No one deserves that!!!!!!!

[Glen]

I agree, Knew and worked for Mickey at Lions drag strip. Everyone has some faults but remarks like this are not called for. I think that one line should be removed.