While our school seniors toured the Lowe's Motor Speedway (yes, I took our 12th graders down to Charlotte, NC for their senior trip) I sauntered down the road to visit Dennis Carpenter's facility which was only about a mile and a half away.

To my surprise, there was a Midget Race Car looking pretty freshly restored sitting in the museum. What did it have in it? A 312 Y block of course!!! The fella that took me on a personal tour told me that at one time Mario Andretti drove this Y block powered racer. I took photos of the car and the motor. The employee was good enough to raise the hood for me to peek. 3 deuces - Edebrock, and yes this car has been on the track since the recent restoration.

And what did I find to boot? The coveted overhead cam Y block parts!!! I know that God says "Thou shalt not covet" but Holy Camshafts!!! I handled the gearing, the timing cover, everything. Nice looking parts. I will have to post a photo of those too.

Nice trip. If you are ever in the area, make plans to stop by. It will take you 3 hours to go on a self-guided tour!!

PS - I will work to get these photos transferred and up soon!

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com