I met Russell Mendez August 1972. He invited me to the drag races in Bristol Tenn. This was the begining of my journey with the Rocket Stars. Russell told me he was going to break the land speed record and be the fastest man in the world. Russell did many exhibition races against the clock. His first (I remember) was in Orlando, FL at Central Florida Dragway May 1973, he went 280mph in 5.38sec. Then July 1973 he ran at DeSota Raceway in Bradenton, FL again his speed was 275mph in 5sec. In August 1973 he broke the record at Mid-American Dragstrip in Muncie, Indiana at 325mph in 5.40sec. In June 1974 he set a record at Lancaster Speedway 212mph in 2.7sec on a one-eight mile track. In June 1974 in Mexico City Raceway he broke their record as well. Russell was everywhere, Drag Racing USA, Sky Magazine, newspapers. In Sept. 1974 he ran at Edmonton International Speedway; ZERO to 321mph in 4.99sec. At New England Dragway he broke their record; UNLIMITED in 5.04sec. I guess he topped a speed that was above their capabilities to register. Russell Mendez, Ramon Alvarez and Glen Blakely were on the floor of every car show you could imagine. This was truely the ultimate race team ever. I'm so proud to have known each and everyone involved theRocket Crusaders.Lovealways