Mooneyham & Sharp 554 AA/FC

[Ken Thurm]

In the late 80's I had the opportunity to restore the AA/FC of Mooneyham and Sharp 554 coupe. Just working on that car, I would catch my self day dreaming about all it had seen and been threw.When it was finished I was approached to go on tour with it and drive it in the Nostalgia Drag Racing Tour that was going around the country. I jumped at it, and for 2 years I had a blast. When we were done it went to the Don Garlits museum.
I honestly don't know how many passes I made in it, but we went every where. We went all the way to New Jersey south to Florida, Indianapolis and every where in between.
We ran it hard, it would blow up, catch on fire, and give me memories I will never forget.
It was a very hard car to drive, a normal pass would be in the low 11's, 176 mph smoking the tires all the way threw the lights. I never wreck it, but came very close many times.
There was no tach, I drove just like those guys did back then. No front brakes, just a hand brake for the rear, to control the rpm of the engine and a clutch pedal to slip the clutch to keep it from bogging the motor, no transmission, direct drive.

If you ever got a chance to see it run I don't think you would ever forget the sound it made, it had a sound of it's own. It was the way the headers were made.
For insurance reason, I suppose, we were never allowed to race against each other, It was strictly exhibition.
Well, one weekend we were at Sacramento Raceway and the Champion Sport twin engine dragster was there after being restored. These two cars were usually in the final race for Top Eliminator. So they let us race, I wanted to beat him so bad, but I got crossed up and he went around me, but I never completely lifted I stayed with it, straightened it out, and smoked the tires all the way threw the 1/4 mile. I will never forget that race!
The next race we put the motor on kill, we normally ran 60% nitro and 40% alcohol. We tipped the can and bump the timing, but it didn't work, the old 392 gave up. I swear it felt like the car came off the ground when it blew, parts of the blower went threw the blue Plexiglas grill insert and the bottom end destroyed itself.
So, I thought I would share this memory with you.
Ken


YouTube - Mooneyham and Sharp