A '68 350 H.O. Firebird Convertible, a '70 R/A-IV Judge, and a '64 Tri-Power GTO Trip the Lights at Mid-Michigan Motorplex
writer: Thomas A. DeMauro
photographer: Thomas A. DeMauro
Pure Stock Series
Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, Michigan, played host to a group of very dedicated Pontiac racers, but there were no slicks, no nitrous, no headers, practically nuthin' non-stock. Because, as you know-if you've been following this series-these were all Pure Stock racers who compete in the annual Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PS) each year at this very same facility. The drivers knowing the ins and outs of the track and the track personnel knowing the particular needs of racers who run on bias-ply street tires would pay off for everyone as these competitors were about to produce some very impressive time slips. Let's meet our current crop of participants.
Jody Traylor
Jody Traylor of Pontiac, Illinois, brought his '68 350 H.O. Firebird convertible out to play. Backed with a Turbo 350 trans and 3.55 rear gears, normally you'd think the 350 H.O. is sure to be quick in a lightweight coupe. But how will the combo fare in pushing the convertible's 3,900-pound race weight down the track?
Mark Weymouth
Mark Weymouth of Rochester, Michigan, arrived with his very real '70 Ram Air IV, four-speed 4.33-geared Judge. It's the quickest Pontiac in Pure Stock, currently running in the low 12s and is a record holder. However, Mark was racing on the final remains of the potent Poncho's clutch. Will it hold out long enough to get some pleasing timeslips?
Brad Rising
Brad Rising of Stow, Ohio, competed with his PHS-documented '64 GTO with a 389 Tri-Power, a four-speed, and a set of 3.90 gears out back in the Safe-T-Track. This stout performer had run low 13s in the past on redlines with its mild 067 cam. What would be the outcome today?
Weather Report
Mid-Michigan Motorplex's ambient temp ranged from 55 to 71 degrees. Humidity was 41 to 100 percent and barometric pressure checked in at 30.01 hg. Density altitude of 1,599 feet will require a factor of 0.9822 for e.t. and 1.0185 for mph to chart the theoretical best performance at sea level. As usual, this will be done on the best pass only, based on e.t. Let's see how they run!