 The Charger 500, released early in the 1969 model run, was modified with a new rear window design due to these problems at speed. The factory would debut an even more radical version later that year. |
But, even when the motor issues are figured out, there is an even more serious question of aerodynamics. In many forms of circle track and drag racing, spoilers and wings are mandated to make sure the car remains affixed to the racing surface as air flows over the body. If you skipped physics in high school, you may find yourself in trouble here. The way a body panel is shaped will have a huge effect on how air at speed works with it.
The 1968-70 Charger, considered perhaps the quintessential musclecar, used a inset glass ‘flying buttress’ rear window configuration that was popular with stylists at the time. In NASCAR racing, the little cue resulted in serious handling problems above 170 mph, as the air moving across the window tried to pull the rear of the car around. This resulted first in the flush grille/flush rear window of the Charger 500, then the Charger Daytona, and finally the overall 1971 restyling that would take Richard Petty to several Grand National titles.
 Bucky Hess thundered to a 156 mph speed during a race at Atco, New Jersey in March with his Barracuda. Will the factory rear deck be problem as the speeds increase? |
The next place we may see some change in Mopar spoiler use is in SS/AH. In March, Bucky Hess and his Joe Clark horsepower ran two unbelievable passes at the National Open in Atco, N.J. Atco, out in the sandy pines barrens of the southern part of the state, is known for its fantastic sea-level or lower air quality. Bucky’s hoped-for record runs on Saturday were rained out, but he cranked off an 8.46 and an 8.49 during Sunday’s eliminations, the quickest times ever recorded in the class. This was coupled to terminal speeds above 156 mph.
The Plymouth Barracuda 1967-1969 was also never styled to go this quick. The big rear window may work as a reverse foil as speeds increase, and the flat deck on the ‘68 Dart is not much better. Is it possible that NHRA will allow the racers to begin using spoilers at the deck lid to try and offset these problems? And, in doing so, will the cars themselves take on another visual dimension, further away from what they once were? Whatever happens, let’s hope it gets addressed before someone’s fish really flies....
Stunkard can be found here at MoparMax once a month, or all the time over at www.quartermilestones.com
