Jack Bayer "Rodocker" Camaro

[GailHeartRN]

I can share that my Uncle Roger Rodocker was a drag racer from 1960 to 1971 and his Yenko Camaro was really special to him. He lived in the San Bernardino area for many years and raced at all of the Southern California tracks. I remember he was upset when he got beat by an AMX. He was a cabinet maker and later a contractor in the San Bernardino mountains. He was a really good basketball player his entire life, and was tall. He loved his large family and was a lot of fun to be around. Seeing the photo of his car put a smile on my face. Such great memories. Thank you!

[Tracker1]

Olympic Gold?

[Kurt S]

Are you sure it was a Yenko? 69 Yenkos were COPOs that Yenko added some Yenko badging / stripes.

Most 427 cars were COPOs from a different (i.e. not Yenko) dealer.

[Mrodocker]

I am Roger Rodockers son. My Dad bought this car from Crest Chevrolet in San Bernardino. My Dad was the driver and Jack Bayer drove occasionally while being the engine builder/tuner. When the car was picked up, it was taken directly to Jacks shop in El Monte where it was immediately made into a race car. My Dad raced from 1960 to 1971 and even though I was born in 72, I remember the tons of trophyÂ’s around our house. I went to my first NHRA event in 1981, and was amazed at how many people recognized my father and were happy to see him. I remember in the late 80s a man calling our house because he had just purchased my Dads Z-11 here and tracked him down as the original owner.

[Bayer Z-11]

I can say that the picture of the Bill Bader Chevrolet sponsored ‘63 Impala is indeed a Z-11. I am the current owner of what remains of the original pieces to this car. Jack was employed at Bader Chevrolet and owned the Z-11. Prior to this car he was racing a ‘62 Impala. I am doing research in a quest to build a tribute to the original Z-11. Unfortunately after talking with Cheryl Bader I’m running into a dead end. I’ve contacted the NHRA museum for information with no reply. I have just sent an information request to Thomas Bayer in hopes that he might be related to Jack. Sadly Jack passed away several years ago and his shop in Hemet CA has closed its doors. There was a close connection to Larry Minor and off road racing endeavors but Larry is unreachable. If anyone has information regarding family or associates that might further my research it would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Bill