Canadian Racing Tempest

Various Canadian & U.S. Venues

Various Dates

This saga came to light when Larry Jendras found a photo for sale on EBay of a 1963 Pontiac Tempest racing at the Rose Cup in Portland Oregon. It turned out that the car was sponsored by a large Canadian dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia by the name of Bowell McLean or Bo Mac. The car achieved notable success in sedan racing with the ICNSCC (International Conference of Northwest Sports Car Clubs), winning the Class III season championship and the Westwood Championship for Sedans, both in 1963.

Scriabin leads a Mini and a VW during the Canadian Touring Trophy at Mosport on August 8, 1964. (Photo courtesy Ron Kielbiski)

Bowell McLean Motor Co. LTD. Advertisement

Campaigning the car was Mike Scriabin with Robbie McInnis as his mechanic. Based on the car’s success, it was invited to compete in the Canadian Touring Car Trophy event, where unfortunately it would DNF after losing a wheel and suffering front end problems. From photos available, it appears the car was a 326 powered car, likely with the standard three speed transaxle.

We are always interested in any documentation available, i.e. photos entry lists, results lists, remembrances, programs, etc.

To date we have been unable to contact Robbie McInnis or his family, any contact information would be welcome.

Canadian Tempest Race History

Racing Record – Mike Scriabin – Bo Mac 1963 Pontiac Tempest

May 3, 1963 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll – Vancouver Sun – May 4, 1963
July 15, 1963 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll
August 18, 1963 – Arlington – 1st Sedan lll
September 1, 1963 – Deer Park – 1st Sedan lll – The Spokesman-Review – September 2, 1963
September 22, 1963 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll
October 6, 1963 – Delta Park – 1st Sedan lll – Competition Press – October 26, 1963 – PG 3
October 27, 1963 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll – Competition Press – November 9, 1963 – PG 8
October 27, 1963 – Westwood – 2nd LeMans – Competition Press – November 9, 1963 – PG 8
J. G. Anthony reveals Dan McMahon will challenge Scriabin in Sedan lll with a “ … blown-Avanti-engined, disc-braked Studebaker Lark.” – Competition Press – November 9, 1963 – PG 8
1963 ICNSCC Sedan Champion
1963 – Westwood Champion for Sedans
April 5, 1964 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll
June 14, 1964 – West Delta Park – 1st Sedan lll – Competition Press – June27/July 10, 1964 – PG W-1 & 3
June 27-28, 1964 – Westwood – 1st Sedan lll – Competition Press PG W-3
August 8, 1964 – Mosport – DNF (Wheel/Suspension) – Competition Press – August 21/September 11, 1964 – PG 4 (Canadian Touring Trophy Races)
September 20, 1964 – 1st Sedan lll – Competition Press – September 26/October 9, 1964 – PG W-3
1963 ICNSCC Sedan lll Champion – Competition Press – November 11/20, 1964 – PG W-1 & 10
1963 SCCBC Sedan lll Champion – Competition Press – December 26/January 8, 1964 – PG W-1
ICNSCC announces displacement limit for Sedan lll will be reduced to 3800 CC from 5400 CC – Competition Press – November 21/December 11, 1964 – PG W-A

Paul Goldsmith stands next to his victorious Pontiac LeMans Super Duty after the 1963 Daytona American Challenge Race. The car was entered by Ray Nichels and prepared by Tiny Worley. (Racing Pictorial Photo, Courtesy AIC International Corporation)