Don Prudhomme
One of the most famous drag racers of all time, Don Prudhomme got his start as a member of the famed Burbank “Road Kings”. While building a Buick powered street roadster, fellow member Tommy Ivo convinced him that he could have more fun racing. Ivo’s old single engine chassis soon housed the Buick from the roadster and Prudhomme was hooked on drag racing for life. Teamed with Kent Fuller and Dave Zeuscel to win the 1962 US Fuel and Gas Championships, his first major victory, at 20 years old. In the early 1962, Tom Greer convinced engine builder Keith Black to join him in a dragster and Fuller recommended Prudhomme to drive. From mid-1962 to 1964, the Greer, Black and Prudhomme entry ruled the West Coast. Prudhomme’s lightning quick reflexes and slender frame earned his “Snake” nickname from a GBP crew member. Both Black and Prudhomme were on the road to super stardom. In 1965 Snake teamed with a Keith Black engine and Roland Leong’s “Hawaiian” to win both the NHRA Winternationals and US Nationals. In the late 60s Prudhomme was top fuel racing on his own, scoring two more US Nationals wins. In 1970 and Tom McEwen Wildlife Racing and with Mattel Toy Company enjoyed the biggest sponsorship deal in drag racing history. For three years they raced top fuel and funny cars. The Snakes intensity was a perfect contrast to the wit and showmanship of the Mongoose, with the rivalry driving millions of sales of Hot Wheels toys. In 1975 Prudhomme became the first funny car driver in the five second ETs, won six national events, and the first of four consecutive NHRA Funny Car Winston Championships. From 1980 to 1982 Prudhomme won three AHRA titles and in 1982 became the first NHRA driver to win 34 national events. He finished his funny car career in the late 80s with three top five championship finishes. Returning to top fuel in 1990. Snake closed out his career with the” Final Strike Tour” in 1994, winning four races and finishing a close second in the Winston Championship.