Post 1320 is the only Boy Scouts of America chartered explorer post with motorsports careers as its basis.  Their program has been endorsed by the NHRA, the SCCA, and SEMA.

According to Joe McNally, who, along with his wife Ginny, started the group 20 years ago, the group ’s aim and purpose is to promote professional automotive and racing involvement with teenagers. It teaches teamwork and responsibility, as well as trade skills to those with interest... and the post assists with careers in motorsports and marketing.

“We have created national interest and have some major companies occasionally working with us.  We have given many students hope and career direction,” says Joe.  “To see teens work toward a goal with pride and dedication is, in itself, rewarding.  To see an influx of quality young people coming into motorsports is the industry’s bonus.”

In 1987, Joe, a scout leader, began sponsoring the “special” boys to two or three national events annually.  The program began as a “boy scout extra,” when the idea of giving young people more of what they appreciated—and less of what too many adults thought they should like—worked. 

With help from Joe (a former driver and engine builder), several manufacturers reps, the NHRA, and a few racing teams, the explorer post was formed, as a loosely regimented--but supervised--hot rod club. 

“In 1995, we built an exhibit at the World of Wheels show to promote the companies that had sponsored us.  Not only was it a hit with the crowd, but the boys won the ISCA commercial display of the year award,” say Joe.

The following year, the post cheerfully accepted an offer from Maple Grove Raceway to run the program concession at the NHRA Keystone Nationals.  And, to the delight of the post members, they were visited by Warren and Arlene Johnson, Mike Lewis, John Force, Graham Light, Cory Mack, John Spar, Bunny Burkett, and the Moroso Staff, along with others.

In 2001, the group constructed a 5400 square foot exhibit for the Pennzoil Motorsports Show.  The post had a ‘50’s-‘60’s style malt shop, with Bill Jenkins as their guest in the “parking lot.” 

From there, they had an engine change scene, an early speed shop, a very real dragstrip with two original (borrowed) dragsters from the 1963 Indy Nationals and a garage where the fans could line up for autographs.  Steve Park, Nick Lombardi, Bill Jenkins, Kyle Petty, and many others sat and signed for the fans.

“We are a race against drugs spokes group and have worked on stage with DJ Jay Fertado as part of his program for the above group,” say Joe. 

“And, two of our members, both Eagle Scouts, became NHRA tech interns and worked with Dr. Ken Pyle, then director of youth and education for the NHRA.  We designed, built, and ran the major displays for several Hot Rod Magazine Power Fests and continue to carry the ‘You don’t need drugs message,’” explains Joe.

“I remember when drag racing was viewed by many as the pastime of leather jacketed hoods roaring through the community,” continues Joe.  “Today, it is not only a multi-million dollar sport—it is the only sport to have a youth and education department…and a chartered scout group that reaches out to the teenagers—especially those in need of guidance.”

The post has been a major player in the World of Wheels, the Pennzoil Motorsports Show, the Glenside Car Show, The Heart of Bucks Car Show, The Hot Rod Magazine Power Fests, the LVTA 50th Anniversary Show and the Mid-Atlantic Rod & Custom Show. 

“And, every November we host the Vargo Dragway Annual Event (pictured), that includes a fabulous mix of early race cars, rods, customs, muscle cars and a guest star or two,” says Joe.  “It’s a great day in the country, on a historic site, and it is also our major source of income.” (To learn more about this show, please download the Registration Application that is located at the end of this article.)

Joe mentions that the Motorsports Explorers are always looking for support and welcome new members who have an interest in getting involved in the automotive industry at a young age. 

“Some years down the road, where is my car collection going to go?” he questions.  “Will it be cut up?  Wasted?  Or… can we foster this hobby?”

Joe believes that this group of young men and women can be the major players in the outlook of the motorsports hobby.

For more information on The Motorsports Explorers or their Vargo Dragway show, contact Joe McNally at 215-674-3067. You can download Vargo Show Registration Form here: Vargo Dragway Show

Story edited by: Becky McLaughlin

Please note: Post 1320 is in desperate need of a local garage that will give members a place to call “home.”  The post had called the Willow Grove Navy Base home until 9/11 security rules were enforced. 

“They need a place to put their cars, trophies, pictures—a place to bring their friends,” Joe says.  “We want to keep these kids away from drugs and violence.”

If you know of any available garages, in the Willow Grove, PA area, please contact Joe.