In Memory of Frank Turrentine

02/19/2001

I lost one of my heroes today. For as long as I can remember, Frank Turrentine has been active in the New Mexico drag racing scene. I was always aware of Frank's presence when I ran in Stock, Super Stock, Comp and Super Comp. But it was when I started getting interested in the Top Alcohol categories that I really realized just how important he was to the racing community - especially in southern New Mexico. To say he was the local fuel system guru is an understatement. Virtually everyone in the Las Cruces/El Paso area relied on tuning advice from Frank. Finally after a few years I learned enough to at least be able to have a conversation with Frank and hold up my end. Whenever he would come to Albuquerque we would make it a point to go to dinner and talk racing. After any race we ran he would call and want to know how we did, complete with the intricate tuneup details. Over the last couple of years I was privilaged to have Frank help me at some races. Each time he helped he taught me something that was valuable.

Although Frank was a large man with an overwhelming physical presence, he was a very gentle man who had the ability to bring people together for a common goal. He successfully organized the 7.50 index class that was popular at tracks throughout the area. He also was instrumental in working behind the scenes to keep the Supercharged Outlaw program in Albuquerque moving forward.

Recently, Frank had been slowly piecing his alcohol dragster back together. He had all sorts of good ideas that he wanted to try. I was looking forward to returning the help he had always given me by helping him in any way I could. Now it isn't going to happen ...

I had been aware of Frank's illness for some time, but hoped and prayed that we would have the pleasure of his company for just a while longer. Godspeed my friend.

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