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Modern Day Classic
Bruce Biegler - March 25, 2008
Alberta’s Mike Grekul has landed arguably what is and will be one of the coolest rides of the season for drag racing.
 The 2nd generation driver and son to reputed Canadian Alcohol Funny Car driver Ed Grekul, made his driving debut recently within the ranks of drag racing’s mega-popular and fast growing Nostalgia Funny Car circuit. During NHRA’s recent historic 50th Anniversary March Meet at Bakersfield California, Mike had his first competitive outing driving a spectacular re-creation of the ’72 Ford Mustang AA/FC originally campaigned by Steve Pleuger and Roger Gyger. Driving a car that is fully legal and intended for NHRA’s new Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, Grekul ran extremely well setting low ET at 6.037 secs and taking a runner-up finish within the March Meet’s Funny Car “B” eliminator.
Grekul explained that his new racing association was a matter being in the right place at the right time.
 “My Dad and I were considering building our own nostalgia Funny Car,” Mike said. “We met with Steve Pleuger about a year ago when we heard he was putting together two cars for this circuit. Over time it just all came together. The Pleuger & Gyger Mustang was an historic “hitter” for the early 1970’s in the class. It’s just a real honor for me to be involved with Steve and his fantastic crew and I’m looking forward to adding some new chapters to not only that’s team history but also to the Grekul family racing history.”
Mike revealed that he and his father will tour this season with Bucky Austin’s Plymouth Arrow, an identically built Steve Pleuger car, which incidentally, won the Bakersfield Funny Car “A” eliminator in dominating fashion. His crew also consists of long time crewman Dave Wilton and also his son Cole Grekul.
 Mike Grekul’s involvement in drag racing dates back to the early 1970’s and includes associations with fellow Albertan’s Bob Papernick and Jim Johnson. Mike drove alcohol Funny Cars and also did a stint with a Nostalgia Top Fuel car.
“I think we are now involved in an important new wave for drag racing,” Mike added. “This AA/FC class, and nostalgia drag racing in general, is enjoying a phenomenal rebirth. The fans absolutely love these period correct cars.”
Canadian drag racing fans can expect to see the Pleuger & Gyger Mustang in action on Canadian soil this season too. Negotiations for potential appearances at Mission, Edmonton and Calgary drag strips are in the works.
(Bruce Biegler Photos)
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