On Saturday, October 8, 2016, Memphis International Raceway played host to the 4th Annual Black Arrow Cup or as we like to call it “the Grumpy Cup”.  For those unfamiliar, the Black Arrow Cup is a memorial race that pays tribute to the godfather of Pro Stock, Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins.  

Mark Pappas originally came up with the idea for this event after the passing of his friend, William Tyler Jenkins aka The Grump.  Mark wanted to make sure Bill’s legacy would continue for many generations of future drag racers to come.  This year’s race was not only attended by the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock Association “Paying Tribute to the Legends” members but also the Nostalgia Super Stocks and the Dixie Door Slammers.  MIR also hosted the featured Mopar vs. Ford Battle of the Brands.  

Mark Pappas along with his longtime friend and MIR track manager, Dominic Blasco, worked hand-in-hand to ensure that this year’s Grump Cup would be bigger and better than ever.  All of the race fans in attendance were treated to a long day of 1/8 mile smoky burnouts; dry hops, as well as side by side, heads up, gear banging action courtesy of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks.

The staging lanes at Memphis International Raceway were chock full of Nostalgia Super Stock cars of all makes and models 

The Nostalgia Super Stocks continued the show with wheels up, bumper dragging, heads up launches with some of the quickest and most beautiful Nostalgia Super Stocks in the country.  409 dual quad Chevys, Max Wedge Dodges, Hemi powered Plymouths and SOHC Cammer Fords all battled to be the last man standing.  

The Dixie Door Slammers put on a terrific show with their mega horsepower machines

In particular, the fans that came from the north and the east got to witness firsthand the legendary antics of the south’s premier match race group, “The Dixie Door Slammers”.  The Dixie Door Slammers always come loaded for bear and bring a myriad of big inch naturally aspirated, blown, injected and nitrous equipped classic bodied hot rods that are as quick as lightning.

The weather was near perfect and the track was in excellent condition thanks to Dom Blasco and his first-rate track staff.  At the conclusion of the event and festivities, a dinner spread that would please a King and his court was put on by Dom and Teri Blasco in the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock pit area.  The Super Chef was none other than BBQ Master “Big Tim” Szymanski and his lovely girlfriend Lori McMillan Woeste.  His smoked brisket was fabulous and certainly hit the spot.  Even though he tried to abscond with the “Cup” way back, we always let him steal our appetites! 

Past recipients of the Grumpy Cup Mark Pappas and Ted Peters showing off the Gold

The Black Arrow Cup has grown exponentially since its inception four years ago and is now a premier event for both nostalgia drag race fans and drivers. For keeping history buzzing and engrained, we at Nostalgia Drag World would like to thank Mr. Mark Pappas for all of his efforts in keeping the memory of William Tyler Jenkins alive.

NOSTALGIA DRAG WORLD - Words by Rodney Knocks; Photos courtesy of MWNPSA