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Although high speeds became common at the end of the 1960s, especially with the Dodge Daytona breaking the 200 mph. barrier, early in the decade things were still more leisurely. Bill France had boasted of the safety of the Daytona Beach Speedway and posted a $10,000 prize for the first person to break 180 mph. This was Bob Osiecki's attempt at the prize.
Originally a research vehicle for high speed tire testing by a tire company, Osiecki bought it in 1961 and replaced the Pontiac power with a Dodge 413, complete with Hillborn supercharger and injection to develop 840 horsepower.
After months of testing, breaking records at over 177 miles per hour, finally in August 1961 the magic 180 mark was broken with a final number of 181.561 mph. He managed to burn up 14 sets of tires in a single week during practice for that lap, burning 8 gallons of fuel per lap to do it!
Originally a research vehicle for high speed tire testing by a tire company, Osiecki bought it in 1961 and replaced the Pontiac power with a Dodge 413, complete with Hillborn supercharger and injection to develop 840 horsepower.
After months of testing, breaking records at over 177 miles per hour, finally in August 1961 the magic 180 mark was broken with a final number of 181.561 mph. He managed to burn up 14 sets of tires in a single week during practice for that lap, burning 8 gallons of fuel per lap to do it!