Shadow MkI

[Steve Holmes]

This is one of the craziest race cars ever built; the 1970 Shadow Mk1 Can-Am. It ran a 700hp fuel-injected big block Chevy and tiny 10 inch diameter wheels. The concept was epic straight line speed. It was, in fact, staggeringly fast in a straight line. The issue, due to the tiny wheels and virtually non-existent suspension travel, was that it bounced about like a 700hp fuel-injected big block Chevy powered Go-Kart. Which is essentially what it was.

It was driven by George Follmer. Follmer was a brave man.

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[khyndart in CA]

I plan to go to Laguna Seca on Saturday for just one day for the pre Historic weekend. No Can Am this year but I will try to bring you some "stuff" on what is there.

I leave Los Olivos at 6 am if anyone needs a ride.

Rod Grimwood had entered these photos etc. on the Shadow Mk1. a few years ago.
George Follmer was indeed a very brave man !

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1970. George at speed.
" The Shadow Mk I AVS (Advanced Vehicle System), as raced in the 1970 CanAm season, was the first Shadow CanAm car. Designer Don Nichols designed this odd looking car with only one thing in mind; the smallest frontal area as possible. He did this with the cooperation of tire manufacturer Firestone, they designed tires that were 30-35% smaller than the normal tires. With 10 inch rims up front the Mk I AVS had a 13sq-ft frontal area compared to the 19sq-ft frontal area of the 1969 M8B. It was capable of top speeds of 250mph and according to Firestone the tiny tires were capable of speeds of over 300mph ! "

At Laguna Seca. 2007. (Driver not named.)

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Coming through the "Corkscrew Corner " 2007.

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Ken H.

[khyndart in CA]

Some more Shadow Mk 1 photos plus a 1974 Shadow DN4 UOP Can-Am race car. 2007. Laguna Seca.
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(Ken H photos..)