Jon Stojan
Image credit: Big Red Camaro
Few cars have left as indelible a mark on the world of racing as the Big Red Camaro. Known as the “Original Pro-Touring Car,” this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of relentless innovation, engineering prowess, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son. Big Red isn’t just a car; it’s a legend that has inspired countless enthusiasts and racers, redefining what muscle cars can achieve.
How the Big Red Camaro Made History: A Father and Son’s Racing Dream
Richard “RJ” Gottlieb has been racing since he was 16 years old, driven by a shared passion for speed with his father, Dan Gottlieb. Their story is inseparable from the legendary Big Red Camaro, a vehicle that has inspired countless fans and left an enduring impact on automotive history.
Origins of RJ and the Big Red Camaro
From the moment RJ took to the track as a teenager, he was turning heads and making headlines in road racing. The roar of the engine, the blur of the asphalt beneath him, and the surge of adrenaline with every turn—this was the world RJ was born to conquer. Recognizing his son’s potential, Dan Gottlieb collaborated with RJ to create the now-iconic Big Red Camaro—a marvel of race-car-meets-street-car engineering. At just 19, RJ shattered the 200 mph barrier at the renowned La Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico, with the needle edging past 200 mph, the Big Red Camaro’s engine roared like a beast unleashed, as RJ gripped the wheel with the focus of a seasoned pilot, leaving nothing but dust and awe in his wake. This achievement cemented his place in racing lore and marked the beginning of Big Red’s legendary status.
An Adaptable Dream
Building the Big Red Camaro was no easy feat, but RJ and his father saw the opportunity in the challenge. The car needed to excel not only in straightaways but also in demanding climbs and turns. Through relentless engineering and experimentation, the father-son duo crafted a vehicle that could adapt to any situation, embodying their capacity to dream big and achieve the seemingly impossible. Their achievement sent shockwaves through the automotive world.
“For us, the Big Red Camaro wasn’t just about building a fast car—it was about building a car that could take on anything,” RJ recalls. “Every race, every challenge was a chance to push the limits of what we could do together.”
Impressive Accomplishments in the Pro-Touring World
With the Big Red Camaro complete, RJ dove deeper into the world of pro-touring—a movement the Camaro itself helped to inspire. RJ’s explosion onto the racing scene led to a string of incredible records and achievements. From his first-place finish and record-breaking 200 mph speed at La Carrera Panamericana, RJ and his Big Red Camaro went on to conquer the Silver State Classic Challenge in 1990, set a 227 mph record at Bonneville for the Classic Blown Fuel Altered competition, achieve a naturally aspirated record of 218 mph at Texas Mile, scale Pikes Peak in 11 minutes 8 seconds, and reach a staggering 266.2 mph at the Mojave Magnum.
One of RJ’s most memorable experiences was at La Carrera, where he and Chris Kaufmann lined up alongside other competitors, including motorcycles, according to their expected speeds. A skeptical motorcycle racer, starting ahead of RJ, dismissed the idea that a 1969 Camaro could keep up with him. However, RJ, just 17 years old and driving over 200 mph, quickly caught up and passed him, leaving the motorcycle racer in awe of Big Red’s raw power and speed.
“It was one of those moments where you realize just how much we’d accomplished,” RJ said. “The look on that guy’s face when I passed him—it was priceless.”
The Future of the Big Red Camaro
As RJ looks to the future, he plans to continue participating in events that will take the Big Red Camaro to new heights. This timeless American muscle car remains a symbol of the unyielding pursuit of perfection, innovation, and the bond between father and son. Big Red is more than just a car; it’s a generational inspiration that continues to shape the future of automotive history.
The legacy of RJ Gottlieb and his father’s masterpiece is far from over. With each race, each record shattered, and each awe-struck fan, Big Red continues to write its own chapter in the annals of automotive history.
Want to witness the legend of Big Red Camaro firsthand? Follow RJ’s journey on social media and keep an eye out forupcoming events where you can see this iconic machine in action.