Can-Am 40th at Road America
Written by Keith Fudge

Recently, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car traveled to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for the Can-Am 40th at Road America Racetrack.  This event featured the hottest gathering of vintage racers around reliving the glory days of “no holds barred” Can-Am racing!  There were more than 60 vintage racers at the event, and Dennis had the chance to see many of these cars and visit with their owners.  First, however, Dennis ran into Dan Davis, editor of Victory Lane Magazine and the Historic Can-Am Association Chairman.  Dan told Dennis that Can-Am racing took place from 1966 through 1974 and that it was, “the best, the greatest racing series.”  Concerning this event, Dan called it “the greatest experience in vintage racing.”  Dan went on to say that one of the things that makes this event so special is the fact that these owners are people from all walks of life.  He added that there would be more than 60,000 spectators at the show and race and that a variety of vintage cars would be on display and in action.  Dennis also met with racing legend, George Follmer, who was serving as Grand Marshall for the weekend.  George, now retired from racing, told Dennis a bit of the history of this legendary track.  He said that it is the premier track in the country since its inception in the late 1950s.  He noted that the track is still true to its original design.  However, it has been improved in terms of safety.  The four-mile track contains 14 corners and three straight-aways where drivers can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour!  After a great visit with George, Dennis then decided to see some of the cars that would tackle this super speedway!

First, Dennis ran into Pat Hogan and his 1967 Lola G70.  Pat has owned this car since 2003 and told Dennis that the car has a great history!  The car was originally ordered by Roger Penske for Mark Donohue to drive in the 1967 Can-Am series where he finished 3rd overall.  Then it was purchased by Carroll Shelby, and Peter Revson drove it in 1968.  George Follmer also drove it that year featuring a Ford motor.  Powered by a 366 cubic-inch Chevy, this car looks every bit as fast as it did 40 years ago!  Dennis also spoke with Bob McKee of McKee Engineering who had several cars on display at the event.  Bob has been a designer and builder of racecars for more than 50 years using American parts to compete on the track.  His cars have won several prestigious races, and he said that they would be on the track for Sunday’s feature race!  Dennis also visited with Juan Gonzalez who told him about his 1974 Shadow.  Winner of the World Championship in 1974, this car had been driven by George Follmer and Jackie Oliver.  The car was designed by Don Nichols and was sponsored by Universal Oil Petroleum.  Juan said that he has owned the car since 1993, and it is currently powered by an aluminum 454 Chevy engine that is making more than 1,000 horsepower!  He also told Dennis that he has been attending vintage races since the 1990s!  Last, Dennis saw James Edwards and his orange 1969 M6 GT McLaren.  One of three ever built, this car was a show car at the 1969 London Auto Show and was raced in coupe form later that year.  The McLaren is powered by a 5.7 liter Chevy small block outfitted with Weber carbs and hitched to a five-speed transmission.  James said that the car makes around 460-470 horsepower.  In a car that weighs somewhere between 1,800 and 1,900 pounds that is a lot of power!

Can-Am 40th at Road America was the place to be if vintage racing is your cup of tea!  If you would like more information on the events held at Road America Racetrack, give a look on the web at www.roadamerica.com.  That’s it from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.  So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”