Kevin reports that his racing schedule will be expanded in 2004 to include more Nostalgia Super Stock events, as well as the popular Eastern Canadian Can-Am Stock/Super Stock series. Primary sponsorship comes from Karbelt Pickering (Ontario), which during 2003 celebrated its 52nd year of operation. Kevin's love for Mopars also pours over into the street-he has owned a Hemi-powered '69 GTX since his high school days.
Las Vegas Lever
Nevada's Skip Loeffler is regarded as one of the up-and-coming names within the ranks of SS/AA class racing. Since he first came on the scene in 2002, Loeffler has been making steady progress fine-tuning and picking up the pace driving his impeccably prepared Hemi-powered '68 Dodge Dart.
In contrast to many entries that are original factory race cars, Loeffler's car was originally street driven. After acquiring it for $500, he and chassis builder Phil Mandella (California) set to work over a three year period converting it into its present engineering marvel.
"I didn't have the heart to cut up an original factory Super Stock car," Skip confided. "That's a brutal thing to do, so we took a different approach. Our chassis is rather unique because it is about as close to a Pro Stock car as you can get and still keep within the rules. Phil's attention to detail is really quite remarkable. He was weight conscious and rule minded throughout the construction."
The stance of the car is one of the first things racing fans notice about Loeffler's Dart. It sits much lower to the ground than traditional mainstream SS/AA class cars.
"With the four-link suspension, we set the car down as low as possible. Making the center of gravity very low was our original game plan. The result is the car really handles." Skip continued, "It is not as violent off the starting line, and it never wanders on the top end. It goes straight and consistent, a key to being successful in this class." Loeffler's machine features a new-generation Hemi engine by Ray Barton, a program that pushed him well into the 8-second zone last season.
Events
April 16-18-Englishtown, NJ: Spring Englishtown Swap Meet and Auto Show. Held at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Participant award each entry. People's Choice judging each day. Trophies to Top 50. Car show registration 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. General admission gates open 7 a.m. and close 6 p.m. each day. Unlimited free parking. $8 general admission. Children under 12 free. Info: (732) 446-7800;www.racewaypark.com.
April 17-Jackson, TN: All-Mopar meet, car show, and race at jackson Dragway. Trophies for show, money for race. Sponsored by Mopar Muscle Club of Tennessee and Lonnie Cobb Chrysler. Info: John, (731) 423-1124;garner383@worldnet.att.net.
April 18-Monticello, IA: Auto Parts swap meet and cars-for-sale corral. 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Held at Walnut Acres. Open to high performance, custom, stock, and antique (domestic and foreign parts) cars and trucks. Info: Galen Muller, 853 Southhaven Dr., Monticello, IA 52310; (319) 465-5119; (319) 465-5380.
April 18-Elmhurts, IL: 21st Annual NIR-WPC car show and swap meet. All makes welcome. Held at Larry Roesch Chrysler/Jeep. Info: Dick Penkava, (708) 749-0115.
April 24-Mobile, AL: 9th Annual Mopar's At The Battleship Show and Swap Meet. Exit 30 off of I-10 Battleship Parkway. Dash Plaques, 50/50 drawing, Vendors, swap meet, and car corral FREE. Info: Larry Jordan 251/653-5154; Wayne Hightower 251/653-1071; Johnny Burge 251/666-0080; www.SouthernMopar.org.
April 24-Rancho Santa Margarita, CA: Magnaflow Performance will be holding an open house and car show from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Autograph session with Mario Andretti. Monster trucks, car show, dyno runs, manufacturer vendor booths, music, food, and more. Info: (800) 990-0905; www.magnaflow.com.