The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

My work as a volunteer at the Grampian Transport Museum has really been a fun activity for me.  My Car Guy juices really flowed last week when they hosted their annual SpeedFest.

The SpeedFest brings fast and race cars from around the UK for a day of going fast and making noise.  From historic race cars to just plain fast cars, the SpeedfFest had it all.

Beautifully restored early Jag race engine.

You don't get to see many original, street-legal Ford GT-40s in your lifetime.

A 427cid Ford in the GT-40.  What a glorious sound!

To say the least, I was in RACE CAR HEAVEN!  Being the only American drag racer among the volunteers, I was asked on the Friday prior to the race to see If I could get the 1964 flathead sling-shot dragster running.  YES!  I had a great time putting wrench-to-dragster.  I found several things to fix, make safe, adjust, and make good.  I got it running, sounding good, and talked to the guys who were going to be making the exhibition passes at SpeedFest.  They asked me if I wanted to drive, but the cockpit was built for a driver much smaller than I.  As for the car in the background . . .

I couldn't believe my eyes when The Flyin Fyfer Outlaw Anglia class drag car unloaded.  This is my absolute favorite kind of race car.  Period.  And this is perhaps the best example of the class.  The owner/driver was a really good guy too.  Yes, that's a 572 cid engine on two systems of NOS for around 1200hp at the wheels.  It has run a 8.02 e.t.in the quarter mile.  He will ship it to California later in the summer to tour the West Coast.  Too Cool!

This photo perfectly captures the essence of the SpeedFest: a drag Anglia (Pop), a drift car and a display of Bentleys.  Unfortunately, I had so many responsibilities on event day that I did not have enough 'free' time to get out and about and take more photos.  I'm not complaining . . . I had a great day nevertheless.