DAVID GAGNARD Dick was friend to everyone and a very sharp person. I was there when the car went trough tech at VIR and also at dinner with him and Heather. Head said that the motor in the car was the orignial one that Joe B had rebuilt years ago. He had blown up a couple of other motors and the big motor was too much for the car to handle. Dick said that the only body repairs done to the car where paint and the nose cone was damaged racing. I have no reason not to beleive him. I have picture of the car under side when it was in the FFR hauler. There have been some add on but the bottom of the car had 40+ of racing on the frame for sure. As far as mowwing the grass, I watched the whole thing happen. John M. was over to Dick right after the race and said he was so sorry for the adventure into the cow field. No damage was done to either car and Dick signed John banner at their camp. Class act both ways. Hope they don't let another Dodge with an novice driver in the historic race again. Every one was really lucky on the checking up on the end of the long straight.
I never asked but wonder where the motor that turned 198 went to? The original could also have sleeves in it to. He knew that the orignial motor made the car worth alot more than a replacement. The guy to ask would be Dick's engine builder Joe B. He is still building FE motors. He knows how to make them last and live for years. I got 7 years from my shelby before switching to a 482 stroker, same block and heads of 14 years. Same HVHP
oil pump with a 100# spring. Have not hurt bottom end yet. There maybe something to running high pressure and volume.
Rick L.