Markley-Bruins Top Fuel Dragster (1979) - Rob Bruins

Gaines Markley gained fame in 1972 when he set the NHRA Top Fuel record at 234,37 MPH. He continued to race until 1976 when he hired Rob Bruins to take over the driving duties. In 1978, Markley had a brand new car constructed by Al Swindahl. Notable finishes in 1979 included a 2nd place finish at the Winter Nationals, a 2nd place finish at the Mile-High Nationals, and a 2nd place finish at the World Finals. Bruins went on to earn the 1979 Top Fuel Championship with this car.

The car featured a chassis built by Al Swindahl Chassis Components and was powered by a 482 cubic inch Kieth Black hemi which was run on nitro-methane. The motor was hooked up to a Lenco 2-speed transmission with a DANA rear end.