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The racing history of Robert "Poncho" Rendon

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Chopped Tudor, Sep 28, 2005.

  1. Some of my greatest memories of him were the Friday Nights at the shop. All the stories about what he had done in his life always amazed me. He was a very funny guy and always made me laugh. I'll miss ya Poncho.
     
  2. beatnik
    Joined: Nov 8, 2002
    Posts: 2,209

    beatnik
    Member

    I had only met Poncho about 3 Years ago at the Detroit Autorama and that was because a friend (Denise's Dad) needed a 57 Ford 9" for his 56 Olds project. I remember a couple guys saying "go see Poncho I'm sure he's got one or can get one". He was the go to man for a lot of people looking for parts.

    Well, it seems like from that point on I kept seeing him every few months at events. In 2003 when a lot of us GMB's made it out to the Salt for the first time, we were walking across the salt on the other side of the country and here comes Poncho walking throught the pits. We did the samething the following year at Bowling Green.

    The last time I saw him was when we all ended up going to Dave Crane's place for a tour after Kazoo last year. I'm glad to have been able to talk with him, but It's pretty hard to take that it my have been one of the last car events he made it too.
     

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  3. muffman58
    Joined: Oct 24, 2003
    Posts: 999

    muffman58
    Member

    I am very sorry to hear of your loss & God be with him. I never knew the man, but the pictures and storys I just read makes me think I did! The cars & guys in the pics are what inspired me to hot rods. I grew up in the era that he raced & worked in and always thought that that would be the life. The smiles on his face in the pics, I think would say that the guy enjoyed life.
     
  4. hotrodladycrusr
    Joined: Sep 20, 2002
    Posts: 20,765

    hotrodladycrusr
    Member

    A sad day in Detroit thats for sure. I'm soooo sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to Tony, Colleen, and the rest of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by many, many folks in the hot rod and racing world. I'm proud to say Poncho was a pal. He ALWAYS had a huge hug and kiss for me whenever our paths crossed and I'll have those memories to cherish forever.

    Tony, I've said it before and I'll say it again, if there is ever anything you need please don't hesitate to ask.

    RIP Poncho:(
     
  5. FRITZ
    Joined: Sep 6, 2001
    Posts: 1,209

    FRITZ
    BANNED

    Tony, Dave Shuten's friend Fritz here. How the heck ya been? havent seen ya since the Detorit Autorama. Dave has been keeping us in NYC posted. we're thinking of You & Ponch here in the spray booth. If ya need anything you just let us know.
    All the Best to you
    FRITZ
     
  6. Our deepest sympathies from North of 49.
     
  7. Stone
    Joined: Nov 24, 2003
    Posts: 2,279

    Stone
    Member

    Our prayers and thoughts for your family.
     
  8. NITROFC
    Joined: Apr 17, 2001
    Posts: 6,174

    NITROFC
    BANNED

    I spent many times racing against Poncho in the 70's ..what a Great Guy Our prayers and thoughts for your family you will be missed by all .... :(
     
  9. Oh no :(. I was enjoying reading this until I got to the bad part.

    I only met him last year at Kzoo nats., but had a chance to talk to him for a few minutes twice as I walked the swap. I posted a little about this and the pic of him with Shirley & Connie in a previous post.

    The first time there was a couple of things he had, I told him "well it doesn't matter what you want, I have to have them"......you might as well slit your own throat as to say that to most guys......I think he sensed it was going to be used right and go to a good home, the price shot back at me was far more than reasonable.......and I'll NEVER sell that crowning jewel (NOS Horne 303 Rocket intake & carbs). Later I came back around and Dick LaHaie was sitting with him, that's when it dawned on me who he was, I was pretty stunned to be standing there....you never have a damn camera at the right time. I relayed what I used to race and the stories started to flow. He told me they had found and were restoring one of their old cars and the story about Shirley, some of the old good times, about all the old hot rods he had, etc.

    ...it would've been nice to hang out and listen to more but I felt like I should leave him and Dick alone to visit.

    I asked, so what does a guy do to finance fuel cars over the years and he told me, then he said "I'd be a millionaire if it wasn't for those damn race cars".......that speaks volumes about how bad a guy loves cars.

    Which only proves you need to have fun with your money & life, you don't want to look back & think "I should'a.............". He sure didn't have to do that :)

    Not much of a story, but I'll never forget it and he was nice as can be for just meeting me, friendlier than most people are. The point is he made me feel like a new friend in just a few minutes. So that's my memory...


    I'm sick to hear this & so sorry for you and your family.:(

    Brian
     
  10. coupedevil
    Joined: Sep 13, 2004
    Posts: 375

    coupedevil
    Member

    So sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with all of you.
     
  11. FuelFC
    Joined: Feb 12, 2003
    Posts: 764

    FuelFC
    Member

    When I was little Indy was the big race trip for the year in the early 60's. Poncho was one who remembered everyone and was the first to offer parts or help to anyone. Had time for little squirts like me pestering and hanging around all of the pits. A big laugh and always funny.

    God speed to him and the family. All our thoughts from TX to and with you.
     
  12. Roothawg
    Joined: Mar 14, 2001
    Posts: 25,781

    Roothawg
    Member

    RIP Poncho


    Sorry to hear of your loss.
     
  13. MYSTERY FINK
    Joined: Jan 4, 2005
    Posts: 5

    MYSTERY FINK

    poncho was a great freind and always a big help when hard to find parts were needed. i could always count on him for help and to answer stupid questions. i'll miss hanging out at swap meets with him just waiting for someone to ask how much something was then to say they would be back later...only to hear poncho yell... i'll put you on my "*!##***ing be back list"!!!

    Ponch was always quick with a joke or a wise crack, but was by far one of the greatest people ive ever gotten to know. he was a guy who had been there and did it all and could still get excited over this hot rod stuff.

    i sure hope theres nitro in heaven. god bless. we'll miss him.
     
  14. bashton
    Joined: Dec 9, 2004
    Posts: 189

    bashton

    The stories can go on and on. I remember meeting Poncho for the first time probably 10-12 years ago and immediately I felt like we knew each other for years. He was just that kind of guy. Poncho had a real passion for all things automotive and he was indeed the "Go To" guy when it came to rare and unusual parts. And you know...he did seem to be everywhere when it came to anything in the Detroit area that was rod or race related!

    My heart goes out to the family...R.I.P.
     
  15. NITROFC
    Joined: Apr 17, 2001
    Posts: 6,174

    NITROFC
    BANNED

    Robert "Poncho" Rendon arrangements

    As you all know, Poncho Rendon passed away late this week.

    His nephew Tony called with the details of the viewing and funeral and asked that I share this information. Please send it along to anyone you think may attend.

    He requested that if you come to the funeral to please bring your "hot rod" if you have one and are able to.


    Fred H. Kaul Funeral Home
    27830 Gratiot Avenue
    Roseville, Mi. 48066

    Ph. 586-775-1911

    Viewing times are:

    Sat. 5pm-9pm
    Sun 2pm-9pm

    Funeral Monday October 3, 9:30am SHARP.
     
  16. Bterfliez
    Joined: Oct 4, 2005
    Posts: 1

    Bterfliez
    Member

    WOW! I grew up in Poncho's garage in Roseville. I remember when the dragster tires were taller than me. I spent alot of time there with my Dad, Dennis. WHat memories all of these pictures are bringing back to me!
     
  17. Cris
    Joined: Jan 3, 2005
    Posts: 833

    Cris
    Member
    from Vermont

    RIP Poncho, so sorry for you loss. Thanks for sharing the memories.
     
  18. The service for Poncho yesterday was awe inspiring to say the least.

    It was a send off fit for a hero. A Hero that Bob was to many of us. HE touched so many people in his life time in so many ways.

    Shirly Muldowney gave a eulogy that made many grown men weep where they sat with undivded attention, me included. It was the most moving thing I have ever witnessed. She expressed his unselfishness and consern for others better than anyone else could have, and she was so right. His generosity and good nature are what made him so special to me and many others. I learned alot from him over the years about people as well as hotrods and race cars. That I appreciate more than I can describe.

    I'm so proud to say we were friends and I will always remember him for the Hero he was to me.

    Here are some pics of the prosession that included Rods and Customs and all the cars he loved and the friends that loved him.

    Rest in peace uncle Bobby
     

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  19. Kulturepimp
    Joined: Oct 27, 2002
    Posts: 474

    Kulturepimp
    Member

    The Boys of the BSM would like to send out thier regards and our heart felt sorrow, to Tony and his family.
     
  20. Noboyzstoy@comcast.net
    Joined: Oct 5, 2005
    Posts: 1

    Noboyzstoy@comcast.net
    Member
    from MICHIGAN

    yes he owned a rail named the freto bandito and a funny car named the detroit tiger. and His sister Connie started the El Charo restraunts and Dee bought her out and added 2 more to the chain. His sister Phyllis and Him started Poncho's in New Baltimore. His sisters Kids own it now. and all the restraunts are doing very well.
     
  21. I'm sorry to hear the news, Tony. It sounds like Poncho made a lasting impression on a lot of people and the racing community and racing history.

    RIP.
     
  22. Jeff Norwell
    Joined: Aug 20, 2003
    Posts: 15,171

    Jeff Norwell
    MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    I met Poncho thru Bob Westbrook and Bob Tindale....Took time for me and was a kind gentle soul.....met him again at Autorama and he remembered me after a year....the first time was a brief encounter.His humour,his wit and his kindness will always be remembered.
    .....a great man.

    God speed.

    Our condolenses.....
    The Norwells.
     
  23. Don Johnson
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 9

    Don Johnson
    Member

    Pancho.....a truely great guy with a bigger than the earth heart.

    Quick story...I towed my race car all the way from Malibu, CA. for a date @ Detroit Dragway (Beachcomber). Nobody to help...showed up at the track when the gates opened-no sleep, called Pancho and he put everything aside & was there in a flash when we needed him. Won the match race with Greek.

    A great unsung hero of the pioneer days. I know one thing..this will
    stay with me for some time.

    Don 'the Beachcomber' Johnson
     
  24. NITROFC
    Joined: Apr 17, 2001
    Posts: 6,174

    NITROFC
    BANNED

    Found another pic of the Infamous Desperado ...

    [​IMG]
     
  25. afan
    Joined: Jan 1, 2006
    Posts: 283

    afan
    Member
    from michigan

    just read through this entire thread and got all chocked up again.sure do miss that guy. he used to pick on me like you would not belive, but was so nice to my wife.
    there is not a day goes by over at berglers that his name,his humor,or one of his famous "sayings" comes up. man he would be right in the middle of this reunionand nostalgia stuff and we all would be laughin our ass's off .
    we all miss him.
     
  26. ftroop
    Joined: Sep 22, 2006
    Posts: 369

    ftroop
    Member
    from Detroit

    Here is the Desperado today. Kind of an funny story. I have been freinds with Poncho and Tony for a long time. After Poncho passed away I was trying to help Tony track down more photos of the Cuda, as he only had a couple in his collection. I was also trying to track the body down. The chassis as far as we know ended up under the Tiger. To make a long story short the body was in my possesion the whole time! I had bought a Cuda from a guy in central Michigan shortly after Poncho had died. I had been trying to track down the history of it with no luck. I had never seen Tony's pictures of the Desperado, after I did and spoke with Bob Pacitto it was identified.

    I am planning on restoring the body next year, and replacing the Mike Burkhart Camaro body that is on my car now.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  27. Ron Mayes
    Joined: Mar 24, 2006
    Posts: 707

    Ron Mayes
    Member

    Poncho was in my words.. THE BEST ... those who knew him will never forget him.
     
  28. Chopped Tudor
    Joined: Feb 14, 2005
    Posts: 636

    Chopped Tudor
    Member
    from DETROIT

    thanks for the kind words guys.
     
  29. ftroop
    Joined: Sep 22, 2006
    Posts: 369

    ftroop
    Member
    from Detroit

    Glad to see your still floatin around Tony!!!
     
  30. kustomrace
    Joined: Apr 1, 2004
    Posts: 168

    kustomrace
    Member

    No kidding...I've been watching the milk cartons.Dave
     

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