6 replies to this topic

[racinggeek]

His arch-rival Don "The Snake" Prudhomme was the Funny Car boss on the track, but when I was a kid in the '70s, Mongoose was my man. Not the biggest winner, but he nailed a few big ones, including on non-NHRA national circuits, and his 1978 title in the NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis, the most prestigious drag race in the world, coming just after his son died of leukemia, and beating Snake in the final to get the Wally -- well, "legend" is an appropriate term. Plenty of good stories about his touring days if you search around, too.

 

Godspeed, Mongoose (really, should be spelled Mongoo$e, like it was painted on his funny cars).

 

NHRA.com story here.

[Bob Riebe]

Sad part of growing older is watching what made life great go away.

[E1pix]

Couldn't agree more, Bob.

Thanks for letting us know, Race in Peace, Tom. :-(

[john aston]

Snake and Mongoose, Cobra and Mangusta....

 

Don the Snake Prudhomme  was always one of the best names in motor sport .     

[Nick Savage]

A name and face so familiar to me through the pages of 1960s Hot Rod Magazine. Hero and winner. Rest in peace.

Nick

[JacnGille]

dang!

[racinggeek]

Couple nice follow-up pieces at NBCSports.com by Jerry Bonkowski: One with The Snake remembering his friend and archrival;

 

And another on 'Goose's importance to the business side of being a professional drag racer, which cannot be understated.