The last run of the Studebaker Chicken Hawk

[J1000]

The last run????? of the Studebaker Chicken Hawk.

This is a 1951 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe driven by Ted Harbit. This car has a rich and impressive history. In 1962 it was entered it in the NHRA National Drags in stock class and won the class. In 11 years it won the class 8 times. Ted has continued to race the car since that time. On May 9th 2009, Ted was involved in a crash at the Muncie Dragway. As you can see, the Chicken Hawk suffered major damage. Ted was taken to a local hospital and is healing at home.

1/250 f/5 ISO200 130mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3562511721_d64f8ac37c_b.jpg

1/250 f/3.5 ISO200 200mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3562613159_038d280c0d_b.jpg

1/160 f/4 ISO200 95mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3562624441_79490ceb65_b.jpg

[silvrr]

What caused the crash?

Nice light on the last two. Shame to see a classic in that condition.

[J1000]

What caused the crash?

Nice light on the last two. Shame to see a classic in that condition.

This was posted on a Studebaker Forum:

They feel a right-side core [freeze] plug blew out and took out the oil line to the right-side turbocharger. That, in sequence, initiated two terrible things:

1. The broken oil line sent an oil slick down under the right side of the car, causing the RR wheel to loose traction...and Ted to subsequently loose control.

2. It quickly drained the engine's crankcase of lubricating oil, causing the engine to seize due to lack of lubrication.

Ted says the engine was still running when he hit the wall off the left side of the track, so the engine did not "blow" and initiate the accident, as was initially thought to be the case.

[GPB]

These are really good. You going to Muncie this saturday ?

[J1000]

These are really good. You going to Muncie this saturday ?

Thanks. I was there. Did you go?

[alessandro2009]

Impressive the last shot.

I'm happy the driver remained alive despite the serious accident.