Folks Of Interest Jim Albrich, another great one gone

Jim Albrich, One of the best known engine builders in the Pacific Northwest passed away this morning after a long illness. He was the master mind behind both of the North Wind Top fuel dragsters, Columbia Racing Engines and many other racing ventures. He partnered with Ed McCulloch, Jack Coonrod, Earl Floyd, Wayne Harry, Nick Nicholson and many more over his 50+ year career. He touched hundreds of race car engines and was always available to lend a hand or give advice. He was a fellow SLO POKS member, mentor and good friend. He will be missed by many. Prayers to his family. God Speed my old friend, G.....

 

Sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends

 

Condolences to all of his friends. God's speed to him.

 

The first time I heard of Jim, was at a NHRA Divisional race at McMinnville Oregon in '62. He was teamed up with Earl Floyd and Jack Coonrod, they were running a AA/FD. He was the motor man, Coonrod owned the TE 440 chassis, and Earl was the driver. Never before, had I heard an engine crackle and rumble like that. After watching him do his engine mastery for years, I got to know him and we became friends. Right up to the end, he never lost his love of building Hemi engines. He was a humble genius, and a very nice guy, that will be missed by many. RIP Jim.

 

The memorial for Jim will be held Saturday Dec. 20th from 5pm until 10pm at the Quay restaurant on the river in Vancouver, Wa. Bring your stories and pictures if you have them. If you have any questions P.M. me. Thanks, Gary....

 

One of the great builders/racers from the NW....RIP...here are a couple of shots of his cars from Don Ewald's site:


Jim closest to the camera


Jim doing motor work


At the Smoker's meet, Jim with what looks like a torque wrench

Bob Haines driving with Jim's engine

 

A great and little known racer, at least outside of the northwest.
He knew his stuff, many an aa/fd traveled to the NW to be shut down by the Northwind.
RIP

 

RIP Jim

 

RIP Jim. I've said it before---there is way too much of this going on.

 

Another note about Jim's racing profile, he was the Shop Foreman at Colleti Chrysler/Plymouth. During his time there, he supervised the likes of Larry Kalsch and Robin Whitcomb performing their magic on a fleet of winning Stock and Super Stock Mopars. One of which was driven by comedian Dick Smothers, the place was a hotbed of drag racing !!!!!

 

There were MANY top performing cars in the NW.The reason you never heard of them is that the magazines were all in California! Got anything from the 60's and Woodburn? Please POST !
RIP