The original Kodiak Special was a Stanton/Challenger 1 5/8” tube chassis that became known as the “Big Tube” car. Sammy drove this car during the 1987 season, and the engine was one of four special Pontiac power plants provided by Sammy’s car owner, Raymond Beadle. It was one of the last hand-painted cars which ran on the World of Outlaws circuit. Swindell won 16 features during 1987 including the Spring Nationals, Devils Bowl, Mesquite, Texas; Winter Nationals, Devils Bowl.