As you read this, Joe Grippo is at a show shooting photos for us this weekend. He’s been doing this for us here at BANGshift for 10 years and that makes him part of an elite group of guys and gals that just keep sending us stuff. He sent me these just before Christmas and I have been saving them for this weekend so you can see what his thoughts were on his adventures in 2021. Check it out.
(Words and Photos by Joe Grippo)
Well, it appears we have completed another rough ride through another calendar year, hopefully mostly unscathed. And as has become tradition, I now present my look back on the stuff I shot in 2021 with my trusty old point-n-shoot and iPhone. This go around I just picked out my some of my favorite vehicles I came across throughout my travels at the track, car shows, swap meets and Lowes’s parking lots.
Back in March we stopped in on chilly Sunday morning Cars and Coffee at Sweets Café in Bechtelsville, Pa and ran into Jeff Moyer and his super clean Nova with a fresh Big Block Chevy between the fenders:
The AACA Museum in Hershey, Pa had an exhibit spotlighting Mini-Bikes and Go-Karts:
As spring started to emerge, the massive Pottstown Cruise nights got rolling in a big way with a massive turn out, here is a taste:
By June we were going strong, the Carlisle Ford Nationals was amazing as usual, and the meticulously restored Bill Stroppe Hauler was a mind blower:
Back to the drags for the Summer, NHRA Division One Lucas Oil Series never disappoints. Check out Michigan’s Bobby Gyorke’s nasty B/SA Camaro, Stephen Yantis’s Karolina Kuda Hemi Super Stocker straight out of Tuki’s paint booth and the killer 428 Cobra Jet A Stocker of the Morgan family:
The PDRA came to my home track, Maple Grove Raceway and after dropping the all-mighty BS name I was granted media credentials:
The No Prep Kings show stopped by and packed the Grove in August. Check out Disco Dean’s Stinky Pinky, OKC’s Dominator and NOLA’s Bobby Ducote:
One of the benefits of always having a phone in our pocket is that serendipitous quick photo opportunities are possible. My area in south eastern Pennsylvania is hot rod rich, and folks are always out driving around. Here is some muscle I spotted throughout the year in various Lowes parking lots:
The Goodguys made a return to Pennsylvania for a killer weekend car show. This Willys and GMC pick-up were stand outs:
Here are a bunch of random shots of a few of my drag racing Ford friends. The killer Comets of Rick Righter, Mark Santee, James Joyce and Steve McBlane, plus Mike Cannon’s Fairlane wagon:
Rounding out 2021 are two of my favorite meets of the year. The AACA Eastern Fall Meet never disappoints with variety, so hence, drool over this cool 240Z with Bob Sharp goodies, a perfect 1933 Lincoln V12 and a wild Pinin Farina bodied Packard:
The Flemings Pumpkin Run happens at a former South Jersey junkyard in early November. Always an amazing show with something for everyone with an automotive bent. This 1968 Camaro SS survivor blew my mind. Dig this killer piece:
Two of personal favorite photos from this year. My old friend Smokey got his ’34 Ford Coupe on the road after a very long time, he stopped by my house one morning, so I grabbed a few shots in my driveway. This car makes me smile:
Another smile inducing photo. On a day of bracket racing for Grippo Family Racing, nephew/crew chief Henry pushes his Pop’s (Joe Grippo, Sr) Fairlane down the Grove staging lanes. Little man loves going to track:
And my year in review wouldn’t be complete without a few shots of my ride. I freshened up my small block over the previous winter and while waiting on parts for a few months, I decided to repaint under the hood and clean up some wiring. The last shot is from my brother Dan Grippo, taken during our last outing at South Mountain Dragway:
That seems like enough, if you made it to the end, thanks for checking out my stuff. A huge thanks to the BangShift dudes Chad, Brian and Bryan for letting me hang around and clog up the site with my ham and egger submissions. Look for loads more in 2022…hopefully.
Thanks for the cool shots and taking the time to share them with us. Happy New Year.
Great job! Always like your submissions.
One of the days I will get to meet you Joe. I keep missing you at Beaver, Larsons and Carlisle. I ask every guy with a camera are you Joe? Keep up the great work!
Great job Joe! Always like looking at your pics!!
Joe is the man! Always a great variety.
Great shots Joe