Original hemi dart information

[pthomasely]

I was 2nd owner of the cuda I bought it from Doug Warren he was sponsored byBill Binko I sold cuda to John ,less engine which I sold to Chick DiNinno

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by pthomasely

I was 2nd owner of the cuda I bought it from Doug Warren he was sponsored byBill Binko I sold cuda to John ,less engine which I sold to Chick DiNinno

Small world! Thanks for the info. More history, your experiences, and pix (if you have any) would be appreciated. Speaking of Chick DeNinno, I used to talk regularly with him on the phone and a few times in person back in the early-mid-1990s thanks to a former job of mine. He's a very amiable guy who always had the time to answer questions I had about drag racing in the 1960s/1970s and was glad to share stories about Ronnie Sox, Sam Auxier, Clyde Hodges, Hemis, the early days of Pro Stock racing, etc. Now, if only I could recall them all!

Here's one story that comes to mind: Back in the mid-to-late-1970s Chick was one of the mechanics with Sox & Martin. I don't recall what track, year or what race but the Hemi engine in the Sox & Martin Pro Stock (circa) 1978 Dodge Challenger wasn't running right one day. Ronnie was a bit perturbed and decided he was going to blow it up on the next pass. I don't recall if Chick told me if he told him that prior to the run or not, but for sure afterwards. On the next pass Ronnie left the Lenco trans in third gear and took that Pro Stock Hemi in his Challenger through the lights at over 10,000 rpm! That the Hemi didn't blow up is amazing. As I'm typing it's coming back to me; I believe the discussion that led to this story was about Hemi egines and high rpm oiling/bearing concerns and/or problems.

I will always have fond memories of those chats with Chick. I can still hear in my mind the voice on the other end of the line when I called his shop: "Fabrication..."

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

M68,

That first photo of 'Check Mate' must be from early-1970.
SS/AA record 10.36. (Set by Don Grotheer in 10/69).

There was an original SS/BA Barracuda from Jacksonville, Florida
'Super Fish',,,,,, I think........Mind blank at the moment.

Canadien Darts;
*) Chinook Dart
*) Demented Dart
*) Dick Panter
*) Gil Clark

Paul, as always, your historical knowledge and information makes great reading and is much appreciated.

Regards,

M68

[Paul Ceasrine]

M68,,
I have to search for a couple of magazines, with photos of the Hemi's
thta some have never seen.

Chick Brignolo, 'Play Thing' Hemi Dart
'Micro-Lube', Hemi Cuda
'Double Trouble', Hemi Cuda

[fatboy1875]

my name is Noah Lutman, my father-in-law was friends/worked with Doug Warren and originally painted "checkmate"! His name is Barry Pell, they worked together at Bill Binko Chrysler. Barry has pictures of the car before paint but not after, and would like to see if anyone has pictures of the car. Thank You!

[Hemi Moose]

Here's a couple of the '68 Hemi Barracuda called 'Checkmate'...