Fialho's Bandit

By Danny White

Mike Fialho at Amarillo during the 1986 divisional race. (Photo by Lyle Greenberg)

Mike Fialho raced alcohol funny cars from 1984 to 1990. He started out as a co-owner with partners Mickey Winters and Paul Smith, formerly of the Saturday Night Fever funny car. The team bought the "Midnight Special" Challenger in 1984. Paul Smith drove at first. In 1985, Mike Fialho bought the team out and took over the driving. The car was now the "Bandit" Challenger with the name used from Keedy & Poucher. In 1986, he built a new "Bandit" with an Iverson Trans Am body. That car ran 6.60s using the old Donovan Hemi for power.

Fialho's "The Bandit" 1986 Daytona at Hallsville 1988. (Photo by Danny)

In 1987, Fialho updated again with the almost new Pat Foster-built car of Wayne Nickelson. In 1988, he had his best year, reaching three finals and winning twice. Harold Lewelling said the car was ahead of its time with the engine set out to today’s standards. In 1990, Fialho teamed with nightclub owner Jay Douglas and tuner Mickey Winters to form the "Borrowed Money" team. The team only lasted a couple of races, but ran a 6.24 before splitting up. Mike Fialho retired and hasn’t driven since.