1962 Chevy II - Drag Racing - Super Chevy Magazine

The Tomato Can does not need to do huge smoky burnouts. And weight transfer on launch is minimal. Extra chassis movement potentially cuts into the e.t..

The Tomato Can does not need to do huge smoky burnouts. And weight transfer on launch is m

Last summer, the "new" Tomato Can made its maiden outing at the all-new Fontana Raceway on opening day to compete in a Super Street eliminator. Luke got down to the semi-finals when the torque converter broke. At another Fontana race the next month, he got down to the quarter-finals when a traction bar Heim joint fractured. Better on the starting line than in the traps-that's racing luck! But Luke proved he had not lost a blink of his previous driving prowess and skill.

With its Vrbancic Brothers 630-horsepower 355 engine, the Tomato Can is capable of 9.70 e.t.'s at 140 mph. By adding weight and adjusting the throttle-stop, the e.t.'s can be dialed in right on the NHRA Super Street's 10.90 e.t. heads-up time. Remove the weight and readjust the throttle-stop and the car is also competitive in NHRA Super Gas 9.90 e.t. competition.

Here's a Chevy II with a very exciting and winning history and a 33-year-old driver who has outdistanced his famous father and won even more. With his winning wife and daughter behind him, Luke Shumard and the Tomato Can are bound to be back in the winner's circle very soon.

Under the Dzus-fastened fiberglass trunk lid is a JAZ three-gallon fuel cell and twin side-by-side Optima batteries.
Under the Dzus-fastened fiberglass trunk lid is a JAZ three-gallon fuel cell and twin side
This photo best reveals the classic lines of a '62 Chevy II.
A mandrel-bent exhaust pipe exits from the header collector, then connects aft to a Borla muffler, then exits in front of the Goodyear racing slick.
A mandrel-bent exhaust pipe exits from the header collector, then connects aft to a Borla

Virtually none of the Chevy II's steering, front suspension, or brakes remain. Lamb struts and disc brakes work in combination with Lamb rack-and-pinion steering, very trick Weld Racing wheels, and Goodyear Eagle race tires.
Virtually none of the Chevy II's steering, front suspension, or brakes remain. Lamb struts
Huge Goodyear Eagle slicks hide much of the 5.14:1-geared 12-bolt rear end. Koni coilover shock absorbers work well with vintage ladder bars. Lamb rear disc brakes slow the car down nicely upon request.
Huge Goodyear Eagle slicks hide much of the 5.14:1-geared 12-bolt rear end. Koni coilover
The fiberglass front end is a one-piece unit from the late George Tree at Fiberglass Trends. Todd Barton in Norwalk, California, airbrushed on the entire grille, headlight bezels, parking lights, and front bumper.
The fiberglass front end is a one-piece unit from the late George Tree at Fiberglass Trend

Seen here are 11 very special trophies and awards Luke Shumard earned in the mid- to late-'90s. Yes, those gold trophies are coveted NHRA "Oscars."
Seen here are 11 very special trophies and awards Luke Shumard earned in the mid- to late-
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Luke, Sarah, and Nancy Shumard.