The Car Cult From Rumpsville

A couple of years ago the Panthers invited the Long Island Sports Car Club to race on their drag strip. The sports car drivers haven't been back since. "They think we're greaseballs," said Pardi.

"We had hoped for an invitation to Bridgehampton," said Eaton, "but after we wiped them, they didn't even call us up and thank us. I suppose they look down on us because we're 'low class.' "

"Sports car people are snobs," said Herman. "They've got money. They don't know what's going on under the hood."

Despite the snub, the Panthers carry on. There is nothing like a hot rod. "It's a great feeling to know you own a rod," said Pete Hess, 18. "It makes you feel good, feel important. When you get on rods, you think about them all the time."