Print this page

Drag racing legend Raymond Beadle passes

Monday, 20 October 2014

Raymond Beadle, a three-time IHRA world champion and championship NASCAR team owner, died Monday at Baylor University Medical Center. He was 70.

Beadle was known in the drag racing community as owner-driver of the “Blue Max” nitro Funny Car. Beadle won three IHRA championships in 1975-76 and 1981 with 19 national event victories. He also won three championships with the NHRA.

In addition to his drag racing legacy, Beadle also served as team owner of a NASCAR Cup team with drivers Tim Richmond and Rusty Wallace. As team owner, Beadle won the 1989 Cup title with Wallace.

Beadle retired from racing in 1990. He was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Michigan.

Last modified on Tuesday, 21 October 2014