Dirt-track circle racing isn’t technically advanced, isn’t the end-all, be all for power in motorsports, and isn’t so expensive that only well-funded teams with massive trucks and trailers for support can play. It’s one of the few bastions of local racing that can still be enjoyed by just about anyone who has the skill to put a car together and can drive it on an unpredictable surface without getting killed. Part NASCAR, part drifting in the nearest grass field, dirt track racing is a great way to cut loose if you like roundy-round racing but hate the typical costs that come into play in that field. There’s just one problem at most tracks: How many 1970s Camaros and G-bodies had to be sacrificed in the name of dirt drifting?

Here’s a different take on the subject. This is a 1979 Mercury Zephyr Z-7 that is driven by Justin Evans. It’s been out and about since June 2018 and has already proven itself to be quite worthy an adversary on short tracks in the Pacific Northwest. Evans, who has partnered up with car owner Al Flora for years, stepped out of a 1970s Mercury Cougar to the Fox body and so far, has done wonders with the car. Here’s to bucking the trend and to continued successes!