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After 21 years in a dragster, Tommy Ivo makes the switch.
1976 - He has known only change and challenge, from his mid-50's Buick to the infamous roadster that was known throughout the San Fernando Valley. The Southern California drag strips afforded Tom Ivo plenty of opportunity to express his desire to challenge change.
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The money earned from the many motion pictures he appeared in made it possible for Tom to do just about anything he wanted to. But what Ivo wanted to do most was drag race.
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One of the first full power runs on the new Dodge flopper was a very respectable 6.63, clicking it early.
Each new season brought about fresh combinations to try camshafts, tire compounds, chassi improvements, etc. Tommy even came up with many innovations of his own, and his list of quarter mile accomplishments are still in the record books.
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And through all the years of Tom's professional career as a drag racer, he has always competed in the dragster class, from gasoline and carburetors to the present day double-A fueler as we know it: rear engined and low, supercharged and nitro-burning. In short, the ultimate. The top of the class. And without challenge.
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After 21 years in a digger, 40-year old Ivo tries out the cockpit of his new rider, a Sarte-built bullet..
Which is precisely why Tommy Ivo aka T.V. Tom, made the decision to go to the AA/Funny Car. A new change and very definitely a new challenge. On his first outing with the new piece, Tom journeyed north to Fremont, California, and ran within two tenth of the quickest flopper at the meet.
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The following day found the Jaime Sarté constructed '76 Dodge Dart back in the more familiar environs of Irwindale Raceway where Ivo clocked a best of 6.63, shutting off early. New car bugs begone !!
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Engine: 484" Dodge Hemi.
It will be most interesting to see what Tommy comes up with in the way of innovations during the year, one of which we know to be a 1977 Dodge Charger body by the Indy Nationals and when he does, SS & DI will be there when it happens because we also pursue change and challenge.
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Helping Ivo buckle up is longtime friend and fellow ex Road King Kenny Stafford, also known to take a trip or two down the quarter mile.
T.V. TOMMY IVO
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VEHICLE: 1976 Dodge Dart AA/FC
BODY: Fiberglass by Carrier
CHASSIS: 120" w.b. by Sarte Welding
PAINT: Carter
LETTERING: Moser
TRANSMISSION: Lenco 2 speed
ENGINE: 484" Dodge Hemi
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