Gene Mooneyham
Gene Mooneyham has been the epitome of a drag racer for nearly 50 years. He began his career as a driver in the 1950s campaigning his fabled ’34 Ford coupe at both drag strips and the dry lakes. Gene originally purchased the coupe for only $20, but through hard work, ingenuity and above-average know- how, he created a vehicle that achieved legendary status. The number 554 Fuel Coupe was not only an awesome race car for its time, clocking 172 mph in 8.90 seconds in 1962, but it was also one of the most detailed race cars of its time. As the Mooneyham & Sharp Special, driven by “Jungle Larry” Faust, there was no more popular or feared car on the circuit. In fact, many people involved in the sport over the years consider the 554 coupe as the forerunner of today’s Funny Cars. In additio to the speed, quickness and outstanding looks of the coupe, there was one additional ingredient that it engraved in the memory of all who saw it run. It had a very distinct sound that was different from any other fuel burner being raced.
Mooneyham later moved into the Top Fuel ranks, and continued to be a top contender at any race he entered the car in. All of his cars were impeccable in appearance and detail, plus Gene also entered the car in. All of his cars were impeccable in appearance and detail, plus Gene also introduced many mechanical innovations that became standard equipment for the class. Gene’s top fuel car, driven by Dave Chenevert, won the inaugural NHRA Gatornationals, and later, his son Larry successfully assumed the driving chores for the family’s race cars. After a brief move to Louisiana, Mooneyham returned to southern California, where he began his career as a supercharger specialist, first working out of Hall of Famer Keith Black’s shop and later opening his own place of business, where he has been continuously manufacturing the very finest supercharger products for nearly 30 years. In an activity where competitive egos are commonplace, Gene Mooneyham has maintained the same easygoing nature he brought to the sport when he first became involved in it. As an owner, builder, designer, driver and businessman, Gene Mooneyham has definitely added to the sport’s popularity and acceptance.