1974 Supernationals Wayne Gapp bio info…

“…rather vicious…”

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Mild-mannered in his personal demeanor but rather vicious on the race track, Wayne Gapp made some of the biggest headlines in 1974 with his controversial 4-door Maverick that took advantage of a wheelbase rule, allowing him to run 125 lbs. lighter than the competition. This advantage, coupled with the tremendous horsepower generated by Gapp & Roush-prepared engines, saw Gapp produce a tremendous record with a Grandnational-Molson victory and Summernationals runner-up along with the a new National Record of 8.84. Gapp also finished second in the Pro Point Standings at the end of the WCS season and is favored to fend off the challenge of Wally Booth’s AMC Hornet for the overall title at the Supernationals/World Finals

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Gapp beats Jenkins with 8.61 – article from Drag News

Gapp beats Jenkins with 8.61

On October 4, 1974 Drag News published the following:

NUMIDIA, Penna. – Numidia’s policy to hire the best match races possible is certaintly paying off as one of the biggest crowds of the year were present to witness a best 2 out of 3 between Bill Jenkins and Gapp & Roush. It was impossible to contain the crowd as two cars came to the line for round 1. After the usual burnouts the cars staged and in 8.82 seconds it was all over. The Grump bumped Wayne Gapp in 8.82–153.58 mph to the Ford’s quicker 8.79–152.

The second round Jenkins fouled and Gapp tore up the strip in pursuit, the little Ford ran its best time of the day setting a new Pro Stock record at 8.61 to Grump’s fouling 9.06–149.50.

Everything hung on the third and final round and the first round reversed itself as Gapp ran a slower, but winning 8.88 to Jenkins 8.79. Once again Gapp won it all, the match race and a new MPH track record at 154.10.

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Wayne Gapp readies for his record setting run.