06 Jan Fast Past
While sorting through the archieves here at the office I came across 3 images I just had to share. The first catches our boss man, Sam Shackelford, headed for the stars at Phoenix Raceway in one of the early Rancho shop cars. Must be around 1989. Built by Sam and his partner Lyle, the car was a top contender in the newly formed PRA Pro Sedan class. This was “heads up” racing at its best. Weighing in at just 1350 pounds and powered by a 48 fed 2386 Rancho’s ride ran a best of 10.42 ET at 128 MPH.
The Kawell, I like to call it, “Magic Bus”, was one of the sports true crowd stoppers. A true “daily driver” and weekend warrior, this trimmed to the bare bones machine was one of the coolest custom/race VW’s of its day. Built by Dave and Judy Kawell of famed Kawell Racing Engines, the bus weighed just 1800 pounds. Packin’ a turbocharged Kawell 2275, it ran a smokin’ 11.24 ET at 125 MPH. Coincidently, Sam was also behind the wheel during this launch shot taken in 1986.
Built and driven by Rancho’s in house Super Tech, Shan Crenwelge, “Pocket Change” was a dominent force in the early PRA Pro Turbo class. The bare bones ’56 sedan weighed a mere 1550 pounds wet, including driver. Running a cutting edge 2164 cc powerplant with RAJAY EF80 turbo, “Pocket Change” cut the ights with a blistering 9.69 ET and top speed of 142 MPH! That was some hot tuna in the late 80’s.
