[ZLP955]

Just mdae an opportunity to make that important call; unfortunately no cigar. Both 'new' phone numbers I obtained in the last few days are no longer in service; got a pre-recorded message saying that each number was disconnected.
So, the search continues. Owner #2 was Merle Duprey, who recently passed away. I just spoke again to Owner #3 (I bought it from him; so I'm #4) and double-checked some of the info he provided; turns out he managed to call the original owner around 15 years or so ago, and will see if he has anything more that didn't come to me.
Owner #3 did say that #1 provided info where he could but felt he had moved on from that time in his life and wasn't at all interested in the car's ongoing story. He was still involved in motor sport but had taken a different direction away from drag racing and had other interests.
Glad I made those calls today anyway, despite the result; will keep on trying to get in contact, even if he's still disinterested in the car, I'd like to hear that myself to close my interest out on that front.