Lee Roy Yarobrough # 98

Original NASCAR-raced muscle cars are rare. Most didn’t survive the season, let alone the 40+ years since the golden age of stock car racing, so we were impressed to see this ’69 Ford Torino Talladega racing at the Coronado Speed Festival last fall.

Ron Myska is the owner and driver, and he says piloting the Boss 429-powered aero-warrior is a workout, but worth it. When asked about the possibility of damaging his real Holman-Moody-built Torino by taking it out in wheel-to-wheel competition, Ron said “Wrecking these cars or any vintage car is a risk. We try to minimize that risk by aligning with good competitors  We all understand it’s a show, and the spotlight is on the cars.  Having said that, we still want to beat that guy in front of us.”

Back in the pits, Ron showcased the Boss 429 engine (only available in Mustangs to street guys, but a formidable competitor in the Torino Talladega and Cyclone Spoiler II in NASCAR’s Grand National series. That combo sent many a Daytona home with its winged tail between its legs, and some of the greatest names in stock car racing sat behind the wheel of one of these monsters.

The interior is all period correct (barring a few upgrades for safety). That wood grain panel was a Holman Moody trademark, and on the dash is a working cigarette lighter, because the ’60s were an era when drivers still drank beer during pit stops.

The low, long profile and black steelies are as you would find if you could time machine back to Daytona 1969 (and if you can, please take us with you).

Real race cars still being raced? Yay or Nay? Let us know if you’d kick this one out of your garage for eating crackers. As always, we may quote you in the magazine.