From Sherm Porter (@fuely32): We lost another legend of the drag racing community, sadly Dean Murray of the famed Waters and Murray fuel roadster team passed away at home July 5, 2018. Dean, with his partner Mike Waters were the first to run a 265 cu. in. Chevrolet engine in 1955, producing 375 hp on a 50/50 nitro/alky fuel mix, were also awarded best appearing car at many of the races, as well as appearing on the cover of Rod & Custom magazine. Dean searched for years to locate the original roadster, and rebuilding it with as many of the original pieces that were possible to use. Larry 'Smokey' Alleman was instrumental in re-constructing the roadster, as well as the Bonneville roadster they built to campaign on the salt. The 555 Triple Nickel roadster has been displayed in museums as well as the special display at the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show History of The Race Car. A few years back Dean, along with his friend Chuck Wentworth recreated the SO-CAL Speed Shop Team roadster, the pre-runner to the Triple Nickel roadster, and it was in this roadster that Dean was able to make a final pass, at the 2017 Hop Up RPM Nationals. Dean Murray with his Triple Nickle & So-Cal Model A Roadsters Dean Murray in his So-Cal Roadster at the 2017 HOP UP Magazine RPM Nationals
Issue #61 of The Rodder's Journal includes a great feature article entitled "THE TRIPLE NICKLE"... written by Pat Ganahl (@pgan) with photography by Geoff Miles & Steve Coonan (@TRJ):
Condolences to the Murray family and friends on the passing of Dean. Incredible taste in Hotrod construction and much more...I have looked at these in awe many times...He did amazing things and obviously had it in his blood. @HEMI32 thank you for sharing the news of Deans passing with the tribute highlighting some of his many accomplishments. Regards, Stogy
The Jalopy Journal
