O/T for the H.A.M.B. ... but this video footage of the Blue Max rollover at the '82 Gatornationals illustrates what a great shoe (& showman) he was.
I was never much into drag racing, but anyone with gasoline running through their veins knew of him, one of the greats of all times
Condolences to the Beadle family. A great competitor. I remember Beadle racing Kenny Bernstein and a young John Force, many years back.
Met him at Detroit Dragway. Actually shared the urinal trough with him. (How weird is that?) Glad we shook hands before we went in. RIP Raymond, you were a great driver and showman.
Raymond drove the Bucks Engine Supply Lubbock, Tx car in the late 60's. The car was a very nice black AA/FD that ran good and won many races. The interesting thing was he would come to Amarillo, Tx and work for his father at C.R. Anthony's when they raced here. I am sure when that car went away this was when he started his funny car ride. He was a very good driver from Lubbock, Tx. R.I.P. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
A couple of years ago when Ronnie Young brought his Blue Max out to Famoso I had the opportunity to have a short conversation with Raymond Beadle. It was a highlight of the weekend. Prayers for his family .
He didn't make it to the local Racer Reunion featuring the Blue Max team last month....saw him at the Geezer Union a year back.... thought it might be a little sumthin ailing him....sorry to hear of his passing -RIP big guy.....
Beadle had a heart attack last July 15th, was cared for in Baylor University Hospital. FoxNews said he died at Baylor University Hospital, after another heart attack Monday. Not certain if those facts are correct or not.
My condolences to his family. Blue Max was my nickname in HS because I used to wear a blue striped scarf in the winter….not many people knew that is was after Ray! God's speed…
As a really young kid the Blue Max guys would come over for dinner at my house or they would come by in a trick converted bus ( I think one of there pals drove the bus for Sammy davis junior) I remember where it should say what city it was headed to lit up on the front when it was a greyhound it said blue max) to pick up my parents to go out to concerts with 25 of the so cal drag racers for the night. And then in my early twenties I went to work for Raymond in texas to work on the funnycar for a time, Raymond was a cool cat, great driver, he was a hero of mine always. I got to talk to him in Bako last year and catch up a bit. he was as cool as ever.a first class act for sure. rip Raymond.
back in the 80's got a chance to meet, drink wine and play backgammon with Raymond. Chuck Beal and Boneyman were there too. RIP Raymond and Boneyman
The Jalopy Journal
