In memory of David Pearson

[gator]

Here's one of David Pearson's Holman Moody Fords that only raced a few times in this color.

[john2]

   I had  not heard, but I take it that he passed.  He had been in declining health for some time.  One of my all time favorites. 

[gator]

Yes John, he passed away earlier today. One of the greats for sure.

[Tom Birky]

Darn it. Hate news like that. I'll always remember the pic of him puffing on a smoke while racing. Imagine that!  Thanks for posting the nice replica Gator.

Tb

[David Bogard]

[Michael F]

Sorry to hear that. He was one of my favorites as well. Allways smoking and chewing...

[Brian Conn]

   David competed in a dirt late model race in Mason City, Iowa .....may he rest in peace

[sentsat71]

Gator....

GREAT looking build!!!

The gold version was "used" in the Paul Newman movie, "Winning" running at the IRP road course. The overhead shots showed what looked like a taped over name on the roof, or added for the movie.....
USAC sanctioned most likely.
Curious if this one along with a blue/gold one, numbered 47 along with a different sponsor, though no good shots of it, if Holman/Moody fielded these cars or were copycats for the movie.
The all gold #17 looked a lot like your build. complete with the thin stripes and sponsor....
Just wondering if anyone would know.

[Lefturns75]

I don't know for sure but I would guess the footage of those cars was shot during some West Coast event in 68.  When you look close at some of the stills the cars have the fine details of a real H/M stocker the Hollywood boys usually leave out.  Your average movie goer wont be able to tell a H/M Torino from a street version with numbers painted on it.  With the budget the movie had I find it unlikely that those cars would have been built for the movie with the details they carry.  It would have been easier and much cheaper to pay the teams for an afternoon of shots with different graphics than building the real thing.  Again, I know none of this as fact it is just a WAG.  Riverside Speedway is listed as a filming location and the Speedway and Participants are credited for assistance.