"Orange Crates "
Limited-Edition Print of 350 (13x19) prints
signed and numbered by the Artist.
"1967 is one of my favorite years in the development of Funny Cars. 1966 had proved to be a banner year, with the introduction of the Mercury boy's "Flip-Top" one piece fiberglass bodies that virtually dominated the class, however not everyone was convinced that fiberglass floppers were the answer.
In 67 there were several teams still using acid-dipped bodies and doors, with the addition of fiberglass front fenders and hoods. The contention was, acid -dipped bodies were much lighter then their fiberglass counter parts. In this painting we have two such vehicles, Pete Seaton's wild Blown Corvair, and Ted De Tar's stretched and injected Falcon.
Seaton built the ultra light Corvair originally with an injected engine, as a lot of cars were sticking with the injected set-ups, mainly because of the weight factor, and the cars jumped off the line much quicker. However, it didn't take long for Pete to realize that he needed to go Supercharged if he wanted to win races. With the help of "Drag Link" specialist Jay Howell, they dropped a Supercharged Big block Chevy in the car, Jay got behind the wheel, and the rest is history.
Now there is no telling how much Drag Racing would have gained by the likes of Ted DeTar who tragically lost his life in a racing accident the following year... Ted's life ended way to early as he was just starting to make name for himself as an engine builder. He helped Gene Snow get on his way, also Ray Capps and his "Head Hunter" Dodge benefited from Ted engine tune-ups... Ted was a tragic loss to the sport.
This painting is a 2 out of 3 match race in Huston Texas, and it was Seaton's Corvair who won the event. I noticed both drivers were wearing goggles, but they both had them up on their helmets and they weren't using them. Then I realized they were in Texas, it was probably hotter then hell and very humid. I'm sure when the drivers lowered their goggles over their eyes they would fog up instantly from the humidity. Well that's my guess anyway..
I hope you enjoy my "Orange Crates"....DCP
