There’s no question Gordie Bonin left his mark on drag racing.
From 1972-81, the colorful Funny Car driver from Red Deer Alberta won his share of national events and he was constantly setting the miles-per-hour record, which prompted other drivers to give him the nickname “240 Gordie.”
These days, the 61-year-old Bonin no longer has his foot on the gas pedal as he just taking it easy.
“I wasn't doing anything (in terms of racing), I just go to a few races just to hang with old friends,” said Bonin, who is living in Deer Park, Wash., just north of Spokane. “I go to national events in Seattle, Las Vegas, Joliet, and Pomona when I can; and hang with my old friends - (John) Force, Cory Mac, Todd Okuhara, Cory's crew chief; the Pedregons; to name a few. These days it's all about visiting pals, on and off the track. I'm blessed to have had fans that have turned into good friends over the years; so there's always someone to visit with.