1970 Michigan race. LOTS of Superbirds and Daytonas

These were the winning standard in 1970 until NASCAR screwed with the rules to make Furds and Chevys competitive again. Probably had something to do with the fact that GM and Ford were the big money sponsors in those days. Had nothing to do with quality racing pushing the limits of design, just keeping the money rolling in.

Dave
 
Never seen so many at one place.


The fords & Merc aero cars actually won more super speedway races than the wing cars. The 429 was a beast & NASCAR allowed it to be used even though that engine only came in 500 Mustangs meant for drag racing. The big wing on the birds was a drag. It was too much. It looks like Petty had this race won by holding back until late. Something he & Pearson were known for. He probably ran out of fuel at WOT & burned a piston & that’s why it wouldn’t restart. Even with all that power & aero notice how slow the cars were. Really backing off in the turns. Made for great driving.
 
The fords & Merc aero cars actually won more super speedway races than the wing cars. The 429 was a beast & NASCAR allowed it to be used even though that engine only came in 500 Mustangs meant for drag racing. The big wing on the birds was a drag. It was too much. It looks like Petty had this race won by holding back until late. Something he & Pearson were known for. He probably ran out of fuel at WOT & burned a piston & that’s why it wouldn’t restart. Even with all that power & aero notice how slow the cars were. Really backing off in the turns. Made for great driving.

Richard Petty won 18 races out of a total of 48 races in 1970 more than any other driver, but he still finished on 4th in the points standings. He was injured in a crash at the Rebel 400 in May '70 and missed 8 races. Several other drivers also won in the Superbird/Daytona cars. Petty would have easily won the championship were it not for his injury.

Dave
 
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Here’s a chart to help clear things up. Homologation rules were in effect & Ford & Mopar bent those rules. The street Ford & Mercury aero cars came with 428 CJ engines. Potent but not enough so they used the tried & true 427 until the 429 Boss Hemi was homologated I think about March.
 
Richard Petty won 18 races out of a total of 48 races in 1970 more than any other driver, but he still finished on 4th in the points standings. He was injured in a crash at the Rebel 400 in May '70 and missed 8 races. Several other drivers also won in the Superbird/Daytona cars. Petty would have easily won the championship were it not for his injury.

Dave
Yep & Bobby Isaacs won the 70 championship in the K & K Dodge
 
Yes, it was about down force.
One goes up(down force vs drag), the other goes down, welcome to NASCAR


Alan
It also kept the *** end of the car firmly planted on the pavement. King Richard said the '70 winged car was his best because the thing was all but impossible to spin out.

Dave
 
The sides of the wing were angled. If the car started to get out of line it acted as a wing also, keeping the car straight.
The wing actually helped the car go faster all things considered.
Na$car...WWE on wheels.
 
The sides of the wing were angled. If the car started to get out of line it acted as a wing also, keeping the car straight.
The wing actually helped the car go faster all things considered.
Na$car...WWE on wheels.
Faster in the turns (added down force and maybe the vertical stabilizer)
On the straights it became drag slowing it down.
There was a net gain in a lap so yes faster (lap limes).


Alan
 
The sides of the wing were angled. If the car started to get out of line it acted as a wing also, keeping the car straight.
The wing actually helped the car go faster all things considered.
Na$car...WWE on wheels.

Richard talked about the car on numerous occasions, here is one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9LFgsLQATc

Dave
 
Faster in the turns (added down force and maybe the vertical stabilizer)
On the straights it became drag slowing it down.
There was a net gain in a lap so yes faster (lap limes).


Alan
Correct. A shorter wing was tested. I have pics somewhere. Trunk wouldn’t open so it couldn’t go into production.
 
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Pro Mod racer Chip King. His wing is became short over the years. And his current car has a flat trunk wing. The wing is a compromise.
 
Any wing has some drag. The regular na$car trunk spoiler had more drag.
In testing the Daytona Charlie Glotzbach avoided a deer running 235 mph. He later went through the traps at 243 in a stock bodied prototype.

The Ford Shotgun engine was also allowed two carbs while the 426 was allowed only one.
 
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