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