Race Numbers: 18, 40 Ownership: Jerry Pennington (1968 to 1973); Jerry Thompson (1973 to 1975); David Fryer (1975 to present). Sponsors: Abex (Frank van Arnem) E-land Drivers: Jerry Thompson (1972 to 73); J. Marshall Robbins (1974); David Fryer ((1975 to present) Status: Car currently in "as raced" condition. Original Color: red /gray Tires/Wheels: 15 x10 Minilite wheels Engine: 454 bored 60-over to yield 468 cu in Driveline: Muncie 4-speed Top: optional hardtop Interior: Condition: Essentially as raced Unique Characteristics: There are two "Jerry Thompson" cars built in the post-Owens-Corning era (late 1972-early 1973). This car was the second car that Jerry built, in 1973. As with the earlier car, it was purchased as a wreck and rebuilt for racing. Modifications: Full cage, fuel cell, dry sump lubrication. Notes/Race History: This 1968 car was street driven until it was in a serious accident in 1972. The owner, Jerry Pennington, sold it to Jerry Thompson in late 1973, in salvage condition. Jerry Thompson replaced the frame with a new Corvette frame from Chevrolet Automotive. The car was entered in its first race, late in 1973, in the IMSA Daytona race. The car ran as # 40 and was powered by a 60-over 454 engine (468 cu in) and carried original L88-ZL1 fender flares. At this point the car was white and had an American eagle paint scheme running from the hood down both sides. This design was only used once. In advance of the 1974 season, the car was sent to the GM Tech Center where it received some special attention. It received the 2nd set of the new widebody flares, which had been first seen on Greenwood's 1974 car, at the Detroit Auto Show. In 1974 Thompson received some financial support from Frank van Arnem, through his Abex Corporation. Frank also became team manager. The car was painted red. The car ran as # 18. In 1975, Don Yenko provided seed money and driving assistance. Financial support also came from Andy Bach, who also prepped the car for the Daytona 24 Hour race. At this point the car was painted white and the dash was changed. The car continued with # 18. Andy Bach was also scheduled to drive at Daytona, but it took only one lap during practice to convince him that he was not ready for this kind of a car. The race was run with only two drivers? Yenko and Thompson. Race results for the car have been ?ragged?. While the car ran fast, it was never blessed with racing luck. At the end of the season, Jerry Thomson learned that he was being transferred from Michigan to Connecticut and there were some difficulties with Frank van Arnem. At this point, the program fell apart and Jerry sold the car to David Fryer (Bridgeville, PA), who has owned it ever since. February 27, 2009. |