Drag Racing Legend Dick Jesse: Raced At Detroit Dragway®
Dick Jesse, a prominent drag racer in the 1960s, was closely associated with Detroit Dragway, a key venue in the drag racing scene. He was best known for his series of Pontiac GTOs, all bearing the moniker “Mr. Unswitchable.” These vehicles were notable for their innovative designs and significant contributions to the evolution of Funny Cars.
One of his most remarkable creations was the 1967 Pontiac GTO Funny Car, distinguished by its slanted roof design. This design provided Jesse with an unobstructed view of the track, enhancing his driving capabilities. The car’s construction was akin to a Top Fuel Dragster, with a body placed over it, exemplifying the experimental nature of that era’s drag racing vehicles.
Jesse’s “Mr. Unswitchable” cars were regular participants at Detroit Dragway, where he competed against other notable racers. In one notable event, he raced against Mike Nicopolis in the Hemi Hunter Camaro, showcasing the competitive spirit and technological advancements of the time.
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Dick Jesse, known in the drag racing community as “Mr. Unswitchable,” was a prominent figure in the 1960s, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to Pontiac engines during a period when many racers transitioned to big-block Chevrolet powerplants.
Jesse also raced at Motor City Dragway the sister drag strip to Detroit Dragway.
The History of Drag Racer Dick Jesse
Dick Jesse started his drag racing career early in life. His background helped shape his passion for the sport. He was known in the “60s-style” drag racing scene, earning respect from both veterans and peers3.
His introduction to racing was influenced by the competitive atmosphere of the time. Racers like Dickie Harrell and Malcolm Durham were his role models. They showed the mix of friendship and competition in the sport3.
In Jesse’s era, the NHRA held many drag racing events. These events brought together thousands of fans and racers. They all shared a love for fast cars and racing3.
The top drag racers could go under five seconds in their runs. This showed the high speeds and fierce competition in the sport3. Jesse’s achievements in the Factory Experimental (FX) class were notable. Cars were divided into classes based on weight and engine size4.
One of Jesse’s drag racer career highlights was his Pontiac GTO A/FX. It reached an impressive 9.41 E.T. at 148 mph in 19664. These memorable moments of Dick Jesse show his skill and commitment. They helped him become famous in the drag racing world3.
Jesse’s career was closely associated with Royal Pontiac in Michigan, where he worked as a salesman. Beyond his dealership role, he actively participated in drag racing, piloting a series of vehicles that bore the “Mr. Unswitchable” moniker. Among these, his 1967 Pontiac GTO Funny Car stood out for its distinctive design and engineering.
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Jesse’s cars often incorporated advanced engineering elements, such as modified superchargers, custom headers, and lightweight chassis components. His work helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in drag racing during the 1960s and 1970s.
Revolutionary Racing Techniques and Innovations
Dick Jesse made a big impact on drag racing. He introduced many new ideas that changed the game. His work on custom vehicle modifications boosted performance7. These changes made racing faster and safer, setting a new standard for the sport.
Dick Jesse’s team was always looking to break new ground. Their work helped drag racing grow and evolve. They showed what was possible, shaping the sport into what we know today8. Some of their key contributions include:
- Advanced engine designs that increased power output while reducing weight
- Aerodynamic enhancements that improved vehicle stability at high speeds
- Custom chassis designs that optimized weight distribution and improved handling
Dick Jesse’s work had a huge impact on racing technology. His ideas inspired many others to innovate. This has kept the sport exciting and growing7. Looking back, it’s clear his influence goes beyond his own achievements. He helped shape the very essence of drag racing.
The 1967 GTO began as a standard showroom model but underwent significant modifications to compete in the evolving Funny Car class. Notable features included a slanted roofline aimed at reducing aerodynamic lift at high speeds, a lightweight chromoly chassis with drilled holes for weight reduction, and a wheelbase extended to 120 inches from the stock 115 inches. The vehicle combined factory sheet metal with fiberglass components to further decrease weight.
Under the hood, Jesse maintained his allegiance to Pontiac by utilizing a 421-cubic inch Pontiac engine. This powerplant was equipped with Super Duty Mondello heads, an Iskenderian cam assembly, and a GMC 6-71 supercharger modified by Ed Iskenderian. The engine’s compression ratio was set at 8.5:1, and it featured unique “zoomie” headers with aluminum collectors that directed exhaust along the body, exiting at the rear.
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The Golden Era of Dick Jesse’s Racing Career
Dick Jesse’s racing career had many eras, but the golden era stands out. He won many championships and set records as a Dick Jesse drag racing champion12. His success made him famous in drag racing.
At Lions Drag Strip, he made history with a run of 8.66 seconds at 182.18 mph12. He also set a record in the Standard 1320 B/FD class at 183.28 mph, lasting nearly two years12. These records made him a legend and won fans’ hearts.
His success came from hard work, dedication, and innovation. He always sought to improve and break new records. His talent and drive made him a top competitor.
His success was due to several key factors:
- His ability to adapt to new technologies and innovations in the sport
- His strong work ethic and dedication to training and practice
- His strategic approach to racing, which included careful planning and execution
The golden era of Dick Jesse’s career was filled with success. It solidified his legacy as a Dick Jesse drag racing champion and a pioneer13.
Beyond his racing endeavors, Jesse was also involved with Royal Pontiac, a dealership renowned for its high-performance vehicles and support of drag racing. His collaboration with Royal Pontiac further solidified his status in the drag racing community and contributed to the popularity of Pontiac’s performance cars during that era.
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For those interested in viewing the “Mr. Unswitchable” GTO, there are reports suggesting that the car has been restored and is currently housed in the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.
Source Links
- Factory Experimental Shaped What Drag Racing Has Become – https://www.motortopia.com/fx-the-forefathers-of-fast/
- FEATURE- Remembering On Tour with Steve Reyes – https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID=309032&Filter=Year2016
- Motorsports Newsletter 5/29/24 – Drag Racing List – https://www.draglist.com/2024/05/29/motorsports-newsletter-5-29-24/
