1960’s NASCAR Sportsman Circle Track Racers

   These are two of six different race cars I built and raced during the 1960’s. They were NASCAR Sportsman type cars which were very popular and very fast in their time, (500+ hp). The big difference in track times today is tire and chassis technology. The engine I used were 11.5-1 compression, 364 cubic inch small block Chevys. Engine and head work was extensive, with Borg-Warner 4 speed transmissions, full floating Ford 9” rear ends with 4:88 gears for short track.

Saugus Speedway, Saugus Ca, Circa 1969

   I raced primarily at Saugus Speedway, in Saugus, Ca (3/8 mile flat oval), but also ran races at Ascot Park in Gardena (1/2 mile dirt oval), Irwindale Raceway (5/8 mile paved oval), Whitman Stadium in Pacoima (1/2 mile high bank oval), Orange Raceway in San Bernardino (1/4 mile fish bowl), Dave Reeves was Head Wrench on my pit crew until I retired from racing in 1970. I won a track championship at Saugus Speedway in 1968. My very first race car was a 49 Oldsmobile which I ran for a full season before switching over to Chevys. Wish I had all Those 57 Chevys Today! I’d be rich just on the parts we threw away.  

It’s all ancient history now, and all those great race tracks are gone, but building a streetrod today isn’t that much different from building a race car back then. If anything it’s easier because we had to fabricate most of our own chassis components, whereas today you can buy just about any parts you want for any car, all prefabricated & ready to bolt on. Your wallet is your limit. I have to admit I’d rather buy the parts then spend those countless hours making them from scratch.