TWO LANE BLACKTOP VS THE CRUSHER II! RETRO '55 CHEVIES MATCH RACE! RAT VS MOUSE! BYRON DRAGWAY!

As track manager and announcer Randy Simpson says "What a treat this matchup is!" Based on the infamous '55 Chevy from the '71 movie "Two Lane Blacktop" Don Wakeman's '55 Chevy is a clone of the original movie car with most of parts purchased from Richard Ruth the original builder. Dan Crampton's '55 Chevy is a rare old California survivor with its original 50 year old paint. Dan with the help of Steve Quickel set out to build the car like the one he remembers as a youngster. What's also cool is these two along with Steve (pilot of the Crusher II) are longtime friends and all come from the town of Streator, Illinois which is an hour and half south of Byron Dragway. Another interesting part is Dan has owned the '55 twice, buying it back after selling it a few years ago. The car has also had 4 different motors in it in 3 years. This time they added nitrous and it seems they have found the perfect combination, ya think! #retro #nostalgia #vintage

[@pierrelenormand1762]

Amazing matchup, the noises are great ! The most impressive thing is that the clone car does exactly what the hero movie car did : mid 12's on trial runs and way into the 10's when it mattered. Since there is only 1 in 3 of the movie that survives, and it is rightfully in a collection, that guy did god's work for our enjoyement, huge respect !

[@davidkeeton6716]

That Crusher 2 is deadly consistent. Driver might want to work on the tree but the car is spot on 1/4 mile, pretty close 1/8th mile. I love em both! Just awesome.

[@donwilson5780]

it would be a great bracket car

[@plantfeeder6677]

Recently found "Two Lane Blacktop" at a yard sale. She didn't know what she had so I got it for a buck. That was a once in a lifetime find imo.

[@drock6966]

I bought that movie on VHS way back in 1990 🙂

[@ccjensen4670]

LOL

[@lollipop84858]

It really isn't a once in a lifetime find. They sell it for not much more on eBay, and they still sell the DVD of it new right to this very day.

[@Ronniejamesleo]

I've had it for many years. Knew James Taylor stared in it but had no idea that was Dennis Wilson playing the mechanic

[@michaelcook3883]

😎👍 This proves that '55 is still alive. Love them both. 👌

[@caryrenn725]

Totally awesome, Crampton, Quickel, Wakey, and Spierling on the starting line. It don't get no better.😀✌👍💪

[@paulacri604]

Gotta love 55 Chevys. These two are dynomite 5-5's, especially the Crusher II. Had a 55 back in the late 60's. 3rd motor was a built 331ci Corvette motor (500+hp), Pontiac Muncie 4 speed and a drag 4.88 posi rear (4.11 street). Best time in quarter mile 11.96 at 114+ mph. Sold this car in '70, BIG mistake !

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Yeah, I had a ‘55 Chevy with a Pontiac 389 tri-power, sold it in 1970 for $180 because I didn’t have $40 for a transmission, I was 18🫤

[@johncharleson8733]

@@Dstrbrdgrnd Painful.

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

Amazing! 3 Back to Back Runs at 10 Flat! I wanted so bad to see it run a 9 second pass. Maybe Next Time! both Great Cars!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks!, He was shooting for a 9, even letting a younger racer try, but the track got worse as the day went on.

[@whosthere2707]

Damn that small block turns on

[@donwilson5780]

i think the dual 4s on the big block are not set up right

[@whosthere2707]

@donwilson5780 my buddy had a tunnel ram on his 429 he took it off and he ran a better time with a single carb . I'm running a single carb on my BBF stroker and running low 10s so I have to agree with you

[@donwilson5780]

i ran sand drags, tried the dual 4s, went back to a single dominator, ran 2 tenths quicker in 100 yards, another thing some didnt know, i ran 2 elec fuel pumps to, and ran quicker, when one quit on a run i ran slower@@whosthere2707

[@randylear8264]

Impressive. What a show. My dad had a 55 Chevy in Okinawa in 62. First car I remember as a kid of 5 yo. He was in the Air Force and stationed there with me and my three siblings. When we moved star side he sold it to an airman there. It might still be there for all we know. Love American Graffiti and remember seeing it in the Theaters in 73. We had just returned from three years stationed in Italy. What a welcome home movie. Thanks for the video. You guys put those beauties through their paces.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks! Awesome story!👍

[@dloneyv8]

Awesome video and a beautiful pair of 55s!

[@onespeedworld6979]

Awesome. Nothing quite as cool as the TLB '55. Thanks so much for posting this!!!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I 👍👊

[@stevenholmes9773]

Those are both really awesome cars I hate to be a stickler for details but the two-lane blacktop movie car had a rock Crusher 4-speed transmission not an automatic

[@scottparker6554]

Actually there were 3 cars built for the movie. The one they used for the stunts had a 427 single 4 bbl with an automatic. But your right all the driving scenes inside the car they used a 4 speed.

[@chuckybooker1964]

BRACKET CARS HAVE TO BE DEADLY LIKE THOSE SLIPS!!! EXCELLENT MY FRIEND!!!🙌🏾👍🏾💪🏾👊🏾💯🏁

[@1961stevea]

Cool video ...too bad he couldn't get that 9 sec .pass ....so close ! TLBT Car really should have a 4 spd. Just my 2 cents ...

[@marcushaynes843]

A pair of '55 Chevys drag racing OLD SCHOOL STYLE. They should have had that black one from American Grafitti in there.

[@lizancenunu]

Same car

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

I saw Two Lane Blacktop at the drive in with my girlfriend, from the backseat of my ‘55 Chevy with a 389 tri-power!!!

[@Tshade67]

1955, the year Chevrolet got it right!

[@KD-nb3mp]

56' and 57' werent too shabby either.

[@brownwrench]

That Crusher car totally left on the 2 Lane

[@edwardalamo2507]

Don't forget Bill Jenkins small block beat a Hemi 426 record holder

[@carlinshowalter1806]

RIP Grumpy!

[@jts9120]

Must have been a lucky day for the Chevy.

[@HermonElf]

Two Lane Blacktop, Old School.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Thanks COOP ...

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

👍

[@davekana8388]

The difference is reaction time!

[@GJ-DT]

Now put the 400 crank back in the 400 block and go 9s with out the nitrous.

[@ralphlazio505]

I’m sure if the double nickels were more aerodynamic they would have surpassed 9.5 seconds 😅😂🇺🇸 Absolutely beautiful cars. Amazingly straight and steady the entire time.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Love me a '55!

[@maxwelledison5366]

The last run he had a .002 reaction time. For a 2 thousandths of a second reaction time the green light wasn't fully lit when he left.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

🤔 huh?

[@patrickmcgrath5411]

AS LONG AS DENNIS WILSON IS MY MECHANIC... IT'S TWO LANE BLACKTOP ALL THE WAY 👍☘️

[@lucguenette7534]

indeed

[@bartjacobs3394]

The way it should be no matter the brand .

[@nathanielbalangitao1367]

brother could bracket that car on any given day!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Oh yeah 👍

[@questionreality6003]

now i miss my 56 chev half ton, wrap around rear windshield

[@williepelzer384]

Dial it in a 10:00 I will guarantee it will run a 9:99!! 😮

[@gilbertquintanilla5284]

And I went with crusher 1st 🤟😎👍

[@static-remission27]

That little boy is trippin. That was me when I was that age 1965 or so when people brought their racecar to the schools for teaching tools. It was cool

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

💯 👍

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Too cool!

[@kingtut8381]

AWESOME. THANX A BUNCH

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

👊

[@largelarry2126]

I thought the two lane blacktop car was a 4-speed not an auto.

[@carlinshowalter1806]

It was

[@Nichole-440HP]

Imagine if the Two lane tribute car had been on nitrous , 10.72 all motor would’ve been into the 9’s on nitrous .

[@ronsnow2015]

How many times does that announcer have to say 55 chevy. We got eyes.

[@lukasgarage956]

not just a 55 Chevy but a 2 lane black top tribute......

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Sunday,Sunday,Sunday!

[@markharris1473]

I have the movie two lane blacktop and their 55 has a 4 spd. This guys 55 has an automatic. It would be better to have the 4 spd in it. Then it would be a true replica of the two lane blacktop car

[@sandyhanson6082]

Two lane looks way cooler!

[@jaya.0069]

Not really!

[@yesode4201]

Does anybody have an idea when this gets old? I’ve watched it 15 times and counting.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Keep watching it 😄👍

[@NastyZTuned]

Well hot dam there they are , there they go and there they be gone

[@paulciprus9582]

That would have put Bob Falfa’s car and John Milner’s car right back on the trailer…would have crushed Two Lane Black Top’s 55 Chevrolet…😊.

[@ke8qll400]

Sorry hot rods have 3 pedals.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

He went to an automatic after destroying too many clutches.

[@bobsilver3983]

I chose a turbo 350 for my 55 and I love it. Manuals are fun though...but auto's are quicker.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

Other dude needs to learn how to cut a light!!

[@eddean6663]

The Crusher2 bracket car.

[@6pakdave]

He shoudda checked the jets

[@mickangio16]

She wasn't breathin' right? 😁

[@benchracing8820]

@6pakdave and @mickangio16 These are the two best comments on youtube Only the people who Know Know Why.

[@tieroneactual2228]

“How much bread we got?” “ Three Hundred for racing, Twenty to spare....”

[@Derporsche]

To be a real TLB tribute car, it needs a Muncie M22 4 speed....

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Was a 4 speed but went to auto. Got tired of burning up clutches. Still looks the part 👍

[@genefogarty5395]

Now bring Warren Oates back from the dead and let the JUDGE rule!!

[@pederbenjaminsson4853]

👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ungurdani8346]

Salut my friend super car super video subscribe subscribe . ..

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks for the sub!👊

[@dougwilson6966]

Byron Dragway... wide lanes...

[@BulletSpoung]

Looks like "Two Lane" needs a 200 shot.

[@hosscartwright8925]

Two lane 55 reaction time is 🙄

[@EdIverson-x5d]

What crush these beautiful car's just to make more computer junk that is not selling!!!!!!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

💯 👍

[@Rick-pz3nl]

Too bad not a 4 spd car like it was in the movie

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

It was but he kept eating clutches and went automatic.

[@hippydippy]

Jesus... The announcers voice just gave me a major migrane!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

🤔 Randy is one of the best announcers Byron ever had! 👍

[@ramblerdave1339]

TwoLane is asleep at the light, needs a more reactive driver!

[@adamhoffman3687]

I was excited till I figured out it's an automatic

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

He got tired of burning up clutches and switched.

[@adamhoffman3687]

@@RACEYOURRIDE just ain't the same

[@bobsilver3983]

I would choose auto for strip, manual for street.

[@texeisnor7412]

Automatics Suck!!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

He went to automatic after eating up clutches from what I was told.

[@edmundp123]

Who was driving the gray car, Joe Biden?

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

😄 Yeah he raced drag cars along with driving 18 wheelers right 👍

[@zacharylafata5142]

An auto? Give me a break......

[@koolkatkustomdiecast801]

Faster

[@rparker2824]

Annoying voice over

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Really, you're the first to complain. Its recorded directly from the announcer's mic. Its done to give you the feeling you were there. 👍

[@genefogarty5395]

There should be a death penalty for doing a radius wheelwell on ANY tri-five car!! It looks like shit a kid would do.

[@ramblerdave1339]

Back in the day, gassers didn't have narrowed rear ends. Both cars may have a death penalty. Ten seconds with no roll cage?

[@genefogarty5395]

@@ramblerdave1339 Plenty of tucked an tubbed gassers were around. I have inboard spring perches on my '57 so I can run a wide tire. Those were also around back then. Ain't no excuse to hack a fine looking wheelwell. Only reason I enlarged the wells on my '68 Firebird was the slick was a "33x21. And they still looked stock, not like a kid got hold of an air shear.

[@ramblerdave1339]

@@genefogarty5395 OK, you may hold that opinion, though the good looking wheel opening argument only works for the '56 and '57, not the '55. As a Road Racer, my opinion of Drag cars with huge tires, tucked inside the original confines of the body, on a narrow track width looks, pardon the term, ridiculous, and dangerous when fighting a handling issue. I went to Gasser and Altered meets, back in the mid 60s, and racers back then preferred to spend their money on making their cars fast, not on unnecessary modifications to fit some random persons specifications for beauty. Big John Mazmanian's Corvette, and Willys, while finished like show cars, had tires protruding from the opened wheelwells. As did most others, before the pro stock days. Maybe not the lower Gasser classes, like C/G and D/G, which didn't need as much tire, and some actually raised the rear so much, the protruding tires were clear of the stock openings. Most narrowing and tubbing, didn't happen until the Pro Stocks required it, except for dragsters and funny cars.

[@genefogarty5395]

@@ramblerdave1339 A radiused wheelwell looks bad on ANY car. Lol. Imagine doing that to something like a 50s Hudson that didn't even have a wheel opening?

[@ramblerdave1339]

@@genefogarty5395Yes, or a 51 Nash Rambler. Oh wait, that's exactly what the factory did in 58, when it was re-introduced as the Rambler American. Truce! 🤣

[@deputy3690]

Car racing should be banned because it is ridiculous.

[@justinadams1360]

😂😂😂

[@whosthere2707]

​@@justinadams1360 he probably drives a Toyota prius

[@WyoCutlass71]

So should trolling on KZbin but here we are

[@deputy3690]

@@WyoCutlass71 It's very dangerous racing.

[@cavemangarage]

You funny

[@really3316]

The real two lane car is in the back lot of Disney world with other bad ass movie cars.

[@TheSteeleGarage]

Not true. There were two ‘55s used in TLBT and both are currently in private hands. If there is a car at Disney, it’s a replica.

[@randysurline4651]

Those engines are from 55? Cool

[@42lookc]

My heart was in my throat after the second 10 flat hoping they could break 9. 𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘽𝙇𝙀 10 flat the third time! Talking about consistent!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

He was after a 9, even let the announcer, who is younger try but by then the track conditions went away.

[@HI-RISER]

Love Nostalgic drag racing, no computer BS.

[@donwilson5780]

those was my racing years, mine on sand but just doit without all the bs electronics

[@iowa_don]

Can you really call it "nostalgic" when they are using nitrous?

[@geraldscott4302]

Ten flat three times in a row is statistically impossible. I love '55 Chevys. My first car, at age 16 in 1975, was a bright yellow '55 Chevy. I owned it for over 12 years. Built three different small blocks for it. All bolted to a 2 speed Powerglide. Cragar S/S wheels, glasspacks, stock rear fenders, all steel body, zero rust AZ car. Wish I still had it. I'm so sick of what they call cars today. Computers on huge GHETTO wheels. I am currently driving a 383/4 speed '72 Nova that has not been ghettoized.

[@halperkins1791]

Now that is real drag racing!!

[@IronheadGarage]

Old school cool right there. Nothing like a old 55 Chevy. Thanks for sharing To Cool 👍🏻

[@bobsilver3983]

I have a 55 as well, my favorite car ever!

[@axemastersinc3269]

In the movie Two lane blacktop, the car is a standard not an automatic.

[@markroberts1301]

Wow, I used to live in Streator, and knew most of the guys mentioned here! Cool video

[@rayhughes4877]

To Dan nice 55 Chevy from Mr Hughes

[@russhoffman6301]

It doesn't get any cooler than two 55 Chevys going down the strip

[@donwilson5780]

a strange thing, my first car was a 56,in stock class could not compete, found out it had a converable frame under it which made it heavier

[@kraetz]

It's not nostalgia Drag Racing when your using nitrous.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

True but who cares it was 2 friends battling it out at a test n tune.

[@MrBReal-xc7qm]

Thanks for sharing this buddy. even tho I race a later model fuel injected, blower powered truck. the 55 Chevy is the car that sparked my Intrest in and love of Hot Rods as a young teen.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

👊

[@joe-hp4nk]

Two lane sleeps at the lights.

[@mikewallace8087]

The Crusher is always off the line quicker. Reverse drivers and lets see.

[@Nitromessiah]

I don't think the Crusher guys realizes - not a single eye is on him.

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

I'm not so sure about that.

[@TexasDragRacingVideo]

Love it but would have liked for the announcer to just go away and let us hear the hot rods.

[@kileyhudson1181]

awesome thank you

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks for watching! 👊

[@WilliamRedd-if3wr]

The person driving the gray one needs to learn how to leave

[@dmk7700]

Both machines so close and consistent --- driver/mechanic/machine = CHEVY RULES!!!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

💯 🇺🇸 👍

[@crosswits1]

Drag racing as it was meant to be all throttle no bottle...

[@robertruark4051]

I'm pretty old school and if you build a car and have to put nitrous on it your pussin out

[@shadow77lovescats83]

Well said!!

[@badron9245]

For sure. Nitrous is just a crutch for a poorly built engine

[@robertruark4051]

@@badron9245 absolutely

[@caryrenn725]

Talk all the shit you want. I've known all these guys for over forty years and they've always had some of the fastest street cars around. If your willing to put your money where your big mouth is, I'm sure they would be willing to shut ya' down any day of the week. (without nitrous)

[@mattstankes-jb9os]

All right always loved 2 lane black top

[@mhildack]

That was highly entertaining

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

💯 Thanks! 👊

[@ccjensen4670]

That's what I call a ride..lived Santa Rosa all my life.. American Graffitti and Peggy Sue Got Married filmed there..my 56 Chevy150 utility was in Peggy Sue.... My machist welded the camera mounts on the 55 Loved it all!!!

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Nice! 👍

[@pauldashwood2897]

Great cars love it ..

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Thanks! 👊

[@stevewinter8928]

Can't even tell who won with that narrator. Keep changing names from first to last and I do not know these people , Less talk on the on the 55 Chevy bit just stalblize on two back top name and crusher them I k ow what's going on

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

Sorry you're having trouble seeing who won. The lights on the time board clearly indicate who won. The track announcer is one of the best in the area. 👍

[@stevewinter8928]

Never been to race but so impressed ( not) next try saying something instead . Maybe even who won. I don't care that he's the best or not the best . I was just trying find an answer for some who never been to a race . Not everyone goes to races but a lot know the movies

[@stevewinter8928]

I will tell everyone a story related to 2 lane black top . in our town when in high school . This kid in high school bought a 55 Chevy. The body was far greater than 2 lane black top. It gold metallic lace paint beautiful. The kid worked part-time at a chain food store as a clecker. It was a union store he made good money for being high school . The 55 chevy had a fiberglass front end that lifted up as one piece chrome hooks in topl of hood. The engine was weaker it was a 327 with headers 4 barrels .the rear tire said for racing only that we're fat smooth slicks . He sold to another who watched 2 lane black top and had the same haircuts, looked like driver in the movie and whore the same clothes. He was slender tall. He thought he could repair it as in the movie. He drove it into auto shop and took the engine a part, and it was in boxes. That part he could do but could not put it back together. There was nothing wrong with the motor when taken apart. He ended up selling to another kid father father who was a fire captain and knew how to put it back together for a cheap price. The of his 2 lane black top fantasy in 1973

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

@@stevewinter8928 Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I get that not everyone has been to a race, and it can be confusing when the details aren’t clear. It’s definitely different from the movies. This race was between two local racers, and even the announcer is from the same town. You should check out a race sometime-it’s a great way to learn more by talking to other spectators and the racers themselves. That’s how I got started

[@RACEYOURRIDE]

@@stevewinter8928 What a fascinating story! It’s amazing how movies like “Two-Lane Blacktop” can inspire real-life actions and dreams. That '55 Chevy with its gold metallic lace paint must have been a sight to behold. It’s interesting how the car changed hands and how each owner had their own vision for it. The part about the kid's father who tried to emulate the movie character and ended up with the engine in boxes is quite a twist. It’s great that it eventually found its way to someone who could put it back together. Thanks for sharing this piece of local history.

[@tonygreen8628]

If the grey motor had nitros, it would win

[@Bigbriansc]

"That plymouth had a hemi with a torqueflight ".

[@shitbox82]

The Crusher needs just a little more nitrous. 😎👌🏻