Upon returning to the pits, engine builder Tim
Beebe is quick to the task of preparing the green machine for
another run just like the first. Mulligan removes the firesuit
and replaces it with his ever-present flower hat and cigar as
the anxious crowd gathers for a possible glance at something
tricky or secret that makes this car run like no other; and also
a possible congratulatory remark to the quickest and fastest
man around. From the casual spectator Mulligan accepts their
"good run . . . nice job" comments with the humility
of a retiring locomotive engineer getting his gold watch send-off
with an embarrassed, "No big deal!" To his friends
and fellow racers his comments reflect only slightly less humility:
"This old dog don't run half bad, does it?" in unison
with a sort of embarrassed Teaberry shuffle.
Tim Beebe, on the other hand, doesn't
say anything. He just keeps busy. Sort of like a guy who has
just been responsible for a successful, though impossible, space
probe missile shot, and goes right into the next step toward
the moon with nary a second breath. His attitude of concentration
is much the same as a pool player who has just run a record number
of balls in front of the best group of hustlers in the land and
his only comment is.
"Rack the balls." It's downright unnerving.
Tim
and John race for a living - and it shows. Their race car and
personal appearances are business like and professional. Their
partnership, unlike most Southern California race partnerships,
evolved slowly. It wasn't a case of one having the car and the
other the motor and their just deciding to go racing. It came
about overa long period of time that involved many race cars.
Tim
says he's been around racing all his 26 years, and since his
dad was a charter member of the California Roadster Association
founded in the '30's, I'd say he's right. Tim started out like
most racers with a "warm" street machine which quickly
gave way to some gassers like a '37 and a '57 Chevy.
After
a short stint with the gasser Tim and his brother Dave, along
with Lee Sixt and Mulligan put together a pair of altereds .
. . one Fiat coupe and one Bantam roadster, both Chevy powered.
With both cars sponsored by the J&S Speed Center in Westminster,
brother Dave Beebe drove the Beebe Brothers and Sixt roadster
while Mulligan drove the hard-charging Fiat. While the altereds
were showing their best form. |
 1. As you can see, Mulligan had Garlits covered
at the Springnationals only to have a vibration set in and force
him into the runner-up spot.
 2. I suppose an awful lot goes through your mind
as you step into the fastest machine on earth. Moe stays cool.
 3. Moe chats with the man he replaced, Dave Beebe.
Dave handed over the driving chores to Mulligan as he was unable
to travel too far from home.
4.
Tim Beebe takes all precautions to see that his machine is as
safe and as fast as possible which includes seeing to it that
his driver is strapped in tight.
Mulligan was
also handling the "Long Shot" Fuel dragster of Ward
and Wayre. With Glen Ward deciding to retire alter a time. Jack
Wayre picked up the services of ace motor man Gene Adams as "Wrench."
The team of Adams - Wayre and Mulligan became the first to break
into the sixes at Carlsbad in 1966 with a super strong 6.95.
(continued on page 3) |
