Built For Speed

Mid-10s on Bias-Ply Tires!

- Richard Prince

The first golden age of muscle cars began winding down in the early 1970s and was essentially over by the middle of the decade. Increasingly stringent regulations on emissions, fuel economy, passenger protection, and noise—at both the federal and state levels—dramatically reduced overall performance by simultaneously diminishing engine output and increasing mass. It would take about 20 years for technology to catch up with, and ultimately surpass, the government mandates, allowing automakers to produce highperformance cars again.

Because of the absence of big horsepower and serious performance in the early 1980s, many who began driving in that era looked to the past for fast and exciting cars. New Yorker Ted Darosis no exception. For many years he enjoyed restoring and showing vintage iron. Eventually however, the pleasure he derived from the pursuit of car show trophies faded away.

“After many years restoring antique automobiles and attending national-level car shows and tours, I was tired of lawn-chair competitions,” he explains. “I needed to put my energy and love of American muscle to better use. I started running my 1970 Chevelle at a local track and met SuperCar founder Ralph Barbagallo, and that led me to get involved with his series.”