[Charles]

The Al Olster COPO Camaro was delivered through Ammon R. Smith Chevrolet at York, PA. in February 1969. The race program got off to a poor start. The car ran 7 tenths off the then current 11.47 SS/EA record. The car suffered through a number of transmission and engine failures. One time Al backed the car off the truck and the engine and transmission both let go! Vinnie Tarantola did some transmission work that improved the performance. There were further problems when a torque converter went at the Super Stock Nationals. More transmission work and engine work were needed. The car qualified with low et. at the Indy Nationals but was ejected because the combustion chambers lacked ONE cubic millimeter.
Dave Strickler ran a 10.97 at 124 in Dallas when the drivetrain from Al's car was put in Dave's SS/J car. Drag racing even with the best of help can be a frustrating and expensive experience.