Missile Program
Bauman Whale
MOPAR MISSILE
That name echo's through the minds of people familiar with the early years of Pro/Stock Drag Racing. Only three cars can be called "The Missile." Ted Spehar and gang built and raced a 70/71 Challenger, a 72 Cuda, and my all time passion, a 72/73 Duster. During the dawn of ProStock racing, they had more trips down the drag strip than any other cars. Testing, innovation, hard work, and long hours were the norm. To paraphrase another famous gentleman.
"NEVER HAVE SO FEW, DONE SO MUCH, WITH SO LITTLE, FOR SO MANY"
These pictures are dedicated to all the people involved. I will try to name a few, Tom Hoover, Ted Spehar, Al Adams, Tom Coddington, John Bauman, Leonard Bartush, Dick Oldfield, Joe Pappas, and Don Carlton. My personal thanks to all of you that were involved.

Photo credits
My friends, Dick Oldfield, the original driver of the first "Motown Missile," Joe Pappas, Suzie and Dave Koffel (of B1 Head fame) have supplied the photos in this section. For that, on behalf of all Chrysler Drag Race Fans, I offer my heartfelt "THANKS." Without them, these historical photos would have been lost.

Enjoy,
Stewart
2006

 
 
 

John Bauman, known as "Tweaker", was the resident race car genius. He also used his heavy Charger as a test bed at times.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Image: Baumann Charger
Image: Whale at speed
Image: Whale launch 2
Image: Whale launch

Image: Whale repair

 
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