@paul-zappardino16 years ago
Ok Dave! even though Ivan was from California, back in the 70's NASCAR LMS was hot. Ivan built his own chassis along with Gary Nelson ( yup the guy who was competition director) was also his crew chief, they together designed a shock for Carrera that is still used today. He also built a lot of chassis from his shop along with West Coast legend Jack McCoy. This picture is from the 1975 Permatex 300 from Daytona. Ivan finished 4th that day and even led about 5 laps, this is a suprise, look at the catr, a home built 66 chevelle and most of the big guns were using ex-cup cars. Ivan finished in the top 10 in this race about 4 times if I remember correctly. His style and performance in this race and others is what made him one of my idols, We were there in 75 and we could not believe that he was driving the same car we were using in limited sportsman and we were going crazy when he led until Jack Ingram , the eventual winner passed him. He was a 5 time track champion in California at Speedway 605 and Orange Show speedway and had a lot of success on the riversid eroad course , he swept the LMS races there in 77. Unfortunately he passed away in fall 96 just a month after turning 50 there is more info on him at Stock car reuion. com His workmanship and craftsmanship were next to none, he was working for Bill Elliott and building chassis for him, it is said he taught Bill how to win on short tracks.
@david-hawkins16 years ago
I remember him as being a good road course driver too. From what I understand, he was a real smart guy.
@paul-zappardino16 years ago
He was VERY,VERY, Good! He actually built a Chevrolet nova of his own construction and took on the heavies at SCCA events and won a lot of praise for his driving and car building. He had the nickname of "Ivan the Terrible"
Ok Dave! even though Ivan was from California, back in the 70's NASCAR LMS was hot. Ivan built his own chassis along with Gary Nelson ( yup the guy who was competition director) was also his crew chief, they together designed a shock for Carrera that is still used today. He also built a lot of chassis from his shop along with West Coast legend Jack McCoy. This picture is from the 1975 Permatex 300 from Daytona. Ivan finished 4th that day and even led about 5 laps, this is a suprise, look at the catr, a home built 66 chevelle and most of the big guns were using ex-cup cars. Ivan finished in the top 10 in this race about 4 times if I remember correctly. His style and performance in this race and others is what made him one of my idols, We were there in 75 and we could not believe that he was driving the same car we were using in limited sportsman and we were going crazy when he led until Jack Ingram , the eventual winner passed him. He was a 5 time track champion in California at Speedway 605 and Orange Show speedway and had a lot of success on the riversid eroad course , he swept the LMS races there in 77. Unfortunately he passed away in fall 96 just a month after turning 50 there is more info on him at Stock car reuion. com His workmanship and craftsmanship were next to none, he was working for Bill Elliott and building chassis for him, it is said he taught Bill how to win on short tracks.
I remember him as being a good road course driver too. From what I understand, he was a real smart guy.
He was VERY,VERY, Good! He actually built a Chevrolet nova of his own construction and took on the heavies at SCCA events and won a lot of praise for his driving and car building. He had the nickname of "Ivan the Terrible"