Every year when the US Nationals race comes around, I suppose it brings up thoughts & memories of past US Nats, for most class racers & their fans.
Those who have actually participated in one or more of the races will probably think back on things that happened to them in a particular year, or several years.
For those of us who have never been a participant or even attended an event, we might think back to what some of our favorite drivers or cars did, at one or more particular races.
Since I've never been, and ESPECIALLY because I'm a Pontiac Freek, I always think back on what Pontiac V8 powered cars have done, during the history of the big race.
This year has been no exception. I immediately think of my 1st Pontiac hero, Truman Fields & his '73 Stock win & '77 Class win.
Then I think of that '68 Bird that won in '73, winning again in '77, with Mike McKinney driving.
Next I think of '74 when Al Vanis won Stock, in a '74 Ventura & Rock Running won his class in a '74 GTO.
Next I usually think of Mick Leiferman who was Stock RU 3 years running in his '71 GTO record holder.
Then I think of my 2nd Pontiac hero, Jack Mullins, who won SS in '75, beating Miss Mighty Mopar, Judy Lilly, in the final.
Next I usually go back to the early years, remembering the early '60's Pontiacs that either won the race or at least their class. 2 of these drivers are always Lloyd & Carol Cox. I always think of Lloyd winning the A/FX class in '62 & Carol winning the S/SA class.
One Pontiac win that many younger folks may not even be aware of is the Top Dragster class, at the '62 Indy race. There was no Top Fuel class. These dragsters were the quickest cars in competition that year.
The final pitted famous dragster driver Don Garlits against a Mickey Thompson Pontiac powered dragster driven by Jack Chrisman.
The Pontiac powered dragster won the race ! I think that is a VERY big deal. I assume it is the ONLY Indy race a Pontiac powered dragster ever won. If I'm wrong, somebody can post the correct info.
https://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/...ine-dragsters/
I don't think there has been another Pontiac V8 powered win since '77, in Stock or SS. If I'm wrong. somebody please post the correct info.
But, there have been LOTS of Pontiac powered class wins. And, I know for sure there was at least one #1 qualifier in SS, when Ken Shawver did it, in his '78 T/A.
Would love to know of any other Pontiac V8 powered #1 qualifiers, if there were any. ???
