Bradshaw Bros. Car History

We are attempting share a chronological list of cars owned over the years by Claude Bradshaw and the “Bradshaw Bros. Racing Team”. We are gathering everything that comes across from any possible source and would appreciate all contributions. This is an incomplete listing and the information provided is lacking in many instances. It is possible that small bits of information can help bridge some of the gaps. Citations listed as (Steve) are referring to Claude "Steve" Bradshaw.

This page is currently under construction.

1962

During this time twin brothers Claude and Clyde were each driving their own "Super Stock" cars ... Pictured below in this '62/'63 image is Claude Bradshaws

"Mighty Mo-par". The car in the background is "Uncle Clyde's car "

"Savage" (Steve)

and the two fellas are unknown... Once again, any help?

Image provided by unknown

1963

The 1963 "Mighty Mopar" was either a Plymouth Savoy (Fury) 426 Max Wedge? Or Plymouth Belvedere A990? Both are sometimes referred to as “lightweights” and the two cars were nearly identical having a 426cu. in. wedge engines, lightweight carpet, rear battery, many aluminum body parts with only slight differences in trim.

Category: S/S Supper Stock

Image provided by unknown

The Bradshaw Bros. teamed up “after 1963” (Steve)

1964

Early on in the year it would have been the 1963 Max Wedge but, sponsored by Joe Sperino from Belleville. Later in '64 they got their first "Hemi" a 1964 Dodge 330 Coronet/Hemi Charger, these cars were classified as “S/S”, “A/FX”, or "SS/FX". "Hoefert's Hurricane" was sponsored by Hoferet's Dodge out of Alton

Steve provided a pic and the following info... “That's Wayne (Tiny) Meinert driving dads new Hemi Dad driving his old car Mighty Mopar. Tiny thought Hemi could beat wedge. Dad knowing it was 1/8 mile instead 1/4 and also knowing the flagman lol. Figured he could hold off his new car if he got the jump. Great times. RIP TINY. Always a good man.”

Image Provided by Steve Bradshaw

1965

1965 Plymouth Belvedere A990 sponsored by Joe Sperino. This was also a Hemi, although any help with the positive identification will help. According to "1965 Super Stock Plymouth Factory Owner's List" exactly one hundred of these cars were made 1n 1965 and Claude Bradshaw bought #24.

Category: S/SA

Image provided by unknown

1965/1966?

The "Bradshaws Baccaruda Barracuda" car definitely belongs in this spot, although conflicting information and even the body of the car itself leads to confusion about the time period. (mid-late '65 or early '66) This car was one of the earliest Altered Wheel Base (AWB) “Funny Cars” in the mid-west. It was built with a 1964/65 back half but what looks to be a '66 front end. This was prior to fuel injection, and the acid dipped body was still a ‘door slammer”. Known as “Match Bashers” the AWB cars were tremendously popular despite being banned by NHRA during that time. However these crowd pleasers still ran plenty of “Match Races” and AHRA sanctioned events. The "Baccaruda Barracuda" got it's name from a very popular but short lived radio commercial that I have seen dated mostly 1965, but some date it to 1966.

I want to figure this car being built later on in '65 but the front end is a puzzler.

Category: Currently unknown (Likely A/FX) but, “In AHRA, the AWB cars ran in the U/S (Ultra-Stock) class" for a period of time.

I am sure this confusion will be rooted out in short order.

Image provided by unknown

1966

The '66 Barracuda, fuel injected nitro burning "Funny Car", evolved from the "Baccaruda Barracuda" overall improvements were made front to back. The paint was changed and the hood was removed to make room for the fuel injection, and body work on the rear quarter was completed by fall.

"Category: AFUELFC, Type: FN, Class: Match Race, Div: 3" (DragList.com)

image provided by unknown

1967

In 1967 an updated version of the '66 Barracuda that outwardly appeared to be the same Fuel Injected AWB , but several improvements had been made including a fiberglass tilt front end that replaced the front quarter panels, and the Joe Sperino sponsored cars new name was “Sumpin’ Fierce”. Not long after this picture was taken, a pair of "Rocket Racing Strike" mag wheels added had some flare to the front.

"Category: AFUELFC, Type: FN, Class: Match Race, Div: 3” (DragList.com)

From the Carl and Char Hirst Collection

1968

Plymouth Valiant, fuel Injected Nitro burning “Funny Car” however this was not an altered wheelbase car but rather the engine was moved back into the front seating compartment and Mr. Bradshaw was positioned in the rear seating area. a.k.a. The Valicuda.
Note: the Barracuda was “Sumpin’” and the Valiant was “Something”.
Category: FUELFC, Type: FN, Class: Match Race, Div: 3 (DragList.com)

Image provided by unknown

1969

I believe this to be the Valiant from 1968 with some improvements.

Image provided by unknown

1970

(DragList.com)

"‘68 Plymouth Barracuda by Factory. Powered by Carbureted Gas 426 Chrysler Hemi with 4 speed manual transmission.

"Bradshaw Bros. Racing Team/Hemi-Cuda" Owned by Bradshaw Bros. from Granite City, Illinois USA

1970 - Category: PS-CLASSIC, Type: LN, Class: Pro Stock, Div: 3"

(Need More info)

The '68 Barracuda Sponsored by Joe Sperino May 1970 Photo by unknown.

1971

I believe this to be the same ‘68 Plymouth Barracuda raced in 1970 that was sponsored by Joe Sperino

Category: PS-CLASSIC, Type: LN, Class: Pro Stock, Div: 3

(Need More info)

(Need Images)

Bradshaw Bros. Claude (left) Clyde (right) standing
next to the '68 Pro Stock Clasisc Barracuda circa 1971

1972

Pro Stock 1969 Camaro (This likely was PS-Classic) Sponsored by J&J Speed Shop of Granite City and was Claude Bradshaw's final race car.

(Need More Info)

Image provided by Brian Barner

June 18,1967

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The '68 Barracuda Sponsored by Joe Sperino May 1970 Photo by unknown.

Bradshaw Bros. Claude (left) Clyde (right) standing next to the '68 Pro Stock Clasisc Barracuda circa 1971

Bradshaw Bros. Claude (left) Clyde (right) standing
next to the '68 Pro Stock Clasisc Barracuda circa 1971