PROJECT 1320 completes first interviews

Jon Lundberg, Dave McClelland interviews in the can!

Parma Heights, Ohio (31 August 2010) –  The Quarter Mile Foundation has announced the first set of interviews for the PROJECT 1320 documentary film series chronicling the birth and growth of drag racing and the performance aftermarket is in the can.

“To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. Dave and Jon have given a tangible beginning, an important step in the production process for this documentary series,” said Traci Hrudka, Foundation Chairman. “By filming these two icons together, a milestone has been made…in over 50 years of parallel history in the same sport, they have finally been brought together. Dave and Jon, who will be the narrators of the series, have witnessed so much of the growth and history of the sport and the industry, and their insights and recollections are priceless to the fabric of this undertaking.”

 “This was a very important pair to get done in the early stages of this project,” said Stephen Krystek, owner of Synthetic Human Pictures, the producer and director for PROJECT 1320. “Not only are these two icons, but their interviews and interactions provided our crew with deep insight of the interviews to come, and the people we will encounter. When PROJECT 1320 is completed, I suspect we’ll look back on these interviews as the cornerstone for this effort…they were that insightful.”

McClelland observed, "What an incredible couple of days...over 100 years of total announcing experience gathered in a studio for a story telling session.  This was one of those moments that the first liar didn't stand a chance!

“The result of three days of taping was over a dozen hours of incredible history of the great sport of drag racing, as seen and announced by two of the best known voices in the sport.  This was a rare instance where both of us were working the same event...an occurrence that has happened less than a half dozen times over a half century.  I cannot wait to see the finished shows!"

Said Lundberg, “This is a dream come true for me.  Dave and I had roughly parallel careers yet we took differing paths.  Being able to share early day drag racing and industry experiences with Dave McClelland, as those are preserved for a new generation, is one significant way we can give back to a way of life that has been very fulfilling.  By preserving the history of these congruent and complimentary activities perhaps we can enthuse new generations that they might carry the ball to heights yet undreamed of.  Now that’s truly exciting!”

Jon Lundberg began his announcing career in an impromptu fashion standing on a hay wagon at the unpaved Central Michigan Dragway (now the Mid Michigan Motorplex), in August 1955.   That experience placed Jon behind the microphone for many important match races and other special events throughout the country, plus major IHRA and AHRA races, plus many Goodguys Nostalgia races. He retired from active event announcing in 2001. His career has included active participation in the performance automotive aftermarket, serving as VP Marketing & Sales at Cyclone Exhaust, and working on the industry’s behalf elected to three terms as a member of the Board of Directors for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). He current is owner of Southwest Valuations, a highly respected vintage and race car automobile appraisal firm.

During his announcing career, Dave McClelland was the voice of nearly all of the NHRA national events from 1961 (the U.S. Nationals) until he retired in 2004 (NHRA World Finals). He was also a host of many NHRA television shows over the years. He was a well-known radio personality, particularly in the southern California area. Dave is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame, and in semi-retirement, he lends his voice for radio, television and internet commercials for many aftermarket companies, plus video games. Additionally, he is the “Voice of the SEMA,” emceeing at a variety of industry functions, culminating with the SEMA Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas every year.

MEDIA NOTE: For those attending the MAC Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, QUARTER MILE FOUNDATION will be present in the Drag Racing Nostalgia area adjacent to the Manufacturer’s Midway area, displaying the iconic 1941 “Old Black Studebaker” of Junior Thompson, which won the “Little Eliminator” title at the 1958 U.S. Nationals, held at Oklahoma City, Okla. The Foundation would welcome a chance to further discuss PROJECT 1320 and the goals for the film series and the organization.


First interviews for PROJECT 1320 complete, Dave McClelland and Jon Lundberg record the moment on film with the Synthetic Human Pictures team.
Front (L-R): Stephen Krystek, owner of Synthetic Human Pictures LLC (Producer/Director, Camera Operator), Jarod Anderson (Audio/Boom Operator)
Seated (Middle): Jon Lundberg, Dave McClelland
Rear (L-R): Charlie Steak (Interviewer), Hayden Blades (Lighting), Jason Bria(Lighting), David Matteson (Camera)