Chevy fans were in their glory and would have "torn the goal post down" had there been any, as "The Old Man" Hayden Proffitt proved without a doubt that he was the man to beat. Hayden turned in the best performance of his career and definately earned his win with a best ever 8.49 e.t. and 161.67 mph. When he rolled to the starting line for the final against arch rival Gas Ronda It was announced tha this race was dedicated to Al and Fran. ( The announcer was Hayden Proffitt himself ) For thos who don't know Al Turner and Fran Hernandez (the big men at Mercury)  dropped Hayden from the Comet team last year and forced Hayden to a Chevy without factory backing... and so the dedication. Heres a blow by blow of "The Old Mans"  trip to the top. ... The first round he faced Charlie Allen in The Atlantic Dodge Dart, An 8.63 wiped out Allen's 8.85. The second round gave Hayden the single justified by having the lowest e.t. of the previous round. and he did his best at  8.49 e.t.  In round three he had his work cut out for him as he was paired with the super strong Sox And Martin Baraccuda. A "four open" hole shot was all that was needed with that real fine 8.52e.t. Sox seemed to be shook at the start and lifted. The fans were brought to a fever pitch as announcer Jon Lundberg played the Ford vs Chevy battle in the final. When Gas Ronda failed to fire, Haydens Giant Wheelie was anti-climatic as he singled. Waving to the folks. What was the name of Spillanes book? Oh yes! Vengence Is Mine!

THIS WAS WRITTEN BY DON PRIETO AND COPIED FROM THE 12/23/1966 ISSUE OF "DRAG NEWS"