Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

A message from Herb McCandless Sr

Mr Hoover, who Is 83 years old mentally sharp as ever however has a serious blood disorder and has been in and out of the hospital many times in the past few months.
I will say this man is probably one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever met when it comes to automotive engineering he was the head of the HEMI race program from the beginning, and the developer of the 426 Hemi, Ramcharger and Motown Missile engine builder. When Chrysler went to remake the 5.7 hemi in the 2000’s they sent Chrysler engineers to his house for a week to discuss design issues and changes he wish he had made. Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth racers its safe you guys wouldn’t not have the equipment you had today if it hadn’t of been for this guy,
I’m asking the racing community show your support and appreciation of his years as an engineer in the race program, he was totally a behind the scenes guy that got very little credit at the time for his work. Where we would be today without the 426 HEMI. If you could take 5 minutes out of your day to Mail Mr Hoover a Get Well card, note of thanks or a short letter it will boost an 83 year old mans spirits. We did this 2 years ago with Bob Cahill another race program director and he lifted his spirits beyond belief.

Thanks for your support, I’ve always said Racers are the best people in the world.

No phone calls please,
Tom Hoover
6022 Tolman Circle
Roanoke, Va 24012


Thanks

Herb McCandless Jr.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

Herb, thanks for posting the information. I had the opportunity at Henderson a couple of years ago to sit down at lunch and talk with Tom. He is an incredible individual and the top of the list in drag racing history. The program he and the other members of the Motown Missle program did at Henderson last year, on Sunday morning, kept everyone on the edge of their seats as they listened to him discuss the Chrysler program back in those days. Our thoughts and prayer go out to Tom from all of us at Chris3 Racing and we will be sending him a note today. Again thanks for the post. Say hello to your dad for us.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

I'm going to get that done today.
Tom is totally responsible for me still being in drag racing. Without his wisdom it would have been a flash in the pan for me.
Still use his test methods. They work.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

One other request please no personal visits only cards or letter please.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

Thanks for the info. I posted a link to here on moparts.com as well.

Does Mr. Hoover have computer access?

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

It's on my to do list for today. I can remember the Hot Rod story on his Notch-back Barracuda with 340 six pack, This was his personal car or the one he loved to drive. Check out the story. I remember at Carlisle many years ago we had supper at the same restaurant and got to talk to him, what great times and stories. Claude Ruel

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

Feb. 1976 issue of Popular Hot Rodding

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

Herb, Thanks for the update. I will send a card out in the morning! Mr. Hoover is a real "First Class" gentleman. His excellent interview which he contributed to The Ultimate 68 Race Hemi Video, which we produced, was priceless! Having stars like Dick Landy, Ronnie Sox, and Mr. Hoover made the project a hugh success.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

Mr. Hoover is a giant among men involved in the development of the American Muscle Car and racing.

I wish him well, and many more years of burning rubber, in a MOPAR of course!

I also remember the articles of his personal Barracuda, and would appreciate anyone scanning and posting them.

Re: Tom Hoover "FATHER OF THE HEMI"
 

I wish I would have thought of it sooner, or maybe someone already beat me to it. But if anyone will be mailing "get well" wishes to Mr. Hoover, consider running down to your local Post Office and buy a 1970 Hemi Cuda muscle car stamp to put on it. Thought it would be a nice touch.

There should be something for most car enthusiasts as well.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/o...lbox-near-you/