70's & 80's Pro Stockers

[Dan Bennett]

Originally Posted by a990hemi

Wisconsin Pro Stock racer Larry Peternel campaigned a very unique Chrysler Imperial back in the early 80s.

You had to admire Peternel's determination to race. The last few times I saw him, he had a GM F-body in a well used Chapparal trailer. The wheelie bars were two piece; he'd unbolt the back half so he could get the trailer door shut. Just about everytime I saw the guy race, he was absolutely a one man team. Others had crews all over the starting line, but Larry managed to get in the water, do his burnout, and stage properly all by himself.

I always liked the "off the wall" cars even though they were seldom competitive. The Gapp & Roush Taxi is about the only one I can think of that did very well.

A neat pairing would have been the "Beyond Criticism" Cadillac Eldorado in the other lane, though I'm not sure if the cars were being raced at exactly the same time.

The Eldo carried a bunch of gold plating. I saw it get wrecked heavily at Gateway with Ed Dixon at the controls and I'm thinking that was the end of it. As I remember, the car was based out of Florida by Global Industries or something like that.

[mopar68]

(Bob Plumer photo)

M68

[Rich Erickson]

[QUOTE=Dan Bennett;358566]You had to admire Peternel's determination to race. The last few times I saw him, he had a GM F-body in a well used Chapparal trailer. The wheelie bars were two piece; he'd unbolt the back half so he could get the trailer door shut. Just about everytime I saw the guy race, he was absolutely a one man team. Others had crews all over the starting line, but Larry managed to get in the water, do his burnout, and stage properly all by himself.

Thanks Dan. Larry, as most who know him is one of the true innovators. He used a camper special converted ramp truck that was pretty trick. Really looked out of place with all the 18 wheelers. His main crew guys Paul and Steve are very sharp. It's shame they raced on a shoe string budget. Larry could use our thoughts and prayers right now. He just got released from Mayo in Rochester today and is far from out of the woods.

[71Dartman440]

[71Dartman440]

From a post on Yellowbullet: Geremy Glass wrote "This is my dad's friend, Floyd Williams, testing out his car at his service shop.

He ran pro stock back in the 70s. He qualified 2nd to Bob Glidden at Indy one year. He raced the Williams/McEwen pinto.

He was a legend in SE michigan. Im sure some members here remember him from detroit dragway, ubly, etc."


In seeing this picture, it sure captures the 70's when many a car were built, wrenched, and tuned in gas stations, home garages, small shops, etc. and maybe even run up and down the street a time or two...very cool picture!

[Brett Rose]

This is a pic of the ex- Cotton Pony of Bunny Burkett, and I believe an ex- Vindicator of Drake Viscome. This was the Mr. Preston Pro Stock Pinto belonging to Preston Whitacre out of Winchester, VA. His son Patrick sent me this pic a while back. I think he said this car used a 427 Tunnel Port for power.

[Charlie A]

Originally Posted by Brett Rose

This is a pic of the ex- Cotton Pony of Bunny Burkett, and I believe an ex- Vindicator of Drake Viscome. This was the Mr. Preston Pro Stock Pinto belonging to Preston Whitacre out of Winchester, VA. His son Patrick sent me this pic a while back. I think he said this car used a 427 Tunnel Port for power.

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by 71Dartman440

In seeing this picture, it sure captures the 70's when many a car were built, wrenched, and tuned in gas stations, home garages, small shops, etc. and maybe even run up and down the street a time or two...very cool picture!

That's one main reason why that era was so great.

M68

[mopar68]

Anyone know whose Maverick this is?






M68

[mopar68]

M68