Dick Guldstrand: Corvette Legend
Few people ever reach their own place in the world of motorsport like Dick Guldstrand did. Not only a racer but an innovator, he was a fierce competitor and solidified his place in history. From Burbank to Le Mans he single-handedly took on the world. Here are 5 things you might not know about this legend.
July 24, 2017
He drove Mulholland
That’s right. Mr. Corvette himself used to drive L.A.’s notorious Raceway. In 2006, a reporter from the Times was ballsy enough to climb into the passenger seat with him for a run down the winding canyon road. He would go on to call him “The Dean of Mulholland Drive, professor emeritus of this two-lane race track.” That’s one hell of a title if you ask me and I’m sure a ride the reporter will never forget.
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Standing ovation at Le Mans
Imagine being so iconic in racing you get a standing ovation just for showing up to Le Mans. This actually happened to the legend in 2005. After setting a record on the Mulsanne straight of 171.5mph in 1967 he would return in 2005 to applause from the grandstands. The year he set that record it turned spectators and fellow racers on their heads. No one had seen this kind of speed before. To do it in a Corvette and receive that kind of response after 38 years speaks volumes to the man’s work.
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Charley Woit
Revisiting Mulholland for a moment, you may know the name, Charley Woit. Woit was a Mulholland racer who dominated the road before Chris Banning’s 911. Apparently, Charley’s car was setup completely by Guldstrand. Perhaps coincidental, or fateful, Chris would sit in the same chair years later asking for Guldstrand’s help building a custom Camaro. By staying true to his roots he is respected by street racers and world champions alike.
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He drove for industry giants
Not only did Dick drive all over the world at mega-venues like Le Mans and Sebring, he drove for some huge names in the industry as well. Roger Penske, James Garner, and Zora Arkus-Duntov all employed him. To be invited into these circles you have to be seriously fast. Zora, the “father of the Corvette” actually recommended Guldstrand to Penske when Penske was looking to hire new talent.
Click here for a video of Dick Gulstrand's Hall of Fame induction at the Corvette museum.
>>Join in the conversation on the legendary Dick Guldstrand right here in the LS1Tech Forum!
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