Auto World’s latest Xtraction release, number 31 (SC355) hits the shelves in November (2020). This release covers Stock Car Legends and has three great liveries from the past. This group captures some of the historic best performers from the years 1969, 1971 and 1973. The liveries of racing greats, Bobby Isaac, Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough will add some punch to any collection or home raceway. Let’s get down to the pit garages and check out these cars.
SC355 #1 – 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona – Bobby Isaac
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, prepped by Harry Hyde and driven by Bobby Isaac was a dominant force in NASCAR Grand National racing. The bright orange and white Dodge with the K & K Insurance sponsor was almost as famous in hobby shops as on the race track. When MPC models came out with Isaac’s #71, it flew off the shelves and onto most modeler’s shelves. Here are Bobby Isaac’a stats for the 1969 season:
50 starts, 12308 of 15338 laps completed (80.2%), 5053 laps led
| Win: 17 ( 34.0%) | Average start: 3.6 | Total Winnings: $82,110 (excluding bonuses) |
| Top 5: 29 ( 58.0%) | Top 10: 33 ( 66.0%) | Average finish: 10.0 |
| DNF: 19 |
Bobby Isaac had the most wins in 1969, but finished 6th in the championship points behind champion David Pearson.*
SC355 #2 – 1971 Plymouth Road Runner – Richard Petty
Petty Enterprises had been a force in NASCAR for years with the familiar Plymouths raced by Richard Petty. But in 1969 Petty jumped the Plymouth ship and signed on with Ford to get the best advantage of the aerodynamic Ford Torino Talladega. Plymouth enticed Petty back to the brand with the Superbird in 1970. Once NASCAR banned the “Aero-Wars”, Plymouth kept the aerodynamics in mind when they designed the “fuselage” styled 1971 Road Runner. Petty was obviously happy with the wind cheating body style, taking the 1971 and 1972 Road Runners to NASCAR championships. Here are Richard’s stats from 1971:*
46 starts, 13739 of 14295 laps completed (96.1%), 4932 laps led
| Win: 21 ( 45.7%) | Average start: 3.8 | Total Winnings: $269,150 (excluding bonuses) |
| Top 5: 38 ( 82.6%) | Top 10: 41 ( 89.1%) | Average finish: 4.2 |
| DNF: 5 |
SC355 #3 – 1973 Chevy Chevelle – Cale Yarborough
1973 was the breakout year for Cale Yarborough. Driving the Kar-Kare Chevy Chevelle, Cale worked his way to finish second in the championship just missing first place by 67 points. Cale built on this momentum and was champion in 1976, 77 and 78, but his 4 wins and consistent performance in the 1973 season was the boost that got it all started. Here are Cale’s stats from 1973:*
28 starts, 9314 of 10258 laps completed (90.8%), 3167 laps led
| Win: 4 ( 14.3%) | Average start: 4.5 | Total Winnings: $220,135 (excluding bonuses) |
| Top 5: 16 ( 57.1%) | Top 10: 19 ( 67.9%) | Average finish: 10.0 |
| DNF: 8 |
Here’s the packaging for this latest Xtraction release.
The 1971 Petty Plymouth was released in a prior series, but this latest release has some differences. The new release is on the left hand side, the previous release on the right. As seen in the pictures below, the new release has grill details not present in the previous version. The new release has no fender sponsors between the front bumper and the wheel well. Lastly the “426 C.I.” on the new release is a bit larger and on the new release and the “43” on the roof has broader white makings than the previous version.
Here are a couple of extra angles to view this group of new cars. I can’t wait to see these on the high banks.
References:
* https://www.racing-reference.info/