Excellent film transfer work, Jerry. Harvey West was real good with a movie cam, as well as a race driver. This is an excellent documentation of SCCA Can-Am racing during the series' peak at Road America.
I was at that race. Man, it was hot and humid. My buddy and I left the Twin Cities at 2 in the morning and heading to Road America. It was solid fog most of the way. At times, I could not see the road, so tried to stay behind semi trucks and use the lights on the trailers to help navigate. After the race, it took close to 3 hours to leave the track and then head back to the Twin Cities.
Agreed maybe the A production SCCA cars back then cam close to the thunder. Loved Formula A. My dad drove a Lotus Formula Ford. I was a kid and watched all the class races. Saw the 68 US Grand Prix and dozens of other Indy and drag races. The golden era for sure
Yes, it is true the ground literally shook under your feet at the start. I agree with the A/ B Production, comment, always livened up the crowds at the June Sprints. Check out the 1977 June Sprints video to hear “the sound.”
It was only 4/100ths a lap faster than the Follmer Shadow DN-4 at Mosport from '74... hardly a series killer. Mainly it was the result of a car manufacturer spending a million dollars to win a $10,000 race.... also called Buying a championship.
Thank you so much. One correction both heats were on same Sunday. To breakup the dominance! 😅 Blistering hot day! Watched both of these twin heat 100 mile races from Fireman's Hill outside of Turn 5. You can see James Hunt driving his only Can Am race in the Shadow DN3. Both Shadows are gone by second heat, if you look carefully at this video. As is the Carling Black Label Hobbs Mclaren M20 which only lasted a few laps in the first heat. Amazingly the all conquering, Team McLaren Can Am participation ending, 1972 917-10K Turbos were already outclassed by the 1973 917-30K. No factory McLarens or Lolas in the 1973 series. Never any customer Shadows. So I think the honor of killing the original Can Am goes more to the 917-10K.
Excellent film transfer work, Jerry. Harvey West was real good with a movie cam, as well as a race driver. This is an excellent documentation of SCCA Can-Am racing during the series' peak at Road America.
Thank You!
I was at that race. Man, it was hot and humid. My buddy and I left the Twin Cities at 2 in the morning and heading to Road America. It was solid fog most of the way. At times, I could not see the road, so tried to stay behind semi trucks and use the lights on the trailers to help navigate. After the race, it took close to 3 hours to leave the track and then head back to the Twin Cities.
I'm 76 and I drove formula Atlantic but the Can-Am will never be matched by the sound or speed of any race car. The earth moved.
Agreed maybe the A production SCCA cars back then cam close to the thunder. Loved Formula A. My dad drove a Lotus Formula Ford. I was a kid and watched all the class races. Saw the 68 US Grand Prix and dozens of other Indy and drag races. The golden era for sure
Yes, it is true the ground literally shook under your feet at the start. I agree with the A/ B Production, comment, always livened up the crowds at the June Sprints. Check out the 1977 June Sprints video to hear “the sound.”
I can still hear that little "pop" as Mark shifted going up the hill out of 5!
917-30 KL the most awesome race car to set tire to race track.
It was only 4/100ths a lap faster than the Follmer Shadow DN-4 at Mosport from '74... hardly a series killer.
Mainly it was the result of a car manufacturer spending a million dollars to win a $10,000 race.... also called Buying a championship.
These turbo charged engines had been surpisingly quiet , compared to the 12 cylinder naturally aspirated 917
Thank you so much. One correction both heats were on same Sunday. To breakup the dominance! 😅 Blistering hot day! Watched both of these twin heat 100 mile races from Fireman's Hill outside of Turn 5. You can see James Hunt driving his only Can Am race in the Shadow DN3. Both Shadows are gone by second heat, if you look carefully at this video. As is the Carling Black Label Hobbs Mclaren M20 which only lasted a few laps in the first heat. Amazingly the all conquering, Team McLaren Can Am participation ending, 1972 917-10K Turbos were already outclassed by the 1973 917-30K. No factory McLarens or Lolas in the 1973 series. Never any customer Shadows. So I think the honor of killing the original Can Am goes more to the 917-10K.
Great comments. I was at the race too. About as hot as I have ever been at a race.