Drag Illustrated Issue 115, November 2016 | Page 59

DIALED IN

PHOTOS : VAN ABERNETHY , RHONDA MCCOLE

Jackie Robison Carries On Chevy II ’ s Pro Mod Roots

By Van Abernethy

Jackie Robison ’ s beautiful 1966 Chevy II has more than stood the test of time in the ranks of fast , heads-up doorslammer racing . This car ’ s fascinating history can be traced all the way back to 1990 , when it was originally built for Illinois native Bill Neri , who campaigned the car in IHRA ’ s brand new Pro Modified division , which was launched that very same year . “ This Chevy II was the last car that Tim McAmis built at Jerry Bickel ’ s shop before leaving to start his own business ,” says Robison .

After many successful outings in Pro Mod , including a world record run of 217 mph at Memphis International Raceway many moons ago , this fan-favorite doorslammer eventually found its way to Greer , SC , and to the home and race shop of Robison . Amazingly , this 27 year-old race car is not only still in commission , it ’ s quite competitive in the NHRA Lucas Oil series , as well as select NHRA National Events , where Robison competes the car in Top Sportsman . “ I ’ ve had a good year in 2016 , placing runner-up at the Atlanta divisional and also the Bristol race in Division 2 .”
Jackie Robison discovered drag racing as a young man , the same way so many others before him have : racing in the sportsman bracket classes at his local tracks , and since Jackie is a lifelong South Carolina native , tracks have always been in plentiful supply . “ My grandmother once owned the property where Greer Dragway is now located !” remarked Robison .
After the track was built , the noise instantly attracted him he says . Robison went on to enjoy much success while racing in various bracket classes at Greer and the surrounding tracks while racing everything from a rear-engine dragster to a Datsun 280Z . He earned a spot to race at the Bracket Finals five times . Some of his fondest memories came during the 2003 and 2004 seasons when he had the opportunity to drive an Alcohol Funny Car for Richard Hartman in the Southern Fuel Coupes series . “ I had a blast doing that and it was a great opportunity for me .”
Robison now finds himself solidly in the competitive ranks of doorslammer racing with his fabled Chevy II . Sometimes the journey gets rough in
November 2016 DragIllustrated . com | Drag Illustrated | 59