Don Yenko Trans Am History

[MotownMadman]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2741141842&category=28 75

I found this race program on Ebay for the 1970 Sebring Trans Am race, Don was listed as a driver. I have documentation from the 1968 Trans Am season I have obtained as part of the history for my Team Shelby Trans Am Mustang, in 68 it lists Don Yenko entered at Sebring with Peter Revson as a co-driver in a Corvette, Revson was teamed with someone else in 1970 according to this Ebay item, anyone know why Yenko and Revson did not stay together?
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JoeC]

Back then you got a ride however and with who even was available. Don also drove with Dick Guldstrand, Bob Grossman, and many others.
Don drove in 6 trans am races in 1969. Some of the trans am races were combined with bigger races at Daytona and Sebring

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Revson died in a car crash.

[MotownMadman]

Marlin, I know Revson died, but he was still with us in 1970 which is clear as he is listed in the Sebring race program on Ebay, so he had split with Don Yenko prior to his passing. Joe, that is very true about taking whatever ride you could get, a good example would be my #2 Team Shelby car, during the 68 season it was raced by Horst Kweck, Allan Moffet, Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney, and David Pearson. Some of the longer races were two driver teams, but that is still a lot of drivers for one car that only raced the first ten races of the season. I was just wondering if there was another reason why Yenko and Revson split other then the normal team/driver changes. Next time I speak to Jennifer Revson (Peters sister), I will ask her as well as if she has any other history on Don.
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[copo9566aa]

I have this small picture /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Corvette Pilot Don Yenko of Cannonburg,PA...... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

HP Cars Sept 73.

[1967Z28]

Motown,

Yenko drove a Corvette along with Pedro Rodriguez (not Peter Revson) at the '68 Sebring race. Revson was under contract to AMC and was co-driving a Javelin along with Skip Scott at that '68 Sebring event. This was the first year that the Trans-Am was part of the 12-hour race (it was previously run as a separate 4-hour event) and this was also the first race for Javelin. Revson never drove in a Trans-Am race with Don Yenko. In '68 he was driving for AMC (until the last race when he switched to Ford), in '69 he drove a Boss 302 for Shelby and in '70 he was back with AMC as a second driver on the Penske Javelin team.

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

Jon,
After going through my historical Trans Am paperwork I have found we are both right. Revson was running a Javelin during the 68 season, Yenko was teamed with Rodriguez for the 68 season. However, the document I was reading that led me to believe Yenko had teamed with Revson that year was the results of the 24 hours of Daytona on Feb 3 and 4 1968. Here is how it went. Yenko and Rodriguez did run together in the Sebring 12 hour race in March, but prior to that for whatever reason The team of Yenko and Revson finished in 25th place after completing 496 laps in GT class driving Corvette number 29. The 24 hours of Daytona in that year was an international race which combined car classes, TA/O, TA/U, GT, Spts, and SP. The Yenko/Revson Corvette qualified and started in 19th position with an average speed of 108.580 with the pole position qualifing at 119.370. Rodriguez was not entered in that race, Guldstrand was teamed with Leslie qualifing 15th in #44 Corvette in GT class and finishing 29th. Both Corvettes started ahead of the Team Shelby Mustangs which were in TA/O,(the O and U behind TA stands for over or under 2.0 litre) my car went out with mechanical failure and the Titus/Bucknum #1 Mustang finished 4th only to be beat by the three Porsche 907 cars which finished 1,2,and 3.(yet by class the Mustang finished first in TA/O as the Porsches ran in SP) For the rest of the season Revson drove a Javelin and was not teamed with Yenko again. I might add that this was actually five races in one, as five classes competed together in which there was actually six different race results as far as finish position. Overall standings, then the standings for each class. Yenko and Revson were teamed in GT class, so while they were racing with Trans Am cars, technically they never were teamed in a Trans Am race. This is one of those things that make you go Hmmmmmmmmm.............
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[1967Z28]

Motown,

Yep, I guess we are both right.... or maybe both wrong. However one wants to look at it. Yenko and Revson teamed up for a race together but not in a Trans-Am car (Corvette was classed as a Grand Touring car per FIA rules at that time). Revson was available to team with Yenko because the Javelin team did not get their act together in time to make the Daytona race. Both your Mustang (Kweck/Moffat) and my Camaro (Moore/Murphy) DNF'd out of the Daytona race. Oh well, that's racing!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

Jon,
Heck, I got another TA racer here with a history car! How bout while all these other guys are doing the factory stock drags in a straight line we race around em in circles in the parking lot! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[1967Z28]

Motown,

Sounds like a plan! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

Jon,
Here is a photo of a nice 67 Camaro equiped with RPOZ28 option. Click on link.
http://www.boomspeed.com/ezmatt/DSC00934.JPG
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MotownMadman]

Jon,
For some reason the photo came out oversize, have to adjust side to side and up and down. Never claimed to be a computer genius. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[1967Z28]

Motown,

Thanks for the link. Car looks very nice. Is that the one owned by Al Maynard?

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

For the moment it is.
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[1967Z28]

If the car's for sale, it appears that there are several guys that visit this website who would be interested in it. Is Al going to advertise it?

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[69RSZ]

hi motown,yes jon is right about a couple of people wanting a 67 z me being one.i have been looking for about 4 years for the right one to come along.jon knows how long i have been looking.if i have a chance at it would you PM me?lmk thanks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Ron C
69RSZ
02 35th perf edition #11
71 SS LS5 chevelle

[Denis]

Beautiful car, but needs a set of redlines.

[whitez]

Jon and Motown: While we are on the subject of interesting rides by Don Yenko I think you may find this of some interest. I have the original July 5, 1973 Watkins Glen International 6 Hour Race Application For Entry signed by Don Yenko. Don Yenko was the co-driver of a 1972 Ferrari G.T. Coupe, G.T.4 Class, car # 6, entered by Robert M. Grossman. Proves Don was not just G.M. loyal but would drive what ever became available.

Don:
Mo Carter 69 Trans-Am Camaro

[1967Z28]

Don,

Thanks. I guess Yenko did a little driving in some other cars but I doubt any of them were Fords! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

Jon, Just had to get that little stab in there huh? Thats Ok, I can take it, the value of that "Ford" I have when sold will get me two or three Chevy Supercars! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Lets see, you said Yenko never raced with Revson, I had to show you he did, maybe I can dig through my archives and find something documenting Yenko racing a Ford! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Ya right! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifThat will be the day! By the way, I am doing some history research on your Camaro.
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[1967Z28]

Motown,

Don Yenko and the "F-word" (Ford)? Nope, can't say I can picture Don behind the wheel of one. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

Your Trans Am Mustang will definitely be worth some big bucks but you are making the right move by selling it off for more Chevys! That tunnel-port 302 is a time bomb just waiting for you to light the fuse.

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[moparts]

That sounds like fun then we could air out Tom's 83 Yenko Camaro http://www.yenko.net/reunion/Tc02.jpg

[JoeG]

[ QUOTE ]
That sounds like fun then we could air out Tom's 83 Yenko Camaro

[/ QUOTE ]

moparts,
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif---very nice,-- but couldn't you just hang some of those christmas tree air fresheners from the rollbar /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif----REALLY NICE----JoeG

[moparts]

You know.....come to think of it.....it does have the same smell as the funny car....... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif......burning rubber that is. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[JoeG]

moparts,
Those Christmas tree air fresheners are not to efficient in removing burning rubber smell------SPEED!!---you heard me SPEED!! IS WHAT YOU NEED AND YOU WILL BE SAVED !!!!!----------------------------------------JoeG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[MotownMadman]

SPEED KILLS! Must be all us HorsePower fanatics are on a suicide mission! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[JoeG]

Hello Motown,
Sorry -I was watching a Gospel Reunion on T.V. last night and with all that Trans-AM talk I got carried away.--- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I don't think 'speed kills' it's the sudden stop that hurts!!

I had a photo of Morgan, Yenko and Revson from their racing effort with the Sunray DX L88 Corvette of '67 - Sebring I think. In '68 I think Yenko and Revson got together to run Daytona in a '68 Vette conv. and I think that was their last race together. At Sebring in '68 I believe it was Yenko and Rodriguez with a DNF due to engine failure with Rodriquez at the wheel. In '69 Yenko paired up with Dave Dooley to run a DX 'vette, running very well at various midwest tracks, but they didn't run Daytona or Sebring. I think '69 was the end of the Sunray DX series, and any association between Yenko and Revson (probably '68). By the end of '67 Revson was moving towards Can Am racing, in which occured his untimely death in '74 at Kyalami.

Not sure if I have all my facts straight, I only got into the DX history to trace what Don Yenko was up to! I also thought that the #29 car at Daytona in '68 was piloted by Thompson/Delorenzo?

Neat stuff.

[MotownMadman]

Marlin, Yenko and Revson ran #29 or their Vette while Delorenzo and Thompson ran Vette #30.
Thanks,
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I have a pic of the #29 car, with possibly your Mustang behind it as #2?

[JoeC]

here are my notes on Yenko racing history
attached pic is the red ZL1 engine Camaro Yenko/Grossman Sebring 1969 I believed owned by Grossman pic is from James Garner movie on VHS

1967 the 12 Hours of Sebring race Dave Morgan and Don Yenko compete in a 1967 L88 Corvette win 10th OA 1st in GT
1968 24-hour Daytona Continental Revson/Yenko race 1968 DX Oil L88 Corvette (No. 29) 496 laps complete
Sebring Yenko/Rodriguez race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 2) 43 laps DNF
1969 won the Citrus 250 at Daytona in a 1968 Camaro
Yenko/Guldstrand ran 68 Camaro in 24hr Daytona engine blew up
1969 Sebring 10th overall Yenko/Grossman in the Best Photo ZL1 Camaro

TRANS AM RACING
1969 May 11, Michican International Speedway Yenko Camaro 41th overall DNF after 24 laps with engine bearing failure
1969 May 30 Lime Rock Park Yenko Camao 21th overall DNF after 68 laps
1969 June 8 Mid-Ohio Yenko 1968 Camaro 30th overall DNF after 67 laps suspension failure
1969 Aug 3 Mt. Tremblant (Canada) Yenko/Grossman 7th overall after 91laps
1969 Aug 10 Watklens Glen NY Yenko/Grossman 8th overall

1970 24 hr Daytona Yenko/Grossman 427 ZL1 Camaro GT/0 28 overall 542lap DNF
1971 Le Mans Corvette DNA,
Daytona 4th overall and 1st in GT at Daytona
car #11 Tony DeLorenzo (USA) / Don Yenko (USA) / John Maler (USA) Chevrolet Corvette
1972 Sebring Corvette Yenko/Greenwood
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 for NART Racing USA Watkins Glen 6 hours; Grossman/Yenko #9 15th OA
1973 Le Mans Corvette DNQ
1974 24hr Daytona ran 21 hrs then DNF in a Corvette

[JoeC]

68 Camaro Yenko won Citrus 250 a lot of big name drivers in this race and was very big win for Yenko
Car was one of the ex Smokey Yunick Trans Am Camaros
Yenko and Dick Guldstrand ran this same car in 69 Daytona 24hr and blew engine

[JoeC]

1969 Camaro Yenko/Grossman ran in 1970 Sebring with ZL1 power. May be same car they ran in 69 Sebring with red paint. This pic I believe the car was white with red and blue stripes. This car was very fast but blew up.

[1967Z28]

JoeC,

I have been trying to acquire a copy of the Garner racing movie (The Racing Scene, I believe it was called). Do you know of a place where I can buy a copy? Thanks.

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[MotownMadman]

Marlin, if it is a 68 race, with a Notchback Mustang wearing the #2, thats the F word thats in my shop. First raced a real light almost white blue, then yellow with black hood, then Ford Corporate Blue. The Garner Movie "The Racing Scene", I believe I know where to get a copy of the movie, I have the promotional 24x48" movie posterboard if you are interested. Great notes on the Yenko racing history Joe, more great stuff for my files.
Motown /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[budnate]

Hit this thread, some guys helped me out on some movies recently, there are a few nice links to buy from.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=34586&page=&vi ew=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1

Bud.

[JoeC]

This site has it under FEATURE MOVIES

http://motorsportsvideo.com/

[1967Z28]

Bud and JoeC,

Thanks for the movie links!

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry