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In 1952, four young men in their early 20s decided they wanted to build the fastest drag racer in its class, on the West Coast. They pooled their limited cash and bought a 1933 Ford coupe and a just released Chrysler Hemi engine fitted with fuel injection, a roller cam, magneto and headers, and was mated with a LaSalle transmission and the whole unit installed 20 inches back. They named their group and the car Syndicate. All four held regular jobs: Brian Devine at Cal-Van Auto Accessories, Don Cartwright in a body shop, Cal Morrow a driver at Superior Concrete and Bob Scott at White Trucks. All of the work to make The Syndicate run was performed by the |
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SYNDICATE RACING TEAM - Inducted 2002 Pioneers - Hot Rod, Custom Car and Drag Racing |
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Syndicate coupe (GVMPS collection) |
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by Bob Scott, 2002 – edited by Larry Braine, 2004 |
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four. They raced at Abbotsford, Bellingham, and in California. In 1955, The Syndicate and its crew were ready to hit the big time. They loaded up the cars, (Bob’s ‘51 Meteor, also the tow vehicle, Don's ‘50 Ford, Brian's Studebaker blown low-boy and Cal's Olds powered ‘34 Ford chopped and channelled coupe), and headed to the Bonneville Salt Flats. With Don behind the wheel, they turned 144 mph. In 1956, these four young men once again loaded up each vehicle and headed to the NHRA Nationals in Kansas City, and again, with Don at the wheel, set a new world record for fuel coupes, turning 115.28 mph. They eventually sold the chassis and built a new steel frame dragster |
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with an aluminum body. Over the years however, family and employment commitments took precedence over racing. The thrill of adventure and cars continues to be a passion for Don, Cal and Bob. Brian passed away in 2003.
VANCOUVER PROVINCE September 4, 1956 KANSAS CITY - Don Cartwright of North Vancouver, BC set a United States record of 115.28 miles an hour for fuel A coupes and sedans Sunday in the annual drag racing tournament of the United States Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Cartwright’s record was one of 13 set Sunday in the 20 classes of drag racing. Some 20,000 persons watched. |
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Brian Devine |
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Don Cartwright |
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Cal Morrow |
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Bob Scott |
