FEs in the Finals at 2020 Winternationals.

[Rory428]

Not sure how many of you guys follow NHRA National events, but at last weeks Winternationals race in Pomona California, there were 2 FE powered cars in the final rounds on Sunday. Robert Pond lost a close heads up AA/SA race in his 64 Fairlane Thunderbolt 427 Hi Riser clone, to a 69 Camaro, but Gary Ericksen turned on the win light in the final round with his FE powered Ford Probe in the Super Street class. I have known Gary for over 40 years, and he is as hardcore of a FE guy as any of us. He built the Probe himself, and on the hood, it has "Merc FE" proudly lettered on it. Super Street is a 10.90 index class, with a minimum weight of 2800 pounds, but it has gone 9.20s "off the throttle stop". For about 35 years before he built his Probe, he ran the same S/ST class with his FE powered (Really!!) Chevy Vega station wagon, he also still has the 69 428 CJ Mustang that he bought brand new, and has been a race car for as long as I have known him. He also owns a 69 Torino Talladega. In the winners circle photos, Gary is wearing his fire jacket, with "FE" embroidered on the front. Congrats Gary!

[cjshaker]

That's cool to hear. A few days ago, I was looking for video of any of the races, but unless it's top fuel or something, you can't find any. You'd think somebody in the stands would post video of these races. It would have been cool to see Robert take the win, but 2nd is nothing to sneeze at in that crowd. And congrats to Gary!

[FordEver]

https://www.facebook.com/nicksansom/videos/10157855973137086/UzpfSTExNzAyMDY1NTI6Vks6MTU0MTQyMjk4OTM0MjQ0OQ/
Good video, congrads to Robert making it to finals, Bob M

[KjcfeF100]

I saw both of those finals, & I was pulling hard for Pond to win his.  And I had seen the "FE" stitched into Gary Ericksen's jacket and I was wondering if his Probe was FE powered, that's cool, thanks for the info on him.

[wowens]

Thanks for the video. I'll bet Mr. Pond goes faster when his new heads are ironed out

[drdano]

Is Roberts Fairlane John Coopers old car?

[CaptCobrajet]

Yes, Coop's car.  The heads on it now ain't bad.....

[thatdarncat]

Here’s the video of Gary Ericksen’s win at the Winternationals. Very cool the car is FE powered. Love his interview at the end too.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ce6HRudzfG0

[gdaddy01]

I have a flip phone . no wally though , con grads on the win .