This is a belated memorial for Doug Moody, a hard running Pro Comp racer in the early days of the class. Moody was hurt in a severe accident in the Rentex Corvette, which ended his career and left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Doug passed away in 2006, leaving many friends. Here is the remembrance that Wayne King sent to be read at Doug's service at Edelbrock's:
My Friend Doug Moody
By Wayne King
I first met Doug at Yakama Drag Strip in 1976. We were both running in the then Pro Comp class. The Alcohol Dragsters ran the Alcohol Funny Cars. We were running each other the next round. Doug won and I broke a rear end. Then Doug also broke a rear end. He had no spare, so we loaned him ours. Up until that night we both thought each other was a Smart Ass (which we both were). After that race, Doug and my wife Peggy and I became very dear friends.
Racing up and down the West Coast, Doug and Steve would stay at our house in Kent, Washington. Peggy and I introduced Bobby Casper to Doug. I still give Bob Casper a bad time about blaming Doug and I for teaching him to drink and party. They became close friends and were to the end. When we were on the road racing, we stayed at the same hotels. Party time was one of Doug’s favorite things to do. And we did party more than once.
Doug’s last run… Doug and I were making a test run together at Ontario for the World Finals. I was in the tower lane and Doug was in the pit lane. I had just blown the blower off my car and was shut off and coasting. I saw the shroud lines dangling behind Doug’s car, but I thought he could get the Corvette stopped. As we all know he almost stopped in time. That was one of the worst days I ever spent at a Drag Race. It was a long day and evening loading up the pieces that were left of the Corvette. My daughter Renee took up a collection for Doug that day. I will never forget one of the big time racers when asked to donate. “We better wait to see if he makes it.” Well, every one here today knows that Doug made it!!!! And I hope that big time racer is in this room today.
Doug never thought he had a handicap. While doing rehab, Doug and Bobby Casper came up to visit me more than once. It was a pleasure to be around Doug. His humor is something we all know about. During the racing days, Doug was always coming up with some crazy thing (as we all did back then). Funny stories about Doug, I have a ton of them. Some are XX rated and cannot be told today.
Peggy and I took Doug Salmon fishing in Washington. He even caught one; I have the photos to prove it! We went on an overnight cruise with Doug and Bob. I think Doug had more fun than all of us. I have a bunch of photos to share. Peggy and I are so sorry that we could not be there today. At 8:00 PM we will toast Doug.
Rest in Peace My Friend.
Doug Moody we loved you and will never forget you.
Wayne and Peggy King and all of Doug’s fans in the Northwest.
