Models » Dirt Track » 1970-1979
1973 Caged USAC Dirt Champ Car: Johnny Rutherford (1:18)
In 1973 Johnny Rutherford qualified this beautiful, caged dirt champ car in the Hoosier Hundred, but at the last minute George Snider drove the number eighteen car, which was owned by Tim Delrose of Joliet, Illinois.
Long-time USAC fans remember the early seventies well and with fond admiration. In those days nearly all of the top American drivers competed not just at the famed Indianapolis 500, but were also regulars at dirt tracks across the country. Names like, Andretti, Foyt, Jones, Unser, Bettenhausen, Rutherford and Vukovich were just as likely to show up in a local Saturday night main event as they were to walk down the famed Gasoline Ally the Sunday morning of Memorial Day weekend.
The skills that these drivers regularly demonstrated at tracks all over the world and in a variety of racing disciplines, ranging from Formula 1 to the World Sports Car Championship, were often paled by their raw courage and home-grown skills on some of America’s most famous dirt tracks. In fact, a driver simply could not win the USAC Championship unless he had what it took to conquer the dirt.
In 1973 Johnny Rutherford qualified this beautiful, caged dirt champ car in the Hoosier Hundred, but at the last minute George Snider drove the number eighteen car, which was owned by Tim Delrose of Joliet, Illinois.
Long-time USAC fans remember the early seventies well and with fond admiration. In those days nearly all of the top American drivers competed not just at the famed Indianapolis 500, but were also regulars at dirt tracks across the country. Names like, Andretti, Foyt, Jones, Unser, Bettenhausen, Rutherford and Vukovich were just as likely to show up in a local Saturday night main event as they were to walk down the famed Gasoline Ally the Sunday morning of Memorial Day weekend.
The skills that these drivers regularly demonstrated at tracks all over the world and in a variety of racing disciplines, ranging from Formula 1 to the World Sports Car Championship, were often paled by their raw courage and home-grown skills on some of America’s most famous dirt tracks. In fact, a driver simply could not win the USAC Championship unless he had what it took to conquer the dirt.
 This gorgeous 1:18 scale caged dirt Champ Car, by GMP is an impeccable tribute to the golden age of USAC racing. |
 The impeccably detailed cockpit is a true joy to behold. |
 The venerable Offenhauser, or “Offy” engine has been detailed in all it’s crowning glory. |
 Detailed brake rotors and calipers are just some of the many details you’ll find on this car. |
 How can any USAC fan not look at this car in awe? GMP has done a brilliant job recreating one of the true icons of American racing. |
