There’s never a shortage of cool Super Stock race cars to check out at an NHRA/IHRA divisional or national event. Larry Eagle’s 1991 Oldsmobile Calais GT/E Super Stocker checks every box when it comes to a unique and impressive class racing machine.
Eagle is an old-school class racer who loves the challenge that Super Stock competition presents.
“When I was growing up, all of my friends were gearheads. That’s what we did. We were all into cars, and that’s what we enjoyed doing. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I began racing in Stock Eliminator-type classes and eventually worked my way up into Super Stock.”
This particular Oldsmobile Calais has plenty of history behind it. Legendary Super Stock chassis builder FJ Smith constructed the car in 1991 for Larry Pritchard. Eagle became the second owner and raced it for several years before selling it to a racer in Las Vegas.
When that racer moved up to Comp Eliminator competition, he offered to sell the Calais back to Eagle. Larry gladly bought the car back and has been campaigning it ever since.
Built With Proven Super Stock Hardware
The FJ Smith-built machine features top-tier race car hardware throughout the chassis.
A custom four-link rear suspension works with a 9-inch rearend loaded with components from Mark Williams Engineering. Up front, the Oldsmobile uses a custom strut-style suspension, while Strange shocks are employed at all four corners to help keep the Calais planted and consistent.
Power comes from a screaming 350 cubic-inch small-block Chevy built by Jeff Taylor. An MSD 7AL-2 ignition system keeps the fire lit, while a Jerico four-speed transmission and Hayes clutch handle power delivery.
That’s right, Eagle still rows his own gears in this Super Stock race car.
Still Winning At 83 Years Old
At 83 years old, Eagle remains a serious competitor behind the wheel.
In 2025, he captured a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event victory at Summit Motorsports Park, an accomplishment that speaks volumes considering the level of competition found at NHRA divisional events.
Winning in Super Stock requires precision, consistency, and driving skill, qualities Eagle continues to demonstrate every time he stages the Calais.
Why The Sportsman Pits Are Worth Exploring
Larry Eagle’s Oldsmobile Calais GT/E is another reminder of why fans should spend time walking through the sportsman pits at any NHRA national or divisional event.
Some of the most interesting cars in drag racing aren’t always found under the spotlight. Hidden among the rows of trailers and race cars are unique machines like Eagle’s Calais, vehicles packed with history, craftsmanship, and the passion that keeps class racing alive.
For fans of NHRA Super Stock racing, Larry Eagle’s Oldsmobile is proof that some of the coolest cars at the drag strip are also some of the most overlooked.
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