Optional Super Stock Indy 1961

[troublemaker427]

Travis, thanks for posting. Everything I've been able to find regarding O/SS including period coverage calls it Optional Super Stock or Optional Super Stock Automatic. It appears NHRA created the class on the fly for Indy because of all of the "service packages" that the manufacturers were cranking out at the time.


From what I can tell Strickler & Nicholson were basically running the '62 409-409 engine and the Thompson/Profitt Pontiac was using the 421SD. I also believe the stick Fords had 4-speeds in them. This also explains the Fords winning O/SA with an automatic transmission when they were never factory available behind a 390-401.


NHRA went on to finally recognize "Stock" car records in October 1961 at York. Dave Strickler set the first ever "Super Stock" record at 13.24 @ 106.64. I've actually held this record in my hand as Mike Strickler still has it.