I dont remember Hands ever running M/P . He was E/G as I remember it but its been a long time since those days.
Easiest way to tell Modified Production is to look for the bumpers. I know there's more to it than that, but it's a place to start. And they weren't all Tri 5 Chevys, although Carroll Caudle did pretty well in the class. So did some other folks. Larry T
I ran a 65,327 powered Chevelle in D/MP for trophies my tow car for the C/SM The tow car ran 11.00 at 108
/MP were my favorite classes back then. They seemed closer to real life hotrods that we drove than the big time gassers of the same era but I loved them both!!
Back during the day these were the cars we drove on the streets. I thought 55 chevys came from the factory without front bumpers. Just think if someone had saved all those bumpers they sure could cash in today. Great post. I spent alot of time at the Sand Valley drag strip in Okla City before going overseas. Thanks for the memories.
"Dyno Don" Paul Harvey Ford A/MP 65 Mustang SSDI sept69 Photo MP Falcons 63&64 Bill Coon B/MSP 57 T-Bird
Modified Production classes started in 1964. The following is taken from the 1964 NHRA rulebook: < III. MODIFIED PRODUCTION SECTION The Modified Production section is for 'dual-purpose' cars, to fill the gap between Stock automobile and the Gas coupes/sedans. Cars in this section must be capable of being driven on the street. Bodies, engines, drive trains, chassis, etc. may not be altered, modified, or relocated, except as noted in class requirements. Push starts will not be permitted. BODY: Must have a passenger car body originally produced by an American automobile manufacturer. Moderate customizing is permitted. Bodies may be chopped, channeled or sectioned not more than four (4) inches total height reduction. Rollbar will be required with any of the above modifications. Bodies cannot otherwise be altered in height, width, length or contour. Roll bars are required in all convertibles in A/MP and B/MP. Removal of any body or fender panels or bracing not permitted. Use of fiberglass and/or aluminum not permitted unless originally factory equipped for body used. Production sports cars, pick-ups, Ranchero, El Camino, etc. may compete in this division. All cars in this division must have fully operative mechanical doorhandles to permit exit and/or entrance from either side. Bodies and/or frames may not be raised to gain weight transfer. ENGINES: Automobile engines required. However, year, make, and model are optional. Engines are limited to two four-barrel, or three two-barrel carburetors maximum. No fuel injection units will be permitted. Any modifications may be made to the engine and/or component parts, including clutch and flywheel. No more than one engine permitted. Engine setback is not allowed. Engine may not be raised. Rear engine location is not permitted in this section unless it is an originally produced/manufactured rear-engine car retaining the original engine. HOOD: Required on all cars in this section. All carburetors must be covered by the hood, a bubble, or a scoop which must be part of the hood."
Also from the 1964 NHRA rulebook in the Modified Production section: "BUMPERS: Stock front and rear bumpers are required. FIREWALLS: Firewalls may not be altered or changed to allow engine conversions. UPHOLSTERY: Interiors may not be gutted. Must run full upholstery, equivalent to factory specifications. Floor mats optional. Bucket seats may replace stock seats (two required), only if they are fully upholstered. Rear seats are optional. Factory type upholstery and/or paneling must be used in lieu of the above."
Sorry ... This poor-quality image is from forty-five-year-old 8mm movie film. Sam Farace ... Capitol Raceway Park 1964
Ran this car throughout the 70s. Photo is at Connecticut Dragway Sept 1977. Sits in the shop in this condition today.
The Jalopy Journal
