Leroy was a terrific guy and one of the true highlights of the first Funny Car Reunion. He was a delight to be around and was cracking jokes with everyone. He also was instrumental in helping Phil Elliott transport his Nitro Nova to the West Coast from its original home... and he did it just out of friendship. Leroy also was one of the few match race drag racers to get some TV time. Remember when he drove his Blue Moon Fiat altered on the match race show that featured Al Hanna, Animal Jim, etc.? Farewell, Leroy, you were a great friend. Here are some select photos and quotes. bp
Leroy Blackman (in white shirt) and team line up for the fire up. Photo by Tim Pratt
LeRoy Blackman races Jerry Smith in Round Two. Photo by Phil Elliott
I was fortunate enough to attend FCR1. It was an enjoyable weekend with Bill and Tim Pratt where we visited with a bunch of historical figures and watched a couple dozen historical and hysterical floppers at Englishtown. I suspect that my best memory (beyond the great time I had with Bill and Tim and Bill’s family) was in meeting an internet friend (LeRoy Blackman) and the worst was in seeing Rob Bruce’s Zombie and Frank Jonkman’s Nitromare turn into trash. - Phil Elliott
Leroy Blackman helps Flyin Phil with the Nitro Nova...
http://www.nitronova.com/chapter3.htm