The last member of the "Surfers" team passed away at age 79 yesterday, Sept. 7. Tom was a class act who was involved in many kinds of racing over the years, from Top Fuel to Land Speed racing. He will be missed... RIP Tom
Oh man,,,sorry to hear this. I spoke to him several years ago about the old days,,,and the Surfers. A lot of knowledge was there. It was amazing how much they pushed the envelope in Fuel racing. Really sad to hear about his passing! Tommy
Condolences to the Jobe Family and Friends on the passing of Tom... He sowed seeds of innovation and knowledge for others to revere and carry forward...may He Rest in Peace...thanks for sharing this loss to the Community @warbird1
Really enjoyed the Bill Pitts video series. Tom seemed like a real nice guy and good story teller. May you RIP Tom....
So sorry to hear this. I recently had the pleasure to talk with him about the videos. A classy standup gentlemen... May he truly Rest In Peace.
Oh man I'm glad i posted all those youtube clips here. I'm also glad the story of The Surfers was able too be told before he died. What an invaluable pice of drag racing history this man left us before he died.
Just thinking no rest for those guys we've lost.....they're gearing up in the heavens and watching for a great pass.....thanks for the memories !.
Got to meet him last year, what a great man. I convinced a friend to go to one of the luncheons that Jay Carpenter puts together. It was great to see these old competitors talking drag racing and just enjoying life. Herb Ries and Mikio Yoshioka shooting the breeze with Tom. RIP Tom Jobe.
We always enjoyed visiting with Tom and reminiscing about our Top Fuel battles of long ago and when I learned of his passing this morning I about fell out of my chair. The Surfers, now all gone, were good friends and fierce racing opponents. Rest In Peace, old friend!! From the Watchdog Team
Hello, It is with a sorrowful heart that this passing of Tom Jobe had on me. Since we had an early history of drag racing at Lions Dragstrip, several people have shown kindness and support over the past years. Tom was one of them. His notoriety at Lions goes back into the early years of drag racing, well beyond our involvement era. But, drag racing was still running through our lifestyles, until it wasn't. His lasted a lifetime, that was outstanding... When he had one of his recent illnesses, we talked about early drag racing at Lions. He was one of the supporters of my early films and editing information. He had ideas for me to pursue. It was exciting that someone involved in drag racing from back in those 1960s had an interest in my films. So, I sent him a get well package. Hopefully, it made his recovery a little better. NOTE: When the first Lions Dragstrip Museum opened in 2017, he was aware that my films were playing on the screen along a corner display. Those copies of the original Lions films were sent to him during one of his recovery days. During any recovery, what makes one happy serves its intended purpose for a get well wish. Thank you for your support and kindness… Jnaki
Although I only got the see them in print ,The Surfers, were a force to be reckoned with at any meet thuey attended. Tom Jobe, the last Surfer, is on his way to meet the rest of the team. Prayers and Condolences to his Family, Friends and Fans.
R.I.P. I had the pleasure of having dinner with him (and some other racing notables) five years ago. My first real-life encounter with Tom. He was totally humble, sharp as can be, and a wealth of information. We also had friends in common from when he was a machinist at American Honda for their racing teams, and we talked about that as much as drag racing. I'd hoped to resume the conversation someday, but I waited too long. Godspeed.
As a youngster the Surfers were my favorite fop fuel team, thanks for the memories, RIP Tom along with the rest of the team.
One of those rare guys who had every opportunity and right to be cocky and above the rest of us and yet chose to be humble and be a truly great man.
Has anyone got a copy of the old cartoon that someone drew back then. I saw it years ago,,,,but can’t remember the exact wording. It was a drawing of some witches next to a cauldron,,,they were stirring the stew. One witch said to the others,,,,”I bet even the Surfers never cooked up a brew like this”. The Surfers were well know for the Nitro blends,,,,I think there said they went 100 percent nitro way back then,,,,just didn’t broadcast it to everyone. Very strong running Hemis,,,,,Great guys! Tommy
Good thoughts re Jobe for many years now.....had a calculus class with him in 60's at SMCC. As all wannabe engineers we wore cords and a white short sleeve shirts to classes. He was a good friend of a good friend and was a hero to all the local west LA racers, especially after the Bakersfield meet. Good thoughts remain.
I sheepishly asked Tom in a conversation years back (Bakersfield?) about what 'prompted' them to dare 100% Nitro! His answer: "The impatience of Jobe..." Brilliant man. Easy to talk with, very informative. Godspeed, Sir.
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