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View Full Version : Odie Robertsons #21 Camaro Dirt Car


superstroke
05-02-2009, 10:42 AM
From the Rick Losh collection, Odie Robertson converses with a crew member during practice at Colorado National Speedway, in Erie CO.

This Camaro was owned by Dick Gasser. The car was painted by Terry Country, who owned Colorado Gold Customs. The connection here was that Dick Gasser owned a trucking company. Terry Country and I both drove Over the Road tractor trailers for Dick in the late 70's. At the time of the photograph, which was 1982, I was partners in a sign company named Colo-Graphic Signs. This car was sponsored by both companies, as well as Denver Freightliner.

This car could flat run, and Odie was a dirt track specialist. On the hood of this car, you will read [D.N. 219]. Dick Gasser had a great sense of humor and this represented the cubic inch ratio of the small block Chevrolet in comparison to a 219 Cummins diesel. Therefore, in Dicks mind the small block Chevy was [D.N.] "Damn Near" a 219 Cummins.

The team scored a major win in Washington State when they opted to run grooveless slicks while everyone else chose the grooved tire. The track conditions worsened as the night went on and the track hardened to asphalt like surface. Odie demolished the competition and was rewarded with a check worth $18,000.00. This was one of the largest earnings for any Colorado based race team at that time.

dannyracer6
03-09-2010, 10:04 AM
superstroke,
I remember the only time I saw Ode race in person, I was living in Rapid City SD in 1974-5 and they had a late model dirt championship race in the Fall. He was driving at that time the Olyimpia Beer gold and white 73 monte carlo. He had , I believe a flat or some problem and had to come from the back of the pack on that 1/2 mile track and put on a clinic and won that race. It was quite impressive. I was sitting at the entrance of turn 1 that night.
Speaking of Rick Carelli, I had the good fortune of being able to watch him in the Tour when he came to Bakersfield and at Phoenix. Outside of Jim Thirkettle, I never saw a guy handle traffic like Rick did. Being an old Colo Springs racer, I always pulled for him in those days.

Dan

rallyracer
05-19-2010, 09:07 PM
Man that really is a classic! It's crazy how much the race car has evolved.