Phil Castronovo
 

Philip R. Castronovo, age 69, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Masonic Care Community of NY.
Gifted with a natural talent, he rapidly rose to success and fame as a funny car driver. He was an NHRA car racer on the national circuit where he was sponsored by the family concern Custom Body – Utica Flash, as well as other national sponsors. A 1971 World Champion, he was inducted into the National Racers Hall of Fame

Rest in Peace My Friend !

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

always liked him. did'nt know he was champ one year. thanks phil.

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

His cars were always the best looking and most of the time the best running of their day, and a real nice guy to talk to back then.
Racers like him literally are a dying breed

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

My condolences to the Castronovo family. Phil was a regular on the weekly match race circuit in New York/New Jersey back in 60's and 70's. Rest in Peace!

Lew

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

Very sad to see this.Used to watch the "Custom Body" cars all the time at Budds Creek in the 70's.

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

Very sorry to hear of his passing, always had a lot of respect for the man.
Condolences to the family.
MB

Re: Phil Castronovo
 

I live about 15 minutes away from where the old Custom Body shop was. As a kid, they had booked in FC shows at Utica rome speedway...a 1/8 mile dragstrip in central NY. Phil would be at every show with his Custom Body Mini Charger. This car as well as the others that followed were always well turned out, gorgeous race cars. Its sad to read of his passing..... my first whiffs of nitro, sound of a fuel motor were at these shows. Phil and his beautiful cars were a big part of that. Godspeed Phil, thank you for giving me wonderful memories.