Rattus Patrolus

Jenkins 68 Nova was usually driven by Ed Hedrick, in SS/D class, except the World Finals. The car ran an L78 396cid /375hp engine, re-factored by the NHRA to 425hp. Although Jenkins claimed his L78s were making close to 500hp - the track hp works to around 450hp. The cars entry #s were as follows: 68 Spring Nationals and US Indy Nationals - 704 68 World Finals -701. The car was only raced by Jenkins for 1 year.

Lets straighten up the ‘urban myth’ a bit… 1969 - S&M ran a 69 Roadrunner in SS/E - It did nothing. Too heavy. (See attached) Also, a 68 Roadrunner with 69 trim in 1969, at the 69 Nationals. This car WON SS/D (against T. Marsh’s 64 T-Bolt, the last year a T-Bolt could be legally entered under the 5 year rule.) The car was driven by Herb McCandless, running 11.29 @ 114.35. WHY - The 69 Hemi RR wasn’t competitive in class - SS/E. The 68 WAS very competitive in SS/D…so to be both competitive and keep their Chrysler bosses happy, the idea of ‘uptrimming’ the 68 was formed…..it ran in the ‘68’ class..but sold the ‘69 image’. It worked. Re-GTX In 68 - The 68 GTX ran a 4V 440 in SS/F - this is the pic most often posted with McCandless driving #861 (see attached) I have no info on a 69 GTX being raced. Re-Roadrunner 1968 - The 68 Hemi RR fell towards the very BOTTOM of SS/C class in 68 (Unlike 69) - SS/C was ‘Jenkins class’, so S&M chose to race the 67 Street Hemi GTX (Not the RO23) for most of 68 in SS/D. There is a famous pic of the two 68s and the 67 in the paddock at a major meet - S&M knew the 68 Hemi car would be un-competitive. (See attached) NOTE- There is a misprinted result sheet claiming S&M 68 Plym won class SS/D at Indy 68 - it was actually the 67 GTX flat hood car. NOTE 2 - Interestingly in 68, a 67 RO23 DID win SS/CA..while Jenkins won SS/C….Again.