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Al Eierdam 4/5/1945 – 1/9/2012
Father – Husband – Showman
Phillip “Al” Eierdam,
thrust powered icon for over 35+ years died January 9th 2012 from
complications with Diabetes.
Born April 5, 1945 in Joliet
Illinois, he grew up with motorsports in his blood. From working with in his
family’s garage to his school friends, Gary & Tony Bettenhausen Jr, He was
destined to race.
The winning drive was sparked on
his 16th birthday, when he won his first trophy.
Driving everything from stock,
junior fuel, top fuel, and super comp through the 60’s and 70’s
with various cars and teams. He piloted many different cars including the
Blue Mood fuel car and the Quartermaster fuel dragster across the Mid-West.
In 1975, Bill Mattio
convinced Al to become a showman, and the Emergency 1 was born. With his
usual “full speed ahead” attitude, soon becoming a very popular
driver and showman. He traveled
the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico performing exhibitions at an average of 65
events per year.
Emergency 1,
was stylized after a fire truck and was powered by a Westinghouse J-34 jet
engine. This vehicle although very popular was retired to make way for the
next generation jet vehicle, The Invader. The Original Invader also was a
J-34 powered beast, breaking track records where ever she ran.
Into the mid 80’s, looking
for a new challenge, Al teamed up with longtime friend, Slammin
Sammy Miller to drive his Vanishing Point Rocket Funny Car. Sammy & Al performed the very
first side by side rocket car races at Santa Pod Raceway in England.
Jets and rockets were not enough,
co-designed & drove the Air Supply. The world’s only air power
thrust dragster.
Al’s three sons eventually
persuaded his to again field his own car, and the second Invader was
born. After successfully
running the Invader for the first few seasons, Al stepped back from the
driving duties, and spent most of his focus on training his sons.
Al is survived by his wife, Sandy;
sons, Curt, Chris, and Craig, daughter in law Deborah, grandchildren
Rebecca, Alison, Phillip, and great grandson Landon. Services are pending
2011
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Driver Blog
For
booking contact Curt Eierdam at 602-330-9508
Please
leave your comments & suggestions in the guest book or by e-mail
EIERDAM
RACING
LAST UPDATED ON January 12, 2012
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