HISTORY OF THE GRUZEN RACINGS's 
"Mighty Mouse"
Blown Modified Roadster
Driver: Dave Gruzen Owners: Joel & Dee Gruzen

 

Conceived and designed by Dick Moseley and co-built by Joel Gruzen, the car was "back-yard" built and patterned after the old "New House Special" a fuel modified roadster, which dominated Southern California dragstrips back in the early '60s. Constructed in 1994, but aerodynamically designed as a '60's vintage car, it originally featured an alcohol injected small block Chevy (355ci Mouse Motor). Its initial outing was as a display car at the third California Hot Rod Reunion in November 1994. The car ran a consistent high 8 seconds, with a top speed of 149 mph, competing in the Good Guys Vintage Racing Association's HR-1 class, which it won during the 1997 March Meet in Bakersfield. It was also active in the Classic Open Wheel series at Palmdale (LACR). In October 1997, the car was fitted with a 377ci, 671 Blown Alcohol Mouse Motor, making its initial debut during the 1997 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. Best times were a 7.36et at 186 mph on a soft tune.

During the 1998 March Meet, the car bested a strong field of competitors to win the highly coveted and competitive Nostalgia Eliminator class, running consistent mid 7's with a one time top speed of 208 mph. This was the fastest known speed ever for a "T" style Alcohol Modified Roadster. The car went on the win the 1998 Good Guys Nostalgia Eliminator National Championship.

During the 1999, 2000, 2001and 2002 race seasons, "The Mouse" as it was dubbed by both fans and competitors, has always finished as one of the top five cars in its class on the VRA and Pro-Nitro race circuits.


WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE & THANK OUR SPONSORS WHO HELP MAKE THE "MIGHTY MOUSE" MOVE.


California Performance Transmissions, Huntington Beach, CA. Performance Technology, Anaheim CA. Auto Balancing Inc., Southgate CA. James Higby Engineering, San Fernando CA. DJ Safety, Tujunga CA., SLR Cams (Steve Long), Corona, CA., Tim Brown/Cornwell Tools, Lakewood CA.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Kendall Motor Oil/AP Fischer, Long Beach CA. California Discount Warehouse, Long Beach CA. Long Beach Auto Trim, Long Beach CA. Donovan Engineering, Torrance CA. Air Flow Research, Pacoima CA. Mooneyham Blowers, Bellflower CA.