AL HOFFMAN RIP

[SLICK VIC]

I read that Al Hoffman died today from the result
of a heart attack at his home in FL.

R.I.P. Al and god speed

[pro70z28]

R.I.P.

[Novel-T]

R I P Al Hoffman

[jim sanders]

sad news

[draglist]

At times, the ultimate little guy funny car racer, who kept on going when he had no business spending the kind of money it took. When he got some money behind him, he was one of the most successful guys in the class through the 90s and was one of the most successful of the guys who TRIED to knock John Force off the top of the mountain. Gruff and outspoken and a hero on two continents (after successful tours of Australia), Atomic Al provided lots of thrills to lots of drag fans over more than two decades. RIP, Al, and condolences to Helen, Susie, and the rest of Al's family and friends. bp

[Rapid Randy Baker]

RIP, sad news indeed.

[WildcatOne]

He was my favorite Funny Car driver of all time. I didn't expect him to make a comeback; he'd been out for a few years. But the life and career of Al Hofmann was a template for guys with no bucks to make it in the big leagues by using sheer tenacity, determination and skill. John Force acknowledged him as the best driver in the sport. He had a style of driving and a personality that were unique, entertaining and supremely confident. Only Dean Skuza was comparable to him in that regard, my opinion. But he was the hardest hardcase ever...I read a lot about Atomic Al over the years, and he continued to fascinate me with his off-the-cuff, sometimes caustic manner towards just about everything and everyone, including his sponsors, his competitors, his own operation, and even his fans. He was one tough hombre. I kept my distance, but I certainly admired and respected him. He was a hero in my life. Many predicted that he wouldn't ever drive again after his crash in winning at Gainesville in '97...he got crunched in that wreck, big-time ("I looked down and I saw a bone sticking through my firesuit. I said well, I guess I'll have to miss the winner's circle ceremony")...2 weeks later, he pulled up and staged in Houston (for the points)...like BP said, he stood for the little guy, and he stood as tall as a mountain in my world. Long live his memory, and may he rest in peace...as long as we leave him alone and stay out of his way...WC1

[Big Erik]

WELL SAID Al was one of the Greats.....I always pulled for him and Skuza.......GODSPEED........ERIK

[Gator]

Rest in Peace Al !!!!!