History TV Tommy IVO the early years

My RPU first had a Halibrand V8 QC. After twisting off countless axels we went to a Henry's Machine spool and axles. Then, after splitting 3 V8 housings, we switched to a Halibrand Champ QC with 'a spool and '56 Lincoln axles. No more rear end problems, but then it was a new clutch every 3 races, but that's another story.

 

Really great read! Thank you!

 

In around 83, at I-20 Dragway in Tyler, Tx., the "Ivo Show" came to town, only it was really Norm Day, and his racoon pelt, "hat hair". He did have a couple of fairly nice ladies with him (???). They were using the side-glassed transporter, and Norm Day's name had been added very unprofessionally. They made 3 runs that evening, only one was a full, complete pass; one of the others started out in one lane and finished in the other (crossed over) for a MPH only, no ET; I don't remember the remaining run. Maybe some other HAMBER was there? When they staged the car, they were "wiping the tires"; of course, the announcer said it was to clean the tires for traction, when in fact it was kerosene for slippage and smoke. But, at least I got to see the Showboat! I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

Once again, awesome stuff!
Thank you very much for posting all of this!

Bobby

 

And so it begins--

 

So do you still have the 4 engine and now you are moving on to the single or dual?

 

The 4 engine car was sold at auction years ago and in the hands of a private collector. This is a re-pop of Ivo's first dragster with the single Buick engine, Kent Fuller built the new frame and I am doing the body for it

 

Not very pretty as it was later, but I remember it with whitewall Bruces, primer and 6 Strombergs circa 57

 

Fantastic thread! I just finished the book:
"TV" Tommy Ivo: Drag Racing's Master Showman
Book by Tom Cotter
a few weeks ago and this thread was a great complement to that.

 

Around summer of 59/60went to atco nj to see Ivo Prudom match. Ivo had glass side hauler with caddie push car. Predominantly had California blonde. Do not remember who won but great show

 

Fun read for a Christmas day. Thanks for posting.

 

loudbang that was a nice read, thanks!

 

I especially like his first single engine Buick Dragster. Here's some rare video.


painted white with red scallops at minute 24:06

Edit: Oops. Didn't see J Naki's post. Oh well, just consider this a boost to the top for a very cool thread.

 

Dreracecar, that sure looks a lot like Ivo's frame. You wouldn't happen to be building a replica of his first dragster - the single engine Buick, would you???






Oops. Just noticed that I missed post #67. Guess the answer is, "Yes." Yay!

Hope there's a build thread!!!

 

A replica is being built, I am just building the body for the customer

 

Hope you put some pictures up!


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

In 1962, my buddy Keith and I decided to go to the Nationals. We hopped in my 1955 Canadian Pontiac with it's 261 six cylinder and headed off. I think we each had about $40 in out pockets. When we arrived, we had no idea what was going on. We were both wandering around on Wednesday trying to figure out how to get in when Keith called me to say he had found two weekend pit passes. The guy was asking $20 for the pair. We bought them and camped with him, turned out it was Ivo. In our little camping circle was Ivo, Garlits, Phil Hill and Nancy. We just stood back and watched. We were two awestruck young teenagers on the trip of a lifetime.

Warren

 

Man that is one heck of a story. Lucky devil you.

 

In the mid-60's, I was walking along the top end of the strip on the spectator side during Top Fuel qualifying at the Nationals in Indy. I was headed for the pits and was pretty close to the finish line when Tommy made a qualifying run, so I got right up to the fence to watch and I got quite a show. He was making a strong run when the clutch went and cut the car in half. I watched as the chassis and engine went one way, folding like a tinker toy, while the roll cage, Ivo and the slicks rolled like a ball down the strip toward the finish line. It stopped upright in front of me and he just unbuckled, climbed out and stood there waving as though nothing happened!!!

 

Well where are the photos?

 

Found more photos most of Barnstomer but a few mixed years too.











Nice Riv

 

Came across this video of Tommy smoking his tires all the way down the track at bakersville in 1966 LOL. You don't see much of Tommy as it's focused on the giant wheelie of the loser.

Tommy is lined up next to legendary driver “Jungle” Larry Faust in his green “Poison” dragster.

 

Not sure about the bells, they could be truck units????
The in-out box though is ours (Cyclone) as are the safety hubs. More than likely, Cook's Machine Works did the driveline work.
It's the only shop that I know of that's in it original location using the same equipment that machined these parts 57 years ago. .

 

Beginning stages

 

This ^^^^ is going to be GOOD.

 

Found a few more photos in random order.






Setting up for the infamous photo or what?

 

I live about 10 miles from Norm Day. He has a little gas station in Middletown, Indiana. Behind the station he has a building full of cars (probably 10-12). Norm was well known in our area for his speed shop he used to have and the 55 Chevy gasser he used to run. I don't know what he has in the building, but the rumor is that he is going to start a museum of some kind. He still has the gasser and someone said he still has the Ivo's glass sided trailer.

 

Found another

 

great pics - info - Thanks

 

The B&W pic of the 4 engines is of the clone I built