Lowest mileage COPO Camaro known to exist to go to auction

Worldwide Auctioneers has announced the addition of a rare 1969 Chevrolet L72 427 COPO Camaro to the line-up of magnificent automobiles due to cross the stage at its inaugural Auburn auction. In the words of Rod Egan, Managing Partner and Chief Auctioneer: “Owned by one family from new and with a grand total of only 325 original miles, we are proud to present what might be the lowest mileage COPO Camaro left in the world.”

This example was purchased for drag racing and was ordered with an M22 transmission, one of 1,015 Camaros with that particular option package. Finished in its original special order color of Windward Blue, all components are original and numbers matching, from engine through drive-train and the car is presented with original interior and sheet metal. Included in the sale, the original Protect-O-Plate, 1969 title and dealership invoice, plus a complete COPO Connection inspection report issued by Ed Cunneen, the man considered to be the foremost authority on special Camaros.

“The last chance to buy a new 1969 Camaro came nearly 40 years ago,” said John Kruse, Managing Partner. ‘’This unique example offers the enthusiast an opportunity that will probably never again be repeated. It is our belief that this is one of the finest examples in existence.” 

The sale will be held in the grounds of Worldwide Auctioneers new US Headquarters in Auburn, IN, on Saturday August 30th at 6 p.m., as the town coincidentally plays host to the famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, that same Labor Day Weekend. Full details on advance bidding and general admission can be obtained by visiting www.wwgauctions.com or calling 260-927-0000. [07/30/08]

Johnson captures second Allstate 400 at the Brickyard despite tire problems

Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS, collected his second career victory in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard July 27th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a race that can best be termed as one of the most bizarre in history.

As a result of tire wear issues forcing numerous mandatory caution periods, the race was slowed 11 times by the yellow flag for a total of 52 laps.

After the race Johnson was asked if he thought it was the right call to take two tires on the last pit stop.

"I knew what we were setting up for,” Johnson answered. “I was worried the stop before that maybe we had to go two laps to win this thing. Chad (Knaus, crew chief) called it perfectly. We had a great stop at the end. A great car, I just can't say enough of this race car all weekend long. It really was a pleasure to drive it and it’s because these guys have been working so hard. Big day for Lowe's and Chevrolet; this Impala was awesome. Hendricks Motorsports, the engine department, the whole company, we've been working really hard to get back and we're getting there. This is a good sign of it."

Johnson's win was the 10th time Chevrolet has won the Allstate at the Brickyard and the 627th victory for the Bowtie in NSCS competition.

Starting from the pole, Johnson led eight times for a total of 71 of the 160 laps. The victory by the two-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) champion was the 10th for Chevrolet at the Brickyard and the fifth of the 2008 season.

Johnson's second 2008 win moved him to fourth in the point standings with six races until the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup. 

Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, finished fifth. It was the ninth top-five finish, including four wins in 15 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard starts for the four-time NSCS champion. Gordon is sixth in the standings.

Coming from the 26th starting position, Jeff Burton, No. 31 Prilosec OTC Impala SS, finished ninth in today's race. Burton remains third in the standings.

Burton was asked after the race who should be held responsible for the problems the teams had during the race. "Well, Goodyear builds the tires and Goodyear has done a much better job, I think, this year. This wasn't a good day for them for sure.” He added, “I think it is hard to put it on NASCAR's shoulders, Goodyear is the tire provider."

Second-fastest qualifier Mark Martin, No. 8 US Army Impala SS, finished 11th. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Impala SS, finished 12th to remain second in the point standings.

Team Chevy continues to have five drivers in the top-12 Race for the Chase standings. Clint Bowyer, No. 07 Jack Daniel's Impala SS is sitting in 12th, just two points in front of 13th place Kevin Harvick, No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Impala SS. (file photo by Ron Lewis) [07/30/08]