Met a Drag Racing Legend

[Paul Precht]

Wow, I barely have that much hair at 56. He looks great for his age.

[John Leichtamer Jr]

Bill

Do you still remember when they invented fire, and the wheel??

Happy Birthday Bill

Hammer

[bill dedman]

Originally Posted by John Leichtamer Jr

Bill

Do you still remember when they invented fire, and the wheel??

Happy Birthday Bill

Hammer

No, John,I was pretty old when that happened,and my short-term memory isn't what it used to be...

But, I remember when you could get disqualified in a Stocker at the starting line by having the wing nut on your air cleaner not sufficiently tight.... no kidding. Happened to a friend of mine at the '56 Nationals (Kansas City.)

[troublemaker427]

Great story!! Gaspar is a true gentleman!!

Gas had a club called the "Gas House". I met him and Randy Ritchey at Bowling Green this past June. Both were great guys and a pleasure to talk to.

The SS/AFX racers in the '60-'66 era are my heros. I grew up buying old SS/DI magazines and reading them cover to cover. I'm 44 so I never saw them race in their hey day but its great to meet them now and hear the stories.

One of the best things to happen to me is that I've become close friends with Phil Bonner. We met while I was researching his racing career and just hit it off and became friends. His stories are great!!!

[Joe Martens]

Does anyone remember the picture disc of Gas Ronda? My brother had one, think it came in a box of cereal. Played it on a record player if anyone remembers them! It was a quick interview with him followed by a recording of one of his runs. I'm guessing 1970 or so!

[Mike Keener]

Yesterday was a sad day as the great legend Gas Ronda passed away in .CA.

It was my pleasure to have know him and he will be severely missed by everyone in our sport.

This great legend was a true drag racing hero!

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by Joe Martens

Does anyone remember the picture disc of Gas Ronda? My brother had one, think it came in a box of cereal. Played it on a record player if anyone remembers them! It was a quick interview with him followed by a recording of one of his runs. I'm guessing 1970 or so!

I had that same record. Funny, because it was made of heavy paper, it wouldn't sit real well on the record player. I can't remember if it came in a box of cereal or a model kit. I think Gas Ronda was sponsored by Malco at the time, a company that made bulk chemicals including carburetor cleaner.

[The Hawk]

Originally Posted by Joe Martens

Does anyone remember the picture disc of Gas Ronda? My brother had one, think it came in a box of cereal. Played it on a record player if anyone remembers them! It was a quick interview with him followed by a recording of one of his runs. I'm guessing 1970 or so!

I still have one!