The racing history of Robert "Poncho" Rendon

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

Our deepest sympathies from North of 49.

 

Our prayers and thoughts for your family.

 

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 ....

 

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

 

So sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with all of you.

 

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.

 

RIP Poncho


Sorry to hear of your loss.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

RIP Poncho, so sorry for you loss. Thanks for sharing the memories.

 

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

 

The Boys of the BSM would like to send out thier regards and our heart felt sorrow, to Tony and his family.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Found another pic of the Infamous Desperado ...

 

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.

 

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.

 

Poncho was in my words.. THE BEST ... those who knew him will never forget him.

 

thanks for the kind words guys.

 

Glad to see your still floatin around Tony!!!

 

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