Thank you Chuck thats a big help. I know there was a ‘Bob Taylor’ who raced a rail called ‘Red Hoss’....but have no idea if this was the same guy. I agree, Mandella won 64, after Abraham won 63 in a Pontiac
Just got this last night..... Mr David McKenna writes - “A/SA Max Wedge , push button automatic. Bod Taylor drove this car to A/SA class win at Indy in 1965. Bob sold the car to Bill Abraham who set the National Record in 1966 . Arlen Vanke tuned the 63 in 66. My dad driving the Bob Taylor / Vanke - Abraham wagon. My father found it in a barn and bought it . The car is tucked away in a heated garage in N.E. Ohio.“
In 1963 Ronnie ran Abraham's Pontiac for the class title and that pairing was included in the televised ABC Sports coverage that aired on Wide World of Sports. Pretty heady stuff for those of us who were not accustomed to TV coverage of drag racing unless someone was killed street racing.
While we're talking Chuck - do you know who Don Gay raced for the 64 A/S title? I believe Gay got the trophy but was later DQ’d for illegal mufflers....but have no clue who he raced....
I believe it was the 1962 409/409 Belair Chevy Called the "NorthWind" but they were DQed for the lack of front bumper brackets out of Pa. I don't remember the drivers name. but I think they had something to do with Jenkins Competition. Gay's mufflers were something like 1 inch to short for the DQ !
Assuming that Terry Bell is correct (I have no basis nor interest in disputing his memory), the driver of the "Northwind" bubble-top 409 was Joe Gardner. All this (and more) was hashed out on the Facebook page, Junior Stock Memories, several years ago. If the winner and runner-up were both disqualified, the record would show no names, only the tag, "DQ."
After being put away in 1973, the historic Legal Cheater has been brought out in the sunlight. The owner/caretaker has passed away and it will be for sale. PM for info. I saw this car run in 1971 and it is a time capsule. NHRA record holder, Winternational's class winner. Car last ran I/SA. Rear wheels are not HAMB friendly, It is not tubbed. CAR IS SOLD. Iconic. CAR IS SOLD.
Just a few hose clamps on the blower hose! Sure there's better hose out there now. And of course, it's the Model 57 Ford I happen to like. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Thanks Terry, I know my eyesight isn't what it used to be but I did think it an odd looking "jr. stocker" Pat
I am trying to find Don Mc Elroy - he raced Chevys in Michigan in the 70's and won many titles with stockers. He had an accident in 1986 and may have moved to Washington State. Thanks Roger 224 858 4279