Wednesday August 5: We were about ready for the big event, The Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. A few things to finish up, but looking forward to a big time, and a good race. Well. We got the chuck wagon set up, and ready to go with plenty of cold drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers. The weather outlook was good, but boy was it getting hot. Possibility of a few showers before the race was over.

Thursday August 6: Weather was clear and hot. Quite a few of the fellows were ready for test runs, and to get the feel of the track. By now it seemed like the boys were kidding each other and holding back a little, but late in the afternoon a few turned it on, and it looked as if we were going to have some good fast runs. Well we did get some rain, and as it was getting late, we cleaned the track for qualifying runs for Friday.

Friday August 7:: We started registering cars in for qualifying. We had 61 cars for all classes. However, before the first heat was over, 9 more cars were in. Things were really beginning to hum and Elton Winchell of Detroit, Mich. was in first place with a speeed of 145.39 MPH. but several others were right on his neck. Right from the start we could see it was going to be a good race, with quite a few good fast runs. As some of the boys had to leave early to go to the business meeting, we gave the old track a real good cleaning and headed for home for a good hot meal and my good old easy chair.

Saturday August 8:: Weather was still hot and clear. We had set 5 P.M. as closing time for all qualifying. Saturday night was fun for the girls. The banquet at 9 P.M. at the Cherokee Hotel, and we hoped all would be there. With fifty percent of the cars to be qualifying for the finals the boys were really going all out now. We in the Atlanta club felt good, for it looked as if our first try at the AMRCA Nationals down this way was going to be a success. The entry sheet had climbed to 80 cars. About 4 P.M. we had another shower so we gave the track a good scrubbing and headed for home for a quick change and to the banquet. After a wonderful steak dinner things were turned over to "Skeet" Dudley who was our M.C. "Skeet" called on Glenn Fairabend, AMRCA President, who gave a general picture on miniature racing and its future. "Skeet" then called on a member from each club represented for a few words and a brief outline on what their clubs were doing. After a good report from each one we were given the big news everyone had been waiting for. "Ole" Olson had made up cards for the cars qualified for the finals. The wives of those who were qualified drew the numbered cards to determine running position of the cars. There were 27 cars in Custom Proto, 5 in Custom Sportsman, 9 in Spur Gear and 3 in BB. As it was getting late and some of the boys were going to run early Sunday morning, so they could get back home, we called it a night and were looking forward to the finals.

Sunday August 9: Finals: We were at the track and ready to go by 8:30 A.M. Paul Kruse of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dr. Earl Morris, Muncie, Ind. and Bill "Doc" Cronin, Hartford City, Ind.. Had to leave by plane for home at 10 A.M. Walter Wilson, Sr., Walter Wilson, Jr., Webb Klingenhagen and Charles Flynt all from the St. Louis, Mo. area had to leave Saturday afternoon. Although they had qualified for the finals, they were not able to stay over until Sunday. The weather had cooled off a little, but the speeds were getting hotter as it was all out for everyone. At 11 A.M. we closed the track for one hour during church hour, and all of us gathered together for our family picnic and a good time was had by all. At noon we were back running and moving right along. Speeds were getting better and better, but little did we know then the winner was already on his way home, for Paul Kruse had left a speed of 145.86 MPH. and even though Prussian, DeGeorge, Noward, Kantrow, Jr. and Fairabend tried hard, when it was all over, Kruse was still high.

About 5 P.M. the last can ran and the boys were ready to pack up. Olie Olson awarded the trophies, along with a special award to Stan Prussian for his world record run of 151.77 MPH. in Florida early this year. (AMRCA Record: Stan Prussian of Brookline, Massachusetts March 1, 1953, Custom Proto, 1/24 mile track Eustis, Florida, .045 cable.) This trophy was awarded to the first man to crack the 150 MPH speed in an AMRCA Sanctioned race.

The material and workmanship of this beautiful trophy which was furnished by Norris Jackson of Toledo, Ohio for the Toledo, Ohio Miniature Race Car Club was presented by Carl Noward, a member of the Toledo Club. The Atlanta Club wishes to acknowledge Norris Jackson's fine workmanship in this trophy and the interest in the hobby.

The hard luck trophy given by Franny Wolfe went to "Bill" Williams of Charlotte, N.C.

Well this brings to a close four days of real fun and good sportsmanship, and we hope all of the fellows enjoyed their trip to Atlanta for the Nationals.