I just saw in the paper today (10/7/03) in memoriam of Rod Hoerner. It is
hard to believe it has been two years since we lost Rod.
I always thought it would be so cool to see him race in divisional races. I
used to watch him race Pro Gas here in Spokane and the way he did his prestage
routine, It used to pump me up by the time he turned the first light on.
There is one regret that I do have and that Rod was never around when I started
racing NHRA Division 6. I always wanted to show him I could do good at racing
at a divisional level.
I can't believe it's been two years, just seems like I was watching him race
last week.
Rod we will always remember you......
Darrell Pasher
(Thanks to Darrell for sending this clipping to us)
That's Rod on the far right receiving Best Appearing at the 2000 Boise Federal-Mogul
Newest messages on top
update March 05
I was saddened to learn of Rod's passing as I started reading up on Northwest
drag racing events (preparing to start racing again). I knew his name before
I knew the person, at the inaugural NHRA Northwest Nationals. I red-lighted
to a broken car, which Rod then beat in the finals. I was so mad at myself for
that red light that I mentally took it out on Rod (telling myself that he didn't
deserve the win since I was cutting better lights - well, better at least until
the red one). Soon after that I met Rod at a divisional, and immediately felt
bad for thinking such bad things about such a good person. I later moved to
Spokane temporarily, and Rod helped me out with deep discounts on parts to fix
my wounded motor (I was working my way through college while struggling to race
Super Gas). Rod was always there with help, advice, and parts. When I lost to
him in the final round of the "world finals" in Spokane, I felt glad
that such a great guy had won instead of me (the opposite of how I felt in Seattle
before I knew him). As I now work on raising a toddler, I hope that she can
become half as good of a person as Rod. I wish Rod were around for her to see
a firsthand example of a person who is truly good. Godspeed my friend.
Mike Pliska
Eight years ago this coming Tuesday, Rod Hoerner was the best man at my wedding
to James Arsenault, fellow Division 6 Super Gas racer. In addition to being
our best man, he also went with us on our honeymoon. Of course, our honeymoon
was going to the Winston Finals in Pomona, CA (you see, if you are going to
marry a racer you have to plan your wedding, honeymoon, and life in general
around the race schedule). That's okay, I understood that before I signed up
for this deal.
Anyway...one of my fondest memories of Rod is from that trip. He and his crew
for the weekend, Butch, were ahead of us in his truck. We were somewhere in
California and we were all so tired that staying awake was a struggle. Rod came
over our CB and spouted out this silly tongue twister. Of course, if Rod can
say that tongue twister James was going to say it too (the competition between
the two of them was fierce, even with silly childrens tongue twisters!). Saying
that tongue twister kept all parties awake long enough to reach our destination.
Here it is, try it sometime!
"The skunk sat on the stump. The stump said that the skunk stunk and the
skunk said that the stump stunk."
Rod was a great friend, and a mentor to other racers. He raised the level of
competition for the racers from the Spokane area, and yearly you will see at
least one or two Spokane area racers finishing in the top ten of their class
for Division 6. I think that is pretty impressive, when you think about the
number of cars within each class! Rod's presence will be greatly missed, both
at our Spokane Pro Gas events and at the Divison 6 events. There is a large
hole in our hearts, as we have lost a great friend.
Shirley, Todd, and Kim...you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need ANYTHING,
you know how to reach us!
Judy Arsenault
I didn't know Rod like many other racers did. I wasn't even racing each time I
saw the Hoerners. My brother raced our dragster before me, but I went to all and
I am happy that I had the priveledge to meet Rod and Todd. It was like every Hoerner
you met, you felt the sport of dragracing had some great sportsmanship. Rod was
a great racer and a good friend to many. I, with many others will miss seeing
him in Woodburn or other tracks but we will always see him at Hoerner Corner.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brian Kolkemo
Kolkemo Racing
Rod Hoerner was one of those guys that you take for granted. He was always there,
usually did well, and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone.. These
are the types of people that I consider true champions whether it be in racing,
business, or life.
Although I never really got to know Rod (do we ever really get to know anyone),
he was one of the nicest people this sport will ever see. A true gentleman and
a great racer that will be missed by everyone he ever came in contact with.
There are a couple of things that I will always remember about Rod. Even when
he was upset about something that happened, you wouldn't have known it. He would
come to me and be so polite in the way he asked for a clarification, you'd hate
to tell him that the situation would not be in his favor. Then he would thank
you and walk away with his head up like nothing happened. The other was his
intensity and determination. I can look back and think about how long it would
take him to get from the water box to the starting line, wonder to myself why
he was being slow, then look in his eyes and see that intensity and think about
the times I raced and similarities that existed.
Shirley, Kim, and Todd can rest assured that he touched our lives as much as
he did theirs. When I look out to the pits each race, I see the Rod Hoerner
influence everywhere I turn. He was one of the first of the Spokane area racers
to support NHRA, and now look at how many are at each event. Names like James
Arsenault, John Preston, Jeff Mann, Don Juel, Brian Tibesar, Ken Nelson, and
Justin Jones (there are many more I'm sure) were all brought to the fold by
Rod. His support and love of the sport will live on in his son, and for that
I am very thankful. With approximately 350 people attending his funeral last
week (probably over half were racers) you can see the influence he had.
His spirit will remain.
Godspeed my friend,
Mike Rice
We were sadden to hear of Rod's passing. Rod was a true
sportsman and the nicest guy to always beat us in
eliminations. He will be missed.
Our condolences to the Hoerner family.
Brian and Becky Phillips
We as a family were very shocked and in disbelief in the passing of Rod. I have
run against Rod in qualifying but never in eliminations( that was probably a good
thing). In the staging lanes in Boise we had a chance to talk with Rod for a while
and enjoyed our conversation about his new car. Just before he won the award.
As a fellow Division Six racer he will be missed and our condolences to his family.
Eddy Plaizier Racing
Although I only raced in Super Gas for part of a season I got to know Rod and
we became friends. We raced each other at Boise in the fourth round , we were
the first pair out and they had gold dusted the starting line...we both spun me
.0500 and Rod .0250 of course we didn't know those numbers. We went down the track
and rod had part of a fender on me all the way down (.004 difference on the tree)
Rod went 10.25 and I 10.26 and he won. We talked after the race about what would
have happened had we not spun. We raced again at Mission in the second round and
my converter was going away and I couldn't cut a light so i anticipated the tree
and went .331 red. and Rod won again! Rod did alot of winning but he and his crew
chief were the nicest people. They treated you with respect both as a competitor
and as a person. Rod was a true gentleman of our sport and we will miss him. our
thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Dave Smythe
It does me sad to hear of the passing of Rod Hoerner. Since the late 60's and
early seventies when I really became involved in drag racing, I have seen and
dealt with many racers with different problems, needs, wants, and just someone
to listen to them from time to time.
Rod was one of those racers who was the exception to the rule in the sport, and
his attitude and belief in the sport was passed down to his entire family. Rod
was what I would call a "True Racer". In all of these years I can probably
say that I have genuinely met maybe 25 to 30 people in the sport that could be
labeled with this moniker. He always had a friendly word, and if there was a problem
at an event, the gentleman in him came forward with the request, and he usually
saw results very quickly if I could do anything at all to help.
I could go on and on about the qualities of the Hoerner Family and their racing
ethics, but it is seen by the other posts not much has been left out.
The Division, the sport, and competitors have lost a great guy. May God Bless
the Racers Racer and his family.
Gordy
On behalf of the staff of SpeedZone Magazine, I would like to send out heart felt
condolenses to the Hoerner Family. As someone who has lost a couple family members
in the past month and a half I know how the family is feeling. Please accept our
prayers and best wishes.
Dean Murdoch and the SpeedZone Family
Like everyone in the Northwest, I was saddened by the loss of Rod Hoerner. Over
the years, "Hoerner's Corner" attained legendary status here at the
Woodburn Dragstrip. Rod earned two FMDRS titles in Super Gas, in '99 and '95,
while Todd picked up a win in Super Street in 1990, and two wins in Super Gas,
in '96 and '93. That's five wins in 10 years, quite impressive in the ultra-tough
Super categories. Of course the '93 Super Gas final was one of the most memorable
ever here at Woodburn, as Todd and Rod went head-to-head in the final, with Todd
emerging victorious. I didn't know Rod personally, but as a fan of drag racing
he was one of my favorites. And while Rod was undeniably one of the best racers
in the Northwest, from what I've seen on HH, he was an even better person.
Jonathan Adams
Woodburn Dragstrip
We never knew Rod personally, but in this drag racing community we are all
family and it was a shock to hear of his passing. Our condolences to the Hoerner
Family, and to all who knew him.
RIP Rod Hoerner.
Dave and Vicki Strell
So many times you hear people talking about the great people that make up the
sport of Drag Racing. We all know the guy who is always there to lend a hand,
offer encouragement and makes you feel good about being a part of the sport. Rod
truly was one of the all-around great people in the world.
Rod and his crew chief Charlie Rohrback were two of the first people I met when
I came to the Northwest. They never missed an opportunity to come talk to me and
they always thanked the D6 crew and the track operators for having them at the
races. They always made my day.
Rod epitomized sportsman drag racing. He was a successful businessman who worked
hard throughout the week. On the weekends he poured his heart into his racing
efforts and demonstrated the same determination that built his business. He enjoyed
being around racing people and he was a pleasure to work with.
Whenever professional racers pulled alongside Rod they knew they had their hands
full as he was never intimidates and, more often than not, would kick them to
the side on his way to the win. (If he could have stopped fooling with that business
of his it's untelling how many NHRA Pro titles he would have right now).
My first experience with seeing "the real" Rod Hoerner came a couple
of years ago at the Federal Mogul All-Stars event in Columbus. Even though the
conditions were miserable, he had towed cross country and he didn't win the race,
Rod was still smiling from ear to ear after it was all done. That night as he
watched someone else pick up the trophy at the All-Star banquet, Rod was still
smiling when he said... "I want to win this All-Star race but I'm not dissappointed.
I'm just happy to be a part of all this."
That sort of sums it up. He was a great man who will leave a lasting mark not
only on Division Six but also on our sport.
I would like to express my sympathies to Todd and the entire family and crew,
you are in our prayers.
Chris Blair
I was shocked to hear of the passing of "Hot" Rod . Rod was a true gentelman,
awesome racer, and a good friend. Altough I haven't raced since Don passed away,
when I went to the track to see some of the guy's, Rod was always one I'd look
for. He always had a big smile, positive comment, and words of encouragement when
you were down ( when he just wooped your ass). He knew how to have fun. I am thankfull
to have spent some good times with Rod, he was an inspiration too me.
My best wishes to the Hoerner family.
Bud Stephenson
Abbotsford B.C.
Rod Hoerner will be sadly missed. His continued support of the "Spokane Pro-Gas
Association" along with his racetrack jokes and competition. If you ever
needed help, Rod was there. Without his devotion to racing many of us would never
have gotten to the track and been priviledged enough to have learned from one
of the best Super Gas racers in the northwest.
My heart goes out to Shirley, Kim, Todd, and all of the family.Stay strong, we're
here if you need ANYTHING.
Scott Benner
My wife and I had the privilege to meet Rod for the first time this past August
while racing at the World Finals in Spokane, WA. All the things that many wrote
about Rod became very evident while visiting over the three days of racing. On
one occasion, while the temperatures were very hot, he gave me his own personal
water bottle when he realized I did not have my own... this kind act reminded
me of the greatest act of care ever demonstrated... "For God so loved the
world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life."
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Ron & Peggy
Brindisi - Bobcat Racing
Rod Hoerner a true champion. Never to busy to help a fellow racer in need. The
racing community has lost one of its greatest teachers. Never to selfish to share
his knowledge even knowing that it could come back in the future to bite him.
You could always count on Rod to help steer you back in the grove when you were
lost. But Rod was more than just a successful racer he was a true champion both
on and off the track. I was privileged enough to have spent several years traveling
and racing, winning and loosing with Rod the memories will not be forgotten and
nether will the rocketman
Brian Tibesar
Rod Hoerner was our racing Buddy, a tough competitor, a good customer, but
most of all our GOOD FRIEND. He supported us in uncountable ways, whether
it was that "smoking" deal on race parts, moral support when we were
going
rounds, or just being there to help when things went bad. We miss him
dearly!
Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to Shirley, Todd, Kim and the
entire Hoerner family.
John & Dee Preston
The epitome of a true sportsman, wonderful friend, and gentleman! Rod is one of
the “best of the best” sportsman racers, and he will truly be missed.
He was not someone you looked forward to squaring off against in eliminations,
but you always knew he would bring out the best in you as well. He was always
willing to help out if you were struggling, and very generous. If you were in
need, he was always there to help.
He will always be remembered for his love of our sport, his intensity at which
he competed, but most of all for his gentleness, kind and caring nature.
Marty & Mary Peterson
From back in the day when we used to travel to Spokane for AHRA races, we would
always see cars there that we would never see anywhere else. All of a sudden,
it seems that the gap was filled. We saw cars on the west side from Spokane. I
credit that to Rod Hoerner. a guy who would log many miles to enjoy the races
long the I-5 corridor. A fixture. A pillar. Rod would give advice to anyone who
asked, or anyone who would listen. In the middle of going rounds, he always waved,
smiled, and then would go kick someone's ass on the track.
a great guy, a great racer. we will miss you, Rod.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Hoerner Family
Tory Lea
On behalf of Racers For Christ, my heart feels the pain of the loss because of
Rod's passing. I am certain that all of the racing family will miss him. I knew
him as a very strong competitor and a person after whom any racer could pattern
his racing career. I appreciate reading the other acknowledgements from racers
and friends and encourage all to support each other through this difficult time.
It is healthy to remember the accomplishments of our friends. Unfortunately, we
often fail to do this during a person's lifetime. So I would encourage you to
tell each other how much you appreciate them whenever you see them, because we
never know when it will be our time to pull into the staging lanes at that great
dragstrip in the sky where, I hear, the lanes are paved with gold. Rod, thanks
for all you did for our family of racers. And may God bless us all.
Elvon Kauffman
Teamrfcnw@aol.com
After I read on the site that Rod Hoerner had passed away, it really made me think
about things and life in general. A friend of mine sent this to me after my mom
passed away and it kind of helps you look at things in a different way. Life is
too short man-LIVE IT!!
Feel free to post this if you want-I know it is a little "fluffy" for
a bunch of tough drag racers, but it hits the spot!!
Mud Puddles and Sunny Dandelions
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going
to take over my yard.
My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person
who probably wants money and I
look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm,
so I sit self-consciously
and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If
they don't know them, they make
up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up
my hair and pulling me back
when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until
they fall to the
ground laughing.
When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say,
"Hi God! Thanks for my toys
and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight.
Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet.
I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.
My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play
with.
I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from.
No wonder God loves the little children!! Enjoy the little things in life, for
one day you may look
back and realize they were the big things.
I wish you BIG MUD PUDDLES and SUNNY
YELLOW DANDELIONS.
Julie Jackson
Larry many times you write about the good things in life and how things are
going for our local divisional racers and sometimes you have to report the bad
which is the case that you've just reported to us. Your avid readers I know
you may not have room to reprint this in HH3 but I'd like to say I've been racing
for 15 years and when I first started I met a man who was a feirce competitior
, a teacher to me and most of all a good friend who helped me out in many ways,
so to read that he has passed on has really taken my breath away cause Rod taught
me alot and also helped me with my driving. I, like many racers, will miss this
fine gentleman and competitor
I give my condolences to the Hoerner family may God be with you
Wes Garvin III