3/20/2008

Hofmann, who won 15 times in 32 final-round appearances, was a regular in the NHRA top 10 from 1991, when he finished seventh, through 1996, highlighted by a five-win 1995 campaign in which he finished second in the standings to Force. He finished third in 1992 and 1994 and fourth in 1993 and 1996.

Hofmann suffered a major crash at the 1997 Gatornationals that sidelined him for much of the season, but he returned near season's end and won in Dallas and ultimately finished 13th in the standings. He returned to the top 10 in 1998 with a ninth-place finish and scored his last tour victory in Memphis that year. He finished 13th in 1999 and 2000. His last final-round appearance was at the 2001 event in Bristol, and he finished the year 16th. He competed in just three races in 2002. More...

"Dirty" Al Hofmann BDS Blower Drive Service Funny Car video I shot back in 1988 at the Street Machine Nationals at Englishtown, New Jersey.

Rest in Peace "Dirty" Al.

Thanks NoRide for posting about Al.

I was really saddened to read yesterday about Al's passing.  IMO during the 90's, he was the real nemesis to John Force in FC.  I know Bazemore tried his best to recreate that same intense scenario but as much as I like Baze, he was not Al Hoffman.  I chuckled in reading the NHRA piece where Al siad the following about him and Force.

"Of his rivalry with Force, Hofmann said, “That was a fun time. We played it up for all it was worth.”

Makes you wonder if after the race these 2 didn't laugh with each other over a cold beer and I bet they did at least a time or 2 but hey, we loved it anyway!  Over the years I've had this hopeful secret that one day I'd turn on NHRA and there would be Al back in the lanes, suiting up and getting ready to make a comeback run.  Sadly, it's a dream never to be realized and Drag Racing will be the lesser for it IMO.

God Speed Al Hoffman and thanks for a lot of wonderful memories and some great racing!  I know on God's race team lack of funding is not an issue and the tires hook up on every run!  You, Eric, Blaine, Darrel and Lee along with the rest enjoy making those eternal 300 mph perfect runs!  We'll miss you.