American Stock Car Challenge

Did You Know?

• The series was originally influenced by GT America in 1995.
• The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) sought an affordable Big Bore V8 race car for grassroots road racing.
• The prototype was a Chevy Silverado pickup finished in NAPA auto parts livery, financed by Rich and Betty Rogers.

Development

The prototype chassis was based on a 1979 Grand Prix, retaining the original brakes and suspension control arms to keep costs low. Weighing 2,600 lbs and producing over 400 horsepower, the vehicle was expected to be fast. Both drivers set fast laps that day, and the car exhibited predictable handling. During the session, an engine pulley came off, causing a loss of power steering in Turn 2; Kraus spun the car but avoided contact and ended the day's running.

A second test occurred three weeks later at Laguna Seca, where the truck's high-speed capabilities made it the fastest car on track. At the last minute, it entered a three-hour enduro that afternoon. Starting last, Kraus led by the end of the first lap and built a two-lap lead after one hour. The first pit stop cost the lead due to slow refueling and a tedious driver change.

Rich Rogers then drove conservatively, losing two laps to the leading BMW M3s. The second pit stop went better, losing only one additional lap. Former Trans Am driver Lou Lerner took over, three laps down, and matched earlier lap times. On the final lap, he passed the lead BMW for the lead, having made up all lost laps.