
Past Gas #209: Dodge Charger Daytona: The Car That Was Too Fast for NASCAR
10/23/23 • 57 min
1 Listener
Talladega was a prime testing facility because it was the fastest circle track on the planet, and Chrysler was there to set a record. The day was overcast and cool as NASCAR legend Buddy Baker shifted into gear and pulled onto the track. It didn’t take long for the driver to smash the 200 mph record. What was this top secret car that Chrysler hired NASCAR royalty to test? How did they shatter open-wheel Indy Car records with a lowly stock car? How did this weird, but effective, race car win back Richard “The King” Petty after he ditched Chrysler for Ford? Today on Past Gas, we dig into the incredible tale of the Dodge Charger Daytona.
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Talladega was a prime testing facility because it was the fastest circle track on the planet, and Chrysler was there to set a record. The day was overcast and cool as NASCAR legend Buddy Baker shifted into gear and pulled onto the track. It didn’t take long for the driver to smash the 200 mph record. What was this top secret car that Chrysler hired NASCAR royalty to test? How did they shatter open-wheel Indy Car records with a lowly stock car? How did this weird, but effective, race car win back Richard “The King” Petty after he ditched Chrysler for Ford? Today on Past Gas, we dig into the incredible tale of the Dodge Charger Daytona.
More about Show:
- Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes.
- Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber.
- Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!
- Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or using this link: http://bit.ly/PastGas.
- If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be helpful! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: http://bit.ly/PastGas.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Previous Episode

Past Gas #208: Dan Wheldon: The Perfect Storm that Reformed Indycar
Dan Wheldon was a talented and charming driver who left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. But how did this unflappable Englishman break through to IndyCar stardom? Why did he turn down the offer to race in Formula One? And how did his tragic death shape the future of IndyCar? Today on Past Gas, we explore the legacy of IndyCar champion, Dan Wheldon.
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- Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber.
- Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!
- Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or using this link: http://bit.ly/PastGas.
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Next Episode

Past Gas #210: Nelson Piquet: The F1 Driver Who Feuded With Everybody
In 1986, the Williams Formula 1 team should have taken the World Championship, but their drivers Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell decided to turn on each other instead. But how did the son of a Brazilian doctor become one of the most controversial names in Formula 1 history? What was it that catapulted a young Nelson Piquet into the international spotlight so soon after his first-ever go-kart race? Was the bias against him legitimate, or was it the product of a nationalistic media playing favorites? Today on Past Gas, we're delving into all things Nelson Piquet.
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More about Show:
- Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes.
- Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber.
- Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!
- Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or using this link: http://bit.ly/PastGas.
- If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be helpful! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: http://bit.ly/PastGas.
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