Pix of my B-Body Race Car from 1968

[Mike Gaines]

I think I might have posted this pix some time ago....but wanted to share it again.
This picture was taken in 1968 ( I was 26 at the time ) showing my Altered Wheel Base Hilborn Injected Nitromethane burning Funny Car. (15" Rear Altered Wheel Base, Frt Wheels moved 10" forward with tube straight Axle and Engine Set Back a full 26") I did 100% of the work myself in the back room garage of my Speed Shop. I matched raced it almost every weekend during 1967 and 1968 thruout Illinois and Missouri. I was NEVER a famous Racer but I was doing the same thing as all the great ones were doing. I did have a great time during 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 as I earned my living selling speed parts at my Speed Shop during the week and racing almost every weekend during the spring, summer and early fall.

View attachment 363542

 

[streetwedg]

That's really cool. I was still playing with matchbox and hot wheels in 1968

 

[Rick Carson]

I was ten in 68,I thought a funny car was something that clowns drove.Boy was I ever suprised when I was older... like eleven!

 

[Campbell]

The mini steering wheel is great!! Does it help without power steering??

 

[Torkmnstr]

That's awesome, what were you turning back then?

 

[440+6]

I was born in 61 so I missed what I consider the best years of racing, and you got to live it Mike! Must be some really great memories.
And the kicker is that your still at it, good for you.

 

[Mike Gaines]

That's awesome, what were you turning back then?

The car ran pretty consistant high 9's @ low 140's

 

[khryslerkid]

I was NEVER a famous Racer

I think I heard of you once or twice. Lol

Thanks for sharing Mike!

 

[Budnicks]

Cool photos Mike

Where was those taken, what tracks ?
I see you said Ill. & Missouri area...

When did you move out to Bakersfield area ?
And did you race out here in the 60's 70's at all ?

You got anymore old photos that you haven't posted already ?,
I always especially like seeing old vintage drag cars/photos,
especially from another state or parts of the country...

 

[fwi]

I too am wondering about that little steering wheel....does a small wheel make it easier to keep it straight than a larger one?

Also, I may have already posted the following link, but it's a great one full of old drag racing photos:
http://georgeklass.net/super-stock.html

 

[Pistol Pete]

That's quite the chin spoiler there.

Nice pics.

 

[Mike Gaines]

The mini steering wheel is great!! Does it help without power steering??

I only had room for that little steering wheel and actually it worked just fine....didn't have to make u-turns or anything like that...lol

 

[Mike Gaines]

Cool photos Mike

Where was those taken, what tracks ?
I see you said Ill. & Missouri area...

When did you move out to Bakersfield area ?
And did you race out here in the 60's 70's at all ?

You got anymore old photos that you haven't posted already ?,
I always especially like seeing old vintage drag cars/photos,
especially from another state or parts of the country...

Bud.. That pix was taken at Mid America Raceway in Winceville MO (St Louis suburb). I moved Southern CA in 1970 and did not start drag racing again until a couple years ago with my 66 Coronet (my current car). I moved to Central CA about the year 2000.
I was very active in NHRA Drag Racing from 1971 to 1978 when I worked for FENTON Wheel Company....we were NHRA Major Sponsors and I was in charge of the Racing Program and attended every NHRA National Race during that time working with the Racers who were running our wheels.

 

[Car Nut]

Wow!

 

[kiwigtx]

Very cool Mike...I was just searching pictures to help another member and found this one linked to "pinterest"

 

[Mike Gaines]

Very cool Mike...I was just searching pictures to help another member and found this one linked to "pinterest"
View attachment 363771

KiwiGTX... Yep, that picture gets around various internet sites about the formative years of Funny Car Racing my car was pretty representative of the direction everyone was taking.