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Legendary Canadian drag racer Herbie 'Go-Fast' Rodgers passed away in
hospital at 8.30 this morning after complications from a long and
courageous battle with cancer. Herb campaigned the 'Flying Glass' Alcohol
Funny Car for many years with a great deal of success, the most
notable being the big win at the IHRA Empire Nationals in New York in 1993.
Herb was also invited by NHRA to attend the Suzuka circuit in
Japan in the mid-1990's as a Canadian competitor. Always a crowd favourite
with the fans, his great personality garnered him a huge
following. One of the original drag racers in South-Western Ontario, Herbie
gained his nickname 'Go-Fast' driving his much feared A/FD. This
small-block Chevrolet-powered (later SOHC Ford) Junior Fueler actually raced
in Top Fuel in the 60's, facing drivers such as Bob Atchison,
Scott Wilson, Don Swanson, Lloyd Noxell, Connie Kalitta, Dick LaHaie and
others. Because of his superb starting line talents, Herb often won in
spite of giving up hundreds of horsepower to the much more powerful
supercharged competitors.
Herb's last runs were at the Featherlite Can-Am Nationals at St. Thomas
Dragway last June 29 & 30 where he recorded two six second passes at
over 200 M.P.H. A fitting end to a great career doing what he loved the
most!!
Herb is survived by long-time wife and best friend 'Toots' (real name
Elaine) and daughters Jackie and Stacey. Funeral arrangements are being
handled by Logan Chapel at 371 Dundas St. in London. Visitation will be
held Monday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 with the funeral Tuesday at 11.00 A.M.
For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263, FAX 519-775-2593
or visit the website at www.stthomasdragway.com.
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