Mike Joy - Lewisville, North Carolina
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 #4
Originally driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson

Mike Joy

Ron TredwayRon Tredway
Number 3 is Tony Lorenzo and Number 4 is Jerry Thompson.

Documented History:

This car was prepared for the 1970 Trans AM season by the very successful amateur Owens Corning Fiberglas Corvette racing team.

A die stamping of the new curvy quarters had been problematic, causing production of the new body style to be delayed until the first of the year when the Body-in-White new Camaro chassis was delivered to Tony DeLorenzo and team in late January.

Ron TredwayTony Lorenzo's first time out, at Lime Rock. Ron TredwayJerry Thompson at Road Atlanta. Ron Tredway

The bodies were then delivered to Logghe Stamping for the roll cage construction. Logghe brothers were famous Fuel Dragster chassis builders and they also built the cages for the Jim Hall Chaparral Camaros. The cage was built of 1.5” .090 tubing and the forward cage struts had mounting plates that bolted to the subframe per the rules at the time.  Most competitors subsequently welded these to the subframe in later years when allowed. This car's roll cagae is still bolted in place as the period would require!

With just the body shells being provided, much parts scrounging took place at Chevrolet. When Jerry Thompson was asked how the cars ended up with Saddle Tan padded dashboards, he responded with "we were just frantic for parts and could not be particular!”

Ron Tredway

Bob Eienerth in the 1972 Watkins Glen TransAm race.

Ron Tredway
Ron Tredway

Jerry Thompson at Riverside.

Ron Tredway

Logghe made new rear inner fenders (tubs) of .125 steel for strength and weight bias to the rear. The sub-frame was double welded, suspension mounts gusseted, upper A-arm repositioned, and Delrin bushings adapted. The lower A-arms received mono-balls instead of bushings as did the forward eye of the rear leaf springs and each end of the double adjustable Koni shock absorbers. The rear leaf spring was off-set inboard for tire clearance and the GM-supplied “Patch Panel” fender flairs were welded to the body.

Ron Tredway Ron Tredway

Limited edition spindles were eventually acquired from GM, specially made to mount J56 Corvette brakes directly to the race spindles and a larger axle bearing Impala 12 bolt posi-traction differential was used at the rear. A Harrison Oil cooler was installed along with an L88 aluminum radiator. Bill King's Machine Shop assembled the 302 engines not far from the OCF shop. A NASCAR style Cowl Air Induction system was adapted to the Camaro engine compartment.

To represent one of the Corvette sponsors, OK Kustom headers and sidepipes were adapted, becoming a signature feature. Power steering and brakes were used, as on the Chaparral Camaros, which was unusual at the time. A tilt steering wheel, GM Transistor ignition, 20 Gal ATL fuel cell, fiberglass racing seat, and 8” wide magnesium Minilite wheels completed the preparation.

Ron Tredway Ron Tredway

Jerry Thompson at Road America.

GM designer Randy Wittine mimicked the color scheme used on the OCF Corvettes and created the most striking graphics of the Trans Am race cars at that time. The paint job alone made the car a favorite of many race fans.

Ron Tredway Ron Tredway
Jerry Thompson at Riverside in 1970. Jerry Thompson in the 1970 St. Jovite TransAm.

 

1970 Race History

Date Place Start Finish # Laps Money
May 9 Lime Rock 21 DNF 3    
May 31 Bryar Motorsports Park 15 7 4 83 1,200
Jun 7 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 11 29 4 0  
Jul 19 Road America 34 21 4 43 50
Aug 2 Circuit Mont-Tremblant 15 7 4 68 1,200
Aug 16 Watkins Glen International 12 27 DNF 4 54 50
Sep 20 Pacific Raceways 16 25 DNF 4 34 50
Oct 4 Riverside International Raceway 17 33 DNF 4 14  
1972 Race History with Bob Boenerth
Date Race Grid Finish
6-May Lime Rock 28 14
29-May Bryar 20 13
4-Jun Mid Ohio 34 13
17-Jun Watkins Glen 27 18
16-Jul Road America 34 17
30-Jul Sanair 27 7