Arlen Vanke passes
 

I just received one of those phone calls you always dread. Racing legend Arlen Vanke passed away this morning. RIP Arlen

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

Yes very sad news. I learned of Arlen's passing from one of his longtime friends "2 Beer Chuck" this morning in an email. Arlen's mom passed away just about a month ago, she was 102 years old. They lived in the same home together and Chuck said they were very close. I was able to hang out with him 2 years ago in Indy when his 68 Barracuda and 70 Pro Stock Duster were sold at a Mecum auction. RIP Arlen, you will be greatly missed.

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

RIP Mr. Arlen, a true HEMI legend.

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

He also had a lot of success racing Pontiacs, especially some of the "Tin Indian" cars.

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mu...e/3732991.html

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/0...urs-delegance/

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hppp-...n-pontiac-gto/

http://www.tinindian.com/

http://www.tinindian.com/drivers/arlenvanke.html

http://www.tinindian.com/thecars/1966tinindianv.html

http://www.tinindian.com/thecars/runningbear.html

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

Sad to hear the news of Arlens passing.I watched the video of his induction into the Hall of Fame.Spoke to him on many occasions.Great guy great racer. Rest in peace my friend.

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

I spoke with Arlen a few weeks ago and asked him what his first race car was. He said a 40 Ford. HUMM

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

The 2nd paragraph of the article, in the first link I posted, seems to agree that a 40 Ford was probably his 1st race car.

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mu...e/3732991.html

But, he also drove many others, including Chevy, Pontiac & Mopar. " Eventually, he graduated to a 1956 Chevy with its small-block V-8. Soon after, Vanke started racing Pontiacs. "

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

1970 U.S. Nationals
http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/w...070%20indy.jpg

http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/w...070%20indy.jpg

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

1996 U.S.nationals
He came & looked me up and asked how he could get a Pontiac.

http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/w...NKE%20SS-A.jpg

Re: Arlen Vanke passes
 

Great Old Guy, may he RIP. I sat with him in the stands at Memphis, he and his wife. He talked and talked, I couldn't get enough. He loved racing, and he loved people. What a guy!