A Tribute to Vinny Arcadi

By David Hapgood

As a photojournalist I had numerous opportunities to meet Vinny Arcadi over the past 5 years, but for one reason or another it just never happened. I was always a little too busy or he was a little too busy or (usually) both. It’s the sort of thing that you look back on with regret. The truth is that this racer had captured my attention ever since his nitro FC debut. Here’s why:

1) He was one of a handful of fuel FC racers with the audacity to campaign as a true independent in today’s NHRA competition, even if infrequently. I have all the respect in the world for the big teams, but with Arcadi it was something more. Every time he raced it demonstrated that a man with limited backing can still pursue his dream at the highest level and against all odds. I don’t know if it mattered to him whether or not he qualified at NHRA events. For me it was enough that he kept giving it a shot.

2) He didn’t like to abandon a pass, as seen in this photo. Not everyone approved of his driving style, but in Arcadi I saw parallels to Willie Borsch and Kosty Ivanof.

3) He often ran with just a skeleton crew: In this photo Arcadi warms the car, circa 2002. Everyone on this team had to work double duty.

4) His paint jobs: it’s hard to see the details in this photo, but there are bats ‘flying’ out the hole in the side window! His cars were always clean and often sported unusual details.

5) His name: in this modern era, I cannot think of a better name for a funny car driver with the possible exception of John Force. ‘Vinny Arcadi’ always sounded like nitro to my ears.

6) The man himself: Arcadi was small in stature, basically the size of a thoroughbred jockey. Every time I saw him he had engine grease up to his elbows. But more than anything else, I will remember his ever-present smile. He left the impression that racing was much more than a business for him.

I didn’t know Vinny Arcadi, but I’m going to miss him.

David Hapgood

hapgood_d@hotmail.com