ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver Ed Pompa will be using a throwback paint scheme on the Andy Hillenburg owned #10 Chevy, for the 100th ARCA race at Salem Speedway.
“I wanted to use a throwback paint design for the 100th ARCA race at Salem”, said Pompa. “I did some research, because I also wanted to use a throwback paint scheme from a #10 car. What I found was from the 1971 NASCAR Grand National series. Bill Champion, a resident of Norfolk, Virginia, and an independent racer, campaigned the #10 in NASCAR’s top series until his retirement in 1976. His paint scheme was typically red over white. He also raced at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, in Malta, NY, when the Grand National series came to town. The speedway is about 3 miles from home.”
According to a Hemming’s Muscle Machines, March 2012 article, Bill’s nephew, Ricky Rudd, had his first four NASCAR starts in his uncle’s car. Bill Elliott also made four of his first eight starts in 1976, in Champion’s Fords.
“I wanted to keep as much of the original design as possible, to maintain the continuity of the throwback look.” said Pompa. “I kept the original sponsor on the rear fenders, but added my sponsors in other locations. Double H Ranch, Milwaukee Crusher Co, Cedar Peaks Enterprises, Pompa Bros Inc., T-Shirt Graphics, and Fast Track Racing will also be on the car. I am also keeping the ‘427 CI’ on the hood, even though I am running a Chevy. I figured that would get the attention of the ARCA tech inspectors!”
“Salem is such a cool racetrack. I really love the track, even though this years’ race will only be my fourth race there. Darrell Basham showed me the way around Salem four years ago. ‘Follow Darrell’ was the advice from my spotter (Andy Hillenburg). ‘He knows how to get around here and stay out of trouble’. I’m glad to just be a part of the 100th ARCA race here.”
