Jim Nicoll's Fuel Dragster at Indy 1970

By Ken Andrus

Jim Nicoll's Top Fuel car waits at Indy just before it's dramatic final
round race against Don Prudhomme. Photo by Ken Andrus

I took this shot at the NHRA Nationals in Indy in 1970. This is the car that exploded in the eyes against Don Prudhomme during the Top Fuel final. I was walking through the pits and had a clear shot of Jim Nicoll's car. Been going through some old pics and found it. It was one of the strongest running fuelers at that particular time. Jim had really found a strong combination and many felt he could defeat the "Snake." It was real close until the clutch blew and split the car apart. This is what it looked like before the "boom." Nicoll switched to funny cars and had quite a bit of success with them, but I always liked this car.

Ken Andrus
Vette@tdin.com