Keener & Mercure on Competition +

[Geerhead55]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

I'd buy a ticket to see that! Are you listening NHRA?
I can Imagine 40+ cars showing up to qualify with lots of new and old teams represented. They just need to get a handle on the rules early so it doesn't get carried away like the current Pro Stock class.

I agree with you Mike, but don't forget,,, before the current rules took affect there was all the "factoring" that went on throughout the '70s and early '80s where the wheelbase/ cubic inch/ Hemi vs evryone, Cleveland vs Chevys and all the brand favoring,, Mopar dropping out, Glidden combos being banned ( remember when he ran a Monza), and other unfair regulations that came about,,, it was nuts!
I'd love to see this eventually happen with the new cars, but theres got to be equal rules for all makes involved. Not too sure that can happen.
Danny Durham

[Michael Beard]

Regardless of what NHRA does or doesn't do with the Factory cars, I'd already thrown out some ideas this winter about showcasing Factory Stock and Factory Pro Stock (SS/AA, SS/AAA) in some heads-up racing at the Northern Class Nationals. To do so would require participation from the racers and the factories. Ford is leading their way in terms of event and racer support for this type of racing. Will Mopar and Chevrolet step up? Will the racers support it?

[joespanova]

I don't know or follow Fletcher.......but he apparently like the "checkmate" name so much he's used it on his own cars.........but I think Mercure was first.

[RonP]

Seems like that snowball is rolling down hill and gaining steam. Similar to the Larry Morgan post on this site and InsideCompRacing.com.
RonP

[modelman1960]

To respond to joespanova, Dan Fletcher's Dad named his Camaro "Checkmate" when the car was 1st raced back in late '68 or '69. Don't know when Mr. Keener and Mr. Mercure put that name on their Camaro.
I remember seeing it in the early 70's when they ran M/P and Gas class, so maybe Mr. Fletcher Senior had it 1st.
Maybe Dan will chime in.
Walt

[TOM KASCH]

Mercure # 1 quifer at Maple Grove:

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by joespanova

I don't know or follow Fletcher.......but he apparently like the "checkmate" name so much he's used it on his own cars.........but I think Mercure was first.

I think you are wrong.
Checkmate was a popular TV show in the early 60's.
First one I remember was John Archambault , A/MP 68 Cuda in Division 1 .
Late 60's ...about the same time as when Dan's car was brand new

[ss wannabee]

Think the 'Cuda came a few years later...Believe John was running the
'Hydrophobia" in the time frame you mentioned....