There is an awesome Chaparral exhibit at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland Texas. I've been twice and leave a trail of drool involuntarily. The 2J is a BEAST! LOL
There were actually quite a few big name manufacturers involved, including Porsche, Ferrari, Lola, and car builders that would make a huge name for themselves, like McLaren and Chaparral. The demise of the series was mostly due to the energy crisis of 1973/1974, and the cost of the cars kept increasing. Porsche's entry in 1972 (Roger Penske) was very expensive, totally dominant, and the other teams couldn't afford to compete. But from 1966-1970, Can-Am was a gearhead's paradise.
@Kevinesque It was just way too expensive and didn't have large public interest. The cars weren't from the "BIG" mainstream manufacturers (Porsche being the closest), and there was no "prestige" race like Monaco or Indy. Plus the cars were getting too powerful and fast, without the aerodynamics or safety gear to keep it safe.
A great fantasy series while it lasted, but it was for motorheads and rich guys, and that doesn't fill the grandstands.
@rockyPants4000 The series was a birthplace proving and taught engineers more about racing than even F-1 cars of the same era. In fact, many times these cars turned faster lap time than F-1 cars on the same courses. I saw them in 68 at Mid-Ohio when the non turbo 7 liter V-8s were over 600HP and more. It's why they call one section of Mid-Ohio "Thunder Valley". Music to my ears. The turbo big block chevy that ended up in the Porches made 1000HP in a very light car. There was a titanium car.
@rockyPants4000 You grossly underestimate the number of "gearheads" that loved this series. This big engine era was immensely popular. And you're wrong aerodynamics. Chaparral was the first to introduce air dams and spoilers ranging from the tabs attached to the earliest 2 model to the driver-controlled high wing "flipper" 2E, through to Hall's most inspired creation, the 2J, the car that would forever be known as the "vacuum cleaner", one of the, if not the, first downforce car.
There is an awesome Chaparral exhibit at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland Texas. I've been twice and leave a trail of drool involuntarily. The 2J is a BEAST! LOL
armigerlives 1 month ago
2:43 dannnnnggggg that's one serious wing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
121alleycat 1 month ago
What is the 'new' song? Sounds nice.
TheAntihero6212 5 months ago
i wanted to see a 917 :(
TtimWh 9 months ago
love that chaparral 2j
Kampfy90 1 year ago
Very cool!... Thank you.
cbkspa 1 year ago
Oh, and BTW, for those who are wondering, the song is a substantially edited version of "One Of These Days" by Pink Floyd.
TheAntihero6212 1 year ago
gotta ove those huge wings
silvanski 1 year ago
There were actually quite a few big name manufacturers involved, including Porsche, Ferrari, Lola, and car builders that would make a huge name for themselves, like McLaren and Chaparral. The demise of the series was mostly due to the energy crisis of 1973/1974, and the cost of the cars kept increasing. Porsche's entry in 1972 (Roger Penske) was very expensive, totally dominant, and the other teams couldn't afford to compete. But from 1966-1970, Can-Am was a gearhead's paradise.
MaccaIsntDead 1 year ago
Definitely some very ... Interesting cars in that race series :)
drewerz01 1 year ago
Why was the Can-Am racing series discontinued?
Kevinesque 1 year ago
@Kevinesque It was just way too expensive and didn't have large public interest. The cars weren't from the "BIG" mainstream manufacturers (Porsche being the closest), and there was no "prestige" race like Monaco or Indy. Plus the cars were getting too powerful and fast, without the aerodynamics or safety gear to keep it safe.
A great fantasy series while it lasted, but it was for motorheads and rich guys, and that doesn't fill the grandstands.
rockyPants4000 1 year ago
@rockyPants4000 The series was a birthplace proving and taught engineers more about racing than even F-1 cars of the same era. In fact, many times these cars turned faster lap time than F-1 cars on the same courses. I saw them in 68 at Mid-Ohio when the non turbo 7 liter V-8s were over 600HP and more. It's why they call one section of Mid-Ohio "Thunder Valley". Music to my ears. The turbo big block chevy that ended up in the Porches made 1000HP in a very light car. There was a titanium car.
jackhammer111 5 months ago
@jackhammer111 No turbo big block chevy ever ended up in any of the Porches...
liswosky 3 weeks ago
@rockyPants4000 You grossly underestimate the number of "gearheads" that loved this series. This big engine era was immensely popular. And you're wrong aerodynamics. Chaparral was the first to introduce air dams and spoilers ranging from the tabs attached to the earliest 2 model to the driver-controlled high wing "flipper" 2E, through to Hall's most inspired creation, the 2J, the car that would forever be known as the "vacuum cleaner", one of the, if not the, first downforce car.
jackhammer111 5 months ago
they sure dont make them like they used too
caminoguy69 1 year ago