Dick Arons' Berger cars

**midyr** · #1 01-29-2009, 08:41 PM

This pic shows the Berger SS/GA 1967 Camaro after Dickie won the Can-Am meet at Cayuga Dragway July 5/69, beating Bill Stiles' SS/BA in the final. Also in the pic is Dick 'Big M' Maskin, now well known as owner of Dart Engineering and builder of Pro Stock engines. Dick had run this car with a 4-spd earlier in the year. Others in the field were Ken Montgomery, Chuck Johnson, Tritak & Morgan, Barrie Poole, Jim McCann, Scott Wilson, Lance Hill, etc.

Dick Arons was one of the best drivers and engine builders in drag racing and could drive anything from S/S to M/P to Pro Stock, and did.

Lance Hill

**Salvatore** · #2 01-30-2009, 06:01 AM

You guys were a big threat back then. Where did Dave Kanners, Andy Manarino and Paul Mercurie fit in with you guys? They all were pretty fast in the Modified Eliminator/Pro Stock ranks in those days. I heard a rumor the Dean Nicopolis may be returning to drag racing.

Any pictures of your car?

**midyr** · #3 01-30-2009, 10:35 PM

Yeah, Dave and Paul were around in those days. If memory serves Dave partnered up with Maskin on what we called the Kelvinator Pro Stocks, and Paul ran M/P with engines that Dickie built. It seems to me that Andy started out driving one of the "Mimi" Super Stock cars for Bill Blanding and then later they went into P/S, although I'm not sure I can trust my memory on it. Bill had deep pockets because he had some ownership in Corning glassworks or something along those lines, his cars were always white and had a humungous stuffed toy riding shotgun in the passenger seat. Nobody partied harder at the end of a race day that Bill and his bunch. I hope Andy is the guy I'm thinking of.

Lance

**Salvatore** · #4 01-30-2009, 10:43 PM

I remember a Pro Stocker with Maskins and Manarino (spelling) on the side. I think it was a Firebird maybe early 80's. I think

Dave Kanners also had the Mouse Pack camaro painted like Booth's 1969 green Pro Stock car. Early to mid 70's was a great time for NHRA Modified Eliminator.

**bkhpah** · #5 01-31-2009, 01:29 AM

Without question one of the coolest cars SCW has ever had the honor of restoring...BKH

**midyr** · #6 01-31-2009, 01:56 AM

Very Nice. That's great to see.

Lance

firstgenaddict · #7 02-03-2009, 05:17 AM

NICE!!!

**bkhpah** · #8 02-04-2009, 06:17 AM

Gordy Foust and Dick Arons checking out the car at Arons shop after the restoration. Dick built the 427 engine and boy does it sound good..BKH

**Xplantdad** · #9 02-04-2009, 06:31 AM

That is just too cool!

**midyr** · #10 01-30-2009, 10:38 PM

Neglected to say that Dean is truly one of the good guys, always was. A real class act. His cars were always quick.

Lance

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.