Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

I am starting some research on a Black Z28 1969 Camaro race car I have. The second owner was Dave Gildart, Memphis TN.

I was told that this Camaro was raced at Lake Land and there is a web site. There is also a pic of a Hemi Challenger with Dave's name on it.

Anyone recognize the name or the cars?

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Never heard of Lake Land? I'm wondering if it's the one up above Dyersburg, there around the Mo/Ar/Il/Tn/Ky border? I can't remember the name of that place, but it's north of the highway I believe...next time I talk to Jamie Jarvis I'll have him ask around the eastern part of Arkansas...maybe holler at Larry Langston, he's raced S/S around Memphis forever...Larry, you awake?

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Hi: The name does not ring a bell with me. BUT, in the late 60s and 70s there were 4 groups of people racing at lakeland.One from Frayser. The Summer ave bunch. The East Memphis group and the people from Whitehaven. Most everbody got along, accept the Whitehaven people. They were A$$$ nobody liked them. If you Had an idea where the guy lived in Memphis I might be able to help. North, south or East.
I raced at Lakeland from 68 to about 1976. Yes there is a lakeland Web sight type in Lakeland international raceway in your search eng. Or E-mail me and I'll send you a link.
I don't know how to post it here. Just checked it's still there. PM me if I can help
Thanks Larry https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Lakeland was the track in "Two Lane Blacktop".

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

That is definetly a DIV-2 car. Have any pictures of the camaro? I do think that Lakeland was an AHRA track in or around Memphis, Tn. Maybe Rat Pack can help. Sam

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

6636 Elkgate Dr, Memphis TN 38115 was his address at the time.

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

That Mopar has an NHRA number on it I believe. Lakeland was an AHRA track in those days, but many racers ran both NHRA and AHRA. Any pictures of the camaro. I will try to find more pictures of the Dodge in my National Dragsters. That looks to be an AHRA sticker on that camaro funny car. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Sam,
The car is mostly in primer right now.

It is a X77, 10 10 Paint, 711 Interior Z28, Std Hood, Non spoiler, but has one on the deck lid now.

It had no tubs, Slapper. Bars, electric fuel pump, Tach mounted on the dash pad. Extra leaf on each side, Welded axle tubes and spring perches, 1969 NHRA Oval Sticker on the rear window and Motion Performance stickers in the 1/4 windows.

It still has complete disk brake set up. So probably a weekend warrior?

Was Run as a Big Block 427 from what I was told?

Get to work Mr.Tasty Cakes.

ps Thanks for the info Guys!

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Stefano: E-mail me when you get time
Larry

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

I live 5 minutes from the old lakeland track and pass it almost everyday, ill see what i can find out. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Stefano: I have some Info for you. But, I cant get your contact stuff to work. It keeps comming back not deliverable. E-Mail me at [email protected].

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

[email protected] Thanks!

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Hey Paul is that You??? I got the 67 from you about 15 year ago when you lived off Wales & Jackson. Come by the store some time. 3615 Summer.I'am Still doing the same ol stuff. special weapons and cop shop stuff.
Larry

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Hey Larry, Yes its me, Great to hear from you!! I plan on stopping by and checking out/purchasing one of those "special weapons" https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Barnfound Yenko, So whats there now. Have any pics ? Love looking at the old Strips

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Theres a factory outlet mall there now at the finish line/shut down area, if i not mistaken there is still bits and pieces of the track left ie.. parts of the track, portions of the retaining walls, and parts of the crossover, maybe Larry can shed some light on this subject, I do not have any pictures but possibly could give it a drive by and take a few. That track sure brings back alot of memories and was a blast to go to back in the 70's.

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Hi Paul come on by. The web site for lakeland drag dtrip is
lakeland international race way. Type it in your search eng.
Greg Friends ownes the rights now.
Larry

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Link:

http://www.lakelandraceway.com/

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

I need to thank everyone who pitched in to help with research on this Z28! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Letter [image]http://http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79...artasraced.jpg[/image] From the Original Owner:

Hi Clint,

It was an unexpected pleasure to get your call regarding the '69 camaro I once owned. The camaro was the first car that I bought myself and I have often wondered what became of it. I have attached the only photo of the car that I still have in my possession. This photo was taken by my father in 1969 shortly after I purchased the car - it still has the factory Goodyear tires on it! I had lots of photos and trophies that I won with the camaro, but through the years and multiple moves I have lost many things that I now wish I had. Our conversation regarding the camaro brings back many memories of my younger days. I have often told my wife that someday I would like to have another '69 camaro.

You wanted to know what I can remember about the car. I bought it new in 1969 at Union Chevrolet in Memphis. The car was purchased off the lot and was not a special order. It had the standard Z/28 302 CID engine, a M22 close ratio 4-speed transmission, and 4.10 positraction rear end. It had standard black interior with a center console and full instrumentation in the console forward of the shifter. I drove the car for about 2 years on the street. Being the young hot rod enthusiast that I was at the time, I did modify the car while using it as a daily driver; headers, cam, traction bars, electronic ignition and a competition clutch. I raced the car on the weekends at local drag strips (Lakeland & Collierville) in the stock classes and ran low 12 second ETs. In '72 I took the car off the street and built it into a modified production drag car. The engine was built with 13.6:1 dykes pistons, Lunati roller can and valve train, and Edelbrock tunnel ram with 2 660 CFM center-flow Holly carbs. The factory high-performance heads were ported/polished by Racing Head Service in Memphis and had triple valve springs and oversized valves. I installed a Lakewood roll bar and four-point harness, and a Lakewood bell housing (which was fortunate, because I did blow a clutch once). The transmission was modified into a "crash-box" by removing the gear synchronizers and replacing the factory gears with Liberty gears. The rear-end gears were 6.17:1, which was the lowest gear ratio available at the time for a 12-bolt housing. I was shifting at 10,200 rpm. I was told that it sounded more like a motor cycle than a car going down the strip. I removed the factory steel front fender wells and replaced them with fiberglass wells to reduce weight. The car was hooking so hard that it bent the factory leaf springs, and I replaced them with heavy duty springs that were made at a company in Memphis that produced truck springs. If I recall, the springs were thicker than stock springs and had a couple of extra springs on each side. I also had to weld the rear axle tubes to the center of the housing to keep them from turning in the housing. I am curious, is this still the rear suspension that is under the car? The car had Crager SS mags all around. That's all the modifications I can recall. I sold the car to Travis Hinkle in Memphis in '72 or '73 when I started driving Chrysler Pro Stock cars. Travis was a good friend and helped me build the camaro. Travis was a genius with engines and car design - he could make anything run! The last I heard, Travis was working at the UPS maintenance shop in Memphis, but that was 25 years ago. You are obviously more adept at locating people than I - you found me! If you happen to locate Travis or get any information about him, please let me know. I would very much like to contact him.

I raced the car at strips around the southeast; primarily in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The name on the car was "Miss Carriage" in red and yellow lettering. The car ran consistent low 10 second ETs, and held the NHRA national record in D/MP in '72 or '73. I think I set the record at a NHRA points race in Phoenix City, Alabama, but I am not sure - that was a long time ago. I had the car repainted just before I sold it to Travis. It was painted pearl white with blue body panels on the side extending to the front and rear quarters. A tunnel-ram scoop was molded into the factory steel hood. I never raced the car with this paint scheme and the new paint was never lettered while I had it. I had a ton of trophies and actually won some money with the car - you never get back what you put in! Sadly, the trophies have disappeared over the years too. If you find out any additional information about the car's history, please send it along to me. I am very interested in the car's life after I sold it, just for nostalgia. It was great hearing from you - please keep in touch!

David T. Gildart

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Original Owner With the Z28. [image]http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79...Z28Gildart.jpg[/image]

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Recent Picture [image]httphttp://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79...8/DSC00159.jpg://[/image]

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

WOW, What a great story! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

That's too cool Stefano! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Stories like this are soooo great!.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Hope you're planning on getting Dave G. to make a few passes in this great car again!?.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif
~ Pete

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

/v/http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...7/DSC01478.jpg

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Cool story, seems as if i remember that car after it was repainted, theres been a many of cars pulled out of the weeds so to speak lately from union chevrolet. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphis TN
 

Paul,
What do you have from Union Chevrolet?

Someone there had to know about ordering some cool cars.

Black, 4.10, M22, Z28, just sitting for inventory. I thought it was a cool story of a very unique Camaro.

The only other options were AM radio and console gages.

It seems that one of the subsequent owners had done a bunch of mail order business with Motion Performance.

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphi
 

Nice job Stephano et al. Love good detective work. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Great car with cool history. Shifting at 10K+!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphi
 

What a story! The LINK by dog427435 is a must read for old time drag racers! Sherm

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphi
 

Both of my cars were bought new at union chevrolet, ive also owned many 55-57 chevrolets and a few chevelles that were bought at union chevrolet, im always on the lookout for anything associated with that dealership.

Re: Lake Land International Race Track Near Memphi
 

Bummer, This mornings local newspaper has an article about lakeland dragstrip titled "The end of an era" very cool article, seems as if the remnants of the quarter mile blacktop dragstrip ie.. concrete walls, walkover, weathered sign, etc.. are about to be history, the main dragstrip is about to be the main street for a bunch of houses, killer article mentions the likes of "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, TV Tommy Ivo, Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney, "Dyno Don" Nicholson, "Jungle Jim" Lieberman, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, Raymond Beadle and Raymond Godman, Track was opened on July 4th, 1960.