Mario Andretti, master of the monstrous dohc Ford, in his USAC championship-winning Brawner Hawk on his way to victory on the oval at Langhorne, Pa., in 1966. Proudly exposed in its full writhing glory, the "bundle of snakes" exhaust is painted to match the car's color scheme.
Photo: Pete Lyons / www.petelyons.com
A couple of years and a bit ago I suggested in this spot that, during these times of economic stress, Indycar racing might be rejuvenated by reviving the old stock-block engine idea of Formula 5000. A variety of production-based engines work well in Grand-Am, giving the technical diversity that genuine motorsports enthusiasts love and making those stubby little coupes interesting, at least under the engine covers.
I meant that as a stop-gap, until things pick up and the Indy industry can get back to real racing engines.
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