Image via Getty
As you look at it, he may have been one of the first to build a rear engined rail, way ahead of its' time. However, it probably was a Belly Tank or Streamliner, fitted with wires up front and slicks in the back minus the bracing and body to save weight. The tech inspectors seem to be discussing something. But, by the looks of everyone else with their eyes riveted on our helmeted pilot they may have been thinking the same thing we were. Here's hoping there was not a lot of flex in that thing. The image is set in the mid-fifties, no telling if the guy survived to the late-fifties.
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This was Red Case, from California, running at Houston in around '58, stories differ as to how he died, but one is that he was killed in a more traditional dragster at Vacaville. No question, this one was dangerous!
ReplyDeleteI attended the Houston race when Case ran this fascinating but dangerous car.This car and driver made an impression on me for most of my drag racing life. It is indicated that Case may have died in this very car. See http://motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=6343
ReplyDeleteWhen standing next to this car at the Houston event it almost gave me the chills thinking that someone would drive this down the track. I remember that Case had great difficulties keeping the car straight during the runs. I understand that he complained that by sitting so far forward with his feet almost against the front axle he could not see or feel the rear end coming around until it was almost uncontrollable. They finally bolted a welding rod to the axle sticking up between his feet so he could "aim" the car and perhaps be able to see any movement of the rear of the car to either side. As best I can remember he had his hands full on every pass. It was a car that I never forgot.