Mark Oswald Retires (1 Viewer)

[ch streetcars]

FROM HITCH-HIKING TO THE DRAGS TO CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER/TUNER, OSWALD MADE HIS MARK
I am surprised no one has linked this article from Competition Plus. From 1980 to 2000, I made it to 100 NHRA national events and the fact that Mark could build, drive, and tune up a top fueler or funny car made him my favorite. Over the years, I asked several drivers their opinion on Mark and without hesitation, they all showed respect and mentioned he was welcome in any pit on the grounds. One of the most complimentary was Tom McEwen. It will be a loss to NHRA but a well deserved rest for Mark. He's had more of an impact on our sport than most.

 

[TSK]

A press release was posted on December 16.

NHRA Legend Mark Oswald Goes Out on Top After Six Decades in Drag Racing

This thread is for the general discussion of the Article NHRA Legend Mark Oswald Goes Out on Top After Six Decades in Drag Racing. Please add to the discussion here.

nitromater.com

 

[camaro]

my most memorable mark Oswald moment came in Englishtown years ago where in the final he was facing Kenny Bernstien and this was a time when Bernstien was dominating the class. Mark had him covered until his chute deployed early and Bernstien drove around him for the win. The Crowd couldn't believe it! So disappointing

 

[Professional Fan]

One of my earliest drag racing memories was going to Sears Point for the races and watching Mark and Bob Glidden up to their elbows in grease working on their cars in the July heat. Talked to Mark many times at the races and he always thanked me for attending. Also liked that he was at the RFC chapel service every Sunday morning.

 

[Nappy]

What I still cannot believe is 2017 NHRA Top 50 Drivers of all time list, Mark wasn't on it. In my opinion he was probably Top 25. Maybe some bias against him because he ran in other series races ? He definitely earned to be on the list.

 

[DragFan2]

I was aware of Mark's success in the Candies & Hughes funny car back in the 80's and had always been a fan of Candies & Hughes teams, whether Funny Car or Top Fuel, but when Mark started driving for the Over The Hill Gang in their In-N-Out Burger sponsored funny car, thats when I really came to know him and like him. I was a huge In-N-Out Burger fan back then and thought it was so cool that they sponsored a funny car. Wish they still did, but being the title sponsor of Pomona Dragstrip is pretty darn cool too. Congrats to Mark on a great career and going out on top is the best way to do it.

 

[mick]

can you imagine the career in drag racing mark oswald has had?
then he shows up at P2 this year 44 pts. behind. mark, brian, and ant dig deep.
BOOM! team effort baby. justin was and still is the man with r.rt., but on that day
in E1 it was all on the line and mark/brian/ant had the goods.

 

[Bubba]

Mark Oswald, Brainerd 1984

 

[ch streetcars]

If I won the Powerball, my Dream team would be Mark Oswald crewchief, Mike Dunn team manager, Tommy Johnson driver, for my funny car. I like all drivers, but to me , these three represent the epitome of talent, humbleness and like others, are just down to earth , Nice guys. Did you know Oswald and Dunn were roommates in California years ago?

 

[ch streetcars]

I wish NHRA could get Mark Oswald , Mike Dunn, Snake , Bernstein , Billy Meyer, Ace, Dale Pulde , Whit Bazemore, ect up on stage together for a Q and A . maybe Indy? we are losing our stars, and none of us are getting any younger. My drag racing heyday, was watching these guys battle it out every race. Prior times and currents times are great also, but man the stands were packed back then , Top fuel and Pro-stock , I love also,

 

[Dennis]

my most memorable mark Oswald moment came in Englishtown years ago where in the final he was facing Kenny Bernstien and this was a time when Bernstien was dominating the class. Mark had him covered until his chute deployed early and Bernstien drove around him for the win. The Crowd couldn't believe it! So disappointing

Same here. There are many close drag races that could go either way with the naked eye, but he had KB covered, no doubt about it.

I was a kid then, and we saw them putting away the car and I said something to the effect of "I was rooting for you, you guys should have won that"...probably the last thing he needed to hear. Mark was always approachable and just a nice, nice guy.

Number 2 most memorable Oswald moment, although I wasn't there, the final round of the '86 Mile High Nationals was spectacular.

 

[ch streetcars]

1991 Southern Nationals in Atlanta, In-N-Out car with Mark driving faces 21 year old Del Worsham in the final, Worsham-Hendley team was out of money and ready to park the team for awhile, good looking car called the Screamer. Because of a 2 tenths advantage the prior round, Oswalds fans and many on the crew, were already counting the winners money , but Mark told everyone, the kid is good, never bet on a drag race. He respected Del and knew the Screamer team had nothing to lose, one of the few times an Oswald defeat didn't bother me, because it kept Del out there, and look what a career he had !