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Post by alwaysindy on Apr 14, 2023 9:14:47 GMT -5
The great Jim Clark on the gas at Riverside Raceway in 1967 for the Rex Mays 300, driving Rolla Vollstedt's creation. Vollstedt heard that Clark was in the States, without a ride for the 300. On a whim, he offered Clark a few hundred dollars to drive for his low-budget team. Clark accepted. Normally a middle-of-the-pack car, Clark qualified it on the front row next to pole sitter, Dan Gurney. The two battled fiercely. Clark grabbed the lead at one point, only to break a valve on the 24th lap when he missed a shift. A few days after the race, Volstedt received mail from Clark. Knowing Volstedt had little finances, Clark returned the retainer. Note the very early attempt at a wing on the exhaust pipes. Photo by Dave Parker from Dick Wallen's book, "Riverside Palace of Speed."  That would be a cool build! Tim |
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Post by hurtubise56 on Apr 14, 2023 10:58:43 GMT -5
Aaah, yes, back when the driver could make all the difference! Neat story, thanks.
And yes, it would be a VERY cool build!
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robh
Race Winner
Posts: 526
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Post by robh on Apr 14, 2023 15:20:19 GMT -5
Great story!
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Post by ohnothimagen on Apr 21, 2023 15:00:55 GMT -5
Great story. Thanks for sharing. Regarding the rear "wing", Gurney did that modification on his 1966 Indy Eagle. He told USAC it was an exhaust brace.
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Post by landoflogic on May 9, 2023 22:05:44 GMT -5
Yes, the car was pretty yellow too! You can watch the Wide World of Sports coverage of the race on youtube, although it's in the classic truncated style of the era. They talk a good bit about Clark and even interview him after he drops out of the race.
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Post by quattro on May 10, 2023 2:01:41 GMT -5
Another great history lesson and no better way to spend your breakfast
than sitting and watching coverage like this.
Suppose many of us feel we wish we had been born a bit earlier.......
Thank you Gents.
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Post by indytreads on May 10, 2023 5:26:56 GMT -5
Nice story! Definitely wish I would’ve been born sooner too….to witness these kind of things.
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Post by indycals on May 10, 2023 12:52:11 GMT -5
This car was at IMS a few years ago with the vintage cars.
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Post by indytreads on May 10, 2023 13:11:09 GMT -5
This car was at IMS a few years ago with the vintage cars. I wish IMS would bring back the vintage cars …I loved walking over to the museum parking lot and watching them go on track. |
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Post by indycals on May 10, 2023 13:24:31 GMT -5
I think they will be there this year, just not 'at' the speedway. I think they will have something going on on Main Street.
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Post by indytreads on May 10, 2023 15:44:07 GMT -5
I think they will be there this year, just not 'at' the speedway. I think they will have something going on on Main Street. oh that would be cool! I live right off main. |
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Post by mrindy77 on May 30, 2023 1:53:42 GMT -5
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Post by indydog on May 30, 2023 5:27:16 GMT -5
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