Photo courtesy of Jim Wemett
Just a few words about Tom Anderson, funny car driver, tuner, and one of my favorite drag racing icons, who passed away on May 10th.
For a long time I have considered Tom to be in the pantheon of most-gifted funny car pilots of all time. I am talking about a list of, oh, precisely four drivers. There are so many others whose names and talent were/are better known. But then there are the select few I am describing, men who almost seemed to be able to pull off feats of magic behind the wheel. The fans might not have known Tom’s name like they knew Prudhomme’s or Force’s, but his opponents knew very well what they were up against when they had to run him.
He was also a super-nice guy.
Tom’s reputation for tuning eventually far surpassed his reputation for driving. Truth was, he was brilliant at both.
Two holeshots here. Anderson had a playful temperament behind the wheel: during the burnouts and dry hops he often liked to toy with his opponents. When I mentioned this to him he laughed. That was his style. News clipping courtesy of Jim Wemett
Don Prudhomme, victim of a big Tom Anderson holeshot. Note that their ETs on this pass were relatively close. News Clipping courtesy of Jim Wemett
Many great memories, Thanks, Tom.
— David Hapgood 5/11/14
Share this article:
Discover more from Drag Racing List
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.