Funny Cars

Herman Lesmeister’s Super 442 funny car, he was a hobby racer, not a pro. Before this car he campaigned the former ‘65 Barracuda of Farkonas, Coil & Minick when they built a new car. Lesmeister was from the Chicago area.
Here’s a photo of Herman’s Magical Mystery funny.

 

Joe Amato's "Keystone Kuda" early ‘70s, before he became famous as top fuel dragster driver. Crew chief at time was Tim Richards who was well known then as good engine builder/tuner and went on to be tuner/crew chief for Kenny Bernstein running the Budweiser top fuel funny car.

 

Seattle had 64 funny cars also. The entry list had all 64 listed but the majority of them were alcohol not nitro cars. Still a good show though.

 

Was at all of them. Also the opening race and closing race. Was sad to see it go.

 

Never knew much about the Super 442, always been a mystery , I think I read it was 392 Hemi powered which I thought was odd for that era of car....also think I read that it was destroyed in a crash in Canada, its been awhile.
Any additional info or photos would be great...

 

Herman passed away about 15 years ago and I haven’t seen his brother in years. The car did run a 392 and I think the chassis might have been designed by John Farkonas, he was a mechanical engineer and had designed the chassis for the Chi-Town Hustler ‘70 Charger side steer car. Herman crashed the car at US 131 drag strip near Martin, MI.
Edit- the crash might have occurred at the Popular Hot Rodding Championship event in 1971, Herman only had minor injuries.

 

Thanks pace!!!!.....

 

Four doors no waiting.