Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

Went to the Winternationals way back in 1978, and I think we went to a nightclub near our motel that was owned by Gas. It was disco back then.

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

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.)

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

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!!!:D

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

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!

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

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!

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

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.

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

Great story, Mike, but you can ad Merc's and your name to that legends list. Your string of "CheckMate" cars are legendary and I have been lucky enough to have seen them all !!!

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

Yes, I thought it was interesting that a thread title was "Met a Drag Racing Legend", that was done by another LEGEND, Mike Keener! Certainly made it a must read!!!

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

X3 what they said!

Re: Met a Drag Racing Legend
 

I asked my Parents to go to the drags for my birthday about 1966-8 , we went to Connecticut Dragway , backed our car up to the fence for the day and saw a match race between Tasca Ford and Gas Ronda. RIP Gas , a true pioneer