(Photos by David Whealon- DW Photos) – Yes, that is a real Mercedes Gull Wing, and yes, it has been a land speed racer for many years. The car is an incredible piece of engineering and it is built in such a way that it confirms to the rules of the ECTA and Bonneville but someday someone could put it back to stock. We sincerely hope that no one ever does that. While the Mercedes was certainly the most collectible and valuable of the cars at the Ohio Mile ECTA 2015 season opener, it was not the only unique piece of iron screaming down the runway in Wilmington, Ohio. The full field included many fast muscle cars, dedicated land speed racers, motorcycles, and more than a couple rookies land speed racing for the first time. How cool is that?!
The weather was really great for the weekend, competitors made more than 550 runs over the course of two days, and motorcycle rider Ryan Osterguard reset the overall track record at more than 243mph (more on that in a day or two). Standing Mile land speed racing continues to blossom and grow around the country and the ECTA is no exception. Rather than run our gums any longer, let’s check out these amazing photos by David Whealon that capture scenes from the pits and at the big end of the track where people are REALLY flying!
(See something you want to buy of your race car or others? Here’s where to get them)
And yes while he was alive … American automotive industry AND driving legend ….. John Fitch ……. was the driver of that Gullwing [ see the video ” Gullwing at Twilight ” by Chris Szwedo ]… right up to the end of his long and storied career
John Fitch . Talk about an iconic GearHead hero everybody needs to know about !!!
PS; Suffice it to say despite rapidly rising prices … theres still a few Gullwing owners out there that use their cars the way God and the manufacture intended
For once I have to agree with CK, seeing a Gullwing at full song must sound sweet!