Gone Gal

Gone Gal

(Since the following article was written, Arlene Oualline has entered modified class racing-and has turned a 12.45-sec. e. t., with a trap speed of 106 mph. The Texas gal is anticipating delivery of a Norton Commando, and, perhaps a trip to Bonneville, Utah, for Speed Week. KdJ

ARLENE Oualline (pronounced Wallcne), is one of the few women in the country who has a chance to make and break drag racing records. For the past year, she has piloted her 750 Norton Atlas to numerous victories throughout South Texas. Without seeing her, it is difficult to envision how she actually out-rides men. Her best lime to date is 12.94. Other motorcycles in her class are quite at a loss when her familiar white trailer and black Atlas appear at the gate. Her competition vehicle is a completely stock 1965 Atlas with none of the weight removed. When her machine is running well, she is able to turn in the low 13s without fail. Her only slight advantage over other Nortons is a new set of concentric Amals. There is also her ability to induce the ultimate performance out of an otherwise strictly touring motorcycle.

Arlene also is the mother of three children, two girls and a boy. Her husband, Jack, initiated her to motorcycle riding first on a Super Hawk and later on a usetl Norton. Arlene says her enthusiasm for controlled speed began when her brother let her test drive some of his sports cars. The motorcycles are now an extension of that past enjoyment. Even today she maintains a preference for European motor products. Her riding ability is enhanced by riding daily her own personal Ducati dirt bike on and off the road.

Oil paintings decorate the Oualline household in San Antonio, Tex. Arlene, who has been painting since high school, has sold several of her works to members of the community. Presently, she plans a motorcycle sculpture consisting of parts that have been replaced on the bike. It should be quite interesting to see a rkler’s interpretation of her own machine from her viewpoint as an artist.

Ray Krumm is the local Norton dealer. His sponsorship and repair work have made it possible for her to compete. Arlene keeps Ray’s books during the week and sometimes acts as a saleswoman. She has sold a number of bikes in her own right.

A striking shock of shoulder-length blonde hair, peeking out from a gokl metalflake helmet, along with a pert white leather jacket, over which she displays her dealer’s colors, never disguise her femininity. At first there were a great many skeptics among the more experienced riders. Now they have come to respect and treat her as an equal, an honor accorded only a select few winners, and rarely a woman.

Her list of victories includes the Spring Nationals in Odessa, l ex. She has won over 300 class titles. When her 50 trophies got to be too much to handle, she began to alternate trophies and the cash equivalent, something the perpetual winners usually do. Her primary racing grounds are San Antonio, Austin, San Angelo, Dallas, Houston, and Victoria in Texas. She has won in all those cities. Plans are now being made for a trip to the Spring Nationals in Tennessee. She plans to win. ■