Towards the end of Modified Eliminator’s existence the team switched to a C-2 Corvette still named Checkmate. Here Mercure makes a run in 11 lb. per CID G/Gas at the Popular Hot Rodding Championships, Martin, Michigan. (Jim Hill photo)
Jim Warter’s Joint Venture C-2 Corvette was built for dual purpose racing, as a Gasser, in Modified Eliminator, or for Comp Eliminator, in D/Altered. The wheelstanding ‘Vette was highly successful in both, and Warter traveled far and wide to race. Here he leaves, wheels-up at the NHRA Nationals, running in D/Altered. (Photo by Jim Hill) Heating the tires was an important ritual with all doorslammer racers. HereTom Turner and crew collaborate to thoroughly toast the slicks at the NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA. Turner was a standout NW racer. (Photo from the Jim Hill Collection, originally used in ‘Vette Magazine)
Lynley Isonhood’s ’63 split-window Corvette ran an injected small-block Chevy in E/Gas. With engines and tuning from Baytown, Texas’ The Wop Shop, Isonhood’s bright red ‘Vette was a Southwest killer in Modified Eliminator. (Photo from The Jim Hill Collection) For several years Dick Maris ran this Corvette in Gas classes, and later switched to D/Altered. Maris became a force in Competition Eliminator with his small-block Chevy and five-speed trans. (Jim Hill photo) Back again at Arizona’s Bee Line Dragway with this C-1 Corvette. Note mile-high straight front axle stance, American mag wheels and skyscraper hood scoop!
Loudbang the yellow Vette above was posted by a Hamber that has a shop in Arizona I believe. It was built and driven by his dad. I emailed him back and forth a few times but cannot remember his name. The car ran in altered mainly and was pretty competitive in Northern Cal I believe. It met the fate of more than a couple of these cars and was wadded up although gladly his dad was not seriously injured in the crash.
Pretty sure it somewhere, painted red with white coves fully documented and the owner saying all stock and original. jp
Yeah, those plastic cars don't crinkle up well. So glad there was no serious injury as that isn't often the case with these cars. Chuck's Speed Center is a class act in Phoenix, AZ.
It is not the plastic that scares me as they have a decent frame underneath and the plastic can release some of the energy, it is the stock steering column that act as a spear with a frontal impact. This car had some protection in the way of a rollbar but the front axle change may have helped avoid injury as the geometry and/or steering box may have been changed. If I remember correctly the son of the owner wanted to know if anyone had any pieces of the car (such as that good door) that he could give to his dad. Not much left to restore but as JP says someone could "restore" the car if they found a VIN plate and a title. Just pretend it was a fuelie with some made up provenance and you would be good to go.
If you needed Schiefer clutch help on the West Coast, Earl Ritchey was your man! Schiefer’s factory rep Ritchey ran this E/Gas C2 Corvette in Modified on his off weekends. Marrs Boys later ran this C2 Corvette with blown Chevy power for C/Gas Supercharged. Blair’s Speed Shops, popular So-Cal hot rod parts sellers were sponsors along with Jardine Headers.
Finally found a batch. Nelson Cohen So there actually were some spindle mounts back then LOL The big John repop Vendetta II
Hi, Doug- I tried sending you a PM but it looks like its turned off. Can you message me. I have a question for you, thanks.
I have to admit and to be honest with you all, this car and a few others inspired me to build mine, I love the fact that its already so beat up and by looking at the cars in the background it is a very old picture, if I could have history on this car and couple of others would be awesome. jp
Modified Eliminator and Modified Production were where all the action was back in the 60's and mid 70's Just hearing the cars leaving the line at over 6,000 rpm was enough to bring everyone running from the pits to watch. Jimbo
And if you were lucky to get a spot by the fence getting heart vibrations when they came by on the return road open headers sending out BIG VIBRATIONS.
Hi guys...haven't been around in a while. Thought some of you would like to see the latest evolution of the Heart Breaker Corvette. I race in Outlaw Gas around the Southeast & am having a blast!
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