Is this the future of Pro Stock? Roy Hill’s Mustang Cobra Jet is an eight-second, wheelstanding hit with fans and sponsors. Purpose-built race cars from Ford, Chevy (COPO Camaro) and Dodge (Drag Pack Challenger) have stirred great interest in an all-new Pro Stock that reawakens the Detroit Car-Wars of the 60’s and 70’s.

“Dyno Don” Nicholson gained an early rep in the 60’s with fast 409 Chevys, then fielded winning Fords for decades. This Mustang II was typical of Dyno’s efforts, great looking and deadly fast. Nicholson’s 427 SOHC Ford Maverick came after his career as a nitro FC driver.

“The Professor”, Warren Johnson is regarded as one of Pro Stock’s most talented thinkers. Here WJ’s 500 CID, DRCE powered Olds faces another formidable team, Lee Shepherd in the Reher-Morrison-Shepherd Camaro. Both were top-flite competitors.  

Bob Glidden became NHRA’s winningest driver with a variety of cars… even a small-block 360 LA powered Plymouth Arrow, for one season! Glidden’s all-out approach to racing included wife Etta and both their sons. Glidden was famed for his relentless work-ethic.  

Weight break rules created several bizarre combinations for Pro Stock. Gapp & Roush’s famed “Tijuana Taxi” was 351-C powered, four-door Maverick sedan. The ‘Taxi was very successful for the Ford team from Dearborn, MI.

Wally Booth and Rich Maskin abandoned their Chevys when American Motors came calling with serious support. First effort was AMC powered Gremlins, followed by these Hornets. The AMC program was very successful with several major event wins.  

Bill Jenkins’ interpretation of the rules led him to develop this small-block, 331 CID Vega, turning Pro Stock upside down in 1972. That led to the mass-switch to sub-compacts in all makes. Team member Larry Lombardo (ECDT Hall of Fame) is checking air pressure.

“Dandy Dick” Landy was west coast torch bearer for all things Mopar. His Pro Stock cars also toured across the nation, running and winning at major events as well as match races.  

Don Carlton (ECDT Hall of Fame) was one of several drivers of the Motown Missile, later re-named Mopar Missile. This was Chrysler race group’s R&D project, built and maintained by Ted Spehar. The ‘Missile tested all parts destined for other Dodge and Plymouth teams in early 70’s.  

The formidable Sox & Martin (ECDT Hall of Fame members) team dominated Pro Stock before rules changes left the 426 Hemi engine uncompetitive. This 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda was named “The Boss” for obvious reasons.