Pure 455ci Pontiac power launches...
Pure 455ci Pontiac power launches this '65 Tempest driven by Scott Barton of Missouri.
There was a storm brewing, but luckily for all those attending the first Pontiac Spring Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pontiac excitement and the rumble of powerful motors created the whirlwind this weekend.
After hosting the successful '07 POCI convention, the Indian Nations Chapter of POCI wasn't satisfied to rest on its laurels. The members knew after introducing everyone to Tulsa Raceway Park for the '07 POCI Race Day, they would attend events to follow at this great facility. With the combined leadership of Steve Robinson and the author, the goal of this first event was to provide a firm foundation for all those who enjoy showing and racing Pontiacs to participate in for years to come.
To get off on the right foot, a special seminar was given Friday, May 9, at the host hotel, Ramada Inn. Jim Wangers presented a complete history of the Royal Pontiac race team and supplied plenty of never-before-seen photos that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Plenty of food, drinks, and door prizes were provided, as was the opportunity to visit one-on-one with Wangers.
Tulsa Raceway officials were ready at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, to kick off the festivities. Despite the threat of bad weather, the event was flush with a large variety of body styles and engine combos. Time trials began at 8:30 a.m., as teams prepared their cars for a full day of action.
While the main section of the pits was reserved for racing equipment, the front section played host to the car show, which was open to all Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC vehicles. Flanking the show field on both sides was the swap meet. The turnout of vendors, some of whom came from as far as San Antonio, Texas, offered spectators a great selection of Pontiac goodies ranging from clothing and shop apparel, to motor and body parts, and even a few complete vehicles for sale. The proximity of the show field and vendors areas to the track also provided front row seats for the drag racing.
Following the lunch break after time shots, Dave Anderson, driver of the GeeTO Tiger, opened the elimination rounds with the "Beat the Tiger" program. Wangers and Anderson brought the famous '66 GTO to offer three lucky drivers a chance to knock off this one-of-kind Pontiac for bragging rights.
The first driver was Scott Lewison and his '69 GTO. He burned up the track but unfortunately lost to the GeeTO Tiger by breaking out. Anderson was hot, as he posted his first perfect light in the next race, taking the win. The third driver redlighted, giving the GeeTO Tiger an unblemished win record for the day.
Track officials were on top of their game all day and provided excellent starting-line conditions. This enabled racers such as Stacy Johnson from Seminole, Oklahoma, to blister the tarmac with some 8-second runs in his '01 Firebird. To keep the guys in line, Monica Lee took her parents' '00 Grand Prix GT through four rounds before finally being eliminated by Frank Gagne with his '70 LeMans. Gagne went on to the final round to receive runner-up in the Ram Air class.
Before the Quick 16 race, the show vehicles paraded down the track. All had been professionally judged, and awards were handed out as winners and vehicles were announced.
This year's Best of Show award was presented to Larry Allen from Lockwood, Missouri, for his rare and beautiful '58 Parisienne convertible. All of the awards and most of the event were sponsored by a local dealership, Jerry Ferguson Pontiac Superstore in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
After many close rounds of Quick 16 racing, it was Vance Murphy from Wichita, Kansas, in his '80 Grand Am nosing out Steve Mayes from Muskogee, Oklahoma. Murphy ran a 10.896 on his 10.89 dial-in, while Mayes' 12.070 e.t. was short of his 12.03 dial.
 Best of Show winner Larry...  Best of Show winner Larry Allen from Missouri takes his Canadian Pontiac down the track during the winner's parade. |  This strong-running, 428-powered...  This strong-running, 428-powered Grand Am was driven by Vance Murphy of Wichita, Kansas. He went on to take runner-up in the AFX/E class, along with the cash for winning the Quick 16. |  A large variety of vehicles...  A large variety of vehicles entered the show, ranging from the late-'50s Pontiacs through the Fourth-Gen Firebirds, from customs and modifieds to all-original models. Pontiac- and GMC-lovers got their fill of unique photo opportunities. |
 Mike Edwards and his NHRA...  Mike Edwards and his NHRA Pro Stock GXP were show highlights. He made five passes throughout the day, mopping up the track with several 6-second e.t's. Edwards' entire team was there to allow spectators a firsthand glimpse into the world of Pro racing. |  Dil Brando of Collinsville,...  Dil Brando of Collinsville, Oklahoma, brought the baddest-looking Goat with 535 ci under the hood. Unfortunately, other mechanical problems delayed his winning effort until next year. |  Dave Anderson piloted the...  Dave Anderson piloted the famed GeeTO Tiger to a perfect weekend, winning all three rounds of the "Beat the Tiger" program. |