DOVERS EARLY DRAG STARS

[dinoKeymaster]

…….this could be a heading all its own…The Fast Track introduced some of the sports national Drag Racing stars to the northeast…. WAY back when.Here’s the legendary Pete Robinson in 1962

Robinson’s innovative nature was exceeded only by his obsession for eliminating unnecessary weight. When once asked by an observer why he was going to such great pains to grind a bit of metal off the engine block, he replied, “Anything that falls to the ground when you let it go from your hand is way too heavy to be on my race car.”

Arriving at the 1961 Nationals practically unknown, Robinson’s first few runs were so quick that they initially were not announced to the crowd. But as he began defeating the top drivers one by one, the racing officials and fans warmed up to drag racing’s newest star. He defeated Tom McEwen in the AA/Dragster class final and Dode Martin for the Top Eliminator title, and his low e.t. of the meet, an 8.68, contributed to his “Sneaky Pete” persona.

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[tomblakeParticipant]

Is that when he had the starting line jack stands? The NHRA decided they were illegal when they saw them and saw how they worked. Pretty cool idea for the time.

[dinoKeymaster]

In 2008 YOU WROTE Here On The Forum:
“I remember when Sneaky Pete Robinson came to Dover with the jack stands on the dragster. The next years rule book from the NHRA said in bold letters “No jack stands.” Back than it seems like every year there was another bold entry in the rule book to eliminate another innovative idea. These ideas being banned were probably good but innovation and different looking vehicles seem to go away.”

http://www.nhra.net/50th/top50/P_Robinson22.html

Heres Mention Of the jacks in a story by our own Jim Hill-whos on the forum:
http://www.draglist.com/hill/pete’s%20jack%20car.htm

[dinoKeymaster]

Dug some more and found this:
http://www.draglist.com/stories/SOD%20Oct%202001/SOD-102601.htm

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[dinoKeymaster]

Ok Drag Race experets…who copied this ‘jack it up’ idea, and GOT AWAY WITH IT….’cause he was a booked in attraction and never entered real competition? AND he did it a Dover.

[masracingtd1167Participant]

E J Potter ?

[dinoKeymaster]

YOU WIN….Yup EJ Potter …the ‘Michigan Madman” scared the poop out of Ace Starter Al. Smallblock sideways in a harley.

[frank-j-majauskasParticipant]

Hey Billy Mas or Dino, I’ve seen pictures of E.J. Potter with the small block chevy in
his bike sideways, but never saw his starting line launch system. 😆 Are you telling
me that his launched started with his rear wheel off the ground on a stand ❓ ❓
😮 😮 ………..

Frank….

[dinoKeymaster]

yup …..reved it up and KICKED it out

[storm-king]

Yeah, E.J. had a little scooter style triangulated stand that pivoted off the rear axle. Back then the bike was direct drive; if the engine was runnin’, the wheels was turnin’!
So he’d put it on the stand, fire it up, rev it up, and kick it off the stand!
I was there at Dover when he did that. Awesome!

[Author]

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