It is our belief and focus that all the vehicles competing directly resemble as closely as reasonably possible the "gas class" vehicles of the mid 60's - the so called
"Gasser Wars" relived.

June 2004

Sad Day For Drag Racing Posted Friday, June 25, 2004 7:57 PM
By Stu Lord

New England drag racing competitors, friends and fans lost one of the most respected guys in the sport. Bob Ellison of Peabody, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, June 25, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, from injuries suffered in a crash during the Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals held at IRP.

Bob's entire life revolved around two things; his wife Shirley and racing. From his earliest days in the 60?s at Sanford Maine, to Crew Chief and partner in the Boston Strangler Funny Car, Bob and Shirley were fixtures along the entire East Coast. Some days it would be on rod runs in their chopped, blown and flamed Merc. Other times with would be with long time friend and partner Rick McGarvey, who recently restored their Ellison & McGarvey A/GS ?33 Willy?s coupe they campaigned in the late 60?s and early 70?s. On May 30, Bob and Rick won the Gasser Class at the Downeast Streetrods Northeast Nostalgia Classic at New England Dragway.

Bob was instrumental in shaping the future of drag racing in New England. He was a member of the New England Dragway Board of Directors and served as the corporation?s Vice-President. Track Manager Joe Lombardo stated, ?Bob?s love of the sport was infectious. All of us are deeply saddened by this news. Bob was inspirational. He loved drag racing and remained absolutely committed to making New England Dragway one of the best race tracks in the country?

Bob and Shirley were also known as ?Boppin? Bob and Shirley,? a well-known and highly demanded DJ team. His extensive collection of early rock and Do-Wop music kept the popular pair busy with various functions, dances he produced and a popular radio show he hosted out of Salem, Massachusetts.

Bob and Rick ran ?The Tinker Shop,? a full service machine shop specializing in one-off parts and the rebuilding of superchargers for both street and strip.

Recently retired from Ipswich Ford where he was their Parts Manager, he also ran a highly popular car show every year from that location. His skills were always in demand, building blown, alcohol hemi engines for the tractor pulling circuit.

Shirley wishes to thank everyone for their kindness in her loss, and especially those who donated money to help out with many unforeseen expenses immediately following the crash.

Bob Ellison truly was a very special person and will be greatly missed.