A moment of silence for another old Drag Racer lost

The Legendary "4 speed Handler" Ken Dondero passed away this morning. I was speaking with Mr Bob Panella by phone this morning when he gave me the sad news. Upon talking to Winternationls Winner and Ex-Panella driver Phil Featherstone, I found out that Ken had become ill with "Alzheimer's Disease" some time back. I still have vivid memories of Ken pulling the 4 speed Muncie in that Anglia of Panella's!! Here's to you Ken, "Mr 4 Speed" R.I.P.

 

RIP Ken Dondero

 

Wow, sad news. Man, he made that 4-speed sound like an automatic...R.I.P. Ken

 

R.i.p.

 

Agreed, RIP Ken. So many are leaving us, but time just never stops.

 

Ken inspired me to powershift...he was faster than 'Frantic Fred Hawthorn'.
Great teachers, these guys...

Godspeed, Ken

 

I too was inspired by Ken Dondero.
Here is a little know fact -
That Muncie that Ken was 'pullin in Bob Panella's Anglia was a STONE STOCK "Rock Crusher" bought over the counter at "Chase Chevrolet" in Stockton... nothing was done to them but bolt in and fill with lube!

 

His shifting prowess brought smiles to a lot of us. Always loved watching him.

Thanks for the good times Ken. Godspeed.

 

Sad to hear this news. I guess those of us from 'back in the day' have more behind us than lay ahead of us. I pray we all use our time wisely.

Where did Ken live? I'd like to look for the obituary so I can pass it on to the others. Thanks in advance for any help you can give. Jackee

 

Here is a link ---

http://bangshift.com/blog/two-time-...has-died-noted-driver-for-grumpy-jenkins.html

R. I. P. Ken Dondero/AKA "Mr 4 Speed"

 

Is this the same Ken Dondero that was a crew member for Bill Jenkins in the 70's?

 

Not just a "crew member" but 2 Time AHRA Pro Stock Champ driving for Bill.

 

I hate to hear that we lost him. I told Joe and he was sad about it too. Not many people could shift a four speed like him.

 

Ken lived in Tulare California

 

R.I.P Ken Dondero. He made some sweet music on the 1/4 mile.

 

yesterday posted about another Drag Racing legend - Jim 'Fireball Shores' - passed away.
Sincere sympathy goes out to Ken's family, friends and fans

 

Yep, and Ken , IMHO, was a better driver...

 

Just heard this elsewhere, and did a search to see if it was on here. Not many guys drove blown 4 speed gassers like he did. RIP Mr Dondero...

 

I think Jenkins aknowledged as much... He drove for Nicholson too. Says a lot when guys like that hire you to drive...

 

I was lucky enough to watch (and hear) him drive the Anglia, people who normally stayed in the pits went track-side to watch, because nobody could row a 4-speed like Ken.

RIP

 

R.I.P....Mr. 4 Speed