Originally Posted by Stealth87:
Good catch. Now that I look at it, there are multiple things different on those 2 chassis'. Is it possible that only one is a Grant King?
Either that or, they were built at different times. Maybe one is older than the other??
Man I love those cars, I did some digging, just photographic evidence. Seems to me, the Al Unser car used in the 2 car Viceroy team, may have been the ex Rislone car from 1969 then the Johnny Lightning car from 1970 and 71. Had a cage added for 72 and 73. Appears to me Al is in a new Grant King car for 74 along with Mario's King built car. 1975 Al is in #3 but I think Mario was out of the dirt cars by then.
These photo's are from Crucean and Mahoney's "Sprint car Pictorial 1975" and Dick Wallens USAC 50 year history book.
The photo from 1974 (Crucean and Mahoney's book) both cars have Grant King roll cage's, the trademark "X" behind the drivers head. Is it possible the car in the Unser Museum in New Mexico is original Johnny Lightning car, restored to it's 1970 livery? The #1 car in the Indy Museum looks like a car that was built with a cage originally, not an add on. Anybody know which car is which, for sure?
Mitch G.
Took him about 1/2 of the race but, Big Al finally ran him down!! I absolutely love that Johnny Lightning car and, your pictures, Al. You do great work!!!
