1982, John Morton Racing

IMSA GT/World Sports Car Championship

Firestone Ford Mustang GT Enduro

January 30, 1982

21st, 8th in GTX class

Two 1982 Mustangs were sponsored by Firestone to demonstrate the performance capabilities of their street radials. These tube chassis cars were designed by Bob Riley and built by Charlie Selix and Gary Pratt to race in IMSA’s GTO class. The 01 car was driven by John Morton and Tom Klausler; the 02 car by John Bauer, Milt Minter and Gary Pratt. The cars were powered by Bud Moore prepared 302 cu. in. motors producing more than 500 horsepower.

Morton collection

12 Hours of Sebring

IMSA GT/World Sports Car Championship

Firestone Ford Mustang GT Enduro

March 20, 1982

9th

John co-drove the Firestone Ford Mustang again with Tom Klausler.

Morton collection

Riverside International Raceway

IMSA GT/World Sports Car Championship

April 25, 1982

Firestone Ford Mustang GT Enduro

18th

John co-drove the #01 Firestone Ford Mustang again with Tom Klausler.

Road Atlanta

SCCA Can-Am

CGI/Daffy Lola T333CS HU8/Chevrolet

May 23, 1982

18th

John: “I was introduced to Phil Conte in 1979 as someone who might be receptive to getting involved in sponsoring my race car. Phil was receptive, saying he would help me find a sponsor but he could only put in $5,000 at the most of his own money. He hosted a ‘sponsor party’ where he got me Paul Lewis of Daffy Swimwear. I drove for Phil for four seasons.”

Morton collection

Mosport International Raceway

SCCA Can-Am

CGI/Daffy Lola T333CS HU8/Chevrolet

June 6, 1982

DNF

“In the June 1982 Can-Am race at Mosport after a broken half shaft sent him spinning wildly off the track, missing a half dozen obstacles by a gnat’s eyelash, and sliding under the catch fence to a safe stop, a corner worker remarked: “That was the most fantastic job of driving I’ve ever seen. He brought it under control without hitting anything.” The reluctant stuntman slid down into the seat and said quietly: “I was just holding on.”

24 Hours of Le Mans

FIA World Sports Car Championship

Ferrari North American Racing Team 512 BB #35527

June 20, 1982

9th overall, 4th in IMSA/GTX class

This was the second time John drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. John was teamed with Alain Cudini and John Paul, Sr. to drive Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team’s Ferrari 512 BB (chassis 35527). They climbed as high as third overall, but with two hours to go experienced transmission issues. They finished ninth overall and fourth in the IMSA/GTX class.