Post by dragnews on Jan 2, 2011 19:49:30 GMT -5
It seems more often than not ,we start the 2011 racing season off with sadden news. 1960's-1970's Ardmore Dragway
racer Clyde Copley passed away Dec.31. Clyde may be remembered by many as Royce Van Buskirks long time racing partner. The two joined up in the mid 60's to campaign the Camel Express 55 Chevrolet gassr.
Seen here behind Clyde's home on 7th street N.W, in Ardmore
the 55 was a regular at Ardmore Dragway in the 60's.
After the 55 the two paired up to race a 69 AMX Super/Stocker that would become the first door car to win the Cowpasture Nationals.
The team were constant winner's at Ardmore, Green Valley, Kennydale and other tracks in division 4. The AMX was a class winner at the Spring Nationals in Dallas Texas, the team received the best appearing crew award at L.A. Place dragway's division 4 points meet in 1970.
After years of tuning and wrenching for driver Royce. Clyde took over the driving chores in the early 70's running a America Motors Gremlin at selected Texas Pro Stock association races and later moved the potent power plant over to a dragster were he won many races before retiring from the sport.
Clyde still actively followed the sport and returned back to the track during the Hot Rod Reunions. Clyde is survived by his wife Sandra,son David,granddaughter Kristen, and will be missed by many friends and race fans.
racer Clyde Copley passed away Dec.31. Clyde may be remembered by many as Royce Van Buskirks long time racing partner. The two joined up in the mid 60's to campaign the Camel Express 55 Chevrolet gassr.
Seen here behind Clyde's home on 7th street N.W, in Ardmore
the 55 was a regular at Ardmore Dragway in the 60's.
After the 55 the two paired up to race a 69 AMX Super/Stocker that would become the first door car to win the Cowpasture Nationals.
The team were constant winner's at Ardmore, Green Valley, Kennydale and other tracks in division 4. The AMX was a class winner at the Spring Nationals in Dallas Texas, the team received the best appearing crew award at L.A. Place dragway's division 4 points meet in 1970.
After years of tuning and wrenching for driver Royce. Clyde took over the driving chores in the early 70's running a America Motors Gremlin at selected Texas Pro Stock association races and later moved the potent power plant over to a dragster were he won many races before retiring from the sport.
Clyde still actively followed the sport and returned back to the track during the Hot Rod Reunions. Clyde is survived by his wife Sandra,son David,granddaughter Kristen, and will be missed by many friends and race fans.