Longtime fiberglass specialist Harry West, founder of Hairy Glass, has passed away

West, 69, was a cancer survivor. However, the damage caused by his lung cancer took a toll on his heart.

“It was a shock to us,” said daughter Candy Moore. “But he died peacefully.”

Longtime fiberglass specialist Harry West, founder of Hairy Glass, has passed away

West, 69, was a cancer survivor. However, the damage caused by his lung cancer took a toll on his heart.

“It was a shock to us,” said daughter Candy Moore. “But he died peacefully.”

West is survived by wife Sandra, son Tom and twin daughters Candy and Sandy

West was long regarded in drag racing as a pioneer for the advancement of the fiberglass body over the last 40 years. One of his most notable achievements was in fabricating the first Funny Car body to exceed 300 miles per hour.

Hairy Glass will continue in operation under the guidance of the West family.

“His love of drag racing continued until the day he passed,” said Candy. “It’s ironic he passed away on the first day of the NHRA Gatornationals, a race he enjoyed dearly. We’ll miss him so much as will the drag racing community.” -