With the introduction of Chevy’s OHV V-8 in 1955, the brand’s domination on the drag strip immediately snowballed. Drag racers loved the compact V-8. It was lightweight, revved high, and responded like no other engine previously produced. Chevy saw a record year in sales in 1955, thanks to a combination of a restyled body and the new mill. It was the age of ingenuity, and those who could get their hands on the new engine were swapping it into engine bays that once housed other weaker mills. Ford’s flathead, one that had dominated for so long, was rendered obsolete almost overnight.
Chevy had a winner and dominated the sales charts for years to come. Aftermarket manufacturers got on board and offered all the go-fast goodies needed to make Chevy a winner, no matter what category they ran. From Dragsters to Stock, Chevy’s success was immediate. And it was a long-term success, thanks to a combination of years of great styling and a vast array of driveline combinations.
Accomplished racing author Doug Boyce takes a celebratory look at those years of success, with a focus on the first 25 years (1955 through 1980). Chevrolets gave rise to such stars as Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, “Jungle Jim” Liberman, “Sneaky Pete” Robinson, "Dyno Don" Nicholson, Sox & Martin, Dick Harrell, Dave Strickler, and many more. World champs and fan favorites all drove Chevys. The success showed in the record books. No brand has won more races and events or has set more national records than Chevrolet. And unlike the other manufacturers, Ford and Chrysler, it was done with little to no factory support.
Whether you are a hardcore Chevy fan or just love catching up on the history of drag racing during the golden age, this nostalgic look at Chevy racing history is sure to entertain for hours on end.
With the introduction of Chevy’s OHV V-8 in 1955, the brand’s domination on the drag strip immediately snowballed. Drag racers loved the compact V-8. It was lightweight, revved high, and responded like no other engine previously produced. Chevy saw a record year in sales in 1955, thanks to a combination of a restyled body and the new mill. It was the age of ingenuity, and those who could get their hands on the new engine were swapping it into engine bays that once housed other weaker mills. Ford’s flathead, one that had dominated for so long, was rendered obsolete almost overnight.
Chevy had a winner and dominated the sales charts for years to come. Aftermarket manufacturers got on board and offered all the go-fast goodies needed to make Chevy a winner, no matter what category they ran. From Dragsters to Stock, Chevy’s success was immediate. And it was a long-term success, thanks to a combination of years of great styling and a vast array of driveline combinations.
Accomplished racing author Doug Boyce takes a celebratory look at those years of success, with a focus on the first 25 years (1955 through 1980). Chevrolets gave rise to such stars as Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, “Jungle Jim” Liberman, “Sneaky Pete” Robinson, "Dyno Don" Nicholson, Sox & Martin, Dick Harrell, Dave Strickler, and many more. World champs and fan favorites all drove Chevys. The success showed in the record books. No brand has won more races and events or has set more national records than Chevrolet. And unlike the other manufacturers, Ford and Chrysler, it was done with little to no factory support.
Whether you are a hardcore Chevy fan or just love catching up on the history of drag racing during the golden age, this nostalgic look at Chevy racing history is sure to entertain for hours on end.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Building Blocks
The Mighty Mouse
W-Series Engines
The Biggest Blocks
Chapter 2: Boss of the Stocks
1964 NHRA Nationals
Monster Mash
The Wenzel Brothers
u201cLittle Georgeu201d Cureton
Dave Boertman
The Final Go for Junior Stocks
Cal and Mary Ann Method
Jerry McClanahan
Chapter 3: Super Stocku2019s Finest
Eddie Vasquez Sr.
Bill u201cGrumpyu201d Jenkins
The Rat Pack
Truppi and Kling
Bernie Agaman
The Hardy Boys
Bobby Warren
Larry Tores
Joe Scott
Chapter 4: Sizzling Sportsmen
Gas Explodes
The Mallicoat Brothers
Jack Merkel
Seibert and Bugenski
Ralph Ridgeway
Carroll Caudle
Scotto and Blevins
Reher, Morrison, Cross, and Shepherd
Jack Trost
Keener and Mercure
Cotton Perry
Dennis Ferrara
Bill Hielscher
Harold u201cBou201d Laws
Larry Nelson
Larry Kopp
Chapter 5: Pro Stock Brigade
The Kimball Brothers
Bill u201cGrumpyu201d Jenkins
Frank Iaconio
Joe Satmary
Richie Zul
Lee u201cthe Generalu201d Edwards
Warren Johnson
Reher, Morrison, and Shepherd
Chapter 6: The Funny Pages
Kelly u201cthe Professoru201d Chadwick
Dick u201cMr. Chevroletu201d Harrell
Bobby Wood
u201cJungle Jimu201d Liberman
Doug Thorley
Malcolm Durham
Tom Sturm
Bruce Larson
Seaton and Hedrick
Chapter 7: Off the Rails
Ollie Morris
Chester u201cChetu201d Herbert
u201cSneaky Peteu201d Robinson
Freight Train
Jim Bucher
Lidtke-Zeller
Epilogue