#41  
Old 12-21-2019, 08:48 AM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Most drag racers know that it's a big deal to win your class at the US Nats. As I was lookin thru the Indy SS class winners, on the Drag Race Central site, I noticed that there are a few Pontiacs that have won class and/or RU, several times.

One of these cars is the Phil Monteith 4th gen Bird, which has an alum head 428 engine. It has been driven mostly by Peter Biondo. He has won some NHRA championships with it.

Don Kennedy won his GT/EA class, with a 9.177, in his 428 Sunfire.

Todd Frantz won his GT/FA class, with a 9.188, in his 428 powered Cobalt.

Robert Cruzen got at least 2 GT/AA class wins in a row, in his 428 powered Cobalt. He turned an 8.900 for one of those wins !

Ken Shawver won his class 4 years in a row, from 2003 thru 2006, in his '78 400 powered T/A.

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2003#indextop

In '07, Monte Howard took over the driving duties, doing quite well, winning the Indy Fall Classic that year.

http://www.nhradiv3.com/apcm/APCMvie...4918&print=yes

He won the SS/KA class at Indy, in 2010.

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2010#indextop

Bill Rink won his class several times, with his '74 GTO. In both '18 & '19, Mike Morgan was RU to Bill, makin it an all Pontiac 350 class final !

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2018#indextop

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2019#indextop

Mike had won his SS/MA class in '16. That's the same year Robert Cruzen turned the 8.900, in GT/AA.

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2016#indextop

Another SS class winner was Carroll Warling, in his record holding '74 GA.

As mentioned, the posted DRC records only go back to 1998. So, I don't know know how to locate any older class winner records.


Last edited by ponyakr; 12-21-2019 at 08:53 AM.
  #42  
Old 01-29-2020, 09:19 AM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Well, in the last few weeks, I've been doing a LOT of research about Pontiac powered Stock & SS racing, thru the years.

One thing I learned about the early '60's cars is that I thought the cars which ran classes like, S/S, S/SA, OS/S, & even the very early FX classes were all run in Super Stock.

Not so. Back then, A/S & A/SA were the lowest classes in what was called "Top Stock". B/S & below was called "Junior Stock".

Best I can tell, the Super Stock class was not run, officially, in NHRA, 'til either the '66 or '67 seasons. After that, all Stockers ran together, & all Super Stockers ran together.

Don't know who was running SS, with a Pontiac, in the late '60's. I do know that Mopar was dominating the class. The 1st Pontiac powered SS car I knew anything about, which I've already mentioned in this thread, was the Jack Mullins 389 4-speed wagon, with which he won the Sportsnationals & the US Nats, in '75.

There was also another big wagon that was a nat record holder for a lot of years. Don't know who the owner was, or anything else about the car. Just going by the pics, it must have done a lot of racing. This is the earliest Pontiac powered SS record holder I know of.

I assume that, in the late '60's, lots of Pontiac dealerships were running Pontiacs, in SS. Gay Pontiac had a '67 Bird.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1963 Wagon .jpg
Views:	910
Size:	42.1 KB
ID:	530328   Click image for larger version

Name:	NHRA Nat Record Holder .jpg
Views:	218
Size:	35.1 KB
ID:	530329   Click image for larger version

Name:	Lotta Years .jpg
Views:	213
Size:	27.8 KB
ID:	530330   Click image for larger version

Name:	Roy Gay '67 SS-DA .jpg
Views:	274
Size:	83.5 KB
ID:	530331   Click image for larger version

Name:	Roy Gay  67 Bird .jpg
Views:	266
Size:	45.5 KB
ID:	530332  



Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 09:50 AM.
  #43  
Old 01-29-2020, 09:37 AM
Chief of the 60's Chief of the 60's is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: On the Rez
Posts: 3,233
Default

As a wagon racer myself, I love this car! (needs Cragar SS's though)


  #44  
Old 01-29-2020, 09:44 AM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

We've already mentioned that Truman Fields ran a '72 GTO in SS. I think it was a factory sponsored deal.

Gary Moore also ran SS in '72, with a '72 Formy. He set the speed record, at Amarillo, in '72.

Don Breen was running a '71 Formy in SS. He was mentioned as winning a SS race, in a Lunati ad.

Also have a pic of another '72 SS Formy, with Burnett Pontiac on the side. You can tell this was back before the big tire SS cars. I think the tire rule was that you could run the biggest tire that would fit in the stock wheel well.

Assuming all these cars were running the 455HO engine.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Amarillo World Finals .jpg
Views:	277
Size:	72.6 KB
ID:	530333   Click image for larger version

Name:	Gary Moore Record .jpg
Views:	198
Size:	63.5 KB
ID:	530334   Click image for larger version

Name:	Don Breen SS Win .jpg
Views:	209
Size:	94.2 KB
ID:	530335   Click image for larger version

Name:	Burnett Pontiac '72 Formy .jpg
Views:	336
Size:	49.3 KB
ID:	530336  


Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 09:58 AM.
  #45  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:00 AM
Chief of the 60's Chief of the 60's is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: On the Rez
Posts: 3,233
Default


  #46  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:45 AM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

As mentioned, there were quite a few Pontiac dealerships sponsoring drag cars.

Stan Long Pontiac & Gratiot Auto Supply sponsored a '67 SS Bird, that was driven by Tony Knieper. The car set a SS/FA record. Tony & a younger brother were killed in a towing accident, on the way to a div points race.

Not sure how many Pontiac dealers sponsored SS cars. But there were probably quite a few independent racers running SS Pontiacs. Have a pic of one named Yellow Bird. Gary Moore must have got a little help from a Pontiac dealer, on his '68 Acre Maker II Bird, since there is the name of a Pontiac dealer over the rear tire. All these 1st gen Birds were the early, small tire version.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	67 Record holder .jpg
Views:	291
Size:	46.4 KB
ID:	530339   Click image for larger version

Name:	Stockers Mag .jpg
Views:	233
Size:	94.1 KB
ID:	530341   Click image for larger version

Name:	Yellow Bird .jpg
Views:	225
Size:	44.2 KB
ID:	530342   Click image for larger version

Name:	'68 Yellow SS-FA .jpg
Views:	271
Size:	68.8 KB
ID:	530343   Click image for larger version

Name:	Gary Moore '68 .jpg
Views:	254
Size:	31.1 KB
ID:	530344  



Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 11:09 AM.
  #47  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:39 AM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Just as there were lots of 455HO cars run in Stock & SS, their were quite a few '73 SD455 cars run in Stock & SS.

John Clegg bought one new, and won his Stock class at Indy with it, that same year. He later switched it over to SS. They have restored & updated it, and J.B. ran well into the 9 sec zone, with it.

Bob Michael ran one. Don Kennedy later bought & raced it. A few other names associated with one of these are, Phil Szupka, Bill Foder, Hershlow & Morlock, Glen Tinsley, & Russ Abrams.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	John Clegg.jpg
Views:	272
Size:	103.3 KB
ID:	530349   Click image for larger version

Name:	Bob Michael .jpg
Views:	248
Size:	41.4 KB
ID:	530350   Click image for larger version

Name:	Don Kennedy .jpg
Views:	277
Size:	72.3 KB
ID:	530351   Click image for larger version

Name:	Herslow & Morlock  .jpg
Views:	269
Size:	39.2 KB
ID:	530352   Click image for larger version

Name:	Glen Tinsley .jpg
Views:	238
Size:	45.8 KB
ID:	530353  


  #48  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:57 AM
grandam1979 grandam1979 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ohio, Findlay
Posts: 1,429
Default

How about Russ Abrams? This car used to come to Milan in the 80’s running mid 10’s
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	5CC1198A-E277-453D-8913-8D92E6DDA5E5.jpg
Views:	222
Size:	54.8 KB
ID:	530354   Click image for larger version

Name:	B7B0A71A-C9B1-46F2-A2B6-E3B1FA8DC1A9.jpeg
Views:	202
Size:	22.6 KB
ID:	530356  

  #49  
Old 01-29-2020, 12:09 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Also some SD455 '74 Birds run in SS.

I suppose the most famous, and the 1st one I ever knew of, was the nat record holder raced by H-O Racing Specialties. We saw it at the '78 Cajun Nats. John Clegg bought it. Glen Tinsley drove it some. Then J.B. Clegg drove it for several years. They eventually put a 4-speed in it, & J.B. ran it well into the 9's.

It has already been mentioned that Johnny Duncan ran one.

Another guy associated with one was Tony Reiter.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Up Close .jpg
Views:	250
Size:	49.9 KB
ID:	530358   Click image for larger version

Name:	NHRA Record.jpg
Views:	181
Size:	148.4 KB
ID:	530359   Click image for larger version

Name:	Glen Tinsley & Clegg .jpg
Views:	217
Size:	22.6 KB
ID:	530360   Click image for larger version

Name:	Johnny Duncan  .jpg
Views:	199
Size:	86.8 KB
ID:	530361   Click image for larger version

Name:	Tony Reiter .jpg
Views:	214
Size:	77.8 KB
ID:	530363  


  #50  
Old 01-29-2020, 12:24 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by grandam1979 View Post
How about Russ Abrams? This car used to come to Milan in the 80’s running mid 10’s
Yeah, I mentioned his name, but could only post 5 pics with that post.

Thanks for posting the pics !

The only pic I have of the car Phil Szupka raced is very small. I'll go ahead & post it. Maybe I can get TJ to see if she can make it a little bigger, without makin it too blurred.

If some of you guys have a good way to make a larger, good quality pic of it, please do so.

I think Phil was RU at the US Nats, one year.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil Szupka .jpg
Views:	222
Size:	13.8 KB
ID:	530364   Click image for larger version

Name:	Russ Abrams .jpg
Views:	239
Size:	72.0 KB
ID:	530365   Click image for larger version

Name:	'73 SD455 Bird        Russ Abrams.jpg
Views:	260
Size:	62.4 KB
ID:	530366   Click image for larger version

Name:	Russ Abrams  Big Air .jpg
Views:	259
Size:	60.2 KB
ID:	530367  


Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 12:31 PM.
  #51  
Old 01-29-2020, 12:52 PM
Stan Weiss's Avatar
Stan Weiss Stan Weiss is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 5,000
Default

Phil Szupka raced a number of different cars over the years. SS/JA car

Stan
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil_Szupka.jpg
Views:	198
Size:	35.1 KB
ID:	530373  

__________________
Stan Weiss/World Wide Enterprises
Offering Performance Software Since 1987
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/carfor.htm
David Vizard & Stan Weiss' IOP / Flow / Induction Optimization - Cam Selection Software
http://www.magneticlynx.com/DV
Download FREE 14 Trial IOP / Flow Software
http://www.magneticlynx.com/DV/Flow_..._Day_Trial.php
Pontiac Pump Gas List
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/pont_gas.htm
Using PMD Block and Heads List
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/pont_pmd.htm
  #52  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:13 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Before we leave the SD455 cars, I'll mention that there have been at least one, for sure(don't know how many others), '73 GP that ran an SD455.

I realize that most say that engine only came in Birds. BUT, others have posted that they know of a GP that actually came from the factory with the SD455 engine in it. Don't know if it actually happened or not.

NHRA allows it in the the GP, Lemans, GTO, & GA.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2080

John Clegg ran a GP with the SD455, one year at Indy. It was the feature car on the front of the H-O newsletter one month.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Clegg GP in H-O Paper .jpg
Views:	253
Size:	32.7 KB
ID:	530389  


Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 01:21 PM.
  #53  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:17 PM
Mike Davis's Avatar
Mike Davis Mike Davis is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Athens Ga, or at a NMCA race
Posts: 1,994
Default

Anyone know what happened to the Wilford Blue SS T/A? I have a picture of it at home I will scan tonight.

__________________
66 GTO Nostalgia Super Stock/Street Legal Car
421 CID, stock block, Wenzler Intake, 2- Carter 750 AFB's, 3.90 Gears, Full Factory Interior, Full Exhaust, Stock Suspension 3750LBS 9.77@136.99
Multiple NSCA/NMCA World Champion

66 GTO 389 3x2, 4 speed, 4.33 gear, Montero Red 33K original Miles
67 GTO 2dr Post, 428, Tri Power, 3.55 Gears
80 Trans Am Black SE Y84 W72 WS6
  #54  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:21 PM
Stan Weiss's Avatar
Stan Weiss Stan Weiss is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 5,000
Default

Went looking for a picture of Phil's what I will call gold colored car. That is the one I remember seeing at ATCO when I used to race there back then.

Phil Szupka honored last night
https://www.classracer.com/classforu...ad.php?t=60911

Stan

__________________
Stan Weiss/World Wide Enterprises
Offering Performance Software Since 1987
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/carfor.htm
David Vizard & Stan Weiss' IOP / Flow / Induction Optimization - Cam Selection Software
http://www.magneticlynx.com/DV
Download FREE 14 Trial IOP / Flow Software
http://www.magneticlynx.com/DV/Flow_..._Day_Trial.php
Pontiac Pump Gas List
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/pont_gas.htm
Using PMD Block and Heads List
http://www.magneticlynx.com/carfor/pont_pmd.htm
  #55  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:30 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stan Weiss View Post
Phil Szupka raced a number of different cars over the years. SS/JA car

Stan
Thanks for that pic ! It's one I didn't have.

TJ's photo program couldn't do much with the little pic I had. Must have been at Indy, since there appear to be lots of fans in the grandstands.

The 2nd pic is a better one from the Class Racer Forum.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil Szupka  - Pontiaction.jpg
Views:	207
Size:	39.0 KB
ID:	530390   Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil Szupka Pontiaction .jpg
Views:	237
Size:	39.7 KB
ID:	530391  


Last edited by ponyakr; 01-29-2020 at 01:50 PM.
  #56  
Old 01-29-2020, 02:10 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stan Weiss View Post
Went looking for a picture of Phil's what I will call gold colored car. That is the one I remember seeing at ATCO when I used to race there back then.

Phil Szupka honored last night
https://www.classracer.com/classforu...ad.php?t=60911

Stan
Thanks for that ! I didn't know he was in the Hall of Fame.

The car in the 2nd pic is obviously a '72 GTO.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil Szupka Pontiaction .jpg
Views:	173
Size:	39.7 KB
ID:	530392   Click image for larger version

Name:	Phil Szupka '72 GTO .jpg
Views:	234
Size:	40.1 KB
ID:	530393  

  #57  
Old 01-29-2020, 03:45 PM
sdbob sdbob is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Latrobe,Pa. USA
Posts: 2,538
Default

Sonny Ray ran a 455HO. Couple more but names I cant think of. Arnold Hines did machine work.ohh shoot cant think right now.

  #58  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:52 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdbob View Post
Sonny Ray ran a 455HO. Couple more but names I cant think of. Arnold Hines did machine work.ohh shoot cant think right now.
Yeah, that Sonny Ray car was a nat record holder, & is the winningest GTO SS car I know of. Mentioned it earlier in this thread. Here's the link.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...0&postcount=18
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	'72 Sonny Ray .jpg
Views:	329
Size:	47.1 KB
ID:	530441  

  #59  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:00 PM
Mike Davis's Avatar
Mike Davis Mike Davis is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Athens Ga, or at a NMCA race
Posts: 1,994
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Davis View Post
Anyone know what happened to the Wilford Blue SS T/A? I have a picture of it at home I will scan tonight.
I had it wrong, the guys name was Wilbert Thornton.
Anyone know this car?
What happened to the pic???
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200129_215452217.jpg
Views:	213
Size:	67.1 KB
ID:	530442  

__________________
66 GTO Nostalgia Super Stock/Street Legal Car
421 CID, stock block, Wenzler Intake, 2- Carter 750 AFB's, 3.90 Gears, Full Factory Interior, Full Exhaust, Stock Suspension 3750LBS 9.77@136.99
Multiple NSCA/NMCA World Champion

66 GTO 389 3x2, 4 speed, 4.33 gear, Montero Red 33K original Miles
67 GTO 2dr Post, 428, Tri Power, 3.55 Gears
80 Trans Am Black SE Y84 W72 WS6
  #60  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:11 PM
ponyakr's Avatar
ponyakr ponyakr is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Louisiana
Posts: 7,621
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Davis View Post
Anyone know what happened to the Wilford Blue SS T/A? I have a picture of it at home I will scan tonight.
Are you talkin about the Ken Shawver '78 T/A, that first he, then Monte Howard drove ? The car won class at Indy several times, & qualified at over a sec under it's index, lots of times.

Jack Good has the car now.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Ken Shawver's '78 .jpg
Views:	189
Size:	77.8 KB
ID:	530444   Click image for larger version

Name:	Jack Good  .jpg
Views:	220
Size:	48.5 KB
ID:	530445  

Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:35 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017