Former Racer and UDRA President Passes

Former racer and United Drag Racers Association (UDRA) President, Jack Thomas passed away on February 5 after an extended illness. Jack was instrumental for decades on the success of the UDRA Circuits and National Events.

According to drag racing historian Bret Kepner, Jack Thomas was at the very nucleus of the creation of a “new” heads-up Super Stock Eliminator category after the dissolution of the solitary Super Stock formulas, (manual and automatic transmissions), and the evolution to dozens of handicapped classes in 1967.

He was a star in the United Drag Racers Association at the wheel of his many ChicagoLand Dodge Boys mounts and was in competition at the very first of the new UDRA Super Stock Eliminator events at U.S. 30 Drag Strip in Gary, Indiana, in 1967. After he retired from active driving, he became an officer in the UDRA and was the Circuit Director for the group when it continued into Pro Stock Eliminator. Eventually, he became the UDRA’s final president.

Jack was known to be tough when needed and also had a special ability to deal with all types of track operators. He enjoyed fishing, reading, working on cars and searching out the best deal. He cared for many dogs throughout the years. Jack was always willing to discuss politics, and had a joke for every occasion.

A mainstay at the World Series of Drag Racing, (an event he won multiple times), Jack was a friend to all. He will be missed.