A Legend's "Good Right Arm" Passes

Glendora, CA - January 29, 2006: Barbara Parks, wife of NHRA founder Wally Parks, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, after a long fight against cancer.

Mrs. Parks presided over the ICCA (International Car Club Association), in the early 1960's, a concept to bring back the car clubs of the 1930's and '40's. Tex Smith worked for her at the ICCA, and they were committed to this organization. She believed that the way to keep kids from street racing was to offer them an organization that would strengthen the automotive hot rodding movement, and provide safe and sanctioned activities. Barbara was born in New York, and came west to California in the early 1950's, and went to work at Hot Rod Magazine.

After working at the magazine all day, she would work on the records of the new organization (NHRA) in the evenings, taking phone calls, and giving her advice and input concerning the direction that the new racing organization should take.

A memorial service is planned for her at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Exact dates and times are unavailable, but check you can call the Museum at 909-622-2133 for details.

Richard Parks submitted this article.