For long-time drag racer Gene Altizer, his induction into the October 2010 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame at Henderson, North Carolina, is just as good as his class win some 40 years earlier at the 1963 NHRA Nationals at “Speed City,” Indianapolis, Indiana. Gene will be presented the Life Time Achievement Award on Sunday, October 17 at the Civic Center.
Others evidently agree. “We were at Maryland International Raceway recently, putting out the word about the reunion and me getting inducted into it, and all the people there were going crazy,” the retired 70-year-old Arlington, Virginia, racer said. “I kind of teared up. My wife Margie was actually crying.”
Thrilled? “Oh my God, yes. This is so wonderful. I’m so thankful, so proud. This is so special. I’m speechless to talk about it. So excited. I know my S&S (racing) group was inducted in the past, but a standout special award for me alone is phenomenal. I’m so gifted for so many people to like me that much,” Altizer said. I started S&S Racing in 1960, with my ’31 Plymouth. Chuch Stolze took me under his wing.