RIP, Don Nicholson

By Danny White

Leonard Maxwell photo courtesy of Bob Plumer, Drag Racing Memories

We lost a legendary racer today. Don Nicholson passed away this morning. The racing community will remember “Dyno Don” as one of a handful of drag racers who reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Nicholson had been drag racing since the fifties and the great man was still racing up until a couple of years ago.

I got to see Dyno Don twice. The first time at Maryland International Raceway in the mid-nineties. Don was booked to race local hero Vernon Freeman. I got to meet him as he worked out the details of the match race. This was one of the few times I have to say I was awestruck by a drag racer.

Don was very friendly to all and very respectful, a true gentleman. I will remember that meeting and shaking his hand more than remembering any of his great racing exploits. The last time I saw him was at the wheel of Frank Sicinski's Pro Stock Truck at Ennis. Godspeed and Rest in Peace, Dyno Don.

Danny White