The Moore Brothers’ Impala.

Jirki Kaplan (left) and veteran crew chief Les Davenport.

Words and photos by Tim Marshall

emembering back to the good ole days of Stone Woods & Cook, Big John Mazmanian (Bones Balough), Ohio George, and KS Pittman, the modern day concept of the AAGS now features a lot more aerodynamic body styles.  We’re going to take a closer look at five of the country’s finest on hand during the recent NHRA Hot Rod Heritage event at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, Calif.

Canadian Jirki Kaplan’s record-holding Bearshaw Petroleum-backed 1963 Corvette (below) was three tenths quicker than any other car in this class at an incredible qualifying shot of 6.343/218.72 mph for the number #1 spot. 

The blue Canadian Vette easily swept top honors running 6.39 and two 6.40’s in eliminations too.