Nicholson - Landy Tribute Page

These are some very rare and candid photos of a match race between Don Nicholson and Dick Landy in 1966 at Island Dragway, New York from a spectators perspective. The fan was a young Don Gardiner.

In light of the recent losses of both Landy and Nicholson this is a small tribute to what they did most - match race at small tracks across the country capturing the admiration of fans young and old.

"This match only went two rounds with Nicholson winning both. I seem to remember Landy having a problem with the rear on the second run." Don Gardiner

 

This was Landy's first tour with his radical injected fuel Dodge and he did it with an open trailer.

 

 

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Earl Wade and Dyno Don prep the car after taking it off the ramp truck.

 

 

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This was the first east coast tour for Nicholson's "Flip Top" Comet and it got a lot of attention.

 

 

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Landy's car got its share of fan attention as well.

 

 

 

 

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Don's cammer was another rare bird at the time.

 

 

 

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To say Landy's Dodge was stripped to the bone would be an understatement.

 

 

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Landy backs up from his rosin burnout for round one.

 

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Flag start - Dyno out first by a nose.

 

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"I was surprised to see the 65 comet at this race; Pete Gates had gotten the car from Nicholson and was still getting help from him. They pulled the car off the truck and dropped the pan and went through the bearings." Don Gardiner

 

 

 

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Landy waits for his rosin to be laid down prior to round two.

 

Nicholson begins his burnout with a wisp of resin coming from the rear tires.

 

Moving up to stage.

 

Looks like Don was out again by a nose and as reported, won the round. If memory serves me right Nicholson's '66 car has a very lopsided win loss record.

 

Thanks again to Don Gardiner for this little slice of history and for digging this shots out in memory of two of funny cars early pioneers.

 

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