Bernie Fedderly, who guided drivers to numerous championships, died March 15 at the age of 83. His career spanned decades, making a significant impact in the world of drag racing.
Fedderly caught national attention in 1980 by tuning Terry Capp to a surprising victory at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. However, he began making his mark with a series of gas coupes in Canada long before that.
In 1982, Fedderly joined Larry Minor Racing’s Top Fuel team, replacing Jim Wright. His expertise in clutch tuning and interest in aerodynamics allowed the Beck-driven dragster to achieve historic milestones, including the first 5.4- and 5.3-second passes.
Under Fedderly’s guidance, Beck won the Top Fuel championship in 1983, and the team received recognition as Car Craft Magazine’s Persons of the Year. He transitioned to tuning Minor’s Funny Car in 1985, achieving 12 wins with driver Ed “the Ace” McCulloch.
In 1992, Fedderly joined Austin Coil at John Force Racing, forming a trio with Coil and John Medlen that secured 109 national event wins and 13 championships. He retired prior to the 2013 season, leaving behind a legacy in the sport.
Fedderly was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in Montreal, and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
