Images: Azunia Tequila Racing

They may not be your typical off-road machines, but the classic Chevys turned dirt racers are certainly icons in the off-road world. Awhile back, we took a look at one of these crazy creations- the Snortin’ Nortin ’71 Nova- and thought it only fitting that we also take a look at one of the Chevelle’s biggest competitors from back in the day. That’s right, we’re talking about the ’57 Chevy known as Rippin’ Rooster.

Image: NORRA

Originally built and raced by Larry Schwacofer, the Rippin’ Rooster Chevy saw countless competitions in the 80s, taking home over 40 Class 6 wins, including five at Baja 1000 events, and nine points championships. It may not have been the most conventional competitor back in the day, but the converted Tri-Five was certainly a fierce adversary to all the off-road teams of the era. But, just like many iconic racers, the Rippin’ Rooster Chevy was ultimately retired and found its place in Schwacofer’s garage in the mid 90s.

Luckily, that’s not the end of the story for the Rippin’ Rooster. In fact, just four months before the 2013 General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally, the Azunia Tequila Race Team purchased the car from Schwacofer in its then dilapidated condition and went to work to restore the classic Chevy for competition once again.

Image: Race-Dezert

To start the overhaul, the car was sent to Matt “Shrek” Dowland for a complete strip down. Unfortunately, components like the original SB Chevy engine, the old Impala rearend and the Turbo 400 were all shot, so new or rebuilt components went in their places. The engine was replaced with a Robert Simpson-built Chevy 350, the transmission rebuilt by Culhane Transmissions and the rearend was replaced by a Currie unit.

Other features that the car now boasts include a completely new suspension system with 16 FOX shocks, a Jazz fuel cell, Extreme Powder Coating-treated frame, American Racing wheels, Red Label General Tire Grabber tires and a Cap’s Auto Body-laid Orange Crush paint scheme.

The interior is said to be of the correct white finish, though it does now feature Mastercraft seats for safety reason. Of course, the car has also been updated with a race radio and Lowrance GPS system from PCI to make it more competitive in modern endurance races.

The Rippin’ Rooster Chevy is now owned and piloted by Azunia Tequila CEO Jim “Rooster” Riley, with Dana Dague taking on the responsibility of co-driving for the Rippin’ Rooster team. It competed for the first time again in the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally in 2013, where it once again raced tire-to-tire with one of its biggest rivals, the Snortin’ Nortin Nova.

Rick Johnson, who had traded Riley the Snortin’ Nortin Nova for the Rippin’ Rooster Bel Air for the race, came in first place in their vintage class when all was said and done, with Riley taking third in the Snortin’ Nortin Nova. The Rippin’ Rooster was entered into this year’s NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally as well, but it failed to finish the race.

Here’s to hoping this classic Chevy has another long and successful race career under the Azunia Tequila banner!