Commentaries

Hot Rods have made legends.

"They've been the ride of choice for James Dean and Ed "Kookie Byrnes, Ricky Nelson and Dick Dale, Bud Crayne and John Milner. They were the soul of Rebel without a Cause and American Graffiti. They have also been at the heart of the development of rock'n roll, inspiring countless love songs sung in their praise."
Source: "The All-American Hot Rod"

	2002 History	2003 History	2004 History	Note: For current year activities, please see our "Events" page

	The Ballad of Number 1 In the Heart of Texas, they called him Number 1, and you'll likely see him, where the Hot Rods Run. But watch your step, he's cranky and mean, except when he's driving his Red Machine. Big Gene He gathered together, a bunch of guys, he called the Donuts, as he looked into their eyes, And if you want to run, with the Donut Gang, You're gonna have to shed, that ol' Mustang. Big Gene The Donut Gang grew, as the word got around, about the new kind of club, in Austin town. And unless you enjoy, lookin' like a fool, don't ask anybody, about the club rules. Big Gene Things went fine, for a couple of years they grilled some burgers, they drank some beers, Tuesday morning breakfast, on Saturdays they'd cruise, the highways of Texas, and take in the views. Big Gene Then one day, Number One said "Boys", I'm gonna sell my house, and pack up my toys, I'm going out West, with the Fruits and Flakes, To stay here any longer, would be a mistake. Big Gene "Don't Go" said the Donuts, their voice all tense, "they're crazy out there, this makes no sense", You'll have to run for Governor, if you go out West, and eat granola, and take screen tests. Big Gene The Donuts all knew, they'd never change his mind, he was gonna leave Texas, and the Donuts behind. And when the day came, for him to follow the sun, the Donuts all said, "We're gonna miss ya 'Number 1'". Big Gene Now somewhere out West, there's a Red '48, cruisin' the highways, of the Golden State, And every now and then, you'll see a tear in his eye, when he thinks about the Gang, hangin' out at the "Y". Big Gene Composed by: Richard Haas September 16, 2003

History of 2002:
The first event of the gang in 2002 was to attend the annual car show in Austin held each January. We selected a `41 Ford convertible to receive our " Gang Choice" award. The February 2002 PREZ was Gene Davis and he chose for an event to have a rod run to Marble Falls and lunch at the Bluebonnet Café. Chester Toothman won the door prize. The March PREZ was Mickey Greer and his choice was a breakfast and rod run to Bastrop where he served a B-B-Q lunch. This event was also filmed and a copy was given to each member that attended that day. Tom Porter and Richard Haas each won door prizes. In April the gang went to Rosenberg, Texas for a two-day show and presented our second "Gang Choice" award for a `49 Chevy pickup. In May Tony was the Prez and we were active at the Kars for Kids fund event selling shirts and raffle tickets. Another "Gang Choice" award was presented for a `55 Chevy two-door sedan. By this time most members had caps and T-shirts with the "Donut Gang of Austin" logos. June was the Donut Gang picnic at Lampasas and another "Gang Choice" award was presented for a `34 Chevy coupe. August we had a cookout at Stan Webb's home and a short cruise after the meal. September we gathered for a dinner at Lake Austin and a tour of Tony's new garage. October we had lunch, refreshments and a tour of Lee Wood's garage. Chester Toothman and Jim Smith were helpers in this event. Tony won the door prize. We also got our Website, www.donutgang.com, up and running in October. November we gathered at Prez, Tom Porter's home and had a fine B-B-Q dinner. We took a short cruise to the Round Rock park and show. December we made a cruise to the Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls. We had wonderful weather for this cruise and enjoyed our meal with some of the member's wives.

History of 2003:
The year started off with 16 Donuts participating in the Spillars Custom Car & Hot Rod show. Gene Davis with his '48 Ford Coupe, Jim Newton with his '31 Chevy Sedan, Don Mayberry with his '72 Chevy El Camino, Stan Webb with his '50 Mercury Sedan, Ed Csoltko with his '65 Ford Cobra, Chester Toothman with his '39 Chevy Coupe, Lee Wood with his '53/'54 Mercury Rag Top, Jim Greene with his '41 Willys Coupe, John White with his '55 Chevy Sedan, Tony Adsley with his '32 Ford Roadster and '34 Ford Coupe, Mickey Greer with his '55 Ford Pickup, Bill Ward with his '55 Ford Sedan, Tom Porter with his '57 Chevy Hard top and Robert Courtney with his '23 Ford T Roadster. This car show was held at the new Palmer Events Center near downtown Austin. The Donut Gang members received numerous awards, as well as fun, fellowship, coffee and donuts served in this January '03 event. Late January found several Donuts attending the Kontinental Club's Cruiz' nite and the 2nd Lone Star Roundup Car Show was near downtown in a park, Kemp car, Rat rods, and customs and fun. The car auction in New Braunfels found a few Donuts in attendance, no serious purchases though.

February 22nd was an organized cruiz' to Cooper's Bar-B-Q in Llano, Texas. In the cruiz were Tom Porter, Dick Darnell, Richard Haas, Stan Webb, Lee Wood, Jim Smith, John White, Tony Adsley, Don Sevall, Gene Davis, Bob Lawson, Mickey Greer, and Bill Ward. The food was great as usual and a cruiz' down to the river near the dam for fellowship and photos followed.

In March, some of the Donuts attended the AWOT Central Texas Ranger Auto Show for the Deaf, out on South First. The gang picked up the Best Club Participation Award.

In April, Stan Webb, Jim Newton, Tom Porter, Don Mayberry, and Mickey Greer cruiz'd to Rosenberg, Texas for the Spring Fling Car Show with several awards being received. Also in April, saw a few Donuts attending the Bluebonnet Cruiz' to Burnet, Texas where we joined up with several Tri-5 Chevy and HCSR folks.

In May, Gene Davis brought out his '55 Chevy Long Roof Wagon to the Little River Drags for a day with a few of the Donuts. Burgers, soft drinks, drags and fun were the order for the day. Other events in May where Donuts gathered were the Grand Openings, same day as "Oak Hill Automotive" and "Southwest Body & Paint". Music, food, drinks, and fun with great customs and hot rods.

June saw several Donuts cruizin' up to Georgetown's Sun City 3rd Annual Cook-off and Car Show. Great Bar-B-Q and hot rods/customs. Tony Adsley was June's Prez with Burgers 'n' Beer at Ski Shores Cafe on the lake. Later, the Donuts were invited to view Tony's "So Fine" '57 Chevy Hardtop at his Shop-Mahal. A great coming-out party for the '57 with great fun and fellowship.

Mid-summer took the Donuts to the Greene Estate where our Hosts, Phyllis and Jim held our annual picnic. Wonderful turn-out of Donuts, wives, and significant others in attendance. The food was stupendous and the fun meter was definitely pegged. A move back to California was announced by Gene and Mary Jo Davis, at our picnic.

In, way hot August, a number of Donuts gathered over on Brodie Lane at the old Home Depot parking lot for Samuels Diamonds Summer Sizzle Show & Shine and took home numerous awards, as well as the Club Participation Award. A great turn-out by the Donuts on a sweltering day. The River City Rods sponsored Rosanky Rod Run. It was attended by the Donuts, parts were sold, and some awards and door prizes obtained by the gang members.

Tom Porter was Prez for September and had a large contingent of Donuts out at the Porter Rancho for the 2nd annual Sept. to Remember Bar-B-Q. Good food, beverage of your choice, great friends, and best of all - FUN! Thanks to Tom for hosting such a nice party in spite of a little rain. From the Porter Ranch to Lee Wood's Shop-Mahal for a photo-op of customs, hot rods, classics, complete with restored gas pumps, signage, and all the Texaco memorabilia. A Bar-B-Q, drinks, horse shoes, and washer pitching contest until the rain moved in, we simply moved under the shed. That is a successful event, regardless. Thanks Lee. September also saw Tony Adsley debut his "So Fine" '57 Chevy Hardtop at the Auto Zone Super Chevy Show in Baytown, Texas. Tony was invited into the "Gold Class" as well as presented with "Best Paint" and "Highest Achievement" awards. Well done Tony.

October was a Goodguys Southwest-bound to the Texas Motor Speedway north of Ft. Worth, Texas for some of the Donuts. Dick Darnell, Tom Porter, Tony Adsley, Robert Courtney, Jim Newton, Bill Ward, Don Mayberry, Ron Kitchens, Mark Gustafson, Craig Cunningham, Ed Csoltko, Richard Haas, and Mickey Greer were present and accounted for. So many fine machines, so short a time to see them all, but we all were in hot rod heaven for a while. Other than Dick Darnell's wheel bearing problem, our trip went well to Goodguys and we also got to spend some quality time with our northern friend and streetrodder, Joe Williams, AKA '32 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster from Justin, Texas.

November was a busy month with the Kontinental Nostalgic Drags at Little River Drag Strip and South Congress night cruizin' at the club. Jim Greene tested his Big Bad Blown '41 Willys Chevy 502 power monster at the track. Traction problems kept him from some good et's, but he did perform some SERIOUS burn-outs. Our Donut Gang founder and friend, Gene Davis moved back to the left coast. Richard Haas honored him with "The Ballad of Number 1". In addition, Richard designed the Donut Gang calendar for the group. The 2nd annual Marble Falls Main Street Show & Shine was attended by several of the Donuts, also in November. Four Donuts, Tony Adsley, Tom Porter, Richard Haas, and Mickey Greer drove over to Rosenberg, Texas to attend the Grand Opening of our friends' Rich and Linda Rulau's "South Coast Rides" rod and custom shop. Rich debuted his just finished and Goodguy Top Award winner, '65 Nova Long Roof Big Block Chevy Wagon. There were food, drinks, hot rods and fun.

The year 2003 was capped off over at the Greene Estate once again with our Annual Christmas party. Wives and significant others were invited to attend this Don's Bar-B-Q catered event. Everyone brought a dish of their choice with sufficient food both in quality and quantity. What a fine time we all had. Hot rods and customs everywhere, what an outstanding party and what a great successful year for the Donut Gang. Wow, we were busy! It's going to be tough to top '03!

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