Car pics too cool not to share
- Thread starter Squatch
- Start date
March 24, 1970 – Buddy Baker breaks 200 MPH barrier on closed circuit
Buddy Baker arrived at Alabama International Motor Speedway on this day in 1970 after a morning of skeet shooting. He wasn’t there to race, however. Chrysler tapped him for testing as part of the ongoing Daytona program from Dodge. However, engineers knew that Baker would likely break the 200 mph closed circuit speed barrier during his runs that day, as it had been nearly snapped in recent attempts. To ensure any records went down in the official history books, chief NASCAR timer and scorer Joe Epton brought his timing equipment to Talladega to track Baker.
Despite heavy rains the night before, the track dried up by mid afternoon, allowing the testing to move forward. Baker was glad, as he was ready to head to the fishing hole after waiting around all day. With Epton’s tools ready to record, Baker jumped in the driver’s seat of his ’69 Dodge Charger Daytona.
Top: Baker driving his Dodge during testing on March 24, 1970. (Chrysler) Above: Engineers working on the vehicle during testing. (Chrysler)
Dodge Daytona hits 200 mph
After hitting speeds around 195 mph, Baker found his groove. On the 30th lap of testing, he recorded a lap speed of 200.096. He broke the barrier. He would officially be known as the first person to break the 200 mph mark on a closed track. The team flagged Buddy to share the good news. After a short celebration, they sent him back out on the track, as engineer Larry Rathgeb reminded him, today he was a test driver for the Daytona program. By the end of the day, Baker bettered his speed twice. He ultimately recorded a speed of 200.447 MPH.Baker later recalled, as written in, Flat Out and Half Turned Over – Tales From Pit Road with Buddy Baker, “Dodge picked me to run the first official 200 mph lap at Talladega. We had all run 200 mph before, but not officially. When they did pick me to be the one, there was a lot of bellyaching from the rest of the guys driving Dodges. We got a lot of press. It wasn’t a big deal for me back then, but it became a big part of my life.”
Kiwi TJ
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute
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That right there is scary to me, as in I don't think I'd drive it, at least not as it is intended to be driven. Shear some teeth and loose a sack. Just nooo.
Yeah thats why I post the pic... you gotta have balls to sit there (no Pun intended haha)
Kiwi TJ
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
There's a pic that will mess with us in America. A hot Rod with the passenger driving.
On that note, @Kiwi TJ how many of those cars do you think are RHD conversions vs factory RHD cars?
There are a few that are converted... just easier to get it road legal and to go through a drive-thru
427 "Cammer"/ 4-speed powered '69 Mustang
OP
I have come to realize that I really like vintage hot rods that have been painted gold. That one there ^^^ is sharp!
Found a closed course list.
US Speedways/Superspeedways
March 1970: Buddy Baker, Talladega, 200.447 mph
November 1970: Bobby Isaac, Talladega, 201.104 mph
1972: Jerry Grant, Ontario, 201.414 mph
1972: Bobby Unser, Ontario, 201.965 mph
April 1973: Bobby Unser, Texas World Speedway, 212.766 mph
October 1973: Mario Andretti, TWS, 214.158 mph
August 1974: AJ Foyt, Talladega, 217.584 mph
August 1975: Mark Donohue, Talladega, 221.160 mph
August 1986: Rick Mears, Michigan, 223.401 mph
Novembre 1986: Rick Mears, Michigan, 233.934 mph
1993: Mario Andretti, Michigan, 234.275 mph
1996: Jimmy Vasser, Michigan, 234.665 mph
1996: Arie Luyendyk, Indianapolis, 237.498 mph
1997: Maurizio Gugelmin, California, 240.942 mph
2000: Gil de Ferran, California, 241.428 mph
Other tracks
1979: Liebold, Nardo, Mercedes C111-IV, 250.959 mph
1987: AJ Foyt. Fort Stockton, oldsmobile aerotech, 257.123 mph
I really liked the whole LOOK & layout of it. It'd be something I could see myself trying to build.
OP
My second-favorite Ford of all time (the '56 Vicky being the first), and my third favorite car, overall. The '60 Ford is often referred to as the "forgotten Ford".
Speaking of car repairs, how many of you have been involved with cars repaired using these. BTW, I hear the big highway signs make great VW/sand rail floor.
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A buddy in high school had a '72 Nova that looked like this inside the cabin and trunk.
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The last thing you want in a sand rail is a solid floor !
The last thing you want in a sand rail is a solid floor !
Interesting, we run 'em here. Maybe it's because we're more likely traveling over gravel and sticks too.