March 30 1969 would be the first time Whip Mulligan drove 73. It was the Nazareth opener at the 1 1/8 mile big track. Probably the coldest day I've ever been to a race. The card was twin 50's that day. Whip started in the back of the first 50 and was coming through the pack when the non racing oil filter collapsed and he pulled in (the first lesson of many Whip taught a bunch of Dozer guys would be to use a racing filter). Rags Carter won that one in the Meals 44. The second 50 Whip coming from the back again took the lead from Rags and was going away when a stone got stuck in the injector linkage. Rags took the lead back and Whip limped home in second by using the kill switch to shut the motor down entering the turns. 73 never did win at the big track but I'm very thankful I got to see races on that very special track.

I was there Anthony! A close second in the last race and some accused Rags of “mirror driving” as we left the seats to warm up in my VW.

Cool memory Anthony, Thanks!

My photo from the very early 70's.....  Hank Winecker

I believe this is Rags Carter at the '72 Eastern States 200.Enjoy reading your posts on here Anthony.

'72 Eastern States 200 I believe is Rags Carter. Always enjoy your posts Anthony.

Rich

Thanks for the interest guys. I know I post some variation of being at the big track on 3/30/69 every year but it's such a strong memory for me. I'm only eleven that day but old enough to know that the 69 racing season is going to be something special. I often make jokes about Whip being surrounded by a bunch of heavy equipment guys but it's actually the way it was. My father and Uncle Ronny were big race fans and made many trips to Indy for the 500 but the big thing about them is they were not just check writing owners but very hands on every thing that went on. It's funny how one small thing can change everything. I truly believe Whip Mulligan was the best possible driver for our new team. First and foremost is Whip was a great driver when he wanted to be. There was nothing he couldn't do on the car and he was happy to share his knowledge with some very eager to learn owners. I think a very big thing also was MY FATHER TRUSTED WHIP MULLIGAN COMPLETELY. I can use one hand to count how many people got the same. Sorry for going long. Thank you Joe for the forum. 

Love the cool old stories about Whip and Rags and the 73. Thanks for sharing them, Anthony.

Thanks for the insight, Anthony. Very interesting.

Quick Whip story. One night, when the Norcia team was in between drivers, Whip drove their little small block coupe at Flemington. He started towards the back of the feature methodically came thru the field and looked to be on his way to a win until the engine broke. He was as smooth as silk and after a lap or two he looked like he had driven the car forever.

I don't know the history but Whip and Rags didn't get along at all. When Rags was our steady driver my father always offered Whip a car for the bigger races. Best thing was that Rags liked the newest coupe (Weasel) and Whip liked the older one that he had done a lot of winning in (Hawk). Now Jack Kromer the car names are for the others because I know you know them well. Roger I'm not surprised to hear that about Whip hopping in the 81 and giving it a good run. As I said above Whip could be a driver when he wanted and needed to be.