Just a little information on how the WICKED Duster the Don Hardy Volare and the Boss HOSS Dart did this past weekend of racing at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.

My Cousin, Lenny Claypoole Jr., spent the whole weekend knocking down great racers. He entered his 1972 WICKED duster into the Quick 16 field and just made it with his 528 cubic inch Compuflo engine with an 5.42 1/8 mile ET. After battling all day in the heat Saturday he made it to the final round in both the Quick 16 and SuperPRO. Sunday morning he WON the Quick 16 and got Runner Up in the Super PRO field. He continued to battle in the Sunday Super PRO field and again made it to the final round and got Runner UP. WICKED was working and Lenny JR. was killing the tree all day. GREAT JOB by that kid. I think he definitely got the attention of the others in the Chrysler Classic Events. Watch out for this kid.

On my first real debut with my Don Hardy built 1980 Plymouth Volare I was surprised at how well the car worked. With a Dennis ASHCRAFT built ,stock 440, punched 40 over with a 5.35 hydraulic cam, stock Chrysler closed chambered heads, and stock Chrysler stamped rockers, the old girl ran 9.90 all day Friday in the heat. I hit the brakes at the stripe to get the #1 qualifier spot for the Ten O Shoot-OUT with a 10.01 ET.. I then tried to slow the car down by lowering my shift point with no luck. I then placed a 50 lb sand bag on the floor and went 10.03 and with some decent lights I made it to the final round. Rain delay then Sunday Morning came. A time trial showed my car going 9.98 ET. I placed another 50 lb sand bag in the trunk and won the Ten O Shoot OUT with a .015 R/T and a 10.005 E.T. I also continued to battle in the Super PRO field and made it to the Semi Finals where I got bumped out by the only dragster in the field. Probably a good thing cause it would have been me and Lenny JR in the finals, and that kid was on his game. I just might name the Don Hardy Volare “ SANDBAGGER”

Brother Homer Gray’s Boss HOSS Dart was dead on its dial as usual. This car is one to watch out for. 1967 Dart with a 440 and some good stuff inside, built by Courson Engines, makes this Dart run 10.50s all day long. Back Halved Dart Pulls the front wheels straight up about a foot and goes. No lexan in this machine. Homer went numerous rounds cutting some very tight lights until a tail wind made the heavy Dart run 2 tenths under his dial ending his reign of terror on the competition. I just hope for the other racers that He don’t invest in a weather station cause this Dart will be deadly.

Check out the pics of my cousin and I in the winners circle. Thanks to all who helped this weekend and thanks to all of those that raced against me. I met a lot of great racers and some real class act people at the Chrysler Classic Event.

I cannot post pics. Any HELP?

Post deleted by GRAYBO

finally some pics. I hope

more pics

GRAY / Claypoole winner circle

figured out how to post pics

i suck at this picture stuff.

homers dart pic

RACING IS AN ADDICTION, CURED BY POVERTY. jjg

Thats awesome news. Is that the Claypoole that got their new FireCore50's before the race??

Like to hear more about that Hardy car. Kind of a secrect passion of mine is those ole 80's Volare and and Aspen PS cars. Would love to have a 6.00 version to run Top Sportsman in.

BTW congrats to all on oyur success at the track

Does Jim Kinnett or Steve Bagwell ring a bell??? Also, check out Mopar Collectors Guide site and click on MOPAR TV for a short interview by genuinerocker with John and the car.

Al. As I understand... The volare was being built by Don Hardy for Bob Glidden when Glidden was involved in the plymouth LA engine deal. Jim Kinnett ended up with the car in 1980 then Steve Bagwell did time in it. The car is currently certified 7.50. I'm pretty happy with the small motor in it. HOWEVER. My brother is building a monster aluminum motor which should be around 1100 hp. We may throw it in and see what the car does. If you want any more info. Just e'mail me at GRAYBO@zoominternet.net.

Yes. Lenny JR. did get your custom made Firecore wires prior to the race weekend.

I dig that Volare'. WTG

SKIP THE DOORMAN. I wondered why you hadn't chimed in yet. You headin to Michigan? Load up the van we got us a road trip.

Mr. YUCK. Thanks