A Biography and Commemoration of his life
By Viola and Jackie Arnett
“This story will be a tribute to my son, Joaquin (Sonny) Arnett III. As life goes on we lose many of the things we love, it is part of living. Our family lost Sonny in a drag racing crash at El Mirage May 7th, 1995. Our family mourns his loss and we will always carry him in our hearts. As anyone knows he was my first-born son and the love of my life. This story is to celebrate his spirit, enthusiasm, love for family and friends and those lives he touched. It is a place to remember him with a smile and remember many of the other qualities that keep him alive in our hearts".
Viola Arnett
It has been over a decade since his death. I am just now able to jot into words some of those thoughts and feelings. We were all deeply touched by his leaving us. We react and mourn differently to losses. I always believed that Sonny would be there. Unlike some of relationships we enter into, a few may come to an end. I never thought I would lose him. He was after all, my brother he was someone that would always be there. My parents thought the same, even with the sport of racing; we did not think the unthinkable. I have wanted to create a place for his memories to made into something tangible that one could visit and have a place to remember him. Share feelings and stories about him if they wish. Or just read quietly and remember.
Our backyard was dad’s garage, yard and the drag strip. Our parents, Joaquin and Viola took both Jackie and Sonny to the races each weekend. Paradise Valley drag strip was a common playground for the two. It was from this environment that Sonny’s’ interest in the sport of racing increased. Sonny played on all sorts of mechanical toys, Joaquin built for him. Including a miniature little truck-like vehicle affection ally called the putt-putt.
In 1982 he began to run the Bean Bandit modified Roadster, in Carlsbad Nostalgic Drags. Sonny’s interest increased in the drag racing sport. Him and his brother Jeff prompted their Dad into the building of a streamliner to run at Bonneville. With this interest and enthusiasm the Bean Bandits were up and running again.
Cindy, Sonny’s wife encouraged this interest and his children were involved and participated in most aspects of the clubs renovation. I have many photos of them at the races and stories of his trips. I hope to include Cindy's memories of the times spent in pursuit of his dream. His Sonny’s’ goal was to go fast.
‘Racing Accomplishments’
Sonny's racing status at the time of his passing included:
With the number 1 streamliner Sonny achieved a class record at El Mirage with an Ardun engine and one month later with the same car joined the 200 Mile Club with a new record. The #2 streamliner was a longer and heavier car. On its first appearance at Bonneville, it made a fast run of 249.083 mph and a new record average speed of 231.046
El Mirage, June 9, 1991 192.010 mph Ardun Ford Motor 240 cu. in. Sonny set new record in #2 streamliner, Class (INAUDIBLE) F/S.
Bonneville Salt Flats, August 18, 1991: One-Way 317.488 mph, #1 streamliner, Class (INAUDIBLE) F/S.\ Blew engine
June 19, 1992 El Mirage broke record at 222mph
July 1992 El Mirage broke record at 227 mph and 232 mph..
July 12, 1992 El Mirage Sonny set a new CFS class record with runs of 222.240 mph and 222.100mph.
Bonneville Salt Flats, #2 streamliner, setting Land Speed Authority record at 231.946 mph average.
First Run 249.083 mph - coasting ran out of fuel
Second Run 214.809 mph - engine broke coming through traps
Sonny ran over 200 mph 32 times at El Mirage since July, 1991 and at Bonneville 10 times.
Commemorative of Past Members
We have lost several very special Bean Bandit club members. It is our intention to honor them and my son with this writing. Some of these members include; former driver, Andrew Ortega, Carlos Ramirez, Mike Nagem.
This page is being develped. Stay tuned..
Ja
