by Mike Matune | 06/01/2015 4:45 PM
February 11, 1962
Four Tempests competed in the inaugural Daytona Continental. This race is perhaps best known for Dan Gurney’s unique win. After the engine failed in his Lotus 19, Gurney parked the car at the top of the track just short of the start/finish line. He waited until the checkered flag fell on the three hour event and crossed the line driven by his starter motor or gravity, depending on which version of the story you believe.
The Tempests were less successful with only Rodger Ward being able to finish in 27th place. The other three cars were all DNF’s. Paul Goldsmith (differential) and A.J. Foyt (engine) would both go out after being credited with two laps; although Foyt would be attributed with leading the first lap. Harry Heuer lasted a little longer until lap 14, when he was sidelined with a gearbox problem.
Among the questions to which we need answers are:
The Ray Nichels transporter arrives at the Daytona International Speedway with the four Tempests slated to compete in the inaugural Daytona Continental. (Nichels Engineering Photo Courtesy Tom Schlauch)