I remember a couple of things from watching Arnie run at Cordova.
Most of us had yet to learn how to gear a car for the quarter, but we got an idea of what worked as we watched Arnie in his Dodge D-501. He'd be wound out in first almost within spitting distance!
And, in match races there at his home strip (I think he's part owner), he had a distinct advangage as it appeared the flagman raised his flag as Arnie left. Or, maybe he was just good at anticipating.
Also, there was a crippled fella who would bring a very fast Pontiac from the Chicago area. Don't know his name or whatever happened to him. Anybody?