Hello, Our introduction to Tommy Ivo and his line of Buick race cars goes back to the first time we saw the single engine injected Buick FED at Lion’s Dragstrip. As the years and events rolled on there were innovations that hit the drag race world. In 1959, Tommy Ivo showcased the new dragster at Lion’s Dragstrip and Riverside Raceway. It was so powerful and fast that records fell quickly starting with the unheard of sub 9 second barrier down the quarter mile. 1960 Not only were they prepping for the always packed So Cal contingent in the A/Gas Dragster Class, but after the record setting runs, the team of Ivo and Prudhomme started the whole pro touring attitude to dragstrips all over the country. The first one that was the most famous, due to the fact that no one else was doing cross country road trips for drag racing sponsorships. Sure, others towed across the country for a big Westcoast event starting in 1959, but these two guys started the whole pro touring events and attractions. “Road Kings? Ha! True to the club's title meanings...” Ever since Don Prudhomme was part of Tommy Ivo’s crew and friend, my brother and I have always liked the progress of his career. It was one long, successful, competitive career. He was seen as an integral part of each of Tommy Ivo’s Buick FED race cars. He was even part of the first professional USA road tour of the major dragstrips with the Ivo Twin Buick FED. Don Prudhomme Book excerpt: “Then, as history has told us, he and Don Prudhomme went on a cross country road trip to start the whole touring thing for the big time, big name drag racers, first from So Cal, then from all over. They were getting paid to tour and show up at various drag strips in the USA.” In the later years, this set up was one of the flashiest promotions and had envy written all over the rolling/stationary show. Full or empty, it was a classic way to showcase the Red single AA/Fuel Dragster. 2017 original Lion's Dragstrip Museum rear cackle area lot.
Sadly, some went to the track by one means and departed in a different manner. Seem to recall reading driver was OK on this one.
Two National Championship race cars on a double deck trailer. The Lowe Brothers about to leave on a mid west tour, summer 1957.
Bruce Rasner, Tom McEwen, Reath Automotive A/ Altered Coupe Hello, In 1959, the vast majority of race car trailers were two wheeled units at the drags. Simple to make, balance and secure to a station wagon, car or truck. Even the rental trailers were two wheeled units. The race cars did not need anything other than roll up the ramp, secure the loose ramps, tie down the race car and off to the races. The tools were in the trunk, the spare tires were inside, on top of the car, or even tied to the trailer. At the time, no one thought of dual axles or dual tires. Most did not even consider flat tires as it was exciting to get a trailer made for the hot rod/drag racer. But, as we all know about trailer handling, it was also a chore to pull long distances and in traffic. The original way of towing the race car with street tires was the acceptable way for most. As the crew grew, the wagon was not enough for the tool box, extra tires and parts. So, they started on a larger trailer and we could see where this was going to end up. As the teams and cars grew, the wagons turned into trucks and the trucks turned into larger delivery vans. The Gas Coupes and Sedan/Street Roadster classes either drove to the drags or used a tow bar. The highly modified race car classes used two wheel trailers at first. We also saw the similar two wheel trailers for the early drag boats at the LB Marine Stadium, they had the same idea. When the movement came for the dual wheels, they allowed better balance and were easier to move around. And now, the 4 tires had to have two spares for safety. Jim Miles 1934 Fuel Altered Coupe Jnaki At time of our drag racing involvement in 1959-60 one of the ways we got to Lion’s Dragstrip from our house was to attach the tow bar and since it was a short distance, it was fine. All of the local So Cal dragstrips were within driving distance and the tow bar was going to be fine. But, as we were planning on taking the long road trip back to Detroit for the U.S. Nationals in the Fall of 1960, we were thinking of a two wheeled trailer, pulling it with a Chevy Station Wagon. Our 58 Impala was the tow vehicle for Lion’s Dragstrip. But, we could see the lack of space for tools, tires, and parts. Plus, there would be a ton of wear and tear on the Willys Coupe being towed the long distance to and from the Nationals.
Duh 2 me !!! Know it makes sense to my question about what I seen happen in my Area, The change to transporting, Like Pickles, all ways seen cut like Nichol's until around mid 90s then started to see a option to cut to slices the length , & We have known how much force that a Fuel engine made @ Headers for last 30 years for some one to say Hey !! lets lay the headers "zoomies " back for Thrust/propulsion around 2012 so much that NHRA put a rule in effect to how much of an angle because car started going airborne,
One of the coolest tow rigs had to be the 56 Cadillac Factory Limo used by McCredy Motors (Chevrolet dealer) Sherburne NY The race car was driven by several famous NY state driver the most well known was Bill Wimble.
My cousin Albert grew up in the San Fernando Valley and used to hang out with Tommy Ivo and Don Prudhomme in Tommy's garage. My cousin was helping Tommy work on his 4 engine car. Tommy wanted him to go on tour with him. My cousin was just starting a family and kept his job at a grocery store instead.
That's a race car! 1976. This was our tow setup. Jim's 1 ton and the custom built trailer for my car. Mobile home axle narrowed and scrap 2 inch angle iron plus a little bit of box tubing for the tongue. We had about $50 in it. It towed great at up to quite a bit above the 55 mph speed limit of the day.
Robert , our mom was a huge Bill Wimble fan. I am sure she will love these pictures. Dave G, cool stuff. Stretch
This setup belonged to Harvey James. Note the tow bar arrangement, and a pretty cool Chair Car as well.
I still pull with an open but we're few & far between. It's kinda like living on the lake and everyone got sucked into the keeping up with the Jone's game.
Pete Corry on the New York State Thruway headed to Fonda This is a very iconic photo is the part of NY. Pete Corry a few years later at Fonda
Man-O-man I am glad I clicked on this thread. Once again Ryan you knocked it out of the park! I zoomed in and studied almost every picture. Some really neat stuff here, thank you
The Jalopy Journal
