Prudhomme Announces Retirement – Competition Plus.com – January 7, 2010
Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, one of the most accomplished drivers and revered team owners in the history of motorsports, announced his retirement today, thus ending a career spanning five decades in the sport of drag racing.Prudhomme’s 47-year career saw him behind the wheel for 32 seasons before he retired from driving at the end of his 1994 “Final Strike” campaign. He then transitioned to the role of team owner where he led his teams and drivers for the past 15 seasons. Overall, Prudhomme has totaled an impressive combination of six National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) World Championships and 112 National Event victories.“I feel very fortunate to have been able to make a living in drag racing and to have enjoyed some success along the way,” said Prudhomme. “I would like to thank all of the great sponsors we’ve worked with over the years, everyone at NHRA, the many track owners, operators and promoters, our past employees and team members, and all of the drag racing fans that have supported Snake Racing.” |
Prudhomme: I’m Gonna Miss The Sport – Competition Plus.com – 13 Jan 2010
NHRA article on Prudhomme – NHRA.com – 7 Jan 2010
Spencer Massey: Facing The Harsh Reality – Competition Plus.com – 8 Jan 2010
Prudhomme Racing Site – Snake Racing
A Storied Rivalry Put Drag Racing on the Map – New York Times
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The loss of Don Prudhomme from racing will certainly impact our sport. What are your thoughts? – Roger Young, Edwards & Young Racing
‘The Snake’ has brought many wonderful memories to all of us who have seen him race throughout the country going back to the days of match racing here at Puyallup and SIR.
His retirement will be a real loss to the Pro ranks. I wish him well and thanks for the memories!
It was in the early 70’s at a divisional race that I took a then young neighbor “CW” out to the drags at SIR. We got out there early and the weather was marginal for racing when we went to visit the Snake’s pit area. Back then it consisted of a dualie with a Chapparal trailer and a coned off area where the pros worked on their rides. In those days they didn’t occupy much more pit space than we do today.
CW was a big fan of ‘the Snake’ and was excited to see him in person and perhaps get an autograph. We stood and watched for a few minutes when Snake and his crew chief invited CW to sit in his funny car. Needless to say that made CW’s day and we still talk about that gesture of kindness to a young boy by ‘the Snake’ to this very day!