Ernie Hashim is gone...

I just read on the SCTA website that Ernie Hashim past away last night. Another drag racing legend has past on. R.I.P. Ernie.

 

That is sad news. The Smokers meet ( run by the GoodGuys now) will not be the same. If heaven has a drag strip there will be a lot of cool guys to go racing with. Von Doc

 

I've heard that he wasn't doing well for quite some time now. It's no surprise, as he was in his 70's, but still very sad.

Ernie Hashim was a Bakersfield old-schooler and a Drag Racing Hall of Famer. A member of the infamous Smokers, he had a hand in establishing both Famoso and the March Meet.
He is credited as being the first guy to install a blower on a Hemi, the very foundation of drag racing's winningest combination. If I'm not mistaken, he was also the first guy to break 150.

But, he is most known for his conversation with Don Garlits....Garlits came out to Bakersfield from Florida saying he could beat any of those West Coast cars. He came with his troup of carbs and was promptly shut down by a blown car.

Ernie pulled him aside and told him he needed to get a supercharger if he wanted to win.
Garlits listened and did.
The next weekend, he went on to Lions I believe and won big time. Garlits of course, went on to keep winning, and writing history in the process.

Rest In Peace Ernie.