Happy Birthday Joe Amato (1 Viewer)

[Namely Nick]

Happy Birthday Joe Cool

 

[Nunz]

Man I miss seeing Joe in a TF car. Joe's interviews were always great, he really showed his passion for driving these cars. I had the opportunity to actually sit and talk with him in his office in the early 90's, after one of his Championship years, because at the time my uncle had a speed shop & bought through Keystone. Anyway, he really is a very cool guy, and although I'm sure he's enjoying life, I wish he would come back and own a team. Whatcha say, Joe? Hey I'll even drive! Happy Birthday Joe.

 

[Doug]

Happy Birthday Joe!

 

[Just Paul]

Happy B-Day Joe.

Joe and Gere Amato are the reason I got to be into drag racing as much as I am today.

1988

1985

2005 Amato Highlights - The Joe Amato Story

My family is talked about in that story. My sister Corinne is the one that gave him the infamous Rabbit's foot back in 1990. I'm pretty sure he carried it in his firesuit until his last pass. Lots of good track memories over the years.

 

[blackbeard]

Happy B-Day Joe.

Joe and Gere Amato are the reason I got to be into drag racing as much as I am today.

same here. i was just a little tot at the cajun nationals in the early 80's and i never forget how nice he was to me. in elementary school, the teacher would ask us who was our favorite "superhero." one kid would say "superman," one would say "the hulk," then i would yell out, "JOE AMATO!"

 

[Horsepower & Heels]

One of my all-time favorites! Happy Birthday!

 

[ProStockJunkie]

Happy Birthday Joe!

Joe KNOWS

 

[none]

Amato was probably the most fan friendly racer I ever encountered. It`s a shame he and Prock never won a Championship together because the 'Prock Rocket' was one badass racecar. That `97 Winternationals final between he and Scelzi is still the most exciting drag race I`ve ever seen. Happy Birthday Joe...wish you were still out there!

 

[DrRocket]

One of the best.

He also had some of the nicest looking cars out there. Loved that candy apple red.

Happy birthday Joe!!

 

[jeff]

Joe was the man for quite awhile, And as stated was very fan friendly, I doubt he would ever come back as an owner. Probably wouldnt put up with nhra's bull**** as a team owner, not worth it unfortunately.

 

[superman]

doesnt he still hold the record in denver?

 

[Just Paul]

doesnt he still hold the record in denver?

Yup.. 4.58 from 1999

Prock Rocket was hauling ass that night.

 

[mick]

Paul,
what's the then unreal # he ran @ BIR many years ago?
something like a 4.56? i remember it was cold as heck that day.
mite have been final round solo as frank bradley couldn't make call?

 

[Just Paul]

He tied the national ET record with a 4.56 in 1997 @ 317 MPH and dammned if he didnt have a clock malfunction on the next pass. The car left hard, carried the front end about 100 feet and zipped down through there, but there was an error somewhere, and the scoreboard read only a 4.90 at the same 317. I was told it was a 4.55-4.56 had the clocks been right.

The single round against Frank Bradley was in 1990, but it was a historic day as well for BIR. In the semi, Joe ran a 4.99, the first ever "4" at BIR. Then he ran 4.97 on his single in the final. Somewhere there is a picture of me and my sister in the winner circle with Joe and the crew, holding the winers check and it says 4.97 at the top of it.

 

[Paul]

Happy Birthday Joe, I miss seeing you at the track. Hopefully he will make an appearance next weekend in E-Town. I used to love the shirts back in the day, "Joe Knows Drag Racing". As others have said, easily one of the most fan friendly drivers in the sport. I will never forget the battles Joe and Ormsby had in 89 and 90.

 

[Jess]

Happy Birthday Joe!! Joe and Gere are very close to my heart. They are the reason I love drag racing. Joe and Gere were very good friends of our family. I use to talk to Gere but haven't in YEARS!!! I miss seeing Joe and Gere around the race track.


My sister and I with Gere Amato also Cory Watkins at Bandimere in 1989?:

Paul; You and I have met. Your family is from Minnesota correct? I believe your sister stayed the night with me at Pomona....In like 1998. Do you remember me?

 

[Super Mod]

Joe threw the best customer parties during the Keystone Nationals weekend. Bought out the local Holiday Inn and provided rooms and tickets for his customers back when he owned Keystone Automotive Warehouse.Thanx for the memories Joe! Joe who? Joe

 

[mike]

Happy Birthday Joe!! Joe and Gere are very close to my heart. They are the reason I love drag racing. Joe and Gere were very good friends of our family. I use to talk to Gere but haven't in YEARS!!! I miss seeing Joe and Gere around the race track.


My sister and I with Gere Amato also Cory Watkins at Bandimere in 1989?:

Paul; You and I have met. Your family is from Minnesota correct? I believe your sister stayed the night with me at Pomona....In like 1998. Do you remember me?

Jessica,

That's a sweet photo (As are your's too Paul)

Going by the Valvoline sponsorship, I'd say that was 1990. As Amato still had the TRW colors in 89.

Regards,

Michael

 

[mike]

Joe Knows!

 

[Just Paul]

Paul; You and I have met. Your family is from Minnesota correct? I believe your sister stayed the night with me at Pomona....In like 1998. Do you remember me?

Yup, I remember you. Crazy!

I havn't seen Gere since about 2004 or 2005, but my mom talks to her about once every couple weeks or so.