1-24-2006) - A legendary figure in drag racing passed away this morning. Dyno Don” Nicholson was an engine builder and driver whose talent and skills have seldom been surpassed. He began his career on the circle tracks and dry lake beds in the 1940s before moving on to quarter-mile competition. A pioneer in what have now become some of the most popular classes in the sport, including Funny Car and Pro Stock, Nicholson was a major player throughout the 1960s and ‘70s. Nicholson still holds the record for final-round appearances in the most NHRA eliminator categories, scoring wins or runner-up finishes in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super, Comp, Stock, and Street. source: http://www.competitionplus.com/
he was definitely a legend in drag racing. he helped bring the sport to where it is today. rest in peace.
There's a photo of "Dyno" on www.gilchristbnw.com/GPC/PS-DDNGallery234.html, that is how I remember Don as a kid collecting Fleer Drag Race cards. Dyno is a Drag Racing legend and one of my childhood heros, God Speed Don! ____________________________________Rocky
I was 13 in 1970. He is the reason I like Mavericks. More details.... http://www.nhra.com/apcm/templates/news_template.asp?articleid=9915&zoneid=8
It will be easy to remember this date...it's my birthday!! Dyno always made the best of what he had and made a lot of combinations work without big dollar sponsorships. On a happier note, Wally Parks, founder of the NHRA, turned 93 yesterday. Godspeed Don; many happy returns Wally P!!!
cobrajetirv we have truly lost a legend of the sport with Dons passing but i bet he was burning the tires going thru the pearly gates REST IN PEACE Don
www.jonkaaseracingengines.com/dynodon.php is a great photo history of Don. ____________________________Rocky
He also raced a 63 Chevy Impala , a 64 & 67 Comet, a 68 Cougar, a couple different Mustangs (70 & 79), a Mustang II, a 72 Pinto, and a 80 Fairmont. I am sure I am missing some. Competing with a hastily prepared Ford Maverick that was built in just seven days, Nicholson qualified for the Winternationals but fell to the overwhelming number of Dodge and Plymouth entries. He became dominant on the match race circuit, however, and during one August stretch ran up a streak of 45 consecutive round-wins. Working with assistants Earl Wade and Dave McGrane, he perfected the SOHC 427 Hemi combination and became Ford's first Pro Stock winner with his victory at the 1971 Summernationals. Nicholson continued to campaign with his Ford entries through the 1980 season. He made a comeback effort in 1984 with an Oldsmobile before retiring from Pro Stock at age 57. In 1988, however, he returned to drag racing with a nostalgia version of his 7.5-second, 152-mph Chevy Bel Air. He also made a brief attempt in Pro Stock Truck competition in 1998 and 1999.
