Thanks to Santa Claus

[knucklenutz]

Santa Claus aka Tom Anderson is a long time regular on the Salt. Many of you know him as the generous go to guy when you need UN-obtainables. He is that and way more! Tom has been on the ground floor in the move to establish a Salt Flats Racing Museum. I was lucky enough to have a front row seat at the Legends get-together at the Black & White last Monday night. To spent the better part of last year contacting the men that established the magnificent tradition that we know as Land Speed Racing.  Personal hero's such as Marty Dickerson , Pete Hill, Rocky Robinson and Jim Leinweber regaled us with tales of the Salt that might otherwise have been lost. The History of Bonneville is every bit as important as the future ! Thank you 'Claus

[Moxnix]

Tom Anderson, aka Santa Claus, with one of the Buell Brothers S2 bikes.  He sure is a busy guy out there.

[AHG]

Yes, I agree. Tom did a wonderful job arranging that evening of greats.
The crowd was large, and I never actually got a chance to get into the back room
where it all took place. Hopefully Lou Fischer will have a DVD for sale in the near future.

There was also another noteworthy man there that never made it to the microphone,
and that being 88 year old Jerry Branch; who is certainly one of the best cylinder head airflow
engineers EVER! He said he was feeling a bit under the weather, and returned to his Hotel.
However, before he did my son and I had the great opportunity to speak with him for about an hour at the Black & White.
Though I asked the questions, Jerry directed all of his answers to my son; which I found enjoyable.
It was as though he wanted the much younger generation to learn about his life long passion.

Along side his engine building and designing career Jerry Branch is also a
Marine who fought his way through WWII, and Korea;
only to return home and make alot of motorcycles go Really Really Fast!!

Thank You Mr. Branch.

[bak189]

Jerry Branch is the best.....Back in the "old" days we took a a Norton Manx head to him ....he did his magic.....and boy, did that Norton run fast.........

[38flattie]

Yes, I agree. Tom did a wonderful job arranging that evening of greats.
The crowd was large, and I never actually got a chance to get into the back room
where it all took place. Hopefully Lou Fischer will have a DVD for sale in the near future.

There was also another noteworthy man there that never made it to the microphone,
and that being 88 year old Jerry Branch; who is certainly one of the best cylinder head airflow
engineers EVER! He said he was feeling a bit under the weather, and returned to his Hotel.
However, before he did my son and I had the great opportunity to speak with him for about an hour at the Black & White.
Though I asked the questions, Jerry directed all of his answers to my son; which I found enjoyable.
It was as though he wanted the much younger generation to learn about his life long passion.

Along side his engine building and designing career Jerry Branch is also a
Marine who fought his way through WWII, and Korea;
only to return home and make alot of motorcycles go Really Really Fast!!

Thank You Mr. Branch.

Jerry Branch is the best.....Back in the "old" days we took a a Norton Manx head to him ....he did his magic.....and boy, did that Norton run fast.........

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have a quick question:

Does anyone have contact info for Jerry Branch? I read he worked extensively for HD, and my head design is basically the old KR head design. It's a safe bet he could probably point me to the extra HP I need!

[Uncle Jimbo]

I totaly agree with you AHG - Tom has come to many a racers rescue with needed parts, and hands on help when ever asked. He has helped us on a couple ocasions.  A outstanding promoter of the sport, a true gentleman indeed, and we always order the Burnett Cheeses when we get home.  Don't forget to help support the Bonneville Museum - Thanks Tom for you efforts on that project also.     

[nrhs sales]

Jerry Branch is retired.

[38flattie]

Jerry Branch is retired.

Yes, I realize he's retired, but I bet that brain of his still has valuable info I could use!

Still looking for contact info, if anyone has it!