Passing of Al Young

[tman]

For those of you that knew Al, he was a legendary drag racer in the 70 -80's in the Pacific NW area with his 70 Challenger.  I met him in the mid 70's in a Martial arts club and happened to see him race his Challenger at SIR in Kent.  He was such an awesome and nicest guy you can meet.  He was still going to the track in Bremerton in his Silver 70 GTX and just recently you can buy a 1/18 diecast replica of his car.  RIP my friend. 

https://snbc13.com/al-young-seattle-wa-former-world-champion-drag-racer-died-of-heart-attack-death-obituary/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEP4EulNErY

[Brads70]

  I just learned of him via the diecast that was available. Sounds like a great guy and will be greatly missed.

[Mr Cuda]

I know that this forum is highly east coast dominate,  but Al really was a big deal. 
He was more prevalent in the drag racing world than the car show environment,  but most local people have met him.
Growing less than a mile from him in n.e. Seattle,  it was only natural that I would meet him, once I had my Cuda.
I would see him occasionally over the years, but i was just an acquaintance, can't claim to be a friend. But when I would see him at the store, or gas station, or junkyard we would always say hi and chat.
But, what I can say,it is amazing how many young "kids",  of the honda variety, that would talk to me about my car when I was out and about through town.
They knew all about mopars. They were students of his and naturally,  he educated them on mopars also.
I'm sad knowing I will not run in to him again

[DeathProofCuda]

In June of 2021 I took my Cuda to a TNT night at Pacific Raceways.  When I pulled in there was one other lone Mopar at the event, a black 68 or 69 Satellite with big gold Bardahl stickers on the quarter panels.  No truck or trailer near the car, just an old disheveled looking Asian guy with a lawn chair and a few bags of tools.  I complimented him on his car and found out he was running a 440.  I had no clue who he was, but given the Mopar connection, we got to talking.  This was the first time I had taken my car to the track and I was fumbling around trying to get the carb dialed in.  I was lucky to break into the 15s.  The guy with the Satellite was running in the 12s.  We ran against each other several times and the outcome was obvious.

Later as the evening wore on, Al gave me a card and said I could call him if I wanted to talk Mopars.  The card had a picture of a Bardahl sponsored green 70 Challenger pulling the front wheels off the ground and it said "Al Young Racing". 

Still not really sure about who he was, I Googled his name when I got home that night.  I was amazed to find out that the friendly unassuming guy that I had spent the evening racing and chatting with, and who drove his car to and from the track, was a World Champion drag racer and NHRA Hall of Famer.

RIP Al   

[7212Mopar]

I lived in SF for about 45 years and had my first Mopar in 1980. But I did not know anything about Al Young. Watched the video and he seems like a down to earth gentlemen. Now I know Al and I went to the same high school, quite a few years apart though and my grades were much better. Thank You for posting. RIP Al. You made a great run of your life.

[70pumpkin]

Being a SF native like Al, it was great to learn about his journey.  He seemed like a great, friendly, humble guy.  Vintage footage (and his GTX) was so fun to watch -- best 20 minutes I've spent today!  RIP Al. 

[Brads70]

Being a SF native like Al, it was great to learn about his journey.  He seemed like a great, friendly, humble guy.  Vintage footage (and his GTX) was so fun to watch -- best 20 minutes I've spent today!  RIP Al.

Post up a link! 

[tman]

Being a SF native like Al, it was great to learn about his journey.  He seemed like a great, friendly, humble guy.  Vintage footage (and his GTX) was so fun to watch -- best 20 minutes I've spent today!  RIP Al.

Post up a link! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEP4EulNErY

[Brads70]

Being a SF native like Al, it was great to learn about his journey.  He seemed like a great, friendly, humble guy.  Vintage footage (and his GTX) was so fun to watch -- best 20 minutes I've spent today!  RIP Al.

Post up a link! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEP4EulNErY

Thanks! I enjoyed that, sounds like a fantastic human being! Wish I had a teacher like that! 

[340challconvert]

Rest in Peace     

[70rag383]

Great story, I enjoyed the video and want to learn more about Al now. He lived an incredible life.