Convo with Jim Hale
 

Had a conversation with Jim Hale yesterday. It was the first time that I met him. Had heard his name all of my life and seen his cars alot at the track. Very intersting man. And I liked his no nonsense kind of humor. Had some great war stories., like people changing classes, so not to get a heads up with him. Also told me he was involved with construction, machine shop, real estate, Kenworth dealership and pro-stock. He also told me that he still has a S/S parked at his house, just sitting there, as he runs the stocker that he just built. Came across to me as not being overly nice, but just a wealth of information. Plus he went 4 rounds yesterday in Belle Rose losing with a .035 light at 76 years old. The man truly a stock/ ss legend.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Would have to agree. Talked to him and Jerry Davis in the staging lanes before their 1st round match up. Could have talked to them for hours. That is the first time I wanted a clean up to last longer. Amazing stories, some one should write a book him and his cars and I think they will. Next time ask his wife to show you a picture of their wagon, beatiful car.

Armand Keller

P.S. Tell your dad I wear extra large and send me the bill. Also always nice to see you doing well Troy, take care.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Jim has had more race cars than Imelda Marcos had shoes!

The first one I remember was in mid sixties, a four door 57 or 58 Plymouth with a Max Wedge. I am pretty sure it ran modified production, probably B/MP. It was named "Willie-Mo". Huge letters on the side of the car.

He was nice enough to bring back some tires for us from the Gatornationals many years ago. I when we went to pick them up I still remember a 68 Hemi Cuda the "Stax Four Speed Record Changer" parked outside his shop.

Bill

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

What car was Jim Hale racing at Belle Rose ? ,,John

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

64 Plymouth ?? ( big ***** car). 426 wedge motor 1 - 4 barrel.

Took everybody out in class. LOL

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

He won class also. I've spoken with Jim a few times on the phone, he's got a full plate for sure. That car runs great considering that little AFB.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

this is the car

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

That is a '64 Sport Fury. Jim sure knows how to build them. That is a very nice car. He has probably forgotten more about racing than I will ever know. Jim is very technically oriented and he knows how to make 'em go fast. Congratulations Jim!

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Jim is a great guy. He helped me with advice when I first started racing. He was one of the fast guys around here.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Most impressive to me is that he has his own NHRA accepted connecting rods for the 383.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

What 383 ? His motor is a 426 Wedge.........

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Jim is a great representative of the generation that started this sport.
Always enjoy his company when crossing paths.
Doug Jonak

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

His 383 rods were Manley Hemi rods made to 383 size and are currently out of production.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

A couple of years back he brought the 67 383 to a competitive state. No small accomplishment.

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Michael K, what I found most impressive is how He got NHRA to refactor the 426 wedge from 365hp down to 296hp + Edelbrock alu. heads. That moved a C/SA car to H/SA now that's impressive! Rowdyboys31

Re: Convo with Jim Hale
 

Sorry, but Mr. Hale did not have anything to do with getting the horsepower reduced on this combination, he only took advantage like anyone else is free to do. He does not use Edelbrock heads either but that maybe something to try in the future.