Losing Buster Couch has taken one of drag racing's genuine characters
from us all. Eddie Hiram Couch, "Buster" to all of us who knew
him and to millions of others who saw him as THE starting line judge for
decades, was indeed one of a kind.
Unknown to all but old-timey Division 2 folks is that during his early
years as NHRA's Division 2 Director, Buster's "right hand" was
his wife Ann. This lady was absolutely a saint, enduring Buster and his
eccentricities while raising a family and being the REAL force behind
Buster that made the Division 2 office work. Buster lost Ann to cancer
many years back, and all of us who looked to her for assistance and
guidance in "things NHRA" missed her dearly.
The attached photo is of Buster hoisting Don Garlits atop his shoulders
after Garlits had turned the first-ever 200 mph speed in the state of
Florida. This was 1964, at Miami's Masters Field, during an official NHRA
"Record Meet."
Rest in peace, Buster and Ann.
Jim Hill