NHRA (GLENDORA) - STATEMENT FROM DON SCHUMACHER ON THE PASSING OF NHRA FOUNDER WALLY PARKS

"Wally Parks was the founder, the inspiration and a role model for an entire industry. Not one of the 85 employees at Don Schumacher Racing would be doing what they do were it not for Wally's vision and commitment to NHRA for the past 56 years. Millions of fans would be spending their time and their resources on other endeavors.

"I can't think of any other individual whose vision has been so much responsible for the success of a sports field. Wally had many admirable personal attributes, but his greatest legacy goes beyond the engineering and athletic feats of NHRA's 80,000 members; he is responsible for millions of friendships and careers among enthusiasts of the sport he took from the streets of Southern California to modern facilities throughout the world.

"Wally is now reunited with his partner and soul mate Barbara. They will continue to provide a beacon of spiritual guidance for all of us who love drag racing."