73 replies to this topic

[E1pix]

I think something around the Endurance/LeMans/IMSA cars would be awsome...it's been quite a few years since we have seen Porsche 917K's at the track, and it would great to see some cars from the 70's/80's too (it's always nice to see cars like the 962, Nissan GTP), just loved hearing the turbo chirp again on the Nissan this year.

I sure agree with that! In 2001, we got lucky in attending that year, my first of only two vintage races I've witnessed at RA. I think the Porsche Rennsport at Lime Rock was the following weekend, so tons of GTP cars were at RA, Nissans, many 962s, at least one Schumacher Le Mans Mercedes, etc., etc. It was remarkable.

In 2002, Rahal showed up with his Martini 917K, and as if that wasn't cool enough he was driving the wheels off of it. Brian Redman ran one practice in it also. I shot some pretty good video I need to digitize sometime.

Great Tony A-Z and Rahal photos! I watched Tony in that car, and think it's cool that Bobby used a "period" open face helmet. Great Stuff.

[barrykm]

[quote name='Wayne Fetter' date='Jul 21 2011, 07:22' post='5179590']
I've been working on my class reunion which is this weekend, so the updates will really kick in next week...got some good shots to share. In the mean time, here are a couple more to enjoy:

Bobby Rahal:

1969 Brabham BT-29 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

I have always loved the smooth, sleek lines of this series of Brabhams

[Aero426]

I remember that car-it was an ex-Russ Truelove Mercury. I didn't know that was an attempt at an historic NASCAR display. That's sad, really. I wonder why whomever organized it couldn't get a bigger turnout.

The issues with vintage (pre-1981) stock cars are "how many are available", and "where are they located"? The answer to the first question is, "not a whole lot". These cars were raced, rebodied, raced, maybe rebodied again and raced some more. Most were raced to oblivion. I know of some cars from the 1968 to 1972 golden era that ran for over a decade. Documenting a car with missing or unknown history and without its original panels can be very problematic. My own car was very lucky as it was retired after three seasons intact and kept by the original driver for twenty years. But that is the exception rather than the rule.

As to the second question, there are a lot of old stock cars on the west coast, many of which are owned by... surprise... the guys who run in the Historic Trans-Am group. They are regulars at Sears Point and Monterey, but have not ventured east. Elsewhere in the USA, I can think of no other group of legitimate non-replica cars that are concentrated like that. Everyone is scattered about here and there. There are a number of cars under restoration that will be coming on-stream in the next few years.

[WDH74]

The issues with vintage (pre-1981) stock cars are "how many are available", and "where are they located"? The answer to the first question is, "not a whole lot". These cars were raced, rebodied, raced, maybe rebodied again and raced some more. Most were raced to oblivion.

True, I didn't think of that. Didn't the guys on American Pickers just score an ex-Richard Petty door from a guy who had it in his workshop for forty years? They really were just used and thrown away.

[WDH74]

Grid by William 74, on Flickr

[E1pix]

Nice, WDH!

Saw 'em both in period, still love them now. Awesome.

[Follmer and Posey originally?]

[WDH74]

I don't remember who ran the Javelin-I don't recall seeing a name on it and didn't ask anyone. I thought it was part of the Mark Donohue display last year, and IIRC there was a Follmer car there. The Dodge is an ex-Posey car.

Every so often I see another T/A Challenger, in black with very seventies orange graphics, that I think is another Sam Posey car. I've never managed to get a good photo of it, though!

[E1pix]

On second thought, I think Roy Woods drove that #2 car, and ran the team as well — after Penske left Trans-Am and the factory Javelin program. It seems Follmer's car in '72 was #1, which may have been an omen as he won both the '72 Trans-Am and the '72 Can-Am titles. Quite a year, and the only driver to do so.

"Let George Do It" appeared on decals in the Can-Am, from sponsor L&M I think, and he did do it, twice as nicely.

I don't recall Posey ever running a black Challenger, but maybe....

[RA Historian]

On second thought, I think Roy Woods drove that #2 car, and ran the team as well — after Penske left Trans-Am and the factory Javelin program.
I don't recall Posey ever running a black Challenger, but maybe....

Penske was the factory Javelin team in 1970-71. Roy Woods Racing, then known as American Racing Associates, ran year old Camaros in 1970, then in 1971 got the 1970 works Javelins from Penske. They were rebodied with 1971 bodies, and Woods ran what amounted to an AMC "B" team that year. In 1972 Penske left the Trans Am and the factory mantle passed to Woods.

I do not think Posey ever ran the Challenger in anything but that bright green color.

Tom

[Wayne Fetter]

The 1990 Intrepid GTP as the sun was going down on Saturday...really liked the shadow and lighting at this time of the day:

1990 Chevrolet Intrepid GTP by Tracer-X, on Flickr

[RA Historian]

Fine shot, Wayne. Going up the hill to six?

Tom

[WDH74]

Re: black Challenger. I know I've seen one, but I don't know who was the original driver. I probably put Sam Posey's name on it because I know he drove them in period. I'm reasonably sure I have a shot of it somewhere, I'll see if I can find it. Chances are it's really green.

Meanwhile, here's something else to look at.

Sunoco Camaro by William 74, on Flickr


-WDH

[JacnGille]

Fine shot, Wayne

[Wayne Fetter]

The Intrepid pic was heading up to turn 6. Here are a few more:

Bobby Rahal in the paddock:

Bobby Rahal by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1982 Williams FW08, 1976 March 761 and 1974 Brabham BT-44 in turn 5:

1982 Williams FW08 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1980 Ferrari 312T5 exiting turn 7:

1980 Ferrari 312T5-1 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

Working on the breaks in the Paddock:

Break Pads by Tracer-X, on Flckr

1978 Lotus 79 coming up the hill to turn 6:

1978 Lotus 79 55-1 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1971 Lola T192 F5000 up the hill to turn 6:

1971 Lola T192 F5000-1 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

[Wayne Fetter]

A couple more, also some B&W editing to get a classic effect:

1957 Devin Chevy:

1957 Devin Chevy by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1966 Porsche 910 (closeup color):

1966 Porsche 910 1 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1966 Porsche 910 (same shot, less cropping and B&W,noise treatment):

Porsche 910 2 B+W 2 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

[Wayne Fetter]

A few Classic Porsches and a Mini Wheelin' it through turn 5:

1964 Porsche 356C & 1962 Porsche 356B (B&W):

1964 Porsche 356C - 1962 Porsche 356B-1 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1970 Porsche 914/6:

1970 Porsche 914-6 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1970 Porsche 914/4:

1970 Porsche 914-4 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

1969 Mini Cooper:

1969 Mini Cooper by Tracer-X, on Flickr

[Wayne Fetter]

A few more in B&W:

Bobby Rahal in a 1969 Brabham BT29 leads Joel Quadracci (44) in a like Brabham and Bruce Hamilton (7) in a 1970 Brabham BT30 coming out of turn 5:

1969 Brabham BT29 x2 - 1970 Brabham BT30 by Tracer-X, on Flickr

Paul Swanson in a 1958 Porsche Speedster leads James Jackson in a 1964 Porsche 356SC coming out of turn 5:

1958 Porsche Spdstr - 1964 Porsche 356SC by Tracer-X, on Flickr

John Hertsgaard in a 1959 Formula Jr. heads up the hill toward turn 6:

1959 Formula Junior Spec by Tracer-X, on Flickr

[David McKinney]

Does the Junior have a name?
It looks incredibly advanced for 1959

[Wayne Fetter]

Does the Junior have a name?
It looks incredibly advanced for 1959

I'm not sure of the actual make, the way it was listed in results was 1959 Formula Jr. Spec...maybe RA can shed more light?

[RA Historian]

Entered and listed as a "Special". I took it to be a one-off. It does look a bit like a very sleek Mallock, doesn't it?
Tom

[Red Socks]

Entered and listed as a "Special". I took it to be a one-off. It does look a bit like a very sleek Mallock, doesn't it?
Tom

I'll ask Duncan what he knows tomorrow.

[David McKinney]

Special or not, must be the most advanced 1959 Junior in the world

(Unless of course it's not supposed to be a Formula Junior car. What size engine?)

[E1pix]

Fab Photos, Gents!!!

[proracer1]

The 1973 SCCA DP Championship Jensen Healey was also there.

It was driven by Pat Lind to a first place finish in its class.

The engine was built by Huffaker Engineering (the original owners and drivers).

Jim