Pork Juice and Burnin' Rubber

For New Years Day most were thinking about going to the gym, Jenny Craig, or some other worthy diet goal. That's not for me! It was a "Burn Out Party," with pig-roast, all the fixings, friends, lots of smoke, open header noise and a little mayhem. Upon receiving an invite from my buddie Jon Guilmet, to Mike Hayden's annual New Years Day party for hot rodders, racers, and badass fast cars...how could I say, no.

This was the fourth year for this gathering at Mike's house, race car shop and "burn-out" strip for a worthy cause. Collect donations for the "Wounded Warriors Project" and have fun doing it. Picture this, Mike has a concrete hundred yard strip in front of his house to test cars he builds for customers. How bitchin' is that? Add to that, the "Shafters" a car club from Fallbrook that kept the hospitality going strong and one could see there was something special sitting back and watching the camaraderie at this party, the smiles never left, even with a blown tranny or two, and a dropped drive shaft on another. Oh yeah, you know you're having a great party, when the Sheriff shows up packin' heat. That just slowed us down in time to dig into the slow cooked gourmet grub donated by "pit-master" and racer, George Sevelle, along with his wife, Lani and son Cas, with help from Liz Dely. Then back on the strip after the bellies were full.

Some of you may have heard about the car club, "Shafters," for those of you who have not, it was started in 1949 by prominent drag racer, Dode Martin along with some friends. The club is out of Fallbrook, California and is still going full on, under the leadership of president "Clint" Campbell.

What better way to start the New Year with friends, for a great cause...thanks Mike for the good time!

Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

The Shafters at Mike's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party," Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 The heat's on at Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 The shop at Mike's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Pit-master, George Sevelle at Mike's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

One fast Camaro at Mike's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

 One dropped drive shaft at Mike's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © "Along For The Ride"

Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © John Guilmet

 Mike Hayden's "Burn-Out-Party." Image © J. Bittle American

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