The drag racing world lost a dear friend today.

Sonny Leonard passed away on Sunday morning, January 10, 2021, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

Sonny had a penchant for always lifting the spirits around him either by kind words or his classic sense of humor.

"I am beyond heartbroken," said CompetitionPlus.com founder Bobby Bennett. "I cherished my friendship with Sonny, a man who was genuine in every aspect of his life. If you were having a bad day, he could lift your spirits. If you were having the time of your life, he'd lift you even higher. I will forever miss my ol' buddy, as he used to always call me."

Leonard left an indelible mark on Mountain Motor Pro Stock drag racing, as he became the go-to-guy for large displacement GM engines and even made waves with Fords as well. A former drag racer, Leonard became a successful engine builder who helped advance this style of racing into the mainstream drag racing community. Likewise, he was also a source of horsepower in the nitrous Pro Modified community.

Additionally, in 1991, Leonard was one of eight businessmen who purchased the assets of the IHRA.

Leonard took great pride in his charitable efforts, most notably his donation of a racing engine to benefit the Victory Junction.

Funeral arrangements are not available at this time, but we will pass them on as they become available.

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— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) December 30, 2020