Wally Parks - Visionary, Friend and Mentor

Wally Parks - Visionary, Friend and Mentor

Written by Randy Fish

I always viewed Wally Parks as a visionary. He was a man who created an amazing sport through desire, determination, and perseverance. I admired Wally when I was very young, reading about him in all the national magazines from as far back as the '60s. My love of drag racing intensified through the '70s and '80s. Then in the early '90s, I chased my own dream all the way from Connecticut to Southern California and right into the world of high performance journalism. The first time we met, Wally recognized my respect for him, yet he also complimented me on my editorial work, and our friendship was cemented right then and there. As a gifted editor in his own right, Wally had a great passion for the print medium. He took great interest in what I wrote and often sent hand-written notes of encouragement (and critique).

I cherish every minute I've spent with Wally and thank my lucky stars for being fortunate enough to have known him. Wally Parks was a man who accomplished a great deal, but he was always quick to credit those around him who helped make it all possible. He was also a man of dignity. I'll always look up to Wally for having made such a profound influence on my life and career. And though we've lost the man who made NHRA Championship Drag Racing the most incredible sport on earth, his legacy will live on forever. I thank Wally Parks for leaving an indelible mark on my life.

With Randy Fish in 2006.

Accepting a generous donation to his Museum in 2006.

The beautiful Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Auto Club of Southern California.	With his Museum staffers, Tony Thacker, Executive Director (L) and Curator, Greg Sharp.	With Dick Wells (L) and “TV” Tommy Ivo.
In 2004 with Dick Wells, Karen Raffa, and his beloved wife Barbara.	How many legends are in this photo?	In 2005 being honored with a replica of his original Model A Highboy Roadster, compliments of the Cal-Rods Car Club, along with a host of sponsors.
In 2004, flanked by NHRA president, Tom Compton (L) and Rick Lalor, Motorsports Manager, Auto Club of Southern California, the night the NHRA Motorsports Museum was re-named in his honor.	In 2006 with Funny Car racer, ‘fast’ Jack Beckman.	At the “Snake” and “Mongoose” 35th Anniversary. After having trouble negotiating the stairs that lead to the podium, Wally immediately quipped, ‘What you just witnessed was a 35-year-old body on 92-year-old legs.’ And the crowd went wild.
Being honored by Tom ‘The Mongoose’ McEwen and Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme.	Shot from the roof of the Museum in 2005, from left to right, Peter Clifford, Dick Wells, Alex Xydias and Wally.	A typical Twilight Cruise.
On the ladder installing a 1320 Club Plaque at the Museum.