612 Can Am Las Vegas 1968 differences

'Don't know specifically, but logical assumptions.....
1. Grip/balance.
2. Visibility larger/straight behind.
3. Clueless...(SCCA requirment, mayhaps? But then, why not previously?)...

 

Interesting the differences from first image to last.

Remember in those days there was still a lot of "Let's try this and see what sticks" type of
stuff going on.

Also, likely a bit of atmospheric difference from the previous race to Las Vegas so if they
came in with the previous event's aero settings on the car which didn't work in the desert
and altitude conditions, that could explain a bit.

Appears they came in expecting to need extra aero grip which was removed during the
course of the event though.

Found a map of the course and, as was most common in those days, it was a series of long
straights connected by a few high speed loops and twisty bits. Likely, they were taking off
aero to give them less drag on the straights.

Looked up the results and found the car driven by Chris Amon DNF'd due to dirt in the
injectors.

No explaining the number plate differences other than CanAm was under SCCA sanction
and likely marshals from each region regulated the cars. Perhaps a marshal armed with
a pencil, clipboard and the rule book in pocket pointed out that the regulations mandate
this. Just a guess.

BHW
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'Good ol' days. 'Saw Chris/612 and Pedro/312P at The Bridge, '69. Chris broke again (as usual).....
but Rodriguez brought the little sheet home 5th.
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(note the similar, added on canards, on the 312 a year later)