This image of a Northwest-based...
This image of a Northwest-based Funny Car racer named Twig Zeigler is another high-demand handout by Kendall. He hailed from Seattle and his Pizza Haven-backed Plymouths were considered some of the nicest of the time. Zeigler was like many '70s-era racers who were left behind as costs escalated in the pursuit of speed.
The sport of drag racing flourished in the musclecar era, and every manufacturer had some sort of presence there. Sanctioned and unsanctioned tracks alike hosted the newest machinery. The simplicity of the early '60s soon gave way to the FX and Funny Car categories, while the later part of the decade saw the demand for a new class based around door cars that NHRA called Pro Stocks. Throughout this time, individuals who eventually became legends came onto the scene. To go along with the stories Forrest Pitcock told us about the Golden Commandos team elsewhere in the issue, we thought it would be interesting to go back through the files and find some vintage photos of other Plymouth teams. In some cases, these are printed publicity images done by the big oil companies; others are archive photos. They are definitive reminders of why this era of drag racing history continues to be remembered with admiration.
On nitro for less than two...
On nitro for less than two seasons, the team of Sox and Martin spent 1966 campaigning the "Baccaruda," an injected machine that followed up the altered-wheelbase car of 1965. Sox calls this one of his favorites because it increased in performance almost weekly. A little hydrazine never hurt.
Tom "The Mongoo$e" McEwen...
Tom "The Mongoo$e" McEwen and his counterpart, Don "the Snake" Prudhomme, were the first to bring in large nonautomotive sponsors. Their Wildlife Racing Enterprises began in 1970 and ran several seasons with backing from Plymouth Mattel Hot Wheels, Coca Cola, Care Free chewing gum, and, later, the duo raced for Army and Navy. This handout was issued by Wynns and is from 1973, the final season of the team.
In the '70s, the sport moved...
In the '70s, the sport moved into a new realm of respect as Winston and other sponsors came on board. This is a Kendall Oil-issued handout of John Tedder, a long-time Chrysler employee-turned-racer who was known as Mr. Motech; Tedder helped start what is known now as the Mopar tech line. This particular handout showing his '68 Hurst-built Barracuda is in high demand from collectors today.
This is what it was all about-launching...
This is what it was all about-launching well and getting to the finish line. This car has been in the winner's circle several times, and always with the same owner/driver, Kenny Montgomery of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Ken bought this car new and continues to run it in Division 1 competition as the Triple Nickel 555.-Englishtown, NJ 1988