There were some, but Chevelles were few and far between in the late sixties, mostly because GM didn't have a NASCAR racing program by that time (they abandoned it in 1963 IIRC, when they were just debuting the "mystery motor" which formed the basis of the later big block introduced in 1965).
In 1969 the Ford and Chrysler supported aero cars (Dodge Charger Daytona and Ford Torino Talledega/Mercury Cyclone Spoiler) were pretty much dominating, and GM didn't have any kind of aero model to compete on the large tracks.
Here's one driver who stuck with GM through the lean years:
Ray's sign is for the Permatex 300, which was the Sportsman series and not limited by NASCAR Grand National's 3-model year limit, so there were often a lot of older model cars competing in the Permatex series - Often there were retired NASCAR cars that were too old to compete in the top series. So the illustration on Ray's sign isn't really accurate to the actual cars that competed (quite common for the time, actually). It is a GREAT piece of garage art, though, and I'd love to have it!
Here's a link to the race results, which show what year/models were entered:
Unfortunately Don McTavish died in a crash on lap 9. I recall reading that his car was built to lighten it up as much as possible and it broke in two when it was hit in the first collision. The second collision sadly sealed his fate even if the first hadn't already taken his life. Warning: the video below shows part of that crash - it's not easy to watch.
Chevrolet didn't really start to back to the road of winning until 1972, actually (which I believe is the year that your photo was taken). Chrysler and Ford were still dominating in '70 and '71, and that pretty much started to dial down as the aero cars were effectively outlawed (engine displacement limitations were placed on the wing cars, which made them uncompetitive). Ford and Chrysler walked away from backing factory race teams during that period.
Bobby Isaac won the 1970 title in the K&K Insurance Dodge. Richard Petty won 1971 in a factory-backed Plymouth.
In 1972, Bobby Allison finished second in points in the Monte Carlo that you've shown, behind Richard Petty in a Plymouth (with new sponsor STP, since the factory team was now gone). The next highest finisher driving mainly Chevrolet that year was J.D. McDuffie in 18th place.
1973 was the breakout year for Chevrolet with the new, relatively slick colonnade body Chevelles, where the top 3 finishers in the points championship were driving Chevrolets.
7 starts, 993 of 2236 laps completed (44.4%), 0 laps led
Win: 0 ( 0.0%) Average start: 18.3 Total Winnings: $5,680
Top 5: 0 ( 0.0%) Average finish: 21.7 (excluding bonuses)
Top 10: 2 ( 28.6%) DNF: 5
Coo Coo Marlin
1969 NASCAR Grand National Results
Click on the Race Number to see the complete results for that race. Click on the Site to see Coo Coo Marlin's career results at that track.
Didn't mean to bombard this thread, by the way - it's just that the late sixties/early seventies is my favourite era for NASCAR (stock car racing in general, actually) and I tend to be a little enthusiastic about it.
That is an awesome piece of garage art, Ray.
-- Edited by MC on Friday 22nd of June 2018 09:08:23 PM
I'm happy it's created such an interesting thread. Keep em coming.
I loved this era too, I once wrote an essay for class where I built my own stock car and prepared for the big race in Daytona....dreaming all the way. It was a Satellite but then Richard Petty was the man afterall.
-- Edited by 73SC on Saturday 23rd of June 2018 12:04:16 AM
Here is a video of the 1967 Permatex 300 (complete with enthusiastic announcer and added-in hokey tire squealing and engine sound effects ) for your Saturday morning viewing enjoyment...
-- Edited by MC on Saturday 23rd of June 2018 09:29:34 AM
Anyone know where I can pick up one of these signs?Thanks! Keep on Cruising! Dave
The way I got was by having years of relationship with my parts supplier and spending about $1,000 on parts each year. You could check ebay as I am sure plenty of people re-sell them after receiving them as a gift. It is just released so who knows if any are available yet.
There is a nice once with stock cars on ebay today thought not the same:
) for your Saturday morning viewing enjoyment...
