Owner Mike Guarise (left)...
Owner Mike Guarise (left) and Norm Tanner stand in front of Mike's Knafel '70 Judge.
As well as Bolin's GTO, there were many other Pontiacs of note, including dozens of full-size machines, Firebirds, GTOs, both old and new, and one '66 Grand Parisienne-a Canadian version of the GP. Several flathead-powered machines were in attendance, as well as a variety of Oaklands, late-model machines, and some GMC trucks.
Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals' (APPN) midway area was the largest in the event's history, with displays as diverse as the Mallett Cars LS7 Solstice to Don Garlits' "Swamp Rat I" dragster. The midway also featured two tribute displays-a multi-car salute to Bill Knafel and Knafel Pontiac, featuring original racecars, replicas, and some Knafel personnel, including "Akron" Arlen Vanke, Norm Tanner, and Larry "Doc" Dixon.
The second was a memorial to Super-Duty collector Randy Williams and his original '63 Packer Pontiac "Swiss Cheese" Catalina. His wife, Jean; close friend, Scott Tiemann, who restored the Catalina; and Scott's family were on hand to meet and greet. On Sunday, Jean presented the second annual Randy Williams Memorial Award of Excellence to none other than Arnie Beswick himself.
Larry "Doc" Dixon poses with...
Larry "Doc" Dixon poses with the '66 "Tin Indian" GTO. This car and its twin were Knafel's most successful racecars ever. Dixon was one of the Knafel drivers at that time.
Additionally, Awards of Appreciation were presented by Pete and Andrea Woodruff of Super Duty Promotions to a variety of people and organizations who have supported the Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals since the beginning, including Steve Ames; Jim and Barb Mattison of Pontiac Historic Services; Arnie Beswick; the Bader Family, who own Norwalk Raceway Park; and the Kauffman family, from Kauffman Racing Equipment (KRE). A birthday cake was also presented to Jim Wangers in celebration of his 80th birthday this past June.
With over 500 cars racing all weekend, there was as much racing as anyone could hope to see. Last year's Chief of Pontiacs, Lonnie Meade Jr., was driven by chauffeured limousine to the starting line to kick off the eliminations.
The winners and runners-up look like a virtual who's who of Pontiac drag racing, with Jerry Loan and his '68 Firebird taking the AllPontiac.com Top on Saturday over Jim Gnadt and his '70 GTO. Dave Hillard and his '67 GTO took the Indian Adventures Modified title the same day, beating out Roy Hess Jr. and his '66 GTO (a past HPP shootout participant).
This tube-frame Second-Gen...
This tube-frame Second-Gen Firebird lunges off the Norwalk starting line.
With their natural engine...
With their natural engine setback and great styling, it seems strange that there aren't more '69-'72 GPs used as racecars. Tom Moon's '69 has no trouble lifting the front wheels!
A '61 "Batwing" Catalina is...
A '61 "Batwing" Catalina is a rare sight to see, especially at the strip. This gorgeous example heats the hides at the Norwalk starting line.