Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I just found out from Doug Holder, that my Stock Eliminator racing bud, Vic Hobbs "has terminal cancer, and is in his last two months". The last time I saw him was during the Fontana divisional last year, and my last conversation with him was just 3wks ago. I hope he pulls through this, but it's not sounding good. Prayers please for Vic....thanks :(

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Sorry to hear this. I've known Vic for a long time now. Super nice guy.
Stay strong, Vic.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I've known vic a long time. talked to him at vegas couple years ago. it saddens me, to hear this about him. he is a great guy and very knowledgeable friend. my prayers are for him to pull through. our ranks are getting thinner.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I'm so sorry to hear this. I always enjoy talking to Vic, he's a very smart man who deserves more respect from the racing community then he gets.
I hope you pull through this Vic. Billy

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Thoughts and prayers go out to Vic and his family.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Just tried to call him, as we call each other on our birthdays. Phone off, didn't answer his cell.
Got sick 3 yrs ago when he went home to Illinois., couldn't see dr because he had no ins.
Only racer to stay at our house over night.

Card sent to his home : 12980 Crest Lane
Whitewater, Calif 92282

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Thoughts and prayers for Vic and his family. His situation doesn't sound good, but miracles happen all the time.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

When I first raced in Super Stock Vic came over and introduced himself and asked questions about my 396/350 combo. Vic always answered my questions. Working at Speedworld in Phx I ran across a pile of black and white track pictures and there was Vic in his Camaro in it. Take care my friend.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

1977 in his 69 Camaro

http://www.imagebam.com/image/abc3a6549367040

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Vic is my friend.....I am very sad to have to read
this news. Fortunately Vic's life has been long and active.
I praise God for that fact and I am grateful for mine as well.

Vic always had a ready smile and willing hands to
jump in and happy to help us with anything!

We talked for several years about him driving one of our
Stockers,,,,,,,,.I sure wish it had happened now. None of us
are even guaranteed our next breathe and I need to remember
that every single day.

Perhaps in Heaven.......

Irving Family Racing

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I have known Vic since the early 70,s ,always a smile and nothing bad to say ,loved drag racing,does anybody know how to get a hold of him,is he in the hospital?His phone has been disconnected,thanks ,Ron Nickels.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I met Vic in the early 80 s at Pomona. My prayers are with him at this time. He is being cared for by a longtime friend.....

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Saddened to hear this. Spoke with Vic end of year Vegas divisional and he just doesn't age! Always looked the same. Met Vic at Fremont early 70's bracket racing with Hammer and the guys. The racers Racer! Always ready to help you. Any news would be greatly appreciated. Prayers sent.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

He is at a friends home as MJ said. He disconnected his phone service. I tried to go see him during the Fontana race and he really is not up to seeing anyone, like yourself I have known Vic for well over 30 years. If I hear anything different I will reach out.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

To all of Vic Hobbs friends in the racing community I have contacted his friend Laurie about a contact number for Vic although it may be hard for him to talk on the phone anyone can call 760-835-7636 visits are welcome just ask her for the info. Thank you all for your concern about Vic.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Vic,
Like most, first met Vic Bracket finals in Bakersfield for bracket championships, in the 70's, Seen and talked to him at most races since, how many who could guess.
Vic, you hang in there Buddy you have many races yet to come.
we will catch up later
your friend
Bob Elliott

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Just talked to Vic, said he has about 1 month and hospice is their.
we loved him !

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Vic is a gentleman's gentleman and a racers racer. We should all aspire to be the kind of person that he is.
Mike and BJ Graham

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

X2 !!!

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I found out that Vic is about 20 mins. from Fontana Raceway,i'm going to visit him this week while i'm racing this week,if anybody is interested text me at 925-321-1404 Ron Nickels,and ill give you his address.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Thanks Tom for the update on Vic, and dahkahuna for the updated phone number. Hopefully I'll be able to briefly chat with him to let him know about my/our thoughts and prayers to/for him. I too hope and pray for a miracle to bless Vic Hobbs.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Just talked to Lauire, Vic is still living, but hospice is in and it shouldn't be much longer.

She asked if his friends could write and tell what they remember about him & how they meet & what help he gave them. Would like to read them at his funeral

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Sorry to hear. I`ve never met him, but have followed him for years. God Bless.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I met Vic in the 1970,s,i had a 50 Olds ,he had a 69 Camaro at the time,he, and Ted Seiples were the best racers back then,i learned by watching them ,i always wondered why they knocked the pre stage lite out on a .400 pro tree.I lost a lot back then,talked to Vic and he explained about deep staging ,and i started to win a few races.Yrs. later in 1979 we had the bracket finals in Bakersfield Ca.,we ran a full tree,i notice that Vic had tape on his window,and he said he blinded all ambers but the bottom bulb ,and went deep just like the .400 pro lite ,and so i tried it and won the bracket finals in 1982, and 1983,He also won the bracket finals many times.To this day i still run a blinder on the full tree,but with a trans brake,i owe a lot of my racing success to Vic Hobbs ,my MENTOR,he helped me many times when i had problems,like changing rear end gears ,head gaskets,converters at the track ,he always was a great friend and no one loved drag racing more than him,he won more races than anybody i know with cars that were a challenge to drive ,i mean slow cars,and he also had some success in stock class.I will really miss him ,im so sorry he is leaving us,Rest In Peace my friend ,i will always remember the good times we had , LOVE,THE HAMMER ,7316.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I met Vic in the 1970,s,i had a 50 Olds ,he had a 69 Camaro at the time,he, and Ted Seiples were the best racers back then,i learned by watching them ,i always wondered why they knocked the pre stage lite out on a .400 pro tree.I lost a lot back then,talked to Vic and he explained about deep staging ,and i started to win a few races.Yrs. later in 1979 we had the bracket finals in Bakersfield Ca.,we ran a full tree,i notice that Vic had tape on his window,and he said he blinded all ambers but the bottom bulb ,and went deep just like the .400 pro lite ,and so i tried it and won the bracket finals in 1982, and 1983,He also won the bracket finals many times.To this day i still run a blinder on the full tree,but with a trans brake,i owe a lot of my racing success to Vic Hobbs ,my MENTOR,he helped me many times when i had problems,like changing rear end gears ,head gaskets,converters at the track ,he always was a great friend and no one loved drag racing more than him,he won more races than anybody i know with cars that were a challenge to drive ,i mean slow cars,and he also had some success in stock class.I will really miss him ,im so sorry he is leaving us,Rest In Peace my friend ,i will always remember the good times we had , LOVE,THE HAMMER ,7316.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Laurie,Vics ex wife is taking care of Vic with hospice care in her home,she would like to have some short stories of Vic that you may have of him in his racing, or whatever,so she can read them at his funeral ,thanks,Ron Nickels.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Vic,

If my memory serves me correctly we first met around 2008-2009 while Speedworld was hosting a National Open event. This was about the time I made my transition into Stock.
Down the road we were paired up for the first (and only) time in Stock first round at the Sonoma divisional. As the famous racers quote goes it was youth & enthusiasm vs. age & wisdom. My reaction time started with a .1 that round, but somehow I ended up on the lucky side of a double breakout. At the top end you gave me a genuine, congratulatory hug.
From that point forward, any race we came across one another at, you would greet me with your beaming smile, a handshake and words of encouragement. Thank you for all of your kindness over the years.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

hi ron does laurie have a email address ? Ive got a few stories racing against my old friend vic. Thanks don the worm elgin

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Don, i dont have her e-mail addy.,but you can post stories on this site, and she will take them from this site ,and read them at his funeral,thanks for your concern,

HAMMER

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

It is with much sadness that I post that Vic Hobbs has taken his final stripe....You were always dead-on with a 0 in our book my friend....
Dic & Deb......

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Rest In Peace old friend, I wish I had seen this sooner and had a chance to talk to him one last time.

As a high school then college kid trying to figure out drag racing, he was always there with his constant smile and words of encouragement and advice. When I had a hard crash at the 1988 D6 ET finals, as I was being hauled off in an ambulance Vic took over getting the remains of my car collected up and onto my trailer.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...se-1988-06.jpg

Until we meet again, may the win lights always be in your lane!

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Amen!!!

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

This is truely a sad day . Me and vic had some great races against each other in stock back in the ahra days . In 85 when i won the stock world championship vic in the kibler n hobbs car finished 3rd in the points. He was a great racer and a friend . This is my 50th year racing because of my heart issues i have not been out this year. Good by old friend may you rip . Don the worm elgin

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

R.I.P.my friend, mentor,crew chief, Vic Hobbs. I will miss our morning bench race sessions but I will carry on your legacy of turning on win lights. I have known Vic 48 years met him in Phoenix while visiting relatives I was16 yrs old then his ahra pro stock 1969 Camaro was sitting in the carport ,that was the beginning of our friendship he was always ready to help me understand this sport called Drag Racing and always answered this youngsters many questions. The void of your passing will never be filled you were ONE OF A KIND I will miss you........ Your Buddy Doug Holder

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

RIP my turbo brother

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I first met Vic at the Pro Gas and Bracket Championship Race at Orange County International Raceway in November of 1980. As an 18 year old kid I advanced to the final round of street eliminator to compete against the veteran Vic Hobbs driving Gene Kiblers Duster. I was sure I was in for a tough race. As luck for me would have it Vic left the car in drive and ran a couple tenths over his dial giving me plenty of time to get on the brakes and earn my first big event win. After the race I was curious as to what happened to Vic and he explained to me what he had done and then I understood why he was so far behind at the finish. In telling me, although I'm sure he was disappointed with what he had done he was laughing it off and showed very good sportsmanship about his misshape. Since our first meeting/race Vic and I developed a friendship and would always talk at the E.T. finals at the end of every year. This was the only time we would see each other since Vic lived in Northern CA and I lived in Southern CA.


Several years later Vic moved to Southern CA and we would talk at the various tracks that we participated at. In 1994 Vic was doing some tuning for ED and Kathy Veenstras E/SA Camaro and asked if I wanted to race his R/SA station wagon at some races. I agreed and I ran it at several races. but, although we won a few rounds of racing a big win seemed to always elude us. At the end of the year at Los Angeles County Raceway I ran his car at a Stock/Superstock race and as luck would have it Kathy was unable to attend this race so Ed asked Vic if he wanted to race it and Vic agreed. Vic and I qualified on opposite sides of the ladder and both of us advanced to the final round. This was awesome and once again I was sure that it was going to be a tough race. As luck was on my side Vic red lighted to me and I won the race. But, Vic also won because I won the race in his car and he received half the winnings and he was runner - up and got paid for that as well. It was a great day for both of us.


In trying to keep this short, as I could go on for ever, the last time my wife and I saw Vic was at the 2013 E.T. finals at Las Vegas Raceway. Vic pitted next to us and we spent the weekend talking over past racing as well as how we were doing that weekend. During the previous week at work I injured my back and was moving around very slowly. On Friday morning while making my time trial run I broke a transmission mount and when I got back to the pits Vic asked me how I ran and I told him that I'm sure the I just broke the trans mount and Vic jumped right in and helped me verify it. Next, he drove me to the nearest automotive store to pick up a replacement mount and then we drove back. Once back Vic knowing of my back pain told me to take it easy as he would replace it for me. I told him I appreciate that , but, that I would still get under there and help him with what I could. We had it changed in no time with Vic doing most of the work and it was ready for the next run. This is how Vic was, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. At this same event a fellow racer in the pro class had a problem with his starter and flex plate lining up as it had some bad teeth. Vic followed him up to the starting line and if the car didn't start he would climb under the car and rotate the flex plate so that the teeth would line up and the competetor was able to finish the race thanks to Vics efforts.


This is the type of person Vic was, he was always quick to lend a helping hand and was a good sport too. My wife and I will miss him and look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven.


Good - By my friend


Chuck & Maria Killian

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

I don't know when I first met Vic-either the original Irwindale or Orange County in the late '70's. He would help anybody at the drop of a hat. He was a self taught mechanic that could just about fix anything. He did work for just about everybody at one time or another and was in constant demand for his services which were quite good. He could drive slow cars as well as fast cars. One year, he drove Len Schneider's Super Stock Ford at the Winternationals and went on to win the eliminator. He acquired a few stockers, one of which was the old Jerry McClanahan '66 Chevy R/SA wagon. He gave a few other racers a shot driving his stuff, and in that way, made a big difference in their lives by providing them with some experience. He was down to earth,very easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. He also gave much and demanded very little in return. I was very sorry to hear of his illness and this loss hit us all hard. I also applaud the Class Racer family for their unanimous support and concern for him at a time like this. Thank you one and all.

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

Maybe the best tribute to Vic is to emulate his character and his helping ways

Re: Prayers for Vic Hobbs....
 

hello, yes . I agree. vic always helped as much as he could. I never met a nicer guy. I learned a lot from him. RIP.