I remember the original article that ran in HOT ROD on this car, seems like a hundred years ago. Great pictures and story on a car that really was one of the original molds for the current "pro-touring" trend. A true trend setter, awesome car!!!!
Thanks. No Problem here. Big Red was kind of on the back shelf for about 10 years and now RJ Gottlieb, Dave Ward, Dan Gottlieb and Chris Kaufmann decided to run some events. They realize it is old school, old technology, but in a way having it run competitive show just how far ahead of the times it was when it was first conceived.
For those that have asked this is the infamous Big Red Camaro that RJ Gottlieb piloted to several open road championships like the Silver State Classic in Nevada running a record speed of 222. This is a Zero power added (N/A) single 4 bbl all steel 1969 Z28 Camaro. When you consider this car was built and had much of it's success in the 80's you can see why it is considered the original outlaw ProStreet real race car. Thanks for your emails.
Original Big Red 1 was damaged in Mexico while leading the LaCarrera race 20 plus years ago. This is the only Big Red anyone really knows.I work for Chris Kaufmann who works on Big Red and has been in the program as crew man, co-pilot, driver and data engine management coordinator since the beginning including Big Red 1. The engine now is about 560 C.I. at 1050 hp in a 3600 pound car with 0ne 4bbl carb. I'll forward your info to the guy doing the web site, but he has a full time job. Thanks
No problem, The reason for the webpage was that some people on several forums (protouring) that were interested in the Mile Run, and some wanted to know what the new "setup" was. I didnt mean to come off as an ass about it.
Big Red will once again be racing at the new Mojave Mile north of Edwards Airforce Base in Mojave California on March 6th, 2010. The format is an airfield with a standing one mile top speed run. Richard will be joined by the long time usual cast of characters. Come out and watch this legend run.
Its insane how this 40 year old muscle car thats as aerodynamic as a brick can hit 204 in a mile but the perfectly shaped hennesey viper can only hit 214 40 years later to me I think cars have taken a step backwards
You are close to right. It is a real 69 Camaro with, as you say with full roll cage. Sadly still a 69 Camaro which makes it very difficult to work on. Today's full tube cars with sheet metal floors plus the trick stuff created in last 20 years would make Dave Ward , the crew chief's job easier, So the truth is somewhere in the middle. It is a compromise from what is a Pro Street car of today, but it still holds it own even at the huge weight and less than current sophistication on the chassis.
Is it still a 540? I remember the car was damaged in Mexico... and that it supposedly now has 1000 HP? any truth? Also can you update Big Red's webpage?
Big Red waws the Fastest Car at the Mojave Mile last week, being the only of some 150 vehicles to eclips the 200 mph mark. The John Rains/Kaufmann Mustang (NHRA Stock class FR500 CJ) ran several passes in the 182+ area beating the Ford GT and Z06 vetts.
I remember the original article that ran in HOT ROD on this car, seems like a hundred years ago. Great pictures and story on a car that really was one of the original molds for the current "pro-touring" trend. A true trend setter, awesome car!!!!
Thanks. No Problem here. Big Red was kind of on the back shelf for about 10 years and now RJ Gottlieb, Dave Ward, Dan Gottlieb and Chris Kaufmann decided to run some events. They realize it is old school, old technology, but in a way having it run competitive show just how far ahead of the times it was when it was first conceived.
For those that have asked this is the infamous Big Red Camaro that RJ Gottlieb piloted to several open road championships like the Silver State Classic in Nevada running a record speed of 222. This is a Zero power added (N/A) single 4 bbl all steel 1969 Z28 Camaro. When you consider this car was built and had much of it's success in the 80's you can see why it is considered the original outlaw ProStreet real race car. Thanks for your emails.
Original Big Red 1 was damaged in Mexico while leading the LaCarrera race 20 plus years ago. This is the only Big Red anyone really knows.I work for Chris Kaufmann who works on Big Red and has been in the program as crew man, co-pilot, driver and data engine management coordinator since the beginning including Big Red 1. The engine now is about 560 C.I. at 1050 hp in a 3600 pound car with 0ne 4bbl carb. I'll forward your info to the guy doing the web site, but he has a full time job.
Thanks
My dad showed me the HOT ROD mag w/ Big Red when i was 7 or 8... fell in love instantly...
great car and driver!! it really was somethin back in the day.
and still is, as said, it started a new wave in performance cars.
Crazy!!
For those who dont know this car ran 222 mph in 1989!!!
Loved this car. Had a poster in my barage. Read all the articles on it. Way ahead of its time.
No problem, The reason for the webpage was that some people on several forums (protouring) that were interested in the Mile Run, and some wanted to know what the new "setup" was. I didnt mean to come off as an ass about it.
Big Red will once again be racing at the new Mojave Mile north of Edwards Airforce Base in Mojave California on March 6th, 2010. The format is an airfield with a standing one mile top speed run. Richard will be joined by the long time usual cast of characters. Come out and watch this legend run.
Coolest car in the world!
So this is the legendary Big Red I've heard about, most certainly an impressive car any standard. Just curious, any future developments with this car?
I would love to see this car set up for Bonneville or El Mirage. This, ladies and gents, is the car that STARTED the whole "Pro Touring" craze.
Its insane how this 40 year old muscle car thats as aerodynamic as a brick can hit 204 in a mile but the perfectly shaped hennesey viper can only hit 214 40 years later
to me I think cars have taken a step backwards
You are close to right. It is a real 69 Camaro with, as you say with full roll cage. Sadly still a 69 Camaro which makes it very difficult to work on. Today's full tube cars with sheet metal floors plus the trick stuff created in last 20 years would make Dave Ward , the crew chief's job easier, So the truth is somewhere in the middle. It is a compromise from what is a Pro Street car of today, but it still holds it own even at the huge weight and less than current sophistication on the chassis.
What will the next event for the car?
Wooooooooooooo.
I remember this car destroying the field in the Nevada Open! ... great video
two simple words, "thats fast"
Is it still a 540? I remember the car was damaged in Mexico... and that it supposedly now has 1000 HP? any truth? Also can you update Big Red's webpage?
Big Red waws the Fastest Car at the Mojave Mile last week, being the only of some 150 vehicles to eclips the 200 mph mark. The John Rains/Kaufmann Mustang (NHRA Stock class FR500 CJ) ran several passes in the 182+ area beating the Ford GT and Z06 vetts.
Im a Ford guy all day, any day ...but I love this car! The 2nd most famous '69 Camaro ever!
Btw, does anyone know what Big Red weighs?
aw hell, Im gonaa play it....for the 5th time in a row!! hehe