9 replies to this topic

[HDonaldCapps]

Here is a request that has been passed on to me that someone here might be able to assist with:

I am contacting you hoping you can help me locate information and documents (including sources) for the American Challenge Cup 250 at Daytona International Speedway, specifically for 1962 through 1965.

I am seeking racing programs for that event for the years 1962, 1963, and 1965. If not the programs themselves, then color copies of articles from the program pertaining to that event to include the cover of the program.

In addition, I am trying to locate OFFICIAL entry lists for that event for the years 1962 - 1965.

Finally, I am looking for documentation and the source of said documentation pertaining to the American Challenge Cup 250 being an FIA sanctioned event, and an international event in the years 1962 - 1965.

[HistoricMustang]

Isn't this a simply wonderful photograph?

Also, does anyone have additional information on the pole sitting Paul Goldsmith Tempest? It must have been a rocket to handle all the 'vettes.

And, information on the other cars and drivers listed would be appreciated.

Henry

http://www.tamsoldra...onaPaceLap.html

[Jerry Entin]

The only problem with the photo is that it shows not the start of the February 16, 1963 American Challenge Cup, but the start of the Daytona 3-hour Continental held the next day. And the only reason Paul Goldsmith had the pole was because he had the biggest engine, a 6.9-liter Ray Nichels tuned Pontiac.

all research Willem Oosthoek.

[tam999]

Sorry for the mixup with the Daytona photo and a big thank you to Willem for catching it. I fixed the page:

http://www.tamsoldra...onaPaceLap.html

Tam

[Basic GPa]

I know this thread is a little old, but I am doing some research into the 1963 Daytona American Challenge race and in particular Paul Goldsmith's Tempest SD and Marvin Panch's accident. Does anyone have any information they can share on the race, tempest or accident? I am looking for pictures in particular.

Looking through the various sources and links, I note that there are some photos attributed to Flip Schulke, who is listed as having passed. Are his photos represented by anyone? Does anyone have any contact information?

To the poster who asked about additional information on the Tempest, Pete McCarthy's book on Pontiac performance has some. There are excerpts on this site: http://www.1963pontiac.com/book.htm. Look at the three pictures on the left of the fourth row. I have spoken to Pete, who has been very helpful. His book is an excellent read on Pontiac Performance and has been refered to as the "bible" on the subject of Pontiac racing. He is self published and the book is available at: http://www.petemccarthy.com/

The post that started the tread was looking for information on the American Cjhallenge races. There is some posted on another message bourd, but I suspect it was posted by the same person looking for information here. They identify themselves as "aicdallas". If this requestor is not connected, I can furnish what I know, but I didn't want to bog down this site with redundant information.

Thanks

Mike

[Jerry Entin]

Paul Goldsmith's Pontiac Tempest

The February 17, 1963 issue of the Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal published this unusual color shot of Paul Goldsmith's 421 c.i. Pontiac lapping David Piper's GTO in the early goings of the rain-soaked 250-mile American Challenge Cup.

The newspaper provided some interesting background details on the car and its driver. As a motorcyclist Goldsmith had won his first victory at Daytona's beach course in 1953, a 200-mile National sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association. In 1958 he won the last stock car race held at Daytona's beach in a Pontiac tuned by Smokey Yunick.

After winning the Challenge Cup in 1963 Goldsmith collected $6,500 of the $20,000 purse. He remarked that in the wet the Pontiac had the advantage of weight, 3,200 pounds versus 2,840 pounds for the Sting Rays and even lighter loads for the GTOs. In spite of that, Goldsmith went into a number of slides, primarily caused by the white lane stripes, which were extremely slick. The driest part of the track was the top lane next to the Armco barrier.

The Pontiac Tempest was built by Ray Nichels of Highland, Indiana. It was equipped with two four-barrel Carter carburetors and used a semi-automatic transmission. Goldsmith had to use the clutch only at the start, after that he just shifted gears for the entire race.

A.J. Foyt finished second in a 327 c.i. Sting Ray entered by Nickey Chevrolet, two laps down. Bill Krause was third, four laps behind Foyt in one of Mickey Thompson's experimental 427 c.i. Sting Rays. Fireball Roberts and David Piper finished next in Ferrari GTOs.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 23 July 2009 - 00:34.

[Basic GPa]

Jerry,

Thanks so much, would you have a copy of the complete article I could review?

Mike

[Jerry Entin]

Mike; The article is on its way by mail.

[roamic]

<The February 17, 1963 issue of the Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal published this unusual color shot of Paul Goldsmith's 421 c.i. Pontiac lapping David Piper's GTO in the early goings of the rain-soaked 250-mile American Challenge Cup.



After winning the Challenge Cup in 1963 Goldsmith collected $6,500 of the $20,000 purse.


A.J. Foyt finished second in a 327 c.i. Sting Ray entered by Nickey Chevrolet, two laps down. Bill Krause was third, four laps behind Foyt in one of Mickey Thompson's experimental 427 c.i. Sting Rays. Fireball Roberts and David Piper finished next in Ferrari GTOs.>

Page 35 of the Cobra Ferrari Wars shows the result of the Daytona Continental on Feb 17th as

1. Pedro Rodgriguez GTO
2. Roger Penske GTO
3. Dick Thompson Corvette
4. Dave MacDonald Cobra

But it shows the same picture as Tam's Race Car site.


Two different races?

But my question has always been about the order of that photograph?

There's a 62 Corvette on the outside of the 2nd row and another on the inside of the 5th row.

They're both ahead of all the Cobras and Ferraris.

If the pole was determined by displacement, then why is the 289 Cobra ahead of several 327 Corvettes?

Just curious.

[Basic GPa]

There were two races. Goldsmith won the American Challenge Cup on Saturday. Rodgriguez won Sunday's Continental Three Hour. Goldsmith also ran in the Sunday race, but was a DNF early with fuel pump trouble. Mike