The one, The only 1967 IPC

[70 copo]

Originally Posted by L72copocamaro

There seems to be a little confusion on my part. Hopefully someone can clarify.

1. Why was it necessary to swap out the tires? Did the originals wear out or not meet requirements?

2. Why would the spare be changed also?

3. Did I misunderstand or miss something along the way?

Great history and car!! I'm sure it's tough to let it go!

It is all theories at this point.

What is known is that the engineering build order should have stated the change but did not.

The pace car activity book (which survives today) specified Dave Welday as the individual responsible for all at track modifications on the pace cars. Since Dave did not recall authorizing a tire change he concluded that the tires must have been cosmetically marked because the tire reps from both Goodyear and Firestone were image conscious and blemished tires were being identified after arrival at the track.

Nobody reached the conclusion that there would be a deviation in complete tire specification, yet here we are. The whole set including the spare.

My theory at this point is that the original tires were examined for wear prior to the actual race and somebody at Firestone convinced GM that the original firestones needed to be changed for "safety". The new Larger gold letter tires were then prepped by the racing division in Akron, and express transported by Firestone to Firestone to Speedway Indiana for the swap.

Here is a Replica staged at the gate with what is believed to be a cosmetic Blem identified by the on site Goodyear reps. This car is equipped with Goodyear speedways. You can tell by the position of the red stripe on the sidewall.

"X" Marks the Blem.

[L72copocamaro]

Originally Posted by 70 copo

It is all theories at this point.

What is known is that the engineering build order should have stated the change but did not.

The pace car activity book (which survives today) specified Dave Welday as the individual responsible for all at track modifications on the pace cars. Since Dave did not recall authorizing a tire change he concluded that the tires must have been cosmetically marked because the tire reps from both Goodyear and Firestone were image conscious and blemished tires were being identified after arrival at the track.

Nobody reached the conclusion that there would be a deviation in complete tire specification, yet here we are. The whole set including the spare.

My theory at this point is that the original tires were examined for wear prior to the actual race and somebody at Firestone convinced GM that the original firestones needed to be changed for "safety". The new Larger gold letter tires were then prepped by the racing division in Akron, and express transported by Firestone to Firestone to Speedway Indiana for the swap.

Here is a Replica staged at the gate with what is believed to be a cosmetic Blem identified by the on site Goodyear reps. This car is equipped with Goodyear speedways. You can tell by the position of the red stripe on the sidewall.

"X" Marks the Blem.

Thanks much for the follow up! It gives me a better understanding and appreciation!