Gregory Gay’s Rare Dodge Mirada Super Stocker

NHRA Super Stock racing is packed with all kinds of cool cars, and Gregory Gay’s 1980 Dodge Mirada might be one of the most unique and rare entries in the class. You don’t see many Dodge Miradas at the track, let alone one like Gregory’s that is a legitimate prototype car.

Gregory’s father was into cars, so naturally Gregory followed in his footsteps. Drag racing became his form of automotive expression, and he began racing as soon as he earned his driver’s license.

Gregory started out bracket racing because he couldn’t afford to compete in Stock or Super Stock classes. Eventually, he reached a point in life where NHRA class racing became possible, and he made the most of the opportunity. In 1999, Gregory won the Keystone Nationals in Stock driving his 1969 Dodge Super Bee.

The story behind Gregory’s Dodge Mirada is especially fascinating. Legendary NHRA sportsman racer Wes Leopold was the original owner and the person who converted the car into a Super Stock GT machine. The Mirada was never sold through a dealership and does not have a VIN, as it was originally used as a paint test car during its prototype phase. As a result, this Dodge has essentially been a track rat for its entire existence.

Because Gregory campaigns the Mirada in Super Stock GT trim, he’s allowed to use an engine from a different vehicle. To gain the best possible advantage, he chose to run a 1976-era 400 cubic-inch Mopar engine. Power is sent through a 727 transmission and an ATI torque converter. The combination typically runs in the 10-second zone while competing under a 12-second index.

NHRA class racing with a car this unique keeps Gregory plenty busy. He thrives on the competitive nature of Super Stock racing and enjoys the challenge of optimizing his combination within the rules. One thing is certain, you won’t find many Super Stock cars with a racing history quite like this 1980 Dodge Mirada.