Anyone heard of Bill Schifsky?

Johnny Horsepower · #1 01-30-2009, 06:12 AM

I have been lucky enough to make contact with the son, of the original owner of one of my cars. The original owner and his wife were famous and there has always been great history on this car. Now it is really getting interesting!

I knew that the guy liked to street race, but I have now found out that he was friends with Schifsky who super tuned his cars. We have had some great email exchanges and phone conversations. He is digging up some vintage photos hopefully!
He confirmed all my known history and added more. He also confirmed, which I knew, that it was still the original, engine. This includes heads cylinders and cam.

I looked and found some info on Bill Schifsky and his cars. Evidently, the son helped him get his Cox engines sponsorship.
Does anyone remember this guy on the track?

Thanks,

John

**mockingbird812** · #2 01-30-2009, 06:43 AM

What kind of car Johnny. You got us on the edge of our seats!!

Johnny Horsepower · #3 01-30-2009, 06:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
What kind of car Johnny. You got us on the edge of our seats!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry.

1969 Pontiac GTO RAIV convertible TH 400 3:90 45k original miles, Original interior, metal, driveline etc.

When the original owner had it, he ran 4:56 and a diferent intake manifold.
After his death, it was restored (these days they would have left it a survivor) and won best restored in the country at Nationals in 1990. The rear and intake manifold were returned to the original correct pieces.
It was then purchsed by Otis Chandler with the help of Greg Joseph. I have had it around ten years.
Wonderful car.

John

**mockingbird812** · #4 01-30-2009, 07:19 AM

Cool, howz 'bout a few pix?

**SS427** · #5 01-30-2009, 07:03 PM

Are you talking about "Bear Town Shaker" Bill and Bill Schifsky Enterprises of Mpls, MN?

Johnny Horsepower · #6 01-30-2009, 07:27 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Are you talking about "Bear Town Shaker" Bill and Bill Schifsky Enterprises of Mpls, MN?

[/ QUOTE ]

BINGO! That is the guy. What do you know about him? Ever see him run in the day. I think he drove and then built, but I don't know. My car was sold out of Minneapolis where the original owner lived.

John

**SS427** · #7 01-30-2009, 07:54 PM

Bill ran many cars back in the 60's and 70's and maybe beyond and I watched him race at many of the tracks in Minnesota back in the 70's. I have pictures of a few of them (thanks to Tim Clift) including a Mustang and Pinto funny car sponsored by L.M. Cox Manufacturing. He had a shop located on 1506 Buerkle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. 651-483-2656. I have no idea if the shop is still there or anything more about Bill other than he became a well known Pro driver/owner. "Doc" Holladay was also a well known racer who drove some of Bill's funy cars.

Johnny Horsepower · #8 01-30-2009, 08:02 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Bill ran many cars back in the 60's and 70's and maybe beyond and I watched him race at many of the tracks in Minnesota back in the 70's. I have pictures of a few of them (thanks to Tim Clift) including a Mustang and Pinto funny car sponsored by L.M. Cox Manufacturing. He had a shop located on 1506 Buerkle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. 651-483-2656. I have no idea if the shop is still there or anything more about Bill other than he became a well known Pro driver/owner. "Doc" Holladay was also a well known racer who drove some of Bill's funy cars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Rick! I am going to try to contact him next. In talking to my original owner's son, he told me that he helped Bill with getting that Cox sponsorship. I have seen a few shots of the Pinto and I think a mopar.

Thanks again!

John

**SS427** · #9 01-30-2009, 08:06 PM

I may be able to come up with some other MN contact names who built chassis and/or were associated with Bill in other ways. Between all them someone should be able to put you in contact with the right person. You may even try contacting Tim Clift (member here at one time) as he stays in contact with many of the MN racing personalities and may be able to put you directly in touch with Bill. Unfortunately I am using Annie's computer as mine will not connect with the internet so posting pictures could be very difficult right now.

**Mr70** · #10 01-30-2009, 08:07 PM

He's building custom trailers today..

Web Site customtrailers.biz
Phone 651-257-5340
Location Scandia, MN

[email protected]
[email protected]

http://customtrailers.biz/billschifsky.htm