Tom "The Mongoose McEwen passed away in his sleep this morning. R.I.P. Goose. He was one my most iconic drivers in my youth.

 

Yep, along with 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits. RIP

 

Back in the day you could watch them change pistons right in the pits now its roped off and maybe watch the crew work while the drivers stayed in their trailers. Back in the sixty's I got lots of Super 8 film one day i'll put it on disc. I was there for a first 6 second pass and 5 second pass. I will miss them all and now I'm 70 and will go someday soon why knows.
Gerald

 

Don Garlits is gone ? I was just at his Drag Racing museum in early May. They have a "Mongoose" funny car on display. Not sure if I got a pic then.


The "Snake" and "Mongoose" rivalry was big, back in the day.

 

oh yeah i had the snake and mongoose hots wheels.

 

I think he meant the RIP for Mongoose; Don Garlits is still with us.


The Snake and Mongoose rivalry defined drag racing for me in my youth.

 

RIP Mongoose! Those were the days!

 

Those were two of the non-negotiable (for trade) hot wheels in my collection along with the Red Baron.

 

Garlits wife of many years passed away a few years ago. I believe he just remarried in the last couple years to a younger bride. He is about 86 now and still very active. I toured the museum a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. Lots of history there.

 

I think Don's wife Mary died in 2015. I hadn't heard he got married again. Outside of his obvious use of Chrysler Hemi power, Oldsmobile power was his choice, most of the time. Several other examples of Olds power on display. I took 185 pics there.

 

I took 185 pics there.

Digital cameras are a great thing. Just think, that would be almost 8 rolls of 24 exposure film.

 

Those were the days, remember the rivalries quite well... RIP Mongoose...