Dode Martin's granddaughter Tora called me last night to tell me the reason Dode hadn't returned my call was he was in the hospital with an irregular heart beat, had surgery to remove a blood clot in his leg, and a few other minor issues that sometimes comes with age. If I'm correct Dode will be 94 this July. Dode was one of the original founders of the Dragmaster Dragster company building complete turn key dragsters along with ch***is for Mickey Thompson, Roland Leong, and others. His annual birthday parties brings together some cool old timers from the past racing days. Dode and I became good friends over the last four years even though I live in Amarillo Texas and he is in Fallbrooke CA., I made numerous trips to his place, he built an engine along with a few other pieces and helped out with information for a Dragmaster dragsters my boys and I restored. Dode is a real nice good person, he served in WWII, he told me one time that he had had a nice time in his life and really enjoyed his life, and that his time building and racing his dragsters and the people he met and became lifelong friends with was all good. I thought it would be nice to let the Hamb members know about Dode and how he is doing. Lets all of us pray for Dode to be healed and healthy and have alot more years in life. Thanks, Charles.
I am sorry to hear this. I grew up in Fallbrook. Dode is such a nice fella. I’m hoping for his quick recovery . Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thoughts Dode's way for a successful operation and a quick recovery to good health for many more good years... Regards, Stogy
Hey 1947K, I sent Dode Martin, via a friend, several old HD Dragmaster films I had taken at Lions and elsewhere in So Cal. It was my thanks to him for inspiring us to be better drag racers and backyard builders. The friend said that he was going to give them to Dode at his annual party. So, here is a big boost to get him back on his feet again. Jnaki Thanks for your inspiration, Dode... For email and web sites, here is a You Tube version of the Dragmaster races in So Cal from 1958 to 1960. For my latest creation for Dode: A "sound" version of the 1959 race at Lions with the Dragmaster sound from later 1959 at the Detroit Nationals in September.
Dode is a cl*** act. Whenever I get down to the San Diego area , I make a trip to visit him. My son got to meet him on our last trip and Dode took time to chat with my 12 year old and show him around. It is a highlight of my sons life. I pray that Dode makes a full recovery and look for ward to visiting with him again.
never got to meet dode, but he is a great guy from all the people i have heard from. hope he has a fast recovery!
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