..and yet again,the real world hits..today we lost possibly the most innovative crew chief ever,Dale Armstong,who passed at age 73.Even if Mr.Armstrong had never become the crew chief for the Budweiser team,his list of innovations and wins would be longer than most racers.After leaving the cockpit of the Speed Racer funny car(setting a National Record in the process) Dale joined Kenny Bernsteins team in 82.I imagine there were a few Uh Oh in the pits when it was announced.Knowing how successful he was on a limited budget,Im sure having the resources of Bernstein supporting him was not a pleasing thought to the competition.He didnt disappoint...Even as he grew into his new role,he was thinking ahead to how to make the Bud King the baddest funny car ever.Developing the onboard data logger showed him what the car was doing.He took that and ran with it..there was no bit of information that Armstrong couldnt use..Not just in terms of the motor combination,but taking the body into the wind tunnel for development.The first funny car speed over 260 was the result,at the same event that a top fueler broke the same barrier! And yes,the Batmobile body was ugly,but who other than Dale Armstrong could have dreamed that up,lol.The 300mph barrier? Dale Armstrong again..Multiple world championships? Dale Armstrong calling the shots..Innovation is a double edged sword,and no doubt his ideas drove the cost of the sport ever higher.But he also took the time to present ideas in later years to develop a more cost effective combination..too bad it wasnt implemented by the powers that be.Race in Peace Dale Armstong,you will be sorely missed..
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 23:05:45 +0000
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