History
For numerous years during the 1950's and into the latter 1970's, Fresno's Al Pombo was identified with his beautiful and extremely competitive #3 race cars. Al was always known for having some of the best equipment available as well as for being, arguably, the best driver of his time when he raced in the highly competitive NASCAR Modified/Super-Modified series in Central California. This particular car is believed to be the one campaigned from 1965 through about 1968 although we are not sure of the owner or owners during that period. That would make it the Championship Car at the Clovis, CA Speedway in 1965, 1966, and 1967, the Championship Car at San Jose Speedway in 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968, and the Championship Car at Fresno's Kearney Bowl in 1965, 1966 and 1968. This is in addition to being the State Champion each of these years.
Please keep in mind that these are only the championships believed earned while driving this car. Al Pombo's driving career started in 1948 and ended in 1976 with his final race at the Clovis Speedway. In between, it is estimated that he won over 500 Main Events, with 40 coming in 1966 alone. Al earned his first championship in 1951 with his last championship coming in 1970.
In addition to these NASCAR Sanctioned races and championships, Al won numerous "Open Competition" races. These included being a 6 time winner of the Sacramento "Gold Cup" of which the last race to be run for a distance of 100 miles was won by this car in 1966.
1965 NASCAR CA Super Modified
- Year Built: 1965
- Vehicle Type: CALIFORNIA Super Modified
- Built By: Possibly by Fred Ede with help from Al Pombo
- Suspension: Cross Springs Front and Rear
- Engine: 340 Cubic inch Chevrolet V-8, 6 x 2-Barrel Carburetor, Gas Fuel, (By Ibara)
- Owner: Woodland Family Collection